Warrior Cats: Rising Smoke

Chapter 3

"Meadowclan also has lots of prey this New-leaf. Our bellies are fully, our Warriors strong, and more kits were added to our clan last night. We are happy to hear from Falconstar that danger of The Madness has passed and we can finally start to discuss what to do about the Treeclan territory."

"I agree with Falconstar that the dangers from The Madness have passed." Dawnstar said. "Although I know some cats weren't happy we waited so long, I think it was for the best to be absolutely sure there was no sickness left inside of Treeclan. Moonclan has three new Warriors who are with us here tonight: Bramblesun, Swiftshine and Ivyfeather are the kits of Eveningmist and our deputy Patchpelt. They sat vigil last sundown and are here today as fully Warriors of Moonclan." there was a cheer. 

"It is time to discuss what to do with the Treeclan Territory," Falconstar said. "As much as I'm sure Dawnstar would like it to remain empty, we must do something with it."

"There must be four clans in the forest." Ivybranch stepped forward and addressed the many cats who looked over at her. "I think all the Medicine Cats will agree with me that the right thing to do is return a fourth clan to the forest."

"And how are we supposed to create a fourth clan?" Falconstar sneered. "I think we should split it up for extra hunting grounds."

"There will be no easy way to break up the territory, and you know that Falconstar." Dawnstar came to Ivybranches defense. "Meadowclan doesn't even share borders with Treeclan. They would have to go through Mountainclan to even be able to use any of the Treeclan territory." 

"Dawnstar is right," Featherstar agreed. "There isn't an easy way to split up the territory so Meadowclan can also have access to it."

"So what do you think we should do?" Falconstar snarled at Featherstar.

"Windwhisker, Meadowclan Medicine Cat has informed me that he also has heard from Starclan that there should be four clans in the forest." there was a muttering as Falconstar's fur bristled. It was unspoken knowledge that Mountainclan Medicine cat Rosethorn had a week connection to Starclan. By Falconstar not having the same information about four clans in the forest as the other two clans, he looked very silly indeed.

"Well if Starclan has spoken," Falconstar grumbled angrily. "I still don't see how we are supposed to create a new clan out of thin air."

"Sparrowpaw and Cloverpaw of Moonclan," Danwstar stepped forward and when Cloverpaw heard his name his head whipped around in shock. He had been explicitly told not to mention the prophecy about his and Sparrowpaw's role in creating the fourth clan. He felt eyes on him and he gulped, feeling like his tongue was too big for his mouth. "are the kits of Cinderstar and Sunheart. They were chosen before they were born by Starclan to help create the fourth clan."

"And why are we just hearing of this now?" Featherstar challenged. "Why haven't our Medicine Cats told us anything about this?"

"I am telling you now." Dawnstar said calmly. 

"They are just apprentices." Fangstar laughed. 

"They are almost Warriors," Dawnstar explained. "They carry the blood of a great leader in their veins and they have been brought up with the knowledge of their duties to the fourth clan and are willing to sacrifice whatever is needed to make it happen." There was a moment of silence as the leaders all looked at one another.

"Are Sparrowpaw and Cloverpaw here tonight?" Featherstar finally asked, looking down at the crowd of cats. Dawnstar pointed to Cloverpaw who was wide eyed and wishing he would melt away into the earth.

"Sparrowpaw is back at camp after an exhausting day of training, and Cloverpaw is here tonight with his sister Brightpaw." All eyes turned to Cloverpaw and he kept his gaze with Dawnstar, afraid if he looked away he might run. Her strong eyes held his and it was only her strength and confidence in him that kept him from shrinking away.