Warriors; Roar of the River

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

As Adderstrike pushed through the fronds of a hazel bush, Emberleaf glanced up at the trees of the oak forest. A robin passed overhead, and another bird let out a song. Newleaf had brought their territory warmth and an abundance of prey, yet there were no cats or fresh scent markers.

“When I found those RiverClan cats by the ThunderClan border, up by the ravine, they said they were traveling to ThunderClan and it was none of our business, but they’d stopped to help Shadefall,” Adderstrike mewed. “Do you think maybe they attacked ThunderClan again, and maybe drove them out?”

“No,” Emberleaf mewed. “They don’t want to attack the Clans separately. And besides, the RiverClan cats were there to see Shadefall, not go to ThunderClan’s camp.”

Adderstrike shrugged. “If you’re sure,” he meowed. The branches behind him shivered, and he turned his head just as a tiny dusky brown tom burst out, the fur along his neck bristling.

“It’s ShadowClan, on our territory!” The tom let out a screech. Emberleaf exchanged a glance with Blackfeather as a gray tabby tom burst from the ferns.

“Great StarClan, Volepaw!” The tabby hissed. “Calm down, they haven’t done anything.”

Volepaw shook his pelt. “I’m watching you,” he warned Emberleaf. She rolled her eyes, but she wasn’t sure if she could take on an apprentice with her injured leg. She flicked her ear as a wiry black she-cat leapt from a tree branch, nearly landing on top of Thistlekit, and a cream-colored tabby surged from the ferns behind Blackfeather.

“We’re traveling to the Moonpool,” Adderstrike explained. The gray tabby dipped his head. “Very well, Adderstrike,” he mewed. The two grinned at each other.

“How’s ThunderClan after the battle?” Thistlekit inquired, staring at Volepaw, whose eyes still shone with hostility. The wiry black she-cat mewed, “We lost quite a few warriors, but we’ve regained our paws.”

“That’s right,” the gray tabby tom growled. “Adderstrike, you of all cats should know my strength.” He then leapt at Adderstrike. Emberleaf tensed, ready to help him, when she realized that the two were batting at each other with claws sheathed.

The cream-colored tabby cleared her throat. “I think you should come with us to our camp. We must speak to Lionstar.”

“Of course,” The gray tabby tom mewed. “Do you remember when you invited us to join forces against RiverClan when they sought revenge? We never thanked you properly for helping us, and now that Applestar has died, we’d like to unite if RiverClan attacks again.”

“Applestar is dead?” Adderstrike inquired. Emberleaf remembered meeting Lionstar before briefly while on border patrol.

“Yes, and Sunflame,” the black she-cat meowed grimly. “Applestar really was sick, and she died not long after appointing Lionstar as her deputy. Sunflame was killed in battle before her.”

Adderstrike shook his head in disdain. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he responded. “But I don’t think RiverClan is done yet. They’re now part of a plot that’s much larger than they know, and ShadowClan needs all the warriors we can get to fight against it.”