Chapter 9
As I crept into the nearest den I heard Breezefall paw steps coming up quickly behind me. Looking around I realized I was in the nursery and everyone was sleeping. Peeking outside the entrance I saw the black tom looking around for me. There would be no time to go over to another den so I'd have to hide here in the meanwhile. Walking past Dewspots and her kits in a slow manner I looked down at the kits. They, the five kittens, were breathing in slowly as they slept peacefully beside Dewspots. I smiled at the scene then remembered that three of the kits would die soon. Grimacing I padded behind Dewspots and went a tail length away from the queen and kits.
Now Breezefall would have to find me in here. I settled down and watched the nursery carefully. Minutes went by before I heard a feline enter the den. I didn't look up from Despots and her kits. How could Dewspots be so at peace with the whole deal? Her kits were going to die. But how did Kestrelwing know that they were going to die? Nuggetkit, Coldkit, and Tripkit didn't look sick, just weaker and smaller than Cloudedkit and Shroudedkit. Usually the ill kits died, but that didn't mean they couldn't survive. The cat that had entered the nursery padded closer to me. Still I didn't look over to see the warrior.
"You shouldn't be in here." Whispered Breezefall as he stood beside me. My eyes focused on Shroudedkit as he pushed closer to Cloudedkit. Cloudedkit snuggled up to her brother as a reaction. I smiled slightly at the pair of close siblings. That was how Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and I were, right? Maybe…I couldn't really remember all too how about my family. Sure, little bits and pieces, but that was it. "Hollybranch?" I heard a voice speak and a paw waved in front of my face. Looking up to the warrior with sorrow filled eyes, his face stiffened.
"What are you thinking about?" He mused. "Nothing much. Dewspots' kits are really something." I openly answered then looked away. "Yeah, I real pain in the behind. No one can compare to you, though." Breezefall mewed. I glared at the big tom for a second before lifting my nose in the air. Out of the corner of my emerald eyes I could see the bully grinning like an evil kit. Instead of facing him head on I lifted my nose higher. "I have no idea what you're talking about." I spat.
"I guess ThunderClan warriors can't take a joke." The ebony colored trooper whispered and settled down next to me. I rolled my eyes at him then looked back at the grey and white kits. "It's sad to know that they'll die." I whispered sadly. His amber eyes turned to me. "Who told you that?" He asked, half bewildered. Suddenly I felt uncomfortable. "Dewspots told me about her kits and how they're going to die…" I trailed off as a smile appeared on his face. "Dewspots told you?" I nodded at his question and his eyes brightened.
"She hasn't spoken much to anyone other than her kits and Kestrelwing since Harespring died. Back in the past she was a determined warrior, who kept to a few close friends, but you could tell she would fight tooth to claw for WindClan. Lately she lost interest and stayed in the nursery making her kits happy." Breezefall explained. There was a light in his eye when he talked about cats in his clan. He loved WindClan a lot despite his indifference at Gatherings and past journeys together. Yes, he was a good and loyal warrior. "Thank you, Hollybranch, for talking to her. She's needed it." He touched his nose to my cheeks in thanks. At the connect I blushed. Luckily I had dark fur to cover my reddening cheeks. Then his nose left my cheek and he rose from the ground.
"We better get out of here before Kestrelwing scolds us for being in the nursery." The leader's son said in a hurry. I left with the handsome warrior without a thought. Everytime he touched me, I felt butterflies in my stomach. What was that? Embarrassment at his affect- I stopped myself. No, there were no affections between us. We were both loyal, decent warriors and it was going to stay that way no matter what happened during my time here. Nothing would stop me from going back to ThunderClan. I looked at Breezefall as he went to go talk with a young cat. Nothing could. After awhile Breezefall came up to me with the other feline he had been talking with. This cat was a smooth white and ginger colored she-cat with green eyes flashing with doubt.
"Gingerpaw, this is Hollybranch." The black tom looked straight at me with hardened eyes. I had to remember he was different around his clanmates. Only when he was alone could he be himself. "Hollybranch, this is Gingerpaw, my apprentice." I nodded to the pretty she-cat as she gulped and looked to Breezefall for comfort. He offered and gave none. "We're going on a hunting patrol with Hollybranch and another warrior so you better make nice with her or else ThunderClan will come and kill you." The dark warrior snapped and left us alone.
