HeatherClan Book: Chapter 32

Chapter 32: The Search- Part 3

Silverstar woke to a paw prodding her gently.  She yawned, then opened her eyes to see a unfamiliar orange face staring at her.
She leaped up, a warning growl rumbling in her throat, but Birdflight immediately leaped down from her perch in the birch tree and soothed her mother, "It's alright, they're with us."
The young apprentice looked taken aback at Silverstar's fierceness, then mewed tentatively, "I'm Robinpaw, remember?"
Silverstar relaxed as the night's events flooded back to her.  "Hello," she meowed.  "I'm Silverstar.  And you must be Dovepaw."  She nodded to the silvery gray cat behind Robinpaw.  The apprentice dipped her head shyly.
"Where's your mother?" Sandpelt had padded up to Silverstar's shoulder.  "We need to speak to her."  Sandpelt's words were firm, but her voice was kind.
"Over there," meowed Robinpaw.  She pointed with her tail towards a hollow log a few foxlengths away.
Silverstar summoned her warriors with her tail, and together, they headed towards the hollow with the apprentices right behind them.
The cats entered the log, and found Iceshard waiting for them.  "Sit down," she meowed.
Graynose bristled.  "You don't tell us what to do in our territory," he spat.
Iceshard shrank back.  "Sorry," she mewed quietly.
Silverstar, Sandpelt, and Birdflight sat down as Graynose hissed in annoyance and stalked out.
"Sorry," Sandpelt apologized for her former apprentice.  "He can be as grumpy as an elder in the morning.  Especially with an emp---"
She was cut off by another hiss from outside.  "I'm going hunting," the cats heard.
"---ty belly," Sandpelt finished.
Iceshard's eyes sparkled with amusement.  "I know exactly what it feels like."  She purred.
"Okay, let's get down to business," meowed Birdflight.  "What's your whole story?"
The band listened patiently as Iceshard explained about Lightningstar's death, and her moons spent with Brightstar as his supposed mate.  Her voice shook with grief as she described Finchkit's unruly death.  But then she gave them a valuable piece of information.  "Lightningstar didn't really die.  StarClan needed Brightstar to believe he was dead, so they only took one of Lightningstar's lives, then put him into a season long slumber so he could wake at the right time.  He would gladly invite you into StormClan to plan how to kill off FearClan."
The HeatherClan cats were shocked.  Lightningstar was alive!  But then they remembered their mission.
"We have to find WaveClan," explained Silverstar.  "They're our only hope at defeating FearClan, NightClan, and the Dark Forest cats."
Robinpaw and Dovepaw looked interested.  "We know something that could help you," mewed Dovepaw softly.  "Just yesterday we encountered a fish-smelling cat by the river.  She was collecting a bunch of leaves, and looked scared that we discovered her, and she ran away before we could stop her."
"WaveClan!" Birdflight exclaimed.
"What did she look like?" asked Iceshard.
"She was a pale tabby," Robinpaw recalled.  "With slightly darker ripples down her flanks.  She smelled distinctly of herbs."
There was a scuffling sound, and Graynose came back in.  He had two voles and a rabbit in his mouth.  "Here," he mewed.  "There's enough for all of us." He paused.  "And the cat you were talking about is Leafstream."
"Leafstream!" Silverstar gasped.  "The WaveClan medicine cat!"
"We tracked her," Dovepaw mewed through bites of the rabbit.  "So we know relatively where she's living."
"And where ever she is, the rest of WaveClan will be!" Sandpelt exclaimed.  "Thank you.  All of you."
"Yes," Birdflight agreed.  "You've been a great help."
"Could you show us where Leafstream went?" asked Silverstar, munching on a vole bone.
The two apprentices looked to their mother.  "Yes, you may show them," Iceshard meowed.  "But I will go with you.  Also, we cannot go with you the whole way.  Brightstar will be sending out patrols to look for me soon, and we don't want to be caught."
Silverstar gave a terse nod.  "Let's go."
"Now?" asked Birdflight.
"What better time could there be?" asked Sandpelt.  "We just ate, so we're full, thanks to Graynose."
Her former apprentice dipped his head.  "Also, we're rested.  So, let's go!"
"Wow, his mood changed fast," Robinpaw remarked to Birdflight as they padded along.  "A moment ago, he was as grouchy as an elder.  And now, he's as happy as a kitten in a patch of catnip."
"Yeah," Dovepaw agreed.  "I wonder if h---"
But Dovepaw never got to finish her wonder, because just then, the ground beneath her paws disappeared.
"Help!" Dovepaw yowled.  Robinpaw raced to where her sister's voice was coming from.
"She's buried in an old badger set!" she meowed, pawing frantically at the loose dirt.  "Help me!"
The HeatherClan cats, along with Iceshard, raced over and began to dig.  Slowly but surely, Dovepaw clambered out, coughing out dirt.
"Are you okay?" Birdflight asked.
"I'm fine," Dovepaw managed to say, before another coughing fit shook her body.
"We need to clear the dirt from her throat," Graynose meowed.  "Robinpaw, you're the smallest.  Reach your paw down your sister's throat and scoop out as much dirt as you can.
Trembling, Robinpaw reached out a paw and lowered it into Dovepaw's mouth.  Gently, she cleaned out the dirt.  Soon, Dovepaw could breathe freely again.
"Thanks," she gasped.  "You saved my life!"
"It's what we do," Sandpelt mewed, purring with relief.
"But you can't travel much farther now.  We should go back to camp," Iceshard meowed.
"Could you point out the direction we should go?" asked Silverstar.
"Yes," meowed Robinpaw.  "Keep going until you reach a small river.  Then, follow the river downstream until you reach a ditch.  The scent is strongest there.  You should be able to find WaveClan."
"Thank you," Birdflight mewed gratefully.  "We won't forget the help you've given us."
"And I won't forget that you dug me out of that badger set!" Davepaw shuddered.
"Well, we should go now," Silverstar meowed.  "May StarClan light your paths!"
"You too," Iceshard mewed.
"Bye!" meowed Robinpaw.  "See you later!"
And so, the cats parted, and the HeatherClan cats continued their journey.

