Tigerheart’s Shadow

Tigerheart followed, feeling sick. He’d done what was right for his Clan, but he knew he’d crossed a line his father would not easily forgive. It hurt to disappoint him. Worse, it worried him to know that Rowanstar could be so shortsighted. How could Tigerheart ever hope to protect ShadowClan if his father wasn’t smart enough to see beyond a piece of prey? Hopelessness flooded him. He could keep the love of his father or he could save his Clan. What choice was that? Was this what he’d abandoned Dovewing and his kits for?

Chapter 8

Tigerheart hunted alone until nightfall. The three mice and two shrews he added to the fresh-kill pile meant that all his Clanmates could eat. They’d find the flesh sweet and soft, but they wouldn’t taste the bitter resentment that had driven him to hunt so determinedly.

He crouched now beneath a jutting knot of brambles beside the warrior den. The night was cold, and his sodden fur did little to keep out the chill. The rain pounded the clearing. Snowbird and Scorchfur were patrolling the borders. The rest of his Clanmates had long since withdrawn to their dens. Tigerheart didn’t want to go to his nest yet. He didn’t want to listen to Stonewing and Grassheart snoring. He knew he wouldn’t sleep. Worry about Dovewing would crowd his thoughts the moment he closed his eyes. It pricked at his belly now. Had she found somewhere safe and dry to shelter for the night? Perhaps she was keeping ahead of this relentless rain.

He saw two shapes move outside Rowanstar’s den.

“Go and talk to him.” Tawnypelt’s mew was muffled by the downpour. Tigerheart saw her nudge Rowanstar toward him.

As his father approached, he straightened and sat up, curling his tail tightly around his paws. Rain streamed from his whiskers.

“You shouldn’t have interfered.” Rowanstar stopped in front of him.

Tigerheart could see anger still burning in his father’s gaze and, behind it, hurt. “I’m sorry.” He dipped his head. He might have been right about the rabbit, but he knew how much he’d humiliated his father by stepping between his Clanmates and SkyClan. “I just didn’t want to see anyone get hurt.” He wondered if he should remind him that it would be a good idea to stay friendly with SkyClan. He decided to appeal to Rowanstar’s kindness instead. “After all we suffered with Darktail, I didn’t want to see more cats wounded.”

Rowanstar seemed to flinch; the memory clearly pained him. “I understand how you feel, Tigerheart. You care about your Clanmates. You are a good warrior, but leading a Clan that has been torn apart by rogues is hard enough. Leading a Clan when your son and deputy publicly challenges your decisions is impossible.” He gazed at Tigerheart, his eyes glittering solemnly in the darkness.

“I didn’t mean to undermine you,” Tigerheart meowed quickly. “I just wanted to do what was right.”

Rowanstar held his gaze. “Your plan worked. SkyClan promised to return what they stole and everyone was left unscathed.” He stared at the muddy earth for a moment before lifting his gaze to meet Tigerheart’s once more. “I am proud of you. I know that one day you will be a great leader. But it is hard to be eclipsed.”

Sympathy welled in Tigerheart’s chest. Rowanstar wanted to do the best for his Clan, but he didn’t always seem to know how. Had it always been this way? Had he been out of his depth since StarClan named him leader? Perhaps I was too young to realize until now. Tigerheart gazed softly at his father. “How did you know you wanted to be leader?”

Rowanstar blinked back at him. “I’m not sure I did. But when Blackstar made me deputy, I realized the difference between being a leader and a warrior.” Tigerheart leaned forward, pricking his ears as Rowanstar went on. “A leader’s loyalty and heart lie with his Clan. A warrior’s loyalty and heart lie with his leader.” His gaze seemed to reach deep into Tigerheart, tugging guilt from his belly. He’s telling me to trust him. But how can I when I know better? When the sun is strong, the shadows are strong.

“Do you want to lead this Clan?”

Rowanstar’s blunt question took him by surprise. Had his eyes betrayed his thoughts?

“Wh-when my time comes,” Tigerheart stammered. “But there’s no need to think of that now. You have moons left.”

“I mean now.” Rowanstar’s gaze remained steady. “Leaders have stepped down before and handed leadership to their deputy if it’s what is best for the Clan. I will support you if you wish to take my place. I can see that you are strong and wise, despite your youth. If you are ready to lead, I won’t stand in your way.”