Wintersky's Wonder - A Warrior Cats Side Story

Prologue

Nightly stars glistened up above Ryestar's head, casting a weak light onto the forest floor of camp. Ryestar looked out across the camp and leaped down from high-rock with a growl. The red she-cat turned her head sharply as another voice said, "Why are you up?" Ryestar saw her deputy, Shadefoot standing before her, head bowed in meek interest. He raised his head and stared into Ryestar's blue eyes, she staring back into his bright amber ones.

"Couldn't sleep," she replied strongly, raising her head high in pride. Shadefoot snorted. I've been watching the clearing and you all night," he admitted. "You didn't go back to sleep since Jadesong camp streaking into camp with that ridiculus babble." Ryestar unsheathed her claws in defense of her medicine cat and growled. "Don't insult my sister," she snapped loudly, slapping her tail across the ground between the two cats. Shadefoot smirked.

"Oh, sorry. Where are my manners?" Ryestar shrugged and sheathed her claws. "Come, walk with me a while," she invited padding to the thorn tunnel. Shadefoot cast a nervous look at the nursery and shook his head. "I'm worried about Autumnbreeze," he confessed. "This is her first litter and I promised to be there for her. And if I'm not..." Shadefoot trailed off with a quiet but just audiable whimper.

Ryestar considered this weakly. "Look, Smallpaw and Sparrowsoar have said it won't be another moon until kits," she reassured. Shadefoot sighed and followed. "Just let StarClan be merciful," he meowed with a nervous shudder. Ryestar gave a reassuring purr and lead the way out into the forest without hesitation.