CHAPTER FIVE
Cloveleap'S AGE: 30 moons
SHADOW CAMP TRIAL
"Its time, Cloveleap and Silverstrike, for the Shadow trial! The object of the trial is to climb up the rock cliff. I will be watching from the top. Use as many branches or paw holds as you need. Go," Hawkfrost yowled, releasing Cloveleap off into the wilderness. Cloveleap stayed close to Silverstrike, and the two approached the wall.
Cloveleap quickly spotted two strong low branches, and jumped on them. There was a tall tree stump, perfect to jump onto. She raised her haunches, and leaped over, flying in midair. Once she was on the flat tree trunk, she was at least 12 feet in the air. Cloveleap saw a large slice in the cliff, where she could jump onto. But it was too far away. Cloveleap could see a branch though, and it reached out to the top of the cliff. She knew it was far, but Cloveleap could do it. She leaped out. Her paws reached out, and was going to miss the branch. But suddenly, she was thrust onto the branch, and she scurried across to the top.
"Good job," growled Hawkfrost, before waving her away, "Travel to Phantom camp. Silverstrike should join you soon." Cloveleap nodded and hurried off, traveling along the lake until she saw a cat. It was a brown tabby tom, with scars all over his body. He sat by a pool, his ears flapping in the wind.
"I knew you'd come. Darkstripe told me about you," the tom said. "No normal cat could've thrown him off… but you- I don't know what to think." He paused, gazing out over the water. "Head up to Phantom camp. I'll save this conversation for later."
Cloveleap shrugged, and walked up towards the camp. When she arrived, she could see so many strong cats, their fur glistening in the light. A black she-cat walked over to her, a frown on her face.
"Come on, newbie! Hurry up!" she whispered, bringing Cloveleap over to the side. "Don't smile or they'll think you're part of the revolution."
"Why? I smile all the time," Cloveleap whispered, "its just a figure of life."
"Just trust me," the black cat said.
"Who are you, anyway?" growled Cloveleap quietly.
"Hollyleaf, first commander," the black she-cat said. She quieted her voice, "member of the revolution."
"You're a member?" quietly gasped Cloveleap. Hollyleaf nudged her.
"Quiet! Its a secretly, not many people around here are part of it. Did you meet Cinderheart and Lionblaze at the last camp? They're part of the revolution. I didn't escape- I just joined it along the side. Listen- I can help you climb the ranks. I can help you blend in. Just promise me you won't tell anyone that I'm a member unless I tell you to. Promise?" asked Hollyleaf, with a complicated frown.
"I promise," Clove whispered, nodding. Hollyleaf smirked.
"Lesson one, get that smile off your face, you'll need to save it for later," Hollyleaf said. "Lesson two, go get some sleep."