SIXTY THREE

The next few days tested Reedriver's patience. He and the rest of the Clan had begun discussing what to do with the threat of SkyClan. Minnowstar wanted everyone's opinion on the situation before she made an ultimate decision. It seemed fair enough given the problem at paw. Though admittedly, Reedriver wasn't sure what the big deal was. SkyClan hadn't acted out against the Clans since the Gathering. If anything, they stayed at the abandoned horseplace. RiverClan hadn't picked up any scents since their arrival, unless he counted his nightly encounters with Frozenfoot, though they usually kept their scents masked.

Eventually Ambertail gave birth to two toms. Both were strong, healthy kits for the Clan. In spite of leafbare being in full swing, Scarletfur wasn't concerned about her supply of herbs. She might have been thin and frail looking since Blizzardwind left the Clan, but that was a different story. Reedriver wasn't entirely concerned about that as long as she continued caring for the Clan.

Blizzardwind chose to leave, he reminded himself.

If she was truly a loyal cat to the Clan and the warrior code, she would have gone with them. Then again, he silently berated himself for the fact that he was still meeting with Frozenfoot.

The SkyClan warrior had proven herself a valuable friend… and possibly more. He wasn't sure what to call her since they began meeting regularly. The only thing he was sure of was the fact that he wanted those nightly encounters to continue. They brought some sense of normalcy and joy to his otherwise dull life in RiverClan.

"Reedriver, I'd like a word with you." Reedriver stiffened at the sound of Minnowstar's voice. He looked at her in surprise when she approached him. "Preferably in my den. I know your sisters would be more than annoyed if I had this conversation out in the open."

His tail flicked in confusion as he reluctantly followed her into her den. Minnowstar rarely approached him even when she wasn't busy leading the Clan. The few times she did was when he returned with the others from their journey. She had been curious about SkyClan and what he thought of them, though he was reluctant to share his opinions on the Clan. He didn't have much to say aside from the fact that he was secretly meeting with Frozenfoot every few nights. The last thing he wanted was to have his loyalty to the Clan challenged, though he knew eventually it would come to that.

He still cared about his Clanmates in spite of what everyone else thought. He might be aloof at times and even ignore some of the bigger problems revolving around the Clan, but he did care about them.

"Have I done something wrong?" he finally asked once they were inside.

To his surprise, Mintwhisker was also sitting inside Minnowstar's den. The deputy hadn't said much to him aside from setting up patrols and such. The few times Mintwhisker did speak to him was when he acted like an uncle rather than a Clanmate.

"Actually, we've been meaning to discuss the matter of your first apprentice," Minnowstar explained once she settled down in her den. Reedriver just stared at her in disbelief. "If what the prophecy about the Great Five said is true, then you are indeed an important part of our Clan. Which is why we've agreed to give you an apprentice, in spite of your age."

It took a few seconds for Reedriver to register what she was implying.

Typically, RiverClan cats didn't become mentors until they had a few moons of experience as warriors. Minnowstar tried to keep it fair among her Clan for that reason. He knew there would be a great deal of protest from cats that were slightly older than him. More importantly, his sisters would likely argue over the fact that he was getting his own apprentice.

"Your sisters are already obnoxious as they are," Mintwhisker rolled his eyes in exasperation. "The only one who doesn't seem to think the Clan revolves around her is Willowsong, and that's only because she was punished for her behavior."

Reedriver couldn't help but duck his head in embarrassment.

He realized with a start that he wasn't the only one to notice their behavior. Lately it seemed to get worse with age. Larchwing and Hollycloud were by far the worst of the trio. He knew Larchwing fed off of Hollycloud's sometimes cruel behavior. The only reason their mother hadn't punished them was because she didn't have the heart to.

Something needs to be done about the way they act, he thought bitterly.

"I'm not sure what to say," he admitted sheepishly.

"You can start by getting to know Foampelt's kits," Minnowstar replied. "You won't know which kit is your apprentice until the day of their ceremony. I do like to keep that a surprise."

