Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Dec 2, 2023 14:50:29 GMT -5
So, with Rowanstar getting discussed again, decided to bring this back. Do you think he was a good leader? And do you think he should be held responsible in any way for ShadowClan's fall?
So, what do you think? Was Rowanstar a good leader or not?
So, I'll be starting with Bramblestar's Storm. In it, we see that Rowanstar isn't fond of ThunderClan helping them, especially when he never asked for it. He does, however, let Leafpool stay in ShadowClan for Dawnpelt's kitting, but that doesn't last long, either.
He doesn't appear much in TAQ, but when he does, it isn't exactly in a positive light, being criticized for appointing new apprentices to new warriors and later saying that Twigkit and Violetkit should live in ShadowClan.
In Thunder and Shadow, things only end up getting worse for his Clan, starting with Littlecloud dying and ending with him and his family getting driven out by Darktail.
Rowanstar is sick for the rest of the book and is then overthrown not long after recovering.
On a bit of a side note, while probably not exclusive to Rowanstar's time as leader, we also have this scene, implying that either fighting is normalized in ShadowClan or the older cats simply stopped caring what the apprentices do.
Skipping to DN/TS, he's back in power, but he's still being disrespected.
In the end, he finally decides to dissolve ShadowClan, until Tigerheart returns.
“Would you like me to take a look at your supplies?” Leafpool offered. “I might have some spare herbs that you’re missing.”
A pleased glimmer appeared in Littlecloud’s eyes. “Thank you, Leafpool. That would be very helpful.”
Rowanstar’s neck fur bristled slightly, but he didn’t protest as his medicine cat led the way into the thicket and Leafpool followed.
The medicine cats had hardly disappeared when Pinenose and Pouncetail padded up from the direction of the lake, dragging dry bracken fronds behind them. Bramblestar exchanged a surprised glance with
Cinderheart that warriors were fetching bedding; then he recalled that
ShadowClan had so few apprentices that some of the everyday tasks would have to be carried out by warriors.
“Great, you found some!” Scorchfur exclaimed, looking pleased, as the two cats approached.
“We’ll take this straight to the nursery,” Pinenose mumbled around her mouthful of bracken. “Snowbird and your kits will sleep warm tonight.”
“Let me help you carry it in,” Cinderheart suggested, stepping forward.
“I’ll come, too,” Spiderleg added.
The warriors who were struggling with the bracken looked willing to accept help, but Rowanstar lashed his tail. “ShadowClan can manage without ThunderClan’s interference,” he snapped.
“No cat doubts that,” Bramblestar mewed, keeping his voice calm. “But equally it’s not a sign of weakness to accept help sometimes.”
Rowanstar’s nostrils flared, while Pinenose and Pouncetail quickly started dragging the bracken into the camp before a full-blown argument developed. The ThunderClan warriors stayed where they were.
With a twitch of his ears Bramblestar beckoned Rowanstar a little way from the bramble thicket, so that they could talk privately. “Look,” he began, deciding to get straight to the point, “I know about the kittypets who have been stopping you from hunting beyond the border. If you want, I could send some warriors to help you defeat them, just like we did when you first moved into the territory.”
Rowanstar lashed his tail and his shoulder fur bristled up into spikes.
“Who told you?” he demanded.
As if his words had summoned her, Tawnypelt appeared from the bushes, carrying a scrawny blackbird in her jaws. The rest of her hunting patrol followed with a few more puny scraps of prey. She halted at the sight of Bramblestar standing beside Rowanstar.
Understanding flashed into Rowanstar’s eyes. “Tawnypelt!” he snarled. “Over here—now!”
Tawnypelt gave her blackbird to another member of her patrol and padded over.
“It was you, wasn’t it?” Rowanstar challenged her. “You told a cat from another Clan that ShadowClan needed help.”
Tawnypelt gave Bramblestar a glare as if to ask him why he had come blundering in. “Yes, it was me. Of course I’ll ask my brother for help if I need it.”
“And you call that being loyal to ShadowClan?” Rowanstar demanded.
“You’ve never had reason to doubt my loyalty.” Tawnypelt’s voice was scathing. Then she softened, taking a step toward Rowanstar. “Please let ThunderClan help us,” she begged.
Rowanstar lifted his head proudly. “Never. This is my Clan, and we will stand alone.”
[...]
“Bramblestar, I want to stay here,” she mewed. “Please let me.”
Bramblestar blinked. “Why?”
“Dawnpelt is very close to kitting,” Leafpool explained in a rapid undertone. “And Littlecloud’s herb store is pitiful. I could be a real help to him, and Jayfeather can manage without me for a few days.”
Rowanstar was staring at her with horror in his eyes. “Are you mouse-brained?” he began. “Do you imagine—”
Leafpool cut him off. “Rowanstar, do you want a healthy litter of kits, or don’t you?” While the ShadowClan leader was spluttering for an answer, she went on, “You know that Clan rivalries mean nothing to medicine cats. Will you deny me the chance to do the role that StarClan chose for me?”
Her logic silenced Rowanstar, while Bramblestar regarded his medicine cat with admiration.
“I could do with some help,” Littlecloud admitted. “Just for a few days.”
Rowanstar turned to the old medicine cat with compassion in his gaze. “Very well,” he meowed.
A pleased glimmer appeared in Littlecloud’s eyes. “Thank you, Leafpool. That would be very helpful.”
Rowanstar’s neck fur bristled slightly, but he didn’t protest as his medicine cat led the way into the thicket and Leafpool followed.
The medicine cats had hardly disappeared when Pinenose and Pouncetail padded up from the direction of the lake, dragging dry bracken fronds behind them. Bramblestar exchanged a surprised glance with
Cinderheart that warriors were fetching bedding; then he recalled that
ShadowClan had so few apprentices that some of the everyday tasks would have to be carried out by warriors.
“Great, you found some!” Scorchfur exclaimed, looking pleased, as the two cats approached.
“We’ll take this straight to the nursery,” Pinenose mumbled around her mouthful of bracken. “Snowbird and your kits will sleep warm tonight.”
“Let me help you carry it in,” Cinderheart suggested, stepping forward.
“I’ll come, too,” Spiderleg added.
The warriors who were struggling with the bracken looked willing to accept help, but Rowanstar lashed his tail. “ShadowClan can manage without ThunderClan’s interference,” he snapped.
“No cat doubts that,” Bramblestar mewed, keeping his voice calm. “But equally it’s not a sign of weakness to accept help sometimes.”
Rowanstar’s nostrils flared, while Pinenose and Pouncetail quickly started dragging the bracken into the camp before a full-blown argument developed. The ThunderClan warriors stayed where they were.
With a twitch of his ears Bramblestar beckoned Rowanstar a little way from the bramble thicket, so that they could talk privately. “Look,” he began, deciding to get straight to the point, “I know about the kittypets who have been stopping you from hunting beyond the border. If you want, I could send some warriors to help you defeat them, just like we did when you first moved into the territory.”
Rowanstar lashed his tail and his shoulder fur bristled up into spikes.
“Who told you?” he demanded.
As if his words had summoned her, Tawnypelt appeared from the bushes, carrying a scrawny blackbird in her jaws. The rest of her hunting patrol followed with a few more puny scraps of prey. She halted at the sight of Bramblestar standing beside Rowanstar.
Understanding flashed into Rowanstar’s eyes. “Tawnypelt!” he snarled. “Over here—now!”
Tawnypelt gave her blackbird to another member of her patrol and padded over.
“It was you, wasn’t it?” Rowanstar challenged her. “You told a cat from another Clan that ShadowClan needed help.”
Tawnypelt gave Bramblestar a glare as if to ask him why he had come blundering in. “Yes, it was me. Of course I’ll ask my brother for help if I need it.”
“And you call that being loyal to ShadowClan?” Rowanstar demanded.
“You’ve never had reason to doubt my loyalty.” Tawnypelt’s voice was scathing. Then she softened, taking a step toward Rowanstar. “Please let ThunderClan help us,” she begged.
Rowanstar lifted his head proudly. “Never. This is my Clan, and we will stand alone.”
[...]
“Bramblestar, I want to stay here,” she mewed. “Please let me.”
Bramblestar blinked. “Why?”
“Dawnpelt is very close to kitting,” Leafpool explained in a rapid undertone. “And Littlecloud’s herb store is pitiful. I could be a real help to him, and Jayfeather can manage without me for a few days.”
Rowanstar was staring at her with horror in his eyes. “Are you mouse-brained?” he began. “Do you imagine—”
Leafpool cut him off. “Rowanstar, do you want a healthy litter of kits, or don’t you?” While the ShadowClan leader was spluttering for an answer, she went on, “You know that Clan rivalries mean nothing to medicine cats. Will you deny me the chance to do the role that StarClan chose for me?”
Her logic silenced Rowanstar, while Bramblestar regarded his medicine cat with admiration.
“I could do with some help,” Littlecloud admitted. “Just for a few days.”
Rowanstar turned to the old medicine cat with compassion in his gaze. “Very well,” he meowed.
Bramblestar whirled around. Rowanstar stood a fox-length away, flanked by Pinenose, Ferretclaw, and his apprentice, Spikepaw. The fur of all four cats was bristling with rage, so that they looked twice their normal size. Their furious gazes were fixed on the ThunderClan cats.
“How dare you come here?” Rowanstar hissed.
Bramblestar was aware of the kittypets slinking away. He took a pace forward, trying to find the right words to defend himself and his patrol. Fox dung! I’d hoped we could get away without ShadowClan knowing we were here.
“What makes you think you have to fight our battles for us?” Rowanstar snarled. “This is our hunting territory now. What gives you the right even to set paw here?” He dug his claws hard into the ground as if what he really wanted was to rake them across Bramblestar’s face. “You came to offer us help, and we refused. Why couldn’t you take no for an answer?”
“I thought—” Bramblestar began.
“Thought!” Rowanstar spat. “That was Firestar’s problem, too. He always thought he knew what was best for every Clan.”
Stung, Bramblestar forced himself to stay calm. He didn’t want other cats to think he viewed himself as superior to the other leaders, interfering when it wasn’t needed. “I found out Jessy had inside information,” he meowed, angling his ears toward the brown she-cat. “She knew where these troublesome kittypets lived.”
Rowanstar stared at Jessy. “Because she’s a kittypet herself, right? So ThunderClan is taking in kittypets now?” he sneered. “What a surprise!” He lashed his tail. “Stay out of our business, Bramblestar, and concentrate on your own Clan.”
At a word of command from Rowanstar, the ShadowClan cats encircled the ThunderClan patrol and began to drive them back toward their own territory, keeping them tightly bunched together. Bramblestar felt as though they were being escorted back to the border like trespassers. Whatever Rowanstar says, we saved their miserable pelts, he thought furiously, but he
remained silent, recognizing that nothing he could say would help matters.
They crossed ShadowClan territory and reached the ThunderClan border near the grassy clearing.
“Now get out and stay out,” Rowanstar growled. With a nod of his head he gathered his patrol and headed back into his own territory.
“How dare you come here?” Rowanstar hissed.
Bramblestar was aware of the kittypets slinking away. He took a pace forward, trying to find the right words to defend himself and his patrol. Fox dung! I’d hoped we could get away without ShadowClan knowing we were here.
“What makes you think you have to fight our battles for us?” Rowanstar snarled. “This is our hunting territory now. What gives you the right even to set paw here?” He dug his claws hard into the ground as if what he really wanted was to rake them across Bramblestar’s face. “You came to offer us help, and we refused. Why couldn’t you take no for an answer?”
“I thought—” Bramblestar began.
“Thought!” Rowanstar spat. “That was Firestar’s problem, too. He always thought he knew what was best for every Clan.”
Stung, Bramblestar forced himself to stay calm. He didn’t want other cats to think he viewed himself as superior to the other leaders, interfering when it wasn’t needed. “I found out Jessy had inside information,” he meowed, angling his ears toward the brown she-cat. “She knew where these troublesome kittypets lived.”
Rowanstar stared at Jessy. “Because she’s a kittypet herself, right? So ThunderClan is taking in kittypets now?” he sneered. “What a surprise!” He lashed his tail. “Stay out of our business, Bramblestar, and concentrate on your own Clan.”
At a word of command from Rowanstar, the ShadowClan cats encircled the ThunderClan patrol and began to drive them back toward their own territory, keeping them tightly bunched together. Bramblestar felt as though they were being escorted back to the border like trespassers. Whatever Rowanstar says, we saved their miserable pelts, he thought furiously, but he
remained silent, recognizing that nothing he could say would help matters.
They crossed ShadowClan territory and reached the ThunderClan border near the grassy clearing.
“Now get out and stay out,” Rowanstar growled. With a nod of his head he gathered his patrol and headed back into his own territory.
“Rowanstar asked me to leave!” Leafpool’s eyes were sparkling with indignation. “He said he’d had enough of ThunderClan interference. Bramblestar, what have you done?”
With less than a heartbeat’s hesitation the ThunderClan warriors leaped forward, letting out furious screeches of challenge. Bramblestar heard yowls of amazement coming from the ShadowClan cats as they realized they were not alone. Rowanstar whirled around from the badger he was facing and glared at Bramblestar.
“We didn’t ask for your help!” he spat.
“We didn’t ask for your help!” he spat.
Rowanstar faced Bramblestar. His orange pelt was ruffled and smeared with blood, and one eye was swollen closed. But he held his head high, and stood with his shoulders squared. “Thank you for your help,” he meowed. Then hostility flashed into his eyes. “But we didn’t ask for it!”
Bramblestar said nothing. He wasn’t going to get Tawnypelt into trouble by telling her mate about the plea for help. He wondered when Rowanstar would realize that ThunderClan had enabled them to win this battle. He waited for one of the ShadowClan warriors to pitch in and point out that without ThunderClan, the badgers would have destroyed them all. But no cat spoke, and Rowanstar still glared at Bramblestar as if he was on the verge of continuing the battle.
“Don’t be like Firestar,” the ShadowClan leader growled, drawing his lips back in the beginnings of a snarl. “Stop interfering, Bramblestar. This is your last warning!”
Bramblestar said nothing. He wasn’t going to get Tawnypelt into trouble by telling her mate about the plea for help. He wondered when Rowanstar would realize that ThunderClan had enabled them to win this battle. He waited for one of the ShadowClan warriors to pitch in and point out that without ThunderClan, the badgers would have destroyed them all. But no cat spoke, and Rowanstar still glared at Bramblestar as if he was on the verge of continuing the battle.
“Don’t be like Firestar,” the ShadowClan leader growled, drawing his lips back in the beginnings of a snarl. “Stop interfering, Bramblestar. This is your last warning!”
He paused, aware of the momentous suggestion he was about to make that would change the life of the Clans for season upon season. “I wish to create a new rule for the warrior code: that each Clan has the right to be proud and independent, but in times of trouble they must forget their
boundaries and fight side by side to protect the four. Each Clan must help the others so that no Clan will fall.”
Rowanstar stepped forward to Bramblestar’s side, his neck fur bristling. “It’s always ThunderClan who decides to interfere,” he hissed. “Any cat would think Firestar wasn’t dead.”
[...]
“I suppose I’m outvoted,” Rowanstar growled. “Let it be so… .”
boundaries and fight side by side to protect the four. Each Clan must help the others so that no Clan will fall.”
Rowanstar stepped forward to Bramblestar’s side, his neck fur bristling. “It’s always ThunderClan who decides to interfere,” he hissed. “Any cat would think Firestar wasn’t dead.”
[...]
“I suppose I’m outvoted,” Rowanstar growled. “Let it be so… .”
He doesn't appear much in TAQ, but when he does, it isn't exactly in a positive light, being criticized for appointing new apprentices to new warriors and later saying that Twigkit and Violetkit should live in ShadowClan.
“Two of our apprentices have been made warriors.” Rowanstar glanced down proudly, sweeping his tail around to indicate a white tom and a yellow she-cat, who stood close together near the Great Oak. “Stonewing and Wasptail.”
The two new warriors stood up straighter, their eyes gleaming, as their Clanmates yowled their names enthusiastically. Most of the other cats joined in.
“Also,” Rowanstar continued when the clamor had died down, “four kits have been made apprentices. Beepaw is apprenticed to Dawnpelt, Sleekpaw to Tigerheart, Juniperpaw to Stonewing, and Strikepaw to Wasptail.”
Instead of yowling to acclaim the new apprentices, a murmur of surprise arose from all the cats. Onestar looked sharply at the ginger tom. “Is ShadowClan really giving apprentices to brand-new warriors now?” he asked disapprovingly.
“By the time ShadowClan cats are warriors,” Rowanstar retorted, the faintest suggestion of a growl in his voice, “they’re ready for anything. Other Clans need to stay out of ShadowClan business.”
The two new warriors stood up straighter, their eyes gleaming, as their Clanmates yowled their names enthusiastically. Most of the other cats joined in.
“Also,” Rowanstar continued when the clamor had died down, “four kits have been made apprentices. Beepaw is apprenticed to Dawnpelt, Sleekpaw to Tigerheart, Juniperpaw to Stonewing, and Strikepaw to Wasptail.”
