Rated K-Plus
"Wetclaw, it's time."
I opened my eyes, looking for the voice. It was my former apprentice, Oakbreeze. I remembered now about my watch.
"Oh, yes, I'll get right to it." I gave a big stretch and yawned.
Oakbreeze purred. "A full day of sleep really can stop you from thinking. You don't need to start until the sun is completely down and the fire party has left."
I went to the fresh-kill pile and grabbed a water vole. It was an easy find on such a nice day, but then I realized it was the only other thing in the pile except for fish. It was fresh and juicy. I almost felt bad for sleeping all day, until I reminded myself I would be up all night guarding the camp. At least, partially guarding the camp. I knew it was stupid because a growing fire was creeping toward the camp, and I was the only warrior assigned.
Rosestar flicked her black tail to beckon the warriors coming. Troutfrost, her deputy, was first, followed by many warriors and two apprentices. After they left, I dutifully placed myself at the entrance. I listened to the camp. Everyone had to be sleeping for me to sneak out. I was going to visit my mate, Cinder, a loner that lives just beyond a small meadow outside of the territory. I started to set out and I was at a stream on the far edge of the territory, but I was interrupted.
"Wetclaw, what are you doing?"
I spun around, afraid. Then I realized it was only Longkit. Even so, I had to think fast.
"Look," I told him, "I can't tell you anything. This is secret." His eyes lit up with the word 'secret'.
"You can tell me!" he mewed.
"No, I can't." Wetclaw realized persisting would give him time to think.
"Why?" the kit whined.
He sighed. "All right, I'll tell you a little bit. I'm-"
"Are you on a secret mission to spy on rogues that might invade?"
Perfect! "Yes, I am. But don't tell anyone. Not even your mother or Rosestar."
"Why not?"
"Because they'll become very afraid. This can be our little secret. And while I'm away, do you want to guard the camp?"
His eyes lit up. "Would I!"
"Good. Now remember not to tell anyone."
"I promise!"
With that, I walked away.
"Cinder?" I called. A familiar gray-black she-cat padded forward.
She looked angry. "I told you not to come if there's a fire in the forest. Especially if you're the only one awake in the camp!"
"But who knows the next time I'll get to see you?" I replied. "Besides, it's just a Twoleg fire that got a bit out of control. It'll be reduced to ash in no time."
"If you're sure…"
"I'm positive. Now come on. Let's do it."
We did the common things we did at night. We ran in another meadow not so close to RiverClan, we fished, we groomed each other, and we looked at the stars. I looked around and saw the moon almost sunk and a tiny bit of dawn visible.
"I'd better go. Goodbye, Cinder." I touched noses with my mate and hurried back to camp so I wouldn't be noticed.
I was too late.
As I walked through the woods, I saw the trees charred ahead of me. I realized with a jolt that the fire had reached the camp. I ran faster than WindClan to reach it.
The whole thing was falling embers and soot. Only the trees survived, but they're barely sustaining. Where's the Clan? I thought frantically. I searched the territory and found them huddled up. I sighed I relief. "I thought you were all dead!"
"Where were you?" Troutfrost hissed.
Longkit jumped in front of me. "He was spying on rogues that were planning on attacking us!"
Rosestar stared at us. "You took a kit with you?"
"No! He followed me. I told him to keep it a secret." I glared at him.
"Wetclaw, there are no rogues planning to attack. What were you really doing?"
I knew I couldn't lie to her. I spilled everything.
Her eyes bore into me like golden flames. "Your mistake cost lives, Wetclaw."
My heart sank. "Who?"
Troutstream pushed forward a blackened she-cat. I didn't recognize her until I saw a patch of brown.
"Oakbreeze…" I moaned. "Who else?"
"She was expecting kits," he spat. "My kits."
I lowered my head in shame. This was my fault. "If you're going to kill me, make it quick."
Rosestar took over. "We aren't going to kill you. You're exiled. If you love a loner so much you'll sneak out of camp while being the only guard during a fire, you're more loyal to her than your Clan. Leave before we reconsider."
I walked away, feeling horrible. I should've done what Cinder told me to do and stay in camp.
I now had two things left: the cinders of my old life and Cinder.
