SIXTY SIX

She was still struggling to comprehend what happened the other week.

Memories of the ambush were still fresh in the back of her mind, along with her most recent nightmare. There was so much happening right now. Between SkyClan's dilemma and everything else, she didn't know what was worse. Then came the added fact that her uncle and his mate had decided to join SkyClan in the midst of all the stress. She understood where they were coming from. It meant they were part of something bigger rather than being outcasts. It also meant Gorsepaw and Harepaw could get proper training rather than being sent out to do meaningless tasks. She was grateful that Birdflight agreed to train Gorsepaw, or at least finish his training.

He and Harepaw were well into their apprenticeship by the time they joined SkyClan. It would be difficult getting to know a different Clan, but she knew her kin could do it. To her surprise, Wildheart had requested that she finish Gorsepaw's training. His request had also taken Emberstar by surprise, but the SkyClan leader allowed it, in spite of the fact that she hadn't joined SkyClan.

She spent much of those days learning how to train Harepaw alongside Birdflight and Gorsepaw. It hadn't been easy adjusting to this new life, but it was life. She knew somewhere deep down that this life wouldn't last forever. WindClan was already on edge with all the recent attacks from ShadowClan. To make matters worse, Icestar had formed an alliance with Russetstar. That made life much more challenging for SkyClan, as RiverClan was still undecided on what to do with the newly arrived Clan. ThunderClan seemed more concerned with the fact that SkyClan had no place to call home, whereas the other Clans could care less.

I can't imagine what that must be like for SkyClan, she thought guiltily.

They had already suffered enough at the claws of the Tribe and everything else. The loss of their deputy and Darkflower had shaken the Clan to the core, and Spruceleaf suspected it would only get worse. She had her own reservation on whether or not SkyClan could survive without proper territory.

"Working together may be the best way to protect each other in a fight," she explained as Harepaw and Gorsepaw sat together. Until now, Wildheart had been teaching them different fighting and hunting techniques. Birdflight had learned all of her techniques from Birchpelt, so she knew all of SkyClan's fighting styles. Spruceleaf knew that she would have to pass on that kind of training to Harepaw, given that he and his brother were part of SkyClan. "Back when I was an apprentice, I would learn some of the best partner-fighting techniques. It works because all sides are protected, even when you're outnumbered."

"Dad taught us how to pounce and hold onto our enemies, but what if they're twice our size?" Gorsepaw asked curiously.

Spruceleaf shared a knowing look with Birdflight. The two toms were smaller than average due to being WindClan cats. They were already at a disadvantage due to their size, but they had speed on their side. WindClan was known for their stamina and their ability to run in the open. Spruceleaf had full experience of that thanks to her knowledge of Wind.

"You can use your speed to confuse your enemies," she replied without missing a beat. Gorsepaw blinked in surprise while Harepaw's tail curled with agreement. "When we're out in the open, we can easily outpace our enemies. Darting in circles is a great way to confuse them, and when they least expect it, that's when you strike."

"Can we try that move?" Harepaw asked eagerly.

"Try using me as your target," Birdflight meowed. "Remember, you're working together. You want to confuse your opponents, not each other."

Gorsepaw glanced at Harepaw, who was trembling with excitement at the prospect of doing some real battle training. They both dropped to a hunter's crouch, but Gorsepaw split off by pelting forward. Harepaw ran in the opposite direction. Spruceleaf watched the scene with amusement and curiosity, knowing full-well the two young cats might run into each other. Thankfully, Gorsepaw had been keeping an eye on Harepaw's movement. Gorsepaw moved to the side just as Harepaw reached him, and he aimed for an opening. Birdflight saw the move coming though, and she was easily able to step to the side.

"You're tail is also a great way to maintain balance and maneuver around your enemies," Spruceleaf pointed out.

To her relief, Gorsepaw corrected himself and turned just in time. What he hadn't anticipated was Harepaw doing the same, and eventually they ran into each other. Spruceleaf stifled a purr of amusement when the two toms collapsed on the ground, though not out of pain. They were more frustrated than anything else that they failed in their training.

"The biggest lesson in training is also learning from your mistakes," Birdflight explained once they were back on their paws. "You both did well."

"But we didn't even land a blow," Harepaw complained.

