Chapter 7: Spotted Owl
Spotted Owl could sense the tense air inside the camp before she even emerged from the passageway. It was as though Sharp's presence was powerful enough to freeze time itself. The Clan of the Morning Sun cats had stopped everything they were doing to turn and stare. Fur bristled as if lightning was sparking off the ends. Unsheathed claws glinted in the waning sunlight. Dark glances and mutters snaked through the gathering crowd.
"Murderer."
"What in the stars is he doing here?"
"Backstabbing traitor."
"The nerve."
"Dirty fox-heart."
"What does he want?"
I know, Spotted Owl thought, as she followed Yellow Sky across the stone gorge, making a beeline for Mossy Moon's den. I want to know too. Why is Sharp here? What does he want? She suppressed a growl. I want to know if he's here for revenge—if we're in danger. Or if he came here for another reason— No. She cut herself off as she squared her shoulders. That can't be true.
The mutters intensified as Spotted Owl, and the rest of the patrol approached their chieftain's den. The Clan cats' shock was fading, giving way to something else: simmering anger. It was a fury that matched her own that had begun to simmer like a wildfire inside her. She glowered at Sharp, who padded long obliviously a fox-length in front of her. Her ears pulled back as she curled her lip. How dare he show his face here after everything he's done to us. After how he hurt me. I was finally feeling better before he showed up. Why did he have to come?
Mossy Moon poked her head out of her den, a crack in the gorge wall near the Rockperch, her ears pricked at the commotion. Her eyes widened as she saw Sharp. Cloudy Water, her mate, emerged beside her, his neck fur rising almost instantaneously. The brown tabby she-cat bent her head to murmur something to him, who nodded and rushed away.
Yellow Sky flicked her tail at Spotted Owl before she headed over to Mossy Moon. Understanding, the young she-cat hung back, halting near Dappled Fur, who was guarding Sharp. Yellow Sky and Mossy Moon talked briefly in tones too soft for her to hear before they, Sharp, and Falling Star and Red Maple, who had been alerted by Cloudy Water, vanished into the den.
The murmurs quieted as the heartbeats stretched on with no sign of movement from within the cave. Spotted Owl strained her ears, but she could not hear what was going on, and she dared not venture any closer with her Clanmates nearby. Without anything else to do, she settled down to wait along with the rest of the Clan of the Morning Sun cats. Even as the sun inched across the sky, nobody moved. They sat in tense, urgent silence as if a swarm of bees was buzzing over their heads, holding their breaths as they waited to hear the verdict.
What in the stars is taking so long? Spotted Owl fidgeted, flicking her tail tip and staring at her claws as she flexed them. It's not that complicated. Why is Sharp here? Did the Bands send him here to get revenge on us or not?
"Spotted Owl." The black and white she-cat looked up as she heard a voice call her name. Fern Dapple was shouldering her way through the crowd toward her, Blossom Dust following her wake.
"Is it true?" Blossom Dust's dandelion-yellow eyes glimmered with anxiety as she searched her sister's gaze.
Spotted Owl released a long breath. "I'm afraid so. I was on a border patrol with Yellow Sky, Sharp Wind, Jagged Path, and Dappled Fur when he found him sitting just outside our border, in front of the Dawn Pass." She angled her ears toward the den. "He's been in there with Mossy Moon for a while now."
Fern Dapple followed her gaze. Her mouth hung ajar as she shook her head. "Oh, my stars. I can't believe it."
Blossom Dust looked Spotted Owl in the eye. "Are you okay?" She asked softly.
The young she-cat was quiet for a heartbeat, weighing her response. "I don't know," she admitted, at last, deciding to tell the truth. Her sister settled next to her, so close that their pelts brushed to offer some comfort. Fern Dapple sat down on her other side.
"Why do you think he's here?" Blossom Dust asked after a few heartbeats.