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 31

Chapter 31: The Search- Part 2
Silverstar and the other three cats trekked towards WaveClan territory.  Silverstar noticed someone following them, but she wasn't sure who they were.  Still, they were HeatherClan cats, so she didn't want to attack them. But she did want to find out why the cats were following the band.
When they got to the birch tree close by the border, Slverstar held up her tail for the other cats to stop.
"This is very close to the enemy's territory," she meowed quietly.  "Birdflight, why don't you climb the birch tree and tell us if there are any FearClan patrols?"
Immediately, Birdflight scaled the tree and mewed, "No patrols.  It's all clear."  There was a moment's pause.  "No, wait.  There are a couple cats approaching.  Three, no, four of them."  She hopped down from the tree.  "What should we do?"
Silverstar thought hard, than meowed, "Well, since we need help, you cats can come out now."  There was a small mew of surprise, quickly silenced by the sound of a paw cuffing an ear.
"We know you're there," Graynose meowed.
"There's no use hiding," Sandpelt added.
There was a bit of grumbling, then out came two mud-covered cats.
"Jaywing?" Silverstar meowed in surprise.
"Hi, Aurorapaw!" Birdflight greeted her friend, then added, "What are you doing here?"
Aurorapaw scuffled the ground in embarrassment as her mentor mewed, "Goldenfur sent us.  She wanted to make sure we saw you cross the border safely."
Silverstar blinked in gratitude while Sandpelt snorted.  "It's easy to cross the border," she meowed.  "But not easy to avoid the cats that live across the border."
"Also," Graynose added.  "How can you protect us with only your knowledge of herbs?"
Aurorapaw studied her paws and murmured, "I hadn't thought of that.
But Jaywing wasn't so easily swayed.  "We have teeth and claws too," he spat, his fur bristling.  "We can fight!"
"Be quiet!" Silverstar interrupted.  "There are enemy cats coming right at us, and we're wasting out energy on arguing!"  Indeed, the FearClan cats were now in plain view, padding purposefully towards the HeatherClan cats, as though they knew they could not lose.
Silverstar tensed as they drew closer, until they were nearly standing on the border.  Her heart sank as she realized who they were.
"Snaketail!" she hissed.  "And Iceshard!"  The two warriors were Brightstar's deputy and Brightstar's mate.
"We are pleased to see you too," Snaketail sneered mockingly.  "This is Robinpaw, and this is Dovepaw."  He gestured towards the two younger cats behind him, who narrowed their eyes.
"You wouldn't mind if we claw your ears off, would you?"  Iceshard snarled, then leaped at the cats.  Snaketail joined in, claws flashing, and with only a heartbeat's hesitation, so did the apprentices.
Birdflight noticed something peculiar.  Iceshard, along with their apprentices, had their claws sheathed and their lips curled over their teeth, inflicting no damage whatsoever to the HeatherClan cats.  In fact, they seemed to be the ones Snaketail was tripping over the most.  Birdflight's suspicion was confirmed when Iceshard pinned her down and hissed in her ear, "We're on your side!  Pin Snaketail down and we'll finish him off!"  Birdflight barely had time to nod when Silverstar dragged Iceshard off.
"Pin Snaketail down!" she yowled.  Silverstar was busy fighting the big tom, but Sandpelt and Graynose dragged him off of her.  All of the cats scored scratches down his, flank, trusting Birdflight.  Suddenly, Iceshard charged.
"Look out!" Aurorapaw yowled to her friend.  But Birdflight calmly stepped aside and let the white she-cat pounce on her Clanmate.  With the apprentices right behind her, she gouged out Snaketail's eyes as the HeatherClan cats watched with silent fascination.  Finally, it was over.
"I can't see!" Snaketail wailed.  "What have you done to me?  I thought you were a FearClan cat!"
"I wasn't," growled Iceshard.  "You were tricked.  Robinpaw, Dovepaw, and" ----- she looked pained ----- "Finchpaw were Lightningstar's kits, not Brightstar's.  After he was killed, I convinced Brackenstar to let me be a spy.  Brightstar will pay for killing my mate and my kit."  Her voice filled with grief, but then she raked her claws across Snaketail's face, making him open his jaws in a yowl of pain and fury.  "His whole so-called Clan will pay, starting with you!"
Jaywing sniffed him over.  "You are blind," he pronounced.  "You better come with us."
Silverstar nodded in agreement.  She looked shaken.  "Take him back to camp and keep him prisoner," she told the medicine cats.  "Perhaps you coming here was some use after all."  She then turned to Iceshard and her kits.  "You may stay, but you have a lot of explaining to do in the morning."
And so, after Silverstar posted Graynose as the guard, she tucked her nose under her tail, and fell into a deep sleep.

