Chapter 4
Morningpaw
Thunderclan was alive with activity in preparation for the upcoming leaf fall. Jaywing and Leafpool were busy making sure we had the right herbs in stock while Briarlight helped sort the good herbs from the bad. Ivypool asked me to help them gather herbs from the forest before the frost killed them. I walked with Leafpool, engrossed by her knowledge of the foliage,
"I had no idea we had so many herbs in our territory." I said sniffing a clump of marigold. "Oh yes, Thunderclan is fortunate, we have a lot of shade which is good for most herbs." Leafpool said picking at the delicate stems. In the silence I remembered Leafpool was the mother of Lionblaze and Jaywing, but as a medicine cat you were not allowed to have kits so when it was discovered that not only did she have kits, but they were Crowfeathers who was a Windclan tom. My mother Frostfeather told me about it when I was kit.
Its has been many seasons since then and Leafpool is a valued and loved member of the clan but her betrayal will always be remembered. I looked at Leafpool, she was relaxed and happy with her work, if her past weighed on her than it certainly didn't show. It must be hard being in love with a cat from another clan, my heart lurched at the thought of having to choose between love for another and love for my clan.
When we returned to camp I helped Leafpool with the herbs we gathered and she then dismissed me, "You were a great help today Morningpaw, I will tell Ivypool she is lucky to have you as an apprentice." I smiled shyly and went over to the fresh kill pile,
"The hunting patrol hasn't returned yet." Bramblestars voice boomed and made me jump. He smiled, "I have herd about your interesting hunting techniques in the trees, as well as your new battle moves in training. I am very impressed." My whole body grew warm at our leaders praise, "Ivypool is a great mentor. I am lucky to have her."
Bramblestar opened his mouth to speak again but a loud yowl rang through the camp, "Bramblestar, we are being attacked by Shadowclan!" Spiderleg howled as he slid into camp a scratch down his fore leg.
"Where Spiderleg? How many?" Bramblestar said while more warriors poured over to the entrance. "At least 8 Bramblestar, they attacked us even though we were far from the border, its practically an invasion!" he gasped, Bramblestar called for all warriors to follow him as he burst through the brambles to his clan mates. Squirrelflight, Birchfall, Whitewing, Forstfeather, and Fleetwhisker close on his heels, I also saw Skypaw and Scorchpaw take up the rear, I ran after them too I was eager to pay Shadowclan back for those insults at the gathering.
"Thunderclan attack!" Bramblestar howled as we crashed into the fight. Brackenfur and Thornclaw were fighting a large gray tom, Squirrelflight threw herself on top of a gray and black tom who had Cloudtail pinned.
I saw three more Shadowclan cats burst threw the bushes and saw one of them was Crowfrost, "What are you rats doing here?" I hissed and me and Crowfrost squared off. "Teaching you pompous furballs a lesson!" he snarled and ran at me, he was quick and larger than me but I was ready and feinted to the right causing him to slide on the forest floor, there was no dirt to cover me this time but I didn't need it as I back flipped onto a near by tree trunk and pushed off landing on his shoulders, using my weight to force him down I bit down on his ear. He screeched in pain and wiggled so violently I lost my grip and slid off.
"You retched worm! Ill make you pay for that" he hissed and two more Shadowclan cats came through the trees and joined him, I recognized the two toms from the gathering Darkpaw and Leafpaw. I was cornered now and I decided I couldn't take them on alone, I was about to jump over them and find back up but I herd another battle cry ring over the fighting screams,
"Windclan attack!" I looked to the west and saw a group of at least 5 warriors jump into view. Where we fighting Windclan too?! I saw Crowfeather jump onto a Shadowclan warrior who was fighting Bramblestar, I saw a flash of black fill my vision as Nightpaw jumped in front of me,
"Three against one is not fair, I didn't know Shadowclan were cowards who didn't fight fair." He hissed standing up straight his hair standing at the ends making him look like a panther. Crowfrost hissed back and looked at his two companions who stood beside him, "We fight to win apprentice, and today we will run Thunderclan out of here like the pests they are!" I stood up next to Nightpaw and we looked at each other, both understanding what we needed to do.
