The Silent Thaw

by Erin Hunter

  Tigerstar halted and sniffed the ground, mouth open as he searched for scents. “This way.” He headed along a trail that led toward the Clan border. Shadowsight fell in beside him, panting as he fought to keep up. Tigerstar leaped over the ditches that cut through the pine forest like claw marks. Shadowsight followed him, scrambling to keep his footing on the slippery forest floor. His lungs burned as they neared the Thunderpath and began to follow it as it snaked toward the sunrise. The sun burned orange through the trees, setting the forest aflame. As they raced silently side by side, the birds began to chatter, their calls growing louder, sounding the alarm as Tigerstar and Shadowsight passed.

  The roar of a monster howled beyond the trees, and Shadowsight’s pelt prickled nervously. “Are we going to cross the Thunderpath?” he puffed, glancing sideways at Tigerstar.

  “We will if that’s where her trail leads.” Tigerstar pulled up and sniffed the ground.

  Shadowsight opened his mouth. He could taste his mother’s scent. It was as clear here as it had been back at camp. Tigerstar hadn’t lost it for a paw step, and this was the first time he’d stopped to check that they were still heading in the right direction.

  “How can you follow Dovewing’s scent so easily?” he mewed.

  “I once followed it for a moon, when she traveled to the city,” Tigerstar told him, scanning the trees. “It smells like she’s heading for a Twolegplace again.” He padded forward, moving slower this time, and Shadowsight was relieved at the chance to get his breath back. Tigerstar kept his gaze ahead. “Are you sure those messages didn’t come from StarClan?”

  “Yes.” Shadowsight shivered as he remembered the presence at the Moonpool. “Some cat has been pretending to be StarClan,” he mewed. “I think they chose me to pass on their messages because I’m not as experienced as the other medicine cats.” Shame burned his pelt. “I shouldn’t have been so eager to listen.”

  Tigerstar sniffed. “Experience has nothing to do with it. Any medicine cat would have been eager to hear from StarClan when they’d been silent for so long.” He let his pelt brush Shadowsight’s. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You believed you were doing the right thing.”

  This was the first time Tigerstar had spoken to him kindly since Shadowsight had shared his vision with the other medicine cats against his father’s wishes. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you and keep the vision to myself,” Shadowsight murmured.

  “What’s done is done.” Tigerstar whisked his tail.

  “But Dovewing wouldn’t be out here on her own if I hadn’t shared it.” Shadowsight mewed guiltily.

  “We wouldn’t be trying to find her if you hadn’t told us you were wrong,” Tigerstar told him. “A true warrior admits their mistakes.”

  Shadowsight glanced gratefully at his father, and he remembered his mother’s words too. There’s no harm in admitting mistakes. Gratitude swelled in his chest. He was lucky to have Dovewing and Tigerstar as parents.

  Tigerstar broke into a run. “I can see Twoleg nests ahead. Beyond the trees.”

  Shadowsight followed his father, struggling to keep up as the trees thinned and large square dens cut into the early morning sunshine. High walls blocked their way, and Tigerstar veered closer to the Thunderpath, ducking past the tattered bushes that lined it. They followed the strip of stone as it curved past the Twoleg dens, stopping as it stretched away across a wide, barren meadow.

  Tigerstar lifted his muzzle to taste the air. As his father’s ears pricked uneasily, a new scent touched Shadowsight’s nose. Fear pricked in his belly. He could smell the stale scent of dogs. This place was dangerous. He scanned the meadow. It was brown, the grass dead, pitted with small hollows and dotted with Twoleg clutter and mounds of dirt. High mesh walls enclosed it, rattling each time a monster roared along the Thunderpath. Around the mesh, Twoleg dens stretched out in identical rows.

  Why had Dovewing chosen such a filthy place? Shadowsight flattened his ears against a low rumble that seemed to shake the air. He remembered the sound from his kithood. Monsters were patrolling the Thunderpaths between the Twoleg nests. “Why did she come here?”

  “Perhaps she thought StarClan would forgive her if she made her atonement as hard as possible.” Tigerstar began to cross the dried-up meadow, picking his way between piles of trash Twolegs must have left behind.

  Shadowsight followed, keeping close as they scanned the meadow for a sign of Dovewing. He tasted the air, but the stench of monsters and Twolegs fouled his tongue. “How will we find her?” Panic began to spiral in his chest. What if she’d gone deep into the Twolegplace, or kept traveling? They might not catch up to her until it was too late.

