Chapter 27: Fern Dapple

Fern Dapple wove among the hustle and bustle of the gorge, moving out of the way as cats hurried past her. The honey-golden rays of the setting sun slanted across the gorge, warming her back and illuminating the unusual business of the Clan of the Morning Sun's camp. In front of her, though still hidden by the towering walls, the moon was starting to rise, as round as a smoothed river pebble. The Gathering was tonight, and everyone was in a hurry to get ready for the patrol to leave.

Tonight will be interesting, Fern Dapple mused. It'll be the first time Mossy Moon and the rest of our Clan are face-to-face with Gray Moon and the Clan of the Flowing Waters after they started escalating tensions and outright attacking us. I wonder if Mossy Moon will confront Gray Moon, and I wonder what he will have to say for himself. She flicked an ear. It'll also be interesting to hear what the other Clans will say and if we'll finally get anywhere with the Bands-

Her thoughts were interrupted as an amber-brown blur bounced past her, nearly knocking her off of her paws. "Hey, watch it," she hissed, leaping backward.

Amber Mist froze in her tracks and turned toward her with round eyes. "Sorry, Fern Dapple. Dawn Sky just told me that I'm going to the Gathering, so I guess I'm a little excited."

"I think that you're more than a little excited," Fern Dapple said, stifling her chuckle as she tried to sound stern. "But everyone is busy, so you need to watch where you're going so you don't get under-paw or hurt anyone."

"Okay, I will," Amber Mist chirped. Once the silver tabby she-cat nodded that she could go, she turned and bolted away, leaping out of the way just in time to avoid crashing into Yellow Sky and Smoke Pelt.

Fern Dapple turned, shaking her head as Smoke Pelt's angry shout followed the overzealous trainee. She resumed her course across the camp, halting once she reached her destination. She stuck her head inside the narrow entrance. "Mossy Moon?"

The Clan of the Morning Sun chieftain was sitting in her nest; her body twisted, so it was almost folded on itself as she leaned over to reach her lower flank. She had paused mid-lick and looked up. "Fern Dapple." Mossy Moon smiled gracefully. Untwisting her body, she shifted to face the entrance. "Come on in."

Fern Dapple smiled in return as she padded inside and took a seat.

Mossy Moon tipped her head. "What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to talk to you because I'm curious about the Gathering tonight." The young hunter flicked her tail. "What do you think will happen with Gray Moon and the Clan of the Flowing Waters?"

"Nothing, I hope. There is a truce tonight for the Gathering, but it can't hurt to be cautious."

Turning her head, Fern Dapple followed the angle of Mossy Moon's ears out the entrance to where the Gathering patrol was assembling near the passageway. Cloudy Water, Yellow Sky, Soaring Hawk, and Rabbit Noses were among them, all burly, strong, and talented fighters, more than usual. Oh. Her eyes grew round as she turned back. "You think that Gray Moon might break the truce?"

"I certainly hope not." Mossy Moon's tone was measured as she tipped her head. "However, it would be a mistake not to be on our guard. Gray Moon has persisted in his aggression despite the incoming Time of Frozen Earth and the threat of the Bands."

"Right." Fern Dapple nodded in understanding. "He hasn't shown himself to be the most sensible cat even in dire situations, so it stands to reason that he might break the truce, even if it is an ancient and sacred law."

"Exactly."

"So, are you planning to confront Gray Moon about his attacks on our Clan?"

"Yes, I am. In a way," Mossy Moon clarified. She straightened her posture. "I am going to reveal what the Clan of the Flowing Waters has been doing to the other Clans and announce that the Clan of the Morning Sun will no longer tolerate their attacks." Her eyes glimmered in the half-light. "I will order Gray Moon to cease his attacks immediately and warn him that if he does not, we will retaliate with full force."

Fern Dapple's eyes widened as she felt as if a chilly breeze had blasted her. Oh, my stars. We're going to start a war. Though it came as a shock, she wasn't overly surprised. With how much Mossy Moon, Falling Star, Red Maple, and the council cats-the Clan Council-had been meeting over the past three sunrises, it was pretty obvious they were seriously planning their response to the most recent attack on the patrol. But it was still critical news no matter what. We're going to war against the Clan of the Flowing Waters.

