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Chapter 1 & The Prologue
This is only the BEGINING of Chapter 1. The Prologue is really short.
“Great StarClan! Everyone wants to be busy!” Stonethroat growled angrily when I came up to him to ask about a patrol, “I’ve already got more than enough patrols running around. We need someone to guard the camp!”
“Yes Stonethroat,” I whimpered and backed away. It had been noticeably empty. I hadn’t seen the SkyClan camp as empty as it was now for moons. Looking around, I noticed that all of the rouges were still in the camp. I padded up to Timberfoot, the most easy-going of the rouges, and sat down.
“Do you know why Stonethroat isn’t having us do anything?” he asked me in a bland tone. I shrugged, and sat quietly. The rouges were noticing it too…it wasn’t just me. The other rouges slowly appeared from various dens. Longfeather seemed to still be touchy from earlier, but Thymefoot was helping to calm down his irritable mood. The other rouges noticed it too, and tried to aggravate him too much.
“Snowstream, do you know if your clanmates still refer to us as rouges?” Shrewclaw questioned.
“I suppose so. It was an abrupt decision on Springstar’s choice,” I admitted shamefully. Shrewclaw nodded. One by one, the patrols came back without any word of Springstar’s location. Fishcloud joined me with the rouges, and we just talked until Stonethroat summoned a meeting.
“All cats old enough to catch prey, join here beneath Sky Rock!” he summoned. The voice was unusual, we were used to Springstar’s soft, mellow voice. His was harsh and seemingly annoyed.
“Where is Springstar?” Thistlefire yowled in protest, “You shouldn’t be calling Clan meetings!”
A low murmur of agreement, Stonethroat glared at us. I could feel Mistbird and Fishcloud shrivel under his brutal glare. I broke away from is gaze, and looked at my paws. One of the elders protested loudly along with Thistlefire.
We looked to Stonethroat, but instead, it was Redheart who spoke. “I have received a sign from StarClan. I was gathering some herbs yesterday, they were all fresh. Usually they will rot within a few dawns, but the freshest one withered under my sight just now. It is a sign, a spring flower has just died. Springstar is no longer alive, and Stonethroat, as he is deputy, is required to become our leader.”
We looked at him in disbelief. Stonethroat had been her deputy for many moons, and we expected him to die much sooner so a more noble warrior like Salmonfoot or Hawkberry could take her place. Stonethroat was just to aggressive and ambitious…and too touchy. He was usually cranky, which was not good for our clan. The prophecy warned me about something…I should be on my watch for anything suspicious. I tell myself. I pace to the center of the crowd, listening to Stonethroat tell us about how sorry and he grieves for Springstar.
I glance at our medicine cat, Redheart. His face reveals his thoughts, he doubts Stonethroat’s claim to leadership. Springstar had plenty of lives, and she hadn’t needed to die young.
“Springstar have seven lives left!” I hiss to Timberfoot. He nods, and murmurs something to Shrewclaw, who tells the other rouges. Finally, Stonethroat ends the meeting and leaps of the rock to talk to Redheart who doesn’t look too excited with the new leadership.
“Do you think Stonethroat will be a good leader?” I hear Ravenstripe ask Thistlefire.
“As good as a flying hedgehog with five legs!” Thislefire snapped, stalking off to find his mate, Shineheart. Ravenstripe grumbled something that I couldn’t hear, and then left to find Hawkberry. I went to find Fishcloud, Quillfoot and Brushtalon . I wanted to hear what they thought about the new leader.
“Stonethroat was good as a deputy. Not as great as a leader, I think,” Brushtalon replied. As the leader’s apprentice, he would have a good, solid reply.
“I don’t know…he certainly has the warrior code and skills down…but I’m not so sure if he has our warriors’ trust,” Quillfoot answered quietly. Quillfoot had always been a bit jittery and nervous. Fishcloud didn’t reply. Her mentor, Fallingshadow, was Stonethroat’s sister…so she wouldn’t have a negative opinion on the leader-to-be.
“Snowstream!” a voice called from across the clearing. I nodded in thanks, and trotted away. It was Redheart. Salmonfoot glanced at me and then left. He had snagged a claw while descending from the cliff to tell the clan about Springstar. “Snowstream. Longfeather mentioned something about a prophecy…would you be willing to share with me? As you did not before?”
The prophecy! Why hadn’t I told Redheart about it? “Well…Longfeather told me that Firestar said to say that the rising star will bring false loyalties.” I told him quietly. Redheart nodded in consideration.
“Thank you. You may go. I hear Stonethroat calling you,” he dismissed, turning his back to me. I tentatively walked out and went to where he was sitting.
“Snowstream,” he greeted. I nodded, and sat down to where he beckoned to, “Snowstream…who is you father?”
“Sorrowheart,” I murmured. I didn’t look like her at all.
“Who is your mother?”
“I don’t know.”
“I do."“Who is she?” I whispered, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know. I could sense tension in the air, and I felt nervous as a cornered mouse.
“A she-cat by the name of Sasha. One of Tigerstar’s mates. You were raised by Skyfeather. I brought you to the clan. You were the third kit in her litter. Hawkfrost, Snowstream and Mothwing. Do you know who my father is?” I shook my head. “My father is Tigetstar.”
“I have heard he was an ambitious, skilled warrior,” I answered honestly. He purred for a moment.
“Are you willing to become my deputy? I know your skills, and I believe that you can be a good deputy, and maybe you will outlive me,” he said. I gasped. I hadn’t had an apprentice!
“But I haven’t had an apprentice!” I protested.
“I have had a sign. I mentioned it to Redheart, I will provide a reason why. Just wait for the ceremony. I just wish you not to be surprised.”
“Yes, Stonethroat, thank you.”
He nodded, then dismissed me to take a nap. Longfeather found me as I left.
“What did he say?” he hissed. I explained to him what Stonethroat had said. He looked astounded. He recovered from shock in a minute and left to the area in which most of the rouges stayed. He’s going to tell them about the prophecy! I thought. I had no change to ponder it for a time, because Stonethroat called a meeting.
“Cats of SkyClan, I call you again to proclaim the deputy of SkyClan. I speak these workds before the spirits of my ancestors, that they may hear and approve my choice…Snowstream will be the new deputy of SkyClan!”
