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     Riverpaw and Ava turned to find a small black she-cat racing toward them. Three other cats trailed behind, looking a bit more wary as they noticed the dog. Riverpaw recognized the black she-cat as Star, the kittypet who had guided the clan cats through this place before.     “Hi Star,” Riverpaw said, trying a smile. The blue-eyed she-cat came to a halt in front of her, smiling broadly.     “Long time no see! Woah you have a dog with you! Is he okay? Tame?”    When Ava didn’t respond, Riverpaw said,    “Yeah, the dog’s fine.”    Star nodded, and Riverpaw was surprised at how calm she wa

     After a while walking through the woods, Riverpaw caught a musty odor drifting through the air. Wrinkling her nose, her eyes widened.  Dog! Riverpaw opened her mouth, but Ava shushed her before she could say anything. With a flick of her tail, she signaled for the silver-striped cat to stay put for a moment. Befuddled, Riverpaw watched the she-cat slink into the undergrowth. A moment of silence…then barks rang through the air.     Startled, the brown she-cat darted forward.     “Ava?!” She called.     Through the undergrowth she saw a wooden fence, and quickly sprang atop it. Down below in a Twoleg garden, she foun

    Ava was a remarkably silent companion. The entire trip out of the mountains was in complete quiet, and although it was slightly unsettling, Riverpaw appreciated it. Her mind was still spinning with regret and uncertainty. Was I right to leave? What will happen? What about Echopaw…?     These questions and more buzzed in Riverpaw’s mind as the two cats made their way West, following the sinking moon.     It was when the sun was rising that Riverpaw caught scent of something very familiar.     “I smell the forest,” she murmured.     Ava’s expression did not change, and she simply flicked her ear to declare

    “Riverpaw.”     Riverpaw looked around to find Ashheart walking toward her. All at once, Riverpaw remembered her mission. She needed to leave, but with this entire mess going on, it would be even harder to get away. Cursing herself, Riverpaw turned to Ashheart.     “Yes?”     “I think you should talk to Echopaw tomorrow. She seems to have had a lot on her mind lately.”     A wave of surprise washed through Riverpaw at her mentor’s observation.     “H-has she?! She seemed fine…”     Ashheart’s eyes widened slightly.     “I figured that you …well, ever sinc

     When she looked into the cave, Ava and Echopaw were running in frantic circles. Echopaw dodged Ava’s attacks, gracefully leaping out of the way just in time, while Ava threw herself at the she-cat with all her strength, snarling furiously.     The guards, who had left their posts by the entrance, were now standing near the two, staring at them somewhat helplessly, unsure what they should do.     The rest of the cave was slowly stirring, cats appearing from the shadows, blinking sleepily.     Stoneteller emerged from his den and looked around in bewilderment.     “What in the Tribe of Endless Hunting’s name is going

    Riverpaw did not make it far before she felt she was lost. The mountains were endless, and every rock she passed looked exactly like the last. The dark shadows of night did not make her way any easier. Glancing at the sky, she remembered that the moon rose in the north-east, and set in south-west. However at the moment, it seemed as though it was directly overhead. Just my luck that I leave at midnight. Riverpaw grumbled to herself.     A rock fell, clacking to the path behind her, and Riverpaw tried to hide her alarm. Swiveling her ears, she listened for movement, and only detected the slightest sound of fur on rock. As quietly and quic

     The moon had risen and the cave was silent. Shadows crept across the rocky floor as the sighs of sleeping cats whispered through the air. Riverpaw lifted her head, pricking her ears for any sound of movement. When she heard nothing, she let out a long breath. This is it. Turning, she nudged Stonepaw. The grey tom opened his eyes and looked at her sadly.     “So…you’re leaving now, huh?”     Riverpaw nodded. Very carefully, she moved to wake Echopaw, but Stonepaw stopped her. After a moment of silence, he said,     “Riverpaw. I…I don’t like it.”     Riverpaw smiled.     “I’

     “Riverpaw!” Echopaw yipped, bouncing to her side. “Did you have a nice heart-to-heart with your brother? Looked like you guys were discussing some serious emotional biz.” The tortoiseshell she-cat winked and smiled.     Riverpaw nodded and returned her smile, all the while chanting, I can, I can, I can, in her head. Echopaw stopped bouncing, her expression shifting to one of concern.     “You alright?”     Riverpaw sighed.     “I have to tell you and Stonepaw something.”     “Don’t go.” Stonepaw meowed firmly.     “I have to. Who knows what Forerunner might do

    Riverpaw looked around to find Cloud limping toward her. With a rush of worry, Riverpaw quickly padded forward and allowed her brother to lean on her.    “Why are you out of your nest?” she asked, and Cloud just smiled.    “I have to talk to you, and that wasn’t the place to do it.”    Riverpaw rolled her eyes and helped him sit. After he had a settled, a moment of silent stretched, and Riverpaw fidgeted, wondering who should speak first.    “Yesterday,” Cloud began, then paused to clear his throat nervously. “I had something important to ask you…But after thinking about it, I don

     “As you all know by now, the plan was a success!” Stoneteller announced.     Yowls of triumph rang from the crowd, although Riverpaw detected a hint of sadness from the attack yesterday. Eyes flicked to the injured cats. Stoneteller raised his tail for silence. “The wolves have gone back to their territory, thanks to all who took part in the plan! I recently learned that the attack from yesterday was simply an accident. Three of the wolves split off from the pack and were heading to find new territory. However, it has been confirmed that they will not be settling anywhere near here.”     The crowd cheered again