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Search- Part 1
Silverstar woke with a start.  Gasping for breath, she streaked out of her den, barely noticing it was dusk, and checked the warriors' den, making sure everyone was still alive.  Then, she softly woke the chosen cats up, along with Goldenfur, and led them to the medicine cats' den, where they wouldn't be disturbed.
Jaywing was waiting for them there.  He waited patiently as Silverstar explained everything to the three cats she had chosen.  All of them were nodding in understanding when she had finished.  Birdflight was especially excited.
"My first warrior mission!" she could barely suppress her eagerness, and began skipping around the group of cats.  "Silverstar, you're the best!"
"Keep your voice down," Graynose reminded her.
Birdflight fell silent, but continued to skip around.  Silverstar didn't exaggerate when she mewed that Birdflight was bouncing off the walls.
"We leave now," Silverstar informed them.  "Goldenfur will be in charge of  the camp.  Birdflight, you may tell your brothers about your missions, but don't wake anyone else.  Then, tell them to come to me."
Within minutes, all of Silverstar's kits had bounded into the medicine cat den.  Moonrain stared at his mother a bit forlornly.
"I'm sorry," Silverstar mewed, stroking her kits' pelts with her tail.  "But you'll both be able to go on the next mission possible."
Immediately, Rainwhisker's eyes lit up, and Moonrain started purring.  "Will it be a FearClan attack mission?" Rainwhisker asked.
"We'll see," Silverstar murmured back, then gave each of them a goodbye lick.  They returned to their dens.
"Right," meowed Jaywing.  "Aurorapaw, the herbs!" he called.  Instantly Aurorapaw appeared, jaws full of undoubtedly bitter herbs.  Jaywing sniffed them, making sure they were the right ones.  "Great job," he praised his young apprentice.
Aurorapaw purred with delight.  Silverstar suspected the grumpy Jaywing had grown on her.  She watched as Aurorapaw ran into the herd storage, probably to mix more herbs for the medicine cat.
When Aurorapaw left, Silverstar realized that everyone had eaten their herbs except for her and Birdflight.  Quickly, she swallowed them, grimacing at the disgusting taste.
Birdflight hesitantly took a small bite and immediately choked and spit it out.  "You have eat them," Sandpelt told her.  "It'll give you strength."  Grimacing the whole time, Birdflight finally managed to get the herbs down her throat.
"Goldenfur, tell the Clan where I've gone," Silverstar instructed her deputy.  "If we're not back in three days, send a patrol to look for us.  We'll be towards the far border of WaveClan, near the Twolegplace."  Silverstar figured Brightstar wouldn't bother going there while he was working on his evil plan to conquer the Clans.
That's where WaveClan would go, Silverstar had thought.  But we'll have to avoid FearClan, who are patrolling WaveClan's territory.
And so, with Silverstar thinking about her dream, the four cats set out into the the unknown.

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Who to Take?

Silverstar paced in her den contemplating who to take with her in search of WaveClan.  Finally, she got too tired and decided that sleep would help her more than pacing around would.
The night was dark.  Silverstar was sitting on the single cloud in the sky.  For a heartbeat, she thought HeatherClan had been attacked, and that she had been murdered by the cruel and heartless Brightstar.  But then she realized that she was supposed to watch what was happening below her.
She saw herself, slinking through the shadows, followed by a band of three cats.  She recognized the faint but distinct scent of Birdflight, Sandpelt, and Graynose.  That's who I should take! she thought.  She was about to make herself wake up, but saw something happening underneath her.
"Hey!  Look at this!"  Birdflight exclaimed.  "It's a badger burrow!"
"Get away from there!" Sandpelt wrinkled her nose.  "That garlic stinks, and it could hide any scent of badger!"
Birdflight flattened her ears.  "Sorry," she murmured.
The Silverstar with the patrol seemed to agree with Sandpelt, but Silverstar on the cloud had enhanced senses.  "No!" she wanted yowl.  "WaveClan is right in front of your noses!"  But she couldn't make a sound.
"Let's rest here," Graynose suggested, leading the four cats into a ditch.
"Rat!" Silverstar suddenly hissed from her cloud.
Birdflight looked towards the sky, as if she'd heard her mother.  Then she looked away as the Slverstar with her yelped.  "Rat!" yelped Silverstar, echoing her own words.
Rats streamed into the ditch by then hundreds, swarming over the cats and delivering lethal bites.  The four cats threw themselves into battle and fought with their best, taking out ten rats in two heartbeats.
But by then, it was too late, and soon, unharmed, Silverstar was looking at her kit and Clanmates' torn bodies bleeding to death...

