Sealpaw's eyes fluttered open. Her jaws gaped in a waking yawn. She rose to her paws and shook off the fluffy snow from her pelt. Her ears pricked in alarm. She shut her eyes and stuck her nose in the air. She coughed and spat as if she had put the stench in her mouth. He collected herself and dashed of towards Ripplestar's den. She attempted to scrabble up the icy cliff that protected Ripplestar from invading creatures. She clenched up at the thought that that security would be needed soon, and slipped once more. She pulled herself together and unsheathed her claws. She dug them in and climbed step by step until she found herself on flat ice. Without sparing a moment, she propelled herself towards the cavern's entrance. Ripplestar's stomach rose up and down, the ribs protruding. Sealpaw almost didn't want to wake her up, but the smell was getting stronger every second she delayed. She launched forwards and battered Ripplestar with her paws around the ears. Ripplestar leapt up and aimed a scratch at Sealpaw's face, hissing furiously. " What could you be doing, Sealpaw? By StarClan, this had better be good." Sealpaw gulped; Ripplestar might not believe her, and she didn't like to think what she would do to her then. She reassured herself that the whole Clan trusted her sense of smell. She took a deep breath and spoke: " When I woke up this morning, I scented coyotes; they're heading towards us, and fast." Ripplestar said nothing, just raised her head and closed her eyes. Her eyes opened and she faced Sealpaw with calm blue eyes. "I can smell them." Sealpaw was surprised at her lack of emotion. "The coyotes have come here before. They have been our friends. I can see no reason that that would change." Ripplestar's voice was as cold as the chilly breeze. "No, but- they- they smelled of anger!" Ripplestar just shook her head and settled down to get back to her sleep. "Ripplestar, please!" The smell of coyotes and anger muddled her brain. She could tell that Ripplestar was not going to be persuaded. She dashed off the cliff and landed predictably on her feet. She scrambled over to the warriors den and yowled for Frostpelt. The tom crept out of the warrior's den, black tipped ears flicking irritably, but he was paying attention to his daughter. "Frostpelt," she whispered urgently. " Coyotes are coming to attack the camp. We need patrols organized to defend the camp. And.. there should something in front of Ripplestar's den. She isn't prepared."
"Why not?"
" She thinks the coyotes still want to be friends. She didn't believe me when I told her that they smelled angry."
"Alright. I'll get them organized as soon as possible."
" Thank you, Frostpelt. This could save-"
Sealpaw gasped. " Frostpelt, it's too late. They're here." Sealpaw was surprised at how calm her voice sounded. The large dark shapes of coyotes stuck out oddly against the bright white of the snow.
"Frostpelt, wake the Clan, they're attacking!" Sealpaw hissed.