Shattered Sky

It wasn’t ShadowClan territory Violetpaw had in mind. It was time to admit she couldn’t fight Darktail alone. She was heading for ThunderClan, and her sister.

I hope Twigpaw isn’t too angry with me for what happened in the battle. Because I desperately need her help.

Violetpaw slipped swiftly and silently through the undergrowth, keeping close to the edge of the lake. All her senses were alert for the sound or scent of any rogues who might be hunting in ShadowClan territory, but she did not meet any cat until she splashed through the stream that marked the border with ThunderClan.

Drawing a long breath, Violetpaw began to relax, padding more confidently toward the ThunderClan camp, only to grow tense again as powerful, fresh scents—a mixture of ThunderClan and RiverClan—flowed over her from a bank of ferns just ahead. A moment later the fern fronds waved and three cats pushed their way into the open.

In the lead was a young gray-and-white tom Violetpaw recognized as Dewnose. The other two were less familiar to her, though she had seen them now and then at Gatherings and knew that they came from RiverClan. I should remember their names… Podlight and… yes, Beetlewhisker.

Violetpaw waited, dipping her head respectfully, as the patrol bounded up to her.

“What are you doing here?” Dewnose asked.

To Violetpaw’s relief, he sounded surprised rather than hostile. “I don’t mean you any harm,” she meowed hastily. “I’ve come for help—and to see my sister.”

“Why should we believe you?” Podlight asked roughly. “How do we know you aren’t part of a rogue plan to attack?”

“Oh, come on, Podlight.” Dewnose gave the RiverClan tom a shove. “If Darktail wanted to attack, would he warn us by sending an apprentice?”

“I’m here alone,” Violetpaw assured them. “Darktail doesn’t know. If you don’t believe me, you can leave some cat to watch the border while the rest of you escort me in.”

Podlight gave her a curt nod, seeming satisfied with that.

“What about the prisoners?” Beetlewhisker asked anxiously. “Are they okay? Will Darktail let them leave soon?”

Violetpaw wasn’t sure how to answer that. “They’re still alive,” she told him after a moment’s hesitation. “And they’re part of the reason that I’m here. But I need help.”

Dewnose nodded, a pleased look on his face. “I’d better bring you to Bramblestar,” he mewed.

“And Mistystar,” Podlight added sharply.

Dewnose flicked his tail in annoyance. “Sure, and Mistystar,” he muttered.

Violetpaw followed Dewnose through the forest, the two RiverClan warriors flanking her on either side. As she emerged into the clearing from the thorn tunnel, she halted for a moment, overwhelmed by the crowds of cats in front of her.

Have all the ShadowClan and RiverClan cats ended up here? Violetpaw hadn’t ever given much thought to what had happened to the Clan cats the Kin had displaced. Now she was stunned by just how crowded the ThunderClan camp was.

Over the other side of the camp she caught a glimpse of Juniperclaw and Strikestone, and felt a jolt of relief that at least Dawnpelt’s kits had made it here safely. But then she spotted Rowanstar beside them; he had seen her, and the look in his eyes was cold and unfriendly.

Violetpaw cringed inwardly, suddenly more nervous than ever. Why did I think these cats would greet me as a friend? I hardly know any of them—and the ones I do know probably think I’m a traitor.

“Come on, Violetpaw.” Dewnose touched her shoulder with his tail-tip. “I’ll take you to Bramblestar.”

Violetpaw hesitated. “Could I possibly talk to Twigpaw first?”

Dewnose’s gaze clouded with concern, making Violetpaw feel even more agitated.

“What—” she began.

“I think I know a cat who can help you,” Dewnose interrupted her gently.

He hurried off, weaving his way through the groups of cats in the clearing, until he disappeared behind a bramble screen; Violetpaw remembered that was the entrance to the medicine-cat den.

A moment later, Alderheart appeared; at the sight of him Violetpaw felt such a rush of relief that for a heartbeat she was unsteady on her paws. Alderheart is Twigpaw’s friend. Surely he will help me!

“Violetpaw, thank goodness you’re all right!” Alderheart meowed as he bounded up to her. “How are you? And how has Needletail been since I visited with Mothwing? I know she said things were fine—but they didn’t seem fine.”

“Not fine is right,” Violetpaw told him. “In fact, they could hardly be worse. I think Darktail has gone a bit crazy since he killed Rain. All he cares about is loyalty, and he punishes any cat he thinks isn’t loyal to him. And… and that includes Needletail.”