Chapter Twenty-Three
Tendrils of mist snaked through the trees as Mapleshade stalked Crowpaw. Her apprentice was some distance away, her mouth open as she stopped to taste the air.
She was after a chaffinch. Mapleshade could smell it from here. Cautiously, she tucked her paws beneath her body, waiting to see what Crowpaw would do next.
The black she-cat pulled herself forward, eyes locked on the bird. Quick as lightning, she pounced, killing the bird instantly. "Thank you, StarClan," Crowpaw whispered, closing her eyes.
After a moment of prayer, Crowpaw kicked earth over the bird to collect it for later. She bounded deeper into the forest, heading for Snakerocks.
Mapleshade had purposefully sent her this way, wanting to keep as far as possible from Sunningrocks as she could. It had been a week since her meeting with Appledusk, and she still couldn't shake her guilt. She couldn't believe she'd allowed herself to do something so idiotic.
By sunhigh, Crowpaw had caught an additional sparrow and vole, along with her chaffinch. Her eyes glimmered as she stubbornly carried her catches back to camp.
Mapleshade let out a purr of amusement. "You did well today. I'm proud of you. I was especially pleased when you picked up that fox scent near the Thunderpath. I could hardly smell it over the stench from the monsters."
Crowpaw's tail wiggled as she pranced forward, her prey still hanging from her jaws.
"I'm going to let Oakstar know how well you did as soon as we get back to camp, so make sure you're ready for your ceremony," Mapleshade told her.
Crowpaw sat her prey down. "Do you think Stormpaw will get his name too? I don't think I could go through with the ceremony without him."
"I don't know. It depends on how he does." Mapleshade touched her nose to Crowpaw's ear. "But if Stormpaw is anything like you, I'd say he'll manage just fine."
Crowpaw didn't look convinced. She shuffled her paws on the ground.
Mapleshade leaned towards her. "Keep this between us, alright?" she whispered, looking around dramatically.
Crowpaw lifted her head. "What is it?"
"I heard that Mistpelt got spooked by a falling acorn during her assessment, and allowed a rabbit to escape. And she still passed."
Crowpaw's eyes widened for a second. A loud rumble came from her chest as she purred with amusement. "Where did you hear that from?" she squeaked.
"I can't tell you. But us mentors have a way of knowing. Now come on. You've got a naming ceremony to attend!" Mapleshade snatched Crowpaw's chaffinch, giving her a teasing look as she bounded in the direction of the camp.
Lungs heaving, Mapleshade and Crowpaw collapsed in front of the fresh-kill pile. Despite their exhaustion, Crowpaw's eyes were still gleaming.
As soon as Stormpaw walked into camp, Crowpaw ran over to him, her tail held high. "Did you pass?"
Stormpaw nodded. "What about you?" He looked past Crowpaw, eyeing Mapleshade curiously.
"She did a brilliant job. You should've seen the chaffinch she caught." The gorse tunnel swayed as Graytuft brushed through, jaw filled with prey. "I see Crowpaw isn't the only capable hunter here."
Graytuft set the prey down. His eyes gleamed. "This rabbit is enough to feed the entire nursery," he remarked.
"Should I take it to them now?" Stormpaw wondered.
Graytuft dipped his head. "Go ahead. I'm sure the queens will be excited to have it."
"And you," Mapleshade turned back to Crowpaw, "should take your sparrow to Ravenwing. He's been working hard lately, and I know he'd appreciate it."
Crowpaw darted across the clearing without hesitation, leaving Graytuft and Mapleshade alone.
"It feels like things are finally starting to look up," Graytuft said as he sat down, wrapping his tail around his paws. Aside from a small skirmish with the rogues near the Treecut Place several moons back, and a brief bought of whitecough which Ravenwing had quickly taken care of, things had been peaceful.
"I agree. We've got several new warriors. The nursery is overflowing. The other Clans are staying in their place. It's been good." A jolt of guilt pierced Mapleshade's heart as she spoke, memories of her meeting with Appledusk coming to mind. She let out an awkward cough, moving away from him.
"Are you alright?" Graytuft's ears flattened.
"I think I have a feather caught in my throat. I'll be right back," Mapleshade lied.
Out in the forest, she paced back and forth. I can't believe I allowed myself to be so mouse-brained! What was I thinking, going to meet him like that?
Suddenly a thought stopped Mapleshade in her tracks. Was she… lonely? Is that why she'd invited Appledusk into her life so candidly? It made sense, now that she thought about it. Dawnfeather had a family of her own now, which meant she didn't get to spend as much time with Mapleshade. She'd never been particularly close with Goldenmist. And Birchface…
Things hadn't been the same between them since Dovesong's death. Even though the tension between them had started to fade in the aftermath of his sickness, they'd never regained the closeness they'd shared so long ago. He'd been her only real friend, Mapleshade realized, and with a rift between them wider than the Thunderpath, it was no wonder Mapleshade had been drawn to Appledusk.
