Russetpaw trotted over to the Idolclan apprentices. They greeted her warmly and chatted with her. She met Shallowpaw, stonepaw, Mintpaw, shadowpaw, leafpaw, foxpaw, and Fernpaw. She finished chatting with them and went to meet the swanclan apprentices but was stopped by a Smoky black tom. He looked Just like Shadowpaw but much larger and had a scar running from his left ear to his tail.

She stumbled backwards and tripped over her paws. The cat let out a Laugh, which shocked her. He helped her onto her paws and apologized for spooking her. He told her his name was Foxstorm and he was the deputy of idolclan, and Shadowpaws older brother. They chatted for a little but was Interrupted by Rabbitleap . Foxstorm dipped his head and got to his paws, padding to talk with Cliffclan warriors

Rabbitleap flicked her tail for Russetpaw to follow. She introduced her to the swan clan and leaf clan apprentices. By the time she finished it was time for the leaders to speak. She followed her mentor and sat next to her, watching as a huge pale she-cat stepped up to . Her eyes were a piercing yellow. “That’s Talonstar" Rabbitleap murmured. Russetpaw listened as the leader made her reports.

“Swanclan is doing well this New-leaf. We chased off a fox off our territory and prey has been plentiful. Sadly we’ve lost one of our youngest and newest elder, Sparrowfoot to an unexpected sickness.” There were Mews of sorrow throughout the clearing . Talonstar dipped her head and continued. “Eagleheart, Aspenheart, and Bouncefoot have moved to the nursery and we have 3 new apprentices and 4 new warriors. “Swanpaw, Troutpaw, Snakepaw, Lightstone, FlameFoot, Salmonpelt, Palecry” there were yowls of approval and the cats puffed out their chest proudly. Talonstar nodded and stepped back as Koistar stepped forward.

“Cliffclan is doing well. Prey is plentiful and there have been no deaths . We have 5 new apprentices. Shroompaw ,shadepaw, Branchpaw, stormpaw, and Russetpaw.” There were cheers from the cats in the clearing and Russetpaw felt slightly overwhelmed. Koistar stepped back as a long slender tabby with black fur stepped forward

“Witherstar's still alive?” She heard Rabbitleap mutter and could see how old the tabby was. “Idolclan is doing well.” He bellowed “prey is plentiful and we have 2 new apprentices. Lithe paw and Slickpaw.” Then he stepped back after the cheers we done and a huge tom, even Bigger then talonstar, shoved past the leaders. Russetpaw sensed fear in the clans and realized that this leader was the most dangerous of all.

“I, Bloodstar or Frozenclan demand territory of each clan!” He Growled. Their were angry yowls and some cats spat curses at him while the leaders stayed silent. “SILENCE!” He roared and every cat fell silent. “Our prey is vanishing from our territory and my warriors have scented cats from each clan and for that matter I demand a chunk of territory ffrom each clan.” He turned to the other leaders.” We understand that and you need territory and we cannot afford to lose anymore warriors” Talonstar murmured and her clan seemed to understand. Bloodstar nodded and turned to wither star and koi star. “We'd never give you territory because you scented some rogues and blamed us for it" koi star spat and Wither star nodded.

Bloodstar growled and turned away. He announced that they had 5 new warriors and 4 apprentices who were close to Becoming some. Then the gathering was over. Russetpaw was Talking to Swanpaw when the clans dismissed. She got to her paws and padded over to join her clan but a huge reddish brown cat stepped in front of her and she instantly recognized Bloodstar and froze. She didn’t feel scared but for some reason she couldn’t move. The leaders amber and almost red eyes seemed petrify her.

She was grateful when Rabbitleap jumped in front of her and she felt her muscles relax. She darted over to the clan with Rabbitleap behind her. She looked back at the clearing and could see the Frozenclan leader staring at her. She shivered and followed Rabbitleap back to camp.

End of chapter