Three more heartbeats passed before the silver tabby she-cat answered, "I don't want to believe this, but I don't think there could be any other reason. Sharp's arrival has to be one part or another of the Band's plan to retaliate against us for attacking their camp and free the prisoners. It's the only good explanation."
Blossom Dust twitched her whiskers. "But couldn't there be another reason?"
"Like what?" Fern Dapple shrugged, sending a glance at the small she-cat. "As I said, it's the only one that makes sense. His arrival is probably a diversion or a trick, like last time. It fits with the Bands' methodology."
Blossom Dust frowned as she laid her ears back. "I don't want to believe it either, but it has to be true. It's been a moon. It's been enough time for them to have recovered and be ready to retaliate by now."
"Right," Fern Dapple agreed. "The Bands also have a burning desire for revenge, which is why they started this war in the first place. Our victory will have only fueled it. Don't you think, Spotted Owl?"
Spotted Owl hesitated. The weight of the hunter's question was as heavy as her gaze. I also don't want to believe it because of what it would mean for the Clans, but Fern Dapple and Blossom Dust have made some good points. There can't possibly be any other explanation for why Sharp is here. Right? She asked herself, locking away all other hopes that thought differently. "I agree." She nodded.
The three cats fell into a heavy silence, almost as if Spotted Owl's words were a prophetic statement of what would now come to pass. All three of them knew with dreaded certainty what Mossy Moon would—eventually—come out to announce, and what it would mean for their Clan. They knew what they would have to face soon enough, but for now, at least the silence allowed for the possibility—however infinitely minuscule—that it wouldn't come true. So they allowed themselves to sit in silence with that hope like a delicate sprout in the early Time of Thawing Earth before they had to gather their courage to face reality.
After what felt like an eternity, Spotted Owl became aware of tittering amongst the crowd like a chorus of early morning birds. She snapped her head up, her ears pricking, as she saw Mossy Moon stride out into a pool of deep honey sunlight. Red Maple followed after her, and then Yellow Sky and Falling Star emerged, flanking Sharp. The three of them took a seat beneath the Rockperch, mirroring Spotted Owl, Fern Dapple, and Blossom Dust as Mossy Moon swiftly ascended to her perch.
At the sight of Sharp, Blossom Dust sucked in a breath, almost as if she hadn't entirely believed it until she saw him. Spotted Owl felt Fern Dapple go rigid like a hearty evergreen on her other side. The pair of them shifted closer to her, almost instinctively. The dappled she-cat was grateful that they were there as she felt her haze of emotions flare up again with renewed vigor. Anger churned like a stormy lake inside her stomach. She snuck a look at Sharp, who was staring at his feet, and quickly looked away again as her paws began to tremble.
"Thank you, everyone, for your patience," Mossy Moon began, sweeping the crowd with her gaze. Below her, the Clan of the Morning Sun cats shifted and fidgeted. Expectant gazes were fixed on their chieftain as tails thumped the ground softly. Low murmurs were scattered like raindrops here and there. Despite the air of tense anticipation, Mossy Moon was serene, a solid oak amid a raging storm. "Sharp's arrival is shocking and alarming for all of us, and I know that you all are anxious to find out what is going on. However, this is a delicate issue that could have devastating consequences for the Clans, so I made sure to take sufficient time to hear his story and discuss our response."
The atmosphere inside the camp seemed to reach its pinnacle. All of the cats, Spotted Owl included, leaned forward, eager to hear. Finally. We get to learn why Sharp came.
Mossy Moon took a deep breath. "Sharp came to the Valley of Hidden Stars with a request to be granted asylum by the Clans. I have decided to allow him to stay in our Clan."
A deafening silence met the dark brown tabby she-cat's words. It was so quiet Spotted Owl could hear the creak of the branches of the evergreens high above the hollow and her heart beating like the wings of a snared bird against her ribs. Her mind was as blank as the Time of Frozen Earth sky, unable to comprehend what the dark brown tabby she-cat had just said. What in the name of the Clan of the Bright Stars? Why would she do that? Why would she let our enemy live among us?
