Chapter 1: Spotted Owl
Spotted Owl's heart thudded in her chest like the wings of an ensnared bird. The stone was death-cold against her back and belly as she crouched, trying to make herself smaller, to disappear. She trembled like a crumpled leaf from her paws to her whiskers. She squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face in her paws.
A long shadow fell over her. Heavy pawsteps came closer, closer, moving in time with her rapid breaths. Gleaming white fangs flashed. Green eyes blazed. A paw rose with long claws unsheathed, stretching out toward her. Reaching for her.
The claws hovered for an endless heartbeat above her head. They glinted in the dying sunlight. Like a swooping eagle, they suddenly dove, ready to pierce flesh. Ready to cut her, to hurt her—
"Spotted Owl."
The black and white dappled she-cat's eyes flew open, and she jumped to her paws. Her fur stood on end, and her eyes were wide as they flitted about her. Tall Pine stood where he had leaped back a tail-length away, his concerned face shadowed in the gloom of the trainee's den. Spotted Owl let out a long breath, her fur flattening.
Tall Pine stepped closer. His brow had its characteristic wrinkle as he searched her face. "You were tossing and turning in your sleep." His voice was soft. "Are you okay?"
Spotted Owl shut her eyes as if it would help her shut out the echoes of her dream. She opened them again and mustered a small smile. "I'm fine, Tall Pine. You don't have to worry about me."
Her brother gave her a dubious look; his head cocked to the side. In that heartbeat, he looked so much like their father it made Spotted Owl's heart clench.
The dappled she-cat shook herself. She chuckled as if shrugging off her brother's worries like a fallen leaf. He has already been worrying about me too much. I don't want to give him any more reasons to be concerned. She turned and squared her shoulders. There is nothing to worry about anyway.
Tall Pine trotted after Spotted Owl, catching up to her halfway to the entrance through which golden sunlight spilled. "Yellow Sky sent me to wake you," he explained. "I told her that you needed to sleep, to get your strength back, since…"
As he lapsed into silence, Spotted Owl could feel his gaze roaming over her body, flickering between the fresh pink scars that poked out here and there like daisies on a field of white fur. The thick scar on her shoulder tingled as his eyes lingered on it. She rolled her shoulder, feeling it shift stiffly. She winced as she shook a scrap of dead moss from one of the several old, unused nests in the trainee's den off her claw. After more than a half-moon, her leg still hurt. Some scars would be covered as her fur grew back in certain places; others would fade with time. But some were permanent. I wish internal scars could heal as easily.
Spotted Owl paused just outside the pool of light streaming in the entryway. She glanced at her brother and cleared her throat. Tall Pine jumped, his eyes wide and startled in what would be an adorable way if he hadn't just been worrying about her. "So, why did Yellow Sky want you to wake me up?" She asked.
"Oh, right." Tall Pine ducked his head sheepishly, having forgotten entirely. "Mossy Moon's going to be calling a meeting soon. Today is Amber Mist and Whispering Rain's trainee ceremony."
"Oh, wow. I didn't realize that they were old enough." Spotted Owl shook her head slowly. "So much time has passed."
Tall Pine brushed his sister's side with his tail. "I know. It's weird being back here."
Spotted Owl took a deep breath as she stepped out of the cave entrance. Her pelt soaked in the warm sunlight as a crisp breeze ruffled her fur. The bows of the evergreens that rimmed the stone gorge clanked and chattered in the breeze. Further down the mountain, she knew that the leaves of the oaks, birches, maples, and many other trees were just beginning to change color as if touched by the light of a sunset. The Time of Freezing Earth is nearly here.
Despite the chilly air, the sun still beat down as brightly as ever from its position nearly at sunhigh, though its light was a touch more golden as it bathed the floor of the Clan of the Morning Sun's camp. The air inside the camp was as bright and energetic as ever. Soaring Hawk strolled into the camp through the tunnel at the head of a patrol returning from checking the borders, Raven Swoop, Drifting Leaf, and Jagged Path in tow. Quick Clouds and Sage Fur were deep in conversation where they sat beside the bountiful prey pile. Dawn Sky and Running Wave stretched out in a pool of sunlight outside the hunters and fighters' den, sharing tongues. Nearby, Willow Leaf and Sharp Wind ferociously groomed the indignant soon-to-be trainees outside the nursery. Mossy Moon emerged from her den beside the Rockperch, Cloudy Water and Falling Star by her side.
Tall Pine's eyes lingered on the border patrol as they passed, one cat in particular. He tipped his head toward Spotted Owl. "You know, she missed us a lot while we were gone."
Spotted Owl's ears slowly maneuvered their way back against her head. She looked away, refusing to reply.
"She's been worried about you, too," he added.
"Sure."
"Spotted Owl," Tall Pine asked gently, "are you ever going to talk to her?"
"Spotted Owl, Tall Pine." The black and white she-cat looked up, relief rolling off her like waves as a cheerful voice hailed her brother and her from across the camp. Its owner, Blossom Dust, was bounding toward them, Fern Dapple hot on her heels.