Reedriver nearly rolled his eyes at that. Though it made sense for him to get to know all the kits. Admittedly, he hadn't been to the nursery since he became an apprentice himself. He had no reason to since he didn't have a mate in the Clan. Nor did he plan on finding one. His feelings for Frozenfoot had only risen since they had to part ways.

He tried pushing thoughts of Frozenfoot aside, knowing full-well that mentioning it would only lead to trouble.

Forbidden romances weren't exactly frowned upon in RiverClan, but it did mean he had ties with cats outside the Clan. That also made him vulnerable to attacks from all sides. Larchwing would more than likely use it as an excuse to tease him constantly, and Hollycloud would be quick to join in. A shiver of rage swept through him. He hoped that Minnowstar knew what she was doing in making him a mentor. He wasn't sure what to expect from this ceremony, aside from the fact that he would have an apprentice to worry about as well.

"Minnowstar told me about her plans." Reedriver stopped in his tracks at the sound of his mother's voice. He glanced at Ashfang warily as she nudged him comfortingly. "I'm proud of you, Reedriver. You've grown up so much from the stubborn kit I knew in the nursery."

For a moment, Reedriver didn't know how to respond. His mother had always looked out for him. It was one of the many reasons his sisters had gotten into bitter arguments with him. They would always see him as the cat who relied on their mother too much for warmth and comfort. Meanwhile they were typically pushed to the side or spoiled rotten by the rest of the Clan.

"I'm not sure if I'm ready for that kind of responsibility," he admitted. Ashfang blinked in understanding, and she led the way outside camp where few cats would hear them. He was grateful for that notion. The last thing he wanted or needed was cats judging him for needing to talk or vent. "I know how they're going to react. Mintwhisker already warned me that they won't take it well."

"If you sisters complain about you becoming a mentor before them, then they have fleas for brains," Ashfang retorted. Reedriver couldn't help but tilt his head to one side as she sat down beside him. "I always felt guilty for putting them to the side while focusing my attention on you. And I'm only just beginning to see the consequences of those actions. But I also have seen how much you've grown as a result."

Reedriver couldn't help but purr at that. There was a hint of irony to the fact that his sisters showed less maturity than he did. He knew he had a lot of growing up to do. There were times when he found himself wondering if he would ever be treated like an adult. The fact that Minnowstar trusted him enough to train an apprentice spoke volumes of what she thought of him.

And yet, you still meet almost daily with Frozenfoot, a small voice reminded him.

He tried not to think about the consequences that would follow if they were caught. For now, he decided to focus his attention on the newly named apprentices he would meet. He did have a Clan to serve, after all.

...

"Her kits look nice and healthy," Foampelt purred as her three kits tumbled around each other. The following day, camp was bustling with activity as Ambertail went into labor. Most of the Clan had been woken up by her wail of pain. Luckily the birth itself didn't take too long. Reedriver reluctantly spent the night in camp after realizing his loyalty was being tested. He hoped Frozenfoot could understand what that meant, especially now that he was getting to know Foampelt's kits. "Both are toms."

"That's good news for the Clan, especially since your little ones will be apprentices," Blossomwind remarked.

Reedriver chewed into his fish absentmindedly, suddenly aware of the fact that he would be mentoring one of those kits.

He couldn't help but wonder which kit he would mentor.

Ripplekit reminded him of himself when he was a kit. He had two sisters, though they weren't nearly as obnoxious as his own sisters. In fact, they seemed to look out for each other like family should. He was almost envious of that notion. He never had that opportunity when he was growing up. His own sisters used to constantly tease him when they were younger, and things hadn't changed much as they got older.

"I'm surprised that you haven't thought of taking on a mate yet." Reedriver was thrown out of his thoughts by the sound of Foampelt's voice. He blinked a few times as he tried to process what she just said, and then his pelt flushed with embarrassment. "I know Ashfang has been longing to be a grandmother."

His heart sank at the mention of his mother.

