Chapter Two The next day the wind had a crisp edge to it. A sign of the coming leaf-bare. After grabbing a quick breakfast she slipped out of cat with Duskshade,Branchpaw, and Slatepaw. "Where are we going?" asked Branchpaw "You're going to have an assessment." said Duskshade "What for?" asked Branchpaw again. "Close your mouth, I'll tell you when we get there." snapped Duskshade. Branchpaw turned to his sister and began to whisper to her. The apprentices expressions changed from fear to excitement to wonder as they speculated about what the assessment would be, whether or not Duskshade was lying, and if it would involve bears. "So where should we head?" asked Ravandawn, realizing that they should have thought of that sooner. Duskshade sniffed the air "I was thinking of going to the border near the hills. There are a lot of good spots for to hide there." "Right" said Ravandawn. When they had finally arrived The mentors turned around to their apprentices. "Today we will assess your tracking skills." said Duskshade "We will hide and you will have to track us without us noticing you." "And" said Ravandawn, with a flick of her tail "If you do well you may be in line to become warriors." The apprentice's stared up at their mentors with bright eyes. "We'll" said Duskshade. "Oh right. I can handle it!" said Slatepaw shaking her head. "So can I!" added Branchpaw "I bet I will find Duskshade before Slatepaw finds her mentor!" "Oh yeah?" said Slatepaw taking a step toward her brother. "Yeah!" he said crouching. Slatepaw prepared for an attack from her brother. "Stop it you two!" hissed Ravandawn forcing herself between them "You can fight when your warriors." "So we will become warriors!" squealed Slatepaw "I no I mean!" sputtered Ravandawn, flummoxed. "You'll find out when you finish." said Duskshade calmy. "Now lets split up. This is something you need to do on your own. I'll take Branchpaw to the big stump, and you take Slatepaw closer to the border." "Got it." said Ravandawn "Lets go, Slatepaw. You can tell Branchpaw all about it when we go home." The apprentice nodded and followed her mentor into the woods, they headed towards the hill border. The borders weren't really that necessary for Pineclan. They had no other clans to compete with for territory. Still passing rogues might try to steal a rabbit or two, so they had to be patrols daily. After awhile of walking Ravandawn stopped. "Okay, Slatepaw." she said "You will stay here. And I'll go ahead. Count to one hundred and then follow me." Slatepaw nodded, and sat down counting. Ravandawn bounded of, leaping over roots. She was careful to leave only the faints trail for Slatepaw. Eventually when she had gone far enough she slowed down to a walk. It was a beautiful day, autumn leaves fell around her in a rainbow of hues. It wasn't to hot or cold and the air was crisp. Ravandawn breathed deeply slowed wandering through the forest. When she reached a fallen log she stopped. It was a good place to wait for an ambush. She smiled enjoying the air and waiting for her apprentice. Than she heard a twig snap. Her head spun around. Slatepaw? No, the apprentice knew better than to make a mistake like that. She squinted her eyes until she sall a shape in the distance. It was the size of a cat with dark grey fur, and it didn't smell like PineClan. Ravandawn bared her fangs. It must be an intruding rouge! She hissed them. The cat's head snapped over to Ravandawn. They sall her charging at them and rushed in the other direction, Ravandawn close behind. The ct flew across the ground, their feet barely making a sound. Ravandawn saw them getting farther and farther ahead of her, With a yowl she launched herself closer to the cat. The chase went one for what seemed like forever, either side slowing down. Until finally a wide stream loomed in front of them. Ravendawn licked her lips. There was no way the cat was going to get over it. But to her surprise the cat only paused for moment. Then it sat back on its haunches and jumped over the stream! Ravandawn's mouth hung open as the cat sailed across the stream. The cat took no notice of her and raced out of sight. Ravandawn paced back and forth in front of the stream, thinking about pursuing the cat. The stream was deep from the rain, so she couldn't wade across and wide. If she messed up and didn't clear it she would be soaked. The rogue had been heading away from clan territory. Ravandawn made her mind, if the cat came back than she or her clanmates would teach it lesson. She turned to go and a weight smacked her back down. She's All Dark grey fur. Was the cat back? She flipped out from under it, and exhaled. It was just Slatepaw. The apprentice looked proud of herself. "Wow you were fast! I heard you when you started running, and followed you. I almost didn't catch up but then the stream blocked you!" Slatepaw sat in front of her not "So how did I do? Will I pass?" Ravandawn smoothed her fur "You did great." she said "I'm proud of you." Slatepaw purred in satisfaction, as they started the walk back "I wonder how Branchpaw did? Duskshade is really sneaky, and Branchpaw isn't very quiet." "I'm sure he passed to." said Ravandawn calmly. As they walked on Ravandawn heated Slatepaw's chatter fade into the background. She focused on the rogue, trying to remember them. They were large, and strong with dark grey fur. And apparently they could clear stearns. "So, that's why Branchpaw is afraid of bees." finished Slatepaw. Ravandawn nodded, and hoped that she hadn't noticed her daydreaming. As they entered the camp Slatepaw ran of to talk with some friends. And Ravandawn headed to Otterstars den. Slatepaw had done well and was ready to become a warrior. She pushed the image of the rouge out of her mind, and focused on her current issue. "Tell you what." said Ravandawn "I've got some work to do, so why don't you get some fresh kill." Slatepaw nodded and bounced of the the pile, grabbed a plump mouse and tore into it. It had been Dusky Shades idea that the apprentices not eat anything before the assessment. Saying that hunger would sharpen their senses. Speaking of Duskshade he was talking to Otterstar in the leader's den. He nodded, at Ravandawn. "So you're back at last." said Otterstar "Tell me how did your apprentice do." "Just fine." said Ravandawn, sitting down "I think she's ready to become a warrior." "Excellent!" said Otterstar happily "Duskshade said the same thing about Branchpaw. We can have the ceremony tonight! I must think up their warrior names know. You two may go." The two cats padded out of the den leaving Otterstar to his thoughts. "They'll make good warriors." said Duskshade. Ravandawn nodded "I was going to go hunting with Bearheart." he said "Want to come?" Ravandawn shook her head "I really just need a nap. Maybe next time." "Suit yourself." said Duskshade walking away. Ravandawn entered the warriors den, yawning. It was dug out from the side of a hill. A overhanging long provided shelter and comfort. The inside was cluttered with nests made of dried moss, and feathers. She stumbled over to her own nest, it was small but tidy, she hated messes. Ravandawn collapsed and curled up, enjoying the warmth and drifting away.