Chapter 5
The colossal tree had lived in the forest for centuries, long before the tribes had come. Its boughs were a metre thick in places, while the outer twigs sagged under the enormous amount of heavy, bright red berries and thick, broad leaves. Stretching high above the other trees, it was known as the Cloud Seeker by the forest cats. In one of the lower branches, a grey she-cat balanced precariously on the spindly surface. Sinking her hooked claws into the weathered, wrinkled bark, Fernstar averted her dark green eyes from the cats in the camp below.'Moondust, I know you are here.' the she-cat's mew was soft and musical, reminiscent of waves on the shore.
Instantaneously, the figure of a bright white tom became visible. Balancing easily on the withered surface, Moondust padded over to the grey she-cat. He purred softly as he pushed his nose gently into her dappled grey fur.
'Why do you watch her from a tree? You are not at ease. Sky is not your element.'
Moondust had noticed that his mate was uncomfortable not having her paws on solid ground.
'I get a better view, that's all.' she sighed sadly. 'Deadleaf showed her the sign.'
Moondust's expression hardened. 'Does Greenleaf know?' he mewed sharply.
'I don't think so. But since when does Deadleaf listen to her mother?'
The white tom didn't reply. He turned his head to watch the cats in the clearing. Moondust's eyes looked both sad and loving as he watched Sharkpaw. Moving closer to Fernstar so their shoulders touched, he mewed softly in her ear.
'I will always protect our daughter, no matter what.'
ssssssssss
Sharkpaw jumped on top of Burntpaw, waving her tail gleefully as he yowled in surprise. Grabbing his scruff gently in her teeth, the grey apprentice tried picked him up like a kit. Burntpaw twisted around and grabbed at her with his paws, meowing indignantly. Finally shaking free of the she-cat, he hastily licked his ruffled red-brown fur. Sharkpaw landed lightly next to him, her whiskers crinkled in amusement, her green eyes shining.
'Sharkpaw! Burntpaw! You should be in your den by now. At this rate, you will be so tired you'll sleep right through Greenleaf's Sun!' reprimanded Ternfeather sternly.
'They were just playing, but you're right. They do need extra rest tonight.' added Clayfur's deep, gravely mew.
Dipping her head respectfully at the warriors, Sharkpaw headed for the apprentice den. Burntpaw caught up with her.
'D'you think Cloudfur has recovered?' he asked.
Sharkpaw blinked. 'Recovered from what?'
Burntpaw stared at her. 'Didn't you know? Cloudfur has Sharpcough. I've known for ages.' he added smugly.
Sharkpaw was shocked. Cloudfur, deputy of the Tribe of Sand and Waves, was popular and liked by most cats. He had been the cat who had once led a patrol to get rid of some rogues who had been killing tribe cats. Sharpcough was serious- often deadly. Although the disease didn't spread, it was feared by all the tribes.
'Well, I suppose we'll find out when the other cats get back from the Meeting.'
As soon as the words left her tongue, Thunderstar slipped through the stone entrance, the rest of the clan behind him. Most of the cats looked sad. Sauntering up to a group of elders, Sharkpaw opened her mouth to ask them about Cloudfur, but before she could, Waterfall cut across her.
'It's terrible. Cloudfur has died! I always liked him, poor fellow. Of Sharpcough too!'
Sharkpaw, who had been expecting to be scolded, blinked confusedly before asking her next question. However, she was once again interrupted by the old she-cat.
"He's been replaced with some young whipper-snapper call Coldheart. If you ask me, he's a little…well, cold. He completely refused to talk to any other cat! If you ask me, he'd be better off in the Tribe of Mud and Water!"
Sharkpaw nodded and padded back to where Burntpaw was waiting. He had obviously just heard the news, and he looked stricken. Both apprentices were silent as they went to their den and gradually dosed off.
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