He raked his claws through the dark soil.
"Steady on, Raggedpaw," his mentor, Brackenfoot murmured in his ear. His amber eyes glinted in the moonlight that trickled between the branches of the thistle bush.
Raggedpaw gazed ahead, out into the innocuous clearing. Each bush sheltered two or three of his Clanmates, all poised to spring into battle. That was what he loved about the night; every bird in its nest, every mouse in its burrow, while the warriors of ShadowClan stalked through their world.
They weren't the only ones awake tonight, though. Lingering at borders and a placing a few smooth comments at Gatherings revealed that Hailstar was launching an attack that very night. Accusations, tempers, and scents had flown, risen, and been found until it was inevitable. Just like a fish-faced RiverClan cat to plan a sneak attack, Raggedpaw thought, digging his claws into the earth again. They know they can't face ShadowClan head on! He would have thanked Hailstar a thousand times over, though; Raggedpaw had just learned enough battle moves that Brackenfoot was letting him come along for the attack, and he as happy as a squirrel under an oak tree.
It really was the perfect night for an ambush.
The night air was cool and sharp, bringing the smells of the changing season, keeping them alert with its brisk nip. Twigs were brittle and leaves crunchy; every little twitch of the forest made Raggedpaw's ears perk up, ready to fight, but no RiverClan patrols had produced themselves yet.
The leaves had begun to burn on the trees, their soothing green-leaf hues glowing with new vibrance as they neared death, washing the world in saffron, pumpkin, and apple colours. The moon hung like a wide yellow eye, far above, like StarClan looking down at them as they prepared for battle.
A leaf crunched.
Raggedpaw's body trembled with his anticipation, and he could hear his mentor's breath come in just a whisker quicker. They're coming! He pictured each battle move, each swipe and wrestle and nip that he would deliver to whatever shiny-pelted intruder was unfortunate enough to cross the path of the youngest ShadowClan apprentice. This is my chance to prove myself, he thought. I don't care what the elders whisper. I won't fight like a kittypet. I'll fight like a warrior of the strongest Clan!
A silver pelt flashed in the moonlight.
Cedarstar's battle cry shook the leaves from their branches, and ShadowClan swarmed out of the night in ambush.