"Sometimes it isn't always about landing a blow," Spruceleaf reminded him. She looked at Gorsepaw, who was still looking annoyed that they failed. "Like Birdflight said, you can learn from your mistakes. Don't look at it as failure."

"Why don't you two get some fresh-kill?" Birdflight suddenly suggested. "You've earned it."

Both apprentices were more than happy to leave it at that. Spruceleaf shook her head in amusement the moment they trailed back to the barn. The one good thing about living in an abandoned Twoleg building was the fact that prey was plentiful. Leafbare was now in full swing, so they had to work twice as hard to catch their prey.

She often found herself wondering what her Clan was doing to survive the colder conditions. Snow had fallen a few nights ago, but most of it melted already. She and Birdflight had agreed to work on training with Gorsepaw and Harepaw when it snowed again. Snow was a different obstacle to get around, and it was something they would need to learn about.

"I'm glad that Wildheart asked you to help finish Harepaw's training," she murmured once they were gone.

She didn't miss the fact that Birdflight was far more stressed than usual. With all the new responsibilities looming over her, it was a wonder she hadn't looked worse.

"I know the only reason he agreed was so the Clan couldn't argue with Emberstar," she muttered crossly. "I didn't ask to become the next deputy… I'm nowhere near ready for that position, and he along with everyone else knows it."

Spruceleaf understood her frustration. She couldn't imagine having the entire Clan hanging over her shoulders. She knew eventually that would be her responsibility if Wind had it her way. That was part of the reason she had been so surprised when Wildheart requested that she finish Gorsepaw's training. It meant she was in a position to become deputy if she ever returned to WindClan.

"No one ever said that it would be easy," she admitted. She glanced at Birdflight warily, not missing how the young cat looked so on edge. "You know if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here, right?"

She wanted to be helpful and supportive at the very least. Birdflight had already done so much for the Clan. She made enough sacrifices in the past that she earned this role as deputy.

"Thank you, Spruceleaf," Birdflight let out a sigh. "But I think this is something I need to figure out on my own."

Her heart sank with guilt as Birdflight left it at that. She couldn't help but watch as Birdflight went back to the barn to face her Clanmates. Some of them had already called out Emberstar for his rash decision, believing that he was wrong to name Birdflight as their deputy. She was young, and possibly inexperienced. But she would learn in time… Spruceleaf hoped that the Clan would at least give Birdflight a chance.

...

"I'm still not sure why he decided to join SkyClan," Spruceleaf complained as she met up with Pinion later that day. The loner had been avoiding the barn ever since SkyClan moved in. She stayed in the abandoned Twoleg den, preferring the life of a loner over living in the Clan. Spruceleaf couldn't exactly blame Pinion for feeling that way. Her last encounter with WindClan hadn't ended on a high note, so it wasn't surprising that Pinion wanted nothing to do with them. "It just seems so risky given everything that's happened."

Pinion just looked at her as if this was the most boring conversation they ever had. Her attitude towards the Clans hadn't changed since SkyClan arrived. Spruceleaf suddenly found herself wondering if it was right to complain to her. They didn't talk much outside the few times they encountered each other when Spruceleaf went hunting for rabbits. Even then their encounters were usually filled with tension. The only reason Pinion tolerated her presence was because Wildheart happened to be her uncle, and Leopardheart was her father.

"What my brother does is of his own accord," Pinion replied without missing a beat. "He clearly thinks SkyClan is better than WindClan, and in a way, he's right."

"What makes you say that?" she asked in surprise.

She knew the truth. WindClan had turned into a hostile enemy no thanks to Icestar. His interference with the Clan had devastated their impact on the lake territories, and Spruceleaf knew it wouldn't get better. With ShadowClan also posing a threat to the Clans, things were likely going to get worse before the prophecy took hold.

"For one thing, Icestar is a foxhearted coward who lets ShadowClan walk all over him," Pinion rolled her eyes in exasperation. "The fact that they have formed an alliance should be telling enough. Then there's also the fact that he's forcing she-cats to become queens because the Clan needs more warriors. I wouldn't be surprised if the Clan rebelled and chose to merge with ShadowClan."

A shiver of unease swept through Spruceleaf when she realized what Pinion was implying. She hadn't thought of it until then, but Icestar's rule was imposing to queens. She knew how wrong it was to force a she-cat into becoming a mother. She-cats were assigned mates rather than finding one on their own, and it led to toxic relationships.