  “Look.” Tigerstar halted and sniffed a smudged paw print beside a dirty puddle.

  “Is it Dovewing’s?” Shadowsight stared at his father, hope piercing his heart, almost too sharp to bear.

  Tigerstar frowned. “I don’t know. The stench here drowns out every scent.”

  “Are you sure she didn’t go around the Twolegplace?” Shadowsight blinked anxiously at his father.

  “Her scent led here,” Tigerstar told him. “We left not long after her. She has to be nearby.” As he spoke, a clatter split the air. Shadowsight turned, his heart bursting with fear, as he saw a scrapcan rolling along the ground, its top bowling away and spinning until it tumbled onto its side. An orange cat streaked away from it, bristling, while a black-and-white tom raced after it, ears flat and tail down.

  “Scavengers.” Tigerstar stared after them, the fur prickling along his spine.

  Shadowsight felt sick. Dovewing was here somewhere, among loners and rogues. He moved closer to Tigerstar. “We have to find her.”

  Tigerstar had stiffened. He was staring toward the scrapcan.

  Shadowsight followed his gaze. Gray fur moved in the shadows beneath a pile of Twoleg clutter. He recognized the pelt. “Dovewing!” Joy bursting in his chest, he raced across toward her, his paws sliding on the slimy earth.

  As he neared, Dovewing slid out of the darkness, her eyes wide. “Shadowsight! What are you doing here?” Her gaze slid past him to Tigerstar. “Is something wrong in ShadowClan?”

  “No.” Shadowsight slithered to a halt in front of her and thrust his muzzle against her cheek as Tigerstar pulled up beside them and blinked happily at Dovewing.

  “You have to come home,” Tigerstar mewed.

  “But I haven’t finished my atonement,” Dovewing told him.

  “You don’t have to atone,” Shadowsight told her, quickly explaining that it had not been StarClan sending him visions, but some other cat.

  When he’d finished, Dovewing met his gaze. “If you’re lying to protect me, you don’t have to.”

  “I’m not,” he mewed earnestly. “You told me to always tell the truth. This is the truth. I can feel it in my heart.”

  Tigerstar padded to his side. “I believe him,” he mewed. “Some cat wants to hurt the Clans, and they’ve used Shadowsight to reach us. It’s too dangerous for any of us to be away from our Clanmates. Until we find out what’s happening, we need to stick together.”

  Dovewing glanced back at the pile of Twoleg trash where she’d been sheltering. She flicked her tail decisively. “In that case, we’d better go home.”

  Shadowsight took a long, deep breath. Dovewing was safe. Once they were home, they could figure out what was going on and come up with a plan to deal with it. As Tigerstar and Dovewing began to pick their way across the grimy meadow, he slid between them. With or without StarClan, they’d always be with him. He shivered as foreboding pricked his pelt. Unless it was too late, and the visions he’d shared with the Clans were already enough to destroy them.

  Chapter 19

  Rootpaw eagerly scanned the island clearing. A bright full moon shone in the crow-black sky. The other Clans had already arrived and were moving like ripples on the lake, their pelts glossy in the moonlight as they dipped their heads in greeting and shared gossip. He saw Squirrelflight standing beside Cr
owfeather and Cloverfoot. Had the ThunderClan deputy managed to speak to the leaders of the other Clans and warn them that Bramblestar was an impostor? He searched Crowfeather’s gaze. Did the WindClan deputy know? Frustration prickled beneath Rootpaw’s pelt. It was impossible to tell. He’d have to wait until the meeting began to see if they would challenge Bramblestar.

  Tree and Violetshine pushed their way among the gathered cats while Leafstar and Hawkwing headed for the Great Oak. Bramblestar’s ghost skirted the clearing, heading toward the far side, its gaze fixed on the false Bramblestar as the ThunderClan leader leaped into the Oak. The ghost had shadowed the SkyClan patrol as they’d traveled to the island. Rootpaw was relieved it was keeping its distance, finally understanding that Rootpaw couldn’t acknowledge it when he was with his Clanmates.

  Frecklewish’s pelt brushed Rootpaw’s. “We need to speak with Shadowsight.”

  Rootpaw nodded. He hadn’t forgotten his promise at the secret meeting. He and Frecklewish were going to ask Shadowsight about his visions. Did the ShadowClan medicine cat have any idea that Bramblestar was an impostor? He kept close to Frecklewish as she nosed her way between the gathered warriors to where Shadowsight stood, close to Tigerstar.

