Prologue
It was a cold night in the season of harvest with the moon only a sliver as it crossed the sky. A black she-wolf pads through the forest toward the ocean with a small black bundle of fur in her mouth.
The weariness of fear in her eyes yet the determination of purpose in her paws. Finally she reached the Sandcliffs with the waves pounding against them far below. At a rustle in the bushes the she-wolf spun around in time to see five wolves emerge from the bushes.
“What are you doing on Seaclan territory?” Growled the dark grey male at the head of the group. “State your purpose.”
Setting down her burden at her feet, she faced the angry wolf. “I come in peace.” She said calmly. Though her eyes revealed her fear. “I have brought with me my son, Shadow. I beg you to take him into your clan.” She said nudging the bundle of fur who sat up blinking sleep from his red eyes.
“Are you mad?!” The wolf barked as the group behind him murmured to each other. “Everyone in the forest knows that red eyed wolves are possessed by demons. Only a fool would take that, that thing into their clan!”
The she-wolf’s eyes widened in fear, “But, but you don’t understand, if I take him back he’ll be killed!” Her voice dripped with desperation.
“Then I’ll kill him myself!” He barked.
But before he could move a wolf from his own group lunged for the red eyed pup, but instead of attacking the pup, the wolf spun on its leader and stood in front of the pup.
“What do you think you’re doing Dolphinpelt?” The leader growled.
“Shadestar, you kill this pup you have to kill me first.” Dolphinpelt snarled back, bracing herself for an attack.
“So be it.” Shadestar snarled. He raised his paw to swat the wolf away, but before he could make the blow a new voice came from the shadows of the bushes.
“Now is that the way to act?” A dark grey wolf asked as he emerged. “Both as a leader and as a father. Leader’s have more mercy and a father never attacks their daughter.”
“I know that already Nightwhisper. What are you doing out of camp?” Shadestar said letting his paw go down so that he could turn to look at the elder.
“You think that just because I’m the oldest wolf in the clan that I can’t walk anymore? Ha! I walk to the Nightpool every full moon.” Nightwhisper chuckled. “Now what is all this about, Shadestar?”
“It’s none of your business, Nightwhisper.
“Let me guess. This lady needs you to take in that pup over their because he’ll be killed if you don’t. Hmm?” Nightwhisper said with an inquisitive look.
“How did you…”
“I was watching the whole thing. Oh yeah that reminds me, that was very brave of you Dolphinpelt. Chip off the old ‘old’ block.” Nightwhisper said with a chuckle. “Those were the days.”
“Enough with the day dreaming.” Shadestar barked.
“Let me take care of this cursed pup and put him out of his misery.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Nightwhisper sighed.
“Oh really? Then what would you do Nightwhisper?” Shadestar snarled.
“I would give him a chance.”
“Well by the looks of him he’s still on milk and the only wolf in the clan that’s able is…” He paused and exchanged a glance with Dolphinpelt who nodded curtly and sat beside the pup. “Very well we’ll take him in.” He said gathering the patrol behind him. “Dolphinpelt, carry the pup, we’re going back to camp.”
Nodding to her father she obediently picked up the pup and followed the patrol through the bushes.
When everyone else had gone Nightwhisper turned to the black she-wolf. “Don’t worry; I’ll keep an eye on Shadow. I promise.”
“Thank you Nightwhisper.” She said with a nod. When he had disappeared through the bushes the black she-wolf turned back toward where she had come from and slowly walked away.
Then, the night was silent.
Chapter 2
Shadowpaw sniffed the crisp smells of the rain soaked forest, a smell reached his nose.
I smell rabbit, my favorite. Shadowpaw thought happily licking his chops.
Now, where are you? He sniffed again, and then Shadowpaw saw a flash of white dart from one bush to the next.
“There you are.” He growled under his breath. Shadowpaw started to carefully pad over to where the rabbit had disappeared in the bushes.
Just when Shadowpaw was about to attack a white head popped up out of the bush.
What is this? Shadowpaw thought in dismay and confusion.
It was a wolf’s head. One that Shadowpaw had never seen before, yet it seemed familiar. The wolf’s eyes were closed. The wolf had black markings on his face, and thick black eyebrows?
That can’t be true. That just can’t be true. Shadowpaw’s thought’s screamed in dismay in his mind. Silently Shadowpaw padded closer to the wolf. He sniffed the wolf.
What is with this wolf? He doesn’t have any scent at all. Shadowpaw bent closer to the wolf. As he studied the wolf’s face he looked at the wolf’s eyes which were still closed.
The wolf’s eyes opened suddenly and stared at Shadowpaw.
Those eyes. They’re so clear and blue, rain puddles. Where have I seen them before? Wait, I remember Nightwhisper telling me that my, mother had eyes like these. But this can’t be her; he said that she was black, like me. But, then who’s this?
“Brother. . .” The wolf mumbled in a rasping voice that spoke of many moons of illness.
