The Stirring

Chapter One
The sun stained the sky the colour of blood, as it fell from sight, bleeding into the waves of the sun-drown placeplace on the horizon. A golden she-cat was perched on a rock warmed by the rapidly dying rays of the sunsun, watching intently as if it would let her in on the deadliest of secrets.

Before a strangled gasp of wonder could escape her mouth, a terrible noise split the silence. A high shriek of agony that foretold  shadow ahead. At that moment Poisonpelt emerged from the leader's den, wearing an insidious smirk. The golden she-cat looked around, and her eyes narrowed to slits. Something stained the deputy's curved claws.

The deputy opened her mouth to speak. All was silent. "Snakestar is dead." Ambersoul saw right through the deputy's solemn tone, and saw Poisonpelt's delight that she had finally achieved her ambition. To be leader of VenomClan. And to dispose of all who oppose her.

A shocked gasp emnated from the crowd of cats below. Ambersoul was startled. Had no other cat spotted the blood on Poisonpelt's claws? A sharp prod in the ribs told her Strikeheart had.

"Blood will wash the sky the day doom descends..." Ambersoul heard the young medicine cat's shocked whisper as Poisonpelt leapt down from the Snakerock.