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...