Chapter 6

". . . We will divide into groups and attack in different places. This third . . . ," he pointed to a third of the cats, "Will attack the leaders den, this sixth . . .," he pointed to a sixth of the group, ". . . .Will move the logs and free the other cats, the rest of us will attack everywhere else we see a NightClan cat. Okay everyone, move out!"

Applepaw was in the group that was to move the logs and free the other cats. She, Coppertail, Spiderfoot, and Shinypelt stepped out the crack and tip-pawed out of the camp. They crept up to the badger set where the kits and queens were and began moving the log.

"Hey the log is moving!" Toadkit cried.

"I bet those NightClan cats are back, everyone fluff up!" Aquaflower began to fluff like no cat has ever fluffed before.

Just then Goldenpaw looked around the log to his utmost surprise it wasn't the NightClan cats, it was Applepaw!

"Hi guys are you okay?" she asked.

"We're fine but don't spend too much time on us, there are other cats that are still in the caves," Cherryblossom herded Heatkit and Minnowkit outside the den, "Oh, doesn't that sunshine feel good?"

"Yes mommy, but can we go get some food now, I'm hungry," Minnowkit answered.

"Be careful, and don't speak too loud, the other cats are still sneaking up on the NightClan cats, and we haven't got the camp back yet," Coppertail started, "So, where should we send them Applepaw?"

"How about Clover clearing?" Applepaw suggested. Clover clearing was a big patch of shaded grass that patrols sometime used to meet up and apprentices used to practice.

"Yes that would work, do you know where that is? If you do, lead the others there," Spiderfoot looked at the queens and kits, "Anybody?"

"I know, but the clan will need me to defend it," Goldenpaw answered.

"Goldenpaw, the best you can do for your clan is to bring them to Clover clearing, then come back for the next group," Shinypelt nudged him, "Come on, you know you want to."

"Okay, I'll bring them," Goldenpaw shrugged, "Come on cats lets go."

They left for Clover clearing and Shinypelt started walking towards the next cave. They pried away the log and looked inside, "Hey there you are!" Longfoot, Spottedflower, Tallleaf, Bronzepaw and Pumpkinpaw were sitting in the cave looking sad and defeated.

"Is that really you, Shinypelt?" Longfoot asked.

Spottedflower, Tallleaf and Bronzepaw looked at the door, "Longfoot got a bad scratch from one of the NightClan cats and he won't make it much longer, I'm afraid," Tallleaf explained.

Great, perfect, this is just the time someone needs to die of old age and a few scratches, thought Applepaw, We don't have all day to free everyone!

"You need to get out of here, Spottedflower and Pumpkinpaw you'll have to carry him to Clover clearing in the forest, that's where the other cats are going. Bronzepaw, you know where that is right?" Coppertail asked.

"Yes I do," Bronzepaw lifted Longfoot onto Pumpkinpaw's back with Spottedflower's help, "Thank you so much for helping us."

Then they walked to the last of the caves and pried open the door. This cave was smaller and more humid than the others. When they looked inside, Milkleaf was licking her rather large gash. She looked weak as did the other cats but worse, "Finally, you're here." She got up and walked towards them slowly. Then Applepaw noticed that another cat was in the cave, it was her mother Lightcloud! They escorted them to Clover clearing to rest when a voice called them.

"Rubystem's kits are coming!" it was Robinwing, she raced over and looked at them, we need a Medicine cat, now!"

"I'm here," Milkleaf rasped.

"No, Milkleaf you're too tired for that, you need to rest," Shinypelt insisted.

"I'm not that bad, I'll be okay, I'm the only medicine cat around," Then Milkleaf asked, "Where is Littlepaw? If she was around she could do this."

"I'm right here. I was supposed to be in the 6th that freed the cats in the caves, to help if a cat needed medicine, but you cats left before I got the other poultice ready, so I had to come late," Littlepaw explained.

"How did you know to come to Clover Clearing?" Spiderfoot asked.

"I overheard you talking about it when you were at the last cave but I was to far away to help," she answered.

"Littlepaw will you help Rubystem? I need to rest," Milkleaf sat down on the ground and paused for a moment, ". . . and Applepaw, will you bring me some Juniper berries? They'll help me recover faster. Thank you very much."

"Where is Rubystem?" Littlepaw asked, "Lead me to her, Robinwing."

"She is right over there behind the rock, sitting in a patch of clover and flower petals."

"Alright, I'll be right there Rubystem," she called.

"Help! I need a medicine cat right now!" Rubystem wailed.

Littlepaw ran over to Rubystem and immediately started grabbing clovers and petals and pushing them under her to keep her comfortable. Then she asked Applepaw to go get some Borage leaves from the clearing. Applepaw grabbed a few and gave them to Littlepaw who gave them to Rubystem telling her to chew and eat them. After a few minutes the first kit came out.