“Before we bury Newtshine, I will perform the Deputy ceremony and hope that Newtshine spirit approves of my choice.” The clan looked up at Kestrelstar as she got ready to announce the next clan deputy as it became moon high. “I say these words before Starclan, so that the spirits of Newtshine may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Oakclan is Lionshade.”
Yowls of approval filled the camp as Lionshade made his way through the crowd and stood in front of Stonehenge. “Thank you, Kestrelstar. I am honored to accept the position of Clan deputy and by the spirit of Newtshine, I vow to serve this clan to my best abilities.” Lionshade dipped his head fixing his stern yellow eyes on the clan.
Mudpaw joined Hazelfleck, Specklefur, and Reedstripe as they sat vigil for Newtshine well into the night. Kestrelstar settled down not far casting a soft expression of grief at her dead deputy. Her friend. Birchpaw settled outside the apprentice den with Blackpaw and Lilypaw as the two comforted each other. As night turned into dawn, the elders along with Mudpaw and Specklefur took Newtshine’s body away to bury in the mist covered forest.
Birchpaw yawned feeling the chilly air of Leaf-bare fill the camp, overnight snow had fallen but it did not stick to the ground or pile up. Most cats had returned to their dens, Birchpaw got his paws ready to return to his nest when he caught familiar flash of white by a clump of ferns, it was Cloudpaw. Birchpaw wondered how the white tom was holding up when he returned with the patrol, he was shaking like a leaf and the look of fear still filled his eyes.
After a good rest, Birchpaw would check in with Cloudpaw and ask if the tom if he needed someone to speak with about the whole ordeal. Birchpaw went straight to his nest, circled around, and settled down to sleep.
“Wake up.” Darkpaw soft mew woke Birchpaw from his slumber. “Kestrelstar has called a meeting.
Birchpaw rose from his nest following her out the den to the center of camp as Kestrelstar sat on Stonehenge.
“I know many of us are still shaken about the event that happened last night with Newtshine and while we grieve, we must continue working to ensure the survival of the clan. Lionshade and the other mentors will oversee the warrior assessment for three of our apprentices today and I will oversee patrols.”
“What are we going to do about Floodclan?” Waspsting asked. “They must answer for Newtshine’s death.”
Cats nodded in agreement with the ginger tom. “I will send a patrol to check Flat Rocks, but no one is to engage with any Floodclan patrols until I’ve spoken with Hazelstar.”
“So, we’re just letting them get away with it!?” Waspsting hissed.
“No one is getting away with anything, I only wish to hear what really happened at the border from the cats that were there.” Kestrelstar rasped narrowing her green eyes. “We cannot afford unnecessary battles during Leaf-bare. Now on to patrols, Waspsting will lead a patrol to the clearing with Smokepoppy, Waselfur, and Brightbreeze. Icebright will take a patrol toward the twoleg bridge and the island.”
Birchpaw listened to Kestrelstar list off the patrols and after she finished, cats gathered and started leaving camp, he noticed Blackpaw approaching him. “Thistleleaf will help oversee Mudpaw assessment since Newtshine is gone. He told me that you and I are in camp today.”
“In camp? What does that mean?” Birchpaw asked.
“You know help guard the camp and do any task that is ask of us.” Blackpaw meowed and Birchpaw gave him a blank stare. “It’s not that bad.”
“So, you would rather sit around camp all day and not being out in the forest, hunting or training.” Birchpaw rasped. “Aren’t we supposed to be made warriors soon and still doing these kinds of apprentice’s tasks.”
“I know it not ideal, but we can find something fun to do.” Blackpaw huffed as Birchpaw blinked at him. “Ugh, I do want to be out there but maybe Kestrelstar has something we could do.”
Birchpaw got to his paws following Blackpaw over to Kestrelstar as she sat at the bottom of Stonehedge. “Is something wrong?” she asked as they approached her.
“Well, Thistleleaf and the other mentors are assessing the apprentice becoming warriors today. Thistleleaf did not put us on patrol so we were wondering if there was something we could do.” Blackpaw meowed.