Instead of yowling to acclaim the new apprentices, a murmur of surprise arose from all the cats. Onestar looked sharply at the ginger tom. “Is ShadowClan really giving apprentices to brand-new warriors now?” he asked disapprovingly.
“By the time ShadowClan cats are warriors,” Rowanstar retorted, the faintest suggestion of a growl in his voice, “they’re ready for anything. Other Clans need to stay out of ShadowClan business.”
“Why are we acting like this is a typical Gathering?” the ShadowClan leader demanded. “I know that Bramblestar has news to share—don’t you?” he added, turning to face the ThunderClan leader and giving him a hard stare.
Bramblestar froze for a moment. Alderpaw knew what he must be thinking, and he felt the same flare of panic. Did Needlepaw tell Rowanstar about SkyClan?
“News that might relate to the prophecy? Maybe about some young cats?” Rowanstar continued, his voice heavily sarcastic. “Surely you want to tell us all about that.”
Alderpaw drew a long breath of relief. She didn’t give away the secret.
Clearing his throat, Bramblestar rose to his paws. “Yes, there is news,” he meowed, raising his voice so that every cat in the clearing could hear him. “But I’m not sure that it relates to the prophecy. Our medicine-cat apprentice, Alderpaw, went on a quest to find what lies in the shadows. Sadly, our wise elder Sandstorm died on that quest, and her whole Clan grieves for her. But on his way home, Alderpaw found those two kits”—Bramblestar pointed with his tail—“just outside our territories.”
Alderpaw realized that every cat was staring at him and the two kits with him and Sparkpaw. He wanted to hide under the nearest bush, but he made himself sit still and meet the curiosity with a calm gaze.
“I don’t think that’s quite right, Bramblestar,” Rowanstar went on. “Don’t you mean that Alderpaw and Needlepaw found the kits, working together? Didn’t Needlepaw save Alderpaw’s life on the quest, helping him to shore when he was drowning?”
Bramblestar dipped his head. “Yes, that’s true. But what was Needlepaw doing there in the first place? Is it normal for ShadowClan apprentices to
wander off by themselves?”
“That’s not your concern,” Rowanstar snapped; Alderpaw could see he was embarrassed by the question. “ShadowClan can look after its own apprentices, thank you very much. What’s important is that ThunderClan did not find these kits without help. And what I understand,” he added, twitching his whiskers, “is that the kits were brought to ThunderClan for urgent care from your medicine cats, but that where they would stay permanently would be decided at this meeting.”
[...]
“That’s all well and good,” Rowanstar responded, baring his teeth in the beginning of a snarl, “but it doesn’t mean the kits need to stay in ThunderClan. Perhaps they belong in ShadowClan with Needlepaw, who helped find and care for them.”
[...]
“I can’t believe you agreed to this!” Alderpaw burst out as his father approached.
Bramblestar’s eyes were grave and he bowed his head as he replied. “There’s no other way. Rowanstar, choose a kit.”
Rowanstar hesitated, and Alderpaw sensed that he wasn’t happy about the solution either. He would protect the rights of ShadowClan against any cat, but he wasn’t cruel, and he clearly understood what he was doing.
“I’ll take the black-and-white one,” he meowed.
“That’s Violetkit,” Alderpaw told him, unable to stop his voice shaking. “Look after her, please.”
Rowanstar dipped his head. “She will be well taken care of in ShadowClan,” he promised. Then he gently lifted Violetkit by her scruff.
Bramblestar froze for a moment. Alderpaw knew what he must be thinking, and he felt the same flare of panic. Did Needlepaw tell Rowanstar about SkyClan?
“News that might relate to the prophecy? Maybe about some young cats?” Rowanstar continued, his voice heavily sarcastic. “Surely you want to tell us all about that.”
Alderpaw drew a long breath of relief. She didn’t give away the secret.
Clearing his throat, Bramblestar rose to his paws. “Yes, there is news,” he meowed, raising his voice so that every cat in the clearing could hear him. “But I’m not sure that it relates to the prophecy. Our medicine-cat apprentice, Alderpaw, went on a quest to find what lies in the shadows. Sadly, our wise elder Sandstorm died on that quest, and her whole Clan grieves for her. But on his way home, Alderpaw found those two kits”—Bramblestar pointed with his tail—“just outside our territories.”
Alderpaw realized that every cat was staring at him and the two kits with him and Sparkpaw. He wanted to hide under the nearest bush, but he made himself sit still and meet the curiosity with a calm gaze.
“I don’t think that’s quite right, Bramblestar,” Rowanstar went on. “Don’t you mean that Alderpaw and Needlepaw found the kits, working together? Didn’t Needlepaw save Alderpaw’s life on the quest, helping him to shore when he was drowning?”
Bramblestar dipped his head. “Yes, that’s true. But what was Needlepaw doing there in the first place? Is it normal for ShadowClan apprentices to
wander off by themselves?”
“That’s not your concern,” Rowanstar snapped; Alderpaw could see he was embarrassed by the question. “ShadowClan can look after its own apprentices, thank you very much. What’s important is that ThunderClan did not find these kits without help. And what I understand,” he added, twitching his whiskers, “is that the kits were brought to ThunderClan for urgent care from your medicine cats, but that where they would stay permanently would be decided at this meeting.”
[...]
“That’s all well and good,” Rowanstar responded, baring his teeth in the beginning of a snarl, “but it doesn’t mean the kits need to stay in ThunderClan. Perhaps they belong in ShadowClan with Needlepaw, who helped find and care for them.”
[...]
“I can’t believe you agreed to this!” Alderpaw burst out as his father approached.
Bramblestar’s eyes were grave and he bowed his head as he replied. “There’s no other way. Rowanstar, choose a kit.”
Rowanstar hesitated, and Alderpaw sensed that he wasn’t happy about the solution either. He would protect the rights of ShadowClan against any cat, but he wasn’t cruel, and he clearly understood what he was doing.
“I’ll take the black-and-white one,” he meowed.
“That’s Violetkit,” Alderpaw told him, unable to stop his voice shaking. “Look after her, please.”
Rowanstar dipped his head. “She will be well taken care of in ShadowClan,” he promised. Then he gently lifted Violetkit by her scruff.
In Thunder and Shadow, things only end up getting worse for his Clan, starting with Littlecloud dying and ending with him and his family getting driven out by Darktail.
Bramblestar’s expression was grave. “Littlecloud is dying.” He dipped his head to Leafpool. The two medicine cats had known each other a long time.
Leafpool’s eyes darkened. “Is he suffering?”
“Dawnpelt is with him now,” Rowanstar told her. “She’s giving him poppy seeds to ease his pain, but she doesn’t know what else to do.”
Leafpool flicked her tail. “If only you’d chosen a medicine-cat apprentice moons ago,” she fretted. “Littlecloud would have someone to care for him properly.”
“And ShadowClan wouldn’t be left without a medicine cat,” Jayfeather growled.
Rowanstar’s pelt ruffled. “I didn’t come here to be lectured!”
Bramblestar stepped forward. “He came here for our help, Jayfeather,” he said in a warning tone.
Alderpaw watched his father, impressed by his authority. Bramblestar clearly understood that it would do no good to rub mouse bile into ShadowClan’s wound. A gentler approach was needed.
Alderpaw stepped forward hesitantly. “Can I help?” he asked softly.
Jayfeather flicked him away with his tail. “You’re not borrowing our apprentice,” he told Rowanstar tetchily.
Alderpaw bristled. Why not? You’re always complaining I get under your paws.
Rowanstar scowled. “I don’t want an apprentice. Littlecloud needs proper care.”
Leafpool’s eyes darkened. “Is he suffering?”
“Dawnpelt is with him now,” Rowanstar told her. “She’s giving him poppy seeds to ease his pain, but she doesn’t know what else to do.”
Leafpool flicked her tail. “If only you’d chosen a medicine-cat apprentice moons ago,” she fretted. “Littlecloud would have someone to care for him properly.”
“And ShadowClan wouldn’t be left without a medicine cat,” Jayfeather growled.
Rowanstar’s pelt ruffled. “I didn’t come here to be lectured!”
Bramblestar stepped forward. “He came here for our help, Jayfeather,” he said in a warning tone.
Alderpaw watched his father, impressed by his authority. Bramblestar clearly understood that it would do no good to rub mouse bile into ShadowClan’s wound. A gentler approach was needed.
Alderpaw stepped forward hesitantly. “Can I help?” he asked softly.
Jayfeather flicked him away with his tail. “You’re not borrowing our apprentice,” he told Rowanstar tetchily.
Alderpaw bristled. Why not? You’re always complaining I get under your paws.
Rowanstar scowled. “I don’t want an apprentice. Littlecloud needs proper care.”
Rowanstar seemed unruffled. His solemn gaze rested on Leafpool. “I have something important to ask you.”
“Then ask,” Leafpool told him. “I need to check on Grassheart.”
Rowanstar exchanged glances with Crowfrost before speaking. “We were hoping you would agree to stay with us for a while.”
“I’ll stay for as long as Littlecloud and Grassheart need me.”
Rowanstar leaned closer. “We were hoping you’d stay long enough to train our apprentice medicine cat.”
“You have an apprentice?” Leafpool’s ears pricked with surprise. “About time! Where is he? Or have you chosen a she-cat this time?” She scanned the camp eagerly.
“Puddlekit’s a tom, and he hasn’t been apprenticed yet,” Crowfrost explained.
“Puddlekit!” Leafpool stared at the deputy in disbelief. “You want to put a kit in charge of your Clan’s medicine den?”
“Puddlekit is six moons and will be made an apprentice any day now, along with his littermates,” Rowanstar told her sharply.
“Did Littlecloud choose him?” Leafpool asked.
“No.” Rowanstar shifted his paws.
“Then you’ve had a sign from StarClan?” Leafpool pressed. “Or has Puddlekit had a vision?”
Crowfrost’s fur rippled along his spine. “We don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Leafpool’s eyes widened. “Does this kit have any connection with StarClan at all?”
Rowanstar lifted his chin, his gaze hardening. “ShadowClan must have a medicine cat. We have decided Puddlekit will be the one. I am asking if y ou would be willing to train him.”
Alderpaw stared at Leafpool. He understood her shock. It seemed like madness to choose a random kit to take care of a whole Clan. Would she agree to help?
Leafpool closed her eyes for a moment as though gathering her thoughts. “I suppose a starving cat can’t choose its prey,” she growled. “How long would you need me to stay ?”
Crowfrost answered. “We thought a couple of moons would be enough.”
“You think it’s that easy?” Leafpool stared at him. In ThunderClan, medicine cats stayed apprentices for many more moons than warriors. “I’m not training him to stalk birds. There’s a lot to learn. And even then a medicine cat needs experience—more experience than you can get in a couple of moons.”
Rowanstar held her gaze. “As you said, a starving cat can’t choose its prey.”
Leafpool glanced up to the canopy, as though trying to glimpse Silverpelt sparkling above.“StarClan help you.” With a sigh, she faced Rowanstar. “Very well. I will stay and help for a couple of moons. But I can’t promise it will be enough.”
“It will be plenty,” Rowanstar growled softly. “Puddlekit is a ShadowClan cat. He will learn quickly and perform his duties well.”
“Then ask,” Leafpool told him. “I need to check on Grassheart.”
Rowanstar exchanged glances with Crowfrost before speaking. “We were hoping you would agree to stay with us for a while.”
“I’ll stay for as long as Littlecloud and Grassheart need me.”
Rowanstar leaned closer. “We were hoping you’d stay long enough to train our apprentice medicine cat.”
“You have an apprentice?” Leafpool’s ears pricked with surprise. “About time! Where is he? Or have you chosen a she-cat this time?” She scanned the camp eagerly.
“Puddlekit’s a tom, and he hasn’t been apprenticed yet,” Crowfrost explained.
“Puddlekit!” Leafpool stared at the deputy in disbelief. “You want to put a kit in charge of your Clan’s medicine den?”
“Puddlekit is six moons and will be made an apprentice any day now, along with his littermates,” Rowanstar told her sharply.
“Did Littlecloud choose him?” Leafpool asked.
“No.” Rowanstar shifted his paws.
“Then you’ve had a sign from StarClan?” Leafpool pressed. “Or has Puddlekit had a vision?”
Crowfrost’s fur rippled along his spine. “We don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Leafpool’s eyes widened. “Does this kit have any connection with StarClan at all?”
Rowanstar lifted his chin, his gaze hardening. “ShadowClan must have a medicine cat. We have decided Puddlekit will be the one. I am asking if y ou would be willing to train him.”
Alderpaw stared at Leafpool. He understood her shock. It seemed like madness to choose a random kit to take care of a whole Clan. Would she agree to help?
Leafpool closed her eyes for a moment as though gathering her thoughts. “I suppose a starving cat can’t choose its prey,” she growled. “How long would you need me to stay ?”
Crowfrost answered. “We thought a couple of moons would be enough.”
“You think it’s that easy?” Leafpool stared at him. In ThunderClan, medicine cats stayed apprentices for many more moons than warriors. “I’m not training him to stalk birds. There’s a lot to learn. And even then a medicine cat needs experience—more experience than you can get in a couple of moons.”
Rowanstar held her gaze. “As you said, a starving cat can’t choose its prey.”
Leafpool glanced up to the canopy, as though trying to glimpse Silverpelt sparkling above.“StarClan help you.” With a sigh, she faced Rowanstar. “Very well. I will stay and help for a couple of moons. But I can’t promise it will be enough.”
“It will be plenty,” Rowanstar growled softly. “Puddlekit is a ShadowClan cat. He will learn quickly and perform his duties well.”
“Go with this ThunderClan apprentice and gather wet moss for Littlecloud to drink from,” Rowanstar told her.
Needlepaw glanced toward the medicine den. “Wouldn’t it be easier to carry Littlecloud to a ditch and let him drink there? He weighs hardly more than a mouse.”
Rowanstar showed his teeth, his ey es flashing with anger. “Do as I tell you.”
Needlepaw glanced toward the medicine den. “Wouldn’t it be easier to carry Littlecloud to a ditch and let him drink there? He weighs hardly more than a mouse.”
Rowanstar showed his teeth, his ey es flashing with anger. “Do as I tell you.”
“Bramblestar.” Rowanstar’s deep mew snapped Alderpaw’s attention back. He almost bumped into Cherryfall, who had stopped beside Bramblestar.
The ShadowClan leader stood at the head of the clearing, his eyes narrow with suspicion. “Have you come to fetch your medicine cat? She’s out gathering herbs.”
Crowfrost padded from a den in the camp wall as Tigerheart peeled away from the patrol and stood squarely beside Rowanstar.
“They say they have news,” Tigerheart meowed.
“What news?” Rowanstar fixed his gaze on Bramblestar.
“Onestar and his patrol challenged a gang of rogues that was nosing around our territory. The rogues attacked. Furzepelt was killed and Onestar . . .” Bramblestar hesitated. “Onestar was badly injured. So were the other two members of his patrol.”
Alderpaw exchanged glances with Bumblestripe. The young warrior had been right. Bramblestar wanted to protect Onestar.
“How many rogues were there?” Rowanstar asked.
“Six.”
Rowanstar’s gaze sharpened with surprise. “Is that all?”
“They might have killed more WindClan warriors if we hadn’t sent a patrol to help,” Bramblestar told him steadily.
“So you say.” Rowanstar sounded unconvinced. “Does ThunderClan have to believe no other Clan can survive without them?”
Bramblestar dipped his head. “I’m just reporting the truth. The safety of your Clan may depend on it.”
Dovewing stepped forward. “Their scent is already on your territory!”
Bramblestar shot her a warning glance. “We don’t know how many rogues might be in the woods.”
“What makes you think there might be more?” Rowanstar narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“They are from a large gang of rogues our patrol met on their quest. We can’t presume that only a few of them came to the lake.” Bramblestar turned his head and glanced around the camp. “We picked up a rogue scent trail leading from our land to yours. I’d like your permission to follow it. I want to see if the rogues have left our territories.”
Rowanstar flexed his claws. “You want to search ShadowClan territory?”
“That’s not why we came,” Bramblestar met the ShadowClan leader’s gaze. “But now that we know they’ve been here, I’d like to find out where they’ve gone.”
“No.” Rowanstar’s refusal was instant. “ShadowClan can guard its own territory. It doesn’t need help from ThunderClan.”
Bramblestar dipped his head. “I understand your concerns, Rowanstar. But we know the scent. I still have rogue blood beneath my claws. Let’s at least send a joint patrol—ShadowClan and ThunderClan—to track their trail. We’d be stronger together, and this threatens every Clan. Don’t forget the prophecy: Embrace what you find in the shadows, for only they can clear the sky. Perhaps these rogues are connected. We have not seen such cruel cats since the battle with the Dark Forest. They might be the danger that StarClan is warning us about.”
Tigerheart’s eyes flashed. “The prophecy meant the kits!”
Crowfrost shifted his paws. “Bramblestar may have a point.”
Rowanstar jerked his gaze to his deputy.
Crowfrost held his ground. “What if the rogues are linked with the prophecy? Perhaps we should track them together.”
Tigerheart growled. “Why don’t we track them alone and report what we find at the next Gathering?”