“What are you talking about? Who are you?” The white wolf showed no sign that he had heard.
“I have been waiting all my life to see you again my brother. You still look the same since the day that mom was forced to take you away.” The wolf had a distant look in his eyes as he seemed to look upon the day that he spoke of. “The day, that…that he came.”
“Who, who came? When did this happen?” Shadowpaw asked urgently.
The wolf still didn’t seem to be listening. “I remember that day. As if it had happened only seconds ago.” The wolf closed his eyes to slits as he began his story. “That day, it was only 3 weeks after we were born, you and me, plus our brother and our 3 sisters.
“Our mother had just gotten home from hunting. He was with her to see us. At first we all just ate our meal together. The entire time he was looking us over, trying to make eye contact. Just when he was about to leave he said these very words.” Wolf’s voice lowered to a whisper. “‘I must say Jade, these pups are wonderful, but I have to say that, they must all die.’” His eyes widened in fear as if he were there again as these words were said. “After he whispered those dreadful words he attacked us, killing my closest sister first, first taking her behind a tree then killing her there and leaving her; her name was Rose, you and her were always my closest siblings. Second he killed our brother. Last, he killed our other 2 sisters at the same time.
“During this time I had been safely hidden and she had started running away to hide you, I never knew if you had survived or not, until now.”
“Wait a second, are you saying that you are my brother? And even if that’s true who would do such a thing?” Shadowpaw growled at the wolf.
“My name is Joey. The name of the person who would do this is…” Joey was cut of by a ghostly howl from the distance. “Oh no.” Joey’s eyes widened in fear.
“What, what’s going on? What was that noise?” Shadowpaw asked in panic as he searched the bushes for what had made the noise.
“He’s back, run quickly Shadow, run!” Joey barked in panic then disappeared in the gathering mist.
“Joey? Joey, where did you go? What’s going on? Help!”
* * *
“Shadowpaw, Shadowpaw wake up! You’re having a nightmare wake up!”
Shadowpaw opened his eyes to see Sealpaw standing on top of him. He was back in the Tyro’s Cave. It was only a dream, but, it felt too real to be my imagination. Why would I somehow come up a story like that even in my wildest dreams?
“What was that all about?” Sealpaw asked still standing on top of him.
“Umm, Sealpaw…” Shadowpaw coughed. “I can’t breathe with you standing on me.”
“Oh! I am so, sorry! Are you ok?” Sealpaw barked stepping of him.
“Ya, I’m fine.”
“Well are you 2 going to sit around all day or are you going to go and wait to start your Guardian training?” Wetpaw asked pointing with his muzzle toward the 2 mentors waiting for them by the camp entrance.
“Oh no, we’re late! Hurry you two or we’ll be in big trouble. Hurry up Shadowpaw!” Sealpaw barked excitedly as she dashed down towards the mentors.
“Hey, wait for me!” Shadowpaw raced after them to start his training as a Tyro.
* * *
“The first place that we will stop at is called the Seastone.” Stonefang announced as he and Wetpaw’s mentor Bigwave approached a giant black stone. Its smooth water like surface glistened in the daylight. “The Seastone marks the place where our clan’s first leader died after the great battle against Caveclan. Back then they were the wickedest clan around. But that was back when Bloodstar was in charge. The demon possessed fiend.” Stonefang snarled.
Shadowpaw stiffened up a bit. I hope that doesn’t mean that he hates me too.
“Now I want you all to remember something. If you are ever lost, go towards the sea and go east.” Bigwave barked.
“Yes Bigwave they know, I mean really, its common sense. Plus nobody ever gets lost in their own territory.” Stonefang chuckled. “Let’s move on now. Next we will be seeing the border we have with Woodclan.” Stonefang gathered the patrol behind him with a swift bark. Then when everyone was in position they began trotting towards the border.
Moments past with silence. Then a question pricked Shadowpaw’s mind. “Stonefang?”
“Yes”
“Why didn’t Shadestar come with us?”
“Because, he is a very busy wolf being leader and all.”
“Oh” Shadowpaw lowered his tail a bit. Or is it because he doesn’t think that I’m worth the time? Shadowpaw thought bitterly.
* * *
Shadowpaw walked into the Tyros’ Den and flopped down onto his nest. “I’m exhausted, how do you do it Wetpaw?” Shadowpaw gasped in between breaths.
“Guess I just got use to it. You will too eventually.” Wetpaw barked lying down in his own nest.
“Ya, eventually,” Shadowpaw grumbled. Shadowpaw opened his jaws wide in a yawn. “Goodnight Wetpaw.”
“Goodnight Shadowpaw.”
Shadowpaw spread out in his nest. He thought that he would fall asleep right away but he lay asleep awake for many hours. Ominous thoughts battered relentlessly at his mind.
Suddenly there was a yelp. Sealpaw stirred in her nest, “Shadowpaw, are you awake?”