“Is guarding the camp and helping around too boring for you?” Kestrelstar rasped as Blackpaw and Birchpaw glanced at each other shrugging.
“Maybe I should send you around to the elders with mouse bile, change their bedding along with the queens. Guarding the camp is just as important as hunting and patrolling our border and as senior apprentices, you should understand that.”
Blackpaw dropped his shoulders and head. “Sorry, Kestrelstar. We did not mean to be disrespectful.”
“I was the one who said staying in camp was boring.” Birchpaw meowed. “I just thought we would be also getting ready for our own assessments.”
“No need to rush becoming warriors, your day will come.” Kestrelstar meowed turning her green glaze to Birchpaw. “I know it does not sound exciting but how about you visit the medicine cats? They will ask you for help restocking their stock before snow comes.”
Birchpaw noticed Blackpaw perk up a little as Kestrelstar waved them toward the medicine cat den. Birchpaw realized Blackpaw and Kestrelstar relationship was more leader and apprentice not mother and kit, but he knew Kestrelstar was still proud of Blackpaw.
“I hope they don’t have us gather any disgusting herbs.” Blackpaw chirped. “Maybe we can go gather catnip!”
“Catnip?” Birchpaw meowed as they came to the medicine cat den entrance.
“You never seen catnip before? It’s a sweet-smelling plant usually find in twoleg yards.” Blackpaw purred. “It’s used for greencough and whitecough.”
“That’s exactly correct Blackpaw.” Embercreek pushed her way out of the den greeting them with her tail. “As the weather gets colder, sickness in the clan spreads easier which is why stocking up on catnip and other herbs are very important.” Embercreek glanced over her shoulder. “Maybe we can find something for Cloudpaw.”
Birchpaw peered into the den noticing the white fur of Cloudpaw curled up in one of the nests in the den. “Is he going to be okay?”
“The sight of Newtshine seems to have sent him into shock.” Embercreek sighed. “We gave him a poppy seed last night and just now chamomile. Hopefully he bounces back before long.”
“Probably not, Cloudpaw has always been jumpy and nervous.” Blackpaw shrugged. “Will he even become a warrior?
“Cloudpaw is just timid and cautions, nothing wrong with that.” Embercreek meowed. “Even that won't stop him from becoming a warrior, he just needs better motivation.” Embercreek lead them toward the bramble tunnel.
“Like not having Mottleblaze as his mentor?” Birchpaw meowed and Embercreek whipped her head around.
“Birchpaw, you must be respectful to senior warriors.” Embercreek meowed. “I know he can be a bit much, but he still is a loyal and powerful warrior of Oakclan.”
“I am just saying, Mottleblaze is harsh on him like all the time.” Birchpaw meowed as they exited the camp. “I mean how can he learn when he looks like he’s been caught by a twoleg monster and always looking over his shoulder.”
“Spotteddust doesn’t have the best patience, but I learned a lot from him. Kestrelstar paired mentors and apprentices with the best intentions in mind.” Embercreek meowed and the trio came to a stop. “Mottleblaze is strict yes, but Cloudpaw needs a strong guiding paw. Now, the herbs I'm looking for are borage, feverfew, lavender and tansy. I also want to check our Catnip supply, if Leaf-bare isn’t bad then maybe the herbs can stay fresh.”
“Do we get to go across any borders to find them?” Blackpaw gleamed.
“Not really but we do have to go near Marshclan territory so make sure you don’t cross the border.” Embercreek meowed leading them toward the clearing.
Birchpaw picked up the scent of Waspsting patrol among the brushes lining the clearing. The scent was fresh as if they had just missed them. The trio traveled down the clearing path until twoleg dens came into sight, walking along the fences until the came to a light blue fence and Birchpaw caught the scent of something sweet.
“This is our Catnip supply.” Embercreek meowed. “It seems the twoleg living here grows it and some of it goes pass the fence into the forest. We never go into their yard unless it’s an emergency.” Embercreek moved her paw along the plant removing any dirt or excess water.
“Are we going to collect any today.” Blackpaw meowed smelling the plant purring.