The silence ensued for what felt like seasons. Every other Clan of the Morning Sun cat was as astounded as Spotted Owl. But then, everything seemed to click all of a sudden. And then the crowd erupted.
"Why in the stars would you let that mangy murderer into our Clan?" Smoke Pelt demanded, his cinder-gray pelt standing on end.
"He deceived, betrayed, and attacked us," Passing Storm called out, leaping to his paws in the back of the crowd.
"He murdered my brother, Scattered Leaves." Dewy Grass glared defiantly at Mossy Moon, her fur rippling like long grass in the wind. Rising Water, her mother, draped her tail over her daughter's shoulder.
Rabbit Nose stepped forward. He raised his chin though his voice trembled. "He helped with the interrogations and torture of the Clan cats and I while who were held as prisoners of the Bands."
Yes, he did, Spotted Owl thought. Her heart squeezed as Rabbit Nose glanced over his shoulder, meeting her gaze. They communicated unspoken words through their shared look, things they didn't have to stay aloud to know that the other understood when no one else did. Sharp did everything my Clanmates are saying he did. So why would Mossy Moon grant him asylum? And for what reason does he need asylum?
In the corner of her vision, she saw Blossom Dust rise slowly to her paws. The golden patched she-cat took a deep breath. "He took Tall Pine prisoner, and let us all think he was dead."
Yes, he did, Spotted Owl thought again. Pain stabbed her chest like a claw as she recalled that difficult time. She scooted closer to Blossom Dust and wrapped her tail over her sister's shoulders as the small she-cat sat down shakily.
"It would be mouse-brained to let Sharp join our Clan and live in our camp. He's a major threat to us and all of the Clans," Soaring Hawk rumbled, his brow furrowed but eyes hard.
"He could attack our kits," Maple Sky added, to which Willow Leaf and Waving Fern murmured their agreement.
"Or our trainees." Dawn Sky cast a glance at Amber Mist, who sat next to her, watching everything with round eyes.
"He will just betray us again," Tumbling Stone growled, his tail lashing.
Fern Dapple stepped forward; her chin raised as she looked at the cats around her. "We can't trust anything that Sharp says. We all know why he really came. He's here to help the Bands retaliate against us for our attack on them. There's no other possible explanation."
Murmurs of support and agreement rose from the Clan of the Morning Sun cats. The clamor of voices, growls, and caterwauls quieted as the cats' initial outrage began to fade into impatient anger. They turned their attention to Mossy Moon again, waiting for her explanation.
The Clan of the Morning Sun chieftain waited until the crowd had fallen silent. Her expression was grave but unmoved. She had expected this reaction but had still made the same decision. She scanned the gathered cats again, looking at everyone in turn. "I hear all of you and your concerns. I want you to know that I did not make this decision lightly. I have only agreed to allow Sharp to stay in our camp because it is absolutely necessary. I believe what he told me, but like you all, I do not trust him fully. He will stay in one of the empty caves—far away from our younger Clanmates—and there will be a fighter on guard at all times."
As murmurs of opposition began to escalate again, she raised her tail for silence. "This is my final decision." With that, she pivoted and carefully picked her way down the back slope of the Rockperch, firmly putting an end to the meeting.
"Oh my stars," Blossom Dust whispered, sinking slowly into a seated position again.
"Agreed." Fern Dapple's expression was grim. She slid her claws out and retracted them again and again as she stared into the distance, contemplating.
I agree as well, Spotted Owl thought. She sat, stone-still, her eyes seeing nothing at all. She felt as though she had fallen from a tall cliff, and lay sprawled out on hard earth, the wind knocked out of her. She couldn't force her tongue to form words. Emotions swirled through her like churning muddy water, even more, befuddled than when Sharp had first arrived. This is the last thing I expected to happen. Why would Mossy Moon give Sharp asylum after all of the crimes he's committed against us? Why does he need asylum? Is Sharp really not here for revenge? Then why is he here? She slammed her forepaw into the ground, frustration swelling inside her. Why?