Ashfang had been working hard to keep their family together. It was hard when all three of his sisters were complete mousebrains. They only cared about themselves and the way they looked, and it irritated him to the core. They took whatever opportunity they could to tease him constantly over the fact that he looked nothing like them. Or that his pelt was long and silky compared to theirs. They had sleek coats that were perfect for swimming, and while his was just as suited for the water, it was still difficult to maintain. All the while, they had toms dropping all around them desperate to claim them as a mate.

"I'm still trying to figure out my place in the Clan let alone taking on a mate," he muttered under his breath.

Though he knew somewhere deep down that RiverClan would always be his home. His heart belonged near the water where he was born. He loved fishing and learning how to protect his Clanmates. But he also longed for a sense of purpose in life, without a prophecy looming over his shoulders.

Then there was the fact that he was also meeting with Frozenfoot regularly. Those nightly encounters had been some of his favorite moments, mostly because it was just the two of them. They had little to worry about as they spent the evening talking or watching the stars. He even taught her how to swim, in spite of her fear of the water. In turn, she taught him how to jump from branch to branch like her Clanmates. It was a daunting task at first, especially with his fear of heights. Eventually he managed to succeed, but not without struggling the first few times. Through teaching each other their methods and unique traits, Reedriver learned something more about himself.

He was far more patient than he remembered. He loved watching Frozenfoot when she managed to pull off a move that he taught her. He loved showing her the skills it took to be a RiverClan warrior. And it made him realize just how much he loved his Clan. In spite of his earlier misgivings, he knew he couldn't give that up for a rival warrior.

"I think you've more than earned your place in the Clan," Blossomwind reassured him. Reedriver just looked at her in surprise as she shared a knowing look with Foampelt. "By going with the others and bringing back SkyClan, you proved how worthy you are of that title."

A shiver of unease swept through Reedriver when he realized what she was implying.

I'm no better than a traitor, he thought guiltily.

His time spent with Frozenfoot could be time spent with the Clan. Guilt stabbed him in the chest when he realized just how wrong their nightly meetings were. Yet, he also felt incredibly guilty for turning his back on Frozenfoot. The more time they spent together, the more confused he felt. He knew he couldn't keep it up forever, and sooner or later, someone would catch him off guard.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather around the Sandpile for a Clan meeting!"

Reedriver's ears pricked forward with surprise at the sound of Minnowstar's voice. He knew she would be holding the ceremony soon, but he hadn't realized until now that it would be happening today. Foampelt's eyes lit up as her kits nearly squealed with excitement over the prospect of the ceremony. They didn't know that they were becoming apprentices today, but they knew something important was happening.

He emerged from the nursery to find most of the Clan had already gathered. His mother was sitting beside Ripplecloud near the elder's den. He couldn't help but duck his head as he reached them, not missing the fact that his sisters were sitting further away. Hollycloud, Larchwing and Willowsong looked bored out of their minds when they realized there was another Clan meeting.

"Have you talked to Foampelt?" Ashfang asked when he reached her.

"Of course… I've been getting to know the kits better," he admitted sheepishly.

His mother purred in amusement and bumped her shoulder in approval.

"Good," she replied without missing a beat. "At least one of my kits has decent manners."

He didn't know how to respond to that. Reedriver couldn't help but look away guiltily when he felt Larchwing's steely glare bore through him. At least Willowsong looked a little more reserved, but even Hollycloud was glaring when she noticed how much time he spent with their mother.

You could be doing the same if you cared enough, he wanted to yell at them.

He knew that wouldn't help. If anything, they would see it as another opportunity to relentlessly tease him.

"Today is a wonderful day for RiverClan: Ambertail has given birth to two healthy kits," Minnowstar began. Everyone cheered over this news. Kits were good for any Clan, especially around leafbare. It would be difficult to feed them, but prey was plentiful at the moment. "And it is also time three other kits earned their apprentice names, as they have reached their sixth moon." Reedriver huffed in amusement when Foampelt's kits tussled around in excitement. Foampelt was quick to rebuke them and clean their fut, though not without hearing their complaints shortly after. Once they settled down enough, they stepped forward until they were face-to-face with Minnowstar. "Until they have received their warrior names, they will be known as Silverpaw, Puddlepaw and Ripplepaw. Blossomwind, you have shown great wisdom as both a mentor and a mother in the past, and I expect you to pass these skills on to Silverpaw."