Rowanstar frowned thoughtfully. “You said Onestar was badly wounded?” He spoke to Bramblestar. “How badly?”
Bramblestar returned his gaze steadily. “Badly enough.”
Rowanstar’s eyes sparked with interest. “So,” he growled. “These rogues truly are dangerous.”
Bumblestripe leaned closer to Alderpaw. “He’s worried he might be the next leader to lose a life.”
“Fine,” Rowanstar agreed. “We will send a patrol to track these rogues with you. Crowfrost, you will lead it. Take Tigerheart, Scorchfur, and Spikefur with you.”
A dark brown tom with a tuft of fur sticking up between his ears crossed the clearing toward them. “Did you say my name?”
“You’re going with these cats.” Rowanstar threw a scornful look at the ThunderClan patrol. Alderpaw heard Bumblestripe swallow back a growl. “There are rogues on our land. You will track them and find where they’ve gone.”
“Should I take Yarrowpaw?” Spikefur asked.
“Of course,” Rowanstar meowed. “It will be good training for her.”
The ShadowClan leader stood at the head of the clearing, his eyes narrow with suspicion. “Have you come to fetch your medicine cat? She’s out gathering herbs.”
Crowfrost padded from a den in the camp wall as Tigerheart peeled away from the patrol and stood squarely beside Rowanstar.
“They say they have news,” Tigerheart meowed.
“What news?” Rowanstar fixed his gaze on Bramblestar.
“Onestar and his patrol challenged a gang of rogues that was nosing around our territory. The rogues attacked. Furzepelt was killed and Onestar . . .” Bramblestar hesitated. “Onestar was badly injured. So were the other two members of his patrol.”
Alderpaw exchanged glances with Bumblestripe. The young warrior had been right. Bramblestar wanted to protect Onestar.
“How many rogues were there?” Rowanstar asked.
“Six.”
Rowanstar’s gaze sharpened with surprise. “Is that all?”
“They might have killed more WindClan warriors if we hadn’t sent a patrol to help,” Bramblestar told him steadily.
“So you say.” Rowanstar sounded unconvinced. “Does ThunderClan have to believe no other Clan can survive without them?”
Bramblestar dipped his head. “I’m just reporting the truth. The safety of your Clan may depend on it.”
Dovewing stepped forward. “Their scent is already on your territory!”
Bramblestar shot her a warning glance. “We don’t know how many rogues might be in the woods.”
“What makes you think there might be more?” Rowanstar narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“They are from a large gang of rogues our patrol met on their quest. We can’t presume that only a few of them came to the lake.” Bramblestar turned his head and glanced around the camp. “We picked up a rogue scent trail leading from our land to yours. I’d like your permission to follow it. I want to see if the rogues have left our territories.”
Rowanstar flexed his claws. “You want to search ShadowClan territory?”
“That’s not why we came,” Bramblestar met the ShadowClan leader’s gaze. “But now that we know they’ve been here, I’d like to find out where they’ve gone.”
“No.” Rowanstar’s refusal was instant. “ShadowClan can guard its own territory. It doesn’t need help from ThunderClan.”
Bramblestar dipped his head. “I understand your concerns, Rowanstar. But we know the scent. I still have rogue blood beneath my claws. Let’s at least send a joint patrol—ShadowClan and ThunderClan—to track their trail. We’d be stronger together, and this threatens every Clan. Don’t forget the prophecy: Embrace what you find in the shadows, for only they can clear the sky. Perhaps these rogues are connected. We have not seen such cruel cats since the battle with the Dark Forest. They might be the danger that StarClan is warning us about.”
Tigerheart’s eyes flashed. “The prophecy meant the kits!”
Crowfrost shifted his paws. “Bramblestar may have a point.”
Rowanstar jerked his gaze to his deputy.
Crowfrost held his ground. “What if the rogues are linked with the prophecy? Perhaps we should track them together.”
Tigerheart growled. “Why don’t we track them alone and report what we find at the next Gathering?”
Rowanstar frowned thoughtfully. “You said Onestar was badly wounded?” He spoke to Bramblestar. “How badly?”
Bramblestar returned his gaze steadily. “Badly enough.”
Rowanstar’s eyes sparked with interest. “So,” he growled. “These rogues truly are dangerous.”
Bumblestripe leaned closer to Alderpaw. “He’s worried he might be the next leader to lose a life.”
“Fine,” Rowanstar agreed. “We will send a patrol to track these rogues with you. Crowfrost, you will lead it. Take Tigerheart, Scorchfur, and Spikefur with you.”
A dark brown tom with a tuft of fur sticking up between his ears crossed the clearing toward them. “Did you say my name?”
“You’re going with these cats.” Rowanstar threw a scornful look at the ThunderClan patrol. Alderpaw heard Bumblestripe swallow back a growl. “There are rogues on our land. You will track them and find where they’ve gone.”
“Should I take Yarrowpaw?” Spikefur asked.
“Of course,” Rowanstar meowed. “It will be good training for her.”
Rowanstar looked up from the mouse he was eating beside Crowfrost. “Tawnypelt.” He got to.his paws, greeting the she-cat with a worried look. “What’s happened?” Clearly, he could see.anger in her rippling pelt.
“Needlepaw took Violetkit out of camp.” Tawnypelt stepped aside and let Needlepaw face Rowanstar.
Violetkit halted. Her paws felt shaky as she sensed the eyes of the other cats lifting from their fresh-kill and fixing on her. She glanced nervously at Needlepaw. Was her friend in serious trouble? And what about me? Did ShadowClan punish kits?
Rowanstar glared at Needlepaw. “Kits don’t leave camp,” he meowed sternly. “What were you thinking? There may be rogues in the forest. There are certainly foxes, and Spikefur said he saw an adder yesterday. A warrior would be lucky to survive an adder bite. A kit would die.”
Needlepaw blinked at him coolly. “I look out for adders and foxes. I wouldn’t let any thing hurt her.”
Rowanstar’s hackles lifted as though he was surprised to hear her talk back. “Kits do not leave camp,” he repeated.
Needlepaw glanced calmly at Beepaw beside the fresh-kill pile. “It’s a dumb rule.”
Beepaw leaned closer, her eyes sparking with interest.
Violetkit stared at Needlepaw, shock fizzing through her fur. Had she really said that? And why had she shot a sly glance at Beepaw? Had they been planning to challenge Rowanstar like this?
Crowfrost stood up. His tail twitched angrily as Needlepaw went on.
“Like I told Tawnypelt, Violetkit was bored in camp.” She flicked her muzzle dismissively toward the clearing. “There’s nothing to learn here except how to grow old.”
Sleekpaw, Juniperpaw, Yarrowpaw, and Strikepaw were padding closer, their eyes flashing with interest. Birchpaw and Lionpaw hung back, eyeing each other nervously, but Beepaw pricked her ears excitedly, as though willing Needlepaw to say more.
Rowanstar’s gaze flicked toward them, then back to Needlepaw. It was blazing with anger. “There is plenty to learn in camp,” he hissed. “The warrior code, for a start. Too many rules are being ignored.”
“It’s impossible to remember all your rules.” Needlepaw flicked her tail irritably. “Perhaps if we had fewer rules, we’d obey more of them.”
Crowfrost flattened his ears. “Perhaps if we had smarter apprentices, they wouldn’t have such a hard time remembering.”
Sleekpaw and Strikepaw, Crowfrost’s kits, hissed at the ShadowClan deputy. “Are you calling us dumb?”
Strikepaw glared at his father. “If you treated us better, we might try harder,” he snarled. “Don’t forget there are nearly as many of us as there are of you. You’d be wise to give us a little more respect.”
Was that a threat? Violetkit stared at him, her mouth open. She shifted her paws uneasily. The apprentices were edging nearer to Needlepaw, as though gaining confidence with every complaint. Had they planned this rebellion, or had Needlepaw’s boldness sparked resentments that had been simmering for moons?
Yarrowpaw and Juniperpaw flicked their tails irritably. Beepaw padded from the fresh-kill pile to join them.
“Respect!” Rowanstar narrowed his eyes. “Respect has to be earned.” His growl was hard.
Beepaw tipped her head. “I don’t see the older cats earning any respect. All they do is hunt and sleep.”
Snowbird padded forward quickly, her pelt ruffled. “Beepaw!” She blinked at her daughter anxiously. “You mustn’t speak about your elders like that.”
“Why not?” Beepaw moved closer to Yarrowpaw. “You taught us that ShadowClan cats can say what they like.”
Alarm sparked in Snowbird’s gaze as her kits stared at her petulantly. “Where has all this come from?”
Beepaw stared at her mother. “If you ever listened instead of just talking, you’d know.”
Crowfrost fluffed out his fur, his nervous gaze on his own kits. Sleekpaw, Juniperpaw, and Strikepaw were bunched close, staring questioningly at Rowanstar.
Sleekpaw lashed her tail. “The elders used to tell stories about how ShadowClan was feared by the other Clans,” she meowed. “Now we only try to make peace.”
Strikepaw snorted. “We hide behind our borders like kittypets.”
“It’s true!” Juniperpaw agreed. “Not even WindClan respects us anymore. At the last Gathering, Fernpaw called us a bunch of frog-eaters. In the old days, apprentices from other Clans didn’t even dare speak to us. Ratscar told us that ThunderClan used to tell nursery stories about how terrifying we were. I bet their nursery stories aren’t so scary now.”
Rowanstar shifted his paws. “Peace brings prey,” he meowed. “Why fight over borders when we have enough prey to feed every cat?”
Ratscar got to his paws. The brown tom’s eyes were narrow. “The apprentices have a point. ShadowClan used to rule the forest. Now we live like a bunch of ThunderClan cats. All we want is peace and food. We’re hardly better than kitty pets.”
Kinkfur growled. “What nonsense! ShadowClan will always be feared and respected by the other Clans.”
“Even if we’re not feared and respected by our own kits,” Ratscar rasped dryly.
Oakfur crossed the clearing and faced Rowanstar. “Why can’t the mentors keep their apprentices under control? In my day, we did what we were told.”
Stonewing shouldered his way through the gathered cats and glared at Juniperpaw. “How.could you embarrass me like this? Haven’t I been a good mentor to you? I’ve taught you everything you know.”
Juniperpaw curled his lip. “Cats are born knowing how to hunt and fight. Why do I need you telling me what I already know?”
Stonewing swung his muzzle accusingly toward Rowanstar. “I warned you the apprentices were getting too big for their pelts.
Rowanstar glared back at him, pelt spiking. “I shouldn’t have to control your apprentice for you.”
Dawnpelt hurried forward and gazed imploringly at Sleekpaw and her denmates. “I don’t understand why you’re so angry. When I was your age, I was proud to be an apprentice,” she mewed. “We all were. We wanted to learn the warrior code.”
“Only because you wanted to be like ThunderClan,” Needlepaw scoffed.
Dawnpelt bristled. “That’s not true!”
Tawnypelt hissed at Needlepaw. “Respect your elders!”
“Not until they respect us!” Sleekpaw butted in.
Angry yowls echoed around the camp. Violetkit shrank against Needlepaw’s flank as the Clan argued around her. Perhaps the warrior code was too restrictive. She’d heard Needlepaw complain about it often enough. But was it worth fighting about? Surely warriors had a code for a reason. Otherwise they’d be nothing but rogues or loners.
“Silence!” Rowanstar leaped onto the low rock at the edge of the clearing and glowered at his Clan. His fur stood on end, and his eyes blazed in the twilight.
The Clan fell silent and watched their leader expectantly.
“Needlepaw.” Rowanstar fixed his furious gaze on the silver apprentice. “You broke a rule and you will be punished. You will look after the elders. Clean their bedding, pull out their ticks, and hunt for them. They are your responsibility from now on.”
Needlepaw returned his gaze, unruffled. “For how long?”
Rowanstar showed his teeth. “Until I say so.”
“Okay.” Needlepaw shrugged and turned away. She shouldered her way between her denmates and headed for the fresh-kill pile. Violetkit stared at her. How could she act so cool?
“Violetkit.” Rowanstar’s mew made her jump.
She stared at him, her heart in her throat.
“You shouldn’t have left camp.” The ShadowClan leader’s mew was stern. His gaze flicked toward the nursery. Pinenose watched from outside. He beckoned the queen forward with a flick of his tail. “You should have been keeping a closer eye on her,” he told the queen as she padded toward him.
She dipped her head. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t let her out of your sight,” Rowanstar warned.
Pinenose stopped beside Violetkit. “Couldn’t Grassheart take care of her now?” she mewed hopefully. “Now that my own kits have left the nursery, I could return to warrior duties.”
Violetkit tried to ignore the hurt jabbing her heart. She’d known for a long time that Pinenose had never been fond of her. Of course she’d rather be hunting than watching me. I’m not her kit. She smelled pine and fresh air in the queen’s fur. Had she been out already?
Rowanstar scowled. “I know you miss patrolling and hunting, but it’s Grassheart’s first litter. She won’t have the time to take care of another kit.”
Violetkit lifted her muzzle defiantly. “I can take care of myself.”
Rowanstar’s hopped from the stone and padded closer. “If that were true, you wouldn’t have left the camp today.” He turned to Pinenose. “Look after her. Make sure she learns the warrior code. I don’t want her turning out like them.” He glowered at Sleekpaw and her denmates. “She’s been spending far too much time with Needlepaw.”
Pinenose lowered her gaze. “Okay,” she grunted.
“Needlepaw took Violetkit out of camp.” Tawnypelt stepped aside and let Needlepaw face Rowanstar.
Violetkit halted. Her paws felt shaky as she sensed the eyes of the other cats lifting from their fresh-kill and fixing on her. She glanced nervously at Needlepaw. Was her friend in serious trouble? And what about me? Did ShadowClan punish kits?
Rowanstar glared at Needlepaw. “Kits don’t leave camp,” he meowed sternly. “What were you thinking? There may be rogues in the forest. There are certainly foxes, and Spikefur said he saw an adder yesterday. A warrior would be lucky to survive an adder bite. A kit would die.”
Needlepaw blinked at him coolly. “I look out for adders and foxes. I wouldn’t let any thing hurt her.”
Rowanstar’s hackles lifted as though he was surprised to hear her talk back. “Kits do not leave camp,” he repeated.
Needlepaw glanced calmly at Beepaw beside the fresh-kill pile. “It’s a dumb rule.”
Beepaw leaned closer, her eyes sparking with interest.
Violetkit stared at Needlepaw, shock fizzing through her fur. Had she really said that? And why had she shot a sly glance at Beepaw? Had they been planning to challenge Rowanstar like this?
Crowfrost stood up. His tail twitched angrily as Needlepaw went on.
“Like I told Tawnypelt, Violetkit was bored in camp.” She flicked her muzzle dismissively toward the clearing. “There’s nothing to learn here except how to grow old.”
Sleekpaw, Juniperpaw, Yarrowpaw, and Strikepaw were padding closer, their eyes flashing with interest. Birchpaw and Lionpaw hung back, eyeing each other nervously, but Beepaw pricked her ears excitedly, as though willing Needlepaw to say more.
Rowanstar’s gaze flicked toward them, then back to Needlepaw. It was blazing with anger. “There is plenty to learn in camp,” he hissed. “The warrior code, for a start. Too many rules are being ignored.”
“It’s impossible to remember all your rules.” Needlepaw flicked her tail irritably. “Perhaps if we had fewer rules, we’d obey more of them.”
Crowfrost flattened his ears. “Perhaps if we had smarter apprentices, they wouldn’t have such a hard time remembering.”
Sleekpaw and Strikepaw, Crowfrost’s kits, hissed at the ShadowClan deputy. “Are you calling us dumb?”
Strikepaw glared at his father. “If you treated us better, we might try harder,” he snarled. “Don’t forget there are nearly as many of us as there are of you. You’d be wise to give us a little more respect.”
Was that a threat? Violetkit stared at him, her mouth open. She shifted her paws uneasily. The apprentices were edging nearer to Needlepaw, as though gaining confidence with every complaint. Had they planned this rebellion, or had Needlepaw’s boldness sparked resentments that had been simmering for moons?
Yarrowpaw and Juniperpaw flicked their tails irritably. Beepaw padded from the fresh-kill pile to join them.
“Respect!” Rowanstar narrowed his eyes. “Respect has to be earned.” His growl was hard.
Beepaw tipped her head. “I don’t see the older cats earning any respect. All they do is hunt and sleep.”
Snowbird padded forward quickly, her pelt ruffled. “Beepaw!” She blinked at her daughter anxiously. “You mustn’t speak about your elders like that.”
“Why not?” Beepaw moved closer to Yarrowpaw. “You taught us that ShadowClan cats can say what they like.”
Alarm sparked in Snowbird’s gaze as her kits stared at her petulantly. “Where has all this come from?”
Beepaw stared at her mother. “If you ever listened instead of just talking, you’d know.”
Crowfrost fluffed out his fur, his nervous gaze on his own kits. Sleekpaw, Juniperpaw, and Strikepaw were bunched close, staring questioningly at Rowanstar.
Sleekpaw lashed her tail. “The elders used to tell stories about how ShadowClan was feared by the other Clans,” she meowed. “Now we only try to make peace.”
