Clashing Metals

This is one for the two sequels of The Fallen River! Because of this, it is meant to be read alongside the other sequel, which is called The River Rises. They are both part two in the River's Lineage series.

Prologue

Rain slammed against Troutfin’s pelt. A part of him ached for the soothing feel of icy water trickling from his mottled pinkish coat. But he firmly pushed those cravings away - water wasn’t an element of his life anymore, and he shouldn’t let himself, or his daughter, be exposed to to much water - what if it triggered something in her? She could never know the truth about him, or her origins. Or her sister...

Troutfin winced as his thoughts settled on Puddlekit, the kitten he had lost to his sister, Silverscale. “Oh, Silverscale…” he said, sighing. “Why did you have to take her? Why? There were so many other kits in the nursery that day…”

He mourned the loss of his daughter for a moment, but then he relaxed as his gaze rested on Steelkit. The glossy silver she-kit was curled into a scrappy ball, and he could see her shivering. He pushed her closer to him to warm her, and his eyelids slowly grew heavy. They drooped down and he gained about a moment of rest before they snapped open. What was he doing? He had to take care of Steelkit!

His breath formed small puffs in the air as he tucked himself protectively around her in a semicircle, defiant blue eyes gazing out into the darkening forest. It was little after sunset, but the heavy rainclouds were blocking out the moon and stars.

He sniffed the air, hoping the heavy scent of the clans’ borders would stay strong during the rain, and he was rewarded with a thick blast of ShadowClan’s foul stench. He shrugged, ShadowClan was as good a clan as any to beg for a place to stay.

He flicked his tail patiently, he was good at waiting. His eyes scanned the immediate area around them, and, seeing no threats, settled back down. Maybe he could allow himself a teensy bit of rest?

He glanced around the whip-thin yet somehow menacing trees one last time, and slowly closed his eyes. A rough tug on his pelt a few hours later, the sun poking across the horizon, elated Troutfin - He’d been discovered.

Chapter 1

"Steelkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Steelpaw. Your mentor will be Gladesky. I hope Gladesky will pass down all she knows on to you." Snailstar announced.

She paused, looking at the senior warrior who's jaws were now parted with confusion "Gladesky, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Leafswirl, and you have shown yourself to be strong and loyal. You will be the mentor of Steelpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her."

Steelpaw padded forward, brushing noses with Gladesky. Steelpaw's silvery pelt glinted in the harsh sun, an odd contrast to Gladesky's pale amber tabby fur. "Meeting dismissed," Snailstar announced. The gray-purple she-cat leapt down from the Highrock and padded back into her den.

"What will we be doing today?" Steelpaw asked eagerly, tail twitching with excitement. Gladesky flicked an ear. "We'll explore the territory first." Her curt manner intrigued Steelpaw, what was going on? However, she nodded. "Okay!"

Gladesky trotted briskly to the outskirts of camp. Once they were past the barrier, she broke into a run, causing Steelpaw to have to sprint after her to catch up. "This is the barrier," Gladesky said coolly, gesturing with her plumy tail, its long fur sweeping the ground. Wheezing and panting, Steelpaw looked around.

An acrid stench washed over them, causing Steelpaw to bristle. "Disgusting." She spat. "WindClan?" Gladesky nodded. "If you cross the border, they'll attack you." She mewed, glaring at the territory like it was a patrol of WindClan warriors. "Why?" Steelpaw inquired. "They think we'll steal their territory." Gladesky mewed. "As if," Steelpaw scoffed. "Why would we do that?" 

"Paranoid mange-pelts" was all Gladesky said in response. Steelpaw nodded. "I see." Without a word, Gladesky began to run again. She sighed, running after the amber she-cat, silvery ears pressed against her long-furred head. 

"Welcome to the Meeting Place." Gladesky announced. "What's that?" Steelpaw inquired. "It's where ShadowClan cats come to talk to each other in private. Sort of like a gathering but only for ShadowClan."

Steelpaw nodded. "Okay, but why-" But Gladesky was running again. Steelpaw rolled her eyes, chasing after her. What was up with Gladesky?

She sighed, rewarded with a painful jerk in her lung - she wasn’t used to this much running. One thing, though, was abundantly clear to her: Gladesky was not one of those relaxed mentors that gave kind constructive feedback and let them practically train themselves; no, it seemed Steelpaw would be going to sleep sore and exhausted tonight.