“Only a few.” Embercreek meowed. “Maybe you two can go find the feverfew. It’s a patch of white flowers with yellow in the middle, it shouldn’t be too far away.”
“I bet I’ll find it first.” Blackpaw bounded off into the undergrowth and Birchpaw turned to Embercreek.
“Don’t worry I'll be fine.” Embercreek meowed. “Hurry after Blackpaw before he stumbles into trouble somehow.”
With a nod, Birchpaw padded after Blackpaw and the two of them searched for the patch of Feverfew.
“Who knew searching for herbs would be fun.?” Blackpaw meowed poking his head up from under a bush and moved on to another one “We get to explore the territory alone.”
“Slow down, Blackpaw.” Birchpaw huffed. “You might end up trampling on the feverfew. Do you ever run out of energy?”
“Not really! How could I?” Blackpaw stood on a fallen log puffing out his chest with his tail held high. “I'm a mighty warrior of Oakclan, prowling the forest, wild and free.”
“You must’ve been a rowdy kit in the nursery. How did Kestrelstar manage with you?” Birchpaw asked as he sniffed a patch of mint.
“Well, she was busy as deputy, so she didn’t really spend time in the nursery.” Blackpaw got off the log with a huff. “Just like now.”
Birchpaw looked at Blackpaw in surprise, he never really saw the black and white tom sad before or if something was really bothering him. He was much like Lilypaw, happy and filled with excitement.
“What do you mean?” Birchpaw padded over to him.
“It's just…I see some of the apprentices close with many of their kin in the clan. The last few leaf bares were bad and we lost a lot of cats to sickness, such as Darkpaw parents and Cloudpaw’s mother.” Blackpaw sighed.
“Hawksplash is also your kin and I’m sure Kestrelstar has always cared about you.” Birchpaw said.
“From a distance. Hailpaw and Flintpaw have Brightbreeze and Smokepoppy. Darkpaw has Thistleleaf, Lakeshade and the kits. Littlefeather is always checking on Cloudpaw and Newtshine was Mudpaw mentor and his kin.” Blackpaw meowed. “As the clan’s leader, its different. Kestrelstar has to put the clan first. Another queen took care of me while in the nursery.”
Birchpaw padded beside Blackpaw as they continue searching for the feverfew. “I just wish we were closer; I feel like I learned about her only as Kestrelstar, the noble leader of Oakclan, not as my mother.”
“Mm. Have you ever asked Kestrelstar to tell you about her time as a warrior?” Birchpaw asked. “I mean surely Kestrelstar would be open to share something.”
“I can’t just take her way from duties as leader. Besides I don’t think she wants to talk about her past.” Blackpaw meowed. “it’s full of misfortune just like Spotteddust said.”
Birchpaw frowned grunting in frustration. “You believe that crazy badger of a tom? Yes, Kestrelstar dealt with hardships, but you aren’t one of them. It’s hard to understand her sometimes but she’s proud of you, as her only kit, I’m sure Kestrelstar just wants to keep your safe.”
“I don’t really believe that.” Blackpaw stopped glancing around then turned to Birchpaw.
“Believe what?” Birchpaw asked flicking his ears.
“That I’m her only kit…well not the only one that is alive.” Birchpaw blinked at him confused as Blackpaw dropped his voice to a whisper. “As you know they say three of my littermates didn’t make it only that me and other kit survived. One day night, Kestrelstar came to visit, and this was during Leaf-bare, because it was very cold even the queen looking after us won’t let us of the den all day.”
“Everyone said something took your littermate in the middle of night.” Birchpaw meowed.
“I don’t believe that. I’ve had recurring dreams of this before, it was very cold. Kestrelstar or at the time, Kestrelheart led us through the forest to flat rocks.” Blackpaw said. “Then another cat came, and I guess since it was cold and I feeling tired from walking so far, I don’t remember much after."
“Only you were back in the nursery alone and Kestrelstar saying the other kit was gone?” Birchpaw huffed and Blackpaw nodded. “Do you remember their name?”