Spotted Owl said hello to Fern Dapple and greeted her sister with an affectionate nuzzle as they came to a halt.
Blossom Dust's expression shifted from upbeat to serious as she looked Spotted Owl over. "How are you feeling?"
"Not you too," Spotted Owl groaned, rolling her eyes with a mock sigh of exasperation. She flicked her tail at Tall Pine. "He's already doing enough worrying for three cats." She sobered as three faces glared at her. "I'm feeling a lot better today."
"That's great," Blossom Dust purred. Her eyes shone as she nudged Spotted Owl's shoulder.
The black and white she-cat took a step to the side, masking a grimace as her leg ached. She thanked the stars that no one seemed to notice.
"I can't believe Whispering Rain and Amber Mist are having their trainee ceremony today," Blossom Dut went on. "They've grown up so fast. It'll be nice to have company in the trainee's den and help with the chores, now that someone's a full hunter and has left us all alone." She poked Fern Dapple in the flank.
"Hey," Fern Dappled laughed, her blue eyes sparkling. "You're just jealous that I'm a full hunter now, and you're not. I can order you around if I want."
"I'd like to see you try," Blossom Dust retorted. Her hindquarters quivered. "You forget that I'm a fighter trainee so I can beat you any day. Then we'll see who'll be giving the orders." With a pretend growl, she lunged, bowling Fern Dapple over.
Spotted Owl felt a twinge of jealousy as she watched them wrestle, their muscles taught and their pelts healthy and shiny, unhindered and unblemished by injury. But she hastily shoved the feeling away.
"Let all cats of the Clan of the Morning Sun gather below the Rockperch for a Clan meeting," Mossy Moon called, her voice reverberated across the gorge. She stood at the pinnacle of the Rockperch, outlined in gold by a blaze of sunlight, but her blue eyes were icily serious.
"Take that," Blossom Dust said as she and Fern Dapple broke apart. "That'll teach you to give me orders."
Fern Dapple swished her tail. "I'm not the one still stuck checking the elders for ticks," she said and laughed when Blossom Dust made a face.
The pair fell into step with Spotted Owl and Tall Pine as the four young cats heeded their chieftain's call. Spotted Owl took a seat next to Tall Pine a short way from the Rockperch in the center of the gathering crowd. Blossom Dust sat on her other side, so close their fur brushed, and Fern Dapple sat next to her. Despite her insistence that they not worry about her, a smile crept across Spotted Owl's face at her siblings' undeterred love and dedication. I'm lucky to have them.
Spotted Owl scanned the crowd, and met Yellow Sky's gaze from where her instructor sat to the far left beside Maple Sky. The senior fighter gave her a rare smile, obviously relieved that she had ventured out of the trainee's den to watch the ceremony. A shift in the crowd broke their connection and caught Spotted Owl's attention as Whispering Rain and Amber Mist wove their way to the front, escorted by their beaming parents.
The Clan of the Morning Sun cats quieted as Mossy Moon raised her tail. Her somber gaze swept the crowd. "Welcome, everyone." Her voice was quiet but powerful. "Days like this are always important in the life of the Clan, but today is of special significance. In this time of uncertainty and strife as we face the looming threat of the Bands, strength and unity within our Clan has never been more crucial. That is why I am pleased to strengthen our Clan further today with the addition of two promising young trainees. Now, let's begin the ceremony."
Mossy Moon rose and carefully picked her way down the Rockperch to the ground, where Cloudy Water, her mate, helped her down the last few tail-lengths. She strode forward to stand before Amber Mist and Whispering Rain, holding their gazes for a long heartbeat before she began. "I, Mossy Moon, chieftain of the Clan of the Morning Sun, now call upon our ancestors, the Clan of the Bright Stars, to come and bear witness to this sacred ceremony."
The chieftain's head tilted back toward the sky as if she really was talking to their ancestors. "Amber Mist and Whispering Rain," she continued, "the daughters of Sharp Wind and Willow Leaf have reached the age of six moons and are ready to begin their training as a fighter, hunter, or healer. Each role is important and vital to the survival of our Clan, so ancestors, I ask you to guide their pawsteps so they may work hard, excel in their training, and stand strong and true to the day they become full-fledged members of this Clan and beyond."
Mossy Moon lowered her head. "Whispering Rain, step forward."
Whispering Rain hung back; her head ducked shyly. Her mother, Willow Leaf, gave her a nudge and bent down to murmur something into her daughter's ear. With a gulp, the small she-kit padded forward.
Mossy Moon smiled warmly as she addressed Whispering Rain. "Falling Star, Red Maple, the council cats of the Clan of the Morning Sun, and I have watched you these past few moons, and we have come to a decision. You have shown yourself to be dedicated and astute, and also patient and caring. Whispering Rain, you have the great honor of training to be the next healer of the Clan of the Morning Sun."
"Wow," Blossom Dust whispered as Mossy Moon summoned Red Maple, and the healer and her new trainee touched noses, sealing their relationship as instructor and trainee. "She's going to be the next healer."
Tall Pine leaned toward her. "I thought it was pretty obvious. Whispering Rain practically grew up in the healer's den. I think she'll make a great healer."