The frightened apprentice looked at me. She was shivering at the sight of me. Gingerpaw wasn't very confident in my opinion, but perhaps she shined in another light other than social skills. I offered her a polite smile, but instead of returning the favor she pinned her ears back and lowered to the floor in defeat. "There's no need to do that." I mewed softly. She looked at me through clouded eyes then shook her head. "Gingerpaw!" Breezefall yelled at his apprentice harshly. He padded up to us with another tom cat. This new warrior was brown with amber eyes glaring at me.
As Breezefall scolded the shivering apprentice the warrior looked me over with casted eyes. His amber eyes compared to Breezefall's were haunting and inspecting me. I sat up straight and looked at him directly in the eye. This cat was judging me so I might as well show him what a ThunderClan looks like up close. ThunderClan was tough, strong, and intelligent forest felines so I couldn't give him anything less. "Anyway, Antpelt, this is Hollybranch, the ThunderClan warrior that's staying with us until she's healed." Breezefall introduced us as the newly named Antpelt stopped his judgment for the time being.
"I hope you don't plan on staying forever." Antpelt hissed and started towards the entrance. "I wouldn't dream of it." I growled in reply, but he couldn't hear me. Breezefall trotted up towards the older warrior before taking the lead of the patrol. I padded after the two warriors with Gingerpaw behind me. We walked out of the camp with Breezefall in the lead. I sighed in the silence. There was something wrong with me.
This morning I was flirting with Breezefall and then there was that moment. My eyes shifted in discomfort. My promise to Kestrelwing about me not flirting was wrong. A shadow filled the inside of my heart because I broke my promise to the medicine cat. I should have been disappointed in myself for playing with Breezefall, but I just felt a peaceful presence over coming me. Green hues traveled up to the black tomcat in the lead. He carried a wistful air about him and powerful stance. Any she-cat could fall in love with him easily. Soon I would be going back ThunderClan.
Then again he was always on the edge with WindClan so no one could get to know him. What an awful trait to have. To be loyal, yet so reserved and guarded. Emerald eyes softened as they searched the ebony WindClan warrior. Kestrelwing had said that Breezefall could become a leader. The only way that could be true was if he had popularity and respected by his clanmates. Blinking, I remembered that the clan's were different. They must have some sort of ritual or a special way of choosing the next leader. Curiosity shimmered in my mind at the thought. Maybe I could ask Breezefall some time. Yes, that sounds good.
Gingerpaw's paw steps faltered as I continued to walk. Turning around I saw the apprentice shivering more than usual. "Gingerpaw?" I asked, not moving an inch. She didn't respond and looked to her left in fear. "Gingerpaw, can you smell something?" Breezefall came up to my side. Our pelts were barely touching, but I could feel tension running through our fur at connect. His apprentice looked back at him for a moment then back to the left. "It-It's…" The white she-cat took in a deep breath. "Riv-RiverClan." She squeaked and shook violently.
RiverClan? Those were the water warriors, right? Yes, I can barely remember the night I broke my legs, but their name stood out along with a pair of glowing yellow eyes watching my every move. In the time I had been thinking Antpelt had come up to the rest of us. "I say we warm the clan before we do anything." I heard myself saying. "If they bought those big cats again it's going to cause trouble and we can't let any more warriors die." Breezefall looked at me, a flare in his eyes. "There is no need to concern yourself in this matter." He glared at me before looking at Gingerpaw again. "How many warriors are there?" He asked softly. "About two or three." She said instantly.
"Gingerpaw, go back to the camp and tell Crowstar that we've gone to take care of the intruders." Breezefall ordered. Gingerpaw backed up at his order before nodding. "Wait," Hissed the brown tom standing next a ways off. "I agree with Hollybranch to tell you the truth." Antpelt glared at me then turned to the leader of the patrol. "Your apprentice isn't known for being anything. She's just a shivering mouse compared to Shroudedkit or Cloudedkit, so why should we trust her judgment?" He asked. Breezefall's fur bristled at that. "Don't undermine my apprentice when she stands before you and remember she is the best tracker in WindClan." The amber eyed tom beside me hissed. My eyes looked at Gingerpaw. Her eyes were shining with happiness and admiration towards her mentor. Antpelt was about to speak before going quiet.