“Ya,”
“I had a bad dream.”
“What was it about?”
“It was about me and my mom.”
“Oh,” Shadowpaw remembered that Sealpaw and her mom had been separated when she was 3 days old. Dolphinpelt had taken her in when her mom left. Shadowpaw thought about his own mother. I guess I should consider myself lucky. I at least got to see my mom with my own eyes and got live a normal life with her for 3 weeks. “I’m sorry.”
“Shadowpaw,”
“Yes?”
“Do you mind if I sleep next to you tonight?”
“Sure.” Shadowpaw scooted to one side his nest. Sealpaw settled down next to him. She pressed her body against him.
“Goodnight Shadowpaw,” Sealpaw yawned.
“Goodnight Sealpaw,” Shadowpaw rested his muzzle on his paws. Sealpaw pressed her muzzle against his. Shadowpaw rested his head on top of hers. He soon fell asleep.
Chapter 3:
“Shadowpaw!” The bark came from the distance.
Shadowpaw’s ears pricked, he lifted his head from where it lay on top of Sealpaw’s. Moonlight filtered through the roof of the den.
“Shadowpaw, get out here!” The bark came again.
Shadowpaw heaved himself from his nest and drowsily stumbled toward the den entrance. Who would be calling me at this time? He walked out into the clearing. He searched the clearing. “Hmm, I wonder what that was.” Shadowpaw started turning back towards the den. Then out of the corner of his eye he saw a white blur dart from one bush to the next. “Who’s there?” Shadowpaw barked toward where the white blur had disappeared. No answer came back.
“Shadowpaw!” A desperate yelp came from the den.
Shadowpaw spun around. Sealpaw! He dashed into the den, his heart racing with terror as he took in the scene.
The white blur had been a white wolf. What? Joey? He looked past Joey and his heart stopped dead. Sealpaw! Sealpaw’s body lay motionless on the ground at Joey’s feet. Anger overwhelmed him, threatening to choke him.
Joey turned sharply to face him. Wait a second, those eyes. The wolf’s eyes were red. Like mine! This wolf isn’t Joey.
“Shadow; how…” The wolf’s eyes grew sharp with bewilderment and frustration. The wolf lunged at him without warning.
“What the heck? “ Shadowpaw yelped as the wolf attacked and knocked him to the ground. The wolf snarled ferociously as he snapped at his neck. He dodged desperately from side to side. Suddenly he felt pain flash like lightning through his neck. It surged like a flame river as blood drained from the wound. What? Why? Who are you? He closed his eyes as the life drained from his body.
* * *
“Sealpaw!” Shadowpaw’s head jerked upwards. He searched his surrounding. His surroundings were bright and blurry as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings. Am I dead? His eyes finally adjusted to the light. What? He was still in the den. He looked down where his head had been. Sealpaw was still there. She’s alive! Yes, it was just a nightmare, thank Moonclan! He lay his head back down on top of Sealpaw’s. Please don’t let this dream mean anything! Sealpaw stirred under his chin.
“Hmm,” Sealpaw grumbled as she got up. “Shadowpaw let me up you cat-brain!”
“Oh right, sorry!” Shadowpaw got up and backed up a few steps. He scratched his muzzle with his paw in embarrassment.
“Did someone call me?” Sealpaw yawned drowsily, as she stretched.
“No,”
“Huh, could have sworn I heard someone call me.” She studied his face for a second. “Oh well, probably nothing,” she sighed. “So, you’re up early. Is something wrong?”
“Oh, no, just a bad dreaming.” Shadowpaw’s whiskers twitched at the lie.
“Are you sure?” Sealpaw asked.
“Yes,”
“Whatever you say Shadowpaw, shouldn’t we be meeting our gurus soon?” Sealpaw asked with a glint of humor in her eyes as Shadowpaw stumbled to the entrance.
“Oh, you’re right! We’ve got to hurry,” Shadowpaw whisked out the entrance with Sealpaw at his heels.
“Shadowpaw, Sealpaw, what took you so long?” Stonefang barked at the tardy tyros.
“Sorry Stonefang,” Sealpaw apologized to the guardian.
“Don’t worry about it, just don’t do it again.”
“Yes Stonefang,”
“Today you will be having your first hunting lesson,” Stonefang announced. “We will start at the river. There you will learn how to hunt for fish. Afterwards we will have a swimming lesson in the lake.”
The patrol walked in silence as they trekked towards the river. Shadowpaw glanced up at Shadestar who had actually decided to come today. I wonder what made him decide to come today. He’d never come before. Shadowpaw thought in wonder as the guru walked straight forward. Then Shadestar glanced back at Shadowpaw and caught his eye for a brief second. Shadowpaw dropped his gaze from back to his paws.
Long silent minutes crawled by until finally the patrol reached the river.
“Now, find a shaded spot on the bank and make sure that your tail is behind you at all times so that it won’t go into the river.” Shadestar barked as the patrol approached the bank. “Shadowpaw, come over here.”