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 28

Chapter 28: The Sign

Silverstar awoke with a jolt. Panicked, she stumbled out of her den and raced for Jaywing's den.

"Jaywing!" she hissed urgently.

"Wha?  Whatisit?" he meowed blearily.

"I had a dream about the Dark Forest cats!  They're building an army!" Silverstar couldn't mask the fear in her voice.

At this, Jaywing woke up completely.  Only pausing to call for Aurorapaw, he turned to Silverstar and meowed, "Tell me everything that was in your dream."

Quickly and softly, Silverstar relayed the dream to the two medicine cats.  Aurorapaw's eyes widened at the thought of Dark Forest cats building an army, but she kept silent.

"This is bad..." Jaywing muttered.

"But with an army so big, how can we stop it before it begins?" Aurorapaw mused.

"I want to call a Clan meeting," meowed Silverstar.  "But I'm afraid they'll be too scared, and might act before they think.  That will lose if they attack, and cats will die, even if the four Clans unite.  But it is nearly impossible to make Tigerstar stop without a fight.  His ambition is too great!"

"We also have the problem of FearClan and NightClan.  They'll keep attacking, and they're helping Tigerstar, too," added Aurorapaw quietly.

"So we only have CloudClan and StormClan as allies." Jaywing concluded

"I..." Aurorapaw hesitated.  "I had a dream, too.  At first I didn't think it mean anything, but now I think it does."  

Silverstar looked interested.  "What was it?" she asked.

"Well, I was standing at the edge of the sundrown place, looking down at the water.  I thought it was just an image I had imagined from the stories my mother told about it.  But now... I think it was a message from StarClan.  See, as I watched, the waves grew smaller and smaller, as if the water was retreating, and drying up.  I watched until it was almost gone.  Then, slowly but surely, the water came back, the waves regaining their strength and power, until the ocean was full again."  Aurorapaw finished, staring expectantly at Jaywing.

"WaveClan..." he breathed.  "FearClan didn't finish them after all.  We can still bring them back!"

Silverstar purred.  "Well done, Aurorapaw."

She called in Goldenfur, explained everything to her, and huddling together, the four cats began to concoct a plan...

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The Dream

Silverstar was standing on the border between StarClan and the Dark Forest. On one side, StarClan cats hunted and played, slept and shared tongues. On the other side, however, she could see that bodies were churning, yowls splitting the air.

What are they doing? she thought.

A silvery cat padded over to her from the StarClan side. "They are building an army, Silverstar," she hissed.

As Silverstar looked closer, she saw that, indeed, they seemed to be practicing. But then she noticed some cats that weren't dead yet. "Berrypaw?" she gasped. "And Nightfall, too!"

There seemed to be cats from all the Clans, even WaveClan! She recognized Snaketail and Blackpaw from StormClan, Nightshade and Flamepaw from WaveClan, Bumblestripe and Adderpaw from CloudClan, all of NightClan, and all of FearClan. But there were much, much more. Silverstar caught a glimpse of Tigerstar, the dark warrior, training Berrypaw. Hawkfrost, she realized with a jolt, was the one yowling battle techniques at Nightfall! Brokenstar was training the WaveClan and StormClan cats. A mangy tortoiseshell was coaching NightClan. The name Mapleshade sprang into Silverstar's mind as she watched the FearClan cats fought amongst each other.

Shocked beyond measure, Silverstar turned back to the StarClan cat, whom she recognized to be Spottedleaf, a great medicine cat of ThunderClan. "How will we fight them?" she whispered.

Spottedleaf shook her head firmly. "You won't," she meowed. "You must find a way to stop the fighting before it begins!"

And with a whisk of her tail, she was gone.

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 26

Chapter 26: New Apprentices

"Thistlekit and Swallowkit, please come up here."

Thistlekit came first, and Swallowkit raced after him, his fur a bit ruffled.

Silverstar suppressed a purr of amusement. "Thistlekit, Swallowkit, you are already more than six moons old, and you are ready to become apprentices. From now on, you shall be known as Thistlepaw and Swallowpaw." Silverstar paused. "Smokefoot," she meowed. He looked up, surprised. "You are ready for your first apprentice, and you will mentor Thistlepaw. I know you will pass on your skills to this adventurous apprentice."