"Hurry up Gingerpaw!" The warrior demanded. The apprentice bolted out of the area before anyone could blink. My friend turned back to Antpelt. "You are not leader of this patrol, so you get no say in what we do." The usual look in his soft amber eyes hardened meeting Antpelt's dark hues. The brown warrior bristled and tensed ready to attack. I looked nervously between the two warriors before trotting between the pair of toms. "Come on, you guys. Let's go take care of the intruders." I suggested, but they stood their ground. Their eyes never left their opponent. "If we have to take care of intruders we better get started." Antpelt hissed at the black warrior and grinned. I smiled lightly knowing that Breezefall would agree and this would be over with.
However the black warrior stood there glaring at Antpelt. I nudged my friend and he looked down at me for second to see the pleading gaze in my eye. "Fine." He growled giving Antpelt one last glance before leading the patrol. I waited for a second seeing Breezefall walk away from us. Like any cat I had the instinct to follow my patrol leader, but I stood there watching him go. Antpelt didn't follow him either and watched me look after Breezefall. "Don't go thinking you can steal Breezefall like Leafpool did with Crowstar. I won't allow that to happen even if I have to dirty my paws." Antpelt snarled, warning me to stay a safe distance from my friend. Was it so oblivious that I might have feelings for Breezefall? I would never pursue them. "I would never do that." I mewed solemnly to the tomcat before catching up with the ebony warrior.
Breezefall looked angry as he scented the air for the intruders. He pointed towards the left with his tail. His body lowered into a stalking position, I followed him, and Antpelt did the same. I smelled the air for RiverClan and a fishy scent came to my nose. My whiskers twitched at the fresh smell of water warriors. Then I saw one of them. The RiverClan warriors appeared powerful as water clang to their pelts and a lot bigger than WindClan. Breezefall gave me a glance and I pounced for the nearest RiverClan warrior. I made connect with the enemy warrior and we rolled on the dusty floor clawing for each other. I felt a bite go into my ear. I hissed in anger and stabbed the trooper's stomach. Before I could open its belly the warrior got to its feet. Without a thought I jumped up and bowled under the grey warrior to knock it off balance. The stone colored she-cat fell over its limbs flying up as it landed on its back. Twisting around I leapt onto the cat's form and reached for its throat. The feline under me froze believing that I would kill it.
"Get off of WindClan's territory or I will make sure you do." I snapped and then in a low whisper. "Dead or alive." Malice laced my voice. Lifting one of my front paws I clawed the warrior's shoulder and jumped off. The old she-cat got up, fleeing the scene of dishonorable conduct. "Reedwhisker, Frostwind they won this round, but we'll be back for more." She yelled. Her warriors chased after her saying her name. "We're coming Mistystar." I glared after the RiverClan felines before looking to how Breezefall and Antpelt faired against the other two. Antpelt had a cut on his shoulder and Breezefall appeared to be fine, but there was blood dripping off of his tail. They were both panting with me. "I guess WindClan showed them." I called to the pair. They said nothing, but Antpelt seemed pleased as his licked his chest fur. "We're going back to the camp. Crowstar will want to know what happened." Breezefall growled, once again taking the lead.
I wondered got him so mad. We just won a fight against the cats who won last time. Wasn't that good? Well, I thought so. Antpelt pelted after his clanmate and I followed the irritated warrior. My tail dragged in the dirt seeing Breezefall so maddened by something. I came to meet Antpelt's pace, falling in line beside him. He may not be so kind to me, but maybe he could answer my question. "What do you want?" He asked in a slightly lesser cruel tone. "I was wondering why Breezefall's so mad?" I questioned looking towards the ebony warrior foxlengths away. "What you said a while ago." He answered his voice going back to the mean way. "What did I say?" I said stunned a little. I hadn't said anything upsetting. "You said, I guess WindClan showed them. He's disturbed by the fact you considered yourself a part of WindClan and so am I." Antpelt replied with the roll of his eyes.
