Morning's Light: Tipping The Balance Of Fate

by Topaz B. Rainheart

The secret is out and choices have been made. Are Littlepaw, Silverpaw, and Morningpaw willing to fight to stay in Riverclan? Closer to camp, Silverpaw starts secret training, Littlepaw struggles to please the clan, and Morningpaw fights to cling to the warrior code, all she's ever known. Will time tear these sisters apart? Book two of the Morning's Light series.

25. Chapter 23

Littleflower winced at another yowl coming from the nursery. Minnowsplash was having her kits, and it was taking longer than usual. Littleflower knew it was to be expected at Minnowsplash's age, but it didn't stop her from feeling troubled. Add to that the fact that Fernblossom was ill, and Nightfall was going out of his mind. Littleflower had helped him with Petalfur's kits a few sunrises ago, but Nightfall looked like he didn't want to be interrupted, so Littleflower had volunteered to take the kits out. Petalfur's kits were asleep, but Frogkit, Lilykit, Wetkit, and Speckledkit had followed her out. At four moons old, Frogkit, Lilykit, and Wetkit were bouncing all over the camp, wanting to be an apprentice already, but Speckledkit wasn't more than a moon old, and he was patient compared to most kits, and quiet. He preferred to just sleep or watch the warriors. He liked playing with the other kits well enough, though. Littleflower had taken them to the elders den to hear a story, and now they were play-fighting.

A minute later, Nightfall stumbled out, looking exhausted. The kits abandoned the game of get the badger to go pester him about the new kits. Littleflower followed.

"A she-cat and a tom," he said to them as Littleflower approached, "They're not old enough to play yet. I have to go check on Fernblossom. Go get Minnowsplash some freshkill." Speckledkit and Frogkit ran over to the freshkill pile immediately. Wetkit and Lilykit ran in. Littleflower followed them to make sure they didn't bother the new kits.

Minnowsplash looked weary. Two small bundles were by her side, suckling greedily and making small pitious noises. "They're beautiful," she told the queen softly, "What will you name them?"

"The she-cat's name is Daykit, and the toms is Troutkit," Minnowsplash replied. Littleflower noticed she tucked Daykit a little closer. After losing her other daughters, Minnowsplash must feel extra protective over this one. Littleflower crept out, purring at the thought of the two kits. They were wonderful additions to the clan.