Despite her sudden realization, Mapleshade couldn't deny that was the only reason she felt drawn to Appledusk. He was friendly and easygoing. It was easy to forget her problems with him at her side. Everyone else seemed so serious all the time - worrying about threats to the Clan, hunting patrols, refreshing the scent marks along the border. It was exhausting.
"Mapleshade? Did you talk to Oakstar yet?" Crowpaw's voice broke Mapleshade's train of thought.
Leaping to her paws, Mapleshade gave her a wide-eyed look. "I forgot. I'll get on that right away. Sorry, Crowpaw." Giving her fur a couple of embarrassed licks, Mapleshade followed her apprentice back to camp.
Oakstar stood atop the Highrock, his imposing figure blocking out the sun shining from behind him. "Crowpaw," he called, "do you promise to uphold the warrior code even at the cost of your life?"
Crowpaw inched forward, shivering with excitement. "Yes. Of course, Oakstar."
Oakstar leaped from the rocks, coming to stand before Stormpaw and Crowpaw. He touched his nose to the top of their heads before stepping back. "From this moment forward, the two of you shall be known as Stormwhisker and Crowfrost. I welcome you as fully-fledged warriors of ThunderClan."
"Stormwhisker, Crowfrost!" Mapleshade shouted.
Crowfrost shot Mapleshade a grateful look before being swallowed up by the crowd of excited warriors. As Mapleshade hung back, she felt Bloomheart's presence at her side.
"Is this how you felt when I received my name?" she wondered.
"Oh, yes. But at the same time, I was a little sad. You train your apprentice daily for several moons, and suddenly they don't need you anymore. It's a little bittersweet," Bloomheart answered. "But it's always worth it in the end, knowing you're responsible for the next generation of warriors."
Mapleshade's gaze softened as she shot Crowfrost another look. "I can understand that. I'm a bit sad myself. I was fortunate to get to mentor her."
"There will be others in the future," Bloomheart told her.
"You think so?"
Bloomheart nodded. "The nursery is overflowing right now. You're bound to get another apprentice sooner than later. I wouldn't mind having another one, myself. It'll probably be the last one I take before I retire, though."
"Retire? You're still a young cat. I know you've got plenty more seasons in you." Mapleshade nudged his shoulder.
"Tell that to my joints. I've gone to see Ravenwing about them so many times lately I can tell he's started to lose his patience."
"Someone's got to use the herbs he collects, or else they'll go to waste," Mapleshade pointed out.
"Yes, but they're supposed to be for the entire Clan, not just me. And I'm not the only cat with aching joints around here." Bloomheart watched Deerdapple as she strode past. She paused, her ear flicking.
"I hope you're not talking about me. My pelt might be silver, but it's not because of old age." Deerdapple's eyes narrowed, although her tone was friendly.
"Of course not." Bloomheart left Mapleshade's side, following Deerdapple to the fresh-kill pile.
Now alone, Mapleshade decided to seek out Crowfrost to congratulate her personally. Now that the crowd had died down, Mapleshade caught her speaking with Doefeather, Mistpelt, and Stormwhisker.
"—And I can give you extra bracken for your nests if you'd like," Doefeather said. She paused, looking at Mapleshade.
"Congratulations," Mapleshade told Stormwhisker and Crowfrost.
Crowfrost pressed against Mapleshade, a purr shaking her body. "I couldn't have done it without you," she spoke as she finally pulled back. Her eyes softened. "I'll miss you."
"Miss me? I'm not going anywhere. We'll still go on patrols and see each other around camp," Mapleshade told her.
"I know, but it's not the same."
Doefeather draped her tail across Crowfrost's back. "I know it can feel daunting being a new warrior, but trust me: you'll be just fine. Once you get that taste of freedom, you'll wonder what you were ever sad about."
"Exactly," Mapleshade said.
Crowfrost didn't respond at first, her head drooping. "I guess you're right." She suddenly perked up. "Come on. Let's go get our nests ready," she told Stormwhisker.
As Mapleshade watched them leave, Birchface walked through her field of vision. Her heart sank, the feelings of optimism from Crowfrost's ceremony vanishing.
Mapleshade trekked through the forest after Seedpelt, Birchface, and Deerdapple. The faint gleam of the sunshine reflecting off the river's surface made her pause, the dry feeling in her throat impossible to ignore.
"I'm going to get a drink," she announced.
"Alright. We're going to keep heading on. You know where to meet us," Deerdapple replied.
At the river's edge, Mapleshade took a long drink, sighing inwardly as the refreshing water soothed her throat. Suddenly, Appledusk's scent caught her attention.
Lifting her head, Mapleshade's heart dropped into her stomach as she spotted the familiar brown tom atop Sunningrocks. He dipped a paw into one of the cracks, pulling a vole out.
What are you doing here? Mapleshade thought. She shot a panicked look towards the forest, wondering how long it would take before her Clanmates would notice him. Breaking into a brisk walk, Mapleshade hurried towards him.
"Appledusk," she hissed, standing near him, "what are you doing?"
