Waging War Book 3: Blood Red Moon {COMPLETE}

Chapter 2

"Good morning, Mountainstar." Mountainstar's ears twitched as she stepped out of her den and heard a friendly voice. She looked towards the direction of the call and noticed Spiderstorm padding towards her with Sparrowpaw close behind him. The young tom had excitement burning in his eyes.

"Good morning you two." Mountainstar purred, greeting the two toms. "What can I help you with?"

"All of us mentors want to hold the first assessment for our apprentices but I just wanted to double check with you what exactly we're supposed to do."

Mountainstar thought for a moment. "The way Earthpelt described it was that the apprentices will go hunting and you will monitor them but make sure to stay hidden. You will judge the apprentices based on how well they hunt, not just based on how much they catch either."

"Got it, thank you." Spiderstorm dipped his head.

"I'm so excited!" Sparrowpaw padded forward, waving his tail happily. "I've gotten so good at hunting."

"Well I'll be looking forward to hearing about how well you've done." Mountainstar purred. "Good luck."

Sparrowpaw's eyes shimmered and he left alongside with his mentor, meeting up with the other apprentices and mentors. Mountainstar felt pride rushing into her heart, the three kits that she raised as her own were turning into true warriors. She couldn't wait to finally give them their warrior names and she already had them picked out. She was equally excited to make Petalpaw and Mossypaw warriors as well.

She had also noticed that many of the cats within MountainClan were getting closer to each other, namely Riverstep and Antwhisker. The two cats were always hunting together and spending time together and Mountainstar couldn't help but wonder if they would soon have kits.

The first kits born in our new home. Mountainstar thought proudly. It hadn't even been two moons yet but MountainClan had really found their way in this forest. Mountainstar couldn't help but feel a sharp sense of pride. It's strange to think that three moons ago I never even considered this way of life.

"Good morning, Mountainstar." A new voice spoke and she turned her head to spot the MountainClan deputy Nettleheart limping towards her. Since arriving in their new home, Nettleheart had been the closest cat to Mountainstar. She couldn't be happier that she selected the she-cat to be her deputy.

"Good morning." Mountainstar purred, dipping her head. "Aren't you joining the other mentors for the apprentice's assessment."

"I am, I told them I would catch up. I just wanted to relay the patrols planned for while I'm gone to you in case anyone had any questions."

"Oh, perfect." Mountainstar mewed. "What do I need to know?"

"The dawn patrol should be returning here shortly, when they get back I have Troutstream leading a hunting patrol with Riverstep, Poppysong and Flintfoot. The sun high patrol will go along the MoonClan border and is led by Fireclaw alongside Gingersky, Hazelspring, Antwhisker and Briarfall."

"Wonderful." Mountainstar dipped her head. "Thank you, Nettleheart. Good luck with the assessment." With a wave of her tail, Nettleheart padded off and vanished into the forest. Mountainstar took a look around the camp and mostly saw that her Clanmates were preparing for their upcoming patrols. I don't think they'll need to check with me at all. Mountainstar thought with a rush of pride.

While she hadn't seen the other Clans working, she couldn't help but feel that her Clan was moving together as if they had all been born warriors. She was very proud of the progress they had made, and she was excited to report that at the gathering tonight.