Chapter 13: A Tragic Loss
Spottedleaf couldn't believe the news she just heard from her apprentice. She knew she was feeling unwell the past several days, but she never thought she would be pregnant. Spottedleaf looks to her apprentice for some advice, "What should I do Cinderpelt?"
Cinderpelt sighs, "Well I advise you to go to the nursery here shortly."
"That is not what I meant. The Clan already doesn't approve of me with Fireheart. Now that I am expecting and pregnant with his kits, they defiantly will shun me now." Spottedleaf stated.
Cinderpelt looks to her, "They will yes…but we need more warriors. Fireheart is a fine warrior and he still holds high standards with the rest of the Clan. You have a choice you know…You don't have to tell the Clan who fathered your kits."
"But everyone will suspect it will be Fireheart, because he and I made it public that we are mates." Spottedleaf stated.
"True. But who can deny that we can still have newborns for the Clan. You will be fine Spottedleaf. Besides, you are no longer a medicine cat, I am. You are free to live out the life you want, without being tided to StarClan's rules. Yellowfang told me that when I saw her yesterday night in meeting with StarClan, same with Featherwhisker. Everyone in StarClan agreed on the matter of your resignation, and for you to be officially unbound by the laws of StarClan. And now that you are expecting, it is no different than a warrior she-cat is expecting kits, because you are a free spirit now." Cinderpelt stated.
That gave Spottedleaf some hope with that. She looks to her former apprentice. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I will tell Fireheart about it. I'm sure he will be happy to hear that he is a father. Or going to be at least." Cinderpelt meows.
"I will tell him later….he is under some stress lately, and still is worried about Bluestar. The last thing he has to worry about is my pregnancy." Spottedleaf stated.
"Well it might be the best news he will receive." Cinderpelt stated.
"Why do you say that?" Spottedleaf asks.
"Because….you are his mate. And I'm sure, that the news of him fathering your kits, will make him the happiest cat in the entire ThunderClan, because he is madly in love with you. Trust me you will probably make his day, by saying he is the father for your kits." Cinderpelt meows. Then she turns her head slightly and peers out into her den. "I have to go and meet with Speckletail and Snowkit. I'll keep the news about your pregnancy private until you are ready to share with others. After all it is your place to share, not mine." Cinderpelt then turns and heads out into the her clearing to examine Snowkit. Spottedleaf then follows after her.
Speckletail looks up at Spottedleaf and guards Snowkit. "What is she doing in here?"
Cinderpelt looks at the old queen. Spottedleaf was about to explain, but Cinderpelt answered for her to cover for her, "She was just coming in here for some herbs, because she was getting a bit of a belly ache. Nothing more."
Speckletail grunted, "Good….I don't need her to influence you on how to become a traitor like her."
Cinderpelt saw the hurt in her mentor's eyes as she brush right past Speckletail. Cinderpelt dismisses the old queen's rude comment about Spottedleaf, and focus in on her patient. "Okay…lets have a look here."
Spottedleaf stayed a good distance away from Speckletail, but she can still see what Cinderpelt was planning to do. Spottedleaf then felt a nudge beside her. It was Fireheart. Spottedleaf looks up at him and purrs. "Did you find Graypool?"
Fireheart nodded, but there was sadness in his eyes, as Spottedleaf picked up on it. "What happened?"
Fireheart let out a sigh, "I'll tell you later." He then picks up a catbird and made his way to Cinderpelt.
Spottedleaf watches as Fireheart moves in. He sits beside Cinderpelt, as she brushes her muzzle to his side. Spottedleaf could tell there is still a good bound between Fireheart's frist apprentice, and her former medicine cat apprentice. After all, she was Fireheart's apprentice, before she was ever became Spottedleaf's. She is happy that he still cares for her, and that Spottedleaf reminded him that she is happy to be a medicine cat. This was her density.
"There's nothing to chat about," Speckletail commented, which broke Spottedleaf's thoughts. "Snowkit is fine."
Cinderpelt dips her head, "Work with me on this, Speckletail. If there is nothing wrong with him, then I won't pursue it anymore. But I need to do this to determine if there is something wrong. Please can you be civil and corporate."
Speckletail sighs. Cinderpelt then turns and nods for Speckletail to sit next to her. "Call his name please."
Speckletail rolls her eyes and calls for Snowkit. "Snowkit! Snowkit, come here!"