"Spotted Owl." A strong voice interrupted her stupor. The young she-cat's head jerked up, glancing around herself. Blossom Dust and Fern Dapple had hushed mid-conversation and were staring at Mossy Moon, who stood two fox-lengths away.
"Spotted Owl," the blue-eyed she-cat said again. "May I have a word with you in my den?"
The fighter trainee blinked at her chieftain for a long heartbeat, uncomprehending. What in the stars? Then she shook herself. Cloud-brain. "Yes, o-of course," she sputtered.
"Good. Follow me." Mossy Moon nodded, and strode across the camp toward her den, waving her tail at the dappled she-cat to follow.
Spotted Owl sent a bewildered look over her shoulder at her sister and friend, who both shrugged as she followed the chieftain. The darkness of the cave fell over her like a damp curtain. Her pawsteps echoed in the dim den as she padded along a short but narrow tunnel and emerged into a small cavern. The earthy scent of moss hung in the air from the plush nest in the corner. Mossy Moon's white chest glowed in the gloom as she sat, waiting, with her tail wrapped around her paws.
"Mossy Moon," Spotted Owl greeted the chieftain with a dip of her head. She shivered as if the air inside the den had suddenly become frosty-cold. Anxiousness twisted like a worm inside her stomach. "What is this about?"
"Thank you for speaking with me. Please, take a seat." Mossy Moon gestured with her tail to the stone floor.
Spotted Owl plopped down.
Mossy Moon cocked her head, her eyes unreadable as she scrutinized her younger Clanmate. "Sharp's arrival was a huge shock to our entire Clan, but I know that it must've been especially hard on you, given your history. How are you doing?"
The young she-cat stared at her paws, her pelt prickling under her chieftain's intense gaze. Is this why she wanted to talk to me? "I'm…not sure." She said, choosing her words with care. She didn't want to say anything too hastily she would regret. "I guess I'm conflicted and unsure of how to feel. It is shocking and painful to see Sharp again, and I'm angry that he might be here to hurt us, and confused as to why he is here." She raised her head slowly, her heart thudding in her ears. "Why did Sharp come here? Why did you let him join our Clan?"
Mossy Moon nodded, her expression serious. "I was sure you'd want to know." She sighed. "The rest of the Clan deserves to know, too, but it is necessary to keep it a secret. Can you promise to keep everything I'm about to tell you to yourself?"
"Of course," Spotted Owl agreed immediately, though she furrowed her brow. "But, Mossy Moon, why is it necessary to keep this all a secret?"
"Because the safety of our Clans and all of the others depend on it." The Clan of the Morning Sun chieftain sat as still as weathered mountain stone, her gaze boring into Spotted Owl's. "Sharp told me that he had come here to ask for asylum because he is afraid for his life, but he refused to say why or anything else further. While part of me believes him because he looked genuinely afraid, I know that we cannot trust him. His arrival now is too much of a coincidence. I share our Clanmates' suspicions that he is somehow involved with the Bands' plan for revenge. However, there is a lot more we don't know. Our Clanmates are right about everything Sharp has done to us, and I want to banish him from our territory, but it's too risky. I agreed to let Sharp stay with us so we can keep an eye on him, and hopefully discover why he's truly here and what the Bands are planning. He may be our only chance to stop them. I do not like keeping our Clanmates in the dark about all of this, but we can't risk the Bands finding out."
Spotted Owl inhaled deeply, the weight of what her chieftain has said resting on her shoulders like a boulder. I knew that he most likely came to help the Bands attack us, but Mossy Moon stating it makes it real. But what she's saying makes sense. We have a plan. We can do this. But… "Where do I come into all of this?" She asked aloud.
