Chapter 19: Good and Bad Thoughts

Chapter 19:  Good and Bad Thoughts

    "What do you mean we can't search today?"  Snowfur growled at Flamestar.  "We need prey and herbs first!"  Flamestar replied.
"We need the kits back!"
"Catch some prey and then you can search."
"Fine!"  Snowfur and Grayfur slinked off.  "Flamestar."  A voice said from behind.  "Why didn't you let them search?"  Sharpfang asked sadly.  Flamestar gulped.  Not Sharpfang!  I feel so bad about it... but how can I explain?  Flamestar thought.  "I..I.."  Flamestar began.  "Don't bother,"  Sharpfang said as he slunk away.  Flamestar watched as his friend slunk away.  Sharpfang's tail was down.  He rarely removed it from its spot in the air.  Flamestar sighed.  He padded into his den.  Mapleleaf was standing there.  "I feel so bad,"  Flamestar said sadly.  "Bad?"  Mapleleaf laughed.  "I came to say I am proud of you.  You did great.  Think of how much your clan will respect you after Skullstar and I are done!"
"I hope you're right,"  Flamestar muttered.  He rested his head on his paws.  "Snowfur and Grayfur are back,"  Mapleleaf said.  Then she vanished.  "Nice job!"  Flamestar said.  The two had come up with a vole and a mouse.  "Continue your search now,"  Snowfur and Grayfur walked away without a goodbye.  "I'm going to organize the patrols,"  Sharpfang said.  Flamestar nodded.  "I'll have Fastclaw, Nightpelt, Bluefur, and Ravenpaw go hunting, and Flamestar, Darkfeather, and Pebblestep go patrol the borders,"  Sharpfang finished.  "Excuse me,"  Fastclaw was approaching Flamestar.  "Can I patrol the borders instead of hunting?"  Fastclaw asked.  Flamestar spotted Mapleleaf's eyes nail into his head.  "No.  Sharpfang put you in the hunting patrol for a reason,"  Flamestar replied.  "Of course you can patrol!"  Sharpfang was joining them.  "Tell Pebblestep she's on the hunting patrol,"  he said.  "Have Thornclaw go on the border patrol.  I'll go on the evening patrol later.  I need to take a walk,"  Flamestar said as he walked into the woods.  "Nice job,"  Mapleleaf said.  "Next time tell Sharpfang not to object to your orders,"  Flamestar nodded.  "Alright,"  he said.  Mapleleaf disappeared, as usual, and Flamestar continued to walk.  I am beginning to agree with Mapleleaf, but is that a good thing, or bad?
                      End of Chapter 18