Mission

Nightfrost stretched in his nest, yawning. Blinking to see beams of light through the ferns, he padded out of the den to the fresh-kill pile to pick a sparrow. After finishing off the bird, he groomed himself.

"Nightfrost, Bluestar wishes to see you," called Tigerclaw. The small tom stopped grooming and padded up to Bluestar's den, following the deputy. Soon, Graystripe and Fireheart joined them.

Bluestar started,"I have an important mission for you, Nightfrost, Fireheart, Graystripe."

"A mission?" Fireheart echoed.

"I want you to find WindClan and bring them back to their territory," announced Bluestar.

"Before you get too excited, bear in mind this could be very dangerous," Tigerclaw growled. "We don't know where WindClan has gone, so you will have to follow what is left of their scent–probably into hostile territory."

"But you've been through WindClan territory, when you traveled with me to the Moonstone," Bluestar pointed out. "Their scent will be familiar, as will the Twoleg territory beyond the uplands."

"Will it just be us?" asked Fireheart.

"Our other warriors are needed here," meowed Tigerclaw. "Leaf-bare is coming, and we need to gather as much fresh-kill as possible. Many prey-poor moons lie ahead."

"The other warriors are needed here, since leaf-bare is coming. There will be many prey-poor moons to come," the huge tom replied.

Bluestar nodded. "Tigerclaw will help you prepare for the journey. You must leave as soon as possible. Good luck."

"We'll find them," Graystripe promised.

"Nightfrost, would you stay here? I would like to speak with you alone."

Nightfrost nodded as Tigerclaw dipped his head and followed the other two warriors out of the den.

"Did you remember about Ravenpaw?"

"Ravenpaw? He was Tigerclaw's apprentice and scared all the time. He's a good apprentice though. He can fight like any other apprentice and an excellent hunter."

"What have you heard during the full moon?"

"Exactly what every other cat has heard- Nightpelt is Shadowclan's new leader with a possible alliance with Crookedstar. Both want Windclan's territory."

"Other than what you have heard at the gathering."

"...You mean I might see Ravenpaw?"

"Yes, so you did overheard my conversation with Fireheart. And please don't start anything with Tigerclaw. He was young at the time. Do you remember that day?"

"...Yes, he was Tigerpaw that day. You were the grey she-cat right? Thank you for saving me. And don't worry, I won't start anything with Tigerclaw." Unless he starts something.

Nightfrost dipped his head and was about to leave when he flicked his ears. "Wait, what about Swiftpaw? He still needs training."

"I have spoken with him and he has already accepted to be trained by another warrior while you are gone. Which one do you think should train him?"

Nightfrost twitched his ears thinking. Tigerclaw was definite no. Darkstripe has Duskpaw. Whitestorm already has Sandpaw. Runningwind was his mentor, so he knew he had no patience Swiftpaw needs in a mentor. Mousefur, he had a bad feeling when she trained the apprentices for a short while. This only left Willowpelt and Longtail.

But Longtail is friends with Tigerclaw. But he is rather caring for the clan and he did want Swiftpaw as his apprentice. Nightfrost made his decision.

"Longtail may mentor Swiftpaw while I am gone."

Bluestar nodded. "Swiftpaw is out in a patrol. I need to speak with Longtail. Would you tell him that I need to talk to him as you get your traveling herb?"

"Yes, Bluestar."

Nightfrost dipped his head and pushed though some ferns. His icy blue eyes circled the camp until he spotted the silver tabby yawning from the warrior den. He padded to the tom.

"Longtail! Bluestar wishes to see you."

The tom blinked then look away and headed to Bluestar's den. Nightfrost padded to Yellowfang's den. She was speaking to the two warriors. "Yellowfang!"

The dark grey muzzle turned to face him.

"Ah, Nightfrost. Fireheart and Graystripe told me about the mission. Congrats on your first warrior mission! Here are your traveling herbs," said Yellowfang. Fireheart and Graystripe stood waiting be the gorse tunnel as he swallowed the awful tasting herbs.

"Thank you, Yellowfang. Goodbye," Nightfrost mewed as he hurried to Fireheart and Graystripe.

"Good-bye! Good luck, youngsters!" Yellowfang meowed after them.

As they headed out of the camp, the three warriors nearly crashed into Whitestorm, who was leading Sandpaw and Runningwind into the forest for the dawn patrol.

"Sorry!" panted Fireheart, stopping in front of the warrior. Nightfrost stopped, and Graystripe skidded to a halt beside him.

His friend dipped his head. "I hear you two are going on a mission," he meowed.

"Yes," Fireheart replied.

"Then may you have StarClan's protection," meowed Whitestorm gravely.

"What for?" Sandpaw sneered. "You off to catch voles?"

Runningwind, a lean tabby, turned and whispered something into Sandpaw's ear. Her expression changed and the contempt in her green eyes switched to guarded curiosity.

The patrol stepped aside to let Fireheart and Graystripe pass. The trio raced on and scrambled up the side of the ravine.