Waging War Book 2: Gray Skies {COMPLETE}

Chapter 19

Just one day left. Owlpaw reminded herself. Have to make sure that everything is ready to go. She and Cocoa had spent the last five days not only studying herbs, but collecting them as well. Owlpaw wanted to make sure they had enough for the whole trip, no matter how long it took. It will probably take longer since there's so many of us. Owlpaw noted. We need to be prepared for injures. Last time Berryheart had gotten injured, but now Owlpaw was more skilled. And I have Cocoa with me, even if she is still learning.

"So what herbs are we going to give everyone before we leave?"

"Sorrel for appetite, daisy to relieve pain, and burnet and chamomile for strength."

"Good." Owlpaw purred. "Could you point those out for me?" She easily picked out sorrel and the daisy leaves, but struggled with the burnet and chamomile. She's good at remembering names and what they do, but not what they look like. Owlpaw pointed out the other herbs to Cocoa and left her to study them a little bit. The future Clan cats were all gathered around together, eagerly whispering and talking about their hopes for the future.

They had all begun to settle in quite well. They were making friends with each other, and they all seemed to get along. Even Sheer Mountain and Nettle were getting along with them as well. Sheer Mountain still seemed to be a little awkward, but Nettle fit right in. They'll become a true Clan soon. Owlpaw thought happily, but fear still weighed on her mind. She worried about the new Clan, she hoped that they would be accepted by the other Clans, and that they wouldn't have any problems. What if there's a fox or badger living in their territory and no one knows?

Owlpaw's thoughts began to race with anxiety, she had so many fears clawing at the back of her head. She glanced at the Clan cats who are also mingling and talking with the future Clan cats. Are they as worried as I am? Owlpaw questioned, wondering if she was the only one who was concerned. In the past four days, her travelmates had been talking about how excited they were to go home.

They were sharing the best parts of Clan life with the Clanless cats, making them even more excited. I'm excited to return home too, right? Owlpaw had barely been thinking about home lately, her heart and mind had been so focused on building the Clan and preparing them. She missed her family of course, but when she got back she would have to ask Pebblestep and Honeyfrost if she could become a medicine cat apprentice.

She wasn't sure if they would even let her. Does a Clan really need three medicine cats? Owlpaw fretted. What if they tell me no and I'm forced to live my life as a useless warrior? She shook her head. Pebblestep and Honeyfrost would never do that. Owlpaw had to convince herself. I'll become a medicine cat and I'll truly be on the right path. Owlpaw took a deep breath, desperately trying to calm her fears.

But I'll miss these cats. Owlpaw dropped her head. She had become so close to Sheer Mountain as well as Nettle and Cocoa. Cocoa is so unsure of herself. Owlpaw noted. Will she be able to confidently serve her Clan, even with such little training? I'm not a real medicine cat yet. Owlpaw's claws scraped the stone. But Mosscloud is. Cocoa had told Owlpaw that Mosscloud had continued to train her in her sleep. Owlpaw glanced up at the pale gray sky, clouds threatening to rain. I just hope that these fears will go away. Owlpaw sighed and tried to come up with something useful to do, but Cocoa was busy studying herbs. I could always go gather some more.

Owlpaw started to head to the cavern entrance when Leopardpaw approached. "Where you off to?"

"To collect some more herbs for the journey." Owlpaw explained.

"Want some help? We just got done training Spider's group. I could use some peace and quiet, it's become so loud here."

"Sure." Owlpaw's heart lifted at the thought of spending time with a friend. Not to mention, us Clan cats will be separating too. The two apprentices padded down the stone path into the field.