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."