“That’s the thing. Kestrelstar didn’t name us yet which it weird for a queen not to name their kits after a few days. I had to be 3 moons when everyone started calling me Blackkit. Kestrelstar stayed with me in the nursery more until I was close to becoming an apprentice.” Blackpaw meowed. “I think who ever that cat was took my littermate away.”
“If that’s the case, why would Kestrelstar give one of her kits away?” Birchpaw shock his head. “Maybe your memory is playing serious tricks on you which is way you should ask Kestrelstar to explain what really happened.
“Mm. I’d rather not.” Blackpaw meowed getting to his paws padding away.
“Come on, Blackpaw. We’re almost warriors, you’re telling me you boasted about being strong and brave, but you can’t work up the courage to ask Kestrelstar a few questions.” Birchpaw bounded after him. “If you don’t maybe I will ask for you.”
“Only you would be so bold but mouse-brain enough to speak our leader in such way.” Blackpaw huffed.
“She’s not just your leader, she’s also your mother.” Birchpaw meowed as Blackpaw shrugged his shoulders then perked up. "Oh, I think this is the feverfew.”
Blackpaw chirped bounding over to a patch of white flowers sitting beside moss covered tree.“We should collect it and hurry back to Embercreek.” He bent down biting a few stems off.
“Don’t try and change the subject now.”
Birchpaw went over removing some stems as well. “We’ll continue talking about this later, maybe we can ask Thistleleaf since your so scared to ask Kestrelstar.”
Blackpaw gathered up his batch of feverfew trying to speak with the herbs clenched in his jaws, but Birchpaw couldn’t understand anything he was saying. The two made their way back to Embercreek only to meet the medicine cat halfway back giving her the herbs.
“I got the lavender already so all we need now is the borage. It’s very useful herb for the queens, to help them have more milk for their kits and we can also use it to reduces fevers.” Embercreek meowed. “We’ll head back toward the twoleg bridge leading to The Island. It grows more along the bank of river and since we can't go enter Flat Rock, this is the second-best place to gather it.”
***
At the twoleg bridge, Birchpaw peered over the edge looking at the slow-moving stream as Embercreek gathered the fuzzy borage leaves from their stems. “I wonder if the river is going to freeze in leaf bare. Has it ever frozen before?”
“Not completely frozen.” Embercreek meowed adding the borage to the bundle. “But then again, it got so cold, and we had so much snow, the clan didn’t really leave the camp some days.”
“It was that bad?” Birchpaw sat up turning to her.
“I told you. The last Leaf-bare was probably the coldest I experienced.” Blackpaw shivered.
“Yes, last Leaf-bare was pretty harsh to deal with and the last few before that.” Embercreek said. “Mounds of snow everywhere and the wind didn’t make things better.”
“So, if someone wanted to sneak out of camp, they would do it during a snowstorm.” Birchpaw meowed and Blackpaw sat up shooting him a glare.
“Well, I suppose they could but who in their right mind would want to be out in all that cold. Which reminds me, I better not see either of you coming to my den because you decide to play in the snow or something.” Embercreek meowed.
“A regular cold is bad but a cold in leaf-bare is worst. Now let’s get these herbs back to the camp. We don’t want to miss the warrior ceremony."
“Yes, go before the cold air freeze our brains.” Blackpaw meowed bounding forward.
Embercreek turned to Birchpaw with her bundle in her jaw with a curious look, Birchpaw shrugged his head as they followed Blackpaw back to the camp.
“Now warrior ceremonies are very important besides getting your warrior's name, but you also have to sit in vigil.” Blackpaw meowed as he sat near the apprentice den with Birchpaw and Lilypaw.
“Vigil?” Lilypaw rasped looking up from washing her pelt.
“A vigil is where new warriors sit throughout the night guarding the camp in silence. They aren’t to allow to speak until dawn comes or another cat tells them.” Blackpaw said.
“What if something happens?” Lilypaw asked. “Are they allowed to warn the clan of danger?”
“If something happens, they have to wake the leader and then warriors. New warriors aren’t allowed to eat during their vigil either, we get a good night’s rest while they guard the camp.” Blackpaw meowed as sharp yowl filled the air. Day went to dawn to dusk as the silver pelt filled the night sky.