Strikepaw snorted. “We hide behind our borders like kittypets.”
“It’s true!” Juniperpaw agreed. “Not even WindClan respects us anymore. At the last Gathering, Fernpaw called us a bunch of frog-eaters. In the old days, apprentices from other Clans didn’t even dare speak to us. Ratscar told us that ThunderClan used to tell nursery stories about how terrifying we were. I bet their nursery stories aren’t so scary now.”
Rowanstar shifted his paws. “Peace brings prey,” he meowed. “Why fight over borders when we have enough prey to feed every cat?”
Ratscar got to his paws. The brown tom’s eyes were narrow. “The apprentices have a point. ShadowClan used to rule the forest. Now we live like a bunch of ThunderClan cats. All we want is peace and food. We’re hardly better than kitty pets.”
Kinkfur growled. “What nonsense! ShadowClan will always be feared and respected by the other Clans.”
“Even if we’re not feared and respected by our own kits,” Ratscar rasped dryly.
Oakfur crossed the clearing and faced Rowanstar. “Why can’t the mentors keep their apprentices under control? In my day, we did what we were told.”
Stonewing shouldered his way through the gathered cats and glared at Juniperpaw. “How.could you embarrass me like this? Haven’t I been a good mentor to you? I’ve taught you everything you know.”
Juniperpaw curled his lip. “Cats are born knowing how to hunt and fight. Why do I need you telling me what I already know?”
Stonewing swung his muzzle accusingly toward Rowanstar. “I warned you the apprentices were getting too big for their pelts.
Rowanstar glared back at him, pelt spiking. “I shouldn’t have to control your apprentice for you.”
Dawnpelt hurried forward and gazed imploringly at Sleekpaw and her denmates. “I don’t understand why you’re so angry. When I was your age, I was proud to be an apprentice,” she mewed. “We all were. We wanted to learn the warrior code.”
“Only because you wanted to be like ThunderClan,” Needlepaw scoffed.
Dawnpelt bristled. “That’s not true!”
Tawnypelt hissed at Needlepaw. “Respect your elders!”
“Not until they respect us!” Sleekpaw butted in.
Angry yowls echoed around the camp. Violetkit shrank against Needlepaw’s flank as the Clan argued around her. Perhaps the warrior code was too restrictive. She’d heard Needlepaw complain about it often enough. But was it worth fighting about? Surely warriors had a code for a reason. Otherwise they’d be nothing but rogues or loners.
“Silence!” Rowanstar leaped onto the low rock at the edge of the clearing and glowered at his Clan. His fur stood on end, and his eyes blazed in the twilight.
The Clan fell silent and watched their leader expectantly.
“Needlepaw.” Rowanstar fixed his furious gaze on the silver apprentice. “You broke a rule and you will be punished. You will look after the elders. Clean their bedding, pull out their ticks, and hunt for them. They are your responsibility from now on.”
Needlepaw returned his gaze, unruffled. “For how long?”
Rowanstar showed his teeth. “Until I say so.”
“Okay.” Needlepaw shrugged and turned away. She shouldered her way between her denmates and headed for the fresh-kill pile. Violetkit stared at her. How could she act so cool?
“Violetkit.” Rowanstar’s mew made her jump.
She stared at him, her heart in her throat.
“You shouldn’t have left camp.” The ShadowClan leader’s mew was stern. His gaze flicked toward the nursery. Pinenose watched from outside. He beckoned the queen forward with a flick of his tail. “You should have been keeping a closer eye on her,” he told the queen as she padded toward him.
She dipped her head. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t let her out of your sight,” Rowanstar warned.
Pinenose stopped beside Violetkit. “Couldn’t Grassheart take care of her now?” she mewed hopefully. “Now that my own kits have left the nursery, I could return to warrior duties.”
Violetkit tried to ignore the hurt jabbing her heart. She’d known for a long time that Pinenose had never been fond of her. Of course she’d rather be hunting than watching me. I’m not her kit. She smelled pine and fresh air in the queen’s fur. Had she been out already?
Rowanstar scowled. “I know you miss patrolling and hunting, but it’s Grassheart’s first litter. She won’t have the time to take care of another kit.”
Violetkit lifted her muzzle defiantly. “I can take care of myself.”
Rowanstar’s hopped from the stone and padded closer. “If that were true, you wouldn’t have left the camp today.” He turned to Pinenose. “Look after her. Make sure she learns the warrior code. I don’t want her turning out like them.” He glowered at Sleekpaw and her denmates. “She’s been spending far too much time with Needlepaw.”
Pinenose lowered her gaze. “Okay,” she grunted.
“What are you doing in our camp?” Rowanstar’s growl cut through the angry murmuring of his Clanmates. The ShadowClan leader strode across the clearing and stopped a whisker away from Darktail.
“I brought your kit home.” Darktail nodded toward Violetkit.
Violetkit shrank beneath her pelt as Rowanstar’s gaze flicked toward her.
Darktail went on. “I don’t understand why you’re being so unfriendly.” He blinked at Rowanstar with round eyes. “We were just trying to help your Clan.”
Rowanstar narrowed his ey es. “Like you helped WindClan?”
Darktail returned his gaze innocently. “We were just defending ourselves. We have the right to do that, surely?”
“Rogues have no right to be on Clan territory!” Spikefur snarled.
Sleekpaw padded into the clearing. “Why not?”
Her Clanmates jerked their gazes toward her.
“Why not?” Tawnypelt’s fur spiked. “I can’t believe y ou would ask that. They’re not Clan cats.”
Yarrowpaw padded to Sleekpaw’s side. “If they weren’t on our territory, they couldn’t have rescued Violetkit.”
Sleekpaw blinked at her leader. “And what would your precious StarClan have said if something had happened to their special cat?”
“Be quiet!” Rowanstar glared at the yellow apprentice.
Darktail glanced at Rain and Roach. “I think we should leave,” he meowed calmly. “We seem to be causing an argument.”
He turned toward the entrance.
“Wait!” Rowanstar lifted his chin. “We’re grateful you returned Violetkit to us. But you don’t belong here.”
Rain and Roach exchanged amused glances.
“A patrol will make sure you leave our land,” Rowanstar went on. “Tawnypelt, Spikefur, and Dawnpelt.” He nodded to his warriors. “Go with them and make sure they cross the border.”
Tawnypelt nodded.
“Can I come with you?” Needlepaw hurried toward her mentor hopefully.
Tawnypelt curled her lip. “You’re looking after the elders, remember?”
Violetkit saw anger flash in Needlepaw’s eyes. Then she saw the silver apprentice’s gaze dart toward Rain. Rain blinked at her, then looked away. He turned and followed Darktail and Roach as they headed for the entrance.
Tawnypelt, Dawnpelt, and Spikefur hurried after them.
Belly hollow with dread, Violetkit turned to face Rowanstar. The ShadowClan leader stared at her, exasperation glittering in his gaze. Hanging her head, Violetkit prepared for her punishment.
“I brought your kit home.” Darktail nodded toward Violetkit.
Violetkit shrank beneath her pelt as Rowanstar’s gaze flicked toward her.
Darktail went on. “I don’t understand why you’re being so unfriendly.” He blinked at Rowanstar with round eyes. “We were just trying to help your Clan.”
Rowanstar narrowed his ey es. “Like you helped WindClan?”
Darktail returned his gaze innocently. “We were just defending ourselves. We have the right to do that, surely?”
“Rogues have no right to be on Clan territory!” Spikefur snarled.
Sleekpaw padded into the clearing. “Why not?”
Her Clanmates jerked their gazes toward her.
“Why not?” Tawnypelt’s fur spiked. “I can’t believe y ou would ask that. They’re not Clan cats.”
Yarrowpaw padded to Sleekpaw’s side. “If they weren’t on our territory, they couldn’t have rescued Violetkit.”
Sleekpaw blinked at her leader. “And what would your precious StarClan have said if something had happened to their special cat?”
“Be quiet!” Rowanstar glared at the yellow apprentice.
Darktail glanced at Rain and Roach. “I think we should leave,” he meowed calmly. “We seem to be causing an argument.”
He turned toward the entrance.
“Wait!” Rowanstar lifted his chin. “We’re grateful you returned Violetkit to us. But you don’t belong here.”
Rain and Roach exchanged amused glances.
“A patrol will make sure you leave our land,” Rowanstar went on. “Tawnypelt, Spikefur, and Dawnpelt.” He nodded to his warriors. “Go with them and make sure they cross the border.”
Tawnypelt nodded.
“Can I come with you?” Needlepaw hurried toward her mentor hopefully.
Tawnypelt curled her lip. “You’re looking after the elders, remember?”
Violetkit saw anger flash in Needlepaw’s eyes. Then she saw the silver apprentice’s gaze dart toward Rain. Rain blinked at her, then looked away. He turned and followed Darktail and Roach as they headed for the entrance.
Tawnypelt, Dawnpelt, and Spikefur hurried after them.
Belly hollow with dread, Violetkit turned to face Rowanstar. The ShadowClan leader stared at her, exasperation glittering in his gaze. Hanging her head, Violetkit prepared for her punishment.
Rowanstar bounded from his den and skidded to a halt beside his deputy. “I told you to leave our territory!” he told the rogues.
Rain laid the pigeon in front of the ShadowClan leader. “We brought you these offerings.” He dipped his head as Flame placed a young rabbit beside the pigeon and Raven dropped a fat thrush on top. It was fine prey.
Crowfrost stared at the heap warily. Rowanstar flexed his claws.
“We want to join your Clan,” Rain meowed before either cat could speak.
“Join ShadowClan?” Rowanstar stared at the rogue, eyes widening.
Tawnypelt, Tigerheart, and Spikefur padded from the shelter of the great stone. Leafpool moved closer to Puddlepaw. The other apprentices lined up at the edge of the clearing, their eyes sparkling with interest.
Needlepaw! Violetkit suddenly realized that her friend was among her denmates. She blinked. Where had she been?
Rain crouched submissively in front of Rowanstar and gazed hopefully at the Clan leader.
Rowanstar glared at him. “Did you think you could bribe your way in with prey you caught on our land?”
Crowfrost hissed. “No cat hunts in ShadowClan territory except ShadowClan.”
Rain crouched lower. “I’m sorry. We didn’t realize.” He glanced at his campmates, who both dipped their heads humbly. “Forgive us,” he went on. “If we have offended you, we will leave.”
As he turned, Rowanstar leaned forward. “Wait.”
Rain faced the leader, a faint glow lighting his eyes.
“Where in our territory did you find such good prey?” Curiosity softened Rowanstar’s mew.
“We are lucky when it comes to hunting,” Rain told him. “Perhaps we can bring some of that luck to your Clan.”
“No.” Crowfrost stepped forward, his black-and-white pelt bristling. “Take your prey and leave!” He glared at Rowanstar. “We can’t accept prey from cats who attacked another Clan!”
“Why not?” Needlepaw demanded.
Violetkit stiffened as her friend padded forward.
“Is WindClan our friend now?” Needlepaw looked around her Clanmates. “I thought ShadowClan stood alone. The only truce we recognize is the truce of the Gathering. Why deny ourselves prey on WindClan’s behalf?”
Sleekpaw and Strikepaw were nodding.
So was Berryheart. The young black-and-white she-cat lashed her tail. “Would WindClan do the same for us?”
Sleekpaw joined Needlepaw. “WindClan has never brought us prey. Nor has ThunderClan or RiverClan. But we’re supposed to feel loyal to them. Why?”
Violetkit frowned. If the Clans weren’t meant to stick together, did that make Twigkit her enemy? Anxiety prickled in her fur.
“Why?” Rowanstar repeated Sleekpaw’s question, his eyes widening with surprise. “Because they are Clanborn like us. They follow the warrior code.”
“These are rogues!” Crowfrost puffed out his chest. “They have no code.”
“We could learn,” Rain mewed softly.
Rowanstar stared at him. “Why should we believe you?”
Rain glanced around the camp. “We see how you live,” he meowed. “How you thrive. We want to be like you.”
Tigerheart marched forward, his eyes glittering with outrage. “Then go and start your own Clan, on your own land!”
Rowanstar drew himself up. “I’ve had you escorted from our land before. Today you will be escorted again.” He nodded sharply to Tigerheart, Spikefur, and Tawnypelt. “Next time we find you on ShadowClan territory, you will feel the sharpness of our claws.”
The rogues glanced at one another. Violetkit searched their gaze for some sign of fear, but they showed only calm acceptance.
Rain blinked at Rowanstar. “We will respect your wishes.”
Rowanstar stiffened. “You have no choice.”
Rain flashed him an amused look before turning away and letting Tawnypelt lead the way out of camp.
Violetkit swallowed. She realized that her heart was beating hard. Needlepaw had taken a risk speaking out for the rogues. Why had she done it? Wasn’t her Clan more important than her new rogue friends?
As the patrol disappeared through the bramble tunnel, Needlepaw crossed the clearing.
Violetkit’s breath caught in her throat as Needlepaw stopped in front of Rowanstar.
She kicked the prey toward him. “What are you going to do with this?” she snarled. “Throw it out with the rogues?”
Rowanstar’s eyes widened with shock. “ShadowClan catches its own prey.”
“We’d catch more if we had Clanmates like them.” Needlepaw flicked her tail toward the entrance. “Why didn’t you let them join?”
Dawnpelt padded from the edge of the clearing. “They’re not Clanborn.”
“Neither is Violetkit,” Needlepaw retorted. “But you let her join. And what did she offer the Clan but another mouth to feed?”
Violetkit’s heart lurched. Was that truly what Needlepaw believed? I thought you were my friend!
Tigerheart looked at the silver apprentice. “You’re the one who brought her back from Alderpaw’s quest,” he pointed out. “You made such a big deal about her being part of the prophecy that Rowanstar had to take her.”
Dawnpelt flicked her tail. “She is part of the prophecy. One day Violetkit may clear the skies.”
“You don’t even know what that means!” Needlepaw’s pelt bristled along her spine. “You turned away three strong hunters. Why?”
Tawnypelt padded forward, her stern gaze raking Needlepaw. “That’s enough!” she snapped.
“It’s not enough!” Strikepaw marched forward and stopped beside Needlepaw. “We have a chance to make ShadowClan powerful again.”
Yarrowpaw whisked her tail. “Aren’t you tired of agreeing with everything ThunderClan suggests? Don’t you wish we could hunt where we please instead of where the other Clans tell us we can hunt?”
Rowanstar flexed his claws. “Do you want war with the other Clans?”
Strikepaw flattened his ears. “We want to choose our own path, not follow the path of other Clans.”
Tawnypelt padded forward, her stern gaze raking Needlepaw. “That’s enough!” she snapped.
“It’s not enough!” Strikepaw marched forward and stopped beside Needlepaw. “We have a chance to make ShadowClan powerful again.”
Yarrowpaw whisked her tail. “Aren’t you tired of agreeing with everything ThunderClan suggests? Don’t you wish we could hunt where we please instead of where the other Clans tell us we can hunt?”
Rowanstar flexed his claws. “Do you want war with the other Clans?”
Strikepaw flattened his ears. “We want to choose our own path, not follow the path of other Clans.”
“What you want doesn’t matter!” Rowanstar hissed. “I am ShadowClan’s leader. I decide what’s best. Taking in strange cats who have proved they are dangerous is not good for any Clan.”
“Not for weak Clans like WindClan or RiverClan,” Strikepaw snarled. “But we are ShadowClan. With cats like those, we could rule the whole lake!”
“You are young and foolish.” Rowanstar struggled to calm his mew. “You don’t understand the pain and loss that battle brings. I have been too soft with you.” His gaze flicked around the other apprentices. “With all of you. I’ve let small rules be broken.” He caught Juniperpaw’s eye. “Don’t think I don’t smell the prey blood on your breath when you return from hunting. What you catch is for the fresh-kill pile, not your own belly.” He lifted his chin, yowling across the camp. “From now on, the warrior code will be followed. StarClan is watching us. Respect for our ancestors will guide our paws.”
Violetkit watched Needlepaw, wishing she’d drop her gaze and back away.
Instead the silver she-cat glared at the ShadowClan leader. “You want us to obey a bunch of dead cats!” She nodded toward the pines looming over the camp. “Look at the living world. It has everything we need. We can push our territory as far as we like and take whatever we want. Who cares what StarClan thinks? Their lives are over. It’s our turn to live.”
Behind her, Beepaw, Juniperpaw, and Sleekpaw yowled in agreement.
Dawnpelt and Crowfrost stared at them in horror, as though they couldn’t believe that their own kits would turn on their Clan.
Rowanstar met Needlepaw’s gaze coolly. “You can live according to our rules.”
“Never.” Needlepaw lashed her tail. “I’m sick of living in a Clan that only cares about peace. The rogues would have made us strong. But, if you don’t want them to join us, I’m going to join them!”
Violetkit flinched. What?
Around her, pelts spiked.
“Traitor!” Crowfrost glared at Needlepaw.
Tawnypelt seemed frozen with shock. “Have you gone crazy?” Her mew faltered as she spoke.
Stonewing and Ratscar flattened their ears. Snowbird and Dawnpelt exchanged looks, their eyes wide.
