Chapter 3

Shadowstar seemed unusually calm as she sat in front of the two cats.

"Greetings. I am Shadowstar, leader of Dark Clan. What brings you and you apprentice to our territory?"

The gray warrior dipped his head to Shadowstar. "We did not mean to stray onto you land Shadowstar, we only thought the land was run with loners, and when we caught two cats near the border I simply thought to bring them back to see our leader."

Hawkpaw tensed. He was lying. He had tried to attack her when she refused to go with him.

"Hawkpaw. What's wrong?" Willowpaw whispered

"He's lying." Hawkpaw hissed quietly

Shadowstar flicked her ears and narrowed her eyes at the gray cat. "What is your name warrior?"

"I am Ashfur. And this is my apprentice Lionpaw."

Lionpaw turned to Shadowstar and gave her a small nod. He was watching Hawkpaw.

"I will send some warriors to escort you to the border. I would like to meet your leader. So I will send a request for an audience with him." Shadowstar said

"I will send Lionpaw back with your message." Ashfur turned and nodded to Lionpaw.

Lionpaw padded back to the entrance.

"Wait." Shadowstar said stopping him. She turned to Hawkpaw.

"Hawkpaw, go with him."

Hawkpaw's eyes widened in astonishment. "What? Why me?"

"Yes why her?" Foxpaw said. He didn't like the way the golden tabby looked at Hawkpaw and didn't want her alone with him

"Because she was the one to catch them. Besides they are both apprentices, and Hawkpaw can take care of herself." Shadowstar gave Fox paw a stern look that made him fall silent.

Hawkpaw bounded over and led Lionpaw out of the cam and to the border, where she paused. Lionpaw who had gone ahead turned back to her.

"Something wrong? Your suppose to come back to my camp with me."

Hawkpaw shook her head and caught up to him. "I'm fine."

Lionpaw turned back to the forest. "Don't worry. I'll lead you."

Hawkpaw's ears grew hot and she flicked them in an attempt to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling. She followed Lionpaw through the forest looking at her surroundings. The trees grew thicker here and the underbrush was thicker. Lionpaw picked us pace as they came up to a gorse tunnel that probably led to his camp. The cat guarding the entrance moved aside as they both ran through. Lionpaw skidded to a halt in the clearing.

"Firestar! Firestar!"

A cat with a flame colored pelt appeared from a ledge in the high rock wall and padded quickly down to the clearing. Hawkpaw sat next to Lionpaw and curled her tail over her paws.

"Lionpaw. What's wrong? Where is Ashfur?"

Other cats were beginning to gather and Hawkpaw glanced around at the clan.

"We accidentally crossed over the borderline of another clan. Ashfur is with them. He sent me back."

Firestar's face had a look of shock. He apparently had not seen he yet. Hawkpaw shifted uncomfortably. Firestar turned his gaze to her.

"Who is this Lionpaw?"

Lionpaw blinked and turned to her. "This is Hawkpaw. She came with a message for you."

Firestar narrowed his eyes at her. Hawkpaw bowed her head respectfully. "Greetings Firestar."

"What does Shadow Clan want?"

Hawkpaw tensed but remembering her position here she attempted to stay calm.

"I am not from Shadow Clan."

Firestar looked taken back. "You don't look like a River Clan cat and you don't sent of Wind Clan. So you must be Shadow Clan."

Hawkpaw blinked. There were four clans here. "Your right I am neither. But I assure you I am not of this Shadow Clan you speak of.."

Firestar blinked at her. "Are you a loner?" The fur on the back of Hawkpaw's neck bristled. She couldn't stand being called a loner. Did she really look so ragged that she was mistaken for a loner? Lionpaw sensing her unease laid his tail across her shoulders.

"Go on Hawkpaw. You can tell him."

Both Hawkpaw and Firestar looked at Lionpaw.

"Tell me what?" Firestar asked turning his attention back to Hawkpaw.

"I come from Dark Clan."

Yay! Two more chapters done ^_^ Hope you enjoy the clif hanger. Look forward to more