"But I meant we showed them, not WindClan. That just makes it sound worse. Erm…" I meowed quickly trying to defend myself. "You're going back to ThunderClan once you recover your memories so don't make anymore while you stay with us." The brown warrior advised. Looking sheepishly at me, he mewed something odd. "Thank you for your fighting skills back there." He raised his head and quickened his pace. I smiled hearing the warrior thank me. He wasn't an enemy to me just a protective WindClan warrior.
Chapter 10
Finally the patrol made it back to the camp where there was a clan worried sick for their clanmates. A large grey-black tom stood on a rock looking down at his clan. He looked similar to Breezefall, so I could only guess this was Crowstar, his father. I stood glaring at the leader before noticing a speckle colored tom coming towards me with herbs. His green eyes filled with concern for me. I felt someone run into me. Looking down I saw Shroudedkit and Cloudedkit looking up at me with the same concern. A beautiful grey she-cat ran after the pair of kits worry staining her face. She licked my cheek and smiled at me. "We were worried about you, even Kestrelwing." Dewspots mewed looking back at the medicine that dropped the herbs next to Cloudedkit.
Kestrelwing took a leaf and chewed it. He'd have to apply that to my ear. "How was the battle?" Shroudedkit asked his body wiggling with excitement. His eyes widened with amusement, but then a paw was placed on his head. "Don't ask her questions like that. She probably wants some rest and food." Dewspots scolded her son. "Then we'll get her a hare from the prey pile. Come on, Cloudedkit." Shroudedkit ran off to a very small pile of animals with his sister trailing not far behind. "I'm fine really. I don't need any rest with most of your warriors in the medicine cat den. I can't allow WindClan to strive if I could help prevent it." I bent my head down for Kestrelwing to apply the herb to my ear. Dewspots smiled at my response. "And WindClan feels the same about you, so we have to protect you from yourself." Kestrelwing responded.
I looked over at the tom and smiled. For the first time in a long time I felt I had a place in one of the clans. "Hollybranch?" An ebony tom called my name through the crowd. Turning to where the sound was coming from I saw Breezefall in the middle of the crowd looking for me. "I better go help my kits get that hare." Dewspots excused her and Kestrelwing offered to help. They seemed to like it when Breezefall and I were alone despite what Kestrelwing said about not falling in love with the handsome deputy material tom. "There you are." Breezefall mewed coming up to me. He was still mad about what I said. "Crowstar would like a word with the patrol later." He mewed then took a step to leave. "Breezefall," I began. "What I said before…I didn't mean it in the way you thought." I explained. With his back turned to me, he nodded the left for the crowd again.
Sighing at his stubbornness I saw Dewspots coming over with a mouse in maw and the kits trailing behind. She dropped the prey next to me. "Thanks." I mumbled. My mood had been soured by Breezefall. "I must head back to my kits now." Dewspots mewed and pushed Cloudedkit and Shroudedkit towards the nursery. "But we want to stay with Hollybranch. She'll be lonely if we leave." Shroudedkit piped up facing his mother. His mother said nothing then looked at Cloudedkit. The little she-kit looked at her brother, who was pleading her with his eyes, then turned back to her mother. "Can we please stay?" Cloudedkit asked. Even though the grey and white she-kit didn't like me, she loved her brother. That was a good trait to hold in a kit. Dewspots looked to me and I nodded. If the kits wanted to stay it would cause me no trouble. "Okay then, but remember to come back once Hollybranch is tired of you two." Dewspots left with that. Shroudedkit turned in my direction while Cloudedkit looked off to the side.
"What was it like? I wish I would have been there. Gingerpaw sounded scared, but I could have taken those RiverClanners." The tom bared his teeth and his claws scraped the ground. "Of course, you could." I smiled, amusing the kit. He was a dreamer. The mostly grey tabby kit went into a low crouch and stalked a short distance before lashing a paw out on Cloudedkit. His sister jumped up before his paw could make connect. She turned to face her brother with a smile on her face. Cloudedkit was smaller than her sibling, but she was able to deliver agile movements to his bold statements. They fought for a short while before Cloudedkit pinned her brother down. "You always win." Shroudedkit whined. "That's because I'm better than you." She teased then noticed me staring at her. The innocent kitten looked away and sat down a tail length off, her back turned to me. She'd come around, I hoped. I started to eat up my mouse.