Thistlepaw padded forward and touched his nose politely to his mentor, who was radiating with pride.

Silverstar continued. "Ashnose, you have not had an apprentice yet. You will mentor Swallowpaw. She will become a fine warrior with you as her mentor."

The warrior touched his nose to his new apprentice's nose. Swallowpaw responded by purring loudly.

"Thistlepaw! Swallowpaw!" the Clan cheered.

Next, Mousekit and Harekit were summoned. They became Mousepaw and Harepaw, and their mentors were Owlclaw and Eaglewing.

After that, Smallkit, Sweetkit, and Riverkit became apprentices, with Lemondrop, Graynight, and Stormpelt mentoring them.

Finally, Hazeldawn's kits were called up to the Highrock.

"Starkit and Oakkit, please come up here."

The two bounded forward and skidded to a stop next to their leader, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake .

Silverstar purred out loud. "Starkit and Oakkit, you are six moons old, and you are ready to become apprentices. From now on, you shall be known as Starpaw and Oakpaw. Brackenpelt will be Starpaw's mentor, and Leopardfire will mentor Oakpaw."

The apprentices touched noses with their mentors proudly.

"Starpaw! Oakpaw!" the Clan cheered.

Silverstar hopped down from the Highrock and into her den, thinking, I hope they are satisfied now. With new warriors and apprentices, HeatherClan will never be defeated as long as my heart keeps beating!

Thinking this, Silverstar quickly sank into a deep sleep and began to dream...

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 25

Chapter 25: New Warriors

She paused to catch her breath, then continued. "Also, there are a couple more things. We need more warriors, and our apprentices are all ready. Dapplepaw, Dovepaw, please step forward. It is time for you to become a warrior." Their eyes shined excitedly as Silverstar began to speak the ritual words. "I, Silverstar, leader of HeatherClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these two apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn." Silverstar fixed her blue gaze on the two apprentices. "Dapplepaw and Dovepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," meowed Dovepaw boldly.

Dapplepaw trembled slightly, but her voice was steady as she too, meowed, "I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Dapplepaw, from this moment you will be known as Dapplelight. StarClan honors your thoughtfulness and your determination. Dovepaw, from this moment on, you shall be known as Doveheart. StarClan will always admire you boldness. We welcome you both as full warriors of HeatherClan."

When she finished speaking, Silverstar stepped up to to Dapplelight and Doveheart, and rested her muzzle on their bowed heads. They both licked her shoulder respectfully, and then walked over to stand by the other apprentices.

The watching cats raised their voices to chant the new warriors' name, but Silverstar wasn't finished yet.

"Mistypaw, Minnowpaw, please step forward. It is also time for you to become a warrior."

Their mouthes fell open in shock.

"Us?" gasped Minnowpaw.

Silverstar nodded and pronounced the ritual words. "I, Silverstar, leader of HeatherClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn." Silverstar fixed her blue gaze on them. "Mistypaw, Minnowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," meowed Mistypaw, her head held high.

"I do," mewed Minnowpaw softly.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Mistypaw, from this moment you will be known as Mistytail. StarClan honors your courage." Then she turned to Minnowpaw. "Minnowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Minnnowtail. StarClan will always admire your determination, and you are now full warriors of HeatherClan."

When she finished speaking, Silverstar stepped up to to Mistytail and Minnowtail, and rested her muzzle on their bowed heads. They both licked her shoulder respectfully, and then walked over to stand by Dapplelight, Doveheart, Crookedpaw.

Next, Crookedpaw was summoned.

"Windflight, is Crookedpaw ready to become a warrior?"

Windpelt stood up. "He is," he answered. "Crookedpaw has lost his only brother to FearClan, yet he still remains strong. He is a good hunter, and a brilliant warrior. Crookedpaw is definitely ready to become a warrior."

Silverstar dipped her head and began to speak. "I, Silverstar, leader of HeatherClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in their turn." Silverstar fixed her blue gaze on Crookedpaw. "Crookedpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," he meowed, his eyes shining.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Crookedpaw, from this moment you will be known as Crookedtail. StarClan honors your determination, and we all know you will always be the best warrior you can be. We welcome you as a full warrior of HeatherClan."

Finally, she called up her own kits, along with Amberpaw.

"I, Silverstar, leader of HeatherClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn." Silverstar fixed her blue gaze on them. "Birdpaw, Moonpaw, Rainpaw, and Amberpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," they meowed.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Birdpaw, from this moment you shall be known as Birdflight. Moonpaw, you will be known as Moonnose, and Rainpaw as Rainwhisker." Then she turned to Amberpaw. "Amberpaw, you shall be known as Amberheart."

Silverstar straightened up, then continued. "StarClan will always admire you as brave young cats, and you are now all full warriors of HeatherClan!"