Before I had a chance to respond, the soothing voice of Swiftbrook cried out, “But she had not had an apprentice!”
“Let me explain: When I went to the river to ponder the position of our clan…I saw for a moment, the river freeze over. It was a stream of ice and snow. I explained it to Redheart, and he told me it was a sign from StarClan, that even thought she has not apprentice, she is the right deputy.
“I think that StarClan is saying to you that you should step down and let her be leader,” Thistlefire objected. “It makes more sense if the send that to the deputy. If they wanted you to choose this…then why didn’t they send it to the medicine cat?”
“I do not choose the deputy for the leader. It is a choice on his part alone,” Redheart replied promptly, while his face betrayed his frustration.
“Then why did Stonethroat let StarClan influence his decision?” Thistlefire challenged. A few of the other warrior agreed, chanting ‘Snowstream is our leader!’
“Silence!” Redheart growled, overpowering their meek chants. They quieted, and listened to the enraged tom, “We have had a sign, and I have interpreted. This is my interpretation, and this is what I believe StarClan is saying. Anyone who thinks differently…StarClan will judge your motives.”
That silenced the crowd. They looked to Stonethroat to say some more.
“Further more, I would like to name Frogkit, Juniperkit, Palekit and Oakkit their mentors, as they have come to their sixth moon. Salmonfoot, you have shown your ability to stay calm in peril and vast warrior skills, we trust that you will pass them to Frogpaw,” the two cats touched noses. The young apprentice’s face shone with pride.
“Fishcloud, you have shown your nobility and fighting skills with the rouge’s attack, we trust you will pass them to Juniperpaw,” the Juniperpaw licked Fishcloud’s shoulder. Stonethroat glanced around, watching the stunned warriors’ expressions.
“Brushtalon, you have shown your strength and skills in the rouge battle, we trust you can pass this on to Palepaw,” he touched noses with the quivering apprentice.
“Snowstream, you have shown your loyalty and intelligence in the face of StarClan, and we trust you can pass this on to Oakpaw,” I stepped forward and touched noses with the cream-colored apprentice. Thistlefire and Shineheart brimmed with pride, as we chanted the four apprentices’ names.
“One more thing, as the leader-to-be of SkyClan, I am preparing to travel to the Whispering Cave, so Snowstream shall be in charge until then.”
The warriors dispersed, and retreated to their dens. The newly named apprentices looked eagerly to their mentors for assignments.
“Oakpaw, there should be room in the apprentice den. I expect you to be ready for some training in the morning,” I warned him. My apprenticeship held high expectations, but it was rewarding to be going to the gatherings and accompanying Redheart to the Whispering Cave for dreams. I would make sure Oakpaw got all of that experience.
“Look! She's the deputy! Mother said she was very wise and thoughtful!” a pale gray tabby kit exclaimed. The other two scurried over to watch. Lilacstream purred, and ushered them back into the nursery. Shineheart would be joining the warriors’ den for a long time in many moons.“Thank you, Snowstream.”I nodded, then gave him a shove towards his den, and then pranced of to my den. It was odd, sleeping on the outside, when I was deputy. My ceremony had been very quiet and inconspicuous. I wonder what the elder’s will think! I laughed. They would probably think it was an omen from StarClan than I would be a terrible deputy.I woke up quietly. It was just a bit before dawn, and a few of the other warriors were stretching their limbs for a normal day. I carefully stepped around the sleeping warriors to meet my apprentice outside. Frogpaw and his mentor, Salmonfoot, were chatting quietly by the fresh-kill pile, which was rather low on food. Oakpaw and I would go hunting together later, I reminded myself.
“Morning Snowstream,” Goldenstripe nodded in greeting, “Who will be going on the dawn patrol?”
I was stunned. I hadn’t even given the dawn patrol a thought. I looked around at the surrounding cats. Goldenstripe, Frogpaw, Salmonfoot, Hawkberry and Ravenstripe were in the clearing. “Will you take Hawkberry and Ravenstripe?”
The two cats heard their names, and strolled over to listen. Goldenstripe nodded, and turned to explain the dawn patrol. Hawkberry eyed me cautiously, and then followed the beefy golden cat. It was to be expected, senior warriors that hadn’t been chosen as depury would feel jealous and spot several of my mistakes. The brown pelt of Timberfoot appeared in the corner of my eye.
Thinking quickly, I called out, “Salmonfoot, will you take your apprentice and Timberfoot for a patrol down by the stream? It would be good experience for him.”
“Yes, I want him to remember the scents,” Salmonfoot agreed. Timberfoot purred at the opportunity to contribute to the Clan, and nudged the nervous apprentice towards the flooding river. When the two patrols were out, I rested by the fresh-kill pile as there rest of the clan emerged from slumber.
Swiftbrook took a hunting patrol out, so the camp was close to deserted. “Snowstream!”
I turned towards Stonestar’s direction. He had received his nine lives, and was to be called Stonestar. He was sitting, Redheart’s bright pelt rustled in the faint breezes.
“Yes?”
“How many patrols are out?” I told him that two patrols, and Salmonfoot had taken his apprentice to the river with Timberfoot to learn the scents, “Ah. Good, the apprentices will have to learn the scents. Where is Oakpaw?”
“He is with the elders, I sent him to clear away their bedding and then take some fresh-kill. I was planning to take him on the sun-high patrol with me,” I replied as I thought about the future patrols. Stonestar noticed my deep thoughts, and purred at my actions that I guessed he had once repeated long ago.
“Good, I was wondering when Springstar would put the rouges to work,” he nodded in approval as he spied the rouges. “Snowstream, I would appreciate it if you kept an eye on Longfeather, I feel nervous about his touchiness. Also, Fallingshadow is moving to the nursery, and we will have just a few less warriors which is…dangerous.”
“Of course.”
Stonestar glanced at Redheart, and the padded towards his den. I dipped my head in respect to the medicine cat, and then made my way over to Fishcloud.
She purred, and playfully swiped her paw over my ears, “Congratulations, deputy. You’re quite the lucky cat these days, and apprentice, and a two new roles! So…when can I go on a patrol? I’m dying to get with Juniperpaw, she’s quite enthusiastic about learning!”