Spottedleaf notice that Speckletail beckon her tail as she spoke. Snowkit got up, abandoning the ball of moss he had been playing with, and padded over to his mother. Speckletail bent down and gave him a lick for good behavior. Speckletail then turns to look at Cinderpelt, "See…you notice there is nothing wrong with him. He heard his name."
Cinderpelt is still not convince. "Yes…but I have a few more test. Fireheart." Cinderpelt turns to the flame pelt tom. "Go over by that stump, and call for Snowkit." She utter something to Fireheart that Spottedleaf couldn't hear or Speckletail. Fireheart then goes to the spot where Cinderpelt told him to go.
"Snowkit. Come here Snowkit." Fireheart calls out to the little kit. This time Snowkit didn't move. He just stood there looking up at Fireheart, dumbfounded.
Dappletail came up and sat next to her old friend, "What is going on?"
"None of your business…now go away!" Growls Speckletail. Spottedleaf watches the old elder come and sit next to Cinderpelt. After several calls, Speckletail gets fed up and nudges Snowkit to go to where Fireheart is sitting.
Snowkit purrs as he rubs Fireheart's side, as Fireheart praises the young kit's effort, "Well done."
Snowkit meows to him, "S'all right."
Fireheart let the white kit back to where Speckletail Cinderpelt, and Dappletail is at. Snowkit went in between the comfort of his mother's paws. Cinderpelt closes her eyes and her pretty blue eyes looks at the old queen, "I'm very sorry Speckletail, but your son Snowkit, is deaf."
Spottedleaf thought Speckletail will latch out at her, but she saw that she was working her paws in the dust. "I know he's deaf! I'm his mother for StarClan's sake. Do you think I wouldn't know?"
Dappletail looks at Cinderpelt and Fireheart, "White cats with blue eyes are often deaf, I remember one of my first litter…"
"No one needs your sob story Dappletail!" Speckletail hisses.
Fireheart ignores her rude outburst, "What happened to him?"
"No cat knows. He disappeared when he was three moons old. We thought a fox must have gotten him." Dappletail told him.
"Well no fox will get this one. I can look after him." Speckletail nuzzles her son closely.
Spottedleaf didn't even notice that Bluestar was beside her as she made her way to where Fireheart and the three she-cats where, "I'm sure you can. But I'm afraid he can never be a warrior."
Speckletail looks up at her leader. This time her hostile went away, "Why can't he be a warrior? There's nothing else wrong with him. He's a good, strong kit. He gets on just fine if you signal what he's got to do."
"That's not enough," Bluestar told her. "A mentor couldn't teach him to fight or hunt by signals. He couldn't hear commands in a battle, and how could he catch prey if he can't listen, or hear the sound of his own pawsteps?"
Speckletail felt hurt by Bluestar's truthful words. Her fur bristle just then as she leapt to her paws to defend for her son's honor. She then turns and picks up Snowkit by his neck and carries him back to the safety of the nursery. Spottedleaf saw tears forming in her eyes as she brushes past her. Spottedleaf then slowly walks up and sat down beside Fireheart, as she felt his comfort. She hopes that StarClan doesn't give her this burden; with the kits she is carrying.
"She's taking this as a negative way." Dappletail stated.
"How do you expect her to take it?" Asks Cinderpelt "She's getting old. This could well be her last kit, and now she learns he can't ever be a warrior. At least you had multiple litters after your experience with a deaf kit."
Bluestar looks at her new medicine cat, "Cinderpelt, you must talk to her. Make her see that the needs of the Clan must come first."
"Yes of course, Bluestar." Cinderpelt looks at her leader, "But I think it's best for her to have a little time alone with Snowkit first, to let her get used to the idea that the rest of the Clan knows about his deafness."
Spottedleaf watches as Bluestar made her way back to her den. This is the first time she have seen her leader out of the den. Some of her old self is coming back, but still she notice that Bluestar was lacking her compassion towards others, and was being more insensitive.
Fireheart looks to her and he lead him and her to an isolated spot in the Clan where he can talk with her. "I feel bad for Speckletail." Fireheart admitted.
"She will find away to cope." Spottedleaf encourage him. "You want to tell me what happened to Graypool?"
Fireheart looks at her, "She fell to her death, when I try to get her." Fireheart looks to her. "You were right when you said that disease is fatal."
"It's an awful disease to have. I was told by my mother, that my grandfather had it. My mom's dad. Goosefeather had to sedate him, because he was so far gone." Spottedleaf stated. "He died by drowning in the river, shortly after my sister Leopardfoot was born."
