Chapter Thirty
Sunlight dappled the forest clearing, another warn Newleaf day sprung upon the Clans. Shadowheart was at the edge of the clearing with Minkkit, and Daykit, listening to his young kin tell him about the large vole they saw sneak into camp earlier.
"I would have caught it too if the Softstep's kits weren't so noisy!" Minkkit complained, leaping to catch a falling leaf.
Shadowheart purred at the young tom's enthusiasm. "Oh, I'm sure you would have." He winced when felt claws scrabble up his back. Glancing up, he saw Daykit's small body laying across his back.
"Can you give me a badger ride?" she asked, her silver eyes pleading.
Minkkit looked up from the leaf he tore to shreds, his gaze excited. "Oh, yes! Can you? Please, Shadowheart?"
Before he could answer, he was quickly distracted by Foxstar's summons to gather. The LeafClan leader was standing on the Highoak, her eyes sweeping across the camp. This must be important if Foxstar left her kits to address the Clan, Shadowheart realized. Gently shaking Daykit off of his back, Shadowheart swept his tail around the kits.
"If you two are quiet, you can come to this meeting instead," he promised them.
"Okay!" Daykit chirped, satisfied.
Minkkit bounced beside Shadowheart, looking up at him curiously. "What do you think Foxstar wants?"
Shadowheart leaned down and licked his head. "I don't know. Let's go see."
As the Clan gathered, Shadowheart kept Daykit and Minkkit close to him. Surely no one would mind their presence as long as they were quiet? Silverleaf sat beside Shadowheart, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Oh? On kit duty today, Shadowheart?" he purred.
Minkkit looked up at Silverleaf proudly. "We're going to watch the meeting! Shadowheart said so!"
Lowering his head to touch Minkkit's nose, Silverleaf purred. "Is that so?"
Shadowheart flicked his tail across Minkkit's head. "Remember, I said you could watch only if you're quiet."
Daykit pressed close to him, her eyes wide as she gazed up at the Highoak. "Foxstar looks so big up there!"
Wrapping his tail around the tiny she-kit, Shadowheart scooped Minkkit back with one of his fore paws. Ignoring Minkkit's tiny squeak of protest, he exchanged a worried glance with Silverleaf. The silver tabby warrior seemed to sense the same thing Shadowheart did. Something must be wrong. Maybe I should have sent the kits back to Sandpool…
"I have called this Clan meeting today, as it has been overdue," Foxstar started, her voice sounded more tired than Shadowheart remembered. "I have talked with my Alderleaf and my senior warriors about the recent attack by Hawk on ReedClan. We have come to a conclusion on how we might be able to fight back."
Shadowheart leaned forward. A plan to fight Hawk? Did they really come to that? Frowning, Shadowheart glanced down at Blackflame's kits, who were listening with wide eyes. So little, yet even they know to fear Hawk.
"We know that Blackstar is willing to join together Clans to face Hawk and his rogues," Foxstar went on. "So it has been decided that LeafClan will join forces with PineClan, and the other Clans—if willing—to rid the forest of this menace. I will send three patrols to each Clan to speak with the leaders. If your name is called, gather quickly at the entrance to camp and head out."
Shadowheart gently nosed the kits towards the nursery, where Sandpool sat outside waiting. "Go back to your mother," he murmured. "I'll play with you both later, I promise."
As the kits scampered off, Shadowheart turned his attention back to Foxstar. Nodding to Alderleaf, she began to list off names. "Alderleaf will be leading a patrol to ReedClan. The cats I have chosen to go with him are Dawnrise, Snowfoot, and Tigerfrost. As for BreezeClan, Hollycloud will be leading the patrol. To go with her are Brownclaw, Larkflight, and Silverleaf. For the last patrol, I will have Lionclaw leading. Rainfall, Yellowsky, and Shadowheart will accompany him."
Hearing his name called, Shadowheart quickly headed towards Lionclaw, who was waiting nearby. Yellowsky and Rainfall were already there, looking unnerved. Shadowheart could guess why—they were headed into unknown territory.
"Do you think the Clans will work together?" Yellowsky asked, as they filed out of camp.
Rainfall walked closely beside his mate. "They have to! One Clan alone can't drive the rogues out."
Yellowsky glanced at Shadowheart. "What do you think?"
"We all face the same threat," Shadowheart replied, looking ahead of them. "The Clans will be strong if we are one."