"You didn't answer my question, Hollybranch. What was it like?" Shroudedkit asked for the third time today. "Well, we faced RiverClan as you know. We came up from behind the enemy and pounced. I was on the ground attacking a grey warrior then when I about to cut her belly open, she jumped up. In the same second I got to my feet, knocked her over, and won the battle." Shroudedkit's eyes sparkled with fascination. Even Cloudedkit turned in my direction. "Her name was Mistystar if I'm right…" I mewed. "You beat a leader?" Shroudedkit asked. I nodded my head. At that he bounced up and to rumble on. "I can't believe. A cat I know beat a leader and leaders are like impossible to defeat. That's I want to be a leader." Shroudedkit looked at me with huge eyes. "You have to train me, Hollybranch. Then I can beat up Crowstar for being so grumpy." I let a chuckle hearing him say that. From what I remember, Crowstar was a strong tom, but he was rude and inconsiderate to his clan and family. "I don't think your clan would allow that." I mewed reminding the kit that he couldn't. "Oh, but, it would cheer him up." The kitten whined. I just smiled and he smiled too as if he got the joke. Shroudedkit was very likable. Cloudedkit however was reserved and thoughtful; it must be a balanced relationship between the pair. He was the push and she was the pull.
"Shroudedkit, Cloudedkit, I have to take Hollybranch to meet Crowstar now." Mewed Antpelt in a caring voice. He must have been watching us because there was a flicker of laughter behind his hard amber pools. "We'll see you later, Hollybranch." Shroudedkit called then walked over to his sister. They ran off, but not back to the nursery like their mother asked. Kits. I thought rolling my eyes at the siblings bounding off to cause trouble. I turned over to see Antepelt waiting me to come along. "I'm coming." I murmured, biting into the last piece of prey. "What do I do with this?" I asked, pointing to the leftovers. "One of the apprentices will get it." Antpelt replied, his rude voice back into play. I got up and followed the brown warrior towards a den. This den was different than the others. It was small and couldn't easily be seen by invaders. It would be the perfect place to hide an important cat. This must have been the leader's den. Although, I didn't like how secluded the leader was. I shrugged it off, reminding that all clans were different. WindClan's laws were different from ThunderClan's. But I couldn't really remember any about the codes of conduct in my own clan. That wasn't good. I'd remember in time though and if I didn't I'd stay here in WindClan forever… Antpelt entered the den where Crowstar awaited. Feeling nervous I smelled the air for anyone else in the den. Breezefall's scent came through showing he was in there waiting. My nerves relaxed slightly at the thought. Taking a deep breath I entered the lion's den.
Adjusting to the dark light, I noticed Antpelt off to the left, his body stiff. Breezefall had the same form, but in the center facing another feline. Antpelt's pointed for me to go to Breezefall's right side. I complied with the demands and stood rigid a few mouse lengths away from the black tom. That's when I got my first good look at WindClan's leader. He was a small grey-black warrior with light blue eyes. Crowstar was cold, reserved, and debating from the way his eyes shifted between me, Breezefall, and Antpelt. "Breezefall," Even his voice was a chilling north wind as he addressed his son. "You were leader of the patrol, so tell me what made you attack the RiverClan invaders. You should have threatened them and if they didn't get off our land, you should have attacked. Don't cause any more unnecessary actions to hurt WindClan." Blue eyes glared at Breezefall's amber pools. My eyes traced over Breezefall as the leader said those words. He seemed to be hurt by how he looked away from Crowstar's glare for a moment.
"I will be better next time, Crowstar." Breezefall commented. I tilted my head. Where did that come from? Breezefall challenged authority figures, he didn't agree with them. Half-stunned I hadn't noticed Crowstar looking between myself and Breezefall. Suddenly I realized that I had moved closer to the ebony warrior so our pelts were touching. It was so easy to comfort someone, but Breezefall was from WindClan, so I couldn't. I shifted away too quickly and Antpelt glared over Breezefall at me. His eyes were accusing me of loving Breezefall like every other WindClan cat when I didn't. Sure I liked Breezefall-I could admit that much-, but to love him was impossible. That could never be. I turned to face Crowstar, but he had moved on to question Antpelt. That left me to ponder.