“Yes Shadestar,” Shadowpaw gulped as he went to sit by his guru. He didn’t trust his leader one bit.
“Now, first try and spot a fish. Tell me when you have spotted one.” Shadestar instructed.
“I see one,”
“Very good, now lift your paw above the surface of the water, but be sure not to make a shadow.”
Shadowpaw carefully did as Shadestar had instructed him and raised his paw directly over the fish.
“Now, when I say ‘go’ I want you to try and scoop the fish up and onto the bank. You have to be quick though, or the fish swim away and someone will be going to bed with an empty stomach.”
“Yes Shadestar,” Shadowpaw concentrated on the fish and tensed his upraised leg for the command.
“Go,”
Shadowpaw darted his paw into the water, caught the fish but lost his grip and came up empty. Shadowpaw shook his paw in irritation. How could I have missed! It was in plain sight!
“Oh, to bad, looks like you missed. Go ahead and try a few more times. I’ll be over here with Stonefang.” Shadestar said with a look of irritation and mild disappointment.
“Yes Shadestar,”
* * *
Three hours passed as Shadowpaw and Sealpaw practiced their hunting. At the end Sealpaw had caught three good sized fish while Shadowpaw had only caught one tiny fish the size of a mouse.
“Very good job you two; let’s bury our catch and head for the lake now. You can bury it by that birch tree over there.” Stonefang barked to the tyros.
“Yes Stonefang,” Sealpaw barked back. She picked up her catch and dragged it to the tree where Shadowpaw was already tearing irritably at the earth.
When Shadowpaw had made a nice sized hole and tossed his small fish in Sealpaw dropped her catch in as well. Shadowpaw dragged some branches and covered the hole so that rodents wouldn’t find it.
Back Of Book:
An invisible force ravages
the forest…a savior will rise…
red star…
3 clans have lived peacefully in their land for many seasons. But now, a new evil has reared its ugly head to be accompanied by an old evil in the form of a red eyed wolf pup named Shadow. Unexpected heroes will emerge to face the evil and dark secrets will be discovered. Yet, some secrets should be left unknown…
A book series that I'm working on. It's kind of like the warriors series except it has wolves in it not cats. There are three clans. (CaveClan, Woodclan, and Seaclan.) There StarClan is called MoonClan. P.S. Will accept ideas for characters or events. :)
Woodclan
Watcher
Oakstar: Dark brown male with a black muzzle, black paws, and amber eyes.
Runner
Cherryheart: Light brown she-wolf with a dark brown muzzle, paws, and green eyes. Tyro, Mintpaw.
Sage
Cedarpelt: Brown male with a light brown muzzle, flecks, paws, and amber eyes. Tyro, Sagepaw.
Guardians
Willowfur: Brown she-wolf with a dark brown muzzle, paws, and amber eyes.
Blueleaf: Silver she-wolf with a white muzzle, paws, and blue eyes. Tyro, Fawnpaw.
Tigerlily: Black she-wolf with a silver muzzle, paws, and green eyes.
Ashstorm: Dark grey male with a black muzzle, paws, and amber eyes.
Birchfur: Black male with a white muzzle, paws, and amber.
Fernstorm: Grey she-wolf with a black muzzle, paws, and amber eyes.
Elmfur: Dark brown male with a white muzzle, paws, and thick white eye brows with amber eyes. Said to have finished his guardian training in 1 moon.
Tyros
Mintpaw: Silver she-wolf with black flecks, paws, and blue eyes.
Sagepaw: Dark grey male with a white muzzle, paws, and green eyes.
Fawnpaw: Dark grey she-wolf with a black muzzle, flecks, and amber eyes.
Elders
Owlwalker: Brown male with a dark brown muzzle, paws, and amber eyes.
Ravenpelt: Black male with a white muzzle and blue eyes.
Finchtail: Grey she-wolf with a dark grey muzzle, paws, flecks, and has green eyes.
Caveclan
Watcher
Rockstar: Brown male with black flecks, black muzzle, white paws, and green.
Runner
Mudpelt: Dark brown male with a black muzzle, black paws and amber eyes. Tyro, Frogpaw
Sage
Stoneleaf: Light grey she-wolf with a grey muzzle, grey flecks, and blue eyes.
Guardians
Pebbleheart: Grey She-wolf with a black muzzle, black flecks, and green eyes.
Fireclaw: White male with a black stripe across each cheek and down his forehead, black paws, black stripes, and red eyes. Said to have killed so many in a battle once that his claws were stained red permanently by his enemy’s blood.
Duststorm: Dark brown male with black paws and green eyes. Tyro, Whitepaw
Rockpelt: Dark grey male with black paws and amber eyes.
Heavystone: Brownish grey male with black paws and green eyes.
Greyfoot: Grey she-wolf with a pale grey muzzle and blue eyes.