“That sounds like some Clan cat that was just appointed a warrior!” I purred, glancing at the orange apprentice. She was helping Oakpaw with the elders, “Well, you can go on the sundown patrol. I promised Stonestar that I would take Oakpaw on the sun-high patrol.”
“Snowstream,” I scented Longfeather’s unique scent, “So Timberfoot went on a patrol finally? I was getting worried about Stonestar’s thoughts on us.”
Cloudfur stepped forward with a shaky paw next to the white tom, “You don’t think he’ll chase us out, do you Snowstream?”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let him!” I comforted the fretful she-cat. The white she-cat nodded, then stepped back to join Riverblossom, who, thankfully, was sharing a vole with Mistbird. The community is accepting them! I thought with excitement. If they could break the strong barrier of different Clan blood, then SkyClan would have much more warriors and we’d be much stronger. Though the extra strength wasn’t very nessecary. We didn’t have any major rivals.
The prophecies! I reminded myself, Don’t forget the prophecies! The rising star will bring false loyalties!
PROLOGUE
It was a night full of sounds. Cicada’s chirped in the grass, and the clan of warriors were restless. Ravenstripe had just been made warrior, and had been keeping a vigil. Rouge’s attacked their camp that night. “Enemies!” the black tabby warned in alarm as he sprinted back towards his camp. Almost six powerful, brawny cats flooded into the SkyClan camp. The two queens, Shineheart and Lilacstream, guarded the nursery with the assistance of Hawkberry and his young apprentice, Snowpaw.
The rouge’s were all warriors. They claimed they had been in WindClan. Two of our elders, Mintwhisker and Tinyfern, remembered tales about how Firestar and Sandstorm had came to our gorge and revived the clan. All of the elders remembered them. Sorrowheart was the single kit of Sharpclaw, Leafstar’s deputy.
“Welcome to SkyClan,” I greeted shyly to a silvery-white she-cat. She introduced herself as Riverblossom. She purred, and, to my dismay, left to meet the other warriors. Why would a powerful warrior like her want to chat with an apprentice like me? I scolded myself.
“She was once a kittypet and has been abused brutally by other cats…she’s really delicate,” adviced a massive brown tabby. He looked at my face and started to purr in amusement, “I’m Timberfoot. May StarClan light our destinies.”
I nodded, and replied, “I’m Snowpaw, Hawkberry’s apprentice. You fight very well.”
“Thank you,” the tom answered automatically. Another rouge, this time a small brown tom, came up and tapped Timberfoot on the shoulder. Timberfoot sat down, and explained, “This is my brother, Shrewclaw. You’ve already been introduced, but over there is Cloudfur and Lakepelt. You know Longfeather, the white tom over there,” he pointed towards Thistlefire and Salmonfoot, “And that’s Thymefoot.”
“You must be Snowpaw, Hawkberry’s apprentice. I informed your leader on your fighting skills,” she told me. I purred in thanks. I left them quietly to find Fishpaw who was talking with her mentor, Fallingshadow.
She told me that she was glad the rouges had joined us. They were strong and nice. We talked about the arrival of the rouges with Brushpaw and Quillpaw until Stonethroat called Fishpaw, Fallingshadow, Swiftbrook and Graybird to a border patrol. Quillpaw and Brushpaw were going on assessments, and I was left in the camp.
“Snowpaw!” I whirled around at the flick of my name. Longfeather, the obvious leader of the group, had called out. He looked me in the eye, I shriveled under his harsh glare, “Snowpaw. Bramblestar told me to inform you that the rising star will bring false loyalties. He told me to warn you that you must never think you can trust anyone.”
“Thank you, Longfeather,” I nodded, turning to sit in my comfortable den and ignore his ominous words.
“One more thing, before you go,” Longfeather added, “He said that you would ignore his words. Remember them. Also, you must remember that tigers run with the wise.
“Thank you, Longfeather,” I repeated, and left before he could mention anything else. I could feel him watching me as I left.
I didn’t want to think about his words, but as the day progressed, a more looming feeling of guilt passed over me. I was tempted to tell Hawkberry, Redberry, or even Springstar. I ignored them all, and managed to get some decent sleep. I awoke at dawn. Quillpaw was still sleeping. I, thankfully, remembered that Stonethroat had ordered that Brushpaw and Fishpaw be on the dawn patrol. I lingered in the camp, helping the warriors continue to expand the den to make room for the rouges. Right after the dawn patrol came back, Springstar summoned a clan meeting.
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath Rockpile for a clan meeting!” Springstar’s confident mew echoed through the camp. I loved hearing her voice. I poked my head out to listen, “I call you together to witness one of the most important rituals of out clans. Hawkberry, do you believe that your apprentice Snowpaw has learned the skills of a warrior? And does she understand what the warrior code means to every cat?”
“She will for not until forever,” he answered solemnly. I beamed with glee. Springstar usually didn’t tell apprentices when their ceremony was to begin.
“Swiftbrook, do you believe that Quillpaw has learned the skills and duties of a noble warrior?”
“He will remember then for the rest of his life,” she answered. Quillpaw was purring also. Springstar asked the same question of Fishpaw, and told us how her own apprentice, Brushpaw, had fulfilled his requirement also. “Quillpaw, Brushpaw, Fishpaw and Snowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?” she asked.
I tingled in excitement, and recited, “I do.”
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. From this day forth, Quillpaw shall be known as Quillfoot. We honor your fore-thought and cautiousness,” she licked his face and he stepped back into the group of chanting warriors. She named Brushtalon as Brushpelt, and Fishpaw as Fishcloud. Finally, she named me, “Snowpaw, you have portrayed knowledge and bravery it tight times. It is time for you to receive your warrior name. From this day forth, you shall be known as Snowstream. We welcome you to the ranks of SkyClan!”
“Quillfoot! Quillfoot! Brushtalon! Brushtalon! Fishcloud! Fishcloud! Snowstream! Snowstream!” they chanted. I could feel my eyes glitering with happiness. The six kits looked up to us in admiration.
Lightkit murmured, “I want to be like Fishcloud!”
“Well, I want to be like Snowstream!” Palekit retorted.
The warriors started to swarm around the others. Timberfoot came up to me, “Congratulations, Snowstream.”
“Thank you Timberfoot,” I told him whole-heartedly.