Kestrelstar stood in front of Stonehedge as the cats came out their dens and gathered in the center of the camp. Birchpaw crossed the clearing with Blackpaw and Lilypaw as they settled down beside Thistleleaf and Smokepoppy. Birchpaw saw Mudpaw, Hailpaw, and Flintpaw sitting together at the front with Specklefur and Brightbreeze not far behind them.
“I, Kestrelstar, leader of Oakclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these three apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn.” Kestrelstar voice rung clear as she looked to the sky then turned her glaze on Mudpaw, Hailpaw, and Flintpaw. “Mudpaw, Flintpaw, and Hailpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life.”
The three of them held up their heads proudly. “I do.” They meowed in union.
“Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior names: Mudpaw, from this moment you know as Mudpelt. Starclan honors your loyalty and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Oakclan.” Kestrelstar stepped forward resting her muzzle on Mudpelt’s head. He bent lower giving her shoulder a respectful lick, stepped back and walked over to join the rest of the clan as Kestrelstar moved on to Hailpaw.
“Hailpaw, from this moment you will be known as Hailspark. Starclan honors your cleverness and independence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Oakclan.” Hailspark lowed her head licking Kestrelstar’s shoulders then slipped away to sit beside Mudpelt as it was Flintpaw’s turn.
“Flintpaw, from this moment you will be known as Flintheart. Starclan honors your bravery and strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Oakclan.” As Flintheart finished licking Kestrelstar’s shoulder and he went to join Mudpelt and Hailspark.
Meows of excitement filled the clearing as the clan rose to chant the new warrior names. “Mudpelt! Hailspark! Flintheart! Mudpelt! Hailspark! Flintheart!”
Birchpaw felt his pelt twitch and he wasn’t sure if it was from the cold air or thrill realizing that soon that would be him alongside Lilypaw and Blackpaw earning their warrior names.
“As tradition of our ancestors, our three new warriors must sit in silent vigil until dawn and guard the camp alone while we sleep.” Meowed Kestrelstar as the trio nodded.
Birchpaw began making his way back to his den when he noticed Darkpaw and Lionshade, speaking then Lionshade turned padding to the warriors’ den. Birchpaw made his way over to Darkpaw. “Hey, is everything okay?”
“Everything is just fine.” Darkpaw rasped. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“It just seemed like Lionshade was upset…or maybe he wasn’t?” Birchpaw meowed. “Honestly, he hard to understand just like Kestrelstar.”
“Lionshade isn’t upset or anything. He was offering words of encouragement.” Darkpaw turned as they padded toward their den.
“Encouragement with a scowl on his face?” Birchpaw huffed.
“Believe me, he was. Lionshade doesn’t take things lightly to say the less and he wanted to ensure me I would gain my warrior's name soon.” Darkpaw meowed. “He doesn’t want it to seem his apprentice is getting special treatment since he’s deputy now.”
“So, he’s making you wait to get your warrior's name? That’s doesn’t seem totally fair.” Birchpaw meowed and Darkpaw turned glaring at him with her sharp green eyes.
“I want to wait anyway.” Darkpaw gestured over to Mudpelt, Hailspark, and Flintheart as they sat down in the center of clearing looking toward the entrance. “Between you and me, it gives me more time to be away from them.” She smirked.
“Oh, right. Such mighty warriors.” Birchpaw sneered as they slipped into the apprentice den for the night.
Birchpaw woke up from a nudge by Darkpaw. “Lionshade wants us on a dawn patrol.” Birchpaw held back a yawn as looked around the den. Blackpaw and Lilypaw were still asleep in their nest and Cloudpaw’s nest was still empty so Birchpaw guessed the tom would be in the medicine cat den for a few more days.
Pulling himself out the den, noticing dawn has barely breaking into the camp. Birchpaw followed Darkpaw across the clearing passing Mudpelt, Hailspark and Flintheart still sitting in the middle of camp.
“The cool morning is so refreshing especially after a good night’s rest right, Birchpaw?” Darkpaw meowed and Birchpaw could hear a hint of teasing in her voice.