Violetkit swallowed back alarm. Surely Needlepaw didn’t mean it? She watched in disbelief as Needlepaw marched toward the entrance.
“I’m going with her,” Juniperpaw growled. “Nobody’s going to tell me what prey I can eat ever again.”
“I’m going too!” Sleekpaw turned and padded after Needlepaw.
As murmurs of disbelief rippled around the Clan, Rowanstar stared after the apprentices, astonishment flashing in his wide amber gaze. “If you leave the Clan, you become our enemy!” he yowled.
Violetkit stared as Needlepaw padded past her. “Don’t go!” Her heart twisted with grief. Needlepaw was her only friend in the Clan. And yet she’d said that Violetkit was just another mouth to feed. Was I wrong to trust her?
Needlepaw paused and met Violetkit’s gaze. “You’re coming with me.”
“I am?” Shock flashed through Violetkit. She felt limp with relief. She is my friend!
“You’re not staying here with these kittypets.” Needlepaw whisked Violetkit forward with her tail. She glanced back at Rowanstar. “I’m taking the kit because I found her.”
“You can’t!” Leafpool hurried forward. “She belongs to the Clans. StarClan needs her to be here.”
“I found her,” Needlepaw repeated. “If she’s special, she can be special anywhere.”
Rowanstar flicked his tail angrily. “Take her!” he called to Needlepaw. “You did ShadowClan no favors by finding her. There’s been nothing but trouble since she arrived. We’re better off without her. And without you!”
Violetkit felt numb. She stumbled after Needlepaw, Sleekpaw and Juniperpaw flanking her. Her thoughts whirled. Was it true? Had she brought only trouble to ShadowClan? Overwhelmed, she followed Needlepaw through the entrance tunnel. As it closed around her, she glanced back and saw the familiar dens. She was leaving another home. Was she making the right choice?
Her eye caught Rowanstar’s. His gaze was as hard as ice.
It’s not a choice. Despair washed through her pelt. I’m not wanted here. I never truly was.
Rain laid the pigeon in front of the ShadowClan leader. “We brought you these offerings.” He dipped his head as Flame placed a young rabbit beside the pigeon and Raven dropped a fat thrush on top. It was fine prey.
Crowfrost stared at the heap warily. Rowanstar flexed his claws.
“We want to join your Clan,” Rain meowed before either cat could speak.
“Join ShadowClan?” Rowanstar stared at the rogue, eyes widening.
Tawnypelt, Tigerheart, and Spikefur padded from the shelter of the great stone. Leafpool moved closer to Puddlepaw. The other apprentices lined up at the edge of the clearing, their eyes sparkling with interest.
Needlepaw! Violetkit suddenly realized that her friend was among her denmates. She blinked. Where had she been?
Rain crouched submissively in front of Rowanstar and gazed hopefully at the Clan leader.
Rowanstar glared at him. “Did you think you could bribe your way in with prey you caught on our land?”
Crowfrost hissed. “No cat hunts in ShadowClan territory except ShadowClan.”
Rain crouched lower. “I’m sorry. We didn’t realize.” He glanced at his campmates, who both dipped their heads humbly. “Forgive us,” he went on. “If we have offended you, we will leave.”
As he turned, Rowanstar leaned forward. “Wait.”
Rain faced the leader, a faint glow lighting his eyes.
“Where in our territory did you find such good prey?” Curiosity softened Rowanstar’s mew.
“We are lucky when it comes to hunting,” Rain told him. “Perhaps we can bring some of that luck to your Clan.”
“No.” Crowfrost stepped forward, his black-and-white pelt bristling. “Take your prey and leave!” He glared at Rowanstar. “We can’t accept prey from cats who attacked another Clan!”
“Why not?” Needlepaw demanded.
Violetkit stiffened as her friend padded forward.
“Is WindClan our friend now?” Needlepaw looked around her Clanmates. “I thought ShadowClan stood alone. The only truce we recognize is the truce of the Gathering. Why deny ourselves prey on WindClan’s behalf?”
Sleekpaw and Strikepaw were nodding.
So was Berryheart. The young black-and-white she-cat lashed her tail. “Would WindClan do the same for us?”
Sleekpaw joined Needlepaw. “WindClan has never brought us prey. Nor has ThunderClan or RiverClan. But we’re supposed to feel loyal to them. Why?”
Violetkit frowned. If the Clans weren’t meant to stick together, did that make Twigkit her enemy? Anxiety prickled in her fur.
“Why?” Rowanstar repeated Sleekpaw’s question, his eyes widening with surprise. “Because they are Clanborn like us. They follow the warrior code.”
“These are rogues!” Crowfrost puffed out his chest. “They have no code.”
“We could learn,” Rain mewed softly.
Rowanstar stared at him. “Why should we believe you?”
Rain glanced around the camp. “We see how you live,” he meowed. “How you thrive. We want to be like you.”
Tigerheart marched forward, his eyes glittering with outrage. “Then go and start your own Clan, on your own land!”
Rowanstar drew himself up. “I’ve had you escorted from our land before. Today you will be escorted again.” He nodded sharply to Tigerheart, Spikefur, and Tawnypelt. “Next time we find you on ShadowClan territory, you will feel the sharpness of our claws.”
The rogues glanced at one another. Violetkit searched their gaze for some sign of fear, but they showed only calm acceptance.
Rain blinked at Rowanstar. “We will respect your wishes.”
Rowanstar stiffened. “You have no choice.”
Rain flashed him an amused look before turning away and letting Tawnypelt lead the way out of camp.
Violetkit swallowed. She realized that her heart was beating hard. Needlepaw had taken a risk speaking out for the rogues. Why had she done it? Wasn’t her Clan more important than her new rogue friends?
As the patrol disappeared through the bramble tunnel, Needlepaw crossed the clearing.
Violetkit’s breath caught in her throat as Needlepaw stopped in front of Rowanstar.
She kicked the prey toward him. “What are you going to do with this?” she snarled. “Throw it out with the rogues?”
Rowanstar’s eyes widened with shock. “ShadowClan catches its own prey.”
“We’d catch more if we had Clanmates like them.” Needlepaw flicked her tail toward the entrance. “Why didn’t you let them join?”
Dawnpelt padded from the edge of the clearing. “They’re not Clanborn.”
“Neither is Violetkit,” Needlepaw retorted. “But you let her join. And what did she offer the Clan but another mouth to feed?”
Violetkit’s heart lurched. Was that truly what Needlepaw believed? I thought you were my friend!
Tigerheart looked at the silver apprentice. “You’re the one who brought her back from Alderpaw’s quest,” he pointed out. “You made such a big deal about her being part of the prophecy that Rowanstar had to take her.”
Dawnpelt flicked her tail. “She is part of the prophecy. One day Violetkit may clear the skies.”
“You don’t even know what that means!” Needlepaw’s pelt bristled along her spine. “You turned away three strong hunters. Why?”
Tawnypelt padded forward, her stern gaze raking Needlepaw. “That’s enough!” she snapped.
“It’s not enough!” Strikepaw marched forward and stopped beside Needlepaw. “We have a chance to make ShadowClan powerful again.”
Yarrowpaw whisked her tail. “Aren’t you tired of agreeing with everything ThunderClan suggests? Don’t you wish we could hunt where we please instead of where the other Clans tell us we can hunt?”
Rowanstar flexed his claws. “Do you want war with the other Clans?”
Strikepaw flattened his ears. “We want to choose our own path, not follow the path of other Clans.”
Tawnypelt padded forward, her stern gaze raking Needlepaw. “That’s enough!” she snapped.
“It’s not enough!” Strikepaw marched forward and stopped beside Needlepaw. “We have a chance to make ShadowClan powerful again.”
Yarrowpaw whisked her tail. “Aren’t you tired of agreeing with everything ThunderClan suggests? Don’t you wish we could hunt where we please instead of where the other Clans tell us we can hunt?”
Rowanstar flexed his claws. “Do you want war with the other Clans?”
Strikepaw flattened his ears. “We want to choose our own path, not follow the path of other Clans.”
“What you want doesn’t matter!” Rowanstar hissed. “I am ShadowClan’s leader. I decide what’s best. Taking in strange cats who have proved they are dangerous is not good for any Clan.”
“Not for weak Clans like WindClan or RiverClan,” Strikepaw snarled. “But we are ShadowClan. With cats like those, we could rule the whole lake!”
“You are young and foolish.” Rowanstar struggled to calm his mew. “You don’t understand the pain and loss that battle brings. I have been too soft with you.” His gaze flicked around the other apprentices. “With all of you. I’ve let small rules be broken.” He caught Juniperpaw’s eye. “Don’t think I don’t smell the prey blood on your breath when you return from hunting. What you catch is for the fresh-kill pile, not your own belly.” He lifted his chin, yowling across the camp. “From now on, the warrior code will be followed. StarClan is watching us. Respect for our ancestors will guide our paws.”
Violetkit watched Needlepaw, wishing she’d drop her gaze and back away.
Instead the silver she-cat glared at the ShadowClan leader. “You want us to obey a bunch of dead cats!” She nodded toward the pines looming over the camp. “Look at the living world. It has everything we need. We can push our territory as far as we like and take whatever we want. Who cares what StarClan thinks? Their lives are over. It’s our turn to live.”
Behind her, Beepaw, Juniperpaw, and Sleekpaw yowled in agreement.
Dawnpelt and Crowfrost stared at them in horror, as though they couldn’t believe that their own kits would turn on their Clan.
Rowanstar met Needlepaw’s gaze coolly. “You can live according to our rules.”
“Never.” Needlepaw lashed her tail. “I’m sick of living in a Clan that only cares about peace. The rogues would have made us strong. But, if you don’t want them to join us, I’m going to join them!”
Violetkit flinched. What?
Around her, pelts spiked.
“Traitor!” Crowfrost glared at Needlepaw.
Tawnypelt seemed frozen with shock. “Have you gone crazy?” Her mew faltered as she spoke.
Stonewing and Ratscar flattened their ears. Snowbird and Dawnpelt exchanged looks, their eyes wide.
Violetkit swallowed back alarm. Surely Needlepaw didn’t mean it? She watched in disbelief as Needlepaw marched toward the entrance.
“I’m going with her,” Juniperpaw growled. “Nobody’s going to tell me what prey I can eat ever again.”
“I’m going too!” Sleekpaw turned and padded after Needlepaw.
As murmurs of disbelief rippled around the Clan, Rowanstar stared after the apprentices, astonishment flashing in his wide amber gaze. “If you leave the Clan, you become our enemy!” he yowled.
Violetkit stared as Needlepaw padded past her. “Don’t go!” Her heart twisted with grief. Needlepaw was her only friend in the Clan. And yet she’d said that Violetkit was just another mouth to feed. Was I wrong to trust her?
Needlepaw paused and met Violetkit’s gaze. “You’re coming with me.”
“I am?” Shock flashed through Violetkit. She felt limp with relief. She is my friend!
“You’re not staying here with these kittypets.” Needlepaw whisked Violetkit forward with her tail. She glanced back at Rowanstar. “I’m taking the kit because I found her.”
“You can’t!” Leafpool hurried forward. “She belongs to the Clans. StarClan needs her to be here.”
“I found her,” Needlepaw repeated. “If she’s special, she can be special anywhere.”
Rowanstar flicked his tail angrily. “Take her!” he called to Needlepaw. “You did ShadowClan no favors by finding her. There’s been nothing but trouble since she arrived. We’re better off without her. And without you!”
Violetkit felt numb. She stumbled after Needlepaw, Sleekpaw and Juniperpaw flanking her. Her thoughts whirled. Was it true? Had she brought only trouble to ShadowClan? Overwhelmed, she followed Needlepaw through the entrance tunnel. As it closed around her, she glanced back and saw the familiar dens. She was leaving another home. Was she making the right choice?
Her eye caught Rowanstar’s. His gaze was as hard as ice.
It’s not a choice. Despair washed through her pelt. I’m not wanted here. I never truly was.
Rowanstar gazed out gravely at the Clans. “The rogues that attacked Onestar’s patrol are living on the edge of our territory, near our border with ThunderClan.”
Shocked murmurs rippled through the gathered cats.
“Why don’t you chase them off?” Brackenfur called.
Breezepelt showed his teeth. “They’re murderers!”
Crowfeather lifted his muzzle. “We should join forces and drive them away.”
Rowanstar spoke over them. “They asked to join ShadowClan. They came with gifts of prey, but I turned them away.”
“How dare they?” Oatclaw lashed his tail.
Sparkpelt flattened her ears. “They could never be Clan cats!”
“I turned them away!” Rowanstar repeated, the fur prickling along his spine. His glare silenced the angry cats. “But some of our apprentices have chosen to join them.”
Alderpaw braced himself for louder cries, but the Clans stared at the ShadowClan leader in shocked silence as Rowanstar went on.
“They took Violetkit with them.”
Mistystar jerked her muzzle toward him. “The kit from the prophecy?”
Rowanstar nodded.
Bramblestar flattened his ears. “You let them take her?”
Rowanstar scowled. “We were wrong about the prophecy, Bramblestar. Violetkit is just an ordinary kit. Twigkit is probably ordinary too. And Needlepaw found her. Why shouldn’t she take her?”
[...]
Rowanstar’s tail twitched. “We attacked them last night,” he reported. “We hoped that when they saw us fighting for them, our apprentices would come back to us.”
Alderpaw’s heart lurched as he saw panic in the ginger tom’s gaze. He’d never seen a leader frightened before.
“But they didn’t.” Rowanstar’s mew was trembling. “In fact, one more apprentice and two of our warriors joined them and fought against us.”
“Who?” Onestar demanded. The WindClan leader was bristling with rage.
“Beepaw, Berryheart, and Cloverfoot.” Rowanstar stared at his paws.
Onestar thrust his muzzle close to the ShadowClan leader. “How dare you call yourself a leader? You can’t even control your own Clan!”
“They’ll come back.” Rowanstar’s mew was thick with emotion. “They’re young and wrongheaded. But they’ll realize their mistake and come back.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” Bramblestar’s mew softened.
[...]
“We should attack now and drive them as far from the lake as we can,” Onestar went on.
Rowanstar’s eyes rounded with fear. “I don’t want to fight my Clanmates, even if they’ve made a terrible decision. They still might change their minds and return to the Clan.”
“I understand.” Bramblestar met Rowanstar’s gaze sympathetically. “And we mustn’t risk Violetkit’s life by attacking.”
Shocked murmurs rippled through the gathered cats.
“Why don’t you chase them off?” Brackenfur called.
Breezepelt showed his teeth. “They’re murderers!”
Crowfeather lifted his muzzle. “We should join forces and drive them away.”
Rowanstar spoke over them. “They asked to join ShadowClan. They came with gifts of prey, but I turned them away.”
“How dare they?” Oatclaw lashed his tail.
Sparkpelt flattened her ears. “They could never be Clan cats!”
“I turned them away!” Rowanstar repeated, the fur prickling along his spine. His glare silenced the angry cats. “But some of our apprentices have chosen to join them.”
Alderpaw braced himself for louder cries, but the Clans stared at the ShadowClan leader in shocked silence as Rowanstar went on.
“They took Violetkit with them.”
Mistystar jerked her muzzle toward him. “The kit from the prophecy?”
Rowanstar nodded.
Bramblestar flattened his ears. “You let them take her?”
Rowanstar scowled. “We were wrong about the prophecy, Bramblestar. Violetkit is just an ordinary kit. Twigkit is probably ordinary too. And Needlepaw found her. Why shouldn’t she take her?”
[...]
Rowanstar’s tail twitched. “We attacked them last night,” he reported. “We hoped that when they saw us fighting for them, our apprentices would come back to us.”
Alderpaw’s heart lurched as he saw panic in the ginger tom’s gaze. He’d never seen a leader frightened before.
“But they didn’t.” Rowanstar’s mew was trembling. “In fact, one more apprentice and two of our warriors joined them and fought against us.”
“Who?” Onestar demanded. The WindClan leader was bristling with rage.
“Beepaw, Berryheart, and Cloverfoot.” Rowanstar stared at his paws.
Onestar thrust his muzzle close to the ShadowClan leader. “How dare you call yourself a leader? You can’t even control your own Clan!”
“They’ll come back.” Rowanstar’s mew was thick with emotion. “They’re young and wrongheaded. But they’ll realize their mistake and come back.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” Bramblestar’s mew softened.
[...]
“We should attack now and drive them as far from the lake as we can,” Onestar went on.
Rowanstar’s eyes rounded with fear. “I don’t want to fight my Clanmates, even if they’ve made a terrible decision. They still might change their minds and return to the Clan.”
“I understand.” Bramblestar met Rowanstar’s gaze sympathetically. “And we mustn’t risk Violetkit’s life by attacking.”
Rowanstar scrambled to his paws as he saw her. Violetpaw tensed, straining to read his gaze. Was that relief in his green eyes?
“I knew you’d all come back!” His gaze flicked hopefully past her toward the entrance.
“It’s just Violetpaw.” Tawnypelt stopped in front of the ShadowClan leader. “She came alone.”
Rowanstar’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Is she spying?”