We sat out silent vigil. The night was cold, and chilling breezes ruffled out coats and we shivered. The sky was a deep midnight blue, and we huddled next to each other for warmth. Brushtalon had the thickest fur. Fishcloud dozed of for a bit, we nudged her awake. The night was the longest one I would ever remember. The sun rose, and we wearily trekked back into camp. Fallingshadow, Graybird and Thistlefire were up for the dawn patrol.
“Good morning, rough night? Our den was freezing,” Graybird greeted. We agreed, and Quillfoot asked if we were permitted to eat. Graybird let out a mrrow of laughter, and answered, “Of course. After that vigil, I’d eat three foxes!”
“Let’s go,” Fallingshadow told them, her voice was faint. Thistlefire nodded, flicking his tail at the exit of our camp, Graybird dipped her head and followed the senior warriors. One by one, the warriors woke up and left their den. Stonethroat had ordered Fishcloud, Goldenstripe and Swiftbrook on a hunting patrol. The dawn patrol had returned back, and Springstar gathered a round of warriors to come with her on the sunhigh patrol.
“I’ll come,” Salmonfoot and Ravenstripe offered.
“Any more?” Springstar asked.
“I’ll come, Springstar,” I offered. Springstar nodded, and raced up the cliff.
When I had been a kit, one of the young warriors, Violetsky, had ran up too quickly in an unsteady stop, and it had collapsed beneath her. Redberry hadn’t been able to fix her broken legs, and she had been killed. The queens all told their kits that, so that they knew how dangerous and hazardous it was for untrained cats.
Salmonfoot, Ravenstripe and I glanced at each other, remembering Violetsky and cautiously jumped up the cliff on the normal pathway. We could hear Stonethroat sending out another hunting patrol. It was Thistlefire, Hawkberry and himself. All of the rouges haven’t been on a single patrol yet, I considered.
“Salmonfoot, have you noticed how none of the rouge have been on a patrol?” I asked him. He nodded.
“Maybe Stonethroat wants them to get used to being with other cats, and in out territory. Remember, out pads are like stone to the other clans,” he logically replied. That makes sense, I calmed myself. Getting carefully up the hill took some time, so by the time we got to the top, the sun was half-way between sunhigh and sunset.
“Do you suppose Springstar will wait for us?” Ravenstripe fumed when we got the top of the plateau, and didn’t spot Springstar’s ginger coat. We patrolled the borders normally, and returned back to camp. A fox had strayed onto our territory, but our borders were clear other than that. I told Stonethroat, and informed the nursery. Shineheart’s litter, Frogkit, Palekit and Juniperkit, were getting big. They’d be apprenticed soon. Maybe I will get an apprentice, I though excitedly. It was unlikely, but Sparrowpelt and Cherrytail had gotten apprentices the same day they became warriors.
Finally, Stonethroat asked, “Where is Springstar?”
“She jumped up the cliff where Violetsky had gone, and we didn’t see her a the top. We assumed she had gone back…so we continued to patrol,” Salmonfoot informed Stonethroat. He was one of the senior warriors, so Stonethroat wouldn’t get too angry.
“Very well.”
The gray tom was angry, but he acted calmly. He send out two scouting parties, Graybird, Thistlefire and Fishcloud, and then Quillfoot, Brushtalon and Swiftbrook. They left worridly, and came back after sunset.“Any luck?” I whispered to Fishcloud when they had reported to Stonethroat, and had settled down.
“Much luck as finding a flying fox!” she scoffed. My mood dropped, if we didn’t find Springstar by tomorrow…
“You must remind her again!” a dark brown tabby tom with black stripes snarled at cat reminding me of Longfeather. The cat nodded, but the dark tabby continued, “If she does not know…then SkyClan will fall to ruins!”
“Yes, Tigerstar…I scent someone, come out!” he summoned. I didn’t budge. “Come out!”
He whirled around, facing the bracken that I was hiding in. He eyed the brambles.
“It is she,” the cat referred to as Tigerstar hissed. “Snowstream! Show your self.”
I stepped out shyly. The two cats glared at me, but then Tigerstar’s look softened. “I am Tigerstar. I was leader very long ago. Longfeather, you are dismissed. I will inform her.”
Longfeather nodded, and backed away into the shadows, fading from my dream. Tigerstar kept talking, “I am one of your ancestors.”
“W-what did you want Longfeather to tell me?” I asked nervously. Purring, he reminded me of the ominous prophecies that Longfeather had mentioned earlier. I didn’t want to hear.
He dismissed me, and the dream faded.
“Snowstream!” Longfeather’s voice growled urgently. My eyes flicked open, the warrior’s den was empty, only Longfeather and I. “Snowstream, tell me what Tigerstar said!”
“H-he just told me about the prophecies you had already mentioned!” I squeaked.
“Longfeather, it isn’t your job to go around intimidating the new warriors!” Thymefoot chided. He nodded, and stalked passed his mate.Thymefoot glanced at me with an unusual hard glare, and pranced after Longfeather. I lingered in the den, then went out to look for Stonethroat for something to occupy my mind.
CHAPTER 1
“Enemies!” Ravenstripe ran into the camp, his eyes filled with terror. I jerked awake from my moss nest, nudging the other apprentices, Brushpaw, Quillpaw and Fishpaw. The other three apprentices hopped to their feet, eager at the prospect of fighting. “Protect the nursery!” Stonethroat yowled from High Ledge, his mate, Lilacstream, nodded and unsheathed her claws.
“Snowpaw!” Hawkberry called to me, I bounded over to help my mentor protect the valuable den. I could hear the kits squealing in excitement, and uneasiness. The warriors all came surging into the flat stone area, ready to fight of the enemy cats. Fishpaw, my friend, came to fight beside me. A creamy brown tabby she-cat lunged at us, swiping a paw at Fishpaw’s flank. She dodged it, and I clawed at her open flank. Hawkberry was busy fighting an enormous black tom with Thistlefire. The elder’s had ganged up on a very small silver she-cat. The three elder’s hadn’t forgotten their fighting moves at all.
“Look at the elders!” I hissed to Fishpaw. Fishpaw purred for a brief moment, but the brown she-cat pounced onto her back, pinning her down for a second. I rammed into her, knocking her of.