  “Hi, Frecklewish.” Alderheart greeted her warmly before they reached him.

  Frecklewish slowed. “Hey, Alderheart.”

  Rootpaw could tell she was trying to keep her mew light, but her gaze was flashing anxiously toward the young ShadowClan medicine cat.

  “How’s SkyClan?” Alderheart asked. “Any sickness?”

  “Not at the moment.” Frecklewish dipped her head politely and tried to move on.

  Alderheart was clearly eager to chat. “Has marigold started sprouting in your territory?” he mewed.

  “Not yet,” Frecklewish told him.

  “There’re signs of some in the beech grove,” Alderheart told her. “But it’ll be another moon before we can pick it.”

  “Hurry,” Rootpaw whispered in Frecklewish’s ear. “It looks like the Gathering’s about to start.” Bramblestar was staring expectantly from the lowest branch of the oak.

  Frecklewish dipped her head again to Alderheart. “I just need to speak with Shadowsight before the meeting starts.”

  “Really?” Alderheart looked puzzled. “Is there anything I should—”

  Frecklewish hurried away before he could finish. Rootpaw glanced at the ThunderClan medicine cat apologetically as he followed his Clanmate.

  Frecklewish and Rootpaw both nodded a greeting as they stopped beside Shadowsight, but the ShadowClan medicine cat seemed on edge, his gaze glittering in the moonlight. “Hi,” he said, barely meeting Frecklewish’s gaze.

  “I wanted to speak to you,” Frecklewish told him. She glanced at Tigerstar. “In private.”

  Tigerstar moved closer to his kit. “The meeting is about to start,” he meowed formally. “Perhaps you could speak to him afterward.”

  As Shadowsight flashed his father a look, Rootpaw narrowed his eyes. Why was Tigerstar being so protective?

  “I really need to speak to him now.” Frecklewish stared intently at Shadowsight.

  “Maybe later.” Shadowsight dropped his gaze, shifting his paws self-consciously.

  “Frecklewish!” Alderheart had followed them through the crowd. “What’s so important?” He looked anxiously from Frecklewish to Shadowsight. “Do you have news?”

  “Nothing important.” Frecklewish’s pelt prickled, and Rootpaw could sense her frustration as Leafstar leaped into the oak. Mistystar and Harestar were hurrying to take their places. Tigerstar hesitated beside Shadowsight, clearly unwilling to leave him.

  Frecklewish nodded to Rootpaw. “You’d better join your Clanmates,” she told him. “It looks like the Gathering’s about to start.”

  Reluctantly, Rootpaw turned away and headed through the crowd. Glancing back, he saw Frecklewish take her place beneath the oak as Alderheart, Jayfeather, Mothwing, and Willowshine settled beside her. Only after Kestrelflight had settled down beside the SkyClan medicine cat, with Shadowsight and Puddleshine on his other side, did Tigerstar scramble up the trunk of the Great Oak.

  Slipping between the Clans, Rootpaw noticed warriors glancing warily at one another. They seemed nervous. He could smell fear-scent in the air. Pelts prickled around him, and he was relieved to reach his Clanmates and settle next to Tree.

  “What do you think will happen when the other leaders accuse Bramblestar of being an impostor?” he whispered to his father.

  Tree glanced around at the gathered cats. “I don’t think it’d be wise of any cat to accuse him of anything yet,” he murmured.

  “Why not?” Rootpaw blinked at him.

  “While StarClan stays silent, Bramblestar can accuse any cat of codebreaking.”

  Rootpaw frowned. “But why would any cat listen to an impostor?”

  “Not every cat will believe that he is,” Tree murmured, moving closer. “Especially if he seems to speak for StarClan. Now watch and listen.”

  In the Great Oak, Harestar and Mistystar hung back on the wide branch while Bramblestar stood at the front. Tigerstar was eyeing Bramblestar uneasily. Had Squirrelflight warned him? Rootpaw had seen her arrive at his own camp a few days ago, but Leafstar still hadn’t told the Clan why she’d come. Rootpaw’s tail twitched expectantly. Perhaps Leafstar was waiting until she could accuse Bramblestar directly.

