Redscorch slowly limped into Stealthclan territory. He was home. He smelled the air, happier now. Then he recoiled. Was that Heartclan scent? Trespassers!
He raced towards the camp, claws unsheathed and muscles rippling. Suddenly he stopped as a new scent overcame him. It made him gag. He knew what the scent was. It reminded him of Wolfsoul's death. It reminded him of the earthquakes. He realized what he was smelling with horror. It was the scent of death.
Redscorch's heart raced. How many cats had died? Why was Heartclan there? Had they been invaded? He shook himself back to reality.
He began to move towards the camp again at a brisk pace. The scent of Heartclan was very strong, he realized, as he stood outside of the remains of the thorn barrier. Knowing Mallowstar, Heartclan was probably helping them. He had to be sure though.
He swallowed and padded through the camp entrance. Hearclan warriors moved throughout the camp, rebuilding it. He stood there, shocked.
"Hello there, Redscorch." Deadspirit greeted him. Then he added,"Welcome back to Stealthclan."
"Redscorch?!" A relief yowl sounded from the medicine den. Cinderspirit came racing out, looking at her brother. "Welcome home!"
"Thanks?" He meowed, uncomfortably twitching his ear. "Where's Butterblaze?"
"In there." The light gray she cat flicked her tail towards the medicine den.
The dark ginger tom padded towards the den, stopping at the entrance. "Anything I should know?" He asked.
"He's not well." Cinderspirit admitted.
"Okay." Redscorch heaved a sigh.
He padded into the den without hesitation. The first thing he saw was Littlestorm, frantically checking Jayleaf's wounds. Butterblaze lay alone in a corner, asleep.
"Welcome back, Redscorch." Littlestorm whispered to him.
Jayleaf just flashed his brother a smile.
Redscorch gave them a curt nod and slowly padded over to Butterblaze's side. The ginger tom was curled up in a ball, looking almost normal, except that he only saw three legs. So it's true…He felt pity for his brother. First Butterblaze had been blind, now this. It's outrageous. Is Starclan punishing him for something he didn't do?