"Thanks,” she murmured softly. I nodded, then turned to face the brown tabby. Preparing to come up on her flank, then knock her over, I was startled by the piercing cry that I nearly tripped over my feet. Fishpaw laughed, and I playfully swiped her ear, forgetting the enemy was watching.
“Stop!” one of the rouge’s cried out, “We wish to join your clan!”
Stonethroat growled fiercely in reply, “Then why did you attack our clan? You raid our camp, injure our clanmates, you expect us to let you join?”
The rouge, a white tabby with gray stripes, answered, “We wished to see how strong you were. If you were weak, then we wouldn’t want to join. But we know see that you are a fierce, tough clan, and we wish to join. After all, you are not very numerous.”
Stonethroat was about to growl a reply, but Springstar intervened, “We shall see. How about two moons of probation? If you care to continue, and we approve of you, then you may join.”
The white tom nodded in agreement, then glanced at Stonethroat, “Very well. I am Longfeather. We come from WindClan. We broke away; Onestar is a foolish leader, an amateur. We spoke with Firestar, and he told us about SkyClan. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“I am Thymefoot,” the creamy brown she-cat that we had been fighting said. One by one they introduced themselves: Cloudfur, Riverblossom, Timberfoot, Shrewclaw and Lakepelt. Stonethroat accepted the rouge’s, and then ordered for the warrior’s den to be expanded. Salmonfoot and Fallingshadow immediately got to work, along with a few others.
“Welcome to SkyClan,” I greeted shyly to a silvery-white she-cat. She introduced herself as Riverblossom. She purred, and, to my dismay, left to meet the other warriors. Why would a powerful warrior like her want to chat with an apprentice like me? I scolded myself.
“She was once a kittypet and has been abused brutally by other cats…she’s really delicate,” adviced a massive brown tabby. He looked at my face and started to purr in amusement, “I’m Timberfoot. May StarClan light our destinies.”
I nodded, and replied, “I’m Snowpaw, Hawkberry’s apprentice. You fight very well.”
“Thank you,” the tom answered automatically. Another rouge, this time a small brown tom, came up and tapped Timberfoot on the shoulder. Timberfoot sat down, and explained, “This is my brother, Shrewclaw. You’ve already been introduced, but over there is Cloudfur and Lakepelt. You know Longfeather, the white tom over there,” he pointed towards Thistlefire and Salmonfoot, “And that’s Thymefoot.”
“You must be Snowpaw, Hawkberry’s apprentice. I informed your leader on your fighting skills,” she told me. I purred in thanks. I left them quietly to find Fishpaw who was talking with her mentor, Fallingshadow.
She told me that she was glad the rouges had joined us. They were strong and nice. We talked about the arrival of the rouges with Brushpaw and Quillpaw until Stonethroat called Fishpaw, Fallingshadow, Swiftbrook and Graybird to a border patrol. Quillpaw and Brushpaw were going on assessments, and I was left in the camp.
“Snowpaw!” I whirled around at the flick of my name. Longfeather, the obvious leader of the group, had called out. He looked me in the eye, I shriveled under his harsh glare, “Snowpaw. Bramblestar told me to inform you that the rising star will bring false loyalties. He told me to warn you that you must never think you can trust anyone.”
“Thank you, Longfeather,” I nodded, turning to sit in my comfortable den and ignore his ominous words.
“One more thing, before you go,” Longfeather added, “He said that you would ignore his words. Remember them. Also, you must remember that tigers run with the wise.
“Thank you, Longfeather,” I repeated, and left before he could mention anything else. I could feel him watching me as I left.
I didn’t want to think about his words, but as the day progressed, a more looming feeling of guilt passed over me. I was tempted to tell Hawkberry, Redberry, or even Springstar. I ignored them all, and managed to get some decent sleep. I awoke at dawn. Quillpaw was still sleeping. I, thankfully, remembered that Stonethroat had ordered that Brushpaw and Fishpaw be on the dawn patrol. I lingered in the camp, helping the warriors continue to expand the den to make room for the rouges. Right after the dawn patrol came back, Springstar summoned a clan meeting.
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath Rockpile for a clan meeting!” Springstar’s confident mew echoed through the camp. I loved hearing her voice. I poked my head out to listen, “I call you together to witness one of the most important rituals of out clans. Hawkberry, do you believe that your apprentice Snowpaw has learned the skills of a warrior? And does she understand what the warrior code means to every cat?”
“She will for not until forever,” he answered solemnly. I beamed with glee. Springstar usually didn’t tell apprentices when their ceremony was to begin.
“Swiftbrook, do you believe that Quillpaw has learned the skills and duties of a noble warrior?”
“He will remember then for the rest of his life,” she answered. Quillpaw was purring also. Springstar asked the same question of Fishpaw, and told us how her own apprentice, Brushpaw, had fulfilled his requirement also. “Quillpaw, Brushpaw, Fishpaw and Snowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?” she asked.
I tingled in excitement, and recited, “I do.”
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. From this day forth, Quillpaw shall be known as Quillfoot. We honor your fore-thought and cautiousness,” she licked his face and he stepped back into the group of chanting warriors. She named Brushtalon as Brushpelt, and Fishpaw as Fishcloud. Finally, she named me, “Snowpaw, you have portrayed knowledge and bravery it tight times. It is time for you to receive your warrior name. From this day forth, you shall be known as Snowstream. We welcome you to the ranks of SkyClan!”
“Quillfoot! Quillfoot! Brushtalon! Brushtalon! Fishcloud! Fishcloud! Snowstream! Snowstream!” they chanted. I could feel my eyes glitering with happiness. The six kits looked up to us in admiration.
Lightkit murmured, “I want to be like Fishcloud!”
“Well, I want to be like Snowstream!” Palekit retorted.
The warriors started to swarm around the others. Timberfoot came up to me, “Congratulations, Snowstream.”
“Thank you Timberfoot,” I told him whole-heartedly.
We sat out silent vigil. The night was cold, and chilling breezes ruffled out coats and we shivered. The sky was a deep midnight blue, and we huddled next to each other for warmth. Brushtalon had the thickest fur. Fishcloud dozed of for a bit, we nudged her awake. The night was the longest one I would ever remember. The sun rose, and we wearily trekked back into camp. Fallingshadow, Graybird and Thistlefire were up for the dawn patrol.