Fireheart nuzzles the back of Spottedleaf's dark brown ears. She loves his touch. "You feel okay?"
"Yeah…why do you ask?" Spottedleaf asks.
"Back there in the woods, you threw up. Are you sure you're not sick or something?" Fireheart asks, deeply concern about his mate's health.
Spottedleaf wanted to tell him that she found out that she was pregnant, but she didn't know how he will take the news as a good thing or bad. Or will it be another thing that Fireheart will have to worry about. Spottedleaf decide that this wouldn't be the right time to tell him that she was baring his kits, "No I'm fine, besides, I think it was the exhaust from the monster that made me vomit. I've never been that close to one before."
"Okay…I'm just checking." Fireheart told her. "I don't want you to die on me or become fatal ill. I love you too much. Besides, I was kind of hoping that you will be the mother of my kits someday."
Spottedleaf looks at him. As she raises her eyebrows a bit, "Really? You are thinking about kits?"
"Well yeah…..I see how Whitestorm is with his, and back in RiverClan, I saw the look in Graystripe's eyes when he is around his. I want to share that, and be a father, and to be the father of your kits. You are the sexiest cat in ThunderClan. And I seen the way you were with Cinderpelt after her accident. I want you to be the mother of my kits. I fell in love with you, and want to share a life with you, Speckles." Fireheart admitted.
Spottedleaf looks into Fireheart's emerald eyes. She can tell he really wants to be a father. Cinderpelt is right, he will except the news no matter what how much stress and worries he has. Spottedleaf took a deep breath and decided that maybe she should tell him. "Well do you want kits now?"
Fireheart turns back at her, "Now? As in this moment, now?"
"Yes.." Spottedleaf subtle hinting to him.
Fireheart looks around, "I don't see why not. I mean, I could ask Whitestorm to cover for me for the evening patrol, and we can go to the mating den, and you know…make love, and see if we can you know...make kits. You know I am always gain for making love to you." Spottedleaf couldn't help but to let out some laughter. He was thinking of having sex to get her pregnant, not picking up that she was already pregnant. "What so funny? The comment I enjoy having sex with you? Because you know I do."
Spottedleaf settles down from her moment of laughter, "Oh Fireheart, sometimes you can be so blind. I know you enjoy having sex with me. You remind me every time that we have done it."
"Then why where you laughing?" Fireheart asks her.
"I was laughing because you had a different thought of what I was implying." Spottedleaf stated.
"Then what were you implying?" Fireheart looks into her amber gaze.
Spottedleaf sighs, "Well I was hoping to tell you in a more opportune time, than this….." Spottedleaf started to say.
Fireheart studied his mate for a while and then picked up what she had been hinting at. But before he could answer he was being summoned by Whitestorm to go out on the evening patrol. Fireheart looks at her, "I got to go...are you…Are we?"
Spottedleaf looks at him and nods, "yes, I am."
In that moment, Fireheart was gleaming with happiness. Cinderpelt was right, it is the best news she could have giving him. Fireheart then gave her a tender passionate kiss. As he left, he spoke, "When I come back, I want to know how…..and when did you know…and how…you don't know how happy I am to hear that.." Fireheart then jumps up and bounds over to Whitestorm, Brackenfur, Longtail, and Swiftpaw.
Spottedleaf saw the gleefulness in his bound as his tail was high. He is so giddy as kit getting to be an apprentice. Spottedleaf felt joy in her heart to see him act this way. Sandstorm saw his reaction and walks glares at Spottedleaf. Spottedleaf paid no attention to her nieces attitude, as she makes her way to the elder's den, to go and rest.
When the sun had sunk beneath the trees and the moon began to rise, Spottedleaf met with Fireheart by a small oak tree, in the camp. The air was chilly, but his warmth kept her warm. "When did you know you are pregnant?" Fireheart asks.
"I just found out, when I came back to camp after meeting with Graystripe, and learning about Graypool. I didn't want to put this on you with everything that has been going on lately." Spottedleaf told him.
"Well, it does add some more stress, but my love, it is the best news anyone can ask for. I'm trilled to be a father, and to know that you are caring my kits. You will be an excellent mother. I have seen you lots of times with kits." Fireheart looks at her. "Well…I have to get some sleep. I am leading the dawn patrol tomorrow. I'll see you a little after sunhigh. Thank you for telling me." Spottedleaf nuzzles her mate and then turns in for the night.
….