Fern Dapple's brow furrowed as a question burned at the tip of her tongue. "Mossy Moon, do you think Gray Moon will-"

"Mossy Moon." Falling Star shoved her head in the entrance, her loud voice echoing in the small cave. "The patrol is ready. We should get going."

"Thank you, Falling Star. We'll be right there." As the regent withdrew her head, Mossy Moon turned to her granddaughter, giving her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Fern Dapple, but we need to leave for the Gathering. We'll need to continue this conversation another time."

"N-no, of course," the blue-eyed she-cat said quickly. She hurried after her grandmother out of the cave, though she couldn't shake her disappointment leaving her question unanswered. Do you think Gray Moon will really go to war with us? Although her experience in the skirmish had been brief, the clamor of snarls and moans and the sight of Rising Water's wound oozing blood were burned into her memory. Is that really what he wants? Then why is he doing all of this?

. . .

It's so tense. That was the first thought that went through Fern Dapple's mind as she looked around after scrambling up the last length of the steep trail onto the rocky plateau where the Gathering was held. A cold wind whipped, chasing billowing clouds across the sky-already not a good sign-and splashing spray into the air from the tumultuous waves below. The atmosphere of the Gathering was as frosty as the air, though stagnant and simmering with tension, unlike the wind.

Fern Dapple's neck fur rose despite her attempts to force it flat as she followed her Clanmates into the crowd. It was easy to tell that the Clan of the High Peaks and the Clan of the Dark Caves had arrived already as the most cats from both Clans huddled on opposite sides of the plateau. Both groups were near one of the four pillars that rose around the edge instead of mingling like normal. Following suit, most of the Clan of the Morning Sun cats clustered before the pillar closest to their territory. Though Mossy Moon had leaped up onto the central pillar to join Hawk Moon and Grass Moon, Falling Star had joined the regents near the base, and Red Maple and Whispering Rain were heading over to the knot of healers, all three groups had distance between them and a coolness instead of the usual camaraderie.

Fern Dapple paused in the middle of the plateau, frowning as she scanned the crowd. What should I do? I could join my Clanmates, but this is the only time I get to talk to cats from the other Clans. But no one looks that friendly right now, so I'm not sure if they'd want to.

"This is quite the tough crowd." The silver tabby she-cat turned her head as Blossom Dust padded up beside her.

"Yes, it is," she agreed, looking back at the other cats. "Everyone's so tense and hostile. Do you think it's because of the disagreement during the Grand Starlight Council meeting?"

"You mean about Sharp and the plan to fight back against the Bands?" Blossom Dust asked. "That's probably it."

"What do you think we should do?" Fern Dapple asked, glancing at her friend again. Her ears twitched uncertainty. "Should we go sit with our Clanmates or-"

"This is the only time every moon we get to see our friends from other Clans." Blossom Dust tossed her head. "Let's go find them."

"Are you sure-" But Fern Dapple didn't have the chance to finish as Blossom Dust took off across the plateau. She snorted as she headed after her friend but smiled, secretly glad. Now I don't have to go by myself over to the other Clans.

Blossom Dust and Fern Dapple headed toward the few groups of cats from different Clans. As she squeezed past one group, she jostled a cat's shoulder by accident, and a dark brown tabby tom turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and with a jolt, Fern Dapple realized it was her brother, Jagged Path. He was sitting with Passing Storm, Dewy Grass, Lark Feather of the Clan of the Dark Caves, and Sunny Leaf of the Clan of the High Peaks. Her brother's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth as if to say something, but Fern Dapple swept by him. A rush of anger surged inside her. Arrogant fox-hearted furball. I have nothing to say to him. She let out a huff, but in her rage, she wasn't watching where she was going and nearly crashed into another cat.

"Oh, sorry," the hunter gasped.

"It's okay. I wasn't looking where I was going either," the other cat meowed.

Taking a good look at him, Fern Dapple gasped again. "Sandy Pelt. It's good to see you. It's been what-two moons?"

The light brown tabby tom laughed. "Yes, it has. I didn't come to the last one because Grass Moon banned me from the Gathering as a punishment."

