• Chapter Four •

Pale sunlight filtered into the medicine cats' den. As it shone on a tabby pelt, Lichennose awoke, shifting in his mossy nest and yawning. His side still ached where the infection brewed.

   Glancing around the den, worry grew in his stomach like a cold lump of stone as he stared at his brother's nest. Bramblefoot was gone.

Lichennose lifted his gaze to peer out the den entrance. Willowwhisker and Berrystar were huddled close together just outside, speaking in low whispers. Sunlight made their outlines seem to glow against the camp.

   "Willowwhisker!" Lichennose called, surprised to find his voice hoarse from sleep. He cleared his throat, then called the medicine cat's name again. Willowwhisker raised his head, dismissing himself from Berrystar and trotting towards Lichennose.

"My side still hurts.." the brown tabby complained as Willowwhisker entered the den. "I wanted to hunt today." Lichennose finished his sentence with a huff.

"No, you wouldn't. It looks like it'll storm again, clouds are on the horizon." the matted medicine cat turned to go fetch fresh herbs. Lichennose's eyes widened. Another day of rain? Pretty soon the whole forest would be drown! As the thought crossed his mind, another quickly replaced it. I haven't seen the lake yet! It must be flooded!

   "Please, can I get up and go see the lake? I've never seen it after so much rainfall!" the tom begged. Willowwhisker soon returned, a bundle of leaves and cobwebs in his mouth. Dropping them and settling at Lichennose's side, he responded, "No. Your wound is still infected, and you can't risk it getting worse by trampling around the forest."

Lichennose huffed in annoyance, but quickly changed the subject as Willowwhisker began to peel off the old cobweb to replace it. "Where's Bramblefoot?"

   "He's outside, speaking with Quailflight." Willowwhisker nosed new herbs onto Lichennose's infected wound, as another question wormed itself into the warrior's thoughts. "What were you and Berrystar talking about just now?"

   Willowwhisker hesitated for a moment, glancing over his shoulder, before speaking, "We were discussing who Quailflight's mate might be. She isn't that close to anyone in the Clan, at least not close to have their kits. And if they aren't from ThunderClan, StarClan forbid, then who will father them." he quickly returned to fixing Lichennose's wound, padding some fresh cobwebs onto it.

   Lichennose was shocked that the medicine cat revealed all that. He thought for a few moments. I always have had a crush on her. Perhaps I should step up to father them? If I did, it will keep her out of trouble, if she really did have an affair with someone from another Clan.

   "I can help raise them." the words escaped Lichennose's mouth before he realized it. Willowwhisker looked shocked, but nodded, then hurried back out of the den. Lichennose suddenly felt a heavy weight on his shoulders, as thought Mudfoot was pinning him down again. What have I gotten myself into?

Sorry it's short!

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top