'nother chapter, guys! I hope that someone will review soon...
Redtalon pressed his nose deep into his Amberclaw's thick fur. It killed him to see his older brother so motionless, so helpless.
It was like losing-no! He couldn't think about it again. He had promised himself that he would never brood over that again. Besides, Amberclaw couldn't die, right? Another cat lost to his foolishness? He sighed sadly.
Every time he looked at his son, it was like a sharp stake being driven into his heart, ripping and tearing until it was torn to shreds. Silverkit simply looked too much like-
"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting," Sleetstar's traditional call rang out over the clearing.
Redtalon wasn't dumb. He knew that Sparrowpaw had passed all her assessments, had only proven herself to be worthy of a warrior's name more today. The ginger and white apprentice was by far the oldest. Moreso, she was Sleetstar's own daughter, the apple of his eye.
But he was furious, not proud, that his apprentice was being made a warrior. His brother might be dying. His daughter was confined to the medicine cat's den. And his leader was making his apprentice a warrior?
Sparrowpaw was a good apprentice. She had near mastered every move he had taught her, and she had the cunning to outwit almost any warrior on the battlefield.
But still, she was impulsive and imprudent.
Redtalon shook the thought from his mind.
"We pray for Amberclaw and Flamekit. Flamekit will not be punished for her actions; are the mental and physical scars not enough?" The clan murmured in agreement. A good way to say it, Redtalon thought approvingly.
"Out of a terrible occurrence, a strong warrior will rise from the ashes. Sparrowpaw, step foward," Shock turned into joy in Sparrowpaw's hazel eyes as she leapt onto the boulder.
"I, Sleetstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn."
"Sparrowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do," There was no hesitation in Sparrowpaw's solemn words, and for that, Redtalon felt a glimmer of pride.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Sparrowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Sparrowcloud. StarClan honors your fighting skill and dedication, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan," Sleetstar rested his chin on his daughter's head. Sparrowcloud's eyes glowed as she licked the leader's shoulder.
"Sparrowcloud! Sparrowcloud!" The clan cheered loudly. Redtalon's voice rose toward the sky.
"According to the code and custom, you will sit silent vigil to guard camp tonight," Sleetstar mewed.
As cats got up to return to their duties, Sleetstar yowled once more. Redtalon's ears pricked with interest. Was there another announcement to be made?
"Silverkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and the time has come for you to become an apprentice."
What? Redtalon couldn't believe it. Sleetstar was going to make Silverkit an apprentice without his sister?
From this day on, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Silverpaw. Your mentor will be Hailbreeze,"
Redtalon stiffened. Hailbreeze blamed him for what had happened to Driftsong. He was young, impulsive, and had accidentally marked a mouselength over the border of Sunningrocks. Redtalon supposed it was his fault. RiverClan had accused them of trespassing.
He scoffed bitterly. He should've killed Snowtuft when he had the chance. Redtalon hoped his son wouldn't suffer because of his mistake.
Hailbreeze was staring at Silverpaw, eyes devoid of emotion.
"Hailbreeze, you have trained many excellent apprentices, and I expect you to do the same to this one. You received exceptional training from Falconblaze, and you have proved your cunning and courage many times over. You will be the mentor of Silverpaw, and I hope you will pass down your knowledge to him,"
"Silverpaw! Silverpaw! Silverpaw!" The clan took up the chant once more.
Redtalon's voice was absent in the mix.
He watched as his mate went to congratulate the young tom, purring in pride. As the elders wreathed around Silverpaw, commenting about how good of a mentor he had received. How his eyes darkened as he looked at the medicine den.
Only his father wasn't there to congratulate him, love him, be proud of him.
Silverpaw's eyes swiveled to him hopefully.
Redtalon did the only thing he could do.
He turned and walked away.
Poor Amber. Poor Flame.
QOTD: What the heck is Redtalon's problem? Hehe, please refrain from swearing too much...