CONFESSION

Runningpaw's first few weeks at Shadowclan went smoothly. She was friends with Scarletpaw and Duskpaw. Morningpaw was not her favorite, but not an unkind she-cat. Serpentpaw was a tall tom, who was unusually kind to her. He was very handsome.

But wherever Runningpaw went trouble wasn't too far behind. It was Runningpaw's fate to have to run. She had lots to run from.

The next thing that could happen was Runningpaw's bad luck to ruin so much.

She was on a hunting squad with Scarletpaw, Gustpelt, and Blackleaf. They caught a few mice then headed back.

"Your fighting skills have improved." Blackleaf told them both. As they entered camp, the great tranquility came to an end.

"Pineheart is dead," cried Dawnwing from the medicine cat den. Cats rushed to her. Dawnwing, the young medicine cat, had been tending to Pineheart, the very sickly deputy, for weeks.

Mossstar came immediately. He padded over to Dawnwing and they left.

"Well," said Icepelt, "From what I have heard from Riverclan at the Gathering, Runningpaw would have experience with dead deputies…"

Runningpaw's pupils became very small. Icepelt knew. She stumbled backwards. Then she turned and she ran. She skipped through the forest until she could only hear a faint echo of Gustpelt calling after her.

A growl came forth from the trees. Out came three wolves: Patchstorm, a she-wolf, Firepaw, a black she-wolf with orange eyes, and Midnightpaw, a bright black he-wolf.

"This is land for Snowpack!" Runningpaw crouched in trepidation. A snarl came from behind her.

"Thanks for finding my apprentice, they are easily lost." Runningpaw turned around and saw Gustpelt, standing proudly. As soon as they left the dogs, her mentor snapped,

"What were you thinking, running off like that? Runningpaw, if something happened in Riverclan, you ought to tell me." Runningpaw could feel herself begin to cry.

"Gustpelt, I'm horrible. I'm a traitor. That's why Riverclan kicked me out. And if Mossstar had any brains he would, too!"

"No, he wouldn't are you going to tell me what happened or not?"

"My mentor," Runningpaw muttered between wails, "was Swiftfoot, the deputy of Riverclan! He was such a good mentor. I KILLED HIM."

Gustpelt looked puzzled. She smiled and told her apprentice,

"It was just an accident, I'm sure. That happens all the time."

"No!" Runningpaw shook her head. "You don't understand! My poor kind mentor… I purposely killed him. I MURDERED HIM!"

Gustpelt's eyes widened to three times their normal size.

"What?" she gasped.

"You heard me! Fine, I'll tell you why…" Runningpaw's face was covered in tears.


AAAAA ... Cliff -hanger! Please REVIEW...