Dirtfur: Brownish grey male with white paws and amber eyes.
Tyros
Whitepaw: White she-wolf with a brown muzzle, paws, and amber eyes.
Frogpaw: Dark brown she-wolf with green eyes and white paws.
Elders
Batecho: Dark brownish grey male with a black muzzle, white paws, white underbelly, and amber eyes.
Halfear: White male with a torn ear that never healed correctly with blue eyes.
Oldstone: Grey male with a dark grey muzzle, paws, flecks, and blue eyes.
Seaclan
Watcher
Shadestar: Dark grey almost black male with a light grey muzzle and paws with green eyes. Tyro, Shadowpaw
Runner
Stonefang: Grey male with black flecks and green eyes. Claimed to have been born with teeth and hard as stone. Tyro, Sealpaw
Sage
Spottedshell: Light tan she-wolf with black flecks, black muzzle, white paws, and blue eyes.
Guardians
Sandpelt: Light tan almost white she-wolf with a black muzzle and paws with green eyes.
Dolphinpelt: Dark grey almost black she wolf with a white underside, black flecks, and blue eyes.
Blackfang: White male with black flecks and black teeth with blue eyes.
Littlestream: Silver she-wolf with white paws and underbelly with blue eyes.
Bigwave: White male with black paws, and blue eyes. Tyro, Wetpaw
Riverheart: Dark grey she-wolf with a black muzzle, paws, and blue eyes.
Tyros
Wetpaw: Dark grey male with a grey muzzle, paws, and blue eyes.
Shadowpaw: Black male with a white muzzle, paws, underbelly, and red eyes.
Sealpaw: Light tan she-wolf with a black muzzle, black paws, flecks, and blue eyes.
Elders
Nightwhisper: Dark grey almost black male with a pale grey muzzle, paws, black spot on chest, and thick pale grey eye brows with deep green eyes. Oldest wolf in Seaclan.
Whitefur: White she-wolf with blue eyes.
Tornpelt: Pale grey almost white male with many battle scars and amber eyes.
Outside of the Clans
Jade: Black she-wolf with a white muzzle, paws, underbelly, and blue eyes.
Joey: White male with a black stripe across each cheek and down his forehead, black paws, black stripes, black teeth, and thick black eye brows with blue eyes. Son of Jade.
Ancient Beleifs
1. Demons’ Eyes: Wolves with red eyes are known to be possessed by demons. (Red eyes are passed on through bloodlines, but not all who inherit this bloodline are cursed with red eyes.)
2. Tiger’s Spirit: Wolves with stripes are known to be blessed with amazing strength. (This trait, like the red eyes, is passed through bloodlines but is an uncommon trait to be found.)
3. Rock’s Tooth: Wolves with black and/or stone hard teeth are known to be blessed with extraordinary speed. (This trait is also passed through bloodlines but is rarely found.)
4. Owl’s Knowledge: Wolves with thick eye brows are known to be blessed with astounding intelligence.
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OMFG!!!! that is like really good i read the whole thing its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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THANK YOU!
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Prologue It was a cold night in the season of harvest with the moon only a sliver as it crossed the sky. A black she-wolf pads through the forest toward the ocean with a small black bundle of fur in her mouth.
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The weariness of fear in her eyes yet the determination of purpose in her paws. Finally she reached the Sandcliffs with the waves pounding against them far below. At a rustle in the bushes the she-wolf spun around in time to see five wolves emerge from the bushes. “What are you doing on Seaclan territory?” Growled the dark grey male at the head of the group. “State your purpose.” Setting down her burden at her feet, she faced the angry wolf. “I come in peace.” She said calmly. Though her eyes revealed her fear. “I have brought with me my son, Shadow. I beg you to take him into your clan.” She said nudging the bundle of fur who sat up blinking sleep from his red eyes. “Are you mad?!” The wolf barked as the group behind him murmured to each other. “Everyone in the forest knows that red eyed wolves are possessed by demons. Only a fool would take that, that thing into their clan!” The she-wolf’s eyes widened in fear, “But, but you don’t understand, if I take him back he’ll be killed!” Her voice dripped with desperation. “Then I’ll kill him myself!” He barked. But before he could move a wolf from his own group lunged for the red eyed pup, but instead of attacking the pup, the wolf spun on its leader and stood in front of the pup. “What do you think you’re doing Dolphinpelt?” The leader growled. “Shadestar, you kill this pup you have to kill me first.” Dolphinpelt snarled back, bracing herself for an attack. “So be it.” Shadestar snarled. He raised his paw to swat the wolf away, but before he could make the blow a new voice came from