  The impostor swished his tail, glaring severely at the Clans until silence swept the clearing. “Last time we met,” he began, “no Clan would say how the codebreakers should be punished. I hope you have all decided now.”

  “Exile!” Emberfoot called from WindClan.

  Hootwhisker swished his tail eagerly. “The codebreakers must leave their Clans and atone before they can return.”

  Bramblestar’s eyes glowed with satisfaction. “I’m glad some of you have begun to see sense. Atonement is the only way we’ll end StarClan’s silence, and exile is the best way for codebreakers to atone.”

  Hootwhisker stared pointedly at Crowfeather. “Some of the codebreakers have refused,” he growled.

  Rootpaw’s heart quickened. Had the WindClan deputy refused because Squirrelflight had managed to warn him and Harestar? Were they going to stand up to the ThunderClan leader?

  Crowfeather’s hackles lifted. “Until I hear from StarClan, I’m not going anywhere.”

  Bramblestar narrowed his eyes. “We’ve heard from StarClan. They say that the Clans will suffer until the codebreakers atone.”

  Crowfeather scowled. “Why should we believe you?”

  “I speak for StarClan!” Bramblestar showed his teeth.

  Harestar padded to the edge of the branch. “Why won’t StarClan speak for themselves?”

  Bramblestar rounded on him. “Because the codebreakers haven’t been punished yet!”

  “Exile them!” Scorchfur called from among the ShadowClan cats.

  “The codebreakers must atone!” Mallownose’s call was echoed by angry yowls from his Clanmates.

  Around the clearing, warriors lifted their voices in agreement.

  Rootpaw pressed back a shiver. He moved closer to Tree. “Why are so many cats agreeing with Bramblestar?” he breathed to his father.

  “They’re frightened by StarClan’s silence,” Tree answered softly. “They’ll do anything to bring them back.”

  Rootpaw scanned the crowd, relieved when he spotted Sneezecloud and Bristlefrost. Cloverfoot was standing beside the other deputies. Spotfur and Stemleaf watched quietly among their Clanmates. They knew that Bramblestar was an impostor. He glanced at Tree. “The other cats from the secret meeting are here. Do you think they’ll speak out?”

  “Would you?” Tree eyed him grimly as the calls of the Clan cats rang around the clearing.

  Rootpaw swallowed. We’re outnumbered.

  Bramblestar gazed approvingly over the Clans. “I’m glad I’m no longer the only cat who sees that StarClan won’t return until the codebreakers have a
toned.”

  Mistystar’s eyes glittered nervously as she looked at Bramblestar. “It’s strange that you knew what StarClan wanted before Shadowsight shared their codebreaking message with the Clans.”

  Bramblestar glared at her coldly. “I lost a life, remember? I was the last leader to commune with StarClan. It was clear to me then what they wanted. Shadowsight’s vision simply confirmed it for the rest of you.”

  Shadowsight glanced nervously into the Great Oak. “I’m not sure my vision was from StarClan,” he mewed.

  Rootpaw stiffened as Puddleshine shot Shadowsight a warning look. Was the older ShadowClan medicine cat trying to keep him quiet? But Shadowsight pressed on.

  “I may have misunderstood the message.”

  Bramblestar swished his tail. “Why would you doubt yourself? Your vision cured my fever.”

  “My vision made you lose a life.” Shadowsight shifted his paws uneasily. “And StarClan hasn’t spoken since they told me the Clans would suffer. Why would they send me a vision that would turn Clanmates against one another and then not speak? They’re supposed to help us.”

  Bramblestar leaned over the edge of the branch and stared at Shadowsight like a hunter eyeing prey. He flexed his claws, a threat in his gaze. Rootpaw edged forward, his breath catching in his throat. The ShadowClan medicine cat looked suddenly small. Was Bramblestar going to attack him?

  Bramblestar’s fur smoothed. The menace faded from his eyes and he dipped his head. “You are young,” he mewed indulgently. “You were still an apprentice when your visions started. I’m not surprised you have trouble telling truth from imagination. But the visions you’ve shared with us have been clear. They spoke to you, named the codebreakers . . . and some of those codebreakers were cats you could never have known about.” His gaze drifted around at the gathered cats as he went on. “Would any cat deny that those named in his vision have broken the code?”

  Tigerstar pricked his ears angrily. “Every cat has broken the code at some time, whether they meant to or not. What is important is a warrior’s heart. If a warrior is loyal and honorable, who cares if they made a mistake in the past?”