Fern Dapple rolled her eyes. "What did you do this time?"

"I was high up in a tree trying to steal some honey to smear on Sunny Leaf's pelt when I slipped and accidentally dropped the entire bee's nest on her."

"What? Why would you do that to your sister?"

Sandy Pelt shrugged as if it were nothing. "She was being a stuck-up furball again and had tattled on me when I tried to mix up the herbs in Silver Song's den. She's so old, I thought for sure she would never notice. Anyway, Grass Moon also delayed my assessment again as another part of my punishment."

"Oh, my stars." Fern Dapple rolled her eyes again. "I don't know if you'll ever become a full hunter at this point."

"Actually-" Sandy Pelt's eyes twinkled. "-I already am."

"Congratulations," Blossom Dust said as she joined them. "How'd you ever manage that?"

"Well, as the main part of my punishment, I was confined to camp and had to help Silver Song and Blue Streak take care of Sunny Leaf until she healed. But Sunny Leaf was still angry with me for a while and grouchy because she was in a lot of pain. Those bees got her good." Sandy Pelt winced guiltily. "Anyway, she sent me away whenever I tried to help her, so I was left in camp with a lot of time on my paws. When most cats were out on patrol, I was the only one who noticed that Berry Pelt had climbed up to the narrowest ledges near the top of the hollow. Thankfully, I got to him in time before he could take a tumble."

"That's so brave," Blossom Dust exclaimed, her eyes shining in admiration.

"Wow, so Berry Pelt climbed up to the ledges high above your camp floor?" Fern Dapple asked, remembering what he had told her about the Clan of the High Peaks camp, a deep hollow in the slope of the Wind Mountain with narrow ledges running along its sides. "He's a kit. If he had fallen from that height, he could've died. You're a hero."

"I know." Sandy Pelt nodded grimly. "But, thank you." He smirked, returning to his jovial self. "Grass Moon thought so too, so she said that I could take my assessment at the same time as Sunny Leaf once she was healed. I passed just a few sunrises ago, and here I am."

"Congratulations," Fern Dapple repeated, bumping him with her shoulder. "It's about time."

"Now we're just waiting for me to become a fighter," Blossom Dust meowed.

"Wait, you haven't gotten your full status yet?" A new voice asked. The three cats turned to see a silver and black tabby she-cat standing a few tail-lengths away.

"Dappled Feather," Blossom Dust said happily, trotting over to touch noses with the new arrival. "It's good to see you. No, I haven't become a full fighter yet."

Dappled Feather blinked curiously. "That's strange. We were born less than a moon apart. I would've thought you would've become a full fighter by now. My assessment was nearly a moon and a half ago."

"Well, we can't all be hunting prodigies like you," Sandy Pelt joked.

"I wouldn't consider myself a prodigy," Dappled Feather said shyly, staring at her paws.

"Oh, sure." Sandy Pelt rolled his eyes. "You only caught a hawk on your first try."

"But that's different," she protested.

Fern Dapple grinned as she laughed and joked with her friends. Laughter filled her chest with warmth, making her feel lighter than she had in a while. It's nice being able to get to see friends at Gatherings. Her gaze traveled over the heads of the cats around her, who, for the most part, were still clumped with the rest of their Clanmates. I'm glad we can have a good time, even if everyone else is tense and hostile. She frowned as her eyes drifted over a familiar white head with a large black patch. Tall Pine was sitting beside Quick Clouds at the outskirts of the cluster of their Clanmates. She frowned. Why is Tall Pine there? He's usually with Frosted Leaf at Gatherings. She snorted, shaking her head. So where is she? Her frown deepened as she scanned the crowd. Come to think of it, where are all the Clan of the Flowing Waters cats?

"Cats of all Clans." Mossy Moon's voice rose like a bird above the muted drone of conversations. Fern Dapple turned toward her voice, her brow furrowing in confusion. Her chieftain stood on the top of the central pillar, her chin lifted. "Let the Gathering begin."

"Mossy Moon-" Grass Moon rose her paws, her expression reflecting Fern Dapple's confusion. "-what are you doing? The Clan of the Flowing Waters hasn't arrived yet."

