Shadowstar's Death

This is a novella about how Shadowstar, the first leader of ShadowClan, lost her ninth life.

Chapter 1
Shadowstar was dreaming.

A cat came up to her and mewed: "Greetings, Shadowstar."

Shadowstar dipped her head to the cat. "And greetings to you, Stoneteller."

The white she-cat nodded to her, and started to talk. "You know about how WindClan has accused you of crossing their border?"

Shadowstar felt anger bubble up inside her. "It's not true! Windstar is always making accusations like that. She accused Skystar of sending warriors to hunt on her territory, causing them to battle."

"Ah, Shadowstar, did you know it was a good thing that WindClan attacked SkyClan?" Stoneteller asked.

"Really?" Shadowstar questioned.

"Oh, yes. It showed Windstar that fighting is not the answer to everything," the old she-cat replied.

Shadowstar nodded, remembering Windstar's words a few Gatherings ago. Fighting won't solve anything.

"Shadowstar? Shadowstar!" Shadowstar opened her eyes to see her nephew and deputy, Sun Shadow.

"I was dreaming," she muttered, sitting up. "What's wrong?"

"I just sent Aspenheart, Mud Paws, Embertail, Rowanfoot, and Bubbling Stream on the dawn patrol," Sun Shadow replied. "How are you? You look a bit, uh, tired."

"Oh, Sun Shadow, it's just old age. You don't need to worry," she replied.

"Are you sure?" Sun Shadow looked anxious.

"Yes, I'm sure," Shadowstar replied.

"Are you well enough to go to the Gathering? If not, I can take the Clan," her nephew asked.

"No, I'm well enough. And you might need me if Windstar starts throwing accusations again."

Sun Shadow nodded, and turned away.

TBC