The Raging Storm

“Tigerstar only cares about what’s best for Tigerstar.” Sandynose looked up the slope, his ears pricked. “He abandoned his Clan and his kin when they needed him. Then he came back when it suited him. And his mate is no better. Dovewing broke the warrior code and had kits with a warrior from another Clan, then left her own Clan to be with him and took her kits with her.” The light brown tom blinked at Violetshine. “A leader is supposed to set an example for their Clan. What kind of example has Tigerstar set?”

Frecklewish shook out her fur. “He made mistakes. But StarClan guided his paws back to ShadowClan and made him its leader. He must understand how important it is that there be five Clans beside the lake.”

“He might just think it’s important for ShadowClan to be beside the lake,” Sandynose meowed darkly.

Mintfur got to her paws and headed up the slope toward the stretch of pines where a ditch stretched toward the ShadowClan border. “It’s no use worrying. We’ve been through enough trouble over the past few moons without wishing for more.”

Violetshine padded after her, comforted by her easy tone. They’d survived the storm. Surely there couldn’t be more trouble waiting for the Clans?

Leaves rustled behind her as Frecklewish and Fidgetflake followed.

“I wasn’t wishing for trouble,” Sandynose grumbled as he joined them. “But ignoring the rain doesn’t stop it from falling.”

At the top of the rise, Mintfur stopped. She stiffened and lifted her muzzle.

Violetshine could see her tasting the air. Alarm pricked beneath her pelt. “What is it?”

Mintfur’s eyes shone. “Can’t you smell it? Mouse!”

Sandynose had already dropped into a hunting crouch and was creeping toward a ditch that cut the forest floor like a claw mark.

Violetshine pricked her ears. She heard leaves rustle at the bottom of the ditch. The tangy scent of mouse touched her nose. She licked her lips. She hadn’t eaten yet, and even though she knew this catch would be taken back to camp for the fresh-kill pile, she was pleased to know that prey was returning after the leaf-bare chill. She hung back with Frecklewish and Fidgetflake, letting the others take the prey. Sandynose was already stalking along the top of the ditch. Mintfur had hopped over it lightly and was crouching farther along, her gaze fixed intently on the leaves at the bottom. As they rustled, Sandynose pounced. Landing in the ditch, he slapped his paws down. Mintfur dropped in front of him, blocking the mouse’s escape. But she needn’t have worried. Sandynose caught it cleanly and killed it with a quick bite.

“Thank you, StarClan, for this prey,” Frecklewish whispered beside Violetshine.

Sandynose hopped out of the ditch, the fat mouse dangling from his jaws.

Fidgetflake dropped the herb bundle he’d been holding between his teeth and sniffed the mouse. “That’s even bigger than the one that Macgyver brought back yesterday.”

Mintfur scrambled up beside Sandynose, purring. “It’s good to see the fresh-kill pile well-stocked again. There’s enough food for everyone.”

Sandynose dropped the mouse. “Even now that we’ve got an extra mouth to feed.” He swapped glances with Mintfur.

The gray she-cat rolled her eyes. “You mean Tree.”

“He was supposed to help out with patrols, but I notice that Leafstar never asks him to join and he never offers.” Sandynose looked indignant.

“He doesn’t mind sharing what’s on the fresh-kill pile, though,” Mintfur mewed meaningfully.

Violetshine bristled. “He can take what he wants from the fresh-kill pile. He’s part of the Clan now.”

“How can he be?” Mintfur asked. “He doesn’t even know the warrior code.”

“He didn’t join as a warrior,” Violetshine meowed defensively. “He joined as a mediator.”

“I’ve never seen him mediate,” Mintfur shot back.

“That’s because there’s been nothing to mediate yet.” Violetshine glared at her.

Frecklewish padded along the top of the ditch, looking thoughtful. “It is strange having a cat in the Clan who doesn’t act like a warrior. But his role is new and he’s still finding his paws. I think Leafstar was right to ask him to join us. Tree has a way with other cats that puts them at ease.”

“He’d put me at ease if he spent less time lying around camp and more time helping out,” Sandynose muttered. “If he doesn’t want to patrol, he could help repair the dens instead. There are still walls and roofs that need patching after the storm. And with so many apprentices, we could do with more space in the apprentices’ den.”

Anger flared through Violetshine. She lifted her chin. “If you’ve got a problem with Tree, why don’t you talk to him instead of complaining about him?”

“Don’t think I haven’t tried,” Sandynose answered. “But you know how he is. Always so easygoing and friendly. It’s hard to criticize him. He always has an answer. He says he ‘doesn’t want to get in the way,’ or he’s ‘learning by watching.’ And he seems so genuine, it’s hard to argue.”