The Dark Trials

by rusticsky

When Clove stumbles upon the ruins of four cat clans, she meets DarkClan, and quickly climbs the ranks. When she meets a member of the revolution, she learns that the Revolutionary Camp is stronger than she thought, and will be attacking. Clove must decide whether to join the revolution, or climb to the summit and lead the clan. (chapters fixed)

4. Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

CLOVE'S AGE: 26 moons

THE SKULL CAMP TRIAL

It had been nearly two moons since Clove had graduated, and she had been training for her trial. She had been told this trial had to do with smarts, and Clove was one of the most clever cats since birth. Unless it had to do with the clans. But Clove had learned quite a bit since she joined DarkClan.

I'm ready. Just focus. Clove leaped onto the camps trial platform and waited for Silverpaw, Rowanstrike, and Darkstripe. The two she-cats were doing their trials along with her. Darkstripe soon walked over to her, with Rowanstrike and Silverpaw close behind.

"It's time," Darkstripe said, "Sit up on the bar, and wait for the first question."

Clove walked over to a stonecut bar of rock rolled over on its side and waited for instruction.

"Okay, so you're going to answer the question when I ask you it. Clove, you are up first. What is the name of Tigerstar's mortal enemy who sits in the prison being tortured to death?" asked Darkstripe.

"Firestar!" answered Clove. Darkstripe nodded.

"Rowanstrike, what is the name of the first clan leader?" asked Darkstripe.

"Tall Shadow, more correctly known as Shadowstar?" she stuttered, shaking. Darkstripe shook his head.

"Sorry, Rowanstrike, but you have failed this trial," suddenly, a beam of light struck Rowanstrike, and she disappeared, "If you fail, I send you to Dark camp." Darkstripe sighed, "Now Silverpaw, what is the most famous battle in the history of Dark Clan?"
"The Dark Forest battle," she answered.

Darkstripe nodded, "You both passed, now Clove step forward. It is time for you to have a clan name, after all you've been here for three moons. Clove, in the name of Tigerstar I give you the name Cloveleap, for your gracefulness and courage. Now, you two will move onto Shadow Camp. Good luck to both of you." Clove said goodbye to her old name, and accepted her new name- Cloveleap. Cloveleap and Silverpaw both walked towards Shadow Camp, their heads held high.

"I can hardly believe I'm going to see my father…" muttered Silverpaw. Cloveleap rested a paw on a rock.

"Your father is probably so proud of you," Cloveleap guessed. "My father would have." Silverpaw held her head low.

"No, he's probably going to yell at me, and ignore me," she sighed. "I guess that's what co-leaders do, though." Silverpaw sighed, shaking her head. Then she lifted it, trying to put on a forced smile. "I like your name, Cloveleap. It fits you."

"Thanks," Cloveleap said, before the two she-cats entered Shadow Camp.