Comforting came so easily me, that I couldn't stop it even when I was in WindClan's camp. To me it was a second nature, but to these cats I was the enemy warrior who helped out the clan in a battle. I tensed thinking that. I didn't want them to think of me like that because I liked the cats that I knew even the mouse bile Antpelt. They made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself- No. I was a part of a clan-or what a clan should feel like- that's what I felt like. From laughing with Shroudedkit and Cloudedkit, to patrolling with some cats, learning about Dewspots other three kittens, and-I gulped. Even running out with Breezefall this morning had been a clan thing and that moment we shared...
"Hollybranch," I was addressed in a cool voice. I turned my head towards Crowstar in that instant. "What did you think of Breezefall's plan?" He asked. I met his eyes, never looking back. "I thought we should have headed back to the camp and got a few more warriors. RiverClan has those big cats, so we couldn't stand a chance with just the three of us." I replied. He glared at me. "So you would have risked more warriors to save your behind?" He further questioned. "Well, no, but it would have been safer than three warriors." I said. "But you still would have risked my warriors when WindClan has so few to work with. You, ThunderClan cats don't know anything." Crowstar hissed. A flame blazed in my heart deep, deep down. "We know more than you and your formalities." I growled glaring right back at the ebony leader. "Good-bye, Crowstar. It was a pleasure to see you again." The brown warrior mewed with a bow. This was ridiculous to have cats bowing like that. Antpelt shoved me out of the den at that moment before I could strike Crowstar or he could claw me.
"Don't disrespect Crowstar like that again." Antpelt ordered once we were out of ear shot. Breezefall was still in there with his vile father. "He said ThunderClan was brainless." I snapped. "Then let him." Antpelt hissed back and padded off to some other warrior before I could start it up again. I charged past warriors and to the medicine cat den. Kestrelwing was there tending to some of the wounded warriors. "I want to help, so tell me what to do." I demanded Kestrelwing who was pressing cobwebs to a tom. "Of course, Hollybranch. Come over here and pressed these cobwebs to Falseeye. His wound keeps getting infected, so I'm tearing up the infection and allowing for the pus to be soaked up with cobwebs." He mewed as I came over. This would help calm my nerves as long as no made it worse. I moved my paw next to Kestrelwing's before he took his paw away from his fellow clanmate. "I'll get you more cobwebs." The medicine cat explained and left to the shadows of the den. Applying pressure to the wound I let the warrior wince. He must have been in real pain.
How could Crowstar be so insulting? When he insulted ThunderClan in front of her face she wasn't going to lie down and let him. Besides he had a kit in my clan, so when he said that he was insulting Jayfeather, her family. Lashing my tail I saw Falseeye staring up at me. One eye was focused on me, but the other was shifting away. That was creepy. "You seem mad, young one." The tom reasoned his left eye drifting. "I am." I growled. "Why?" He asked simply. "I was insulted by Crowstar." Falseeye nodded his head. "Crowstar is allowed to say whatever he likes because he's leader. The young warriors, such as you, are to respect his thoughts, but senior warriors, like me, are suppose to challenge him. That's how WindClan has always been. Don't blame yourself for not knowing and remember to say nothing against Crowstar." Falseeye advised me. Instead of trying to understand, I glared at Falseeye. WindClan was so very different from ThunderClan. In ThunderClan any cat could speak up against Firestar's ruling.
Falseeye shrugged and rested his head down.
Chapter 11
Another quarter moon passed uneventful. I hadn't seen Breezefall because he was going on dawn patrols and besides I wanted to avoid him too. Usually I helped Kestrelwing in the medicine cat den caring for Falseeye and other wounded cats. Most of the wounded didn't like that I was helping, but Kestrelwing practically forced them to let me. He had enough in his paws, so he needed my help. Falseeye gladly accepted my help, though which was a relief. He liked to talk about his family a lot and how things went on in the days before the Journey to the lake. I had learned a bunch from hearing him, but he wouldn't explain any more of WindClan traditions when I asked. WindClan was a very secret clan with their culture. But I did learn their deputy had died in the battle with RiverClan and they hadn't gotten a new one. It was odd to me, but Falseeye said I would see soon enough. Other times I spent time with Dewspots and her kits in the nursery. Dewspots was my best friend in WindClan, whose friendship just came so easily. I was also beginning to know another queen by the name of Dawnstripe. Dawnstripe was a ginger tabby who was mates with Owlwhisker. Owlwhisker was happy to see I was here despite what his buddies said. Also, the more I got to know WindClan, the more I remembered and recovered.