Lionclaw, who was a few paces ahead, looked back them. "Blackstar was the one to mention the idea of joining forces," he reminded them. "If anything, we have PineClan to fall back on."
Although Lionclaw had a point, Shadowheart wondered if Blackstar would still agree to joining forces. If it was just LeafClan and PineClan that fought Hawk and his rogues, would it be enough? Shadowheart recalled how Hawk had recruited more cats, and a lot of the cats under his command he no longer recognized from his time in the gorge. Would two Clans have the power to end the rogue threat?
Birdsong rang above the patrol, while a warm breeze shifted through the lush tree branches. Even though Newleaf was here, and the forest had been more welcoming because of it, Shadowheart knew that the danger was only around the corner; lurking in the shadows, waiting. No cat knew what Hawk's next move would be, and every Clan had been on alert.
As they neared PineClan's border, Lionclaw came to a halt. He sniffed the air, before turning to look back at them.
"A patrol is nearby," he meowed. "We'll wait for them to find us, before crossing."
Plucking at the ground impatiently, Rainfall lashed his tail. "We don't have time for that, Lionclaw! They'll understand if we cross now."
"Mouse-brain!" Yellowsky chided. "Even if we did cross, none of us know where their camp is."
Lionclaw's whiskers twitched. "As impatient as ever I see," he mewed with a hint of amusement.
A black tabby appeared from the bushes nearby, his eyes lit narrowed as he approached the border. Two more cats followed closely behind, their gazes wary.
"What are LeafClan cats doing this close to our border?" the tabby demanded.
Lionclaw dipped his head. "Ravenwing," he greeted respectfully. "We're here to speak with Blackstar. It's urgent."
"Is there trouble in LeafClan?" A ginger tabby Shadowheart recognized as Sunheart, asked.
"Yes," Ravenwing added, his gaze suspicious. "If this was urgent, why isn't Alderleaf or Foxstar here themselves?"
Lionclaw shook his head. "I can't say without speaking with Blackstar."
"Ravenwing," the other cat, a fluffy white she-cat, spoke up. "Let's bring them to my sister. She should listen to what they have to say."
Ravenwing shot a sharp look at her. "Whitesong, you know I can't just bring strange cats into our camp."
"This is hardly the time to worry about Clan rivalries," Whitesong argued. "Don't forget what Blackstar said."
Sighing, Ravenwing turned to face Lionclaw. "Very well. Follow us."
Crossing the border into PineClan territory, Shadowheart felt the ground underpaw change. Glancing down, he noticed the forest floor was filled with pine needles. Rainfall kept close to Yellowsky, his tail tip twitching nervously. The sunlight seemed to be swallowed by the large pine trees overhead, and shadows crept along the edges. How do PineClan cats live in such darkness? Shadowheart shuddered and stuck close to his Clanmates.
After a while, they reached PineClan's camp. Inside the camp, cats were going about their daily routine. A tortoiseshell queen sat outside the nursery while three kits scuffled along the ground. Two apprentices were busy practicing their fighting moves outside of what Shadowheart assumed was the apprentices' den. The elders of the Clan laid outside of large hollowed out log, while Frostlight—the Clan's medicine cat—organized herbs outside of his den. A black shadow caught Shadowheart's eye, and he glanced up a large boulder to see Blackstar sitting at the very top. Her bright amber eyes were fixed on them curiously, and Shadowheart couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
"Blackstar, we found this patrol on our border," Ravenwing announced, leading them towards the boulder. "They bring news from Foxstar."
Lionclaw dipped his head as he addressed the PineClan leader. "I'm sorry to intrude so suddenly, but Foxstar needed us to speak with you."
Blackstar stood up, gazing down at him. "Is all well in LeafClan?"
"Yes," Lionclaw replied. "We are here to discuss a joint alliance, actually."
Eyes flashing with surprise, Blackstar leaped down from the boulder. "Foxstar wants an alliance? Is this to face Hawk?"
Nodding, Lionclaw went on. "Foxstar agrees with your idea to unite the Clans. She believes that the four Clans should drive out Hawk together."
Blackstar had a thoughtful look in her bright amber gaze. "Do the other Clans agree with this?"
"Foxstar has sent patrols to both BreezeClan and ReedClan as well," Lionclaw answered. "If all goes well, the Clans will be united."
"I already decided to join the other Clans," Blackstar replied, lifting her head. "PineClan will join LeafClan in the effort to rid the forest of Hawk."
