The Code of the Messengers

by Amasis Isis-Ra

This is the first field guide from The Chronicles of the Messengers. This story is to show how the six Warrior Clans came up with the Messenger Code that they must always follow.

7. Providing

Code Three

Providing

Elders, Queens, and Kits must be fed before Warriors and Apprentices.

Caring for the weaker members of the Clans is at the heart of how the Messengers live. But many moons ago, if you asked a Warrior what he or she fought for, the answer would have shocked you. This Code comes from a LightClan Warrior.

LightClan Territory

Deep within the LightClan camp, some of the Elders and Warriors are suffering from Greencough. Graywing, the current Medicine Cat, is tending to Minnowkit and Hollyflower, who have Greencough. Ripplestar, the current Leader, is having a hard time organizing a decent Hunting Patrol.

"Greeneyes, can you send out a few healthy Warriors to bring back prey for the sick? And make sure Ripplestar stays in the camp," Graywing said. Greeneyes speaks to the Clan through raking coughs.

"Yes, Graywing. Oatwhisker, Brindleclaw, Foxwhisker, and Runningstorm, you will be the Hunting Patrol for now." Oatwhisker, Brindleclaw, Foxwhisker, and Runningstorm leave the camp and head onto the moor where the night's rain has drenched all of the plants.

LightClan Territory

Oatwhisker and Brindleclaw go to the left. Foxwhisker and Runningstorm go to the right. Runningstorm stalks a young squirrel and kills it. Foxwhisker is standing a few pawsteps behind Runningstorm.

"Good catch, Runningstorm!" Runningstorm nearly jumps out of his fur upon hearing Foxwhisker's voice out of nowhere.

"DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT!"

"We should eat this squirrel while it's still fresh."

"But what about Minnowkit and Hollyflower?"

"We will be able to catch better prey after a decent meal." Runningstorm and Foxwhisker crouch over the squirrel and eat it. After that, they have a hard time finding any prey at all. When it is time to return to the camp, all they have are two small mice.

LightClan Camp

As they enter the camp, they can hear Wolfheart's voice. "Hollyflower, please don't go! Please!" Hollyflower is Wolfheart's mother.

What have I done? Runningstorm thought as he goes to Ripplestar's den. "Ripplestar, can I suggest something?"

"And what may that be?"

"An addition to the Messenger Code: Elders, Queens, and Kits must be fed before Warriors and Apprentices."

"I will suggest this at the next Gathering, Runningstorm." Runningstorm dips his head in respect.

"Thank you, Ripplestar!"