Chapter 19

"Ravenpaw, what is it that you mean?" Tinypaw wondered.

Ravenpaw opened his mouth, but another voice silenced him.

"I don't think now is the time for one of your stories, Ravenpaw," Bluefur growled. She had leaped off of the Highrock now that the congratulations were over. The new deputy stared frostily at Ravenpaw. "Show some respect for the deceased!"

Ravenpaw let out a whimper and quailed in Bluefur's shadow.

"He was just talking about how he wished you had been able to protect Lionheart," Tinypaw insisted. "That's all."

Bluefur narrowed her eyes. "I wish that, too," she meowed. "But now is not the time."

She turned and walked away. Tinypaw watched her sit beside Oakheart, who gave her a hearty lick of congratulations. When her expression didn't change, Oakheart nudged her and then went to sit beside Lionheart and Rosetail.

"Ravenpaw," Tinypaw began. He turned to his friend, but the black tom was shakily heading for Graypaw's side.

Tinypaw watched as Ravenpaw huddled up next to Graypaw, pressing himself into his friend's pelt as if he were cold. Tinypaw sighed, feeling confused and alone – but without anything else to do, he sat on Graypaw's other side and prepared to wait out the night.

The moon passed overhead, and other cats came and went. Tigerstar came last, gazing at his dead deputy with such sadness that it made Tinypaw feel awful to look at him.

When the rosy tint of dawn peeked over the horizon, the elders came to bury Lionheart and Rosetail. They hefted their bodies between them and, with Graypaw and Speckletail following, headed out of the camp to place their bodies to rest.

Leaf-fall chill touched Tinypaw to the bone, and he shook it off. There would still be warm days to come, but leaf-fall was settling in and soon it would be in the forest for good, turning the leaves red and cooling the air.

Ravenpaw hefted himself up before Tinypaw could speak to him. The black apprentice hurried to the apprentice's den, and only then Tinypaw realized just how exhausted he was, too. Aching and weary, Tinypaw decided to save his questions for later. Ravenpaw wouldn't talk now.

Tinypaw headed for the apprentice's den and settled down without saying a word. He was too tired, and sleep came quickly once he'd settled down on his mossy bed.

"Hey!" meowed a voice. "Wake up!"

Tinypaw opened his eyes. For a moment, he was dazzled by the sunlight on Sandpaw's pale coat – the way it made her eyes gleam caused him to stop and stare at her.

"Tigerstar's called a meeting," Sandpaw told him, oblivious to his fascination. "Hurry up… you'll miss it." She ducked out of the ferns.

Her voice caused Ravenpaw and Graypaw to stir nearby. Ravenpaw's ears pricked and he yawned – but Graypaw looked as if he still needed a nights' rest after quietly slinking into the den. Dustpaw was already up.

The three apprentices were out soon after, settling in at the edge of the crowd. Every cat was up and beneath the Highrock, it seemed. Tinypaw looked up and couldn't help but feel a twinge of confused pride at seeing Bluefur up there, standing beside Tigerstar – Ravenpaw's statements the night before kept him from being completely proud of his mentor.

Sunhigh had come and gone, and a cool air drifted through the forest. Tinypaw's stomach rumbled, and he wondered when he had eaten last – before the journey to Moonstone, no doubt. It seemed like forever ago that he had been standing before that brilliant ball of light. Hopefully Bluefur would let him hunt today.

The three apprentices seemed to be the last to join the crowd – once they arrived, Bluefur began to speak:

"During the battle, Tigerstar lost another one of his lives," she announced.

Really? Tinypaw thought. He had been so busy wrestling with Blackfoot he must have missed it.

"Now that he only has four of his nine lives left, I will be appointing a guard to stand by his side," Bluefur went on. "No one will approach without their consent! With ShadowClan getting more and more daring, we cannot risk the lives of our leader. Darkstripe and Longtail will serve as Tigerstar's guards."

