Chapter 83

"It was me and Bearpaw who told ShadowClan everything!"

Jaystar blinked in surprise at Badgerpaw's words, not full understanding what the apprentice was trying to tell her. It was Badgerpaw and Bearpaw- Jaystar's own apprentice- who had told ShadowClan about their leader's true heritage? Jaystar didn't want to believe it. "Are you sure, Badgerpaw? I mean ShadowClan couldn't have heard it from you. Bearpaw and yourself are only apprentices. ShadowClan know that apprentices tell rumors. Why would they believe you?" Jaystar knew she was being harsh to Badgerpaw and felt Bumblethroat's fierce amber glare on her, but didn't care. How could her apprentice betray her?! How could her apprentice betray ThunderClan?!

"Because Bearpaw and I were gossiping with some ShadowClan apprentices at the last Gathering. We were all telling secrets and Bearpaw and I thought that nothing bad would happen if we told them about you, Jaystar. We thought those ShadowClan cats were our friends. We didn't think they would tell Oakstar everything. Bearpaw tried to say that Oakstar could have found out a different way, but I knew it was because of us. I tried to tell you earlier, but you sent me away. Finally I didn't know what to do so I told Bumblethroat everything." Badgerpaw glanced at Bumblethroat and he gave his apprentice a comforting lick on the ear. "I'm sorry, Jaystar."

"It's fine, Badgerpaw. I'm proud of you for telling me the truth," Jaystar meowed quietly, although her claws itched for something to attack. Didn't she teach Bearpaw not to gossip with the other Clans?! Especially ShadowClan?! Jaystar was so focused on her angry feelings that when she looked up, she was surprised to see Bumblethroat looking at her curiously. It took Jaystar a moment until she realized that Bumblethroat had asked her a question. Feeling like an idiot, Jaystar mewed, "Er what?"

"I said, 'what are we going to do about ShadowClan?' Oakstar insulted- not just you- but all of ThunderClan. I wouldn't mind ripping his fur off for a couple of mouse tails," Bumblethroat growled, raking his claws along the ground. Jaystar wondered if there was even a point of speaking to Bumblethroat when he was in this stage, but she watched as Badgerpaw rested her tail on her mentor's shoulder. To Jaystar's intense surprise, Bumblethroat instantly calmed down. With a glance at Badgerpaw, Bumblethroat meowed calmly, "Sorry for my behavior, Jaystar, but I think I speak for the Clan when I say ShadowClan must pay for their words."

"But ShadowClan have been ThunderClan's allies for seasons. Ever since I became leader," Jaystar mewed, angry at ShadowClan, but not wanting to attack Rabbitclaw's Clan. Blackstar's Clan. Bumblethroat obviously could tell where Jaystar's mind was going because he hissed, "Oakstar is not the same cat Blackstar was. Blackstar had a reason to feel sympathetic to ThunderClan, but Oakstar has not ties to our Clan. If it would have been the other way around, Oakstar would attack us in a heartbeat and you know it."

Jaystar sighed, knowing that by attacking ShadowClan, she would be saying goodbye to Blackstar for the last time. All effects from their love would be gone... all except Rushleaf and Rabbitclaw. Turning to look at Bumblethroat, Jaystar growled, "You're right, Bumblethroat. ShadowClan have betrayed ThunderClan's trust and after all we did to help them!" Now it was anger, not love, ruling Jaystar's actions. "ShadowClan must pay. Let's head back to camp and organize a patrol. We attack tonight!"

*

"As all of you know, Oakstar has betrayed ThunderClan's trust. I've talked it over with my senior warriors," Jaystar glanced at Bumblethroat and Mousewhisker, the two cats who had influenced her decision, and they nodded, pushing her to continue. "I have decided ThunderClan has been more than accepting to ShadowClan's flaws and now they have gone to far! We attack tonight!" Jaystar yowled at her cry was taken up with several of her warriors although some of them- Rushleaf for instance- turned their back on their Clanmates. "There will be two patrols. One for the main attack and the second as backup. Squirrelflight, Millie, Berrynose, Bearpaw, the four of you will accompany me for the first attack. Bumblethroat, Featherfoot, Badgerpaw, you will act as the second group. Mousewhisker, I trust you to lead them?" Mousewhisker dipped his head to Jaystar. "Then we leave now!"

"Jaystar!" Jaystar glanced down at Dovewing who had padded forward to stand in between Mousewhisker and Bumblethroat. Glancing around, Dovewing meowed, "Jaystar, may I talk to you alone?"

Thinking Dovewing's request over, Jaystar looked down at Mousewhisker and ordered, "Change of plans. Mousewhisker, you will lead the first patrol. Same cats as before except I want Hazeltail and Lionblaze to go with you now. My patrol will follow soon." Mousewhisker dipped his head and he and his large patrol raced out of ThunderClan camp, their pelts already bristling. "Dovewing, we can talk in my den." Jaystar turned around and entered her den, hearing Dovewing scramble up to join her. Turning around to face the younger cat, Jaystar meowed, "Okay Dovewing, what is it?"

"You must not attack ShadowClan, Jaystar. If you do many cats will die." Jaystar was about to ask how Dovewing could be so sure when the gray she-cat continued, "Remember how I knew that Brownfeather was going to be injured that night moons ago? StarClan sent me a dream where I saw it happen. Now they have sent me another one except I see destruction for our Clan. Jaystar, you must call Mousewhisker's patrol back now. I'm begging you."

Jaystar looked at Dovewing and made a decision that she knew would effect the future for seasons to come. She could either be remembered as ThunderClan's leader who hid from an attack or their leader who had sent some of her best warriors to their deaths. Either way, Jaystar would lose the respect of her Clanmates.