Tigerheart dropped the rabbit at his paws. “She wants to rejoin the Clan. She brought this as a gift.”
Rowanstar frowned. “Just like those rogues.”
“I’m not a rogue!” Violetpaw flicked her tail. Why did Clan cats have to call everyone names? Anger surged through her. Did no cat want her? She’d spent her life being passed around by other cats. First Alderpaw had taken her from her mother’s nest. Then Rowanstar had snatched her from ThunderClan. Then Needletail had taken her to the rogues. This was the first time she’d had any choice in the matter, and she was choosing to join ShadowClan. They were lucky! “I know I’m not a Clan cat now, but I want to be. I’ve decided to come here. But I can always go to ThunderClan.”
Worry flashed in Rowanstar’s gaze. “No.”
“Why?” She met his gaze, surprised at her own boldness.
“We need you here.” The ShadowClan leader looked suddenly weary. “Perhaps if you come back, the others will too.”
“That’s their decision.” Violetpaw was unconvinced. “Don’t take me as bait to catch the others. Take me because you want a Clanmate.”
Spikefur growled under his breath. “Don’t believe her, Rowanstar. The rogues may have sent her. It could be a plot.”
Violetpaw scowled at the tom. “Do you really think they’d send me if they wanted to infiltrate the Clan? I’m the last cat ShadowClan wants. I’m not even Clanborn.”
Tawnypelt’s flank brushed hers. “Rowanstar, I think we should take her back. It was brave of her to leave the rogues and risk coming here.”
Tigerheart nodded. “She may not be Clanborn, but she has the courage of a Clan cat.” He blinked at her warmly.
Surprise pricked through Violetpaw’s pelt. Was it really going to be this easy? She stared at Rowanstar, her heart beating fast.
Rowanstar hesitated, glancing around the camp. Then he dipped his head. “Very well. We need all the warriors we can get right now. I welcome you back to ShadowClan as a Clanmate.” He looked toward the fresh-kill pile. “Dawnpelt! You will be Violetpaw’s mentor.”
“I knew you’d all come back!” His gaze flicked hopefully past her toward the entrance.
“It’s just Violetpaw.” Tawnypelt stopped in front of the ShadowClan leader. “She came alone.”
Rowanstar’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Is she spying?”
Tigerheart dropped the rabbit at his paws. “She wants to rejoin the Clan. She brought this as a gift.”
Rowanstar frowned. “Just like those rogues.”
“I’m not a rogue!” Violetpaw flicked her tail. Why did Clan cats have to call everyone names? Anger surged through her. Did no cat want her? She’d spent her life being passed around by other cats. First Alderpaw had taken her from her mother’s nest. Then Rowanstar had snatched her from ThunderClan. Then Needletail had taken her to the rogues. This was the first time she’d had any choice in the matter, and she was choosing to join ShadowClan. They were lucky! “I know I’m not a Clan cat now, but I want to be. I’ve decided to come here. But I can always go to ThunderClan.”
Worry flashed in Rowanstar’s gaze. “No.”
“Why?” She met his gaze, surprised at her own boldness.
“We need you here.” The ShadowClan leader looked suddenly weary. “Perhaps if you come back, the others will too.”
“That’s their decision.” Violetpaw was unconvinced. “Don’t take me as bait to catch the others. Take me because you want a Clanmate.”
Spikefur growled under his breath. “Don’t believe her, Rowanstar. The rogues may have sent her. It could be a plot.”
Violetpaw scowled at the tom. “Do you really think they’d send me if they wanted to infiltrate the Clan? I’m the last cat ShadowClan wants. I’m not even Clanborn.”
Tawnypelt’s flank brushed hers. “Rowanstar, I think we should take her back. It was brave of her to leave the rogues and risk coming here.”
Tigerheart nodded. “She may not be Clanborn, but she has the courage of a Clan cat.” He blinked at her warmly.
Surprise pricked through Violetpaw’s pelt. Was it really going to be this easy? She stared at Rowanstar, her heart beating fast.
Rowanstar hesitated, glancing around the camp. Then he dipped his head. “Very well. We need all the warriors we can get right now. I welcome you back to ShadowClan as a Clanmate.” He looked toward the fresh-kill pile. “Dawnpelt! You will be Violetpaw’s mentor.”
“Rowanstar!” Puddleshine called softly through the entrance.
A husky growl sounded from the shadows. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Puddleshine.” The young medicine cat stepped back as Rowanstar slid from his den.
The ShadowClan leader’s eyes were bleary with sleep. His fur was unkempt, and he stared listlessly at Puddleshine. “What do you want?”
“I don’t know how to cure Wasptail and Oakfur,” Puddleshine confessed. “I’ve tried everything I know, but none of it works.”
“I thought they had greencough,” Rowanstar grunted. “Give them catmint.”
“Catmint isn’t working. It must be another illness. One I don’t know.” Puddleshine looked frantic.
Rowanstar’s pelt prickled irritably along his spine. “You’re the medicine cat,” he growled. “Why are you asking me?”
Violetpaw padded closer. “He thought you might have seen the illness before,” she told him. “He hoped you’d know what to do.”
“Littlecloud took care of sickness.” Rowanstar blinked at her crossly.
“Perhaps we should ask a more experienced medicine cat,” Violetpaw ventured. “Perhaps Leafpool could come and help again. I can go and fetch her now—”
“No!” Rowanstar’s eyes flashed with anger. “We’re not asking ThunderClan for help.”
“But she trained me!” Puddleshine argued. “You didn’t mind asking for help then.”
“I had no choice,” Rowanstar growled.
“We have no choice now,” Puddleshine pressed. “We can’t let Wasptail and Oakfur get sicker. Oakfur is old. I don’t know if he can survive much longer. And what if the sickness spreads? I have to know what to do.”
“Try other herbs.” Rowanstar fluffed out his pelt against the hardening rain. He turned and slunk back into the shelter of his den.
A husky growl sounded from the shadows. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Puddleshine.” The young medicine cat stepped back as Rowanstar slid from his den.
The ShadowClan leader’s eyes were bleary with sleep. His fur was unkempt, and he stared listlessly at Puddleshine. “What do you want?”
“I don’t know how to cure Wasptail and Oakfur,” Puddleshine confessed. “I’ve tried everything I know, but none of it works.”
“I thought they had greencough,” Rowanstar grunted. “Give them catmint.”
“Catmint isn’t working. It must be another illness. One I don’t know.” Puddleshine looked frantic.
Rowanstar’s pelt prickled irritably along his spine. “You’re the medicine cat,” he growled. “Why are you asking me?”
Violetpaw padded closer. “He thought you might have seen the illness before,” she told him. “He hoped you’d know what to do.”
“Littlecloud took care of sickness.” Rowanstar blinked at her crossly.
“Perhaps we should ask a more experienced medicine cat,” Violetpaw ventured. “Perhaps Leafpool could come and help again. I can go and fetch her now—”
“No!” Rowanstar’s eyes flashed with anger. “We’re not asking ThunderClan for help.”
“But she trained me!” Puddleshine argued. “You didn’t mind asking for help then.”
“I had no choice,” Rowanstar growled.
“We have no choice now,” Puddleshine pressed. “We can’t let Wasptail and Oakfur get sicker. Oakfur is old. I don’t know if he can survive much longer. And what if the sickness spreads? I have to know what to do.”
“Try other herbs.” Rowanstar fluffed out his pelt against the hardening rain. He turned and slunk back into the shelter of his den.
Rowanstar is sick for the rest of the book and is then overthrown not long after recovering.
On a bit of a side note, while probably not exclusive to Rowanstar's time as leader, we also have this scene, implying that either fighting is normalized in ShadowClan or the older cats simply stopped caring what the apprentices do.
A yelp cut her short. At the fresh-kill pile, Birchpaw and Lionpaw were tugging the thrush between them, snarling at each other, their jaws tightly clamped into the bird’s flesh.
Tawnypelt growled at them. “Can’t you just share it?”
Birchpaw threw her a look of disdain and yanked the thrush from his denmate.
Lionpaw glared at him as he carried the bird away.
Twigpaw leaned closer to her sister. “In ThunderClan, apprentices aren’t allowed to eat until they’ve caught prey for their Clan.”
Violetpaw shrugged. “It’s just leftovers from last night.”
Twigpaw’s pelt pricked with surprise. She knew ShadowClan wasn’t ThunderClan, but she’d assumed they all followed the same warrior code.
As Twigpaw wondered how two Clans could be so different, Lionpaw hissed at her brother. With a growl she raced after him and leaped onto his back. Knocking the thrush from his paws, she began pummeling him with her hind legs.
“Her claws are unsheathed!” Twigpaw stared in shock as she saw Birchpaw’s fur fly. He struggled to free himself, yowling in pain. Twigpaw turned to the older cats, waiting for one to race across the clearing and separate the fighting cats.
Mistcloud sat down and began washing her belly.
Tawnypelt went on with her orders as though nothing was happening. “Tigerheart.” She nodded to the dark tabby tom. “Hunt around the ditches. There are bound to be mouse nests around there.”
Twigpaw couldn’t stay quiet. “Aren’t you going to stop them?”
Birchpaw had twisted free and turned on his sister.
Slamming his paws onto her shoulders, he held her chin to the earth while he raked his claws along her flank. She wailed with pain.
Scorchfur met Twigpaw’s gaze coolly. “They started it,” he meowed. “Let them finish it.”
“But they might hurt each other!” Twigpaw gasped.
Mistcloud looked up. “If they do, it’s their own fault.”
Tawnypelt growled at them. “Can’t you just share it?”
Birchpaw threw her a look of disdain and yanked the thrush from his denmate.
Lionpaw glared at him as he carried the bird away.
Twigpaw leaned closer to her sister. “In ThunderClan, apprentices aren’t allowed to eat until they’ve caught prey for their Clan.”
Violetpaw shrugged. “It’s just leftovers from last night.”
Twigpaw’s pelt pricked with surprise. She knew ShadowClan wasn’t ThunderClan, but she’d assumed they all followed the same warrior code.
As Twigpaw wondered how two Clans could be so different, Lionpaw hissed at her brother. With a growl she raced after him and leaped onto his back. Knocking the thrush from his paws, she began pummeling him with her hind legs.
“Her claws are unsheathed!” Twigpaw stared in shock as she saw Birchpaw’s fur fly. He struggled to free himself, yowling in pain. Twigpaw turned to the older cats, waiting for one to race across the clearing and separate the fighting cats.
Mistcloud sat down and began washing her belly.
Tawnypelt went on with her orders as though nothing was happening. “Tigerheart.” She nodded to the dark tabby tom. “Hunt around the ditches. There are bound to be mouse nests around there.”
Twigpaw couldn’t stay quiet. “Aren’t you going to stop them?”
Birchpaw had twisted free and turned on his sister.
Slamming his paws onto her shoulders, he held her chin to the earth while he raked his claws along her flank. She wailed with pain.
Scorchfur met Twigpaw’s gaze coolly. “They started it,” he meowed. “Let them finish it.”
“But they might hurt each other!” Twigpaw gasped.
Mistcloud looked up. “If they do, it’s their own fault.”
Skipping to DN/TS, he's back in power, but he's still being disrespected.
“We have suffered because of Darktail’s cruelty.”
Tigerheart padded along the root and stopped in a pool of moonlight. “He has left us weak and frightened. RiverClan has withdrawn to rebuild their shattered Clan. ShadowClan has lost so many warriors that it will take moons for us to become what we once were.”
Rowanstar shifted uneasily on the branch above, but he let his deputy go on.
“There is no doubt that StarClan wanted us to find SkyClan. I believe StarClan had a reason. Not just to clear the sky of the darkness we have suffered, but because StarClan knew that the five Clans belong together. With an extra Clan beside the lake, we will find strength when we most need it.”
“But who will give up territory for them?” Crowfeather’s ears twitched distrustfully.
“We could.” Tigerheart turned his gaze on Rowanstar. “We have fewer mouths to feed now. And fewer warriors to patrol our borders. It makes sense to exchange some of our land for an ally.”
Rowanstar looked thoughtful, as though weighing Tigerheart’s words. The Clans watched him in silence. He turned to Leafstar. “Would you be our ally?”
“Yes,” Leafstar told him. “We are Clan cats. We share the same ancestors. It would be an honor to stand beside you. And we’d always be grateful for any territory you gave us.”
Alderheart held his breath as the cats of WindClan and ThunderClan exchanged glances.
Molewhisker’s gaze flashed with suspicion. “You’d be allies to us all, right? Not just ShadowClan.”
“Of course.” Leafstar stared into the crowd. “We want to live among the Clans our ancestors hunted
beside countless moons ago.” She looked hopefully at Rowanstar. “Would you be willing to give us land?”
Rowanstar shifted his paws nervously. “You could have some of the land beside ThunderClan, with a narrow piece that opens onto the lake.”
“Our land?” Scorchfur looked outraged.
Rowanstar straightened as though settling the decision in his mind. “Our land,” he meowed firmly.
Tigerheart padded along the root and stopped in a pool of moonlight. “He has left us weak and frightened. RiverClan has withdrawn to rebuild their shattered Clan. ShadowClan has lost so many warriors that it will take moons for us to become what we once were.”
Rowanstar shifted uneasily on the branch above, but he let his deputy go on.
“There is no doubt that StarClan wanted us to find SkyClan. I believe StarClan had a reason. Not just to clear the sky of the darkness we have suffered, but because StarClan knew that the five Clans belong together. With an extra Clan beside the lake, we will find strength when we most need it.”
“But who will give up territory for them?” Crowfeather’s ears twitched distrustfully.
“We could.” Tigerheart turned his gaze on Rowanstar. “We have fewer mouths to feed now. And fewer warriors to patrol our borders. It makes sense to exchange some of our land for an ally.”
Rowanstar looked thoughtful, as though weighing Tigerheart’s words. The Clans watched him in silence. He turned to Leafstar. “Would you be our ally?”
“Yes,” Leafstar told him. “We are Clan cats. We share the same ancestors. It would be an honor to stand beside you. And we’d always be grateful for any territory you gave us.”
Alderheart held his breath as the cats of WindClan and ThunderClan exchanged glances.
Molewhisker’s gaze flashed with suspicion. “You’d be allies to us all, right? Not just ShadowClan.”
“Of course.” Leafstar stared into the crowd. “We want to live among the Clans our ancestors hunted
beside countless moons ago.” She looked hopefully at Rowanstar. “Would you be willing to give us land?”
Rowanstar shifted his paws nervously. “You could have some of the land beside ThunderClan, with a narrow piece that opens onto the lake.”
“Our land?” Scorchfur looked outraged.
Rowanstar straightened as though settling the decision in his mind. “Our land,” he meowed firmly.
Alderheart prickled with frustration. “SkyClan is not your enemy. They are your allies. Wasn’t that what Leafstar said when you gave her the land?” He looked at Tigerheart, hoping the ShadowClan deputy would speak up. He wanted support. If there really was a six-toed cat, it must be found.
But Tigerheart only watched as Rowanstar shifted his paws.
“Leafstar did promise us friendship,” the ShadowClan leader conceded.
Scorchfur glared at him. “And you believed her!” he mocked.
“It was Tigerheart’s idea,” Rowanstar reminded him.
“‘It was Tigerheart’s idea.’” Scorchfur mimicked his leader as though teasing a kit. “When was the last time you had an idea of your own?”
Alderheart’s belly tightened.
“I’d like to see you try to lead a Clan!” Rowanstar snapped. “Perhaps you could use the skills you learned from Darktail.”
“At least he knew how to lead!”
Tawnypelt glared at Scorchfur. “You betrayed your Clan. Now you insult your leader? Show him some respect!”
“He’s done nothing to earn it,” Scorchfur spat back. “If he’d chased Darktail off in the first place, none of us would have followed those rogues. Instead he let them hunt on our land, while our apprentices grew arrogant and reckless. He couldn’t manage to stop any of it.”
“Whatever his mistakes, he still has the blessing of StarClan!” Tawnypelt hissed.
Grassheart and Stonewing exchanged glances. Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw stared at the ground uncomfortably. Alderheart felt his belly churning as the air seemed to sour around him.
Ratscar padded forward. “We must stay united,” he rasped. “I know we have had our differences, but Alderheart is right. We must look forward, not back. There are so few of us left. If we are to remain a Clan, we must work together.”
Grassheart whisked her tail. “Let’s send out a search party and find this six-toed cat. Then we won’t have to face any more storms.”
“ThunderClan can send out search parties!” Juniperclaw called.
“Or WindClan,” Stonewing chimed. “They’ve got nothing better to do.”
Scorchfur glared challengingly at Rowanstar. “So?” he snarled. “What should we do?”
Alderheart saw hesitation in the ShadowClan leader’s gaze. He’s not sure. The thought shocked him. Bramblestar always knew what to do, even if it meant doing nothing. “I must do what’s right for the Clan,” Rowanstar meowed at last.
“Isn’t it a bit late for that?” Scorchfur curled his lip.
Tawnypelt darted forward, facing the dark gray tom. “Rowanstar has always done what’s best for this Clan!”
Scorchfur scanned the half-empty camp, contempt in his eyes. “So we have Rowanstar to thank for the state we’re in?”