The next morning the air was quite cold. Spottedleaf slept next to Dappletail, the only elder in the den who still accepts her, because the weather was so cold. Spottedleaf fell into a deep slumber, as a dream came to her. Spottedleaf thought this is weird why is StarClan sending her dreams, when she is no longer a medicine cat.
Spottedleaf was isolated in a small den. She looks outside as the sky appear a bright white. Almost blinding her. Spottedleaf had to squint to see a figure approaching her. The blinding white light vanishes, as a StarClan warrior came to her.
"Good evening, my sweet daughter." A kind loving voice spoke to her.
Spottedleaf knows that meow from anywhere, "Mother? What why are you here? I am not a medicine cat anymore, why is StarClan still speaking to me?"
"Because, you are still connected to us, even if you are retired. We will never leave your side, young one, even if you do part from us. And no this is not an omen or a dream of warnings to your Clan. Those dreams and omens are for Cinderpelt to interpret not you." Meows Swiftbreeze.
"Then why are you here?" Spottedleaf asks.
"I'm here, because I was informed that you are pregnant and carrying my grandkits. You can't keep a secret from StarClan. We always know." Swiftbreeze smiles.
"I'm sorry I let you and daddy down." Spottedleaf's ears flatten.
"Let us down?" Swiftbreeze arch her eyebrows, "Now why would you say such a thing?"
"Because….how I defined everything that I stood for, by falling in love with a warrior. And not just any warrior, a warrior that Sandstorm is also in love with." Spottedleaf stated.
"Oh, my sweet Spottedleaf. You haven't let any of us down. It was written for you and Fireheart. Besides, your father is actually pleased that you took on a fine mate. He had been wanting a future for you as a warrior, and not as a medicine cat." Swiftbreeze told her daughter. "There is something that your mentor wanting me to tell you something very special about the kits you are barring."
Spottedleaf looks at her mother, "Really…"
Swiftbreeze nods, "You are the start of a very important line for ThunderClan. The kits you are going to give birth to, play a major role in seasons to come, same goes for your mate. Featherwhisker wanted me to tell you this, 'There will be three….kin of your kin, who will hold the power of the stars in there paws.'"
Spottedleaf looks at her mother and then her gaze fell onto her stomach, "Why are you telling me this, now, and not when the time comes?" Spottedleaf looks back at her mother.
"Because, you have a right to know. And Featherwhisker wanted you to know first hand, not Cinderpelt. I've known quite a while that you will fall for the warrior that we prophesized to save all the Clans. A great war is coming, sweetheart. A war that is threatening all the Clans, and your mate Fireheart, is the one who will bring them all together to fight the evil, which is coming very soon. Keep him close to you. It's your love that makes both of you strong, when all other things fail." Swiftbreeze told her. She smiles as she peers out of the den.
Spottedleaf follows her gaze and sees two lone figures playing together outside of the den. Swiftbreeze smiles brightly and then turns back at her daughter, "You're kits are so beautiful."
"You can see them?" Spottedleaf asks.
"Yes, clear as day. And Sandstorm's too. Your kits are playing with Sandstorm's kits at the moment." Swiftbreeze comments, she smiles to it as she peers back out.
Spottedleaf looks at her mother and out into the white abyss. Swiftbreeze then turns to her, "I got to go. StarClan wants me back, and you got to get up soon. Take care my daughter. You make your father and I very proud, and we love you. Goodbye Spottedleaf." As Swiftbreeze spoke she turns and walks into the blinding white light. Spottedleaf closes her eyes as the bright light shone brightly and filled the den she was in.
Spottedleaf then opens up her amber gaze and peers around the elder's den. All the elders where out, as sun shone brightly in through the branches of fallen tree. Spottedleaf shook her head, as her dream felt so real. She knew it was a message from her mother. She still cares deeply about her living kits. Spottedleaf got up and slowly stretched her legs. As soon as she was finished she sees Dappletail coming in.
"Oh…you're up." Meows the old warrior.
"Yeah." Spottedleaf yawns. "Why didn't you wake me?"
"You look like you could use some sleeping in. With all the grumbling you were making in your sleep." Dappletail snickers some.
"You heard me?" Spottedleaf asks.
"Yes…I can't make out what you are saying…but you were grumbling. Luckily for you, One-Eye is deaf, and Smallear he is a deep sleeper. Otherwise they would have words to say to you." Dappletail smiles.
"Thanks. You're not mad?" Spottedleaf asks.
"Mad about what? Disturbing my sleep? Hey if I can handle Smallear's thundering snore, I can handle pretty much anything thing." Dappletail meows as she turns to was her forepaw.