Shadowheart's heart beat fast as he listened. Was this it? Would they really be rid of Hawk after joining forces? Sinking his claws in the soft pine needle ground, he narrowed his eyes. No matter what any cat said, Hawk would be his to face alone.
"Foxstar also wants to leaders, deputies, and medicine cats to discuss further plans at the Great Oak," Lionclaw explained. "She wants to meet as soon as tomorrow night."
Blackstar nodded in acknowledgment. "PineClan will be there, that you have my word."
"I will let Foxstar know as soon as we return," Lionclaw promised. "Thank you, Blackstar."
Ravenwing padded forward. "I will show you the way back to the border."
As he turned to follow his Clanmates back home, Shadowheart could feel Blackstar's gaze on him. Looking back, his eyes met the PineClan leader's. Something in her gaze felt familiar to Shadowheart, and he recalled the having the same feeling back in ReedClan's camp during Hawk's attack. Was that black cat in my memories really Blackstar? He wondered. Somehow he couldn't shake the feeling that he knew Blackstar as more than just PineClan's leader.
Anxious to leave the camp behind, he focused on following his Clanmate's back home. Once they crossed back over the PineClan border, Ravenwing bid them farewell and sent them on their way. Happy to be out of the dark pine forest, Shadowheart took a deep breath.
"I hope Icestar and Skystar were as easy to convince as Blackstar was," Yellowsky murmured.
Rainfall looked at her. "Considering LeafClan and PineClan saved ReedClan from Hawk's rogues, I don't think Alderleaf had much trouble convincing him. As for BreezeClan, I don't know. Skystar has always been...shifty."
Lionclaw twitched an ear. "Skystar wants Hawk out of the forest as much as any cat. I don't see why he would refuse an alliance."
Emerging into camp, Foxstar greeted them instantly. "Well? How did it go?"
Lionclaw dipped his head. "Blackstar has agreed to an alliance. Did things go well with Icestar and Skystar?"
"I don't know yet," Foxstar replied, walking away with Lionclaw. "Hollycloud and Alderleaf's patrols haven't returned yet."
Volepaw, Batpaw, and Mousepaw looked up from where they sat outside the apprentices' den, and rushed over to their parents.
"What was PineClan like?" Batpaw asked.
"Are they as dark and broody like Frosttail says?" chimed in Volepaw.
Rainfall purred and nuzzled his them affectionately. "They're not so different."
Mousepaw crouched down, pouncing at Volepaw's tail. "I bet they fight better than you!"
Yellowsky batted the two toms apart as they swiped playfully at each other. "Honestly, you two are almost warriors!"
Leaving the family to squabble, Shadowheart saw Firelight limp out of the medicine cat den. The ginger she-cat looked annoyed as she limped, favoring her front right paw.
"Are you okay?" Shadowheart asked, worried. "What happened?"
Firelight huffed, sitting down. "I stepped on a thorn while out hunting. Now my paw won't stop hurting, even after Pinefrost took it out!"
Amused, Shadowheart shook his head. "You sound like a kit."
"Oh hush, you!" Firelight snapped, her tone light. She licked her paw, and gingerly laid it down. "So how was your trip to PineClan? Did everything go okay?"
Shadowheart nodded, sitting beside her. "Blackstar agreed to join us. So now we just have to wait for Alderleaf and Hollycloud's patrols to return with news."
The sounds of cats entering the camp caught their attention then. Foxstar greeted Alderleaf and Hollycloud, the two warriors having just returned from their patrols. Shadowheart couldn't make out what they were saying, but knew he would soon find out. Foxstar climbed the Highoak, and Shadowheart noticed for the first time in moons that the LeafClan leader look determined and strong. All the cats in camp gathered, staring up with eager eyes.
"All the patrols I sent out have returned from their missions," Foxstar announced. "All the Clans will unite as one to drive out Hawk. Tomorrow night will be the first meeting of how we will do that. From this point onward, I expect all of you to put in extra training—especially the apprentices," her eyes burned with a deep fire as she went on. "We will put an end to this madness once and for all."
"LeafClan! LeafClan! LeafClan!" all the Clan began to cheer.
Shadowheart felt his heart tighten, and out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw the starry outline of Silversky and Blackflame watching from the shadows. Narrowing his eyes, Shadowheart unsheathed his claws and sunk them into the ground. You'll regret ever turning against the Clans, Hawk.