Crookedstar’s Promise

Hailstar dipped his head to the black warrior. “Well done.” He turned to Crookedkit. “But you stopped it from harming the kits.” His eyes glowed. “I should have done this a long time ago, but your Clan needed to see your courage and loyalty for themselves. Today you risked your life for your Clanmates.” He raised his muzzle. “It’s time I gave you your apprentice name.” He lifted his voice to the sky. “Let all cats old enough to swim gather to hear my words,” he called.

Crookedkit’s heart soared. At last! His destiny was beginning to come true! He glanced at Beetlepaw, who was scowling beside him. You won’t just be competing with Oakpaw anymore.

The elders were already hurrying from their den, disturbed by the commotion. Shellheart, padding into camp, paused. “What’s going on?” He stared at his Clanmates who were gathering at the edge of the clearing. Crookedkit proudly met his gaze and nodded. He knew his father would figure out what was happening.

His brother guessed first. Oakpaw raced across the snow. “We can train together at last!” He ran his muzzle along Crookedkit’s twisted jaw. “We’ll be warriors soon. I can’t wait! I promise as soon as I’m leader, I’ll make you deputy.”

Thanks! Crookedkit purred. But I plan on being RiverClan’s leader first.

Hailstar glanced around his Clan. His gaze stopped at Cedarpelt. Crookedkit’s heart sank. Had the brown-striped warrior forgiven him for running away? “Cedarpelt!” he called. “You distrusted Crookedkit when he returned. You will demand more of him than any other warrior.”

Even more than Mapleshade? Crookedkit looked at his paws, guilt pricking him as he thought of his secret mentor. “You will mentor him to become the fine warrior I know he can be. One day I hope his honor and bravery will match yours.” Hailstar’s gaze flicked to Crookedkit. “From this moment on, you shall be known as Crookedpaw.”

Crookedpaw broke into a purr so strong that it shook the snow from his whiskers. Oakpaw circled Shellheart excitedly while the RiverClan deputy pawed the ground.

Brambleberry raised her muzzle. “Crookedpaw! Crookedpaw!” The medicine cat’s eyes shone with pride.

Beetlepaw, Volepaw, and Petalpaw joined in and Troutclaw’s rasping call made the cold air shudder. As his Clanmates called his new name, Crookedpaw looked for Rainflower. Had she seen him become an apprentice? This was just the beginning of his destiny. Where are you? His gaze darted among his Clanmates’ cheering faces.

There she was! Beside Shimmerpelt.

“Crookedpaw! Crookedpaw!” Shellheart and Oakpaw yowled to the darkening sky.

Crookedpaw stared at his mother, his heart quickening as she stood still and silent. Then, with a rush of relief, he watched her lift her muzzle and call his new name.

“Crookedpaw!”

Chapter 11

“Tuck in your tail!” Mapleshade ordered.

Crookedpaw twined his tail around his hind legs as he reared up, slashing with his forepaws. Unbalanced, he staggered, his tail catching between his paws. “Oomph!” He fell with a thud to the dark earth.

“You’ve got two mentors and you can’t even stay on your paws,” Mapleshade growled. “Get up.”

Crookedpaw was already scrambling to his paws. “What’s the point of tucking in my tail?” he mewed crossly.

“The less you give your enemy to grab hold of, the better,” Mapleshade explained.

“But I can’t balance.”

“You’ll just have to keep practicing until you can.” Mapleshade paced around him. “Now try again.”

Concentrating, Crookedpaw shifted his paws, then heaved himself into the air once more. Tucking his tail around his hind legs, he slashed again. His muscles burned. He tried to balance, but the swing of his forepaws sent him staggering forward.

“Frog dung!” He dropped on to four paws before he fell.

“You’re getting close,” Mapleshade encouraged.

“Not close enough,” Crookedpaw grunted through clenched teeth. He tried again and again, each time staying up a moment longer until, aching, he stopped and let his tail droop.

“Keep going!” Mapleshade ordered.

“Don’t forget I train all day with Cedarpelt, too,” he grumbled.

“You want to be the best warrior in RiverClan, don’t you?” Mapleshade circled him impatiently.

“Of course,” Crookedpaw snapped. “But I need a rest.” He gazed into the shadowy forest. “Why don’t you show me around StarClan territory?” He blinked hopefully at Mapleshade. “Cedarpelt showed me around RiverClan territory on my first day as an apprentice.”

“Not till you’ve got this move right.”

“I’ll practice it tomorrow night.” Crookedpaw stood up. “I want to see what’s beyond the trees.” He padded forward. “There must be more to StarClan’s hunting grounds than this smelly old forest.”

Mapleshade shot in front of him, her orange-and-white pelt blocking his view.