Chapt 16

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a clan meeting!” Jayfeather heard Bramblestar’s voice ring out over the clearing. He padded out of his den, nearly bumping into Lionblaze.


“Come on, Bramblestar has called a meeting.” Lionblaze mewed.

“I may be blind, but I’m not deaf yet!” Jayfeather spat. He followed Lionblaze out in to the clearing. He sat next to Hollyleaf and Whitewing. Whitewing was busy cleaning Snakekit and Frogkit to speak so Jayfeather turned to Hollyleaf.

“Do you know what this is about?” Jayfeather asked.

“I don’t know, but all the clan leaders are on the Highledge.” Hollyleaf spoke. Jayfeather spread his senses to the clearing and sensed anticipation coming off Bramblestar and the new Shadowclan leader, Rowanstar.

“Bramblestar is stepping back for Rowanstar,” Hollyleaf whispered in his ear,” I think Rowanstar has something to say.”

“Would Snakekit and Frogkit please step forward,” The Shadowclan leader spoke,” Since Shadowclan has lost many brave warriors after this battle, Bramblestar and Mistystar have agreed to make their warriors mentors to these to apprentices.” Jayfeather was shocked, he sure this had never been done before.

“Lionblaze, you have the courage of the great cat that has given you your name, I hope that you pass down all that you know to young Frogpaw.” This time Bramblestar spoke. Jayfeather heard a shrill squeak of excitement next to him and a small scurrying of paws. He heard Lionblaze get up instantly at his name and pad over to the young cat. Jayfeather knew they would touch noses.

“Reedwhisker, you have shown the thoughtfulness and bravery, both have made you great warrior. I hope that you pass down all that you know to Snakepaw,” Mistystar mewed. Jayfeather did not hear the squeak he heard the first time, but heard the apprentice jump up-and-down.

“Snakepaw! Frogpaw! Snakepaw! Frogpaw!” Cheers erupted from the cats.

Jayfeather went over and congratulated the two new apprentices.

“We have more news to announce,” Onestar’s voice called out, “Flametail and Kestrelflight both died in the battle, so now we are without two medicine cats. When the clans separate, Windclan and Shadowclan will need a medicine cat. I think Willowshine and Jayfeather should go and share tongues with Starclan.”

“It is the half moon tomorrow,” Willowshine murmured.

“I agree, what is a clan without a medicine cat?” Bramblestar mewed.

“Then it’s settled, we’ll leave tomorrow.” Jayfeather yelled up to the clan leaders.





Willowshine and Jayfeather picked their way out of the clearing, trying not to disturb the sleeping cats.

“You wouldn’t even know we were four clans 2 moons ago.” Willowshine murmured.

“The only difference is scent, and that is starting to smell the same too,” Jayfeather added.

It was true, the clans were getting along better than Jayfeather had suspected, except from the bickering from the elders.

“I hope we get some sign about the other medicine cats.” Willowshine whispered. Jayfeather nodded in agreement. They raced towards Windclan territory, running through the heather and over the hills. They arrived at the Moonpool before dusk and settled down before going to into the cave.

“We made good time,” Willowshine sighed.

“Yes, faster without waiting for the other medicine cats to show.” Jayfeather mewed. He could feel his pelt getting colder from the falling sun, so he suggested they go inside. They traveled to the cave and the dimpled stone made his whiskers twitch in anticipation. He lay in his spot before lapping up the cool water. He opened his eyes and saw a ginger starry cat in front of him.

“Firestar!” Jayfeather stood up and licked his former leader’s ear.

“Jayfeather,” Firestar’s voice was firm but Jayfeather could tell he too was excited about seeing his former clanmate.

“Jayfeather, Shadowclan and Windclan need a medicine cat. You must train an apprentice for the other two clans. They have not been born yet, and Starclan will show you the kit who will be your apprentice.” Firestar explained carefully.

“I’ll do my best,” Jayfeather dipped his head to Firestar as the starry cat faded away.

Jayfeather woke to darkness and heard Willowshine get up and stretch.

“Firestar told me to wait for the birth of a kit to train. He said Starclan would show me who to train.” Jayfeather padded next to Willowshine.

“Leopardstar showed me the same thing.” Willowshine yawned.

“How long do you think it will be?” Jayfeather wondered.

“The only queen in the nursery that hasn’t kitted is Cinderheart, but I don’t think Starclan would have a kit from another clan go into another clan. Maybe there is a she-cat who is pregnant but doesn’t know it.” Willowshine suggested.

“There must be two, from each clan.” Jayfeather assumed.

“When we get back to camp we should check all the she-cats, from every clan, just to be safe.” Willowshine mewed to Jayfeather.

“That’s what I was thinking.” Jayfeather walked next to the she-cat. He hoped the kits would be shown to them soon, the clans needed medicine cats, fast.