River Of Fire

Hot embarrassment flooded over Violetshine. “I don’t know what you mean,” she mumbled, all the while sure that she did know what her father meant.

“I’ve seen you and Tree spending time together,” Hawkwing continued, amusement in his voice. “I’m glad you’ve found each other. Tree is a bit weird, but I think he has a good heart. He would probably make a good father.”

Violetshine felt even more embarrassed and confused, though at the same time she was pleased that her father approved of Tree. But I don’t want to talk about having kits with him! It’s way too soon for that!

She sought desperately for some way to change the subject, but before she could decide what to say, Hawkwing halted and pointed with his tail. “Look!” he exclaimed. “We can see the fire now. It’s coming from RiverClan territory. Come on!” he urged, glancing back at the ShadowClan cats who followed him.

Hawkwing picked up the pace until the patrol was racing through the forest. Ahead of her Violetshine could see leaping flames, and as they drew closer, she could hear the crackling of fire and the screeches of panic-stricken cats.

“Faster!” Hawkwing yowled.

The sounds were dying away by the time the patrol broke out of the trees near the halfbridge and pelted across the little Thunderpath. Ahead, Violetshine saw a smoldering glow in the direction of the RiverClan camp, with clouds of smoke surging around it. A small group of cats was huddled together at the edge of the lake.

So few! Violetshine thought, fear gripping her with icy claws. Are we too late?

She halted, panting, on the lakeshore as the RiverClan deputy, Reedwhisker, staggered forward and dipped his head to Hawkwing.

“What happened?” Hawkwing asked. “Where’s Mistystar?”

“Lightning struck a tree,” Reedwhisker answered. His eyes were wild and his fur was bristling. “It caught fire and fell on our camp. And I don’t know where Mistystar is.”

Willowshine limped forward to stand at Reedwhisker’s shoulder. “I think she and some of the others escaped the other way, toward WindClan,” she replied. “Oh, StarClan, I hope so!”

“What can we do to help?” Hawkwing asked.

Reedwhisker and Willowshine exchanged a glance; both cats looked overwhelmed.

“We need shelter,” Reedwhisker responded at last.

“And help with healing,” Willowshine added. “The fire destroyed our store of herbs. Mothwing was badly hurt trying to save them.”

Glancing past her, Violetshine spotted the golden-pelted medicine cat lying stretched out on the ground, and her belly clenched with compassion. Mothwing was so limp and still that she almost looked like she was dead.

She’s so brave! She could have gotten herself killed, trying to save the herbs for her Clan.

While Hawkwing and the ShadowClan cats began to discuss what was best to do, Violetshine gazed along the shoreline. By now the fire was dying down, leaving blackened debris at the water’s edge. Beyond the stream that marked the border, she caught sight of small, dark figures moving to and fro, half hidden by the swirling smoke.

“Look!” she called out.

Reedwhisker spun around and let out a cry of pure relief. “Our Clanmates!”

Seeming suddenly energized, he headed along the water’s edge, hardly seeming to notice the scraps of smoldering bark and twigs. The other RiverClan cats streamed after him, while Hawkwing followed more cautiously with his patrol.

As they drew closer, Violetshine recognized Mistystar among the group on the far side of the stream, along with the rest of her Clan. Most were on their paws, though a few were lying on the ground, clearly injured.

But at least they’re safe, Violetshine thought.

She saw too that more cats were gathered around; she spotted Bramblestar, Ambermoon, Larksong, and other warriors from ThunderClan and WindClan. And a slender, gray figure who was achingly familiar. There’s Twigpaw! she realized with a sudden lifting of her heart.

“Typical ThunderClan,” Juniperclaw muttered from just behind her. “Always sticking their whiskers in.”

Violetshine ignored him. Bounding forward, she reached the edge of the border stream and called out to her sister. “Twigpaw! You’re okay!”

Twigpaw stumbled up to the water’s edge; her pelt was soaked and plastered to her body, she was limping on three legs, and she looked exhausted.

“What happened to you?” Violetshine asked, full of anxiety for her sister.

“Twigpaw is a hero,” Alderheart replied, padding up to the bank of the stream. “She saved Softpaw.”

“Really? Oh, well done!” Violetshine exclaimed. She could see the small, dark gray RiverClan apprentice crouching beside the stream. She looked battered, but out of danger, and she was gazing at Twigpaw with eyes full of gratitude.

Beside Violetshine, Hawkwing let out a purr of praise. “Twigpaw, I’m so proud of you,” he meowed.