the shadows of the bushes. “Now is that the way to act?” A dark grey wolf asked as he emerged. “Both as a leader and as a father. Leader’s have more mercy and a father never attacks their daughter.” “I know that already Nightwhisper. What are you doing out of camp?” Shadestar said letting his paw go down so that he could turn to look at the elder. “You think that just because I’m the oldest wolf in the clan that I can’t walk anymore? Ha! I walk to the Nightpool every full moon.” Nightwhisper chuckled. “Now what is all this about, Shadestar?” “It’s none of your business, Nightwhisper. “Let me guess. This lady needs you to take in that pup over their because he’ll be killed if you don’t. Hmm?” Nightwhisper said with an inquisitive look. “How did you…” “I was watching the whole thing. Oh yeah that reminds me, that was very brave of you Dolphinpelt. Chip off the old ‘old’ block.” Nightwhisper said with a chuckle. “Those were the days.” “Enough with the day dreaming.” Shadestar barked. “Let me take care of this cursed pup and put him out of his misery.” “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Nightwhisper sighed. “Oh really? Then what would you do Nightwhisper?” Shadestar snarled. “I would give him a chance.” “Well by the looks of him he’s still on milk and the only wolf in the clan that’s able is…” He paused and exchanged a glance with Dolphinpelt who nodded curtly and sat beside the pup. “Very well we’ll take him in.” He said gathering the patrol behind him. “Dolphinpelt, carry the pup, we’re going back to camp.” Nodding to her father she obediently picked up the pup and followed the patrol through the bushes. When everyone else had gone Nightwhisper turned to the black she-wolf. “Don’t worry; I’ll keep an eye on Shadow. I promise.” “Thank you Nightwhisper.” She said with a nod. When he had disappeared through the bushes the black she-wolf turned back toward where she had come from and slowly walked away. Then, the night was silent.
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Chapter 2 Shadowpaw sniffed the crisp smells of the rain soaked forest, a smell reached his nose. I smell rabbit, my favorite. Shadowpaw thought happily licking his chops. Now, where are you? He sniffed again, and then Shadowpaw saw a flash of white dart from one bush to the next. “There you are.” He growled under his breath. Shadowpaw started to carefully pad over to where the rabbit had disappeared in the bushes.
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Just when Shadowpaw was about to attack a white head popped up out of the bush. What is this? Shadowpaw thought in dismay and confusion. It was a wolf’s head. One that Shadowpaw had never seen before, yet it seemed familiar. The wolf’s eyes were closed. The wolf had black markings on his face, and thick black eyebrows? That can’t be true. That just can’t be true. Shadowpaw’s thought’s screamed in dismay in his mind. Silently Shadowpaw padded closer to the wolf. He sniffed the wolf. What is with this wolf? He doesn’t have any scent at all. Shadowpaw bent closer to the wolf. As he studied the wolf’s face he looked at the wolf’s eyes which were still closed. The wolf’s eyes opened suddenly and stared at Shadowpaw. Those eyes. They’re so clear and blue, rain puddles. Where have I seen them before? Wait, I remember Nightwhisper telling me that my, mother had eyes like these. But this can’t be her; he said that she was black, like me. But, then who’s this? “Brother. . .” The wolf mumbled in a rasping voice that spoke of many moons of illness. “What are you talking about? Who are you?” The white wolf showed no sign that he had heard. “I have been waiting all my life to see you again my brother. You still look the same since the day that mom was forced to take you away.” The wolf had a distant look in his eyes as he seemed to look upon the day that he spoke of. “The day, that…that he came.” “Who, who came? When did this happen?” Shadowpaw asked urgently. The wolf still didn’t seem to be listening. “I remember that day. As if it had happened only seconds ago.” The wolf closed his eyes to slits as he began his story. “That day, it was only 3 weeks after we were born, you and me, plus our brother and our 3 sisters. “Our mother had just gotten home from hunting. He was with her to see us. At first we all just ate our meal together. The entire time he was looking us over, trying to make eye contact. Just when he was about to leave he said these very words.” Wolf’s voice lowered to a whisper. “‘I must say Jade, these pups are wonderful, but I have to say that, they must all die.’” His eyes widened in fear as if he were there again as these words were said. “After he whispered those dreadful words he attacked us, killing my closest sister first, first taking her behind a tree then killing her there and leaving her; her