“Good morning, rough night? Our den was freezing,” Graybird greeted. We agreed, and Quillfoot asked if we were permitted to eat. Graybird let out a mrrow of laughter, and answered, “Of course. After that vigil, I’d eat three foxes!”
“Let’s go,” Fallingshadow told them, her voice was faint. Thistlefire nodded, flicking his tail at the exit of our camp, Graybird dipped her head and followed the senior warriors. One by one, the warriors woke up and left their den. Stonethroat had ordered Fishcloud, Goldenstripe and Swiftbrook on a hunting patrol. The dawn patrol had returned back, and Springstar gathered a round of warriors to come with her on the sunhigh patrol.
“I’ll come,” Salmonfoot and Ravenstripe offered.
“Any more?” Springstar asked.
“I’ll come, Springstar,” I offered. Springstar nodded, and raced up the cliff.
When I had been a kit, one of the young warriors, Violetsky, had ran up too quickly in an unsteady stop, and it had collapsed beneath her. Redberry hadn’t been able to fix her broken legs, and she had been killed. The queens all told their kits that, so that they knew how dangerous and hazardous it was for untrained cats.
Salmonfoot, Ravenstripe and I glanced at each other, remembering Violetsky and cautiously jumped up the cliff on the normal pathway. We could hear Stonethroat sending out another hunting patrol. It was Thistlefire, Hawkberry and himself. All of the rouges haven’t been on a single patrol yet, I considered.
“Salmonfoot, have you noticed how none of the rouge have been on a patrol?” I asked him. He nodded.
“Maybe Stonethroat wants them to get used to being with other cats, and in out territory. Remember, out pads are like stone to the other clans,” he logically replied. That makes sense, I calmed myself. Getting carefully up the hill took some time, so by the time we got to the top, the sun was half-way between sunhigh and sunset.
“Do you suppose Springstar will wait for us?” Ravenstripe fumed when we got the top of the plateau, and didn’t spot Springstar’s ginger coat. We patrolled the borders normally, and returned back to camp. A fox had strayed onto our territory, but our borders were clear other than that. I told Stonethroat, and informed the nursery. Shineheart’s litter, Frogkit, Palekit and Juniperkit, were getting big. They’d be apprenticed soon. Maybe I will get an apprentice, I though excitedly. It was unlikely, but Sparrowpelt and Cherrytail had gotten apprentices the same day they became warriors.
Finally, Stonethroat asked, “Where is Springstar?”
“She jumped up the cliff where Violetsky had gone, and we didn’t see her a the top. We assumed she had gone back…so we continued to patrol,” Salmonfoot informed Stonethroat. He was one of the senior warriors, so Stonethroat wouldn’t get too angry.
“Very well.”
The gray tom was angry, but he acted calmly. He send out two scouting parties, Graybird, Thistlefire and Fishcloud, and then Quillfoot, Brushtalon and Swiftbrook. They left worridly, and came back after sunset.“Any luck?” I whispered to Fishcloud when they had reported to Stonethroat, and had settled down.
“Much luck as finding a flying fox!” she scoffed. My mood dropped, if we didn’t find Springstar by tomorrow…
“You must remind her again!” a dark brown tabby tom with black stripes snarled at cat reminding me of Longfeather. The cat nodded, but the dark tabby continued, “If she does not know…then SkyClan will fall to ruins!”
“Yes, Tigerstar…I scent someone, come out!” he summoned. I didn’t budge. “Come out!”
He whirled around, facing the bracken that I was hiding in. He eyed the brambles.
“It is she,” the cat referred to as Tigerstar hissed. “Snowstream! Show your self.”
I stepped out shyly. The two cats glared at me, but then Tigerstar’s look softened. “I am Tigerstar. I was leader very long ago. Longfeather, you are dismissed. I will inform her.”
Longfeather nodded, and backed away into the shadows, fading from my dream. Tigerstar kept talking, “I am one of your ancestors.”
“W-what did you want Longfeather to tell me?” I asked nervously. Purring, he reminded me of the ominous prophecies that Longfeather had mentioned earlier. I didn’t want to hear.
He dismissed me, and the dream faded.
“Snowstream!” Longfeather’s voice growled urgently. My eyes flicked open, the warrior’s den was empty, only Longfeather and I. “Snowstream, tell me what Tigerstar said!”
“H-he just told me about the prophecies you had already mentioned!” I squeaked.
“Longfeather, it isn’t your job to go around intimidating the new warriors!” Thymefoot chided. He nodded, and stalked passed his mate.Thymefoot glanced at me with an unusual hard glare, and pranced after Longfeather. I lingered in the den, then went out to look for Stonethroat for something to occupy my mind.
“Great StarClan! Everyone wants to be busy!” Stonethroat growled angrily when I came up to him to ask about a patrol, “I’ve already got more than enough patrols running around. We need someone to guard the camp!”
“Yes Stonethroat,” I whimpered and backed away. It had been noticeably empty. I hadn’t seen the SkyClan camp as empty as it was now for moons. Looking around, I noticed that all of the rouges were still in the camp. I padded up to Timberfoot, the most easy-going of the rouges, and sat down.
“Do you know why Stonethroat isn’t having us do anything?” he asked me in a bland tone. I shrugged, and sat quietly. The rouges were noticing it too…it wasn’t just me. The other rouges slowly appeared from various dens. Longfeather seemed to still be touchy from earlier, but Thymefoot was helping to calm down his irritable mood. The other rouges noticed it too, and tried to aggravate him too much.
“Snowstream, do you know if your clanmates still refer to us as rouges?” Shrewclaw questioned.
“I suppose so. It was an abrupt decision on Springstar’s choice,” I admitted shamefully. Shrewclaw nodded. One by one, the patrols came back without any word of Springstar’s location. Fishcloud joined me with the rouges, and we just talked until Stonethroat summoned a meeting.
“All cats old enough to catch prey, join here beneath Sky Rock!” he summoned. The voice was unusual, we were used to Springstar’s soft, mellow voice. His was harsh and seemingly annoyed.
“Where is Springstar?” Thistlefire yowled in protest, “You shouldn’t be calling Clan meetings!”
