The Lost

The Clans are divided.The leaders are lost.StarClan is silent.War rages - between families,between rogues,between littermates.And when a young rogue named Lavender realizes not everything is as it seems,she has a choice.

The question is....

What will she choose?

Prologue
The little kit fell into exhaustion.She was pitifully small,as she hadn't eaten in...how long?Four days?Five?Hunger gnawed at her.Finally she couldn't stand it anymore.She fell to the ground.

The kit smelled a fragrance she remembered from the breif time she had with her mother before her murder.She remembered the herbs her mother had named.Her mother,Gentleberry.

She sighed.The scent was something familiar.Nothing had been familiar for the kit.

Something stood over her,blocking the sun.She didn't have enough strength to lift jer head,but she smelled a cat.She heard a silky mew from the tom cat.“Little one,little Lavender,why are you here?"

The kit groaned.The tom,sensing her hunger and exhaustion,piled the lavender around her as bedding and brought her a mouse.She ate the whole thing before she remembered the manners Gentleberry had taught her.But already the kit was drowsy.

And the tom let her sleep.

Chapter 1
“Lavender!"Robin called.

She lifted her head over the top of her nest.“It isn't time for needed-running,is it?"She asked.Robin nodded.

“Can you do trades-making today?"He asked.She nodded.

Sleepily,Lavender climbed out of her nest.The small den that Robin had built for her had been her only home.At least,the only one she could remember.

It wasn't a big den,but it suited them.A dome woven from brambles,with curtains of reeds dividing the living section from the trades-making place.Piles of whatever prey Robin caught,whatever herbs Lavender could trade for,flowers with wonderful fragrances.

Robin would be hunting if he asked Lavender to do the trades-making.She was just sorting the herbs when a skinny rogue came in with a mouthful of simple acorns.

“What can you give for 'em?"He asked,dropping the nuts at Lavender's feet.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She glanced at the piles and grabbed a small bit of sweet smelling flowers.“Take or leave,"She said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The rogue's shoulders sank.“I can get more,if you could just lemme have dat dere mouse-"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Take or leave,"she repeated firmly.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Can dey be eaten?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender glanced at the flowers,then back at the rogue.She could count his ribs.A cat his age probably had kits and a mate,possibly more than one litter.Clearly he was in hard times.But weren't they all?

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender sighed and walked over to her herb pile,and grabbed a few leaves.She knew from what she gathered here and there that they would help with hunger and keep cats strong.“Here."She said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The rogue looked at her with gratitude in his eyes.He scooped up the herbs and the small group of flowers and trotted out,a slight energy now guiding his paws.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">A familiar face walked in soon after.“Hello Marigold,"Lavender said cheerfully.The golden she-cat had her two daughters with her,Cloud and Dawn.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Marigold dropped two fat voles,and Dawn set a bundle of catmint beside them.Lavender grinned.Marigold's family were better off than most in this uncertain time,and they were loyal customers to Robin and his adopted daughter.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“I can give you three bundles of flowers,and some horsetail,and a bird?"She offered.Marigold nodded.As Lavender went to prepare the trade,she noticed a small line forming outside the den.A busy day.Her favorite kind.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Marigold and her kits left with their trade,and Lavender added to the store what they had given her.Catmint,she knew,would fetch a good deal.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">A young kit by the name of Jetkit was next.A Clan name,Lavender recognized.The kit was of Clan blood.Clan blooded cats had a more likely chance of survival,and often they had lots to trade when they came to The Alley.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The Alley was the largest group of cats living together in the forest.It was an old alleyway between to twoleg-nests that had been long since abandoned.Outside of twolegplace,it was the most populated - and most dangerous - area.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Jetkit dropped three small mice.“My mother,Applepelt,wanted some marigold,and some horsetail,and she said,if you have it,a bit of catmint,please?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender looked at the mice.“You can have the marigold and horsetail,"she said gently,“But catmint is rare.I need a bit more than this."The kit nodded in understanding.She accepted the herbs and scurried out.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">All the day long,Lavender trades-maked,the business that Robin ran.Going through inventory,she found two of the small mice Jetkit had given her,and a good sized bird.She set the prey down in the living space for dinner.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin came in then.In his mouth he held several large leaves,all wrapped up.“What is that?"Lavender asked.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">He unwrapped one of the leaves to reveal a poultice.“We can demand more prey for this than just the herbs alone.It be marigold,horsetail,and coltsfoot.Good for cuts,prevents infection."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">He placed the bundles beside the herbs.“I found some catmint at a good trade,"he said,“But it will be gone tomorrow,if it isn't now."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender said thoughtfully,“Sunset isn't for a while yet.Why not go check?"It was common sense to not go outside after sunset.Besides,all the trades-making places were empty.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin shrugged.“Anyway,anything good for dinner come in?"She nodded.She preffered fresh-kill,but running a trades-making place made food easy to come by.And if the prey wasn't eaten before it went bad,it was useless.No one would trade for it,and they would loose their business.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">They ate their mice and bird in silence.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">As the sun went down,Robin pulled brambles around the den,slid their trade into the living area,as was custom.The Fighters who stole from trades-makers at night would need to enter their home before they could find the stock.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender sat in her nest,grooming her fur.The nest was scattered with sweet flowers.Robin sat in the nest on the other side of the space.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender sighed contentedly.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">This was home.