Reedriver watched the scene as Blossomwind touched noses with Silverpaw. He was hardly surprised that she had been chosen as a mentor. He saw how close she was to Foampelt, so it made sense for her to be a mentor to one of her kits. He was surprised though when Minnowstar suddenly turned her gaze towards Scarletfur, who had been sitting in the background.

The dark ginger she-cat had been showing signs of slowing down ever since she took on full duties as a medicine cat. Reedriver hadn't missed how much worse things had gotten since Blizzardwind left them. She tried not to let it show, but he knew that Blizzardwind's departure had taken a toll on the medicine cat.

"I know that I am young to take on an apprentice, but Blizzardwind's departure has taken a toll on me," she voiced his concerns after stepping forward. Hardly anyone was surprised with that information. Her ribs were starting to show, and Reedriver realized that she hadn't been eating properly either. "It is for that reason that I will take on Puddlepaw as an apprentice. She has already shown an interest in medicinal herbs, and I will pass on what I have learned to her."

"You will make a fine mentor, Scarletfur," Minnowstar reassured her after gently bumping her muzzle with hers.

Scarletfur didn't look all that reassured, but she did look happier now that Minnowstar acknowledged the issue. To Reedriver's surprise and relief, Puddlepaw didn't look any less put off by the sudden announcement. It was difficult being put on the spot like that, especially at such a young age. He could already tell that she would make a good medicine cat, especially as she took her place beside Scarletfur.

"Reedriver, you are ready for an apprentice as well."

He couldn't help but shrink further into himself when everyone looked at Minnowstar in disbelief. He was young, admittedly. But he was also older than Firestorm and Dawntail. He also had experience outside the Clans, which put him a pawstep ahead.

"Don't you think someone a little older should take Ripplepaw as their apprentice?" Hollycloud asked the question everyone else was wondering.

"Are you suggesting that I am incapable of making a wise decision?" Minnowstar demanded.

Hollycloud's eyes narrowed with fury, and a few other cats seemed to side with her. All the while, Reedriver wished that a hole would open up and swallow him. He realized with a start that he wanted nothing to do with this mess or the situation they were in. But it was too late, and cats had already begun questioning Minnowstar's judgement.

"No one is questioning your judgement, Minnowstar," Ripplecloud reassured her while shooting the three she-cats a warning look.

Reedriver struggled not to glare at them. He knew this was far from over.

"Reedriver, you will be Ripplepaw's mentor. I trust you will pass on what you have learned to Ripplepaw."

He struggled to maintain his composure as he touched noses with Ripplepaw. He was suddenly grateful that he took on Ashfang's advice. At least Ripplepaw was more enthusiastic than the others about his new role. He hoped that Minnowstar was making the right choice in making him a mentor. Otherwise the others would see it as another opportunity to relentlessly tease him.

It would also prove I am nowhere near ready to be a leader either, he thought guiltily.

Fortunately that settled the rest of the meeting. Though their reactions dampened the mood in camp, Ripplepaw was still equally as enthusiastic as he had been earlier.

"Can we explore the territory now?" he asked with his tail curled up.

"I think it might be a good idea for the four of us to go together," Blossomwind suggested.

Reedriver stifled the urge to snap at the older queen. He knew that wouldn't get them anywhere. Blossomwind was only trying to help, even if it felt as though she didn't believe he was capable of leading. He needed to learn how to work with other cats if he wanted to lead the Clan.

Where in StarClan did that idea come from? he suddenly wondered.

He was never interested in leading the Clan before. In fact, he envied warriors that had less involvement with the Clan. Cats who were typically loners and didn't have many friends to depend on were favorable in his opinion. The more he thought about it though, the more he realized that getting to know his Clanmates was the best way forward. Maybe this was the first step towards that path, and it was time he finally accepted it.