The Clan of the Morning Sun chieftain glanced at her. "Grass Moon, we have been waiting for a while. It is getting late, and we are wasting moonlight." She pointed with her tail to where the moon had already begun its descent.

"I agree," Hawk Moon spoke up. "We have been waiting for a long time, but they haven't shown up. We should get started. If they come, they can join us."

Grass Moon pulled her ears back. "No. We do not begin a Gathering without every Clan present. There are four Clans, not three. We need the Clan of the Flowing Waters."

The crowd was silent as Mossy Moon exchanged a glance with Hawk Moon. Fern Dapple shifted her paws uneasily. No cat seemed to want to say what they all already knew.

Hawk Moon squared his shoulders. "If they haven't come already, then they're probably not coming."

"We can't be sure of that," Grass Moon snapped. "We should give Gray Moon the benefit of the doubt. We need to wait." Her eyes were wide with urgency as she looked from cat to cat. "We have to do something about-"

Mossy Moon leaned down, meeting her fellow chieftain's gaze gently. "Grass Moon, I also want more than anyone for them to be here. I understand why you want to wait, but I think we have to face the fact that Gray Moon and the Clan of the Flowing Waters aren't coming."

Grass Moon sighed but agreed with a reluctant nod. "Very well."

With a nod, Mossy Moon lifted her head to address the Gathering. "The Clan of the Morning Sun is doing well despite the approaching Time of Frozen Earth. Our hunters' noses are keen and paws quick, so our elders and mothers are well-fed with plenty of prey. Maple Sky has moved into the nursery expecting another litter of kits with Soaring Hawk, so our nursery will soon be full. Our trainees are training hard, and our fighters' claws are sharp, so we remain strong."

Around Fern Dapple, cats frowned, and murmurs ripped through the throng as the Clan of the Morning Sun chieftain leaped down from the pinnacle of the pillar, signaling that she was done with her announcement. Mossy Moon is making it clear that we are still strong, even though the Clan of the Flowing Waters has been attacking us. But do the other cats know that? What is Mossy Moon going to do now that the Clan of the Flowing Waters hasn't shown up?

The young hunter set her thoughts aside as Grass Moon took Mossy Moon's place. The Clan of the High Peaks chieftain hesitated, her ears flattened as if uncertain whether she should continue when one Clan wasn't present. But she cleared her throat. "The Clan of the High Peaks also remains strong. There have been several eagles and hawks in our territory recently hunting our smaller prey, but they have kept us fed nicely. Tonight, we have two cats who have received their full statuses as a hunter and fighter, Sunny Leaf and Sandy Pelt."

"Sandy Pelt! Sunny Leaf!" The Clans cheered, though it was more subdued than usual.

"Sandy Pelt!" Fern Dapple cheered for her friend. She laughed as he puffed out his chest beside her. "Hey," she said, nudging his shoulder with hers. "-don't go getting a big head now. It wouldn't fit on your shoulders."

"Well, then I guess I'll just have to get a bigger, buffer body because my head's already huge," Sandy Pelt joked, making her laugh again.

As the cheers died down, Hawk Moon swapped places with Grass Moon. The dark brown tabby tom raised his muzzle, his deep voice ringing across the plateau like thunder. "The Clan of the Dark Caves is fairing well. One of our main tunnels collapsed half a moon ago, but thankfully no one was hurt. My hunters and fighters are currently working on excavating an alternate route." His serious demeanor shifted as his eyes began to shine like little suns. "I am also proud to announce that my mate, Quick Breeze, has given birth to our kits, Smokey Stripe, Thistle Tuft, and Frozen Pool, three healthy toms."

A few cats called out congratulations as Hawk Moon stepped back down onto the lower ledge. Once the crowd began to quiet, Grass Moon looked from him to Mossy Moon. "So, the Clan of the Flowing Waters hasn't shown up. What should we do?"

"I cannot say for sure what this means as, though I know we all have our suspicions, I do not know why Gray Moon did not attend tonight. But, I do have some important news to share regarding the Clan of the Flowing Waters that will determine what we will do next." The dark brown tabby she-cat's jaw was set, her gaze hard, as she leaped back onto the top of the pillar and turned to address the Gathering.

