Chapter 1
"Deathpaw! Limppaw!" The cats of NightClan chanted.
I was so excited! After six moons of waiting I am finally an apprentice.
"An apprentice! I remember how excited I was!" Songheart said.
"Boulderfang will be a fine mentor," Silkshade said.
"Don't worry about how he's Flurrytail's brother. He isn't near as dangerous as his sister is," Silentstorm said.
"I honestly am surprised he and his brother still follow her around," Silkshade said.
"He saved me once and I won't quickly forget it," Songheart said.
"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried I won't be able to breathe unless you give me some space!" I said.
"Some of us are tired of waiting in line to see her!" Cranepool teased them. "Don't you three have something else to do?"
"I'm sure I can find something for them," Duskpelt said, whiskers twitching with amusement. He completely hated us at first, but eventually he became a better father. "I want to see her as well. My sister has already took Limppaw into her den."
They both talked to me for a few moments. Then Boulderfang walked over.
"I know you've already been out of camp, but I suppose you might want an official tour of the territory," he said.
"Yes, I would like that," I said.
"Flurrytail said she and Mountainpaw could take some time off training and come with us," he said.
We went over to where they were waiting by the entrance and the four of us left camp.
...
We returned to camp later that day. It was a lot of fun getting to see the whole territory, especially with Mountainpaw. I saw Limppaw eating a mouse. I grabbed some fresh-kill from the pile and joined her.
"How was your first day as an apprentice?" she asked.
"I enjoyed it a lot. How was your's?" I asked.
"I realized how much I have to learn," Limppaw said. "It's a bit overwhelming, but imagine how much I'll be able to help all these cats!"
"I'm sure you can learn every bit of it," I told her.
"Thanks," she said and yawned. "I think it's time for me to get some sleep. See you tomorrow!"
"See you!" I said.
"Hi!" Silkshade said, padding up holding a piece of fresh kill. "Have you had fun today?"
"I have. There's so much land here!" I said. "How has border squabbles ever broke out?"
"Greedy leaders, harsh leaf-bares. I honestly haven't experienced any so I wouldn't know for sure," Silkshade said.
"I got to see Tall Tree from a distance," I said.
"Wait until your first Gathering. It's always exciting to see all those cats. It's not always interesting though," Silkshade said.
"It sounds like it's been interesting enough the last few moons," I said. "It's all cats ever talk about after it."
"Lightstar hasn't been very happy since we told her Murderscar was a murderer. She honestly seems to have taken it personally," Silkshade said. "She isn't at all willing to admit she made a mistake and Murderscar is evil. She's not going to be the only one to pay for her mistakes." Fear flashed in her eyes.
"What about the secret we're keeping? Is anyone going to pay for it?" I asked.
"I wouldn't doubt it," Silkshade said. "Cats would die if we told. There is no way to stop it."
We sat in silence for a moment. "Hello!" Songheart said, bouncing over. "How was your day, Deathpaw?"
"It was fun," I said. "It was also long."
"I'm sure it was," Silentstorm said, padding up. "You should get some rest. Tomorrow might be even longer."
"I'll see you all tomorrow," I said.
I walked into the apprentice den. I curled up in a nest, making sure it wasn't Mountainpaw's. I fell asleep quickly.