Yes, she will. Spotted Owl smiled a little as she thought about all of the times she had seen Whispering Rain lurking in Red Maple's den, hanging onto every word the healer said. I can't believe that they really are old enough to become trainees. Mossy Moon's right; it is good that the Clan is stronger, but will we be strong enough to face the Bands? A shiver ran down her spine as her dream resurfaced in her mind, but she pushed it away. I hope that the council can come up with a plan.
"Amber Mist, step forward." The amber-brown she-kit bounced forward as Mossy Moon called her name, drawing an amused chuckle from the crowd.
"Amber Mist," Mossy Moon said again, trying in vain to calm the she-kit. "Falling Star, Red Maple, the council cats of the Clan of the Morning Sun, and I have watched you these past few moons, and we have come to a decision. You have shown yourself to be fiery and quick, as well as brave and confident. You will train to be a hunter of the Clan of the Morning Sun."
Mossy Moon raised her head, her eyes searching the crowd for the cat she was looking for. "We have also carefully selected an instructor for you. Dawn Sky, step forward." As the hunter padded forth, she continued, "You are fierce and disciplined, and we have selected you as the instructor of Amber Mist. I hope you will show her all you know so she may grow into a strong and brave member of the Clan of the Morning Sun."
"I knew it," Fern Dapple said, beaming as Dawn Sky and Amber Mist touched noses. She sent a mischievous glance in Blossom Dust's direction. "I knew that she was going to be a hunter."
"But she has the fieriness of a fighter," Blossom Dust protested.
"Are you saying hunters can't be fiery?" Fern Dapple looked affronted. "Besides, Willow Leaf is a hunter, and Amber Mist is quick and wiry like her. It's obvious."
Blossom Dust rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine, you win."
"Dawn Sky is an interesting choice for her instructor," Tall Pine commented. "I think she'll be good, though, to help Amber Mist grow."
"Yeah," Fern Dapple agreed, flicking an ear. "Honesty, I was secretly hoping to have her as my trainee," she confessed.
"You've only been a hunter for a moon." Blossom Dust bumped Fern Dapple's shoulder with her's. "Relax, you have plenty of time. You'll get a trainee someday soon."
"Hey." Spotted Owl's voice was soft. "Tonight is the emergency meeting of the Grand Starlight Council."
The other young cats sobered instantly.
"Oh, that's right," Tall Pine meowed, his eyes widening as he remembered.
Blossom Dust leaned toward her sister. "Are you going to be well enough to attend?"
Spotted Owl nodded. "Absolutely. This meeting is too important to miss."
"Are you sure?" Tall Pine asked, his brow furrowed and gaze gentle.
"Yes," Spotted Owl insisted. Her voice rose slightly, but she forced herself to take a deep breath. They're only worried about you because they care about you. She smiled a little as her siblings murmured their accordance, but uneasiness twisted in her stomach. She didn't want to admit it, but her leg still bothered her. Am I making a mistake?
Mossy Moon's voice rang out over the crowd. "Amber Mist and Whispering Rain have now become trainees of the Clan of the Morning Sun." She dipped her head to the new trainees standing beside their instructors. "Congratulations, new trainees, and may the Clan of the Bright Stars forever light your path."
The still crowd turned into a frothing brook as cats pushed forward, eager to congratulate the new trainees as Mossy Moon concluded the ceremony. Amber Mist wriggled out from her father's grasp as he covered her ears with licks, but a giddy grin never left her face as she basked in the attention. Whispering Rain hung back, practically burrowing into Red Maple's side. Cheers erupted from the crowd, shouting the trainees' names to the heavens. After moons of trials and hardships, the Clan of the Morning Sun was overjoyed to have a reason to celebrate.
Spotted Owl cheered alongside Tall Pine, Blossom Dust, and Fern Dapple, but her heart wasn't in it. She could not stop her mind from wandering to her worries no matter how much she tried to cast them away like leaves into the wind; the lingering pain in her leg, her dream, the upcoming council meeting, and a deep foreboding sense of dread building like a thunderstorm in her stomach.
Hi, everyone. Thank you for reading chapter one. I hope you enjoyed it. Phew. Not a lot happened, but it was a lot. We've been reintroduced into Clan life. It's been a while since we were with the entire Clan, and I was a little weird for me to write it again, so I hope everything feels "normal," like how it did in the first book. Amber Mist and Whispering Rain are now trainees, and Fern Dapple is a hunter! Yay! I've also started planting seeds for some of the sources of conflict in the book. Poor Spotted Owl now has a lot of emotional baggage…but it's to be expected. The details/plotline that I set around her will be developed and explored over the course of the book. I think this chapter is also a good example of kinda how I see this book going—there will be some things to advance the overall plot of the series, but I will also be revisiting and developing further old subplots and introducing some new ones that will intertwine with the major plot. I am really excited because I am going to be focusing on growth and change for our main characters as they grapple with what is most precious to them.
Fun Fact: Whispering Rain and Amber Mist are very close, it is sometimes like they can read each other's thoughts.
- A Warrior At Heart