Heartstar's rise : Book one

Ch. 34

Heartpaw was finally free of his punishment. Although Firpaw's punishment had lasted only half a moon, Heartpaw's had lasted a whole moon. It was late afternoon as Heartpaw lay, sunning in the camp clearing. Honeypaw joined him. 

             "Hey," she smiled. 

             "Hey," he grinned back happily. 

            "What are you so happy about?" asked Honeypaw. 

           "Today is my last day of my punishment," grinned Heartpaw. 

           "Oh no," joked Honeypaw. "That means I have to hunt for the elders once again." 

          "Yep, all of us do," Heartpaw said. 

           "Well, thanks for that whole moon of holiday," laughed Honeypaw. She curled her tail around Heartpaw's. Heartpaw gazed at the Tall Stump where Pinestar was talking to Cindertail. Pinestar nodded and jumped onto the Tall Stump. Heartpaw jumped to his feet. 

           "Do you think they're going to announce who's going to the Gathering?" asked Heartpaw. Honeypaw nodded. "I'm so excited. I hope I get picked." 

            "Everyone listen up. Tonight is the Gathering. I will be taking Mousewhisker, Darkspeck, Flamefrost, Clawpelt, Sandwing, Raggedscar, Skytail, Firpaw and Heartpaw. If three or two more cats want to go, come and see me," announced Pinestar. Heartpaw leapt up excitedly. 

            "I'm going to the Gathering!" he squealed. Honeypaw smiled. 

            "That's great," she said. Heartpaw bounded away to thank Pinestar. He was talking to Nightcloud. 

            "I haven't gone in a while," said Nightcloud. Pinestar nodded. 

            "You can come," he assured. He spotted Heartpaw and smiled. 

            "Thank you so much," cried Heartpaw. "I'm so happy!" 

           "You know the rules though," said Pinestar sternly. "You are not to start fights, understood? Or no more Gatherings till you become a warrior." Heartpaw's eyes bulged but he nodded quickly. "Good." Heartpaw trotted away, a happy song flitted in his heart. He would finally see cats from other Clans. 

            "Heartpaw," Cindertail called. "We are going to Thunderclan border to patrol. Would you like to come?" Heartpaw nodded. Cindertail was joined with Dustbreeze and Dandelionfrost. The four cats slipped out and headed towards Thunderclan territory. The air was cool and the ground littered in orange, red and yellow leaves. Heartpaw sunk into the leaves happily. He scented Thunderclan border and the Thunderpath. He crinkled his nose. 

            "They have a strong scent," agreed Dustbreeze, seeing Heartpaw's face. Heartpaw bounded to the edge of their territory. 

            "Can I mark it?" he begged. Cindertail shrugged. 

            "Of course, it's good practice," she told him. He marked their border then they headed back through the forest. 

Heartpaw joined the group of cats. The night was calm with a gentle breeze. Pinestar signalled with his tail and the cats slipped into the dark shadows. They pelted towards the Four Trees. Heartpaw followed his Clanmates, exhilarated. They slipped through the shadows. He felt strangely calm as he slipped into the shadows of the trees and then into the light of the moon. He felt part the unity of the Clan as they ran towards the Four Trees. Finally, Heartpaw smelt the Thunderpath. It's strong acid scent made him scrunch up his nose. They stopped before the Thunderpath. It seemed eerily scarier at night. Heartpaw shivered at the thought of  Pinestar looked for Heartpaw and beckoned him to his side.