At this, the clearing erupted with cheers. HeatherClan had nine new warriors! But they needed new apprentices too, and Silverstar was prepared, for all the kits were already at least six moons old.

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Attacked!

As soon as Silverstar stepped into the HeatherClan camp, she ordered guards to be posted at the entrance.

Only Cedarheart answered her...from her own den! "FearClan attacked," he mewed hoarsely. "Gracepelt, Angelflame, Sparklelight, Bird, and Mousepelt were killed. We managed to survive by staying in your den. Brightstar's cats aren't very good at climbing, it seems. Nightfall..." He broke off as he started coughing up blood, and Spottedpelt jumped down to the to face the band.

"Nightfall and Berrypaw ran off to join them. We couldn't stop them, it was too chaotic. I managed to treat some of the wounded cats with the remaining supplies the FearClan cats didn't destroy." She let out a shaky laugh. "At least I used to be a medicine cat. If I wasn't...well, who knows how many more cats would have died."

Swanfeather hopped down beside Spottedpelt. "All we could do was hope you were okay, and that the FearClan cats didn't intercept you..." She trailed off when she realized many of the warriors and apprentices had open wounds.

HeatherClan immediately sprang into action. The warriors and apprentices set about fixing the camp walls, sharing news while threading the brambles. The elders buried the dead. Meanwhile, Spottedpelt helped Jaywing and Aurorapaw collect herbs to treat the wounded.

Finally when they were all resting, Silverstar made an announcement. "Cats of HeatherClan, because of the raids Brightstar has led, I have decided to add some new rules. Every cat is not allowed to leave the camp alone. Kits and apprentices must have at least one warrior with them.  Even cats visiting the dirtplace must be accompanied by another cat. Elders, kits, and queens are advised to stay in their dens, unless another raid occurs. If this does happen, everyone must cross the Stone Cross as quickly as possible, except for the warriors and older apprentices. These warriors and apprentices will fight off the intruders, but if they fail, they must also cross the river. I'll have a couple warriors build a secret escape route leading out of the camp."

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 23

Chapter 23: One More Gathering

"Spottedpelt, Jaywing, Goldenfur, Fernleaf, Willlowshine, Brackenpelt, Snowbird, Gracepelt, Moonrain, Windflight, Moonflower,

Sandpelt, Angelflame, Sunflare, and their apprentices, if any, will come to the Gathering with me," announced Silverstar.

The band of cats padded quietly through the WaveClan territory, smelling the odd scent of blood, and immediately arrived at the island. A horrific sight awaited them. Cats, so many that you couldn't tell who was who, filled the clearing. The stench of blood was in the air everywhere, and Silverstar could only tell that WaveClan was gone, and that there was a new Clan amongst their midst who probably had NightClan on their side, from the overwhelming smell of evil.

She looked around, her eyes wide as she watched her Clanmates rush into battle, then clearly yowled the single word. "Stop!"

It was as if time froze. The fighting stopped, and all eyes turned to look at Silverstar.

"What's going on?" she called into the silence.

Brackenfoot padded forward. "This...menace," he meowed fiercely, pointing to a blood-stained cat who had his claws at another cat's throat. "Killed Lightningstar by slitting his belly while he was sleeping. He leads the new Clan, FearClan." He spat the name out. Gasps of surprise came from HeatherClan's warriors. "I am no longer Brackenfoot," he continued. "But Brackenstar. I have already received my nine lives. FearClan has already destroyed WaveClan, and he is raiding all the other Clans, stealing prey and attacking camps."

A new cat stepped forward. This time, it was Darkstar. "It's true," he growled. "NightClan has already allied themselves with Brightstar's Clan. I advise you all do the same, or be destroyed." He led his Clan around until he was standing right next to Brightstar.

Could the new leader of FearClan be Lighningstar's own deputy, Brightshadow? thought Silverstar. I thought he was a good cat...Silverstar's worst fears were confirmed as the new leader spoke.

"I am Brightstar of FearClan!" he roared. "I was once the deputy of Lightningstar, but now I have realized truly how weak he and his Clan was. By creating FearClan, I have proved that I am not weak, but strong, and I have finally learned the meaning of power. WaveClan thought they could stand up to me, and I proved them wrong. I will hunt your Clans down one by one. Darkstar is right. You must join us, or be destroyed. Keep your eyes open. Keep your ears pricked. Keep looking behind your backs, because you'll never know which day will be your last." Finishing his long speech, Brightstar whipped around and headed back into his new territory.WaveClan's territory. NightClan followed closely behind.

Soon, there were only three Clans left in the clearing. StormClan, CloudClan, and HeatherClan.

"They're right," Dawnstar mewed defeatedly. "Brightstar has already led raids on our Clans. Just be glad they haven't targeted you yet, but your Clan will probably be next.

After an unsuccessful attempt to share Clan news with enthusiasm, the Clan leaders led their Clanmates home.