A low murmur of agreement, Stonethroat glared at us. I could feel Mistbird and Fishcloud shrivel under his brutal glare. I broke away from is gaze, and looked at my paws. One of the elders protested loudly along with Thistlefire.
We looked to Stonethroat, but instead, it was Redheart who spoke. “I have received a sign from StarClan. I was gathering some herbs yesterday, they were all fresh. Usually they will rot within a few dawns, but the freshest one withered under my sight just now. It is a sign, a spring flower has just died. Springstar is no longer alive, and Stonethroat, as he is deputy, is required to become our leader.”
We looked at him in disbelief. Stonethroat had been her deputy for many moons, and we expected him to die much sooner so a more noble warrior like Salmonfoot or Hawkberry could take her place. Stonethroat was just to aggressive and ambitious…and too touchy. He was usually cranky, which was not good for our clan. The prophecy warned me about something…I should be on my watch for anything suspicious. I tell myself. I pace to the center of the crowd, listening to Stonethroat tell us about how sorry and he grieves for Springstar.
I glance at our medicine cat, Redheart. His face reveals his thoughts, he doubts Stonethroat’s claim to leadership. Springstar had plenty of lives, and she hadn’t needed to die young.
“Springstar have seven lives left!” I hiss to Timberfoot. He nods, and murmurs something to Shrewclaw, who tells the other rouges. Finally, Stonethroat ends the meeting and leaps of the rock to talk to Redheart who doesn’t look too excited with the new leadership.
“Do you think Stonethroat will be a good leader?” I hear Ravenstripe ask Thistlefire.
“As good as a flying hedgehog with five legs!” Thislefire snapped, stalking off to find his mate, Shineheart. Ravenstripe grumbled something that I couldn’t hear, and then left to find Hawkberry. I went to find Fishcloud, Quillfoot and Brushtalon . I wanted to hear what they thought about the new leader.
“Stonethroat was good as a deputy. Not as great as a leader, I think,” Brushtalon replied. As the leader’s apprentice, he would have a good, solid reply.
“I don’t know…he certainly has the warrior code and skills down…but I’m not so sure if he has our warriors’ trust,” Quillfoot answered quietly. Quillfoot had always been a bit jittery and nervous. Fishcloud didn’t reply. Her mentor, Fallingshadow, was Stonethroat’s sister…so she wouldn’t have a negative opinion on the leader-to-be.
“Snowstream!” a voice called from across the clearing. I nodded in thanks, and trotted away. It was Redheart. Salmonfoot glanced at me and then left. He had snagged a claw while descending from the cliff to tell the clan about Springstar. “Snowstream. Longfeather mentioned something about a prophecy…would you be willing to share with me? As you did not before?”
The prophecy! Why hadn’t I told Redheart about it? “Well…Longfeather told me that Firestar said to say that the rising star will bring false loyalties.” I told him quietly. Redheart nodded in consideration.
“Thank you. You may go. I hear Stonethroat calling you,” he dismissed, turning his back to me. I tentatively walked out and went to where he was sitting.
“Snowstream,” he greeted. I nodded, and sat down to where he beckoned to, “Snowstream…who is you father?”
“Sorrowheart,” I murmured. I didn’t look like her at all.
“Who is your mother?”
“I don’t know.”
“I do."“Who is she?” I whispered, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know. I could sense tension in the air, and I felt nervous as a cornered mouse.
“A she-cat by the name of Sasha. One of Tigerstar’s mates. You were raised by Skyfeather. I brought you to the clan. You were the third kit in her litter. Hawkfrost, Snowstream and Mothwing. Do you know who my father is?” I shook my head. “My father is Tigetstar.”
“I have heard he was an ambitious, skilled warrior,” I answered honestly. He purred for a moment.
“Are you willing to become my deputy? I know your skills, and I believe that you can be a good deputy, and maybe you will outlive me,” he said. I gasped. I hadn’t had an apprentice!
“But I haven’t had an apprentice!” I protested.
“I have had a sign. I mentioned it to Redheart, I will provide a reason why. Just wait for the ceremony. I just wish you not to be surprised.”
“Yes, Stonethroat, thank you.”
He nodded, then dismissed me to take a nap. Longfeather found me as I left.
“What did he say?” he hissed. I explained to him what Stonethroat had said. He looked astounded. He recovered from shock in a minute and left to the area in which most of the rouges stayed. He’s going to tell them about the prophecy! I thought. I had no change to ponder it for a time, because Stonethroat called a meeting.
“Cats of SkyClan, I call you again to proclaim the deputy of SkyClan. I speak these workds before the spirits of my ancestors, that they may hear and approve my choice…Snowstream will be the new deputy of SkyClan!”
Before I had a chance to respond, the soothing voice of Swiftbrook cried out, “But she had not had an apprentice!”
“Let me explain: When I went to the river to ponder the position of our clan…I saw for a moment, the river freeze over. It was a stream of ice and snow. I explained it to Redheart, and he told me it was a sign from StarClan, that even thought she has not apprentice, she is the right deputy.
“I think that StarClan is saying to you that you should step down and let her be leader,” Thistlefire objected. “It makes more sense if the send that to the deputy. If they wanted you to choose this…then why didn’t they send it to the medicine cat?”
“I do not choose the deputy for the leader. It is a choice on his part alone,” Redheart replied promptly, while his face betrayed his frustration.
“Then why did Stonethroat let StarClan influence his decision?” Thistlefire challenged. A few of the other warrior agreed, chanting ‘Snowstream is our leader!’
“Silence!” Redheart growled, overpowering their meek chants. They quieted, and listened to the enraged tom, “We have had a sign, and I have interpreted. This is my interpretation, and this is what I believe StarClan is saying. Anyone who thinks differently…StarClan will judge your motives.”
That silenced the crowd. They looked to Stonethroat to say some more.
“Further more, I would like to name Frogkit, Juniperkit, Palekit and Oakkit their mentors, as they have come to their sixth moon. Salmonfoot, you have shown your ability to stay calm in peril and vast warrior skills, we trust that you will pass them to Frogpaw,” the two cats touched noses. The young apprentice’s face shone with pride.
“Fishcloud, you have shown your nobility and fighting skills with the rouge’s attack, we trust you will pass them to Juniperpaw,” the Juniperpaw licked Fishcloud’s shoulder. Stonethroat glanced around, watching the stunned warriors’ expressions.