Appledusk's eyes widened. He stepped away from her, tail low, ears flattened against his head. "Mapleshade." His voice was tense, too cautious for her liking.
"My Clanmates are nearby. If they find out you've been hunting here—"
"They'll what?" Reedshine appeared from the rock behind Appledusk. She stalked in front of him, coming to stand nose-to-nose with Mapleshade.
A growl rose in Mapleshade's throat. "They'll claw your fur off," she said, unsheathing her claws.
"They'd have to reach us before we have our way with you. You're outnumbered, after all. If any cat is going to have their fur clawed off, it'll be you," Reedshine threatened.
Appledusk pushed Reedshine aside. He shot her a stern look. "Don't be stupid, Reedshine. This is ThunderClan's territory." He pushed the vole to Mapleshade's paws. "Just take it. Sorry for trespassing."
Reedshine let out a frustrated whine. "That prey belongs to us. You can't just give it back to her." She snatched the vole up before Mapleshade could take it, tucking it underneath her tail.
"You have a lot of nerve, you know," Mapleshade spat.
"Do I? Or am I just taking what rightfully belongs to me?" Reedshine shot back. The edge in her tone made the fur along Mapleshade's spine prickle.
Appledusk's expression gave nothing away. He refused to meet Mapleshade's eyes, instead staring towards the river.
"Take the stupid vole. It's hardly more than a mouthful, anyway," Mapleshade huffed. She stormed past the two of them, disappearing into the safety of the forest. But instead of seeking out the rest of her patrol, Mapleshade ducked behind a tree, ears straining to pick out Reedshine's voice.
"I can't believe she gave in so easily. ThunderClan cats are so stupid," Reedshine scoffed.
Mapleshade peered around the tree.
"And don't listen to her, Appledusk. This was a good catch. Better than the one I caught. Want to see it?" Reedshine pressed against him, trying to nudge him to the other side of Sunningrocks.
Mapleshade dug her claws into the ground. Reedshine was too close to Appledusk for her liking. What a suck-up, Mapleshade thought bitterly.
Appledusk didn't move. He just stared at the river dejectedly.
Reedshine paused. "You're not upset by what Mapleshadow said, are you?"
"Mapleshade," Appledusk corrected her.
"Whatever. Like there's much of a difference. But you're not upset, are you? Because you shouldn't be." Reedshine nudged him again. "Come on, I'm sure there are other voles over here."
"No, I'm not upset. I just don't think we should be hunting over here anymore. Let's take these voles back to camp, and then we'll go fishing near the bridge." Appledusk picked up his vole.
Reedshine lashed her tail. "You always get so moody whenever you talk to her. I've told you I don't like it."
"Now you're just making things up. I don't even know her," Appledusk sighed.
Mapleshade's heart sank at his words. She knew Appledusk had no choice but to lie to Reedshine, his words hurt. Mapleshade turned away from their conversation, uninterested in hearing any more.
Suddenly, Reedshine's voice made Mapleshade stop in her tracks. "That's right. You don't know her. You know me." She pressed against him again, a purr rising in her throat.
Seeing red, Mapleshade marched after her patrol. She caught them climbing a slope, heading towards the Treecut Place. "There's a RiverClan patrol near Sunningrocks," she reported.
Seedpelt froze. "How many warriors are there?"
"I don't know. At least two," Mapleshade lied. Hoping for a fight, Mapleshade took them back towards Sunningrocks. To her excitement, Reedshine and Appledusk were still there — and they'd caught more prey.
"Trespassers!" Deerdapple shouted, bursting out of the forest.
Reedshine hissed, hackles raising. Appledusk sat there calmly.
"Prey thieves too, by the look of it," Birchface commented, wrinkling his nose in disgust.
"Sunningrocks belongs to RiverClan," Reedshine repeated.
"Then why haven't you been able to keep it? You all must be pretty lousy warriors if you can't defend a couple of rocks. No wonder you had to recruit a bunch of rogues," Mapleshade retorted.
That was all it took before Reedshine launched herself at Mapleshade. Her claws raked down Mapleshade's face. Hooking her paws beneath Reedshine's front legs, Mapleshade knocked her off balance, throwing her to the ground. The two she-cats tussled on the ground, shrieking, fur flying.
Appledusk grabbed Mapleshade by the scruff, hauling her off Reedshine. Mapleshade's back legs scrabbled at the ground, kicking out in frustration. When he dropped her, she rolled onto her side, glaring up at him.
Appledusk stepped in front of Reedshine, pushing her back. At the same time, Birchface moved to Mapleshade's side, nudging her back to her paws.
"Are you okay?" he questioned.
"I'm fine." Mapleshade gave her shoulder a quick lick. Lifting her head, she met Reedshine's glare head-on.
"Let's get out of here," she heard Appledusk murmur.
Leaving their prey behind, Appledusk guided Reedshine back to the river. To Mapleshade's surprise, Reedshine followed him without complaint, her tail held high. When the RiverClan warriors reached the opposite shore, they disappeared into the reeds, neither of them looking back.