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Nightmare

Berrypaw turned in his sleep. He had had a terrible nightmare about a strange cat. Its ears were torn and it had a shaggy brown coat. It walked out of a dark forest. Behind it was small black tom with a collar with bones sticking out of it.

Berrypaw laughed in his sleep. A kittypet! he thought.

Then, another cat appeared. A white cat. The white cat had black splotches on its pelt. This cats also had a bone collar.

"Who are you?" asked Berrypaw tentatively.

"I am Tigerstar," said the brown leader. "And these are Scourge and Bone." The two nodded as they were acknowledged.

"I know of your skills as a warrior, and how Silverstar and Goldenfur always overlook your talent to those that are lesser than a great apprentice like you, like Birdpaw," crooned Tigerstar "I also know of the one you love, Aurorapaw. With my help, you could be together."

"But...but she's a medicine cat," spluttered Berrypaw.

"In the Dark Forest, medicine cats can have mates," Tigerstar meowed, his eyes shiny in the moonlight. Berrypaw's eyes lit up.

"What must I do to join you?" he asked, but then, Tigerstar disappeared, and Berrypaw woke up.

In all the Clans, many cats were tempted by the things they desired.

Soon, there were enough cats for a whole Clan that wanted to join Tigerstar.

The legendary army had begun to form again!

HeatherClan Book: Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

After assigning the dawn patrols Silverstar and Goldenfur went to share a few voles. They then went to start their training of their apprentices. They started by showing them the forest.

"As you know, this is the fern tunnel, the main entrance an exit of the main clearing of our Clan," explained Silverstar. The band walked forwards twenty tail-lengths.

"And over here is the Great Ash, prey is plentiful here, especially birds, and near by is the pine glade where many voles live," added Goldenfur.

"Oh, when can we start hunting?" asked Birdpaw.

"Yeah, when, please can we start soon, please, please!" begged Moonpaw.

"We will start after the tour of the forest, you impatient little apprentices," purred Silverstar.

"Next, we'll show you the small pond, and then you can start hunting," mewed Silverstar. The two warriors showed the young apprentices the best spots to catch rabbits and mice (The burrows by the pond and the nests by the clump of oak trees) and the Heatherclan boundaries.

"Now we start the hunting basics," declared Silverstar. She quickly killed a vole, rabbit, squirrel, and a mouse, then explained how to locate the smell, then stalk the prey then kill it with a bite to the neck.

"Remember, the mouse feels you and the squirrel hears you," added Silverstar, and the two apprentices started off.

Silverstar and Goldenfur followed, but talked in low tones.

"I'll follow Moonpaw secretly, and you can follow Birdpaw secretly, we can see what they catch and how well they do it, then we can meet back at the pond," Goldenfur suggested to Silverstar.

"No, I disagree, I think we should stay with them. After all, this is their first time in the forest. They can barely find their way around, so how do you expect them to hunt so well by them self? What if they get lost? We will go with them, and when they get better at hunting and navigating through the forest, we'll let them hunt by themselves," insisted Silverstar.

Goldenfur opened her mouth to protest; she was used to having her way, but thought better of it. She dipped her head and muttered a quick "Sorry." Silverstar gave a small nod of approval.

Silverstar quickly bounded towards the apprentices, but Goldenfur took more time, slowly padding across the forest floor. Goldenfur could easily climb a tree, but running as fast as Silverstar was not an easy task for her. Silverstar was a fast runner, as fast as a StormClan cat, but climbing was a bit harder for her. Birdpaw headed over to the great oak (Silverstar had told her not to fly), where she smelled rabbits. Silverstar quickly followed. Moonpaw padded over to the pine glad where she smelled a strong aroma of pine voles, and Goldenfur padded quietly after her.

"Keep your belly lower to the ground and don't lash your tail, and remember to stay downwind," Silverstar advised Birdpaw.

Goldenfur nodded from where she was standing next to Moonpaw, who had stopped to listen.

"Keep yourself low enough so that the prey can't see you as easily, but make sure your belly fur doesn't touch the ground. If you brush some leaves with your tail or your belly, the prey will hear you. Remember, the bird hears you, the mouse feels you." she added.

The two apprentices nodded, and started off in separate directions again. Suddenly, Birdpaw froze. She had spotted a large rabbit! She flicked her ears nervously toward Silverstar, and began creeping towards the rabbit. Silverstar got ready to pounce, if the rabbit sensed Birdpaw  and tried to escape.

Birdpaw crept forward slowly. The rabbit looked up and she froze. Then slowly, it went back to eating, and Birdpaw resumed stalking the rabbit. Suddenly, she pounced! The rabbit wriggled under the small apprentice, trying to get free. But Birdpaw was too fast. She nipped it's neck and   trotted back happily, her tail straight up in the air.

"Great job!" purred Silverstar. "Most apprentices don't catch their prey on their first try!"

