The Raging Storm

“If we want to avoid arousing suspicion, it’s best we don’t start a conversation with a ShadowClan cat while standing next to their scent trail.”

Violetshine looked at him. “Of course! We don’t want them to realize we’ve noticed their scent on our land.”

He nudged his shoulder teasingly against hers as they walked. “You’re smarter than you look.”

“Hey!” She nudged him back. “I look as smart as you.”

“Almost.” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, then broke into a run.

She charged after Tree, happy to be out in the forest alone with him. The warm breeze streamed through her fur as she followed him, zigzagging between trees and leaping branches that had fallen during the storm. He was heading toward the border that led to the lake. As they neared it, she waited for him to slow down. But he kept running, clearly enjoying the fresh air as much as she did.

“Watch out!” She could smell the scent markers ahead.

He glanced back without slowing. “What for?”

“The border!” Alarm sparked beneath her pelt. If they crossed into ShadowClan territory, they could make the situation worse. “Stop!”

Tree pulled up a tail-length from the scent line. He tasted the air, his pelt pricking in surprise. “I didn’t realize we were so close.”

“Couldn’t you smell it?”

“Not till now.” Tree whisked his tail. “I’m still learning the different Clan scents. All Clan cats smell the same to me.”

“But you knew the border was here, right?” She knew her Clan’s borders with her eyes closed.

“I do now.”

“I guess you haven’t been on many patrols like I have.” She glanced at him. “Maybe you should start going on them.” If he joined in with Clan patrols, her Clanmates might accept him more easily.

He shrugged. “I guess. But it seems a lot of effort. It’s like you’re looking for trouble. I always think you should wait to see if trouble finds you, not go searching for it.”

“It does no harm to be prepared.” Would Tree ever settle into Clan life? With a jolt, Violetshine wondered if he even intended to. Perhaps he was just staying with SkyClan temporarily before he moved on to somewhere new. The thought sent hedgehog prickles through her heart. Should she ask him what his intentions were? She glanced at her paws, feeling hot. He might make fun of her for caring.

“Look.” His hushed mew made her lift her head. She followed his gaze. Cloverfoot, a ShadowClan warrior, was padding between the brambles on the other side of the border. The gray tabby’s gaze flitted intently from one bush to another. Her ears were pricked expectantly. She was clearly looking for prey.

Tree turned his gaze to Violetshine. “I told Hawkwing that the best prey is always closer to the lake. But he said that in newleaf prey is good everywhere.” He spoke loudly; Violetshine guessed that he was trying to attract Cloverfoot’s attention.

“It’s better in greenleaf.” She matched his tone, glancing at Cloverfoot. The ShadowClan warrior had heard them and was heading toward the border.

“Why are you yowling so loudly?” she growled across the scent line. “I’m trying to hunt. You’ll scare the prey away.”

Tree turned to her, his eyes wide with innocence. “I’m sorry.” He sounded contrite. “If I’d seen you I’d have kept my voice down.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Violetshine mumbled.

Tree gazed admiringly at the ShadowClan warrior as though he were unaware of her bristling fur. “I doubt a warrior as fit as you will have any trouble catching prey. We’ll leave you in peace. Sorry for the disturbance.” He turned to walk away, then paused. “Prey must be running well in ShadowClan, too,” he mewed breezily. “Our fresh-kill pile is so well-stocked that our apprentices grow faster than nettles.”

Cloverfoot swished her tail. “We’ve got plenty of prey.”

“Good.” Tree blinked at her. “Is ShadowClan doing okay? It must be good to be back in your real home.”

“It is.” Cloverfoot’s fur smoothed. “We’ve rebuilt the dens and reinforced the barrier wall. The camp is better than ever.”

Tree was gazing eagerly at Cloverfoot, his ears pricked as though he relished her every word. Violetshine felt a twinge of jealousy. “Tigerstar seems like a good leader,” Tree purred.

Cloverfoot puffed out her chest. “He’s a great leader.”

“Tougher than his father, eh?”

“Much tougher than Rowanclaw. All the cats respect him. He makes sure everyone’s belly is full, that the camp is kept in order, and that the apprentices are getting proper training. He says ShadowClan will be great again. We were strong in the past and we’ll be strong in the future.”

“That must be good to hear after all ShadowClan has been through.” Tree rounded his eyes sympathetically.

“It feels right,” Cloverfoot purred.

“Hawkwing says you’re keeping the borders well-marked,” Tree mewed. “He says strong borders make strong neighbors.” He caught Violetshine’s eye as though prompting her.

She hesitated. What did he want her to say? “It’s hard to stray across a well-marked border,” she mewed uncertainly. Had she guessed right?