Branchstalk watched as the cats tried desperately to rebuild the camp as quickly as possible. He also tried to help, giving advice on the softest moss. Goldenclaw and Dustfur, came with supplies. Even if it was as simple as moss or sticks, it was useful. The nursery was quickly fixed, with the cats finding a larger rock and slipping it under the large flat rock. Eventually, with hard work, the makeshift dens were completed. They were livable. Branchstalk had a fallen tree, which was resting on the camp wall, as his den. He had no herbs.. no medicine, nothing to heal.
"Cats of AlderClan," Multistar called. "We've lost so much in the past couple days. In pains me, but we must choose another deputy. I will confide in Branchstalk and my senior warriors to choose one." The leader called. He was obviously weak. But he wanted to seem strong to protect the Clan. Branchstalk walked over to Multistar's den, feeling the stares from his clan-mates, Thornbush and Snow-whisker followed, Darkeye also coming.
"I think it should be Thornbush." Darkeye meowed. "I can't be deputy. I can't ever dream of being leader. It's so stressful." The gray tom added, shaking his head. "I agree. Darkeye needs time to process his daughter leaving." Branchstalk meowed. "Well.." Snow-whisker meowed. "Should we tell them?" He asked, pitting his paw on Thornbush's. The ginger tom smiled. "Snow-whisker and I want to leave AlderClan. After the fire and the dogs.. we feel we'll loose each other. And i can't handle that." Thornbush admitted. Multistar twitched. "We need you," He insisted. "I've always respected you Multistar. You are wise and powerful. I know you can choose a deputy." Thornbush meowed. Branchstalk sighed. "I have some ideas for a deputy." Snow-whisker quickly barged in. "Blazefur, Duskfoot, Silvermoon, and Hopfire." He listed. Branchstalk twitched his ear at his sister's name. It was a decent list of cats. "What do you think Branchstalk?" Multistar asked. "I say, Blazefur or Silvermoon. I'm not saying her because she's my sister, Silvermoon is brash and hotheaded, but she's smart and tactical." Branchstalk meowed. "If you could focus her good ideals on good things, she'll be commanding and intimidating to other Clans but approachable nonetheless." Darkeye added. "But Blazefur, while quiet and serving, can get easily distracted when it comes to Duskfoot. Both cats are fiercely loyal no matter what though. So if you were to choose one over the other, you'd get cats with equal dedication to AlderClan," added Thornbush. Multistar nodded. "I'll choose by moonhigh. You four are dismissed." He mewed. "And, good luck, Thornbush and Snow-whisker. May StarClan light your path." Multistar murmured. The two nodded, exiting the den.
Branchstalk met with Twistedleg for herbs, and nodded to him. He dipped his head and blinked at him. "I hope you go to the Gathering." He meowed. "But I understand you'll need to organize. So I don't expect you to go." Twistedleg added. Branchstalk shrugged. "I might be able too. But with the snow coming, I doubt it." He explained. Twistedleg nodded. "I'll see you at the half-moon meeting than." He purred. Branchstalk nodded, padding back to camp. He had gotten catmint, feverfew, horsetail, everything he'd need for a cold leafbare. Branchstalk was so grateful. As he was about to get some peace and quiet, he heard debating from the camp.
"Please! Allow us to stay with you! AcornClan has become toxic!" A tom begged. "If not me, than my mate and her kits!" Branchstalk recognized him. Thrushwing, an AcornClan warrior. "What has happened?" Multistar asked. "Cats are being held prisoner! They.. They are being killed! Please!" A she-cat beside him begged. The queen was behind them was comforting her kits. They blinked, confused. They looked about three moons old. "I will allow you all to stay with us for now. But you must act as warriors of our Clan. Protect our borders as if they were your own." Multistar meowed. "Thank you Multistar! We will never forget your kindness!!" Thrushwing thanked. "Come on, I'll show you our temporary nursery." Duskfoot meowed. The calico nodded, following her. Branchstalk blinked. "Does anyone need anything?" He asked. "Shinekit has been sneezing." Fireshine murmured. "Bring her over." Branchstalk instructed.
"She'll be fine in the long run." Branchstalk meowed. "Just keep her warm." He added. Fireshine nodded. "Thank you Branchstalk for working so hard." She thanked, rubbing her head against his. He nodded. "It's my honor." Branchstalk meowed. "I have chosen my deputy!" Multistar announced. Fireshine blinked as Branchstalk flicked his tail. "Is it me?" Shinekit asked sleepily. "No, not yet honey." Fireshine purred. "I'll tell you the news." Branchstalk meowed. "Oh trust me, I bet I'll be able to hear it. Everyone else got lucky with walls.. except you huh?" Fireshine murmured. "I don't mind. I'll just sleep in the elder's den. To keep Webbedfoot company." Branchstalk suggested. Fireshine nodded. "I'll wait for you to get back." She purred. He nodded.
"Cats of AlderClan, I hope this will give you a sense of hope in these dark times. Yes, five of our clan-mates have left us, but we must stay strong and keep our heads high." Multistar called. "I say this for the spirit of Tumbleweed to approve. The deputy of AlderClan will be Silvermoon." The Clan started to cheer Silvermoon's name, while the full moon started to poke up from the sky. "We must get ready for the Gathering, Silvermoon I expect you organize our Gathering patrol for tonight." Multistar purred. Silvermoon herself looked surprised, but appreciative. Branchstalk felt pride for his sister, glad she was achieving her childhood dream. He knew she'd make an amazing leader.
YOU ARE READING
Firestorm (Book Three; Series One)
Fantasy"The dry season is coming. The Firestorm will start in the heart, and spread out until it's too late. The destructive union will take rein, and destroy us all." Branchstalk must handle the green-leaf rush of new kits and apprentices, whilst also f...