“Do you think you could have done any better?” Tawnypelt hissed. “You blame Rowanstar. But it was his Clanmates’ disloyalty that killed them. If our apprentices grew arrogant, blame their mentors, not him. He cared about ShadowClan when none of you did. Rowanstar still wakes in the night, haunted by nightmares about the Clanmates he’s lost.”
Scorchfur flattened his ears. “He’s lucky. He has nine lives to dream about lost Clanmates. They only had one.”
“That’s not fair!” Puddleshine blinked anxiously at Rowanstar. “You can’t let him say that. StarClan gave you those lives because they believed in you.”
Scorchfur’s eyes narrowed to slits. “They believed in him once. Perhaps Rowanstar is the dark sky they’re trying to warn us about.”
Tawnypelt’s green eyes glittered. “If anyone’s the dark sky, it’s you!” Her gaze flicked angrily around her Clanmates. “You let the rogues take over the Clan. You let them drive Rowanstar away. Don’t blame him for your treachery.”
“And why do you think we chose a rogue over Rowanstar?” Scorchfur lashed his tail. “He was a weak leader then, and he’s a weak leader now.”
Tawnypelt’s fur bristled. Spitting with fury, she lashed out at Scorchfur, slicing her claws across his muzzle.
Alderheart backed away, his pelt bushing. What was happening here? Clanmates shouldn’t fight.
Scorchfur reared and slammed his paws onto Tawnypelt’s shoulders. Hooking his claws in, he pulled her to the ground. She flipped over and, tucking up her hind legs, clawed viciously at his belly.
He struggled free and turned on her. Face to face, they snarled at each other. With a hiss, Scorchfur lashed out, raking Tawnypelt’s eye with his claws.
Alderheart froze as she lurched away. ShadowClan gasped around him. What was Scorchfur doing? No warrior should ever attack another warrior’s eyes! Tawnypelt shook her head, blinking. With a rush of relief, Alderheart saw that Scorchfur’s claws had only sliced her cheek. Her eyes shone, unharmed. She’d been lucky.
She showed her teeth, hatred twisting her face, as she advanced on Scorchfur. “You’re no better than a rogue.”
But Tigerheart only watched as Rowanstar shifted his paws.
“Leafstar did promise us friendship,” the ShadowClan leader conceded.
Scorchfur glared at him. “And you believed her!” he mocked.
“It was Tigerheart’s idea,” Rowanstar reminded him.
“‘It was Tigerheart’s idea.’” Scorchfur mimicked his leader as though teasing a kit. “When was the last time you had an idea of your own?”
Alderheart’s belly tightened.
“I’d like to see you try to lead a Clan!” Rowanstar snapped. “Perhaps you could use the skills you learned from Darktail.”
“At least he knew how to lead!”
Tawnypelt glared at Scorchfur. “You betrayed your Clan. Now you insult your leader? Show him some respect!”
“He’s done nothing to earn it,” Scorchfur spat back. “If he’d chased Darktail off in the first place, none of us would have followed those rogues. Instead he let them hunt on our land, while our apprentices grew arrogant and reckless. He couldn’t manage to stop any of it.”
“Whatever his mistakes, he still has the blessing of StarClan!” Tawnypelt hissed.
Grassheart and Stonewing exchanged glances. Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw stared at the ground uncomfortably. Alderheart felt his belly churning as the air seemed to sour around him.
Ratscar padded forward. “We must stay united,” he rasped. “I know we have had our differences, but Alderheart is right. We must look forward, not back. There are so few of us left. If we are to remain a Clan, we must work together.”
Grassheart whisked her tail. “Let’s send out a search party and find this six-toed cat. Then we won’t have to face any more storms.”
“ThunderClan can send out search parties!” Juniperclaw called.
“Or WindClan,” Stonewing chimed. “They’ve got nothing better to do.”
Scorchfur glared challengingly at Rowanstar. “So?” he snarled. “What should we do?”
Alderheart saw hesitation in the ShadowClan leader’s gaze. He’s not sure. The thought shocked him. Bramblestar always knew what to do, even if it meant doing nothing. “I must do what’s right for the Clan,” Rowanstar meowed at last.
“Isn’t it a bit late for that?” Scorchfur curled his lip.
Tawnypelt darted forward, facing the dark gray tom. “Rowanstar has always done what’s best for this Clan!”
Scorchfur scanned the half-empty camp, contempt in his eyes. “So we have Rowanstar to thank for the state we’re in?”
“Do you think you could have done any better?” Tawnypelt hissed. “You blame Rowanstar. But it was his Clanmates’ disloyalty that killed them. If our apprentices grew arrogant, blame their mentors, not him. He cared about ShadowClan when none of you did. Rowanstar still wakes in the night, haunted by nightmares about the Clanmates he’s lost.”
Scorchfur flattened his ears. “He’s lucky. He has nine lives to dream about lost Clanmates. They only had one.”
“That’s not fair!” Puddleshine blinked anxiously at Rowanstar. “You can’t let him say that. StarClan gave you those lives because they believed in you.”
Scorchfur’s eyes narrowed to slits. “They believed in him once. Perhaps Rowanstar is the dark sky they’re trying to warn us about.”
Tawnypelt’s green eyes glittered. “If anyone’s the dark sky, it’s you!” Her gaze flicked angrily around her Clanmates. “You let the rogues take over the Clan. You let them drive Rowanstar away. Don’t blame him for your treachery.”
“And why do you think we chose a rogue over Rowanstar?” Scorchfur lashed his tail. “He was a weak leader then, and he’s a weak leader now.”
Tawnypelt’s fur bristled. Spitting with fury, she lashed out at Scorchfur, slicing her claws across his muzzle.
Alderheart backed away, his pelt bushing. What was happening here? Clanmates shouldn’t fight.
Scorchfur reared and slammed his paws onto Tawnypelt’s shoulders. Hooking his claws in, he pulled her to the ground. She flipped over and, tucking up her hind legs, clawed viciously at his belly.
He struggled free and turned on her. Face to face, they snarled at each other. With a hiss, Scorchfur lashed out, raking Tawnypelt’s eye with his claws.
Alderheart froze as she lurched away. ShadowClan gasped around him. What was Scorchfur doing? No warrior should ever attack another warrior’s eyes! Tawnypelt shook her head, blinking. With a rush of relief, Alderheart saw that Scorchfur’s claws had only sliced her cheek. Her eyes shone, unharmed. She’d been lucky.
She showed her teeth, hatred twisting her face, as she advanced on Scorchfur. “You’re no better than a rogue.”
Rowanstar stared at the dark gray tom with undisguised contempt. “How can we trust a Clanmate who turns on his own so easily?”
Scorchfur glared back at him. “How can we trust a leader who gives up on his Clan at the first sign of threat?”
Scorchfur glared back at him. “How can we trust a leader who gives up on his Clan at the first sign of threat?”
“Is that it?” Rowanstar stared at the vole and the bedraggled squirrel Tigerheart’s patrol dropped onto the meager fresh-kill pile.
“We were lucky to find that,” Tigerheart told him. “We’d have nothing if Snakepaw hadn’t thought of stalking the beech patch.” He glanced appreciatively at the honey-brown apprentice. Her gaze warmed with pride.
“Nothing?” Juniperclaw pushed past him and glared at Rowanstar. “Why don’t you tell our leader about the rabbit you gave away?”
Rowanstar’s gaze flashed toward Tigerheart. “What happened?”
Tigerheart saw anger in his father’s gaze. “It was the right thing to do,” he meowed. “Plumwillow had chased it
and caught it.”
“On our territory,” Grassheart put in.
“She had only just crossed the border,” Tigerheart reminded her, irritably. He’d abandoned Dovewing for his Clanmates, and now they betrayed him. He shot her a reproachful look.
Rowanstar growled. “If it had crossed the border, it was our prey. That’s what the warrior code says.”
“But what about the rabbit Sandynose gave us a quarter moon ago?” Tigerheart argued. Wasn’t anyone going to support him? “If you believed so strongly in upholding that rule, you’d have insisted on returning it.”
“If SkyClan wants to behave like soft-bellies, then let them. We don’t have to starve just so we can be like them. We’re ShadowClan.” Rowanstar lifted his muzzle. “And that means something.”
Tigerheart’s pelt crawled with resentment. Now Rowanstar was behaving like a leader—over a piece of prey!
“I did the right thing,” Tigerheart felt certain now. His worry over Dovewing hadn’t influenced him. His instinct had been true: Warriors should be fair, and keeping peace with their neighbors was more important than one catch. “It was clearly Plumwillow’s rabbit. And if there’s one rabbit in the forest, there must be more. Let’s catch our own prey, not steal from other Clans.”
Rowanstar narrowed his eyes. “It was our rabbit,” he growled softly. “We have to make SkyClan pay for stealing it.”
“I gave it to them!” Frustration rippled beneath Tigerheart’s pelt.
But his father wasn’t listening. The ShadowClan leader nodded to Juniperclaw. “Come with me.” Glancing around the clearing, he called to the cats watching around the camp. “Snowbird, Whorlpaw, Scorchfur, Flowerpaw, Grassheart, Stonewing! Follow me.”
He marched out of camp. His Clanmates followed, exchanging approving glances, their pelts rippling with excitement. Tigerheart dug his claws into the ground. He’d stayed to save his Clan, and they weren’t even listening to him. Was Rowanstar really going to start a war over a rabbit?
[...]
“Is something wrong?” Leafstar asked.
“You stole a rabbit of ours.” Rowanstar cut straight to the point.
Juniperclaw snorted, and Stonewing raised his hackles aggressively.
Leafstar looked puzzled.
“I chased a rabbit over the scent line and killed it on ShadowClan land,” Plumwillow explained.
Leafstar’s gaze remained fixed on Rowanstar as Plumwillow went on.
“But Tigerheart said I could keep it, so I brought it back to camp.”
“Tigerheart was wrong.” Rowanstar glared at Leafstar. “SkyClan should know better than to take prey killed on another Clan’s land. Or perhaps you forgot the warrior code while you were in the gorge.”
Leafstar’s fur twitched irritably along her spine, but her eyes remained calm. “We know the warrior code. And so, I assume, does Tigerheart. He let Plumwillow take the rabbit. I guess he had his reasons.”
Tigerheart shifted uneasily. He still believed he’d made the right decision. SkyClan was worth keeping as an ally. But his Clanmates clearly disagreed. Scorchfur shot him a look of reproach. Tigerheart ignored it. This was Rowanstar’s moment. Perhaps this challenge to SkyClan would regain him the respect and loyalty of his Clan.
It might also make enemies when ShadowClan needed enemies least.
“Tigerheart was wrong,” Rowanstar growled again.
Leafstar whisked her tail lightly. “Even if he was, we can’t give back what we’ve already eaten.”
“Already?” Juniperclaw glared distrustfully at Leafstar.
“Do you think I’m lying?” Leafstar returned the warrior’s gaze unwaveringly.
“I think SkyClan should be taught some respect,” the black tom hissed. He glanced at Rowanstar, as though asking permission to attack.
Rowanstar glanced around his warriors, then flicked his tail. “Battle stances!” he ordered.
No! Tigerheart’s pelt bushed with alarm. As Juniperclaw, Scorchfur, Grassheart, and the others crouched, ready to leap, he shot between the two groups of warriors. “We can’t fight over a rabbit!” he yowled. He glared at his Clanmates, facing them with bared teeth.
They blinked at him, shock freezing them where they stood.
“We need SkyClan’s friendship more than we needed that rabbit!” Tigerheart stared imploringly at his father, willing him to understand that good neighbors meant strong borders.
Rowanstar’s fur pricked. His brow furrowed as he returned Tigerheart’s gaze. Before he could speak, Leafstar cut in.
“If it’s a rabbit you want, we will give ShadowClan the next rabbit we catch.”
Relief washed Tigerheart’s pelt. At least one leader was ready to be sensible. He looked hopefully at Rowanstar. “That sounds fair,” he meowed.
Rowanstar was still staring at him. Tigerheart saw anger in his father’s eyes. His Clanmates began to shift nervously, as though uncertain what to do. They glanced at Rowanstar, but the ShadowClan leader’s attention was fixed on Tigerheart.
“I guess having their next rabbit sounds reasonable,” Snowbird mewed grudgingly.
“I suppose it shows respect,” Stonewing conceded.
Tigerheart saw his Clanmates’ fur flatten as they eased out of their battle stances. He tore his gaze from Rowanstar and nodded at Leafstar. “That sounds like a fair settlement.” He hoped she could read the gratitude in his gaze.
“We’ll leave one at the border as soon as we catch it.” She paused, her gaze flicking meaningfully around the ShadowClan cats. “As a gesture of goodwill.” With a flick of her tail, Leafstar turned toward SkyClan’s camp and led her warriors through the bracken.
[...]
“How dare you undermine me?” Rowanstar’s mew was ice-cold.
Tigerheart’s paws felt suddenly heavy. Of course Rowanstar would misunderstand his intentions. He’d been trying to keep the peace because ShadowClan’s security was more important than its leader’s pride. “It would have been wrong to make enemies of SkyClan now.” Was he wasting his breath? “We’re not strong enough to protect our own borders. We need them to remain allies.”
Rowanstar shot him a look of disgust, then barged past him.
“We were lucky to find that,” Tigerheart told him. “We’d have nothing if Snakepaw hadn’t thought of stalking the beech patch.” He glanced appreciatively at the honey-brown apprentice. Her gaze warmed with pride.
“Nothing?” Juniperclaw pushed past him and glared at Rowanstar. “Why don’t you tell our leader about the rabbit you gave away?”
Rowanstar’s gaze flashed toward Tigerheart. “What happened?”
Tigerheart saw anger in his father’s gaze. “It was the right thing to do,” he meowed. “Plumwillow had chased it
and caught it.”
“On our territory,” Grassheart put in.
“She had only just crossed the border,” Tigerheart reminded her, irritably. He’d abandoned Dovewing for his Clanmates, and now they betrayed him. He shot her a reproachful look.
Rowanstar growled. “If it had crossed the border, it was our prey. That’s what the warrior code says.”
“But what about the rabbit Sandynose gave us a quarter moon ago?” Tigerheart argued. Wasn’t anyone going to support him? “If you believed so strongly in upholding that rule, you’d have insisted on returning it.”
“If SkyClan wants to behave like soft-bellies, then let them. We don’t have to starve just so we can be like them. We’re ShadowClan.” Rowanstar lifted his muzzle. “And that means something.”
Tigerheart’s pelt crawled with resentment. Now Rowanstar was behaving like a leader—over a piece of prey!
“I did the right thing,” Tigerheart felt certain now. His worry over Dovewing hadn’t influenced him. His instinct had been true: Warriors should be fair, and keeping peace with their neighbors was more important than one catch. “It was clearly Plumwillow’s rabbit. And if there’s one rabbit in the forest, there must be more. Let’s catch our own prey, not steal from other Clans.”
Rowanstar narrowed his eyes. “It was our rabbit,” he growled softly. “We have to make SkyClan pay for stealing it.”
“I gave it to them!” Frustration rippled beneath Tigerheart’s pelt.
But his father wasn’t listening. The ShadowClan leader nodded to Juniperclaw. “Come with me.” Glancing around the clearing, he called to the cats watching around the camp. “Snowbird, Whorlpaw, Scorchfur, Flowerpaw, Grassheart, Stonewing! Follow me.”
He marched out of camp. His Clanmates followed, exchanging approving glances, their pelts rippling with excitement. Tigerheart dug his claws into the ground. He’d stayed to save his Clan, and they weren’t even listening to him. Was Rowanstar really going to start a war over a rabbit?
[...]
“Is something wrong?” Leafstar asked.
“You stole a rabbit of ours.” Rowanstar cut straight to the point.
Juniperclaw snorted, and Stonewing raised his hackles aggressively.
Leafstar looked puzzled.
“I chased a rabbit over the scent line and killed it on ShadowClan land,” Plumwillow explained.
Leafstar’s gaze remained fixed on Rowanstar as Plumwillow went on.
“But Tigerheart said I could keep it, so I brought it back to camp.”
“Tigerheart was wrong.” Rowanstar glared at Leafstar. “SkyClan should know better than to take prey killed on another Clan’s land. Or perhaps you forgot the warrior code while you were in the gorge.”
Leafstar’s fur twitched irritably along her spine, but her eyes remained calm. “We know the warrior code. And so, I assume, does Tigerheart. He let Plumwillow take the rabbit. I guess he had his reasons.”
Tigerheart shifted uneasily. He still believed he’d made the right decision. SkyClan was worth keeping as an ally. But his Clanmates clearly disagreed. Scorchfur shot him a look of reproach. Tigerheart ignored it. This was Rowanstar’s moment. Perhaps this challenge to SkyClan would regain him the respect and loyalty of his Clan.
It might also make enemies when ShadowClan needed enemies least.
“Tigerheart was wrong,” Rowanstar growled again.
Leafstar whisked her tail lightly. “Even if he was, we can’t give back what we’ve already eaten.”
“Already?” Juniperclaw glared distrustfully at Leafstar.
“Do you think I’m lying?” Leafstar returned the warrior’s gaze unwaveringly.
