WARRIORS

THE OLD ERA

PART VII

"Why did you let them go?" Sharpclaw asked hesitantly to Stripedstar. Stripedstar lifted his head towards Sharpclaw.

"What, Silverpaw and Bravepaw?"

"Yes, why did you let them go? I mean they deserve to be back in the clan, they're ready to be warriors for Starclan's sake!"

"Exactly, I want Lionclan and Leopardclan to be punished for what they did!" Stripedstar said calmly. "I shall ask Cheetahclan to help us."

"Cheetahclan, they won't help us they don't have anything to do with this nonsense!" Sharpclaw yelled frantically.

"We shall be in their debt if they agree" Stripedstar said trying to act peaceful.

"We can't afford to be in their debt Stripedstar." Sharpclaw pleaded.

"We have to Sharpclaw!" Stripedstar yowled. "I shall head to Cheetahclan's territory tonight. Then we shall attack tomorrow morning."

"I shall accompany you to Cheetahclan's camp." Sharpclaw said. Stripedstar nodded.

"Metalheart shall be in charge while we're gone." Stripedstar mumbled as he turned around to Raintoes' den to get their traveling herbs.

"Spottedstar, what did Stripedstar say at the gathering?" Silverpaw asked as he looked anxiously at the Leopardclan leader.

"They don't want you back!" Spottedstar spat. Sadness struck Silverpaw's and Bravepaw's face.

"No, you-you're lying!" Bravepaw yelped painfully. Spottedstar didn't answer he just looked at the old apprentice and shook his head.

"Let's rest here." Stripedstar panted as they stopped near a tree. "If we hurry we shall reach there in a few minutes."

"Stripedstar are you sure this is a good idea?" Sharpclaw asked questioningly.

"I'm not sure Sharpclaw, I hope it is, I hope it is.

"So are we going to attack Leopardclan, then Lionclan, or what?" Sharpclaw asked slightly changing the subject.

"Yes, we'll take Silverpaw and Bravepaw then attack Lionclan!" Stripedstar said defiantly.

"Is there a reason why you two are in Cheetahclan's territory?" Both Tigerclan warriors looked up to see Gingerfur, a she- cheetah.

"Um, yes we'd like to see Quickstar." Stripedstar said smoothly.

"Why exactly do you wan to see him?" Gingerfur asked challengingly.

"That is our business, not yours." Stripedstar said with a slight tone of anger. Gingerfur growled and was about to attack when Quickstar emerged from the fog. Stripedstar bowed his head, as did Sharpclaw. "Quickstar please tell Gingerfur here that we mean no harm." Stripedstar said.

"Gingerfur go, I shall deal with Stripedstar, alone." Quickstar bellowed. Gingerfur gave a snarl and dashed off.

"What is it that you want Stripedstar?"

"Leopardclan has stolen two of our apprentices as you know."

"Yes, but what does that have to do with me, our clan is not involved Stripedstar!" Quickstar said loudly. Sharpclaw looked at Stripedstar with a I told you so look.

"Listen to me please Quickstar" Quickstar nodded and signaled her to go on. "My plan is to steal the apprentices from Leopardclan and then head down to Lionclan and give them a good hard attack to punish them for their terrible deeds. If you help my clan do this, we shall be in your debt." Stripedstar murmured. Quickstar thought for a moment and kicked the dirt.

"We shall help." Quickstar said quietly.