Surprised and speculating murmurs spread throughout the crowd. Fern Dapple straightened up. Unlike most cats, she knew what was going to happen next. Mossy Moon's going to make the announcement. I wonder how the other Clans will respond? She looked from Grass Moon's startled expression to Hawk Moon's intrigued one, biting her lip. What will they say?

Mossy Moon planted her paws, her frosty-cold gaze sweeping across the gathered cats. She was silent for a heartbeat or two, letting the suspension build before she opened her mouth, her tone soft but clear from even all the way across the death-silent plateau. "Gray Moon and the Clan of the Flowing Waters has been trying to provoke a war with the Clan of the Morning Sun."

A collective gasp came from the Clan of the High Peaks and Clan of the Dark Caves at the chieftain's alarming claim. Cats turned to one another, whispers and mutters rising in volume like floodwater after torrential rain. Meanwhile, the Clan of the Morning Sun cats sat stoically, their attention focused solely on their chieftain.

Grass Moon took a step forward, her brow furrowed. "Mossy Moon, that is a dangerous claim. What makes you say that?"

The dark brown tabby she-cat cast a swift glance at her fellow chieftain. Despite the consistent clamor, she continued speaking, so the crowd was forced to hush to hear her. "For the past moon, the Clan of the Flowing Waters has been increasingly hostile toward my Clan. Half a moon ago, they ambushed one of our hunting patrols, and since then, they have attacked two more patrols, venturing further and further into our territory. Several of my Clanmates have been injured, including one of our senior fighters and a young trainee."

A cat sitting nearby Fern Dapple sucked in their breath. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, though more sympathetic than suspicious now.

Mossy Moon shifted her weight, her tone softening. "This is no time to start a war, so I have focused my Clan on defense and ordered no retaliation. However, their attacks have gotten bolder and show no sign of ceasing. For our own safety, my Clan cannot remain idle any longer." Her voice swelled as she lifted her chin. "The Clan of the Flowing Waters may not be here tonight, but I want every cat to hear this so they can spread the word. Gray Moon is to have his cats stop their attacks immediately. Consider him warned; if he does not, the Clan of the Morning Sun will retaliate with equal and greater force to the lengths that are necessary to protect our Clan."

"Do you have feathers in your brain?" All eyes swung toward Grass Moon as the blue-gray she-cat stared incredulously at Mossy Moon. The fur on her neck began to rise as she swished her tail like a snake readying to strike. "We cannot afford to start a war right now. There are other much more pertinent threats. Have you forgotten about the Bands? We should be making a plan to defeat them, not threatening to go to war."

Mossy Moon leaped down off the top of the pillar. On the same level as Grass Moon, she met the other chieftain's gaze evenly. "Exactly." Her whiskers twitched. "I agree completely. I shouldn't have to be doing this, but this is what it has come to because of Gray Moon's assaults on my Clan. If he doesn't stop, we have no choice." She stared pointedly into Grass Moon's eyes. "What would you do?"

The entire Gathering held its breath as the two she-cats locked gazes for heartbeats that lasted moons, caught in a battle of wills. Finally, Grass Moon looked away. "You're right. If my Clan were in that position, I would fight." Her gaze hardened. "But we're not. No, instead, we need to devote our attention to something much more important."

Mossy Moon shrugged helplessly. "But my Clan is. And there's no way around it, unless…" she trailed off, her brow furrowed as she thought for a heartbeat before facing the other chieftains. "The only way I can think of to avoid going to war is with the help of your Clans. If all three of our Clans were to stand up to Gray Moon, he would have no choice but to back down. The three of us could take patrols of our fighters to the Clan of the Flowing Waters camp and talk to him. There would be no force necessary-only the threat of it. So, what do you say?"

Silence met the Clan of the Morning Sun chieftain's words, a silence so empty and aching it seemed to penetrate through everything. It was a silence of shock and dismay, not of opportunity. They're not going to help us, Fern Dapple thought, her brief hopes dashed as she studied the other two chieftain's faces. Though before they could answer, other cats broke the silence.

