C H A P T E R S E V E N
Suddenly, Silverfur heard an angry yowl.
Shadefur and Blizzardfoot were hissing loudly as they returned from their hunt. Silverfur opened his eyes, startled by the sudden aggression. Blizzardfoot had a huge gash at his shoulder while Shadefur had a torn ear and some scratches.
Shadefur growled,” We were ambushed by a patrol of DarkClan cats.”
“And they stole all of our prey!” Blizzardfoot hissed, his fur bristling.
There were outrageous snarls and mutterings among the Clan. Silverfur flattened his ears. How there they steal another Clan’s prey!
“Let’s go after them!” Wolfclaw yowled, his eyes darkened with fury.
Just then, in the mist of the furious yowling, there was a calm voice,” Wolfclaw, you are head-strong and reckless as usual, always rushing into battles.”
“Hailstar!” Wolfclaw bowed his head as his father stepped into the light.
“We shall wait until we are strong enough before we launch an attack on DarkClan!” He yowled, raising his head. A new confidence shone in him.
Hailstar continued," Sharpclaw shall be the new deputy of IceClan.”
The blue-gray tom looked up in surprise. He glanced at Silverfur and he nodded back at him.
Sharpclaw dipped his head in respect. “I accept,” He mewed.
The rest of the Clan yowled in approval.
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Many moons had past. With their territory burned beyond recognition, they had treated the cave as their current camp. Rippleclaw, Wildstripe and Swiftfoot had discovered a tunnel in the cave and a small patrol had been sent to explore more parts of the cave. The tunnel had led them to more tunnels. Dens were made in them.
In the main clearing of the cave, there was an uphill slope leading towards a hollow space for the leader’s den. Much further behind, there was a constant trickle of water leaking from the gaps. Tuftyfoot and Willowfur had made the medicine cat den there where his herbs could stay fresh for a longer time. The nursery and elder’s den was deep inside the cave where it was safer. Warriors and apprentices den were near the entrance.
Just then, there was a yowl,” Let all cats who can endure the cold of leaf-bare gather beneath the Rocky Ledge for a Clan meeting!”
The rest of the Clan gracefully got to their paws and settled down comfortably before the Rocky Ledge, gazing at their leader.
Hailstar mewed,” Today, there is a gathering. We must prove to the other Clans that IceClan will remain strong despite the fire.”
A ginger-striped tom stepped forward. His voice rang clearly throughout the cave.” We should also warn the other Clans about prey stealing.”
Swiftfoot stepped forward and growled,” DarkClan better stay away from us.”
Hailstar nodded in approval. “I will warn the other leaders about that.”
“The following cats will attend the gathering tonight- Sharpclaw, Tuftyfoot, Holyblaze, Wolfclaw, Silverfur, Shinypelt, Rippleclaw and Swiftfoot.”
Silverfur’s eyes shone when he heard his name being called. It was his first time being chosen to go to a gathering!
He noticed his sisters, Iceclaw and Snowtail, looking crestfallen. “It’s alright! I’ll tell you everything that happens when we return!” He nudged them affectionately.
Sharpclaw glanced around and padded towards Blizzardfoot. “I shall put you in charge of guarding the camp.” The white general nodded.
With that, Hailstar led them out of the camp entrance.
Iceclaw 
Silverstream 
Congratulate them 