As Darkpaw and Leafpaw charged us, I jumped over them while Nightpaw faced them head on, I landed behind Darkpaw and quickly lashed at his back legs with my claws and he turned distracted, Nighpaw didn't flinch as Leafpaw crashed into him and dug his claws into his shoulders. Skillfully Nightpaw grabbed his front paw in his jaws and turned his body landing a powerful blow into Leafpaw who fell over dazed. I ducked away from Darkpaws claws and head butted him right in the stomach causing him to gasp. The two toms backed away behind Crowfrost who glared at us,
"Maybe your clans are so pathetic after all, but you haven't won yet!" the three toms flew at us all at once and I dashed around me and Nightpaw kicking up fallen leaves as I went to give us a bit of cover, as I planned the Shadowclan cats looked around at the fallen leaves while Nightpaw and I dove at their flanks. I bit Darkpaws back leg and he screamed trying to dislodge me, Crowfrost slashed at my shoulders and the pain almost made me let go of Darkpaw but Nightpaw pushed into Leafpaw causing his bulk to land on Crowfrost and Darkpaws heads. Nightpaw then slashed Crowfrost on the face leaving a large cut through his those. Hurt and confused all three turned tail and ran back into Shadowclan territory. I chased them until I was sure they wouldn't turn,
"Don't let me catch you anywhere near our territory again you mange pelts!" I hissed after them and turned to Nightpaw who stared after them with hatred. I looked around and saw Windclan and Thunderclan pushing Shadowclan back and before long they were all running away with their tails between their legs like scared puppies. Pride for my clan burst through me and I looked right at Nightpaw,
"You were amazing! I would have been crow food if you hadn't jumped in." he beamed back at me, "You were as well, I didn't think to sweep the leaves up as a cover like that." we stared at each other, bright eyed and out of breath I didn't even feel the scratches I got from Crowfrost, all I saw was Nightpaw and how cool he was.
"Morningpaw, are you ok?" called Scorchpaw as he ran over to us, "Your hurt, quickly go back to camp, ill make sure Shadowclan doesn't come back." He said pushing me with his head, but I held firm, "Im alright Scorchpaw, I don't even feel them." shaking him off. Bramblestar and Crowfeather we talking near by,
"Why would Shadowclan invade like that, I know its close to leaf bare but they havnt pulled anything like this since before Firestar passed." Bramblestar said and Crowfeather shrugged, "Its Shadowclan, they are never happy with anything."
"Still, it doesn't make sense, why would Rowanstar authorize something like this, he didn't even show up to fight." Me and Nightpaw moved with the other cats as they assed the damage, our territory was a mess but no cat seemed critically injured. Squirrleflight came up next to Bramblestar,
"Thank you for your help, how did you know we were under attack?" she asked Crowfeather who gestured to Nightpaw. "Nightpaw was on top of a high stone and saw Shadowclans attack." Crowfeather turned back to Bramblestar, "He saw how many there were and we figured you could use the help." I saw Bramblestar bristle a bit at the assumption but he didn't say anything.
"Well, we are glad to stick it to Shadowclan anyway, they have been messing with our border as well." Crowfeather said and gestured for his clan mates to follow him, I felt Nightpaws tail brush my cheek as he went and I was surprised to find I moved to follow him,
"Morninging paw? Where are you going?" Scorchpaw asked pulling my tail, "I uh just wanted to make sure they got to the border ok." I said with an awkward laugh. I looked after Nightpaw and as soon as he was out of sight I felt the pain from my wounds seep through me and the realization of what just happened hit me like a waterfall. Shadowclan attacked us, with almost their whole clan, whats going to happen now?
The return to camp was met with concerned wails as Bramblestar made his way to call a meeting. Introductions were not necessary as the whole clan was out of their dens. I let Leafpool look me over and apply a soothing poultice to my wounded shoulder.