name was Rose, you and her were always my closest siblings. Second he killed our brother. Last, he killed our other 2 sisters at the same time. “During this time I had been safely hidden and she had started running away to hide you, I never knew if you had survived or not, until now.” “Wait a second, are you saying that you are my brother? And even if that’s true who would do such a thing?” Shadowpaw growled at the wolf. “My name is Joey. The name of the person who would do this is…” Joey was cut of by a ghostly howl from the distance. “Oh no.” Joey’s eyes widened in fear. “What, what’s going on? What was that noise?” Shadowpaw asked in panic as he searched the bushes for what had made the noise. “He’s back, run quickly Shadow, run!” Joey barked in panic then disappeared in the gathering mist. “Joey? Joey, where did you go? What’s going on? Help!” * * * “Shadowpaw, Shadowpaw wake up! You’re having a nightmare wake up!” Shadowpaw opened his eyes to see Sealpaw standing on top of him. He was back in the Tyro’s Cave. It was only a dream, but, it felt too real to be my imagination. Why would I somehow come up a story like that even in my wildest dreams? “What was that all about?” Sealpaw asked still standing on top of him. “Umm, Sealpaw…” Shadowpaw coughed. “I can’t breathe with you standing on me.” “Oh! I am so, sorry! Are you ok?” Sealpaw barked stepping of him. “Ya, I’m fine.” “Well are you 2 going to sit around all day or are you going to go and wait to start your Guardian training?” Wetpaw asked pointing with his muzzle toward the 2 mentors waiting for them by the camp entrance. “Oh no, we’re late! Hurry you two or we’ll be in big trouble. Hurry up Shadowpaw!” Sealpaw barked excitedly as she dashed down towards the mentors. “Hey, wait for me!” Shadowpaw raced after them to start his training as a Tyro. * * * “The first place that we will stop at is called the Seastone.” Stonefang announced as he and Wetpaw’s mentor Bigwave approached a giant black stone. Its smooth water like surface glistened in the daylight. “The Seastone marks the place where our clan’s first leader died after the great battle against Caveclan. Back then they were the wickedest clan around. But that was back when Bloodstar was in charge. The demon possessed fiend.” Stonefang snarled. Shadowpaw stiffened up a bit. I hope that doesn’t mean that he hates me too. “Now I want you all to remember something. If you are ever lost, go towards the sea and go east.” Bigwave barked. “Yes Bigwave they know, I mean really, its common sense. Plus nobody ever gets lost in their own territory.” Stonefang chuckled. “Let’s move on now. Next we will be seeing the border we have with Woodclan.” Stonefang gathered the patrol behind him with a swift bark. Then when everyone was in position they began trotting towards the border. Moments past with silence. Then a question pricked Shadowpaw’s mind. “Stonefang?” “Yes” “Why didn’t Shadestar come with us?” “Because, he is a very busy wolf being leader and all.” “Oh” Shadowpaw lowered his tail a bit. Or is it because he doesn’t think that I’m worth the time? Shadowpaw thought bitterly. * * * Shadowpaw walked into the Tyros’ Den and flopped down onto his nest. “I’m exhausted, how do you do it Wetpaw?” Shadowpaw gasped in between breaths. “Guess I just got use to it. You will too eventually.” Wetpaw barked lying down in his own nest. “Ya, eventually,” Shadowpaw grumbled. Shadowpaw opened his jaws wide in a yawn. “Goodnight Wetpaw.” “Goodnight Shadowpaw.” Shadowpaw spread out in his nest. He thought that he would fall asleep right away but he lay asleep awake for many hours. Ominous thoughts battered relentlessly at his mind. Suddenly there was a yelp. Sealpaw stirred in her nest, “Shadowpaw, are you awake?” “Ya,” “I had a bad dream.” “What was it about?” “It was about me and my mom.” “Oh,” Shadowpaw remembered that Sealpaw and her mom had been separated when she was 3 days old. Dolphinpelt had taken her in when her mom left. Shadowpaw thought about his own mother. I guess I should consider myself lucky. I at least got to see my mom with my own eyes and got live a normal life with her for 3 weeks. “I’m sorry.” “Shadowpaw,” “Yes?” “Do you mind if I sleep next to you tonight?” “Sure.” Shadowpaw scooted to one side his nest. Sealpaw settled down next to him. She pressed her body against him. “Goodnight Shadowpaw,” Sealpaw yawned. “Goodnight Sealpaw,” Shadowpaw rested his muzzle on his paws. Sealpaw pressed her muzzle against his. Shadowpaw rested his head on top of hers. He soon fell asleep.
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Chapter 3: “Shadowpaw!” The bark came from the distance. Shadowpaw’s ears pricked, he lifted his head from where it lay on top of Sealpaw’s. Moonlight filtered through the roof of the den. “Shadowpaw, get out here!” The bark came again.