“Brushtalon, you have shown your strength and skills in the rouge battle, we trust you can pass this on to Palepaw,” he touched noses with the quivering apprentice.
“Snowstream, you have shown your loyalty and intelligence in the face of StarClan, and we trust you can pass this on to Oakpaw,” I stepped forward and touched noses with the cream-colored apprentice. Thistlefire and Shineheart brimmed with pride, as we chanted the four apprentices’ names.
“One more thing, as the leader-to-be of SkyClan, I am preparing to travel to the Whispering Cave, so Snowstream shall be in charge until then.”
The warriors dispersed, and retreated to their dens. The newly named apprentices looked eagerly to their mentors for assignments.
“Oakpaw, there should be room in the apprentice den. I expect you to be ready for some training in the morning,” I warned him. My apprenticeship held high expectations, but it was rewarding to be going to the gatherings and accompanying Redheart to the Whispering Cave for dreams. I would make sure Oakpaw got all of that experience.
“Look! She's the deputy! Mother said she was very wise and thoughtful!” a pale gray tabby kit exclaimed. The other two scurried over to watch. Lilacstream purred, and ushered them back into the nursery. Shineheart would be joining the warriors’ den for a long time in many moons.“Thank you, Snowstream.”I nodded, then gave him a shove towards his den, and then pranced of to my den. It was odd, sleeping on the outside, when I was deputy. My ceremony had been very quiet and inconspicuous. I wonder what the elder’s will think! I laughed. They would probably think it was an omen from StarClan than I would be a terrible deputy.I woke up quietly. It was just a bit before dawn, and a few of the other warriors were stretching their limbs for a normal day. I carefully stepped around the sleeping warriors to meet my apprentice outside. Frogpaw and his mentor, Salmonfoot, were chatting quietly by the fresh-kill pile, which was rather low on food. Oakpaw and I would go hunting together later, I reminded myself.
“Morning Snowstream,” Goldenstripe nodded in greeting, “Who will be going on the dawn patrol?”
I was stunned. I hadn’t even given the dawn patrol a thought. I looked around at the surrounding cats. Goldenstripe, Frogpaw, Salmonfoot, Hawkberry and Ravenstripe were in the clearing. “Will you take Hawkberry and Ravenstripe?”
The two cats heard their names, and strolled over to listen. Goldenstripe nodded, and turned to explain the dawn patrol. Hawkberry eyed me cautiously, and then followed the beefy golden cat. It was to be expected, senior warriors that hadn’t been chosen as depury would feel jealous and spot several of my mistakes. The brown pelt of Timberfoot appeared in the corner of my eye.
Thinking quickly, I called out, “Salmonfoot, will you take your apprentice and Timberfoot for a patrol down by the stream? It would be good experience for him.”
“Yes, I want him to remember the scents,” Salmonfoot agreed. Timberfoot purred at the opportunity to contribute to the Clan, and nudged the nervous apprentice towards the flooding river. When the two patrols were out, I rested by the fresh-kill pile as there rest of the clan emerged from slumber.
Swiftbrook took a hunting patrol out, so the camp was close to deserted. “Snowstream!”
I turned towards Stonestar’s direction. He had received his nine lives, and was to be called Stonestar. He was sitting, Redheart’s bright pelt rustled in the faint breezes.
“Yes?”
“How many patrols are out?” I told him that two patrols, and Salmonfoot had taken his apprentice to the river with Timberfoot to learn the scents, “Ah. Good, the apprentices will have to learn the scents. Where is Oakpaw?”
“He is with the elders, I sent him to clear away their bedding and then take some fresh-kill. I was planning to take him on the sun-high patrol with me,” I replied as I thought about the future patrols. Stonestar noticed my deep thoughts, and purred at my actions that I guessed he had once repeated long ago.
“Good, I was wondering when Springstar would put the rouges to work,” he nodded in approval as he spied the rouges. “Snowstream, I would appreciate it if you kept an eye on Longfeather, I feel nervous about his touchiness. Also, Fallingshadow is moving to the nursery, and we will have just a few less warriors which is…dangerous.”
“Of course.”
Stonestar glanced at Redheart, and the padded towards his den. I dipped my head in respect to the medicine cat, and then made my way over to Fishcloud.
She purred, and playfully swiped her paw over my ears, “Congratulations, deputy. You’re quite the lucky cat these days, and apprentice, and a two new roles! So…when can I go on a patrol? I’m dying to get with Juniperpaw, she’s quite enthusiastic about learning!”
“That sounds like some Clan cat that was just appointed a warrior!” I purred, glancing at the orange apprentice. She was helping Oakpaw with the elders, “Well, you can go on the sundown patrol. I promised Stonestar that I would take Oakpaw on the sun-high patrol.”
“Snowstream,” I scented Longfeather’s unique scent, “So Timberfoot went on a patrol finally? I was getting worried about Stonestar’s thoughts on us.”
Cloudfur stepped forward with a shaky paw next to the white tom, “You don’t think he’ll chase us out, do you Snowstream?”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let him!” I comforted the fretful she-cat. The white she-cat nodded, then stepped back to join Riverblossom, who, thankfully, was sharing a vole with Mistbird. The community is accepting them! I thought with excitement. If they could break the strong barrier of different Clan blood, then SkyClan would have much more warriors and we’d be much stronger. Though the extra strength wasn’t very nessecary. We didn’t have any major rivals.
The prophecies! I reminded myself, Don’t forget the prophecies! The rising star will bring false loyalties!
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Edited by dovesong
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- complete history)
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| cat4prowl | cat4prowl's Comment | 2 | May 1 2008, 6:53 PM EDT by cat4prowl | |
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Thread started: Apr 30 2008, 11:15 AM EDT
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This is very interesting, I hope chapter 2 is coming soon! Some things I could offer as constructive criticism are:
1)expand. It's very short and you could add some details in there. I wanna know more! 2)show don't tell. For example, when you say that Ravenstripe was just made warrior you could describe his appearance and the way he is sitting instead, and maybe mention vigil. From his name, we would know that he was just made a warrior. Other than that, it was very good! I can't wait to see what happens next. I hope this helped! -cat4prowl
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