"Yes, Shadowclan has attacked us, but thanks to Windclan we were able to drive them off. I was surprised not to see Rowanstar among them, which leads me to think this may be a rebellious act by hi warriors." Bramblestar said,
"But there had to have been at least ten warriors there, that's far to many for a rebellion." Scorchpaw called back at his leader. More yowls of agreement followed and Bramblestar had to yell to be herd,
"I understand that but we cannot jump to conclusions, the gathering is tonight, we will be able to get our answers there." Though no cat seemed satisfied, none complained as he went on,
"During the fight I notice considerable bravery and skill by our most promising apprentices Scorchpaw and Morningpaw. I know they are young but I cant think of any apprentice more deserving." I looked up startled and I wasn't the only one Frostfeather rushed over to me, "A warrior? But she has only been training five moons, she isn't even a year old Bramblestar!" she cried,
Scorchpaws mother Rosepetal also protested but Bramblestar silences the frnatic Queens. "I understand your concerns, but your kits have shows a passion and talent of the likes I have never seen. Firestar was young when he got his warrior name and he is one of the most honored cats in the forest. I know in my heart these apprentices are ready to be come warriors, Scorchpaw and Morningpaw please step forward."
I stood with Scorchpaw as Bramblestar bent his head to ours, "For your cunning and courage I give you the name Morningdew," he turned to Scorchpaw, whos golden eyes were a flame with anticipation, "For your strength and passion I give you the name Scorchflame." He stood back to look at us equally, "May you both serve your clan well and continue to show the loyalty you have displayed today.
Nightpaw
Heathertail fawned over him when he returned, "Oh my dear your not hurt are you?" she said nosing him for scratches, "No mother, I'm fine." I said feeling embarrassed, Crowfeather came over to us,
"He fought well Heathertail, him and a Thunderclan apprentice took on three cats alone." He said and Heathertail gasped, "Three cats, all by yourself?" Breezepelt shoved in between Crowfeather and Heathertail, "Of course he took on three, no way he needed that Thunderclan cats help, he probably could have taken them all singled pawed, couldn't you son?" he boasted. Crowfeather glared at him and was about to retort but Onestar called for a meeting.
"Windclan, we just aided Thunderclan in a battle against Shadowclan, this was no border skirmish, this was an invasion." He called and shocked murmurs filled the air, "As you all know the gathering is tonight, we must be prepared for bad news." He added and Harespring nodded in agreement.
"However, I am told that Nightpaw was able to defend a Thunderclan apprentice against three warriors, I think you all will agree with me when I say he deserves his warrior name." I was taken back, "But I didn't defend her, she fought with me and they wernt all warriors," a chorus of cheers blocked my protests as Breezepelt and Heathertail pushed me to the middle of the clearing and my clan mates gathered around in a tight circle, Onestar stood over me with pride in his eyes,
"Nightpaw, you have not been an apprentice long but you have proven your loyalty today. Your value in the warrior code as well as your skills in battle I am proud to award you the name Nightfang. May you serve your clan with pride as a full warrior." He finished and touched my head with his muzzle.
"Nightfang, Nightfang" cheered his clan and despite the circumstances he was happy.
Despite Heathertail's fawning Onestar wanted me to go to the gathering tonight, I definitely didn't want to stay in camp and go over with Hawkpaw, Graypaw, and Windypaw how I fought the Shadowclan cats for the hundred time I didn't protest.
Tension was high as we filled the empty space of the island, Shadowcaln looked like they were worried as well as hostile as Rowanstar sat impassively on his branch, I looked around for Morningpaw hoping she was being cared for by her medicine cat but I saw her sitting next to Scorchpaw her was trying to get her to lean on him so she didn't put pressure on her shoulder.