It was impossible to miss Darkstripe and Longtail both raising their heads. Tinypaw rolled his eyes.

Tigerstar's voice was a low rumble of thunder compared to Bluefur's lighter voice. "Bluefur, that isn't necessary – but I admire your loyalty. ShadowClan aimed for the nursery when they attacked, trying to steal our kits. I should think that the safety of the Clan's kits means more than my own safety."

Bluefur blinked at him, and then dipped her head. "Very well," she meowed. "Darkstripe and Longtail will guard you, but there will always be one cat on watch by the nursery… just in case ShadowClan tries to strike again."

Tigerstar flattened his ears. "I accept this," he decided. "Though the safety of the whole Clan means more than the safety of one individual member, our kits are our future and must be protected. This brings me to my next topic – I would like to ask Yellowfang to join ThunderClan."

Tinypaw's ears pricked in surprise. Tigerstar's amber eyes rested on Tinypaw first, giving a tiny nod before he moved on to look at Frostfur and the others queens, with whom Yellowfang sat. Frostfur nodded back at Tigerstar, her blue eyes shimmering.

"Her actions last night proved that she is brave and loyal," Tigerstar went on. "If she wishes it, I would welcome her as a full member of the Clan."

Tinypaw's breath caught in his throat as Yellowfang stepped forward and meowed, "It would be an honor, Tigerstar. I accept your offer."

"Good," Tigerstar decided firmly.

Tinypaw couldn't help but purr, catching Yellowfang's eye as she stepped back. For once, the old she-cat looked embarrassed. Tinypaw told himself to go and see her later, to welcome her to the Clan.

"Last night," Tigerstar went on, "we successfully repelled a ShadowClan raid – make no mistake, they are still a great threat. The repairs began this morning will continue, and our borders must be patrolled constantly. We will not be caught unawares in this war again – it will not end with ThunderClan's defeat."

Bluefur nodded in agreement.

"ShadowClan picked a real opportune time to attack yesterday," Darkstripe pointed out. The whole of the Clan looked at the dark warrior. "They attacked while Tigerstar and Bluefur were gone – not to mention some of our apprentices. How could they have known that the camp was so poorly defended?"

Bluefur narrowed her eyes.

Tigerstar rumbled, "Are you insinuating that they may have eyes inside of our camp?"

"It is possible – while all of us are loyal, we cannot rule out any possibilities," Bluefur agreed, her eyes fixed on the crowd. "If anyone has any information regarding this possible informant you can come to myself or Tigerstar. We will ensure your anonymity."

Tinypaw tilted his head. Bluefur's gaze was fixed on something… someone. Tinypaw followed her gaze and realized that her frosty eyes were focused solely on Ravenpaw. Ravenpaw seemed to feel the weight of her gaze, and he shifted uncomfortably.

What is she getting at? Tinypaw wondered. Does she think that Ravenpaw betrayed the Clan? He was with us the whole time… wasn't he?

"We still have a while before sunset," Tigerstar announced, bringing the meeting to a close. "Our repairs must continue – please, carry on with your hard work. I will join you shortly."

The meeting ended, and Bluefur and Tigerstar leaped off of the Highrock. They sat in its shadow, murmuring to one another.

"Ravenpaw!" Tinypaw called.

Ravenpaw was already gone, hurrying to Halftail and Whitestorm – the cats who seemed to be organizing the repairs. A few words and Ravenpaw was gone, out into the woods. Tinypaw lashed his tail – why was Ravenpaw avoiding every attempt to talk?

"We should go help," Graypaw suggested dully. Tinypaw turned – his friends eyes were dull and his voice was tired.

"I… I'll catch up," Tinypaw offered. "I'm going to go check on Yellowfang – Blackfoot was a nasty fighter."

Graypaw shrugged, and then walked off. He didn't seem in the mood for talking much today, either.