"Does the Clan of the Morning Sun have bees in their brains?" A dark brown tabby tom from the Clan of the Dark Caves stood, flicking his tail. "Why in the stars would we get involved in a matter that doesn't concern us, especially when it means risking starting a war?"

"No, you would be helping to prevent a war," Yellow Sky growled. The senior fighter was on her paws, glaring across the plateau at the tom.

"Matters that involve a war between two Clans and innocent cats being hurt concern all of the Clans," Dawn Sky added.

"What proof do you have?" A she-cat Fern Dapple couldn't see called across the plateau. "The Clan of the Flowing Waters aren't here. For all we know, you could be lying."

"Are the fresh scars on our pelts not enough for you?" Smoke Pelt called back, his pelt bristling, the pink scratches still visible between his fur.

"But why should we risk our necks to save yours?" A silver tabby tom from the Clan of the High Peaks spat. "Especially when you're harboring a dangerous Band cat?"

Jagged Path leaped to his paws, his mouth open for a harsh retort.

"Enough." Hawk Moon's bellow echoed across the plateau as he raked the crowd with his stern amber gaze. Like kits scolded by their mother, the cats hushed. "Mossy Moon-" Hawk Moon turned to her with a shake of his head. "-I believe that the Clan of the Flowing Waters is attacking you, and I want to help you, but I'm afraid my Clan cannot. You are still letting Sharp stay with your Clan and refusing to tell us why, so I don't know if we can trust you. My Clan also can't risk getting involved in a war."

Mossy Moon nodded somberly. "I understand." Turning to Grass Moon, she asked, "and what do you say?"

The blue-gray she-cat hesitated before she bowed her head. "I'm sorry. But the Clan of the High Peaks cannot help you either."

Mossy Moon's eyes were disappointed but not surprised. "I guess we all know where we stand now. Alone. Every Clan for themself. As the New Clans, we pledged to be better than the Fallen Clans. Our ancestors created the Grand Starlight Council and the Clans' Code to ensure that this would never happen. We are supposed to stand by each other no matter what, so none of us will fall. Uniting can't have conditions." She dipped her head to the other chieftains before she turned, reading to leap down. "May the Clan of the Bright Stars light your paths."

"Wait." Grass Moon took a step forward. "What about making a plan?"

The dark brown tabby she-cat glanced over her shoulder. "If we fracture at even this delicate blow, there's no point. We wouldn't get anywhere. This Gathering is over. Clan of the Morning Sun cats, we are going to return to our camp and prepare for war."

As the Gathering began to break up, Sandy Pelt pushed himself to his paws. He turned to Fern Dapple and Blossom Dust, his eyes round. "I'm so sorry about my Clan. If I could make them help you, I would."

"I would too," Dappled Feather murmured. "I'm sorry."

Fern Dapple blinked a few times, feeling numb with the shock of how the events of the Gathering had turned. "Th-thank you both."

Blossom Dust nudged Fern Dapple. "Our Clan is assembling. We should probably go."

"Goodbye then." Sandy Pelt leaned over to touch noses with her. "I'll see you at the next Gathering."

"Goodbye," Fern Dapple echoed. After bidding Dappled Feather farewell, she and Blossom Dust turned and padded over to join their Clanmates who were convening at the top of the trail.

Blossom Dust glanced at her friend. "What do you think we do now?"

"I don't know." Fern Dapple shook her head as she thought for a heartbeat. The other Clans are refusing to help us because they don't trust us, because we gave Sharp asylum and because they don't want to risk getting involved in a war. Everyone knows that Gray Moon most likely isn't going to stop. Mossy Moon won't back down because she's protecting our Clan. Then there is only one choice... A chill shivered through her. "We go to war." And take the consequences as they come.

Another Fern Dapple chapter! Yay! I love writing from her perspective. She's such a fun and well-rounded character. Ooh, quite a bit happened in this chapter as well. The Clan of the Morning Sun is going to war. What would you do if you were in Mossy Moon's position? Would you fight?

Fun Fact: The three siblings' training will be a bit longer than usual for trainees in the Clans because of all the training they missed due to all of the huge events that have taken place during their training time, which has interrupted it.

- A Warrior At Heart