A New Horizon Book 5: Darkest Dawn {COMPLETE}

Chapter 14

Rain fell slowly down on the pine trees of AshClan territory, Nightheart walked through the damp forest with a jawful of prey. Beside her was Primroseheart, Lilyclaw, Leafdawn, Skyfeather and Puddleclaw. They were both the hunting and border patrol for the morning and Nightheart thought that it was a little stupid. They did a full patrol of the territory then spent an incredible amount of time hunting. They left at dawn and it was already sunhigh by the time they gathered together. I understand why, Nightheart thought. But we can't fight Echoheart if we're all exhausted.

Skyfeather was adjusting to life as a warrior again, but Nightheart couldn't help but notice that his hunting skills weren't that sharp, she supposed he had been a medicine cat for many moons and he just needed time, but she wished that there was a better way to guard the territory.

With her patrolmates at her side, Nightheart and the others finally reached camp. They were soaked to the bone and Nightheart's legs felt incredibly heavy. She was glad to finally drop her catch on the sheltered fresh-kill pile and sit down.

"Took you all long enough." Ravensong mewed upon seeing Skyfeather and Puddleclaw return. Skyfeather looked especially out of breath.

"You try doing a full patrol and hunting patrol in one." Puddleclaw stretched out her legs.

"I'm not exactly used to doing things like this yet." Skyfeather mewed awkwardly. "But I'll get there."
"I'm sure you will." Ravensong purred. "Now let's eat some of that prey you caught." The three siblings joined together to get some prey to eat. At the thought of siblings, Nightheart forced her aching legs to stand and crossed the camp to Blackstorm's den. She stepped inside where Blackstorm was attempting to try out some of his herbs.

"Hey there." She greeted kindly. Blackstorm lifted his head and looked at Nightheart curiously.

"Hi." Blackstorm set his herbs aside. "What's up?"

"Have you eaten today?"

"No not yet, been busy with all these herbs. I am so sick of the rain, it's threatening to kill half my supply."

"Come take a break and get some prey with me." Nightheart urged, they had made up but she quickly came to realize that sometimes Blackstorm forgot to look after himself.

"Alright." Blackstorm stood up and padded over to Nightheart, she was a little surprised that he didn't argue but she wasn't going to mention it. Nightheart turned and Blackstorm followed her out into the camp. At the fresh-kill pile, Nightheart grabbed a large squirrel for the two of them to share.

They sat down in the shelter of the pine trees to eat. They had only taken a few bites when Nightheart noticed Rabbitspring and Dustfall approaching them, Nightheart's heart skipped at the sight of her mate, as it always did. It's still strange to me that I have a mate, but I'm so happy.

"Mind if we join you?" Rabbitspring mewed kindly.

Blackstorm tensed slightly but Nightheart nodded. "Of course." She purred. I want Blackstorm to make more friends.

Dustfall grabbed a piece of prey for him and Rabbitspring to share and they sat down in front of Nightheart and Blackstorm. "I'm a little surprised to see you out and about, Blackstorm." Dustfall commented, making Blackstorm tensed more. "I hardly ever see you in camp."
"I'm very busy." Blackstorm replied quietly staring at his prey, clearly nervous. "Trying to prepare for Echoheart's attack is very stressful."

"Oh I'm sure." Rabbitspring mewed. "Is Skyfeather going to help you if a lot of cats get hurt?"

"He said he would." Blackstorm lifted his head a little. "But in all honesty I'll have to get used to doing all these medicine cat duties by myself. It's just something I have to live with now."