And I doubt that the father has more control over the kits and their mate, she thought bitterly.

Wildheart had never treated Palemist that way. He cared about his mates and his kits, so much so that he was willing to sacrifice his position in the Clan. He hadn't wanted his kits to be raised in such an environment, and eventually, Icestar sent his family into exile as well.

"There has to be a way to stop them," she said quietly.

"And exactly what would you do to stop them?" Pinion asked curiously. "Icestar's grip on the Clan won't lessen if you try and stop him. And let's not forget the fact that Russetstar is also a strong influence on the Clan. I wouldn't be surprised if he's gained allies in the other Clans as well, especially with SkyClan's arrival. I'm not saying their arrival is a bad thing, but it certainly hasn't helped."

Spruceleaf's tail lashed with fury at the prospect of Russetstar ruining what was left of WindClan. She knew it was inevitable. WindClan was weaker than ever under Icestar's leadership. It would be far too easy for Russetstar to manipulate the Clan into following his orders. She didn't want to think of what could happen if Russetstar managed to take over all the Clans.

I'll fine some way of stopping them, she promised silently.

She had already agreed to meet up with Flamestrike that evening. With so much happening, she knew that they needed to figure out who Shadow was and whether or not she was on their side.

...

The moon was just beginning to rise when she reached the usual meeting spot. Birdflight couldn't go with her since she had the Clan to worry about. It would seem suspicious if they left together, and Spruceleaf didn't want to add to her problems. So she went alone and sat down, contemplating over what Pinion had told her earlier that afternoon.

If what she said is true, then we need to find a way to stop Russetstar and Icestar, she reminded herself. I know I can't do this on my own. I hope Flamestrike has an idea of how to stop them.

She was lucky ThunderClan had been on their side for the most part. Petalstar seemed like a wise cat who knew the threats ShadowClan and WindClan posed. If one Clan fell, the others would soon follow. There had always been balance between the five Clans. Spruceleaf knew somewhere deep down that the balance had been corrupted thanks to Russetstar, and now it was up to the Great Five to stop him.

"I'm glad to see a familiar face here." Spruceleaf stiffened at the sound of Reedriver's voice. The last thing she expected was to see the cranky RiverClan warrior. He never wanted anything to do with the prophecy or these meetings. While she couldn't blame him for feeling that way, she suspected he was running from a destiny that was greater than anyone expected. "Don't look so surprised that I actually showed up. I care more about the Clan than I do of some silly prophecy."

"The fact that you're here means more than I could ever say," she purred in amusement. "Flamestrike hasn't arrived yet, and Birdflight couldn't attend. She has her own problems to worry about."

She didn't want to explain what happened until Flamestrike arrived. ThunderClan needed to know what happened. To her relief, it didn't take much longer for Flamestrike to arrive. She watched through narrowed eyes as Flamestrike reached them, looking more than exasperated with whatever had happened back in ThunderClan.

"Sorry I'm so late," he apologized after reaching them. "Robinwing almost caught me leaving camp, so I had to double back and wait until he was gone."

"Better late than never, I suppose," Reedriver rolled his eyes.

"I'm surprised that you're here, considering you wanted nothing to do with these meetings," the ginger warrior snapped.

"Don't go around starting battles you can't win, ThunderClanner," Reedriver snarled.

"The same could go for you, RiverClanner," Flamestrike retorted.

"Enough!" Spruceleaf shouted over their bickering. Both cats looked more than sheepish when she glared at them. "We have more important things to worry about than petty fighting."

Both toms looked at her in disbelief when she explained what had happened nearly a week ago. She knew it was a lot to take in. Between her recent nightmares and the fact that Birdflight was named deputy, it was overwhelming. She was well aware of how stressed out Birdflight was, and given the new responsibilities weighing her down, her stress was understandable.

"So one of us has finally become deputy," Reedriver remarked. "I'm surprised the Clan didn't put up more of a fight."

"Emberstar didn't exactly give them a choice," she deadpanned. "And something tells me Birdflight isn't enjoying her new position."

Who would after everyone thinks they're going to fail? she wondered.

