Delve

Prologue
Wind howls and snow is blown into the eyes of two cats, struggling against the torrent of air and frozen ice pushing them back.

"Mossfang," growls the tom. "Get into that oak tree over there."

The she-cat, a tortoiseshell with pretty blue eyes, bowed her head. "They're coming, Birchstar! I don't think I'll make it!" Her voice is weak, her eyes wild.

The tom, his golden fur flattened against his muscular body, shoulders his mate forward. "Go, Mossfang." Mossfang stumbles forward, and Birchstar urges her onward, murmuring encouraging words that are drowned out by the wail of the wind.

Mossfang reaches the hollow oak and collapses, heaving. She is oblivious to the rough wood splintering her flank, her only thoughts are those about her coming kits.

"I don't know what herbs to give you," Birchstar whispers, giving his mate a reassuring lick, "but you'll be fine without them."

"Just don't give me poppy seeds," Mossfang rasps affectionately, then begins to pant, her flanks moving heavily and her breathing harsh.

Mossfang begins to yawn, but cuts herself short, muttering a few words that mean nothing to Birchstar, for he is reciting a short list of herbs that he can remember.

"Borage for...milk, that's it, and comfrey...no, comfrey isn't used in kitting..."

"How much longer?" gasps Mossfang.

"It will be over soon," Birchstar whispers, and as he says it, two kits slither onto the rough wood bottom of the hollow tree. Birchstar siezes one by the scruff and lifts it toward him, while Mossfang purrs her amusement.

Birchstar hurriedly licks the reddish she-cat's fur the wrong way to warm her up, and then licks her between the ears, nudging her towards her mother. The kit Mossfang begins to groom is golden, with peculiar spots speckled across his pelt.

"He looks like a little leopard," purrs Mossfang. "Let's name him Leopardkit."

"And Russetkit for this one," Birchstar adds, as Russetkit is bowled over by Leopardkit, vying for the best spot for milk.

"They're perfect," mews Mossfang fondly, her eyes beginning to droop with exhaustion.

"They're ours," agrees Birchstar.

Chapter One
Coming Soon!