Rising from the Ashes

Chapter 25

"I'm a little nervous," Bumbleflight admitted.

"Don't be," Hawkstar reassured. "You'll do great."

"But I've never led a patrol before!"

"Thistletail believes you can do it or else he wouldn't have done it," Hareflight

pointed out.

"Yes, with our Clan leader, no less! I can't tell my Clan leader what to do!"

"Sure you can. Just treat me like you would any other warrior," Hawkstar

suggested.

"I don't-"

"That was an order, Bumbleflight," Hawkstar meowed, though he was only joking.

Bumbleflight nodded and took a deep breath to compose himself.

"So, are we actually going to hunt or just sit chitchatting in camp?" Fernshade asked.

"Thistletail would love that," Hareflight meowed, mew dripping with sarcasm.

"Where do you think we should hunt?" Bumbleflight asked.

"I don't know. You're the patrol leader," Fernshade reminded the young tom.

"Right, right," Bumbleflight muttered, tail flicking with uncertainty. "Well, we could try the woodland but we did have that run-in with the fox-"

"That was almost a half-moon ago. Our patrols have confirmed that the fox

hasn't returned since you and Thistletail chased it off our territory," Hawkstar meowed.

"Then we'll hunt in the woodland!"

"Lead the way," Fernshade prompted with a nod.

With a decision made at last, Bumbleflight led the patrol through the meadow. Most of the trees had changed their leaves from green to various shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. Hawkstar had to admit that it was a beautiful sight and reminded him of Wildbloom. Warmth spread through him as he thought of her. They had continued to draw closer and he enjoyed every moment he spent with her.

Hawkstar had never cared for woodland hunting. He much preferred the

meadow. However, he had trained in the woodland and knew how to hunt here

Perhaps he would catch a squirrel. Wildbloom had mentioned it was her favorite prey.

It didn't take long for his ears to pick up the telltale sound of squirrel chatter. The mouthwatering scent followed soon after. He adjusted his position downwind and

carefully circled closer. He was almost ready to pounce when he stepped on a twig

hidden in the leaves. In a flash, the squirrel darted for the nearest tree.

Hawkstar raced after it, leaves scattering in his wake. The squirrel climbed up the trunk and Hawkstar made a mighty leap. He sank his claws into the squirrel's fur, dropping them both to the ground. Hawkstar gave the killing blow and set about burying it for pickup later. Hawkstar was pleased to find it nice and plump.

Wildbloom was going to love it!

The tabby tom resumed the hunt, intent to bring back more prey for his Clan. By the time he met back up with the rest of his patrol, it was clear they'd all had good hunting.

"Nice call, Bumbleflight," Hawkstar praised. "The Clan will be eating well today!"

Bumbleflight raised his tail in response to his praise before he led them back to