Tallstar’s Revenge

Hareflight padded forward. “Tallpaw forgot he was fighting a Clanmate.”

Stagleap stared at the clumps of fur hanging from Shrewpaw’s pelt. “Did you think you were fighting a ShadowClan patrol?”

Tallpaw looked at the ground, his pelt hot.

Shrewpaw shrugged. “He just got lucky with a few swipes.”

“Go to Hawkheart,” Hareflight told him. “Get those scratches seen to while Dawnstripe and I speak with Heatherstar.”

Stagleap shot Tallpaw a questioning look, but Tallpaw wasn’t about to tell him anything. “I’m going to get a drink,” he muttered, and followed the trail that skirted the camp wall to the spring. As he rounded the corner, he slowed. He could hear mews up ahead. Two cats were already beside the water.

“Are you sure?” Tallpaw recognized Woollytail’s rasping mew.

Palebird answered him. “Yes. In two moons’ time.”

Tallpaw pricked his ears.

“What about Tallpaw?” Palebird meowed. “We should tell him first.”

“Of course,” Woollytail answered. “He’ll be pleased. It’s been a hard greenleaf for all of us. This will cheer him up.”

Tallpaw’s pelt pricked uneasily. What will cheer me up?

Palebird lowered her voice. “I think I should tell him by myself.”

Tallpaw brushed past the heather and faced his mother. “Tell me what?”

“Tallpaw!” Palebird’s eyes brightened. “I have good news.” Why is Woollytail looking so worried, then? Palebird gazed fondly at Woollytail. “I’m expecting kits.”

Tallpaw glared at him. “Yours?”

The tunneler lifted his muzzle. “Yes.”

“You’re going to be a brother at last,” Palebird gushed.

“But what about Sandgorse?” Tallpaw blinked at Woollytail. “You were his friend. How can you—”

“Sandgorse would be pleased.” Woollytail cut him off. “He wouldn’t want to see Palebird grieving for the rest of her life. You should be pleased for your mother.” Palebird’s eyes shone. “She hasn’t been this happy for a long time,” he went on.

Tallpaw’s heart twisted. Sandgorse and I couldn’t make you happy. But Woollytail can.

“You’ll still be her first kit,” Woollytail told him gently. “Did you really think you’d be her last?”

Tallpaw looked at the two cats. Woollytail’s eyes begged him to understand, while Palebird seemed oblivious that she’d caused him any pain. “Whatever makes her happy,” he growled, turning away. Mouth still dry and tasting of Shrewpaw’s blood, he marched into camp.

The Meeting Hollow was buzzing. Tallpaw’s Clanmates were streaming into it, their pelts ruffled with excitement. Cloudrunner looked over the rim. “Hurry up, Tallpaw, or you’ll miss your own naming ceremony!”

Aspenfall and Larksplash settled near the edge of the hollow. Mistmouse and Appledawn were discussing something animatedly while Plumclaw, Hickorynose, and Meadowslip sat close together. Tallpaw realized that for the first time, tunnelers and moor runners were sitting together.

Hopkit, Sorrelkit, and Pigeonkit leaned over the edge. “Why can’t we sit next to you?” Hopkit called to his mother.

Meadowslip shooed them away with a jerk of her muzzle. “Go and sit beside the nursery. You can see well enough from there. Heatherstar doesn’t need kits under her paws. This is an important ceremony.”

Tallpaw spotted the Clan leader standing in the middle of the hollow. Reedfeather stood a few paces behind while Hareflight and Dawnstripe flanked him. Shrewpaw was with his father. Redclaw puffed his chest out proudly and glanced up at the pale sky. Was he wondering if Brackenwing was watching?

Dawnstripe caught Tallpaw’s eyes, beckoning him with a flick of her tail. Did this mean he’d passed his assessment? Her eyes shone and she gave him a tiny nod. He’d passed! Tallpaw stared numbly back at her. Palebird had found a new family to replace her old one. What did it matter if he had a warrior name? She would have a litter of kits to look after soon. They’d make her happier than he ever had.

“Come on, Tallpaw.” Woollytail padded up behind him and nudged him forward.

Beside him, Palebird purred. “Your naming ceremony! So much good news in one day!”

Tallpaw narrowed his eyes. For you, maybe. He padded across the tussocks and slid down into the hollow.

Heatherstar dipped her head. “Leaf-bare is coming, but we will face it with two new warriors.” She looked at Shrewpaw. “Your warrior name will be Shrewclaw, in honor of your skill at hunting and fighting. You have trained well and are worthy of your warrior name.”

Shrewclaw fluffed out his tail and purred.

“Tallpaw.” Heatherstar’s eyes glowed as she gazed at him. Tallpaw shifted his paws. “Your father always meant to name you for your long tail, and so I give you your warrior name in honor of him. Talltail, one day you will be a greater warrior than even you can imagine. Sandgorse would be proud of you.”