Herringpaw tried to drag herself up onto the bank of the river, clawing futilely at the slippery edges. She only succeeded in pulling out several clumps of grass and soil. The young River Clan apprentice made several more attempts before half-accomplishing her task. Exhausted, she draped herself over the edge, her forepaws on the bank and almost all of the rest of her in the icy river.
Herringpaw glanced down at her wound. Though the freezing chill of the swift-flowing river numbed the pain, the apprentice saw the red of her blood clouding the once-clear waters. She knew that she was dying. The trespassing Thunder Clan warrior had ripped into the soft flesh of her underbelly, leaving deep gouges and tearing the pelt off of her midriff. The enemy cat had also killed her mentor.
I thought I was strong enough... Herringpaw thought. I thought I was strong enough to save you, Riverpelt. I failed you. I'm sorry.
"I'm s-sorry," Herringpaw said out loud. Blood rose in her mouth and dribbled out onto the riverside grass.
River Clan will hear about this, Herringpaw vowed. And when they do, Thunder Clan will have a price to pay. I swear, Riverpelt, our deaths will not go unnoticed. Star Clan sees all.
And not a single thing, save for Star Clan, saw the six-mooned apprentice die on the bank of the river on that sunny afternoon.
Not a single thing.
I was intending this to be a one-shot, but I thought it was too interesting to not continue it. Updates will be irregular because I am really busy right now. Review and tell me what you think...this is my first Warriors fanfic.
-E.S.