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.