Spottedleaf gave a kind smile, "I meant about me being Fireheart's mate."
"Oh that…..no I am not mad…why would I be mad and furious of something silly of you breaking the code with StarClan. You are not a betrayer, and you didn't fall in love with a warrior outside your Clan. Things like this is what we can't control, and it is out of our paws. It is a natural thing, of us she-cats falling in love with a tom. How can I be mad when it is a common thing? I think Sandstorm is blowing this way out of proportion. There are other bachelors in this Clan. She needs to learn to accept the fact that Fireheart loves you and not her, and move on." Dappletail stated.
Spottedleaf looks at the old she-cat, "She just wants to create drama in the Clan."
"I know…..and I am sick of drama. Can we just accept things, and move on. The sooner we can the better off our Clan will be and we can be strong again." Dappletail snuggles in her nest besides Spottedleaf's nest.
"You are going back to sleep? It is in the middle of the day." Spottedleaf eyes her old friend.
"Hey….when you get to be my age, and serve your Clan, and bare 5 litters of kits in your prime, you are allow to sleep when you want. Besides, I've been up since dawn." Dappletail yawns as she places her broad head on her white paws as she begins to doze off.
Spottedleaf shook her head as she moves out of her nest as she lets the old she-cat sleep. When Spottedleaf emerges from her den she saw Fireheart placing fresh-kill on the pile, as he sat with Whitestorm and Mousefur.
Brightpaw came up to her as she gave Spottedleaf a young squirrel. "This is for you."
"Aww…thanks sweetheart." Spottedleaf meows to the young apprentice.
"You're welcome. I got to go eat with Cloudtail. Bye" Brightpaw dashes off to the apprentice den as she awaits for Cloudpaw.
Spottedleaf wanted to go eat with her mate, but he was middle talking to some of the warriors. She settles next to a clump of needles and began to eat her squirrel which was handed by Brightpaw. Near the nursery Spottedleaf notice that Speckletail was out with Snowkit. A pang of sadness crept in her heart knowing that her son will never be a warrior. She fears that her own kits will not end up with Snowkit's fate.
Willowpelt came out as she bounded to her sister. "Good afternoon."
"Good afternoon to you too." Spottedleaf smiles her sister and welcome's her with a gentle lick on her slick gray shoulder.
"I couldn't find you all morning, what happen to you?" Willowpelt asks.
"I was still asleep. I had a long night." Spottedleaf meows as she ate the last of her meal.
"With Fireheart…" Willowpelt wiggles her eyebrows to tease her little sister.
Spottedleaf looks at her sister as she gives her a playful shove. "You are having way too much fun with this are you."
"Well yes….I mean come on…my baby sister who has kept her distance from toms, and now is romantically involve with one…it is really hard to resist." Willowpelt laughs. Then she softly meows to her, "But I am glad that you have a mate of your own. And happy for you….really."
Spottedleaf looks at her sister and lets out a comforting purr. "Thank you…"
Willowpelt dismisses the touchy love for a moment and brings back Spottedleaf's earlier statement, "So….what was your so called long night."
"Well it wasn't mating with Fireheart is that what you were thinking of." Spottedleaf meows. She then looks at her, "Just dreaming of us as kits, and what my future would have been like if I was made warrior instead of a medicine cat." Spottedleaf didn't want to reveal her dream she had with their mother coming to see her, because she didn't want her sister to know that she was pregnant. At least not right now. "Do you think I will end up on the same path if I chose to be a warrior and not a medicine cat?" Spottedleaf asks her.
Willowpelt looks at her, "I don't know. You made a lot of sacrifices over the seasons. I really don't know how to answer that."
"Do you think that my relationship with Fireheart would be different." Spottedleaf looks to where she saw Fireheart go into Bluestar's den.
"Maybe….or maybe you two wouldn't have been mates…I really don't know. You are talking about fate, and fate is in the paws of StarClan not a queen and warrior like me." Willowpelt nudges her. "I wouldn't worry about too much of what your life could have been Spottedleaf…..you have a great life the one you have chosen. And besides, you have the best mate that loves and cares for you deeply." Spottedleaf knows she is talking about Fireheart. Somewhere deep in Willowpelt's heart, wanting her baby sister to be cared and loved by a mate.
"So how are your newborn kits?" Spottedleaf asks.
"Good. They are getting stronger and bigger. By leaf-bare they should be apprentices soon. They are approaching six moons." Willowpelt smiles. Then she looks down at her paws. Spottedleaf looks at her with sympathy eyes. "Graystripe would be such a big brother to them."
