Path Of A Warrior

Brook cocked her head to one side. “It’s very kind of you,” she meowed, “but you’re our guests of honor! I think you should rest now if you’re leaving later today.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Tawnypelt agreed, reluctantly sitting down and licking at her chest fur. She watched as the hunting party slipped out of the cave and disappeared beyond the waterfall. Dovewing was settled on the other side of the cave, chatting with one of the kit-mothers. Tawnypelt knew she’d be welcome to join them, but for now she was happy alone, watching the light flicker through the waterfall.

At last, she got up and left the cave, skirting the waterfall and coming out into the crisp cold sunlit day. She would hunt after all.

Brook and the others were long gone, but Tawnypelt didn’t worry. Her paws seemed to know the mountain paths, and her steps were swift and sure. At last she came to the bare top of a mountain and looked out. The air was clear, and she could see so far, past rivers and forests and hills.

The sun glinted off distant water, and Tawnypelt craned her neck. Was that the Clans’ lake? She thought so, and she could almost imagine Tigerstar beneath the pines, sending out patrols and organizing the repair of ShadowClan’s camp. It felt so far away. Is that my home? she wondered, her heart aching.

She hadn’t spoken aloud, but a familiar voice behind her answered, “It will be.”

“Oh, Rowanclaw.” Tawnypelt turned and touched her nose to his. His fur was glimmering with stars, but his amber gaze was as warm as ever. “I miss you so much,” she whispered. “All the time.”

Rowanclaw pressed his cheek against hers. “You’ve been such a loyal mate to me,” he said. “All our lives together, and even after I left you to join StarClan. I’ll always love you.”

“I love you, too,” Tawnypelt responded. His scent and voice were so familiar, so welcome. She wished it were this easy to conjure him all the time.

“But I’m gone now,” Rowanclaw said, his voice turning solemn. “I’m dead, and I’m fine. I’m happy in StarClan. We’ll be together there, but not for a long time.”

“A very long time?” Tawnypelt asked, her heart aching.

Rowanclaw gave a mrrow of laughter. “Many moons, and you’ll be happy again, I promise. But the long life ahead of you means you’ll have to adjust. Everything changes—you know that. Even your Clan.”

“It’s hard to forgive them for turning against you,” Tawnypelt said softly.

Rowanclaw sighed. “I have. And they will forgive me, too. I wasn’t the one they needed during the dark times. Tigerstar is a good leader.”

“I know,” Tawnypelt agreed.

“You have to give him a chance,” Rowanclaw went on. “Remember what a brave, clever cat he’s always been? With you and Dovewing supporting him, he can begin ShadowClan anew.”