"Whatever the case, SkyClan needs our support now more than ever," Flamestrike meowed. Spruceleaf fully agreed with him. She knew the other Clans would fight against SkyClan's presence. Icestar and Russetstar were already pushing for their demise, and she suspected other cats would soon follow. "Petalstar thinks that the lake territories would be better off with all five Clans together."

"That doesn't mean the other Clans will willingly give up territory," Reedriver scoffed. "And why should they? They've held on to their territories for seasons."

He wasn't wrong. As much as she hated to admit it, the Clans had every right to challenge SkyClan's sudden arrival. It was worse with leafbare being in full swing. She let out a sigh and looked down at her paws, suddenly aware of the difficult position they were in.

"Why can't they stay in the barn?" Flamestrike suddenly asked. "It isn't as if Twolegs have lived there for seasons, and it's a large piece of territory."

Spruceleaf looked at him thoughtfully. She doubted the Clan would willingly stay in the barn after the way they were treated by WindClan and ShadowClan.

"I'm not sure what the best plan in mind is for them," she admitted guiltily. "And we still don't know who Shadow is. We're not even close to figuring out if they're even alive at this point."

Though she had her suspicions. There was a cat in ShadowClan that seemed as if they could be as cruel and conniving as Shadow. This cat had been to a few Gatherings, and she suspected this cat was responsible for the death of Birchpelt and Darkflower. If her suspicions were true, then it was likely that this cat would fight against the prophecy.

"What's the point of these nightly meetings if we haven't even accomplished anything?" Reedriver demanded. Spruceleaf flinched when he brought up that particular topic. It went against the warrior code and everything they were led to believe. Yet, she couldn't help but think of her nightmares and the fact that she was Wind. "It isn't as if we've gotten any closer to fulfilling this stupid prophecy."

"True, but meeting helps us figure out where to go next," Flamestrike pointed out. "And I want to fulfill this prophecy sooner rather than later… I don't like the fact that we can't live our own lives without it hanging over our shoulders."

Spruceleaf was taken aback by his honesty. Then she realized that he made a good point. They never had the chance to live their own lives since they found out about the prophecy. It was worse for her. She had constant dreams and visions of cats she never met before, but it felt as if she knew them from somewhere. She hated knowing that she was living someone else's life.

"We need to keep an eye on both WindClan and ShadowClan," she decided. "Icestar is the least of our problems, but he and Russetstar pose a threat to all the Clans."

"There's already been border skirmishes with ShadowClan," Flamestrike muttered crossly. "They're more hostile than ever since we returned."

"He formed an alliance with Icestar," she deadpanned. Flamestrike's eyes widened in disbelief as realization dawned on him. She had little doubt that Russetstar would try and manipulate the other Clans as well. "Does he have an allies in RiverClan?"

Reedriver blinked in surprise at her sudden question. She hated having to accuse anyone of anything, but she also knew that he would know if anyone had been talking to Russetstar.

"I haven't noticed any changes with my Clanmates," he retorted. "And I doubt any of them would betray the Clan to that foxhearted coward."

A shiver of unease swept through Spruceleaf when he left it at that. He was gone before she could press him further, and she realized she might have pushed him too far. She swallowed hard and looked down at her paws once again guiltily.

"I should've kept my mouth shut," she let out a heavy sigh.

"Don't be too hard on yourself," Flamestrike reassured her with a knowing look. "His fur is always ruffled regardless of what you say."

That didn't make her feel any better. She knew Reedriver made a point. She shouldn't have accused any of his Clanmates of working with Russetstar or Icestar. Yet, she couldn't fight back the growing unease building within her as she thought of it. She knew sooner or later they would face the repercussions of letting this fester.

"Another moon then?" she suggested after deciding it was best not to dwell on it.

"I suppose," he replied while glancing in the direction where Reedriver disappeared. "I'll keep an eye on ShadowClan and see if I can find Shadow, or anything that could resemble them."

Spruceleaf nodded her thanks, knowing full-well this was anything but easy for him or for anyone else involved. She desperately wished she could get back to her Clan and restore what was lost from Icestar. The only way that could happen was proving his crimes and putting an end to his reign. She knew that would be far from easy, especially since he had most of WindClan's support. Whatever path she took, she would have to take it sooner rather than later. Otherwise their meetings could end in disaster for all of the Clans.