"Onestar is not here. He has been taken by Twolegs."
Ashfoot's words rang in my head, and in my chest I felt a dull hollowness. My father was gone. Would I ever see him again?
I thought I hated him, but now, I know I could never think it, let alone feel it.
My mother had told me that Weaselfur and Owlwhisker had seen it happen - he was over by the Twoleg farm, when a huge male appeared, waving one of those silver claws they have. He had poked Onestar with it and drawn blood. He was driven away in the back of the Twoleg's monster.
Back in ThunderClan camp, Firestar called a meeting, and informed the rest of the Clan. Lionblaze rubbed his cheek against mine comfortingly, and my two kits sat between my front paws. Rainkit was already a gentle and kind cat, and though still very young, she pressed herself against me, and licked my fur. This made me swell with love for her. Eaglekit didn't seem to be very emotional, on the other hand. He never got upset when he was hurt, and controlled his anger very well. I knew this would make him and strong warrior one day.
Darkness fell quickly on the night of the first Gathering since Onestar's disappearance. Brambleclaw had invited me to the Gathering, and I was unsure whether to go. I desperately wanted to see my mother and hear any news Ashfoot might have, but I was also protective of Rainkit and Eaglekit, after what happened last time. I can't believe a moon has passed since Whitekit was killed.
I made up my mind; I was going. Ferncloud was staying this time, and she promised she would protect my kits as if they were her own. Her words touched me, and I pressed my nose to hers in thanks. I knew I could trust her.
I joined the group of cats milling around the base of the path out of camp. Lionblaze came to say goodbye - he was staying as well. I knew the kits would be safe, with their father and Ferncloud. I could relax and enjoy the Gathering. I greeted Sorreltail, and we walked to the island together. I strained my senses as we passed through WindClan territory, but the wind was blowing the wrong way, and I could smell nothing. I would have to wait.
It was a cold night, but the moon shone brightly. I found a place towards the edge of the clearing, and settled down. I waited. ShadowClan arrived next, followed by RiverClan. Cats greeted one another, but I remained crouched down, waiting for WindClan.
Finally, they arrived. Ashfoot led the way into the clearing, and I scanned the rest of the cats, seeking out Whitetail. Spotting her, I stood up and called her name. She bounded over, and we rubbed muzzles in greeting. Then we settled down again, and waited for the Gathering to start.
Blackstar yowled, signalling to everyone that they should quieten and pay attention. A hush fell over the Clans, as the three leaders ascended the tree. Ashfoot hesitated at the roots, unsure whether to sit with the others leaders, but Leopardstar kindly flicked her tail, and Ashfoot executed to grateful leaps up the trunk, and settled next to Firestar on a low branch.
"Would you like to go first?" Blackstar invited Ashfoot. "It looks like you have something to tell us."
"Yes," she replied, acknowledging his question. She turned to face the crowd below, and spoke clearly, "Onestar has been taken by a Twoleg; he was hunting alone near the farm. I am standing in as leader until he returns."
Shocked gasps came from the cats of RiverClan and ShadowClan who had not already heard the news.
"How can you be sure Onestar is returning?" Leopardstar asked, narrowing her eyes at Ashfoot.
"Graystripe came back to Firestar," Ashfoot replied. "So I am confident that Onestar will be able to make his way home."
Mutterings broke out, and both Firestar and Graystripe looked a bit embarrassed.
"How on earth did he manage to get himself captured?" exclaimed Russetfur incredulously. Ashfoot twitched her ears at the ShadowClan deputy's tone, but repeated what Owlwhisker and Weaselfur had seen.
More mutterings followed this, and Whitetail closed her eyes sadly. "I miss him," she said, so quietly I almost didn't hear her. I shifted closer, and for a moment, I felt like a kit in the nursery again. Everything was going well when I was just a kit; I could never have guessed how much my happy world was going to change.