Birdpaw positively beamed, and the two cats continued hunting. Silverstar taught her how to hunt as a team, and to jump down from trees.

While Birdpaw was stalking rabbits, Moonpaw was hunting birds. She expertly bounded up the great oak. Then she paused and took a deep whiff. She looked confused.

"I can't smell anything," she confessed. Goldenfur skimmed up the tree. When she reached Moonpaw, she felt the wind.

"You need to smell in the OTHER direction!" she said, rolling her eyes.

Then, Moonpaw saw it. The pheasant was sitting on a small branch eating a blueberry. Moonpaw silently crouched over to it, then, she pounced, killing it with a quick bite to the neck.

After hunting, the four cats returned to the rendezvous point.

"Birdpaw is excellent at stalking animals, but needs to work on locating prey," concluded Silverstar. "I had to help her, once. But she is also very fast, so she caught two rabbits all by herself." Birdpaw flicked her tail, happy to be praised by her mentor and her mother.

"Moonpaw is great at picking up scents and tracking prey but she isn't as good at stalking prey," reasoned Goldenfur. "One vole got away from her and I had to catch it for her."

Moonpaw dipped her head, embarrased.

Together, the four cats had caught five birds, three rabbits, two squirrels and five voles after an hour of hunting.

Just as they headed home, Silverstar detected an unfamiliar scent. She opened her mouth, scenting the air. Fox!

Goldenfur stiffened, and mewed, "Moonpaw, go back to camp. When you come back, bring a patrol of warri..."

Goldenfur was cut off by a red shape pouncing towards her. Silverstar joined the fight.

"Go!" she meowed between gasps. Moonpaw immediately raced away, leaving Birdpaw to climb up a tree to escape the violence below. She wasn't ready for this kind of fighting yet!

She watched as Silverstar flipped back, and once she was directly flying at her, Goldenfur kicked the fox with back legs and claws sending her flying into the air straight up. The fox got up and bounded at Goldenfur, knocking her down. She huddled in a heap.

"Use your flying powers," advised Silverstar breathlessly as she dodged yet another savage attack from the fox.

Birdpaw looked wary, but joined the fight. She clawed at the fox's eyes in midair, managing to blind it in one eye, leaving her claws stained with blood, but the fox still didn't let up.

It must be a female, thought Silverstar. One that is protecting her pups and her territory.

She struck at it's nose, clawing it, watching the blood run out. Silverstar shivered. She didn't like spilling blood, but now, she had to. There was one minute of hesitation as she thought, and the fox took the chance and bit her neck, lifting her up and shaking her. Black and red spots clouded Silverstar's vision, and she felt herself go limp...

Silverstar woke in the forest. Firestar was there, looking calm.

"Silverstar, my granddaughter, you have just lost your second life." The flame-colored cat had many scars and scratches. He had recently been in a fight.

"Firestar, you are risking your life to speak to me," Silverstar meowed. "Why?"

"Silverstar, we are in the Tribe of Endless Hunting," Firestar told her. "We are safe here."

Silverstar had just begun to relax when she remembered how she had gotten here. "The fox! I have to get back!" she yelped.

"Remember the five," he mewed. "And there may be traitors amongst your midst."

Silverstar nodded, a bit confused, and she returned to the world once more.

Silverstar awoke to a gentle prodding in her side.

"Mother?" whispered Birdpaw. "Are you okay?"

Silverstar took a deep breath and opened her eyes. "Yes," she meowed heavily. "I only lost a life."

Birdpaw's eyes widened but she didn't say any more. She padded away to sit by Moonpaw as Goldenfur hurried over, looking shaken but not too hurt.

"Moonpaw brought the patrol right after you...passed out," she meowed uncertainly. "I believe..." She paused to take a deep breath. "I believe Nightfall and Berrypaw saw Birdpaw fly." Goldenfur finished in a rush.

Silverstar sat bolt upright and immediately felt light-headed. "Oh no..." she breathed.

"What is it?" asked Goldenfur urgently.

"When I lost my life, my second life, that is, Firestar told me that there may be traitors amongst our midst," she answered. "That may be Nightfall and Berrypaw!"

The four cats padded back to the clearing. The mentors went off to the medicine cat den to be checked by Jaywing and Aurorapaw. After they were allowed to leave they went the the highrock to talk about the traitors.

"We are almost positive that Berrypaw and Nightfall are traitors, but who else?" asked Silverstar

"Possibly Snowbird, she always wanted to be Nightfall's mate, but Nightfall always wanted to be my mate, and when I became mates with Brackenfur, he turned his attention to you. He was SO disappointed when you became mates with Moonrain.  And when Nightfall finally chose a mate, and it wasn't Snowbird, she was really disappointed too..." She yawned.

"You should sleep," meowed Silverstar, then added, "It's been a long day, and we've both been hurt," before she could object.

Wearily, they turned and stumbled into their dens.