Tigerheart’s Shadow

It had been a good hunt. The patrol had worked well together. Tigerheart felt hope flicker in his chest each time Juniperclaw called out to Stonewing to warn him of prey heading his way. And whenever Whorlpaw dipped his head respectfully as Juniperclaw gently adjusted his hunting crouch or showed him which part of a bracken stalk held prey-scent even when it rained, Tigerheart had dared to believe that ShadowClan would grow stronger and more united with time. Perhaps it didn’t matter if Rowanstar wasn’t a strong leader. Perhaps it was enough that Tigerheart was there to support them. Meanwhile, hunting and patrolling would bring the Clan together. Training their young to be great warriors would remind them of what it was to be loyal and brave. In a few seasons, the rogues would be forgotten and ShadowClan would thrive once more.

But where would Dovewing and his kits be by then? The thought pricked Tigerheart’s chest. Would she come back once she felt their kits would be safe with the Clans? If not, perhaps he could find a way to join her as soon as he felt that ShadowClan’s future was secure.

He dared not think about the dangers waiting beyond the Clan borders. She’s a warrior. The thought comforted him. She’d survived the battle with the Dark Forest. And the rogues. But what if she wasn’t all right? He pushed the thought away, fear slicing his belly so sharply he winced. Was his Clan really worth endangering his mate and kits for? Frustration itched beneath his pelt. Why did he have to make such a choice? It wasn’t fair.

Juniperclaw halted as he reached the camp entrance. Stonewing and Whorlpaw stopped beside him. He dropped his prey and sniffed the air suspiciously. “ThunderClan cats have been here.” He looked at Tigerheart. “I wonder what they wanted.”

A fresh chill crept through Tigerheart’s damp pelt. He could guess what they had wanted. Especially when he tasted the air and smelled Ivypool’s scent. They’d be looking for Dovewing. Of course her sister would come here. His fur prickled nervously. Had she said anything to Rowanstar about the secret meetings?

“Tigerheart!” Tawnypelt called through the entrance. “You’re back.” She hurried out of camp and quickly nosed Tigerheart away from the patrol.

Stonewing called to her. “What did ThunderClan want?”

“One of their warriors is missing.” Tawnypelt glanced at the white tom and flicked her tail nonchalantly. “It’s their problem, not ours, but they wondered if we’d seen her.”

Juniperclaw narrowed his eyes. “I hope Rowanstar didn’t let us get drawn into ThunderClan’s problems.”

“Of course he didn’t,” Tawnypelt answered sharply.

“We’ve got enough of our own,” Juniperclaw grouched. “First it’s prophecies about coming storms, then it’s six-toed cats, then missing warriors. ThunderClan is always coming to us with some problem. I hope Rowanstar was firm with them.”

Irritation flared beneath Tigerheart’s pelt. “Of course he was firm,” he mewed curtly. “Why wouldn’t he be?”

Stonewing dropped his thrush. “He’s not exactly decisive these days.”

“How dare you?” Tigerheart glowered at the tom. His gaze flashed to Juniperclaw. “You weren’t here when ThunderClan came. You don’t know what was said. Don’t assume Rowanstar let any cat push him around. You have to trust him!” His hackles lifted. “He’s our leader.” He glared at Juniperclaw and Stonewing until they dropped their gazes.

Whorlpaw shifted his paws uneasily. “Which warrior is missing?”

“Dovewing.” Tawnypelt’s mew was even.

Whorlpaw’s eyes widened. “Perhaps the sick badger got her.”

“Nonsense.” Tawnypelt flicked her tail impatiently. “We sent out a patrol to check that the badger was gone, remember? There’s been no scent of it on our land since the rain started.”

“Perhaps it went onto ThunderClan’s territory,” Whorlpaw persisted.

“If she was attacked by a badger on their territory, they’d know about it,” Juniperclaw pointed out.

Tigerheart shifted his weight self-consciously. He was the only cat who knew the truth. He dropped his gaze. Ivypool must be beside herself with worry. ThunderClan would be grieving.

Tawnypelt nudged Tigerheart to one side, flicking her tail toward the patrol. “Take your catch into camp,” she told them. “The fresh-kill pile needs filling.” As they obeyed and disappeared through the bramble tunnel, Tawnypelt looked into Tigerheart’s eyes. “Do you know anything about Dovewing’s disappearance?”

“No.” Tigerheart’s pelt burned as he struggled to return his mother’s gaze innocently. “Why should I?”

“I saw the way you were with her when we were living with ThunderClan. You ate with her and talked with her like she was the only cat in camp. And it wasn’t just me who noticed. Ivypool asked specifically if you knew anything about Dovewing’s disappearance. She’s clearly suspicious. She’s on her way to SkyClan right now to ask them if they’ve seen Dovewing. But I know she doesn’t believe they’ll have any answers.” Her whiskers twitched. “Was there anything going on between you and Dovewing?”