Silverpaw was getting so tired of hearing about the new kits. Sure, they were cute, but now they were asleep or eating most of the time. Plus, Swallowflight was sick, and Silverpaw was pretty sure Lakekit and Sweetkit had caught it. She'd already been sent out twice to collect herbs, and Pebblewhisker had only let her join a couple of training sessions for fighting. Whatever. She didn't need him. Silverdawn was training her at night, and even if the training was in her dreams, she remembered the moves. She was a lot better at hunting now, even fish, which she had never been the best at. Silverdawn was helping her improve her fighting, and had even taught her a new move. Sometimes when she woke up she was sore, but Silverpaw didn't mind the soreness. It meant she was learning how to be a better warrior. The second night she was there, Silverdawn had led her into the pine forest. When Silverpaw admitted it was scary, Silverdawn told her that was why they were there. To learn how to fight even when scared, when hungry, when distracted. To face her fears. And it was working. Silverpaw wished she could tell the others why she was so tired sometimes, but Silverdawn had told her to say nothing. "Cats of Starclan don't usually visit apprentices," Silverdawn said, "They would expect Fernblossom and Greystar to be the only ones able to, maybe Nightfall. Silly warriors."
Tonight was the night of the gathering, and though Silverpaw knew Riverclan was where she belonged, she was worried. What would Reedwhisker say? Would Windclan attack Riverclan? It was the full moon, didn't that mean there was a truce?
"Come on, Silverpaw," came Pebblewhisker's voice, impatient as ever. "Starclan knows why Greystar is letting you come to the gathering, but that doesn't mean you can shirk on your duties. Go bring Littleshine and Swallowflight some water before we leave."
Silverpaw hopped off the rocks near the elders den, and went to Fernblossoms den, grabbing some moss and soaking it in the pool, before carrying it to the nursery. When she came in, Swallowflight was coughing, her kits mewling piteously, trying to get milk. "I've got water," she said through a mouthful of moss, tearing off some and setting it by Littleshine, who was grooming Beechkit. She set the other part down by Swallowflight. From Willowheart's nest, Dawnkit perked up.
"Whats it like being an apprentice, Silverpaw? she asked. "How come you get to go to the gathering and Frostpaw doesn't? You're not even Riverclan, are you-"
"Thats enough, Dawnkit," Willowheart told her sternly, "Silverpaw and her sisters belong here just as much as Frostpaw and her sisters. Thanks, Silverpaw. Good luck at the gathering."
"Thanks," Silverpaw said, hurrying out. She was hoping to get something to eat before it was time to leave, but when she turned her attention towards the freshkill pile, it was almost empty.
"Silverpaw, over here!" Morningpaw was calling her. "You can have the rest of my carp." Silverpaw licked her lips; carp was her favorite, but hesitated. "Its your food," she said hesitantly.
"Its fine, I ate some," Morningpaw said cheerfully, "Besides, you need it more."
"Well...if you're sureā¦" Silverpaw bent down and ate the carp in quick, neat bites.
"Morningpaw, Silverpaw, hurry up! We're waiting for you!" Morningpaw frowned at Blackwater's harsh tone, but didn't say anything.
"Coming!" Silverpaw replied. The two apprentices hurried out of camp and followed the group to the island.
The gathering was as crowded as last time, but the clearly noticable stink of Windclan made Silverpaw nervous. Were there supposed to be so many here? She was shaken from her thoughts when she heard Goldenpaw's cheerful greeting. The two chatted for a while, then the gathering began.
"Riverclan is doing well," Greystar mewed, "Swallowflight and Littleshine have had their kits. Also, we have two new warriors. Fishclaw and Blackfang!" Silverpaw cheered along with the others. Greymist stood up. There had been murmuring all evening, and now it seemed she would explain her standing there.
"Hollystar has moved to the nursery, so I am standing in for her." Silverpaw was surprised by that. Leaders could have kits? Then again, Greystar was a father, so it seemed Hollystar could as well. Greymist went on to speak of menial things, and Shadowclan spoke, reporting of their deputy expecting kits. Then Windclan stepped forward.
"Windclan is doing well. Despite being our only apprentice right now, Spottedpaw has shown enthusiasm and skill to equal three, and our younger warriors have shared the apprentice duties." He seemed to be done. Silverpaw was relieved. Then he spoke again. "One moon ago, my new deputy, Reedwhisker, stepped forward and admitted he had fathered kits outside the clan." Cries of anger rose. "However, I have elected to allow him to remain in his position. Reedwhisker is a valued warrior. This is not why I am telling you. One moon ago, Reedwhisker told me that not only had he had kits with a loner, but that then that loner had joined Riverclan. She had had her kit in Riverclan, and they had grown up in there. He had hesitated to say anything before, he said, because of their youth, but now that they were old enough to survive without their mother, was it not Windclan's right to claim them?" Silverpaw hissed. No, it was not. How dare Hawkstar say that? "One moon ago, Reedwhisker and Runningpaw travelled to Riverclan and asked that Silverpaw, Littlepaw, and Morningpaw come with him. Riverclan was given one moon to make their final decision. And what is it, Greystar? Will you let their fathers clan take them? Do you really want to fight us on the manner?"
Greystar did not speak for a long time. Silverpaw stared at him. Had he changed his mind? Would he give them up, after all?
"No." Greystar spoke clearly. "They have been raised Riverclan, Hawkstar. If you wished to lay your claim on them, you should have done so sooner. They belong in Riverclan."
Hawkstar narrowed his eyes. "Have it your way, Greystar." Mousestar and Hollystar had been watching this back and forth. Windclan and Riverclan warriors were hissing at each other. Would there be a battle right there? Then Mudfrost spoke.
"Clouds are covering the moon!" The pale brown she-cat's fur was on end as she stared at the sky, terrified. "Starclan is angry!"
"The gathering is over!" Hawkstar shouted, "But Windclan will not give up this battle, Greystar!"
"Neither will Riverclan!" Greystar spat. The leaders leapt off the trees. Silverpaw padded over to Pebblewhisker. For some reason, Cloudstep was with him.
"Time to go," he growled, herding her towards the tree bridge. He and Cloudstep walked close by on either side, making Silverpaw feel cramped. Then Silverpaw caught sight of Morningpaw being escorted there as well, and realized they were being protected, in case Windclan tried anything. Thankfully, no cat tried to take them, and soon they were off the tree bridge and heading to camp. Silverpaw was shivering. What would happen now that Windclan had made their claim public knowledge?
