The Raging Storm

“It was a risk I had to take,” Alderheart told him. “He’d have died for sure if I hadn’t given them to him.”

Puddleshine stretched his muzzle forward. “I owe him my life.”

Tigerstar narrowed his eyes. “Then we must thank you, Alderheart. ShadowClan honors your courage.”

Alderheart dipped his head, warmed by Tigerstar’s praise. “I’m a medicine cat,” he murmured. “I had no other choice.”

“What can I do for you in return? Do you want to go home?”

“I’ll go as soon as Puddleshine is well enough to return to his duties here,” Alderheart told him. “ThunderClan can manage without me until then.” Tigerstar nodded as he went on. “But tonight I’d like to go to the Moonpool to share with StarClan.”

“It’s half-moon!” Tigerstar sounded as though he’d forgotten. He dipped his head. “I mustn’t stop a medicine cat from sharing with StarClan. And you can tell the other cats that Puddleshine is recovering. ShadowClan is whole again.”

And I’m no longer your prisoner. Alderheart blinked politely at the ShadowClan leader. “Thank you.”

As he spoke, Shadowkit trotted into the den. He flopped the dripping moss over the side of Grassheart’s nest and hurried to his father’s side. “Why is Alderheart thanking you?”

“I told him he could go to the Moonpool tonight.”

Shadowkit’s soft fur fluffed excitedly. “Can I go with him?”

Alderheart shook his head. “I’m afraid not,” he told the kit gently. “It’s a meeting for medicine cats. We’re going to share with StarClan.”

“I can share too.” Shadowkit lifted his muzzle. “I have visions.”

Alderheart saw Tigerstar’s gaze darken with worry. Was he remembering Shadowkit’s dream too?

“You have to stay in camp,” Tigerstar told Shadowkit. “Someone has to look after Puddleshine and Grassheart while Alderheart is gone.”

Shadowkit pricked his ears. “I’ll be in charge of the medicine den!”

“Yes.” Tigerstar purred indulgently. “And Tawnypelt can help you. Just in case you get sleepy.”

“I won’t get sleepy,” Shadowkit promised. He blinked earnestly at Alderheart. “I’ll make sure Puddleshine and Grassheart get the best care while you’re away.”

“Thank you.” Alderheart touched his nose to the kit’s head. “That will be a great help.”

The bright half-moon hung overhead. The high cliffs encircling the Moonpool reflected its light, sparkling where quartz cut lines through the granite.

Alderheart followed the trail dimpled by ancient paw prints to the bottom of the hollow. Frecklewish sat with Willowshine at the water’s edge. As Alderheart approached and dipped his head in greeting, the SkyClan medicine cat stood up. His ears pricked guiltily. Not long ago he’d been treating a wound inflicted by Frecklewish’s Clanmates. Did that make him disloyal? And if so, to whom? It’s not my battle. He pushed the thought away.

Leafpool was already hurrying to greet him, and Jayfeather was blinking at him, his blue gaze expectant.

“Are you okay?” Jayfeather sounded anxious.

“We were worried you might not come.” Leafpool pressed her muzzle eagerly to his cheek.

“I’m fine,” Alderheart reassured them.

“How’s Puddleshine?” Jayfeather’s fur twitched.

“He’s recovering. The fever broke last night.”

“Thank StarClan!” Leafpool lifted her eyes to the glittering sky.

Jayfeather padded closer. “The deathberries worked?”

“I told you they would.” Alderheart flicked his tail, relieved to feel certain at last.

“You were taking a risk,” Jayfeather grunted.

“You would have taken the same risk if it had been your idea,” Alderheart teased.

“Maybe.” Jayfeather settled at the water’s edge. A faint breeze stirred the water’s surface and set it rippling against the tips of the blind cat’s paws.

“Congratulations, Alderheart.” Leafpool’s eyes glistened with relief. “When can you come home?”

“I promised Tigerstar I’d stay until Puddleshine is well enough to return to his duties.” ShadowClan needed him.

“Hi.” Kestrelflight reached the pool breathlessly and nodded greetings to the other cats. He must have run the last part of the journey. Alderheart hadn’t seen him on the trail.

“Is all well in WindClan?” Leafpool asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Kestrelflight took his place at the water’s edge.

“How is ThunderClan?” Willowshine asked. “Any sickness?”

“The usual coughs and bellyaches,” Leafpool told her.

“RiverClan is well,” Willowshine reported. “Softpaw got caught in a strong current that carried her close to the rapids. Dapplepaw managed to drag her out in time, but she swallowed a lot of water.”

“Was she sick?” Leafpool asked.

“She’s getting better now.” Willowshine sounded relieved. “Mothwing’s back at camp, keeping an eye on her.” She glanced at Frecklewish. The SkyClan cat hadn’t spoken. “Where’s Fidgetflake?”

Frecklewish gazed into the water. “He stayed behind,” she mewed softly.

Alderheart exchanged glances with Leafpool. The SkyClan medicine cat was unusually quiet. Alderheart wondered if he should ask if all was well, but Frecklewish turned toward the pool and crouched beside it.

“Let’s share with StarClan,” she mewed.