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Shadowpaw heaved himself from his nest and drowsily stumbled toward the den entrance. Who would be calling me at this time? He walked out into the clearing. He searched the clearing. “Hmm, I wonder what that was.” Shadowpaw started turning back towards the den. Then out of the corner of his eye he saw a white blur dart from one bush to the next. “Who’s there?” Shadowpaw barked toward where the white blur had disappeared. No answer came back. “Shadowpaw!” A desperate yelp came from the den. Shadowpaw spun around. Sealpaw! He dashed into the den, his heart racing with terror as he took in the scene. The white blur had been a white wolf. What? Joey? He looked past Joey and his heart stopped dead. Sealpaw! Sealpaw’s body lay motionless on the ground at Joey’s feet. Anger overwhelmed him, threatening to choke him. Joey turned sharply to face him. Wait a second, those eyes. The wolf’s eyes were red. Like mine! This wolf isn’t Joey. “Shadow; how…” The wolf’s eyes grew sharp with bewilderment and frustration. The wolf lunged at him without warning. “What the heck? “ Shadowpaw yelped as the wolf attacked and knocked him to the ground. The wolf snarled ferociously as he snapped at his neck. He dodged desperately from side to side. Suddenly he felt pain flash like lightning through his neck. It surged like a flame river as blood drained from the wound. What? Why? Who are you? He closed his eyes as the life drained from his body. * * * “Sealpaw!” Shadowpaw’s head jerked upwards. He searched his surrounding. His surroundings were bright and blurry as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings. Am I dead? His eyes finally adjusted to the light. What? He was still in the den. He looked down where his head had been. Sealpaw was still there. She’s alive! Yes, it was just a nightmare, thank Moonclan! He lay his head back down on top of Sealpaw’s. Please don’t let this dream mean anything! Sealpaw stirred under his chin. “Hmm,” Sealpaw grumbled as she got up. “Shadowpaw let me up you cat-brain!” “Oh right, sorry!” Shadowpaw got up and backed up a few steps. He scratched his muzzle with his paw in embarrassment. “Did someone call me?” Sealpaw yawned drowsily, as she stretched. “No,” “Huh, could have sworn I heard someone call me.” She studied his face for a second. “Oh well, probably nothing,” she sighed. “So, you’re up early. Is something wrong?” “Oh, no, just a bad dreaming.” Shadowpaw’s whiskers twitched at the lie. “Are you sure?” Sealpaw asked. “Yes,” “Whatever you say Shadowpaw, shouldn’t we be meeting our gurus soon?” Sealpaw asked with a glint of humor in her eyes as Shadowpaw stumbled to the entrance. “Oh, you’re right! We’ve got to hurry,” Shadowpaw whisked out the entrance with Sealpaw at his heels. “Shadowpaw, Sealpaw, what took you so long?” Stonefang barked at the tardy tyros. “Sorry Stonefang,” Sealpaw apologized to the guardian. “Don’t worry about it, just don’t do it again.” “Yes Stonefang,” “Today you will be having your first hunting lesson,” Stonefang announced. “We will start at the river. There you will learn how to hunt for fish. Afterwards we will have a swimming lesson in the lake.” The patrol walked in silence as they trekked towards the river. Shadowpaw glanced up at Shadestar who had actually decided to come today. I wonder what made him decide to come today. He’d never come before. Shadowpaw thought in wonder as the guru walked straight forward. Then Shadestar glanced back at Shadowpaw and caught his eye for a brief second. Shadowpaw dropped his gaze from back to his paws. Long silent minutes crawled by until finally the patrol reached the river. “Now, find a shaded spot on the bank and make sure that your tail is behind you at all times so that it won’t go into the river.” Shadestar barked as the patrol approached the bank. “Shadowpaw, come over here.” “Yes Shadestar,” Shadowpaw gulped as he went to sit by his guru. He didn’t trust his leader one bit. “Now, first try and spot a fish. Tell me when you have spotted one.” Shadestar instructed. “I see one,” “Very good, now lift your paw above the surface of the water, but be sure not to make a shadow.” Shadowpaw carefully did as Shadestar had instructed him and raised his paw directly over the fish. “Now, when I say ‘go’ I want you to try and scoop the fish up and onto the bank. You have to be quick though, or the fish swim away and someone will be going to bed with an empty stomach.” “Yes Shadestar,” Shadowpaw concentrated on the fish and tensed his upraised leg for the command. “Go,” Shadowpaw darted his paw into the water, caught the fish but lost his grip and came up empty. Shadowpaw shook his paw in irritation. How could I have missed! It was in plain sight! “Oh, to bad, looks like you missed. Go ahead and try a few more times. I’ll be over here with Stonefang.” Shadestar said with a look of irritation and mild disappointment. “Yes Shadestar,” * * * Three hours passed as Shadowpaw and Sealpaw practiced their hunting. At the end Sealpaw had caught three good sized fish while Shadowpaw had only caught one tiny fish the size of a mouse. “Very good job you two; let’s bury our catch and head for the lake now. You can bury it by that birch tree over there.” Stonefang barked to the tyros. “Yes Stonefang,” Sealpaw barked back. She picked up her catch and dragged it to the tree where Shadowpaw was already tearing irritably at the earth. When Shadowpaw had made a nice sized hole and tossed his small fish in Sealpaw dropped her catch in as well. Shadowpaw dragged some branches and covered the hole so that rodents wouldn’t find it.
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Back Of Book: An invisible force ravages the forest…a savior will rise… red star… 3 clans have lived peacefully in their land for many seasons. But now, a new evil has reared its ugly head to be accompanied by an old evil in the form of a red eyed wolf pup named Shadow. Unexpected heroes will emerge to face the evil and dark secrets will be discovered. Yet, some secrets should be left unknown…
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