Flintheart narrowed his eyes at them and Birchpaw knew the grey tom wanted to say something but couldn’t as their vigil wasn't over yet.
“Yeah, I feel so ready for today.” Birchpaw meowed stretching out his back legs.
“Now, now. They guard the camp for all our safety.” Hawksplash crossed the clearing. “Your vigil is over; you may go to warrior den and rest.”
Mudpelt nodded getting to his paws padding toward the warriors' den with Hailspark. Flintheart took one more glace at Birchpaw and Darkpaw before following after them.
“As for you two, we’ll be going to Flat rocks. Kestrelstar wants to know if Floodclan has decide to try and claim any extra territory.” Hawksplash meowed heading for the entrance.
Birchpaw and Darkpaw padded after him into the forest, crisp leaves crunched under their paws with every step. Once at the warm rocks, Birchpaw tasted the air, there wasn’t any smell of Floodclan that was recent.
“When will Kestrelstar launch an attack on Floodclan?” Darkpaw asked.
“Not sure, but probably soon.” Brightbreeze meowed. “Those fish brains need to answer for Newtshine’s death.”
Birchpaw cast an uneasy gaze at the dark grey molly, the clan was still adjusting to Newtshine’s sudden passing and Birchpaw often heard others talking about attacking Floodclan but something else felt out of place.
“Why are there no new patrol scents here? Shouldn’t there more patrols if Floodclan plans to take this territory from us?” Birchpaw asked.
“They’re biding time. Hazelstar has finally used Kestrelstar kindness against us.” Brightbreeze huffed.
“Either way. We will increase patrols here and warn them not to cross the border.” Hawksplash meowed. “Let’s continuing marking along the bank before returning to camp."
Birchpaw moved along the bank of the river marking and occasionally stopped to look toward Floodclan territory before noticing Darkpaw approaching him. “Don’t you think it's odd we’re not meeting any patrols here?”
“It’s like Brightbreeze said, they’re waiting for the chance to strike.” Darkpaw meowed. “After so many moons, Hazelstar is finally showing his truth stripes.”
“Maybe…” Birchpaw meowed. “Why now of all times? He could’ve attacked the moons before and plus aren’t him and Kestrelstar friends?”
“That’s just how clan life works. Look at Marshclan, problems from within nearly destroyed them and everyone else.” Darkpaw meowed.
“Maybe something is happening in Floodclan territory and Hazelstar has to put his clan before any friendship, we all do.”
“Come on, you two.” Brightbreeze called. “We will go check the border farther down near the Island.”
Birchpaw and Darkpaw turned to follow the patrol when Birchpaw came to a stop looking back toward the Flat Rocks as something out the corner of his eye caught his attention.
“What?” He took a moment to look around tasting the air for new scents but found nothing.
“Birchpaw.” Darkpaw voice caught him off guard making him jump. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Birchpaw meowed. “I thought I saw something.”
“Like what?” Darkpaw meowed looking around. “I don’t see anything.”
“It was like a flicker of brown.” Birchpaw meowed and Darkpaw nudged him.
“Maybe it was mouse or vole.” Darkpaw turned around flickering her tail.
“Come on, we can ask Hawksplash if we can hunt on the way back.”
Birchpaw took one more glance at Flat Rocks narrowing his eyes looking for that flash of brown again and with a huff he padded after Darkpaw and the patrol.
Birchpaw returned to camp with two voles in his jaw. He noticed a small gathering on warriors around Brackenthroat and once her dropped his prey into the pile he gestured toward the group.
“I wonder what’s that about.” He meowed to Darkpaw.
“Mm. Let’s go find out.” Darkpaw and Birchpaw walked over to the group pushing pass Waselfur so they could hear Brackenthroat better.
“We’re too late but Mottleblaze was able to wound one of the warriors just before they escaped.” Brackenthroat meowed.
“So, they killed Newtshine on our territory and then turn tail like the fox hearts they are.” Smokepoppy sneered.
“Floodclan have always been fox hearts, they only act like real warriors when in the water. When is Kestrelstar going to lead a battle patrol to their camp? We need to revenge Newtshine.” Birchpaw looked over at Waspsting as the tom flexed his claws into the earth below.