“I think SkyClan should be taught some respect,” the black tom hissed. He glanced at Rowanstar, as though asking permission to attack.
Rowanstar glanced around his warriors, then flicked his tail. “Battle stances!” he ordered.
No! Tigerheart’s pelt bushed with alarm. As Juniperclaw, Scorchfur, Grassheart, and the others crouched, ready to leap, he shot between the two groups of warriors. “We can’t fight over a rabbit!” he yowled. He glared at his Clanmates, facing them with bared teeth.
They blinked at him, shock freezing them where they stood.
“We need SkyClan’s friendship more than we needed that rabbit!” Tigerheart stared imploringly at his father, willing him to understand that good neighbors meant strong borders.
Rowanstar’s fur pricked. His brow furrowed as he returned Tigerheart’s gaze. Before he could speak, Leafstar cut in.
“If it’s a rabbit you want, we will give ShadowClan the next rabbit we catch.”
Relief washed Tigerheart’s pelt. At least one leader was ready to be sensible. He looked hopefully at Rowanstar. “That sounds fair,” he meowed.
Rowanstar was still staring at him. Tigerheart saw anger in his father’s eyes. His Clanmates began to shift nervously, as though uncertain what to do. They glanced at Rowanstar, but the ShadowClan leader’s attention was fixed on Tigerheart.
“I guess having their next rabbit sounds reasonable,” Snowbird mewed grudgingly.
“I suppose it shows respect,” Stonewing conceded.
Tigerheart saw his Clanmates’ fur flatten as they eased out of their battle stances. He tore his gaze from Rowanstar and nodded at Leafstar. “That sounds like a fair settlement.” He hoped she could read the gratitude in his gaze.
“We’ll leave one at the border as soon as we catch it.” She paused, her gaze flicking meaningfully around the ShadowClan cats. “As a gesture of goodwill.” With a flick of her tail, Leafstar turned toward SkyClan’s camp and led her warriors through the bracken.
[...]
“How dare you undermine me?” Rowanstar’s mew was ice-cold.
Tigerheart’s paws felt suddenly heavy. Of course Rowanstar would misunderstand his intentions. He’d been trying to keep the peace because ShadowClan’s security was more important than its leader’s pride. “It would have been wrong to make enemies of SkyClan now.” Was he wasting his breath? “We’re not strong enough to protect our own borders. We need them to remain allies.”
Rowanstar shot him a look of disgust, then barged past him.
“You shouldn’t have interfered.” Rowanstar stopped in front of him.
Tigerheart could see anger still burning in his father’s gaze and, behind it, hurt. “I’m sorry.” He dipped his head. He might have been right about the rabbit, but he knew how much he’d humiliated his father by stepping between his Clanmates and SkyClan. “I just didn’t want to see anyone get hurt.” He wondered if he should remind him that it would be a good idea to stay friendly with SkyClan. He decided to appeal to Rowanstar’s kindness instead. “After all we suffered with Darktail, I didn’t want to see more cats wounded.”
Rowanstar seemed to flinch; the memory clearly pained him. “I understand how you feel, Tigerheart. You care about your Clanmates. You are a good warrior, but leading a Clan that has been torn apart by rogues is hard enough. Leading a Clan when your son and deputy publicly challenges your decisions is impossible.” He gazed at Tigerheart, his eyes glittering solemnly in the darkness.
“I didn’t mean to undermine you,” Tigerheart meowed quickly. “I just wanted to do what was right.”
Rowanstar held his gaze. “Your plan worked. SkyClan promised to return what they stole and everyone was left unscathed.” He stared at the muddy earth for a moment before lifting his gaze to meet Tigerheart’s once more. “I am proud of you. I know that one day you will be a great leader. But it is hard to be eclipsed.”
Sympathy welled in Tigerheart’s chest. Rowanstar wanted to do the best for his Clan, but he didn’t always seem to know how. Had it always been this way? Had he been out of his depth since StarClan named him leader? Perhaps I was too young to realize until now. Tigerheart gazed softly at his father. “How did you know you wanted to be leader?”
Rowanstar blinked back at him. “I’m not sure I did. But when Blackstar made me deputy, I realized the difference between being a leader and a warrior.” Tigerheart leaned forward, pricking his ears as Rowanstar went on. “A leader’s loyalty and heart lie with his Clan. A warrior’s loyalty and heart lie with his leader.” His gaze seemed to reach deep into Tigerheart, tugging guilt from his belly. He’s telling me to trust him. But how can I when I know better? When the sun is strong, the shadows are strong.
“Do you want to lead this Clan?”
Rowanstar’s blunt question took him by surprise. Had his eyes betrayed his thoughts?
“Wh-when my time comes,” Tigerheart stammered. “But there’s no need to think of that now. You have moons left.”
“I mean now.” Rowanstar’s gaze remained steady. “Leaders have stepped down before and handed leadership to their deputy if it’s what is best for the Clan. I will support you if you wish to take my place. I can see that you are strong and wise, despite your youth. If you are ready to lead, I won’t stand in your way.”
Tigerheart could hardly believe his ears. “Now?” Suddenly the rain seemed to harden, filling his eyes and his nose, pressing in on every side until Tigerheart felt he was drowning. Leader? The responsibility snatched his breath. Every cat in the Clan would look to him for guidance, and rely on him to protect them. And I’d never be able to join Dovewing. His heart seemed to split with pain. His paws ached to run from the camp and keep running until he could escape from the endless rain and responsibility and think only of her and his kits.
He realized Rowanstar was staring at him questioningly. “I—I . . .” He could do no more than stutter.
“You aren’t ready,” Rowanstar answered for him gently. He dipped his head sympathetically. “You are still young and inexperienced. It takes courage to lead.”
“I’m not scared,” Tigerheart meowed quickly. “But there are other things I have to think about—”
Rowanstar hardly seemed to hear him. He seemed caught up in his own thoughts. “But if you don’t wish to lead, then you must learn to follow.” He lifted his chin, as though unaware of the lashing rain. “When I make a decision, you must obey. No arguing. No contradicting. You must follow me without question.”
Tigerheart nodded. What else could he do but agree? If he refused to lead, then he couldn’t undermine his leader. “I can do that,” he promised.
“I hope so,” Rowanstar meowed gravely. With a flick of his tail, he turned away and stalked back to Tawnypelt, who was waiting outside his den. Together they disappeared into its shelter.
Tigerheart could see anger still burning in his father’s gaze and, behind it, hurt. “I’m sorry.” He dipped his head. He might have been right about the rabbit, but he knew how much he’d humiliated his father by stepping between his Clanmates and SkyClan. “I just didn’t want to see anyone get hurt.” He wondered if he should remind him that it would be a good idea to stay friendly with SkyClan. He decided to appeal to Rowanstar’s kindness instead. “After all we suffered with Darktail, I didn’t want to see more cats wounded.”
Rowanstar seemed to flinch; the memory clearly pained him. “I understand how you feel, Tigerheart. You care about your Clanmates. You are a good warrior, but leading a Clan that has been torn apart by rogues is hard enough. Leading a Clan when your son and deputy publicly challenges your decisions is impossible.” He gazed at Tigerheart, his eyes glittering solemnly in the darkness.
“I didn’t mean to undermine you,” Tigerheart meowed quickly. “I just wanted to do what was right.”
Rowanstar held his gaze. “Your plan worked. SkyClan promised to return what they stole and everyone was left unscathed.” He stared at the muddy earth for a moment before lifting his gaze to meet Tigerheart’s once more. “I am proud of you. I know that one day you will be a great leader. But it is hard to be eclipsed.”
Sympathy welled in Tigerheart’s chest. Rowanstar wanted to do the best for his Clan, but he didn’t always seem to know how. Had it always been this way? Had he been out of his depth since StarClan named him leader? Perhaps I was too young to realize until now. Tigerheart gazed softly at his father. “How did you know you wanted to be leader?”
Rowanstar blinked back at him. “I’m not sure I did. But when Blackstar made me deputy, I realized the difference between being a leader and a warrior.” Tigerheart leaned forward, pricking his ears as Rowanstar went on. “A leader’s loyalty and heart lie with his Clan. A warrior’s loyalty and heart lie with his leader.” His gaze seemed to reach deep into Tigerheart, tugging guilt from his belly. He’s telling me to trust him. But how can I when I know better? When the sun is strong, the shadows are strong.
“Do you want to lead this Clan?”
Rowanstar’s blunt question took him by surprise. Had his eyes betrayed his thoughts?
“Wh-when my time comes,” Tigerheart stammered. “But there’s no need to think of that now. You have moons left.”
“I mean now.” Rowanstar’s gaze remained steady. “Leaders have stepped down before and handed leadership to their deputy if it’s what is best for the Clan. I will support you if you wish to take my place. I can see that you are strong and wise, despite your youth. If you are ready to lead, I won’t stand in your way.”
Tigerheart could hardly believe his ears. “Now?” Suddenly the rain seemed to harden, filling his eyes and his nose, pressing in on every side until Tigerheart felt he was drowning. Leader? The responsibility snatched his breath. Every cat in the Clan would look to him for guidance, and rely on him to protect them. And I’d never be able to join Dovewing. His heart seemed to split with pain. His paws ached to run from the camp and keep running until he could escape from the endless rain and responsibility and think only of her and his kits.
He realized Rowanstar was staring at him questioningly. “I—I . . .” He could do no more than stutter.
“You aren’t ready,” Rowanstar answered for him gently. He dipped his head sympathetically. “You are still young and inexperienced. It takes courage to lead.”
“I’m not scared,” Tigerheart meowed quickly. “But there are other things I have to think about—”
Rowanstar hardly seemed to hear him. He seemed caught up in his own thoughts. “But if you don’t wish to lead, then you must learn to follow.” He lifted his chin, as though unaware of the lashing rain. “When I make a decision, you must obey. No arguing. No contradicting. You must follow me without question.”
Tigerheart nodded. What else could he do but agree? If he refused to lead, then he couldn’t undermine his leader. “I can do that,” he promised.
“I hope so,” Rowanstar meowed gravely. With a flick of his tail, he turned away and stalked back to Tawnypelt, who was waiting outside his den. Together they disappeared into its shelter.
In the end, he finally decides to dissolve ShadowClan, until Tigerheart returns.
“I have been struggling to hold ShadowClan together.” Rowanstar’s gaze was hard. “I had hoped, with a strong deputy like Tigerheart, that we could overcome the betrayals that have split the Clan over the past moons. But Tigerheart has left us.” Anger flashed in his gaze as it swept around his Clanmates. “I could not hold the faith of my Clan before the rogues
split us in two. I do not have the strength to repair the wounds that have been inflicted since then.”
Alderheart’s belly tightened as he saw ShadowClan stare back at their leader, their eyes reflecting the cold light of the moon. Was there no shred of loyalty left?
“I can no longer lead ShadowClan,” Rowanstar meowed.
Alderheart’s breath caught in his throat. WindClan, ThunderClan, and SkyClan watched silently as ShadowClan shifted, exchanging glances. Had they known Rowanstar would do this?
Scorchfur stared at Rowanstar, his gaze unreadable. Juniperclaw leaned close to Strikestone and whispered in his ear. Only Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw, and Snakepaw looked alarmed.
Rowanstar went on. “Leafstar.” He dipped his head. “I give our territory to you in exchange for a home. Let me, and whatever Clanmates I have left, join SkyClan.”
Scorchfur lashed his tail. “You can’t give our land away!”
Grassheart turned on the dark gray tom. “He wouldn’t have to if your sharp tongue hadn’t cut the Clan into shreds.”
“Don’t blame me!” Scorchfur looked outraged.
“Scorchfur wasn’t alone in wanting a stronger leader than Rowanstar,” Juniperclaw snarled.
Tawnypelt’s fur bristled. “No leader could have been strong enough to deal with so much treachery!”
Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw, and Snakepaw backed away from their Clanmates, their eyes wide with fear. As Stonewing and Grassheart bunched around their kits, Puddleshine pushed his way through the crowd.
The ShadowClan medicine cat blinked up at Leafstar. “Rowanstar is making the wisest decision. Without Tigerheart, we are no more than a bickering mob of starlings. We need the security of a Clan and the safety of Clanmates who hold the warrior code close to their hearts.”
Scorchfur narrowed his eyes. “I’ve always stayed true to the warrior code.”
“Then obey it now and support your leader in his decision.” Puddleshine glared at him.
“He wants to give up our territory!” Juniperclaw spat.
“He wants his Clan to be safe.” Puddleshine lifted his chin.
split us in two. I do not have the strength to repair the wounds that have been inflicted since then.”
Alderheart’s belly tightened as he saw ShadowClan stare back at their leader, their eyes reflecting the cold light of the moon. Was there no shred of loyalty left?
“I can no longer lead ShadowClan,” Rowanstar meowed.
Alderheart’s breath caught in his throat. WindClan, ThunderClan, and SkyClan watched silently as ShadowClan shifted, exchanging glances. Had they known Rowanstar would do this?
Scorchfur stared at Rowanstar, his gaze unreadable. Juniperclaw leaned close to Strikestone and whispered in his ear. Only Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw, and Snakepaw looked alarmed.
Rowanstar went on. “Leafstar.” He dipped his head. “I give our territory to you in exchange for a home. Let me, and whatever Clanmates I have left, join SkyClan.”
Scorchfur lashed his tail. “You can’t give our land away!”
Grassheart turned on the dark gray tom. “He wouldn’t have to if your sharp tongue hadn’t cut the Clan into shreds.”
“Don’t blame me!” Scorchfur looked outraged.
“Scorchfur wasn’t alone in wanting a stronger leader than Rowanstar,” Juniperclaw snarled.
Tawnypelt’s fur bristled. “No leader could have been strong enough to deal with so much treachery!”
Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw, and Snakepaw backed away from their Clanmates, their eyes wide with fear. As Stonewing and Grassheart bunched around their kits, Puddleshine pushed his way through the crowd.
The ShadowClan medicine cat blinked up at Leafstar. “Rowanstar is making the wisest decision. Without Tigerheart, we are no more than a bickering mob of starlings. We need the security of a Clan and the safety of Clanmates who hold the warrior code close to their hearts.”
Scorchfur narrowed his eyes. “I’ve always stayed true to the warrior code.”
“Then obey it now and support your leader in his decision.” Puddleshine glared at him.
“He wants to give up our territory!” Juniperclaw spat.
“He wants his Clan to be safe.” Puddleshine lifted his chin.
Rowanstar stood as though his paws had become part of the shore, staring wordlessly.
Tawnypelt hurried from his side and brushed her muzzle against the cheek of first Birchbark and then Lioneye. “It’s good to see you once more.”
“We never left you,” Lioneye mewed.
“We couldn’t,” Birchbark told her. “Not until we’d seen the wrongs put right.”
Beenose slid between them and faced Tawnypelt. “You must save ShadowClan.”
“How?” Rowanstar pushed past his Clanmates, growling, and faced the dead cats. “There’s nothing left!”
Beenose stared at him, her eyes glittering in the moonlight. “There is you, and there is still hope. You must fight for your Clan, Rowanstar.”
“You must find your missing Clanmates,” Lioneye told him.
Rowanstar lashed his tail. “Don’t look to me forleadership!” he snarled. “I failed my Clan. I failed my kin.” Pain crossed his face. Was he thinking of Tigerheart? “I’m not worthy of being their leader.”
Panic fluttered in Alderheart’s belly. He was giving up! “Rowanstar.” He faced the ginger tom. “You can try. You can—”
Rowanstar cut him off with a hiss. “Don’t call me Rowanstar! I have no right to that name.”
“But StarClan gave it to you!” How could he deny the gift given by his ancestors? Did he doubt their wisdom?
“StarClan was wrong.” Rowanstar’s green gaze burned with rage. “From now on I am Rowanclaw.”
Tawnypelt hurried from his side and brushed her muzzle against the cheek of first Birchbark and then Lioneye. “It’s good to see you once more.”
“We never left you,” Lioneye mewed.
“We couldn’t,” Birchbark told her. “Not until we’d seen the wrongs put right.”
Beenose slid between them and faced Tawnypelt. “You must save ShadowClan.”
“How?” Rowanstar pushed past his Clanmates, growling, and faced the dead cats. “There’s nothing left!”
Beenose stared at him, her eyes glittering in the moonlight. “There is you, and there is still hope. You must fight for your Clan, Rowanstar.”
“You must find your missing Clanmates,” Lioneye told him.
Rowanstar lashed his tail. “Don’t look to me forleadership!” he snarled. “I failed my Clan. I failed my kin.” Pain crossed his face. Was he thinking of Tigerheart? “I’m not worthy of being their leader.”
Panic fluttered in Alderheart’s belly. He was giving up! “Rowanstar.” He faced the ginger tom. “You can try. You can—”
Rowanstar cut him off with a hiss. “Don’t call me Rowanstar! I have no right to that name.”
“But StarClan gave it to you!” How could he deny the gift given by his ancestors? Did he doubt their wisdom?
“StarClan was wrong.” Rowanstar’s green gaze burned with rage. “From now on I am Rowanclaw.”
So, what do you think? Was Rowanstar a good leader or not?