Tinypaw sighed, making his way to Yellowfang. The old she-cat was huddled up in the shade, in her nest by the fallen tree. She was staring thoughtfully into the distance, her whiskers twitching occasionally.

Her eyes flashed when he approached. "Tinypaw," she mewed, "I'm glad you're here."

Finally, someone who seems happy to talk to me! Tinypaw thought.

"I wanted to see if you were all right," Tinypaw said.

Yellowfang grinned, "Old habits die harder than old scents, eh?"

"I suppose," Tinypaw agreed. "How's your leg?"

Yellowfang grimaced, moving the injured leg. "That bite of yours is playing up. Blackfoot hit me hard there but it's nothing I can't handle," she replied. "How are you? Blackfoot is a brainless bully, but he hits hard."

"I'm fine," Tinypaw replied. "My shoulder hurts a little, but that might be from the three rats that were trying to rip me apart yesterday."

Yellowfang's ears pricked. "Rats!" she hissed. "Vile things, they are."

"I'm not surprised Tigerstar asked you to join the Clan," Tinypaw told her. "You certainly showed your loyalty last night!"

Yellowfang blinked. "Perhaps… perhaps a truly loyal cat ought to have fought on the side of the Clan she had been born in?" she murmured.

Tinypaw tilted his head. "Then I would be fighting for my Twolegs!" he burst.

Yellowfang purred with amusement. "How silly!" she thought. "But… you've always been able to lift my spirits."

Tinypaw gave her a smile. Then, he asked, "Do you miss ShadowClan?"

"I miss the old ShadowClan," Yellowfang replied. "I miss when Raggedstar was leader – he didn't fight dirty. He was honorable, strong… he had his moments – every cat does – but he always did what was best for his Clan in accordance to the warrior code."

Yellowfang's eyes became distant when she went on, "Brokenstar… Brokenstar always knew how to give a good speech. He made a group of kits believe that a mouse was a rabbit for three whole moons! I was… blind. Too blind."

She sighed, eyes swimming with memories.

Tinypaw frowned. He didn't like seeing her so upset. "I… I bet you can't guess who the new ShadowClan medicine cat is!" he mewed.

Yellowfang frowned. "Not Runningnose!" she scoffed.

Tinypaw nodded.

Purring, Yellowfang remarked, "But he can't even cure his own cold!"

They purred in amusement. "Graypaw said that, too," Tinypaw pointed out. It feels good to laugh, he thought. It felt like he hadn't heard anything funny in a while.

He got to his paws. "I'll leave you to rest," he said. "Call if you need anything, OK?"

Yellowfang nodded. Then, just as Tinypaw was about to leave, her eyes flashed suddenly. "Tinypaw!" she rasped. "You mentioned rats – did they draw blood?"

"Spottedleaf treated us all with marigold yesterday," Tinypaw assured her with a flick of his tail.

Yellowfang shook her head. "Sometimes it's not enough," she meowed. "Go find a patch of wild garlic to roll in – it ought to draw out any remaining infections. I heard Halftail talking about a patch near the camp entrance. Though," she said dryly, "your denmates might not thank me for the smell!"

"I'll keep that in mind," Tinypaw purred.

"Go carefully," Yellowfang offered, before resting her head on her paws.

I will, he promised. But my road seems destined to be pitted with stones and obstacles…

Tinypaw decided to follow her advice, feeling the sting in his shoulder. Jaws open for the scent, he slipped out through a broken down part of the barrier and headed for the camp entrance from the outside. The tang of garlic had just touched his scent glands when a dark shape blocked his path.

"Where do you think you're going?" Darkstripe growled, his eyes flashing.

"Yellowfang mentioned I should -"

"You don't take orders from that rogue!" Darkstripe spat. "Go help with the repairs – no cat is to leave the camp tonight!"

Tinypaw sighed. "Yes, Darkstripe," he meowed submissively. Darkstripe lifted his head, satisfied, and padded off. Under his breath, Tinypaw growled, "Dirtstripe."

