Path Of A Warrior

Redpaw swallowed hard, panic spiking through him. I haven’t even learned that move yet!

Sunstar strode to the center of the clearing and yowled for attention. “It’s time for us to confront RiverClan,” he announced. “Bluefur will be leading the apprentices and their mentors, as well as Tigerclaw, to approach the RiverClan camp across the Twoleg bridge. Lionheart and Goldenflower will be staying behind to defend our camp.” The large golden tom and his smaller ginger sister exchanged disappointed glances but bowed their heads in agreement.

“Every other warrior, take the herbs that our medicine cats have for you; then we will go. Remember, right now we’re just giving them a warning. No cat is to attack unless I give the order or RiverClan attacks first.”

Featherwhisker and Spottedpaw moved between the warriors, giving out herbs. Spottedpaw came to Redpaw and dropped a small packet at his paws. “For strength,” she explained, and Redpaw dipped his head to lap them up, grimacing at their sharp taste.

Once each warrior and apprentice had finished their herbs, Sunstar paced to the camp’s entrance. “Follow me!” he yowled.

The warriors streamed out of camp behind their leader. Their tails were held high and their eyes were bright and eager. Redpaw watched them go, his stomach sour with nervousness. What’s wrong with me? I want to be a warrior. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. Why am I afraid to fight?

“What’s got your tail in a twist?” Tigerclaw had stopped beside him and was looking at Redpaw curiously.

“White-eye was talking to me about how she lost her eye,” Redpaw explained reluctantly. “She said that one wrong move can mark you forever, and she told me to hang back and let the warriors fight.”

Tigerclaw’s tail flicked dismissively. “White-eye’s just jealous because she’s chosen to have kits instead of fighting for her Clan,” he meowed coolly. “Don’t let her discourage you. She can’t fight right now, but your best warrior days are just beginning.”

They are? Redpaw’s pelt tingled. He liked the idea of becoming a strong warrior more than he did the idea of needing to be protected.

Tigerclaw was so confident. If he thought Redpaw was well on his way to being a strong warrior, he was probably right. Warmth spread through Redpaw’s chest.

“The best warriors don’t try to avoid a fight,” Tigerclaw went on. He slid out his sharp claws and raked the ground with one paw, leaving long deep lines in the dirt. “If RiverClan tries to argue with us, I’ll attack. We can’t hesitate if we want them to respect us.”

Redpaw knew that what Tigerclaw was saying was reckless: They should be waiting for Sunstar’s commands. But he couldn’t help the warm curl of admiration that ran through him. He’s so brave.

Redpaw watched as his father, Adderfang, disappeared through the gorse tunnel, the last of the warriors following Sunstar.

“Apprentices and mentors! Tigerclaw! With me!” Bluefur called. Her apprentice, Frostpaw, was standing beside her, wide-eyed.

Sparrowpelt touched noses with White-eye one more time, then turned away. “Come on, Redpaw,” he meowed as he strode toward Bluefur.

Redpaw’s eyes met his sister Spottedpaw’s again. She was standing outside the medicine cat’s den with Featherwhisker, her tail lashing excitedly. “Good luck, Redpaw!” she yowled. “Good luck, Willowpaw!” Waving his own tail to her in farewell, Redpaw took a deep breath and followed Sparrowpelt out of camp.

Bluefur took the lead, Sparrowpelt and Poppydawn side by side behind her. Stormtail followed with his apprentice, Brindlepaw, beside him, her sister Frostpaw eagerly chattering to them both. “Do you think we’ll see any of the RiverClan cats actually swimming?” Redpaw overheard her asking.

Willowpaw fell into step beside Redpaw as they paced through the forest, and Tigerclaw brought up the rear of the patrol. Recently fallen leaves crunched beneath their paws, and sunlight came between the trees’ branches, making bright patches on the forest floor. Redpaw shivered suddenly, only partly because of the leaf-fall chill in the air.

Willowpaw shot him a sharp glance. “Are you scared?” she whispered.

“A little bit,” Redpaw admitted, keeping his voice low so that Tigerclaw wouldn’t hear.

“Don’t worry,” Willowpaw told him. “Remember, we’re just delivering a warning to RiverClan. And if something does happen, we’re not alone. We’ve got the whole Clan; we’ve got Sparrowpelt and Poppydawn looking out for us… .” She pushed closer, her fur brushing his, and whispered even more quietly, “And Tigerclaw thinks he’s the best warrior in the whole forest. He won’t let us get hurt. It wouldn’t be good for his reputation.”

While the rest of the warriors headed straight for the RiverClan camp, Bluefur led her patrol up past the Owl Tree and close to Fourtrees before turning and following the river toward the Twoleg bridge.