The Raging Storm

“Nor can I.” Alderheart sniffed the ShadowClan medicine cat’s wounds. They were healing fast, and there was no sign of fever. “Five medicine cats shared the same vision. How much more proof do they need before they will act?”

“What can they do?” Grassheart looked puzzled. “Tigerstar can’t abandon our claim to territory. We need more space to hunt. As long as SkyClan keeps our land, ShadowClan will always face the threat of hunger.”

“Some Clan has to give SkyClan territory,” Puddleshine argued. “Is it too much to ask each of us to donate a little? At least the burden will be shared.”

Alderheart wasn’t sure Leafstar would like to hear SkyClan called a burden, but he agreed that it wasn’t fair to ask ShadowClan alone to give land to SkyClan. “If only the other leaders were willing to compromise.”

“Leafstar could have compromised,” Grassheart pointed out. “She could have agreed to let ShadowClan hunt on SkyClan’s land.”

Puddleshine frowned. “Two Clans chasing the same prey could never work.”

Alderheart’s paws felt heavy. There seemed no way to find space for SkyClan beside the lake and keep peace between the Clans.

A shadow moved at the entrance. Alderheart’s paws sparked with anxiety as Tigerstar padded into the den. Are you accusing ShadowClan of using your seeds to poison Sparrowpelt? Tigerstar’s words rang in his head as he dipped his head in greeting. “Hi.” Was the ShadowClan leader still angry with him?

“Hi.” Tigerstar shook rain from his pelt and glanced around the den. “How are your patients today?”

Alderheart shifted his paws. “Grassheart’s wound is healing well. There’s no sign of infection, and Puddleshine—”

Tigerstar cut him off. “I can see Puddleshine is looking much better. You’ve done great work here, Alderheart. ShadowClan will always be grateful to you for tending to our medicine cat and taking such good care of our Clanmates while he’s been ill.” Tigerstar’s piercing gaze swung toward him. There was no sign of anger, but the dark tabby’s tone was brisk as he went on. “I think it’s time you went home. Puddleshine looks well enough to take up his duties once more.”

“I am.” Puddleshine lifted his chin.

“Good.” Tigerstar kept his gaze on Alderheart. “Are you ready to leave?”

“Yes.” Alderheart blinked at him. Was Tigerstar throwing him out?

“Your Clan must miss you. I’m sure they’ll be glad to have you back.” Tigerstar glanced toward the entrance, where rain dripped from the brambles. “You can wait out the rain if you like.”

“Thanks, but I’d like to get home as soon as possible.” Alderheart didn’t care whether Tigerstar wanted him to leave. His heart felt suddenly light as he realized that he was no longer responsible for ShadowClan. He was going home. He nodded to Puddleshine. “Take care of yourself.”

Puddleshine dipped his head. “Thanks, Alderheart. You saved my life.”

“You would’ve have done the same for me.”

As Puddleshine gazed at him warmly, Grassheart sat up. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

“I’m glad I could help.” Alderheart signaled to Puddleshine with a flick of his tail. “I put marigold on Grassheart’s wound this morning. She’ll need fresh ointment tonight.”

“I’ll see to it.”

Tigerstar didn’t move as Alderheart padded to the den entrance. “Do you need a patrol to escort you?”

“No, thanks.” Alderheart slipped outside. There was someplace he wanted to go before he headed home, and he didn’t want a ShadowClan patrol watching. He hurried through the rain, surprised as he saw Berryheart duck out of the nursery.

“Are you leaving?” She blinked at him, raindrops collecting on her whiskers.

“Yes.” Alderheart halted. “Puddleshine’s well again.”

Dovewing slid out. “Thank you for taking care of Shadowkit.”

“And Hollowkit,” Berryheart chimed in.

“Keep him out of this rain,” Alderheart told her.

“I will.” As Berryheart spoke, Shadowkit hurried from the den.

“Are you leaving?” He stared at Alderheart with round eyes.

“Yes.” Alderheart tipped his head, disappointed at leaving the young tom.

“But I was going to help you in the medicine den later.”

Sadness pricked Alderheart’s belly as he saw the kit’s eyes dull. He hated letting Shadowkit down. “You can help Puddleshine,” he told him. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

Shadowkit looked crestfallen. “But I like helping you.”

Dovewing scooped the kit close with her tail. “Alderheart has to go. His Clan needs him.”

“But what if I have another vision?”

Alderheart saw Dovewing’s eyes darken. “Your mother knows what to do,” he soothed, hearing his voice sound confident, while feeling a faint tingle of uncertainty in his belly. He still hadn’t gotten to the bottom of Shadowkit’s last vision, but it certainly sounded ominous. “Be careful,” he called as he headed for the camp entrance. “Stay in camp. Don’t forget that visions are sent to guide us.”