Free Warriors 04 - Rising Storm by Erin Hunter Page B

mentioning their fruitless expedition. “There’s been no sign of WindClan in our territory, or ShadowClan.” Bluestar narrowed her eyes disbelievingly but Fireheart pressed on. “There are so many apprentices in training, and the woods are so full of prey, that it is hard to keep three warriors in camp all the time. I…I think two would be plenty.”
    â€œBut what if we’re attacked again?” Bluestar fretted.
    â€œIf WindClan really intended to harm ThunderClan,” Fireheart pointed out, “Mudclaw wouldn’t have let you leave the uplands….” alive, he finished silently, letting his words trail away.
    â€œOkay.” Bluestar nodded, her eyes clouded with an unreadable emotion. “Only two warriors need stay in camp.”
    â€œThanks, Bluestar.” This was going to make the task of organizing all the guards, hunting parties, and apprentice training much easier. “I’ll go and sort out tomorrow’s patrols.”Fireheart dipped his head respectfully and left the den.
    Outside the warriors were waiting for him. “Whitestorm, you lead the dawn patrol,” Fireheart ordered. “Take Sandstorm and Ashpaw with you. Brackenfur, Dustpelt, you’ll guard the camp while I’m hunting with Cloudpaw.” He looked around at the remaining warriors, realizing how much more confident he felt about arranging the patrols. He’d had a lot of practice since Bluestar stayed in her den so much nowadays. Pushing away the unsettling thought, Fireheart went on: “I’ll leave it up to the rest of you whether you train your apprentices or take them hunting, but I want the fresh-kill pile as full as it is today. We’re getting used to eating well!” An amused purr ran through the group of warriors. “Darkstripe, you lead tomorrow’s sunhigh patrol. Runningwind, you take sunset. You can choose who you take with you; just be sure to let them know so they can be ready in time.”
    Runningwind nodded, but Darkstripe’s eyes glittered and he asked, “Who will be going to the Gathering tonight?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Fireheart admitted.
    Darkstripe narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t Bluestar tell you, or hasn’t she decided yet?”
    â€œShe hasn’t discussed it with me,” Fireheart answered. “She’ll tell us when she’s ready.”
    Darkstripe turned his head and stared into the shadowy trees. “She’d better tell us soon. The sun is starting to set.”
    â€œThen you should be eating,” Fireheart told him. “You’ll need your strength for the Gathering, if you’re going.” Darkstripe’s tone made him uneasy, but he refused to let itruffle his fur. He sat down and waited for the warriors to move away. Only when they had all gone did he turn back to Bluestar’s den. She hadn’t mentioned the Gathering, and he’d been too busy worrying about tomorrow’s patrols to remember it.
    â€œAh, Fireheart.” Bluestar met him as she was pushing her way out through the lichen. She looked as if she’d just finished washing, and her pelt glowed in the dusky light. Fireheart felt a jolt of relief that she seemed to be taking care of herself once more. “When you’ve eaten, call the warriors together for the Gathering.”
    â€œEr…who shall I call?” Fireheart asked.
    Bluestar looked surprised. She listed the names so easily—leaving out Cloudpaw and including Ashpaw, as he’d requested several days earlier—that Fireheart wondered if perhaps she’d already told him, and he’d forgotten.
    â€œYes, Bluestar,” he answered. He dipped his head and padded across the clearing to the fresh-kill pile. A fat pigeon had been left on the heap. He decided to leave it for Bluestar. Perhaps this might tempt her to eat more than two mouthfuls. He picked up a vole, not feeling very hungry himself. He was