Chapter 18

Bramblepaw and the three older toms went down Riverclan territory as fast as they could.

The cold weather filled the forest, but they kept running. The smell of rotting pray came into the air. The cats did their best to ignore it.

They peered through the reeds into a clearing and they saw Tigerstar sitting in front of the leader's den with Leopardstar and Blackfoot.

"Graystripe, Ravenpaw, stay here and watch Bramblepaw," instructed Firestar. "I've got to find out what Tigerstar's up to."

Bramblepaw watched nervously as Firestar crept closer.

From what Firestar could see, Leopardstar was looking nervous. He could tell that she was regretting listening to Tigerstar. He then looked to see Darkstripe walking proudly up to the highrock with some other cats. Right between them were Stonefur and Mistyfoot.

But then Firestar's eyes widened in horror to see that Bramblepaw had been right about the apprentices, Stormpaw and Featherpaw. They were about the same age as Bramblepaw and Tawnypaw, so Firestar could understand why Bramblepaw was concerned about them.

Graystripe growled and got ready to attack, but Firestar stopped him. "If Tigerstar sees us, we'll be crowfood," he hissed. "And we'll also be accused of kidnapping if he sees us with Bramblepaw."

Quieting down, they heard Tigerstar speak which silenced the cats in the camp.

"Cats of Tigerclan," he announced. "I know the hardships of leaf-bare threatens us, twolegs and the other two clans that have not yet realized the wisdom of joining this united clan."

Bramblepaw could see anger burning in Firestar and Graystripe's eyes. But he was relaxed as he knew they weren't furious with him; they were furious with is father.

"Even though we are surrounded by enemies," continued Tigerstar. "We must be sure we can trust the loyalty of our own warriors. There is no room in Tigerclan for the half- hearted. We will not tolerate traitors."

It was now Bramblepaw's turn to feel angry. How dare his father say these things after all the treacherous deeds he had done!

To make things worst cats were yowling in agreement, until Tigerstar flicked his tail in silence.

"We especially will not tolerate the abomination of half-clan cats," he declared. "No loyal warrior would take a cat from another clan as a mate. Bluestar and Graystripe disgraced the warrior code when they took mates from a different clan. Such kits can't be trusted."

"Pile of filth!" declared Blackfoot.

"Pile of filth!" joined in Darkstripe.

"Pile of filth! Pile of filth!" joined in cats.

Firestar noticed that the Shadowclan cats were cheering the loudest. Riverclan cats weren't entirely sure. They didn't seem to like Tigerstar's proclamation."

"Half-clan cats have been tolerated until now," went on Tigerstar. "But not now. Not in Tigerclan. There is no room for cats who have allegiances to two clans. How can we trust them not to betray the clan by telling secrets or have Starclan on our side against ones who are not pure blooded?"

"No!" screeched Darkstripe flexing his claws.

"We must get rid of these abominations," announced Tigerstar. "Then the clan will be pure blooded again, and Starclan will have our favour."

"No one has ever questioned our loyalty!" snapped Stormfur bravely. "Come down and saw in front of my face that I'm a traitor! Mistyfoot and I didn't even know Bluestar was our mother till a few moons ago. We have been loyal Riverclan warriors our whole lives."

Tigerstar angrily turned to Leopardstar.

"You show poor judgement when you appointed Stormfur as deputy. Riverclan has weeds of treachery and must be rooted out!"

Firestar felt dismayed to see Leopardstar bowing her head at Tigerstar.

Bramblepaw also felt sorry for Leopardstar. He had noticed before she was reluctant at times for his father's orders, even though she did go with them. He wanted to jump out and try to convince his father to stop.

"I will give you a chance to prove your loyalty," declared Tigerstar cunningly. "If you kill the two apprentices."

The clearing fell silent.

Stonefur turned to Leopardstar. "I take orders from you Leopardstar," he declared. "You must know what we're doing is wrong. What do you want me to do?" hearing that Bramblepaw hoped that she would tell him not to do it.

"These are hard times," said Leopardstar reluctantly. "We must count on everyone in our clan's loyalties. There is no room for divided loyalties, you must do as Tigerstar says."

The two apprentices lowered down whimpering. Stormpaw was comforting his sister by licking her.

"You'll have to kill me first!" cried Stonefur up to Tigerstar.

Tigerstar flicked his tail at Darkstripe, signaling him to kill Stormfur. Darkstripe walked forward.

But despite his weakened body, Stormfur was still physically strong enough to fight. He dropped backwards landing on all four paws, unsheathing his claws.

Stormfur fastened his teeth into Darkstripe's pelt. Darkstripe had a bigger build and greater strength. He threw Stormfur back, but not without taking some of Darkstripe's fur and scratching above his left eye.

"Get a move on," called Stormfur. "You fight like a kittypet!"

That made Darkstripe furious and launched again towards Stormfur. Stormfur slipped to the side and slashed Darkstripe in the side.

Stonefur balled the black tom over, fastening his teeth and claws in his neck.

"Finish him!" ordered Tigerstar to Blackfoot flicking his ears. He wasn't going to let the grey tom win that easily.

Blackfoot jumped and bit Stonefur in the shoulder and dragged him off Darkstripe.

Darkstripe recovering from the attack pinned Stonefur's rump down, and Blackfoot then slashed his claws across Stonefur's throat. Leopardstar hesitated for a minute and then joined in.

The four cats watched in horror as they watched Stonefur's body limped.

Author's note; It must have really been hard for Bramblepaw to see just how evil his father was. To murder Stonefur and wanting two apprentices that are about Bramblepaw's age to be executed. Chapter 18 is finished, and I'll have chapter 19 up soon.