Chapter 13: Telling the Clan

Chapter 13:  Telling the Clan

     Darkfeather watched as Flamestar hopped onto the high rock.  She'd heard that Snowfur had had her kits the night before.  How exciting, she thought.  "Today we welcome two new members of the clan,"  Flamestar said.  "Rosekit and Frostkit, the kits of Snowfur and Sharpfang.  They were born yesterday,"  Cheers rippled through the crowd.  "Unfortunately,"  Flamestar began.  The crowd fell silent.  "Rosekit can't smell and Frostkit is deaf."  He finished.  Everyone stared at Flamestar.  Wow!  What are the chances of not one, but two imperfect kits?  Poor Snowfur!  She must feel horrible!  Perhaps I should visit her?  Darkfeather made her way to the nursery.  Snowfur was curled up in a ball, along with her kits.  They were on opposite sides of the den.  Just as Darkfeather was about to leave, Snowfur opened an eye.  "What's wrong with me?"  she whispered.  Darkfeather was so startled, she didn't reply.  "I chased away my mate, my kits, and my leader.  I'm a horrible cat,"  Snowfur said.  "Oh Snowfur..."  Darkfeather whispered.  Snowfur sighed.  "I don't know what to do.  Sharpfang hates me now,"  Snowfur said.  "Don't say that,"  Darkfeather said.  "I can rest with you if you'd like,"  Darkfeather suggested.  "Please," Snowfur said.  "But first go spy on Sharpfang.  See if hes mad,"  Snowfur begged.  Normally Darkfeather would object, but Snowfur was desperate.  Darkfeather crept away from the nursery and looked around the camp for Sharpfang's brown pelt.  She checked the warrior den.  No sign there.  Then she heard murmurs from Flamestar's den.  Of course!  He's talking to Flamestar about it!  They're best buddies, after all!  Darkfeather crept up to the den and crouched behind some bushes within hearing distance.  "I don't know what to do,"  Sharpfang said.  "She hates me!"  Darkfeather pressed her ear against the side of the den.  "She doesn't hate you.  You know how Snowfur can be,"  Flamestar replied.  "Stubborn,"  Flamestar added.  "Still,"  Sharpfang sighed.  "Maybe I should talk to her?"  Darkfeather peaked inside through a hole.  Flamestar nodded.  "Okay, let's go,"  Sharpfang said.  Uh, oh!  Better get away from here!  Darkfeather sped off toward the nursery.  "What did he say?"  Snowfur asked.  "He's just as sad as you are,"  Darkfeather replied.  "He's coming to see you."  Snowfur nodded.  "It's best I talk to him alone,"  she said.  Darkfeather nodded.  "Let me make sure the kits are aslee-"  Snowfur gasped.  "Where are they?"  she asked, wide-eyed.  The moss where Rosekit and Frostkit slept was still warm.  "This is all my fault,"  Snowfur cried.  "My precious kits are gone!"
                                                                 End of Chapter 12