A faint smile crossed Mossy Moon's face. "Excellent question. I was just about to get to that," she replied, lifting her chin. "I have a job for you. Like I told the Clan, I will have a fighter stationed on guard around Sharp. They are to make sure he doesn't hurt any of our Clanmates, but also to watch him and gather information."
"You mean like spy on him?" Spotted Owl clarified. Her scrunched face cleared like the sun from behind clouds as a conclusion dawned on her. "And you asked me here to tell me all of this because…you want me to spy on Sharp?"
Mossy Moon nodded, confirming Spotted Owl's fear. "Yes, I do."
"But why me? Surely there are plenty of more qualified cats?"
"Spotted Owl, you may be young, but you are courageous and strong, and you have done more to protect and serve your Clan than most fighters. You saw through the Bands' treachery, rescued your brother, prevented a war between the Clans, and got us to unite to stop our common enemy. You ventured into the unknown to gather information to save your Clan, were being taken prisoner by the Bands, single-handedly united the prisoners to start a revolt, and then fought to free yourself. You've fought in more battles than someone your age should. You have faced countless obstacles from a young age, but you have risen and overcome them." Mossy Moon averted her gaze as she nodded to Spotted Owl's pelt, a perfect reflection of her father's and a reminder of her half-Clan heritage. She gestured to the young she-cat's leg before she looked her in the eye again. "And you also—"
"—had a close relationship with Sharp," Spotted Owl finished, the warmth in her chest at Mossy Moon's praise dissipating. "So, he would be more likely to talk to me and reveal information than to another fighter."
"Yes." Mossy Moon nodded solemnly.
She wants me to spy on Sharp. Spotted Owl's heart thudded against her ribs. This is a tremendous honor and responsibility, but it would mean having to be around him again. I would have to spend time with him, talk to him, and gain his trust. Her stomach churned like an angry sea as her chest clenched painfully. After everything he's done to my Clan and me, I don't know if I can do it. Memories flashed across her mind. Painful and happy ones jumbled together. Sharp slicing his claw across Scattered Leaves's throat. Them laughing together. His frenzied eyes as he attacked her and her siblings. Him demonstrating a battle move as she eagerly watched. His guarded expression as he dragged her across the Bands' camp, leaving a trail of blood. His round eyes holding an ocean of emotions as he offered to free her from the prison. She shut her eyes, abruptly cutting the memories off before she drowned in them.
I shouldn't feel this way. I wish I didn't feel this way. But even after everything, it still feels wrong to spy on Sharp. And I would have to keep it a secret from everyone, which would mean lying to my friends and family. Anxiety fluttered like a moth's wings inside Spotted Owl as she flattened her ears against her head. I don't want to lie to them.
But, her thoughts shifted a little like sand in a breeze. Her shoulders slumped as she released a long breath. I would be lying to them for a reason of the utmost importance. I know that they would understand—when I can tell them. As Mossy Moon said, the safety of our Clans and all the others depends on it. Everything depends on me. I have to make the right choice. I have to protect my Clan.
Mossy Moon tossed her head, a challenge in her gleaming jay-blue eyes. "So, what do you say?"
Spotted Owl took a deep breath as she lifted her head to meet the chieftain's eyes. "Yes."
Hi everyone, sorry this update took a while! Even though I thought this chapter was going to be shorter, they always seem to end up very long. So, there's a lot to unpack! Sharp has returned to the Clans, and the Clan of the Morning Sun cats pretty much reacted how expected. Though Mossy Moon's decision was totally unexpected! Did it take anyone by surprise? Do you side with her or with the rest of the Clan? But, at least, we get an explanation, along with a cool twist that has set up a very interesting situation for Spotted Owl and Sharp. How do you think it will play out? We also think we know why Sharp came to the Valley, but can we really be sure? Any ideas? As always, thank you for reading!
Fun Fact: Bracken Tail and Soaring Hawk understand what Spotted Owl, Tall Pine, and Blossom Dust went though because Creek is their father, because their father, Sunny Stripe, had kits with a rogue named Holly.
- A Warrior At Heart