Chapter 1
I had settled into my moss nest, finishing off a mouse I had eaten, when my deputy, Duskpelt, poked his dark brown head though the ferns. His brown eyes settled on me before blinking in respect.
"Sparrowstar, Dawnsong has found a kit and taken it in. I saw no harm in it, she having extra milk since the death of Hazelkit, you know."
"Ahh yes," I replied, "the one that had Greencough, I remember that tragedy." I looked away sadly for a second, before returning my blue eyes on him. "May I see the kit?"
He nodded. "Yes. I believe Shywing has already attended to her wounds."
I dipped my head, getting to my paws. I brushed aside the ferns and followed Duskpelt across the clearing toward the nursery. I poked my head in the entrance and smiled. There, curled up by Dawnsong' belly, was a tiny black kit with cobwebs wrapped around her midsection. My soft blue eyes stay locked on the little kit. I hide my prickling paws.
"Um, she's amazing, Dawnsong. What should we name her?"
Dawnsong blinked in thanks. "Well, I think she looked like a Shardkit."
Duskpelt frowned. "Shardkit?"
Dawnsong returned a frown, worry creasing her forehead. "What's wrong with it? I choose Shardkit because of her eyes."
As if on cue, the kit opened her eyes. I thought they were a stunning shade of green. "Like shards of a broken glass bottle."
Duskpelt raised his eyebrows, but Dawnsong smiled. "So she can stay?"
I smiled down at the little mewling bundle of fluff at her belly. "Yes. Of course."
I looked up to Starclan. "I say this before my ancestors so they may approve my decision." I look back down at the kit, "This kit will join Thunderclan, and be given the name Shardkit."
Dawnsong smiles. "Thank you Sparrowstar." She curled her tail around the kit. I smiled and turned, padding out of the den. I needed Starclan's approval of this kit, and these feelings I feel around her. A leader, in love with a kit? That's crazy! I must consult Starclan at once.
I padded to Shywing's den to collect travel herbs. I parted the ferns to see her on the ground, still. I feel my tail twitch, out of nervousness. I feared the worst and thought Oh Starclan. She can't be dead!
I call out to her. "Shywing? Are you ok?"
Shywing blinked, sheathing her claws and getting them out of the dirt. She licked her lips and gave her chest a quick lick. "Yes, Sparrowstar, I am alright. It was a message, but nothing to worry about. It just startled me. I was about to fall asleep when it came." She had a startled look in her eyes, but I assumed it was nothing.
I nodded, then spoke. "Well, that's good, not being worrisome. I came to ask for herbs. I need to travel to Moonstone. I must speak to our ancestors. I feel a troubling time is to come, but with your message, I feel a little more relaxed."
Shywing got to her paws, smiling. "Yes, or course, herbs."
She made the little bundle, wrapping it in a leaf. She set the bundle in front of me. I dipped my head in thanks, grabbing the bundle with soft jaws and padding out of the den. I settled into my own, hoping to get a good night's sleep before I travel to the Moonstone tomorrow at sun-high.