Spottedleaf leans to her, "He knows that you love him."
Willowpelt nods, "I just….I just want him back. Back in the Clan where he was born. Whitestorm and I love him so dear, and it kills us that he is living in a rival Clan and not where he suppose to be."
Spottedleaf looks at her and doesn't want to give her sister false hope when she knows that Bluestar won't let him back in the Clan. But in her heart, she knows that Graystripe wants to come back to ThunderClan. "I know…I miss him too…he is still part of me."
Willowpelt smiles to her sister, "I know….he says you are his favorite aunt. The one he goes to, to seek out guidance."
"Old habits tend to die hard." Spottedleaf lights up the mood a bit.
"It is a good trait to have sis….I envy you of it. I wish I had more faith and wisdom like you have. Part of me wishes I could walk the path of StarClan so I can embrace the wisdom and learn to council my own self problems and my family." Willowpelt admits.
"It's not an easy road you know. Walking with StarClan." Spottedleaf stated.
"True….but your wisdom is what makes you special sis. Also it will make you a good mother. You will be an a mom Speckles….you have the mother quality in you. If you and Fireheart decide to you know…have kits in your future." Willowpelt smiles.
Just then Willowpelt froze as she gaze up at the sky. A yowl of panic follow suit after Willowpelt made a dash toward the nursery. "Hawk! Hawk!" Screamed Frostfur as she rushes to the warriors den. Spottedleaf made a bolt to her den as she caught sight of Fireheart bolting out of Bluestar's den. Spottedleaf was in panic mode she didn't think about grabbing Snowkit.
"Snowkit!" Speckletail howls desperately to her son.
Speckletail was trying to get to her son, before the hawk came. Spottedleaf was going to go out to defend the hawk but she felt a tug on her neck. "No Speckles…"It was Dappletail. Dappletail looks at Spottedleaf.
"I have to go out to him." Spottedleaf meows.
"And risk your life. No….you stay here." Dappletail stated. "StarClan has a new destiny with Snowkit, and it is not in ThunderClan."
As soon as Dappletail finishes her sentence Spottedleaf heard a screeching cry as the hawk grabbed Snowkit and carried him off. Dappletail looks out over the clearing as she looks at her old friend. Dappletail's eyes welled with grief of her own, as she knows all too well of the death of her own death son many seasons ago.
Spottedleaf watched in horror as Speckletail tried to get her son back. With a hard land she heard Speckletail crash as Snowkit's perching cry echo through the forest. It all happen so fast, that it seem all surreal. But all came to reality when Spottedleaf heard the desperation cries coming from Speckletail. "No! My kit….MY KIT! MY precious SNOWKIT!"
Spottedleaf saw Brackenfur making a run after the young white kit. Spottedleaf came out of her den and went up to where Speckletail and Goldenflower are. Fireheart came by her side as he looks to where Brackenfur went. Fireheart closes his eyes and looks at a nearby apprentice, "Swiftpaw, go with him."
Goldenflower looks at Fireheart as she stands close to him, "He couldn't hear. He couldn't hear the hawk and he couldn't hear us when we tried to warn him."
"It's my fault!" Speckletail looks up from her tan paws. "I left him….and now he's gone. The hawk should have taken me instead! I've lived my life, but he didn't…."
"Oh mother don't blame yourself…." Goldenflower presses body to her mother's frail one.
Cinderpelt came forward and licks the old queen's ears. She softly whispers, "Come to my den. We'll look after you. We won't leave you."
Speckletail's fur bristles as she pushes Cinderpelt and her daughter away, "He's gone don't you see…It is MY FALUT!"
Just then Bluestar came out of her den as she makes her way to the grieving queen, "It's not your fault."
Heads turn to gaze up at the gray leader. Bluestar padded up as she stood gazing at Speckletail. Her shoulder's broad and stern as it holds a strong frame. Spottedleaf had her hopes that maybe Bluestar is starting to turn back to her old self again. But Spottedleaf was wrong when Bluestar began to speak to Speckletail and to the rest of the Clan, "It's not your fault. Whoever heard of a hawk that dared to swoop down and take a kit from the middle of camp, with so many other cats around? This is a sign from StarClan. I cannot deny the truth any longer." Bluestar gazes at the shocked eyes of the gathered Clan. Her eyes where blaze of blue fire. Then in a snarl Bluestar made her vengeances with StarClan, "StarClan is at war with ThunderClan!"