A half moon had passed.
He still ached, and he was sure he was getting an infection. Honeyflower has treated him, but the two had exchanged nothing more than brief words. As for Aspenclaw, he hadn't seen him in a few days. Spiderleaf had cooped himself in the medicine cat den, only wandering out for a thin sparrow per day, and he had limited any sort of conversation.
The only time he had spoken voluntarily was to quickly congratulate Heronpaw on her apprentice name. Of course, she didn't say anything back. He knew what she had of had to say to Echostar.
Aspenclaw hadn't seemed proud to have become a mentor either. When he had seen him at the ceremony, his eyes were dull and empty as he gazed over the clearing, meeting no cat's eyes.
He sat for a few moments more, gazing solemnly into the rocks that had been built as a tribute to Briartail. He knew that they weren't able to retrieve her.
The moon shone over the land like a hawk. Echostar and the Clan had left for the Gathering not long ago. Spiderleaf knew now this was the time.
His legs ached, but he wouldn't let that stop him. Emotions were filling him like a tornado.
He pelted off into a run.
Quicker and quicker, he raced through the forest.
His eyes met the blood-stained Thunderpath - which only reminded him how far he had to go.
His legs ached with infection and ache and pain, but he wouldn't let anything stop him now. He wouldn't make a mess in the Clan ever again.
But what Spiderleaf knew the most was clear in his mind.
He was not returning to ThornClan.