Chapter 2: Father and Leader
"Silverstream, where have you been? Your father sent us out to look for you. You've been gone for awhile." The RiverClan patrol was compromised of Blackclaw, his apprentice Heavypaw and Mistyfoot.
"I was fishing," I lied, looking straight into Blackclaw's eyes.
"Did you catch anything?" Blackclaw asked suspiciously. I shook my silver head.
"It seems the fish are all downstream." I hoped he'd believe my blatant lie.
"Very well," Blackclaw said. His eyes were still clouded with disbelief.
"Let's get back to camp," Mistyfoot said. I nodded and headed back to the camp with my clan mates.
The RiverClan camp was surrounded by reeds and water plants. It was like a little island, safe from attacks. To me, it was my home. As I padded across the damp ground, all I could think about was Graystripe. He was like a flash of light from StarClan; I only just met him but he remained in my mind. A familiar scent snapped me from the memories of Graystripe from earlier. A large tabby cat with a twisted jaw was seated at the entrance of the camp, watching me. I mewed with respect and ran to meet him. The rest of the patrol meowed their greetings to the cat and then went around us and disappeared into the camp.
"Father," I murmured. The tabby cat looked at me.
"I am also your leader and you will call me by my StarClan name. How many times must I ask you that?" I glanced into his eyes before saying,
"Yes, Crookedstar." He smiled and his face softened.
"Where have you been all day Silverstream?" He said, rubbing his muzzle against mine. Suddenly he stopped and straightened. He narrowed his amber eyes and glared at me.
"Why do you have a scent of ThunderClan on you, Silverstream?" I turned my head away and looked towards the river. The flow was much slower here than the raging current that had dragged down Graystripe. I wondered how Graystripe was doing. When he left he looked a little sick. What if he has a cold? He was obviously not used to swimming and-
"Silverstream! Did you hear me? Your clan leader asked you a question."
Crookedstar was looking at me intently, waiting for an answer.
"I-I was fishing and fell in the water," My voice grew stronger, "The current was so strong I was having trouble getting out of the river and I accidentally climbed on to the ThunderClan bank instead of our own. A ThunderClan cat saw me and asked me what I was doing there," I could feel my lie getting out of control. Crookedstar was staring at me concentrating on my eyes. "And then he chased me back into the water," I finished lamely.
Crookedstar hissed slightly.
"You expect me to believe that?"
"It's true, Fath-, Crookedstar, I promise." I purred and rubbed up against him. "I can show you the prey I caught before I fell in the water," I said, getting desperate. Crookedstar looked me over once more.
"Fine, I believe you. But next time if you go into ThunderClan territory, at least bring an escort," Crookedstar turned away and started to walk into the camp, toward his den. "You might have wanted to catch some prey while you were there too." Then he was gone.
I couldn't believe my own father would encourage me to steal from another clan. However he hasn't been the same since Whiteclaw's death. I believe he wanted Whiteclaw to be my mate. My heart rate slowed. That was the second time I had escaped being found out that day. I stretched my suddenly aching legs and entered the camp.
I found my nest in the Warriors den and curled up, tucking my nose under my paws. My breathing became normal. I found myself thinking of Graystripe once more. My last thought before drifting off to sleep was, I wonder if I'll ever see him again.