As I lay there by the entrance to camp, I sighed. Other than Crowstar being in total control of his young warriors WindClan was a gentle clan. They had a place where Crowstar would summon meetings called the Tall Limb. Tall Limb was a tree with a twisted thick branch poking out to the side. There also happened to be a boulder a tail length under the branch. I hadn't heard Crowstar gathering a meeting yet, but it would be a grand sight. Then I saw Crowstar crawl out of his den. Sometimes he would come out of his den to go on patrols, but he rarely spoke unless to the senior warriors. But the moon patrol was already off, so what was he doing? That's when I saw him jump up to Tall Limb. My eyes widened seeing him. He looked strong and determined like a brand new leader. "Cats able to protect StarClan's realm, gather under the Tall Limb." Crowstar called out. This message was way more unique than ThunderClan's.
Warriors came out in front of the gathering place. I padded up next to Antpelt to see if there was anything special I had to do at this meeting. "Nope just listen to Crowstar." The brown tom ordered then hissed, "Get away from me." I complied with his demand because I had just seen Dawnstripe come out of the nursery with Dewspots not far behind. I walked over to the pair of queens sitting off to the side. They both smiled seeing me and I sat down next to Dawnstripe. "What is this about?" I asked looking to Dawnstripe. Dawnstripe knew basically everything that went on in the clan, so you could say she was a short gossip. "I'm not quite sure…" She mumbled. "But I heard from Tornear that this has something to do with the recent prey loss. He said dogs were seen on out-skirts of our territory." She reported with her blue eyes sparking. "I don't think so." Dewspots mewed looking up at Crowstar with fixed eyes. "Crowstar would be tense if that was it. Maybe it's about who's going to the Gathering next quarter moon." He continued. "Maybe…" I trailed off.
Breezefall had entered the camp at that point with Gingerpaw padding behind him. He turned in my direction and we made eye-contact for a split second before I lifted my nose in the air. His fur ruffled and walked into the crowd of warriors. "As you all know, RiverClan stole Sedgeleaf from this a moon ago, but now it is time for us start the Trial of Claws." Crowstar mewed. There was a cheer at the words, 'Trial of Claws'. What in StarClan was that? Dawnstripe saw my confusion and a sly smile appeared on her lips. "You'll like this very much, Hollybranch." The ginger tabby purred. I looked to Dewspots for an answer, but she said nothing and looked among the crowd. "Kestrelwing, come up here and tell us, who is to enter." Crowstar mewed making room for the speckled medicine cat to join him.
Kestrelwing jumped up to the branch then looked over his clan. "StarClan has sent me some dreams for the Trial of Claws. The first was a dream of a shadow rising up in the form of heather. The second was an owl flying over our moorland, and then a rose thorn was keeping the river water from entering our territory, and a snowflake falling to our camp. Finally I saw an omen today as a breeze carried a piece of grass down safely to the outside of our territory." He took a deep breath. "The following cats are to step forward: Heathershadow, Owlwhisker, Roseclaw, Snowdrift, and Breezefall." I blinked realizing what this was. Those were the choices for the new deputy, but…How the new true deputy decided? That confounded me, but for now I would wait. The five cats stepped forward and faced their clan. Every warrior of the group looked proud. Breezefall was cold as ever though looking reserved.
"WindClan decide on one of these cats to leave the Trial of Claws and never have a chance to enter again." Crowstar demanded. Would I get a vote? Probably not, but I could vote in my head. Roseclaw was a grey tabby she-cat who looked deadly and resourceful and Snowdrift was white she-cat with grey eyes. She looked intelligent and soft, but there was a strength surrounding her. The rest of them I wanted to stay in. Kestrelwing had said Breezefall was a hopeful to become the next deputy. Heathershadow was confident and distant and then Owlwhisker was perky and likable. Any of those three would be perfect.
