Chapter Four
The sounds of pawsteps skirting across the barn jerked Dustyhead awake. His eyes snapped open to see that Stripepaw and Ripplepaw were already awake. The two apprentices were busy sharing tongues near a pile of golden grass. Foxear was still keeping watch. Her ears were pricked forward to catch the first signs of an intruder. Sleeping beside Dustyhead was Sageleaf. Her flanks fell and rose evenly as she slept through the worst part of the night.
"Wake up my love," he whispered when he managed to shake sleep out of his eyes. "It's time to keep moving."
Sageleaf groaned in her sleep and opened her eyes. Dustyhead shook his head in amusement before stretching out his back. It was time to leave. The longer they stayed in the barn the better chance they had at getting caught. Dustyhead didn't want any of these cats to be harmed just because of love. Brownleaf approached the group warily, her green eyes somber as she held his gaze.
"I've found a few herbs that we can use," she told him. "They're traveling herbs that will help keep down your hunger."
Dustyhead ducked his head gratefully to the medicine cat. Brownleaf had sacrificed everything to help the group. He was thankful the medicine cat had chosen to go with them during their darkest time.
Once the traveling herbs had been consumed by the group, they began to make their way out of the barn. Ripplepaw and Stripepaw once again trotted in the middle while Foxear and Brownleaf remained at the back. Dustyhead kept a close eye on Sageleaf.
Her belly is getting bigger, he thought. They were about to create a Clan because of the kits that she was expecting. No, it wasn't just because of them. It was because the warrior code prevented them from having kits, and thus they had been punished for falling in love.
"So where do you think we will be safe?" Foxear asked when an uneasy silence fell upon the group.
"I'm not even sure where to begin," Dustyhead admitted. "We need to get away from the Clans. Maybe somewhere beyond Twolegplace, but close enough that we can keep an eye on the Clans."
Foxear tilted her head to one side as if she considered his words. He had a feeling that she would think of something better. In the end they would all have to work together if they wanted the Clan to survive. For now his plan was the best option they had.
The group was silent once more, aside from Ripplepaw and Stripepaw chattering like birds. Dustyhead was surprised at how enthusiastic they were. Despite everything they had been through they still behaved like normal apprentices. Ripplepaw had especially caught his attention.
She was sharp and cunning unlike her friend. She had the intelligence of a future leader. Or maybe she would be better suited as a hunter more than anything else. Either way she would make a fine warrior when Ripplepaw had the chance to prove herself.
Their traveling led them to a new looking Twolegplace, but this one was different from the ones Dustyhead had heard about. There were few Twoleg nests lined around the area. Hills and Thunderpaths surrounded the area as well. A few trees even grew here and there. Dustyhead blinked in surprise when he heard a dog barking nearby.
"Keep your heads low," he growled. "Dogs could be anywhere here."
He was wary of the bushes that could conceal a dog or Twoleg. The last thing he wanted was risking the lives of any of the cats who had joined him.
The Twoleg nests were beginning to clamp together now as they wandered further into unknown territory. Every now and than a monster roared past them, whipping up dust and wind in the process. Sageleaf coughed several times before shaking her head in frustration.
A few squirrels circled around the base of an oak tree, their tails flickering angrily at the newcomers. Dustyhead tried to ignore their annoying chatter as they complained. He hated squirrels because of their climbing skills and long fur. It was difficult to eat them because their fur had to be torn off.
But they do keep our bellies full, he admitted sheepishly.
"I don't like this place," Stripepaw muttered as he padded alongside Ripplepaw. "It's too... clean." He struggled to search for the right word, but Dustyhead understood his nervousness.
"We'll keep each other safe," Ripplepaw mewed. Her voice was filled with anxiety as she looked at the Twoleg nests that towered above. "Besides, what can a couple of Twolegs do to us?"
Dustyhead was about to mutter something under his breath when he heard something from behind. He looked over his shoulder to see a Twoleg towering above them. His eyes widened in horror as he thought of Sageleaf. The Twoleg would try and take her away when they realized she was expecting his kits.
"Get away from us!" he spat when the Twoleg leaned forward with it's hairless paws outstretched.
"Run!" Brownleaf screeched.
Her panic seemed to drive everyone forward. Dustyhead kept an eye on Sageleaf while they lumbered ahead. Foxear was close beside Brownleaf while Ripplepaw's fur stood on end with terror. Even Stripepaw remained icily silent as they ran forward.
There was no place for them to hide. Dustyhead thought quickly about what to do next. He suddenly whirled around on the startled Twoleg. Without warning he lashed out with his unsheathed claws when it reached out for him. The Twoleg yelped in shock at the sudden pain his claws inflicted. Dustyhead glared and hissed at the Twoleg that was now clutching one paw with the other. The stench of blood filled the air, making his nose wrinkle in disgust.
"Leave us alone!" he spat. With his hackles raised he continued holding his ground. The Twoleg seemed to contemplate over the threat he waged. A few heartbeats passed before the Twoleg finally lumbered away, moaning in pain.
"Dustyhead... that was... amazing!" Sageleaf gasped when she rubbed her muzzle against his. "You scared off the Twoleg!"
"Yeah, but I have a feeling that Twoleg will be back with reinforcements," he meowed with a shake of his head. Brownleaf and Foxear's eyes were wide in disbelief while Ripplepaw stared at him in awe. "We should get going before they come back."
The group remained silent once more as they made their way out of Twolegplace. Soon their home would be found. Soon their destiny would fall upon their shoulders.