Warriors-Secret of the Realms-#1 Dark Tunnels

Chapter 11

Leopardpaw

The leaders were standing in their designated areas, Birchstar was perched on top of a skinny white branch. While Quailstar was on a rather thick branch, Hollystar was closer to the trunk on a tiny branch while Goldenstar tried to look like quite the risk taker on a thin branch at the top of the tree, balancing on the end.

Leopardpaw watched in interest. Her insides felt like like they would burst with excitement.

"Wingclan will start, then." Said Birchstar. Eyeing Goldenstar with a look of hate. She flicked her tail as if ignoring it. "Prey is running well, but it would be better if we could have all of our share." He eyed Goldenstar. Everyone's attention turned to her.

"If you're accusing Darkclan of prey-theft, you are wrong" she said sternly. "We never said anything about prey-theft" Said Birchstar. Quailstar bristled. "Can you two get this over with? There are other cats at this Gathering" a murmur Of agreement rippled through the Gathering. Hollystar stared at the leaders, her gaze betrayed nothing.

"Very well. Wingclan has 5 new apprentices. Two of which couldn't be here, Leopardpaw, Violetpaw and Reedpaw." Everyone cheered their names except for the Darkclan cats. Berrypaw shot an accusing glare at Dawnpaw and Thornpaw. They joined in with the cheering.

"Mosspetal, is expecting kits" a chorus of congratulations broke out.

"Congratulations!"
"More kits?
"Wingclan is going to be a strong clan!"

"Wingclan can't catch a break"
She heard a Darkclan elder murmur. "Well maybe if your clan didn't spend all day trying to start border fights then maybe you would be 'better'" snapped Shadepaw. The elder looked taken aback. "Doesn't Ridgeclan teach their young to respect elders?" Said the elder sternly.

"We only respect does who deserve it." Snarled Larkpaw. "Thornpelt's name describes him perfectly. He always acts like he's got Thorns in his pelt." Murmured Puddlepaw to Leopardpaw.

Hollystar has begun speaking. "Prey is running well. Our apprentice Berrypaw will be having her assessment soon." She dipped her head and flicked her tail Goldenstar. They had missed Quailstars report.

"Prey is running well-" she broke off as three Ridgeclan warriors burst into the clearing. "Rogues! Lots of them!" Panted Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw had done Violetpaws apprentice fight. The other two warriors She didn't recognize.

"Slow down, Acornleaf, what happened?" Asked Quailstar. The light brown tabby cleared her throat. "We were hunting and then- lots of rogues just poured into the clearing. They didn't see us, we hid in one of the crevices."

Quailstar was listening wide-eyed and shocked. "We must do something!" Screeched a Darkclan warrior. "We will, should we send a patrol, an apprentice and warrior from each clan?" Asked Hollystar. The leaders nodded.

Birchstar had remained calm. "Leopardpaw and Cedarbranch will be sent from Wingclan" Mewed Birchstar.

"Ravenclaw and Ripplepaw from Ridgeclan" Said Quailstar.

"Dawnpaw and Clearshine" Mewed Goldenstar.

"And Lightclan will bring Juniperbush and Briarpaw" Said Hollystar, still grimacing at the news of the rogues.

The cats who had been called for the patrol lined up. Leopardpaw heaved herself to her paws and glanced at Violetpaw. She was eyeing her with envy. "Don't worry" she heard Stormpaw whisper to Violetpaw. "You get to stay with me while you're sisters gone."

Violetpaw purred.