“It’s already Leaf-bare so she probably won’t because herbs and prey will be scarce.” Waselfur meowed. “We might have to wait until Newleaf.”
“Wouldn’t that be great time to attack? Floodclan relies on the river more than the rest of us and often struggle the most during Leaf-bare.” Smokepoppy huffed. “I say we attack now.”
Birchpaw listened to the warrior argue back and forth about attacking Floodclan. He didn’t like the idea of attacking the one clan that was friendly to them, of course he was upset about Newtshine death but maybe this was all a misunderstanding.
“Well maybe we all can somehow convince Kestrelstar we need to attack them now before Leaf-bare turns nasty.” Brackenthroat meowed. “If we let them get away with this then imagine what the other clans will think of us.”
Birchpaw watched as Smokepoppy and Waspsting nodded in agreement with Brackenthroat and though it seemed Waselfur was hesitant at first, he soon gave a small nod to the dark warrior. Sighing, Birchpaw padded away from the group and Darkpaw followed him.
“Don’t look so gloomy Birchpaw.” Darkpaw came alongside him. “If we go to battle with Floodclan then the clan will need more warriors. So, we might be made warriors before then or right after.”
Birchpaw shock his head. “Is no one confused by all this? We’re so quick to jump into battle without the truth about what happened.”
“The truth? A Floodclan patrol killed our deputy. Any clan would be upset about it and want to attack back if we don’t the other clans will think we’re weak.” Darkpaw huffed. “This isn’t a situation like Marshclan.”
“I know it's not the same, but---”
“Listen, Birchpaw.” Darkpaw whipped around cutting Birchpaw off. “If you keep trying to stick your nose into other clans busy then the clan will start talking.”
“Talking about what?” Birchpaw frowned.
“They’ll question your loyalty. Say that you are concerned about the other clans.” Darkpaw meowed. “If you’re worried about the other clans and always wanting to help them, then how can we expect you look after you own clanmates?”
“Oh, so now I’m not loyal because I’m asking questions?” Birchpaw glared at her. “Everyone here was always saying that Floodclan doesn’t have a rivalry with us compared to Basinclan and Marshclan.”
“That was before they killed Newtshine!” Darkpaw snapped. “They were waiting for moment to strike and killing our deputy just as Leaf-bare is starting hurts the clan.”
“We’re not completely sure of what really happened.” Birchpaw hissed. “Maybe it was an accident.”
“An accident?” Darkpaw shook her head letting out a sigh. “Do you hear yourself? Mottleblaze’s patrol returned with his body, they saw what happened. Are you saying they’re lying?”
Birchpaw stared at Darkpaw feeling his pelt ripple with anger. She was standing here questioning his loyalty just because he said they should find out what really happened, even Kestrelstar said she wanted to speak with Hazelstar before sending the clan into battle. Now she was making it seem he didn’t believe Mottleblaze about Floodclan killing Newtshine.
“I’m not saying to that.” He glanced around hoping no one overheard them, if word got out, he was questioning Mottleblaze then the clan would doubt his loyalty for sure even after spending moons to show them he was clan cat now.
“Birchpaw, I know you think it’s the right thing to worry about the other clans.” Darkpaw bumped her head on his shoulder. “Your loyalty to Oakclan comes first, no matter what.”
Birchpaw sighed as Darkpaw padded away going towards the apprentices’ den. He knew she was right; he was so close to becoming a warrior and the last thing he need was for the clan to start doubting him all over again but something about Newtshine’s death still felt weird to him. Birchpaw looked around the camp resting his glaze on Cloudpaw as Embercreek help him to the fresh kill pile, he had no injuries but the ordeal of seeing the deputy dead was taking a toll on him.
Birchpaw wondered if he could ask Cloudpaw what exactly at Flat rocks, maybe that would help put his mind at rest. He decided tomorrow he would stop by and hopefully it would be helpful for Cloudpaw to have someone to talk to. Shaking out his fur, Birchpaw padded over to the apprentices' den turning in for the night.