He headed for the boundary, where Graypaw and Ravenpaw were busy patching one of the great holes torn near the nursery. Tinypaw slipped through, sighing.

"How's Yellowfang?" Graypaw asked. His tone was a little quieter – Tinypaw could hear the queens putting the kits to bed just inside the nursery.

"She's good," Tinypaw replied, pawing some sticks into a pile. "Yellowfang mentioned that wild garlic would be good for our rat bites. I was on my way to get some but Darkstripe caught me."

"Garlic, eh?" Graypaw wondered. He flexed his leg. "I could use some of that myself, I think. My leg still stings."

"I could go out and try again," Tinypaw meowed. "Darkstripe lumbers about – it wouldn't be too hard to slip past him." He relished the idea of sneaking around that arrogant tom. He was sick of the warrior's resentment towards him and Yellowfang.

Ravenpaw frowned, but Graypaw said, "Go on – we'll cover for you. Don't be too long, though."

"I won't," Tinypaw promised.

He touched his nose to Graypaw's gratefully, and then leaped out of the hole.

The moon was rising as Tinypaw padded towards the wild garlic patch. The sharp tang was getting stronger, and he figured he ought to be close –he kept his ears pricked for Darkstripe, or anyone else. The wind shifted suddenly, the cold breeze snaking between his short legs, and the smells of cats replaced the garlic.

ShadowClan? Tinypaw thought, bristling. His fur flattened as he examined the scent. No… just Bluefur… and Darkstripe and Longtail!

Curious, Tinypaw dropped into a stalking crouch. He headed towards the source, finding the three warriors sitting together in a clump of ferns. Longtail's neck fur was bristling, but it didn't look like it was because he scented Tinypaw. Tinypaw kept himself low, thankful for his dark black pelt.

"StarClan knows, Tigerstar's tried everything with his apprentice," Bluefur sighed. "He showed little promise from the start – he thought he might be able to bring out his potential if he trained Ravenpaw himself… but I never expected him to be a traitor!"

Tinypaw pricked his ears, a shiver rippling down his spine. Traitor? What in StarClan was Bluefur talking about?

"How long was he missing when you went to Mothermouth?" Darkstripe asked.

"Long enough to get into ShadowClan and come back," Bluefur said spitefully.

Tinypaw frowned. But… he thought. He was with us the whole time, wasn't he? The only time Tinypaw himself hadn't seen Ravenpaw on the journey was when he was inside Mothermouth, in the Moonstone chamber. But would that amount of time really be long enough to reach ShadowClan and come back?

"That's it, then!" Longtail decided, his voice pitched with excitement. "He must have told them that Tigerstar and the Clan's strongest warrior were gone! That's how they knew!"

"We are the last Clan to stand against ShadowClan," Bluefur meowed quietly, her voice soft. "We cannot afford to have such a traitor in our midst! We must be strong."

Her silence begged for response. Tinypaw's fur prickled when Darkstripe replied eagerly, as if he were still her apprentice and answering a question about how to best stalk a squirrel. "The Clan would be better off without a traitor like Ravenpaw!"

Tinypaw felt his blood run cold with confusion and fear.

"I have to admit, I agree with you," Bluefur sighed, her voice heavy. "Tigerstar won't like to hear it – Ravenpaw was his favorite apprentice, after all… but a traitor is a traitor, and he must be dealt with."

Tinypaw backed up quietly into the underbrush, deciding he had heard enough. So many thoughts ran through his head, it was impossible to sort through them all – on one hand, Bluefur was his mentor, the cat who had taught him everything he knew about life as a warrior. She was everything he aspired to be! On the other, Ravenpaw was his friend, terrified of some shadow looming over him – which Tinypaw just realized was Bluefur.

What do I do? He wondered, head spinning.

Panting with stress, Tinypaw decided that the only thing he could do – the only way to get this mess sorted out – was to talk to Tigerstar himself.

Tigerstar would know what to do.