Runningshadow gulped. "We were out hunting," He said hoarsely. "We figured the Clan could use as much prey as we could catch, in this weather."
"Runningshadow, tell me the truth," Ashstar mewed. "Please, come to my den. We'll all discuss this there where nobody will eavesdrop."
The light brown tom nodded and followed after his leader nervously, checking over his shoulder for the deputy. She was right behind him, almost calmly guiding him by pressing her flank to his.
Runningshadow shot her a look of gratitude. It was nice to have another cat's support in times like these when you had just been caught red-pawed.
They were approaching Ashstar's den. Runningshadow shouldered his muscular shoulders through the brittle lichen that sheltered the entrance to the leader's sleeping quarters.
"So," Ashstar started serenely. The smoky gray she-cat didn't seem angry at all. She sat down and curled her tail around her paws. "Tell me why exactly you were out with Summerheart."
"I told you," Persisted Runningshadow, "We were hunting."
"Usually I would believe such a warrior as you," Ashstar growled. "But I now find myself in the uncomfortable position of it being a possibility you are lying. Now, tell me the truth."
"I can tell you the truth, Ashstar," Summerheart piped up.
All eyes were on the deputy. Runningshadow hoped she wouldn't give away her secret, but she wasn't that kind of cat.
"Runningshadow was out on sundown patrol," The deputy's voice was high-pitched and uneasy as she started her story. "I needed him for something, so we went out to the apple tree glade."
Runningshadow saw Ashstar flash him an accusing look out of the corner of his eyes. "I see," Was all she said. "Continue."
Summerheart gulped. "We had to discuss something," She went on. Her voice was shaking as much as a bush when a badger disturbed it. "Something important."
"May I ask what it was you were talking about that was so secret you couldn't discuss it inside camp?" Ashstar asked. Runningshadow had expected a sharp, cold tone, but her voice was calm and forgiving.
"We were talking about me," Summerheart said. Her voice had strengthened, as if what she was talking about had fired up her heart.
"You?" Ashstar grunted.
Summerheart nodded slowly. "Yeah, me." She sighed casually. "In case you didn't know yet, I'm going…" She took a deep breath and gulped. "I'm pregnant now."
"How wonderful," Ashstar purred warmly.
"Um, Ashstar, may I talk to you alone?" Asked the golden tabby. Runningshadow knew what this discussion would be about. He crept slowly out of the den.
"Thank you, Runningshadow," Called Ashstar. She was backing to a farther corner of her den, as if she were confirming she wanted to talk to Summerheart.
Runningshadow sighed with relief. That had gone well! Ashstar seemed to like the idea of her deputy having kits. Just what would she say when she got the news that Summerheart was resigning?
Suddenly, a familiar tabby shape was padding quickly up to him. It was Cloverpaw, and she was literally bouncing with excitement from paw to paw. "Hi, Runningshadow," She greeted brightly.
"Ready to start training?" Asked Runningshadow.
Cloverpaw looked like she was stifling a giggle, and pointed to the sky with her tail. "Um, haven't you noticed anything…different about the skies?" She asked.
Runningshadow felt hot with embarrassment. Of course! It was getting too late to train his apprentice!
"Oh…I- Um…" Runningshadow tried to mew. "I'm sorry, Cloverpaw…"
"That's okay!" She replied happily, shrugging. "I don't see why we would train at moonhigh! We'd both be yawning all day!" She pretended to yawn, showing her sharp teeth, and giggled.
Runningshadow gave her a warm smile, weak with relief. "I'll see you tomorrow," He yawned.
Cloverpaw stifled a giggle, and purred, "Good night, Runningshadow." She pressed her flank to his and licked his muzzle.
Runningshadow felt a flare of something in his heart. It was just like what he felt whenever he saw Cinnamonpaw, the former medicine cat apprentice, only stronger.
Was he in love with his own apprentice?
Runningshadow couldn't help but ponder it, but was getting tired. The light brown tom crawled to the warrior's den, drowsiness welling up inside him.
He flopped down beside Bloodflower, an old friend of his that he hadn't spoken to in a while. She was fast asleep, kicking lightly with her hind paw.
Runningshadow smiled to himself as he saw Summerheart come prancing into the den happily, tucking herself in among the sleeping furry bodies in the middle of the den. Her meeting with Ashstar must have gone well.
But Runningshadow couldn't help but feel the menacing feeling of being squeezed into the den. Spottedfoot, one of the warriors, was kicking him hard in the cheek as the black tom slept. The Clan was getting way overcrowded.
Finally, he closed his eyes and started drifting off to sleep. At last, he could sleep easily. He was on good terms with Cloverpaw, Summerheart had worked it out with Ashstar, and there were beautiful new kits. But Runningshadow couldn't help but wonder if it would stay like that.
Then Runningshadow remembered Rainkit. He was confident on seeing what her eyes looked like, no matter what Ratfur said to him.