"Im fine Scorchflame for crying out loud." She growled by the tom continued to crowd her. "Scorchflame? You got your warrior names as well?" I asked coming up as casually as I could muster, I had the urge to fawn over Morningpaw the same way my mother had back at camp and inwardly scolded myself for being so ridiculous.
"Yes, I did and so did Morningdew." Scorchflame boasted sitting up straighter, "Morningdew? That's a lovely name" I said finally letting myself look into her eyes and I wanted to drown in them so badly I had to grind my claws into the dirt to keep myself from pressing my nose into her fur.
"You said, as well. Did you get your warrior name too?" she said raising an eyebrow at what must be my dumbstruck expression, "Yes, I uh also got my warrior name." I stammered,
"Well what is it?" Scorchpaw said impatiently, "Nightfang, Onestar picked it for my battle skills." I said pulling my eyes away to look at the huffy tom, finally I was able to breath again. The leaders called for silence as the meeting began.
Rowanstar began with some regular news about hunting and leaf bare preperations, before he finished Bramblestar cut in, "Arent you going to mention the little part about your clan invading Thunderclan territory?" Startled meows came from the Riverclan cats as Mistystar looked confused, Onestar and Bramblestar glared at Rowanstar who glared back,
"I don't know what you are talking about. Shadowclan has done nothing of the sort." Onestar let out a laugh, "Nothing of the sort? Windclan was there, we fought your warriors on Thunderclan territory, are you implying you don't know why so many of your warriors are injured?" he hissed, Rowanstar bristled, "I did not order any invasion, my warriors were harmed attacking a badger, how dare you insult their courage!"
Thunderclan and Windclan began to hiss at Shadowclan who in turn stood by their leader and maintained he was right. I looked around for Crowfrost but he must be back nursing his wounds. Scorchflame and Morningdew looked just as angry as I felt and for a moment I thought another fight would break out right here,
"Silence!" Mistystar called and the angry cats quieted, "This is a gathering, no claws are allowed on these grounds." She turned to the three angry leaders, "What is going on?" Bramblestar and Onestar went on about the fight while Rowanstar maintained ignorance after a moment Mistystar shook her head in disbelief, "Whatever is going on it cant continue, either apologize for the mistake or move on. Clearly arguing is not getting anyone anywhere." She looked like a mother scolding her kits but the leaders didn't seem to buy her suggestion.
"I will not apologize for being accused of an invasion." Rowanstar hissed
"Right, and we will not apologize for telling the truth." Bramblestar and Onestar hissed. Without another word the two leaders jumped down and refused to be in Shadowclans presence,
"Shadowclan better watch out, because if we see a single whisker over the borders then we will retaliate." They hissed and me and Morningdew looked at each other worriedly, "Oh no, this is bad." She whispered and I moved to comfort her but Scorchflame nosed up to follow their clan from the clearing. She pushed back at him,
"Go on Scorchflame, I don't need to treated like a kit." She said and he reluctantly went ahead. She was about to follow him but I rose to meet her, "I think there is more to this than what Rowanstar is letting on, don't you agree?" I said and she nodded looking at the Shadowclan leader whos eyes were furious,
"What are we going to do, if things stay the way they are our clans will be at war." She said and I nodded, "Look I have an idea, its crazy but I think it will work, are you in?" I whispered and she nodded moving her head closer to mine,
"Whats the plan?" she said and I breathed in her floral scent mixed with the tang of the herbs used on her wounds, "Meet me tomorrow night at the rocky slope near the end of our borders and ill tell you then." I said reluctantly pulling away as I moved to walk with Breezepelt who was growling about Rowanstar. I saw her next to Scorchpaw who was looking at me suspiciously.
In my nest that evening I was too tired to focus my thoughts on anything else other than Morningdew. Morningdew, what a perfect name, her eyes were like beads of dew on the morning grass and her scent was crisp and sweet. I knew I would have to keep my emotions under control if I wanted this plan to work but for once I actually wished I was in Thunderclan just so I could wake up next to her and listen to every word she spoke, Starclan why is this happening to me.