"I think I'll vote for Roseclaw." Dawnstripe mewed to Dewspots and me. "Yes, Roseclaw has been showing off her skills lately trying to hint at her position in the next Trial of Claws. She's would kill cats to be deputy." Dewspots replied and nodded slightly. "I'll vote for her as well." I looked at the two. From the sounds of it Roseclaw was deadly, so I guess my decision was made. "Dawnstripe?" The cruel voice asked. "Roseclaw." She voted. "And Dewspots?" Crowstar asked the other queen. "Roseclaw." The grey queen mewed. Then the leader looked at me for an answer. "And you, Hollybranch?" He questioned.
Everyone looked in my direction in surprise. This must be some sort of test. I couldn't vote for Roseclaw in fear of following others, so I would have to go with, "Snowdrift." Crowstar seemed pleased and continued to question the votes. From what I heard, Snowdrift was out of the competition by my one single vote and Roseclaw had gone through. The white she-cat stepped back into the crowd. I had an impulse to explain myself, but she made my job easier by coming over to the three of us. "Thank you, Hollybranch." Snowdrift mewed as she sat down next to me. I tilted my head. "I didn't want to be deputy because of how I am." I tilted my head further. "I like to break the rules." She whispered to me.
"Then here are the warriors to follow through the Trial of Claws. Heathershadow, Roseclaw, Owlwhisker, and Breezefall." Crowstar's voice filled with malice saying his son's name. "Prepare yourselves for tomorrow's first task. This meeting is over." Crowstar jumped down from his perch and Kestrelwing followed the leader back to his den. The clan started to cheer for their favorites. "Breezefall! Breezefall! Breezefall!" I cried out into the cheers. Dawnstripe was calling Owlwhisker's name and Dewspots was screaming for Heathershadow. We all grinned at each other, even Snowdrift, who had been cheering for Owlwhisker. It was comforting to know I had friends here and we could agree to disagree on who should be deputy. My green hues turned to see Breezefall surrounded by a few warriors. Although he looked angry, there was a shimmer of glee in his amber eyes.
"I better go see to Owlwhisker. I can't let him get a big head when the trial has only begun." Dawnstripe purred to us and left. "I should go with her." Snowdrift mewed thoughtfully, and then looked between Dewspots and me. "I hope we can talk sometime." She offered hopefully. "Sure." I replied and with that the white she-cat left. Dewspots padded off to give her support to Heathershadow leaving me to watch Breezefall again. His crowd appeared to have died down, so I walked right on over the ebony warrior and bounce in my step. I hadn't spoken to him for a while, but I should now.
"Hey," I greeted stopping face to face with Breezefall. "Hey," He responded dully. "Congratulations on the Trial of Claws, I guess." I looked down feeling shy around him all of a sudden. "Well, I better get going." I mewed and turned around. "Before you go I want to ask you something." Breezefall mewed. I turned around to face him. There was courage in his eyes at that moment. "The Trial of Claws warriors always have a running-mate that is generally of the opposite gender, so I was wondering if you'd like to be mine." He asked. I wanted to nod instantly, but I had no idea what a running-mate was. "What is it?" I mewed. "A running-mate is a… friend of the cat in the Trial. They support them and keep them sane during some of the tasks." He answered. "Yes, I would like that." I said dreamily. "Well, I better get back to medicine cat den. I'm pretty tired." I yawned, but before I could turn around Breezefall stopped me.
"Crowstar has shown that you are part of the clan until you go back, so you have to sleep out here with the clan." Breezefall commented. I felt slightly uncomfortable. Every WindClan warrior had a spot under the stars, but if I slept out here I wouldn't get a wink of sleep. It would be too weird since I had no one to sleep beside. "You can sleep next to me." He offered suddenly. "That would be nice. Thanks, Breezefall." I mewed. He led me to a dark corner of the camp where no one would be able to see us. Everyone else had started to make their way to sleep. Part of me got use to the fact that we had to hide our friendship because so many cats believed that we were going to fall in love. Breezefall settled down and I lay down to the right of him, so no one would see me.
"Good night." I mewed. A chilly wind swept past the place we were laying and I shifted closer to him for warmth. "Good night, Hollybranch." Breezefall meowed, resting his head on my back. We had forgiven each other.