Disclaimer: Nothing in this story belongs to me except Silverstar, bla bla bla
Author's note: For those of you who are for some reason interested, Silverstar is about the same age as Redlance and Pike—in other words, approximately 200 years old at the time this story takes place.
I was eagerly awaiting the birth of my new little brother, Skywise. Rain the Healer said that Eyes High was already several days overdue, and I was growing impatient. I hugged my father affectionately before he left to bring her some food. Then, fidgety with impatience and needing something to keep me occupied, I started wrestling with my wolf-friend, Moonfur.
I little while later, I began to feel that something wasn't right. I went to find the chief.
"Bearclaw?" I said.
"Yes?" he replied.
"I think something bad has happened to Eyes High and Shale. I think we should go look for them," I told him.
He nodded grimly. "I'll assemble a search party."
Minutes later, we left the Holt. When we came in sight of the tree where Mother had built her nest, I let out a harsh cry. I urged Moonfur forward. Leaping off her back, I fell to my knees beside Shale's prone, bloodied body. **Father?** I sent frantically. There was no reply. He was dead.
Bearclaw's face darkened when he saw. "Let Shale lie in Eyes High's nest. Silverstar, Brownberry, Foxfur, go back to the Holt. Never again will I risk my life-bearers in battle with humans."
I stood. "I will stay and help bear my father to his resting place."
"Very well," Bearclaw said.
Brownberry and Foxfur went back to the Holt, and Bearclaw and the rest went after the humans who had captured Eyes High. I heaved my father's too still body into my arms and carried him up the tree to the nest. I looked down at his beloved face, at the eyes that were closed forever, the mouth that would never smile again. "Father…" I said brokenly. I collapsed on his body and sobbed out my grief.
I lay on Father's body, feeling hollow and numb. There were no more tears left to cry.
**Silverstar?** It was Joyleaf.
I sat up. **What is it?** I sent back.
**I'm afraid that Eyes High is gone. But she managed to get your brother to us before she died.**
**I'll come right away.** I scampered down the tree trunk as fast as I could and mounted Moonfur, who had been waiting for me patiently. She carried me back to the Father Tree at a run. Joyleaf was waiting for me at the base of the great tree. In her arms was a tiny bundle that cried noisily. I dismounted.
"Give him to me, please." She handed me the newborn cub. I looked down at his face, all screwed up as he wailed. I murmured soothingly to him, stroking his downy, silver-white hair. He quieted. I touched his tiny hand, and it curled around my finger, holding on tight.
The end
