Scarlet River P33

    River fell into step with Stonekit and Echokit as they made their way up the tumbled rocks and into the cave beyond. The den was dark, shadows lay heavily in the corners and River settled uneasily on the cool floor.
    “Now,” Lightstar began. She sat, her white fur glowing in the darkness, with her tail wrapped over her paws. “Tell me exactly why you left the clan, and what happened to you. And do not lie. I am rather good at detecting lies.”
    River gulped and spoke up.
    “It was my fault. I-“
    “River, please,” Lightstar interrupted firmly. “You do not make decisions for other cats. I am talking to Stonekit and Echokit.”
    Chastened, River fell silent.
    Stonekit stepped forward with a nod from Echokit.
    He took a breath and began. Leaving out no details, he told Lightstar of their journey to the city. His voice shook when he reached the part where they had escaped.
    “We left the city and came straight back here. Unfortunately, it wasn’t…we didn’t succeed in rescuing her mother.”
    River’s eyes met his and she could see guilt. Surprise pricked at River’s paws. Did her friend blame himself for her mother’s death? Glancing at Echokit, she noticed the same guilt in her friend’s stooped shoulders.
    “Thank you, Stonekit. It sounds like you had quite a difficult time." Lightstar murmured.
    The three young cats bowed their heads.
    “Leafheart.” Lightstar meowed, turning to the mother. “What do you think of this?”
    “I think that they were extremely foolish, and that this should not be taken lightly.” Leafheart said.
    Stonekit and Echokit flinched.
    “However,” their mother continued, “They have been through punishment enough. I am sure they learned their lesson when they failed.”
    Stonekit and Echokit’s eyes widened.
    Lightstar nodded approval.
    “Yes, I agree. Stonekit, Echokit, do you admit you were wrong to leave the clan at such a young age?”
    Her friend’s bowed their heads in consent. For a moment they were still, then Echokit looked up, her amber eyes blazing.
    “With respect, Lightstar, I agree it was foolish, but I do not believe we were wrong in our decision.”
    Lightstar’s ear twitched.
    “We saw a friend who needed help, and it is the duty of a warrior to assist their clan mates. We did the right thing in helping River on her mission, even though we failed.”
    River stared at her friend. Once again, she was amazed with the amount of loyalty these cats had.
    Lightstar remained silent, holding Echokit’s gaze. Then the clan leader said,
    “Echokit, you will make a fine warrior one day.”
    River had never seen her friend so surprised. Her eyes were as wide as the moon at the praise of her clan leader.
    “There is truth in your words. It is part of the warrior code to help another in need, and it is true that River needed the help. However, you must remember your limits. However good your intentions, nothing comes of putting yourself in danger, and worrying those around you.”
    Echokit bowed her head.
    For the first time, Lightstar turned to River,
    “Now we must consider what to do about our guest.”
    River looked up at the leader, dreading the next words.
    “Echokit,” Lightstar continued, “when you spoke just now, I heard you call River a clanmate. Do you consider her one of Thunderclan?”
    Echokit nodded,
    “Yes, I do Lightstar.”
    Lightstar’s eyes glimmered.
    “River, the last time you were here, I offered you a place in the clan, and you refused due to your connection to the city. If I were to offer you the chance again, would you consider joining Thunderclan?”
    River nearly choked in her response,
    “Yes! I would love to join you!” She exclaimed, then her eyes widened and she shrank in embarrasement. Idiot, She thought.
    Lightstar let out a short laugh. It was high and light hearted, completely opposite of Lightstar’s formal demeanor.
    “Then we shall hold your apprentice ceremonies in the morning.” Lightstar said.
    Stonekit and Echokit looked up, their eyes filled with excitement. Lightstar smiled,
    “Yes, all three of you will be apprentices in the morning. You have had to wait three moons longer then most clan kits, and you will have to work extra hard to catch up. River,” Lightstar continued, “When you become an apprentice of Thunderclan, I will be able to punish you.”
    River gaped.
    “But-“
    “You, at the moment, are not a member of Thunderclan, therefore I have no power to punish you. However, you have accepted my invitation, so I am now your leader. We will discuss your punishment in the morning.”
    River couldn’t help it, she laughed. The situation was just so amazing. Who cares about punishment?! I’m going to be an apprentice of Thunderclan!