Bramblestar’s Storm

Bramblestar was glad that the two kittypets were adapting so well, but he could see that they were both tired after the morning’s unaccustomed exercise. “No, you’ve already done your bit,” he meowed. He had been watching the two medicine cats patiently trekking back and forth with mouthfuls of herbs, and now he suggested, “Why don’t you help Jayfeather and Leafpool sort out their supplies?”

“That would be great.” Leafpool padded over to them. “We’re managing to build up a store again, but we lost everything so we had to start over.”

Bramblestar spotted Dovewing talking to Brightheart, who had also been helping the medicine cats. “Do you think you could take Minty with you to look for herbs? It would help her get used to the forest.”

“Sure,” Brightheart responded.

Bramblestar gave Dovewing a grateful nod, impressed by her kindness and her good sense in guessing what would help Minty to feel better about her new surroundings.

Cherryfall and Mousewhisker puffed past him, dragging branches, with Brackenfur and Dustpelt to supervise.

“Careful as you go past the mudfall,” Dustpelt warned. “We spent a lot of time getting it secure, and I don’t want you to dislodge it.”

“We’re being careful,” Cherryfall panted.

“It’ll be fine,” Brackenfur reassured Dustpelt. “Think how much more comfortable the nests will be when we install these windbreaks.”

Bramblestar watched them as they disappeared into the tunnel. He couldn’t help noticing how old Dustpelt and Brackenfur were looking, the fur around their muzzles fading to gray and their movements growing stiffer. I’m glad they have the younger cats to help them.

“No, Purdy, you don’t need to go on patrol.” Squirrelflight’s voice interrupted Bramblestar’s thoughts. “I need you to help look after the sick cats—Briarlight especially.”

Bramblestar purred. I’d be lost without Squirrelflight to keep every cat in line! She has a knack for making them all feel useful and important, even Purdy.

When the sturdy tabby had gone bumbling off into the tunnel, Squirrelflight noticed that Bramblestar was looking at her, and padded across to him. “Do you have any special tasks for today?”

“I’m thinking of going over to ShadowClan to have a word with Rowanstar,” Bramblestar meowed. “Just to see how he’s coping.”

Squirrelflight blinked in surprise. “I don’t think Rowanstar will appreciate another Clan muscling in,” she told him.

“Blackstar was generous to me when I first became Clan leader,” Bramblestar responded. “I’d like to return the favor.” He didn’t tell Squirrelflight about his encounter with Tawnypelt.

Squirrelflight still didn’t look impressed, but she didn’t argue any more. “Then I’ll stay here and keep an eye on the camp,” she mewed.

Bramblestar glanced around to see which cats were free to come with him, and beckoned Leafpool with a wave of his tail. “I’m going to visit ShadowClan,” he informed her. “Now that Jayfeather has some help, I’d like you to come with me.”

“Sure, Bramblestar.”

“Spiderleg, Cinderheart!” Bramblestar called.

The long-legged black warrior came bounding over, while Cinderheart, who had been talking to Lionblaze under a nearby elder bush, followed more slowly, with Lionblaze still at her side.

“Can I come too?” Lionblaze asked when he heard where his Clan leader and the others were going.

Bramblestar shook his head. “I’m not expecting trouble,” he meowed, “so I don’t want to take too many warriors with me. Besides, Lionblaze, you have a habit of bringing trouble to ShadowClan all by yourself.”

“Okay,” Lionblaze agreed without protest. He touched noses with Cinderheart. “Take care,” he mewed softly. “You don’t know what you’re going to find over there.”

Cinderheart gave his ear a lick. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

Watching their farewell, Leafpool leaned close to Bramblestar. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we have some new kits in the Clan soon,” she murmured.

Kits! Bramblestar thought happily. Then he let out a sigh. I hope they aren’t born outside the hollow, in this cold, damp tunnel.

As Bramblestar’s patrol was getting ready to leave, Jessy looked up from where she was sorting herbs with Jayfeather and came racing over to them. “Good luck, Bramblestar,” she meowed. “You’re being a good brother to do this.”

Squirrelflight looked puzzled. “What does she mean, ‘a good brother’?” she asked, her tail-tip twitching.

Bramblestar began to regret that he hadn’t told Squirrelflight about his meeting with Tawnypelt. But it’s too late now. “Oh… uh… I guess Jessy knows my sister is in ShadowClan, and that I’m worried about her.”

Squirrelflight didn’t look convinced by his reply, her green gaze flicking from Bramblestar to Jessy and back again. “Well, isn’t Jessy learning quickly,” she commented after a moment.