Chapter 2
<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Early the next morning,Lavender quietly organized the trade in the trades-making place and prepared a meager breakfast of a single vole and a few strengthening herbs.After eating her half of the mouse,she laid it with some of the herbs by her father's nest.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She opted to eat her herbs as she went.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She took some horsetail and a bundle of the poultice that Robin had gotten yesterday.She reasoned that with the recent attacks of The Fighters,these items had become valuable.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Leaf-bare was coming and she had to find more catmint.The herb would be worth more and more as the cold weather deepened.She could provide enough prey all winter for her and Robin.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Walking down The Alley,she knew she would be a target.Needed-running wasn't done till the sun was quarter-high.Few cats were out.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She sighed and decided to try Stone's trades-making place.Stone was a rough tom who lived alone.His mate had died a season before,and his kits were grown and had gone to build homes of their own.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender called inside,“Stone!"No answer.“Stone,It's Lavender!I need some stuff!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The grey cat pulled away the brambles.His trades-making place was empty,his trade stored in his home.“It's a bit early for needed-running,"he snapped.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She tossed her head.“I have items that will interest you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">He raised an eyebrow.“What items?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Do you have catmint?"She said,ignoring his question.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Stone shrugged.“Enough for the family of Ole' Finn if they all had greencough five times over.What do you have to make it up to me?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Ole' Finn was a former kittypet,one of the more prosperous cats of The Alley.He had a nice large den and a large family of ten kits.A couple of the grown kits still lived with him and his mate,a Clan blood named Hollywind,with their mates and kits of their own.Needless to say,it would take a lot of catmint to cater to his family.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“I have herbs."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Stone smirked.“Herbs.For catmint,which only grows in the twoleg gardens?The Raiders won't be back till greenleaf with the next bunch of it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender sighed.“I know,but-"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Sorry,Lavender,"Stone said,turning away.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender stopped him,saying,“I have a bundle of poultice.Ready made,worth more than the herbs alone."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Stone looked at her curiously.She dropped her bundle and unwrapped it.“Horsetail,Marigold,and colstsfoot."She said.She shoved the horsetail next to it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Stone nodded slowly and disappeared into his living space.He came back with his mouth full of catmint,careful not to swallow the sweet juices.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender smiled.With a quick thank you,she grabbed the bundle and ran down The Alley.Cats were beginning to stir now.Trades-makers were just beginning the day,and already she had completed some of her needed-running.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She came into her den to see Robin standing by the trade.“Where were you?"He demanded.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender dropped the catmint.“I went to see Stone about-"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“You didn't tell me,"Robin said fiercely.“And you set up our trade.The Fighters could have-"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“The sun was up,"Lavender muttered.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin sighed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender placed the catmint with the other herbs.They now had a nice store of the herb.And just in time for cats to begin their needed-running.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender took her place,organizing the trade,when Robin stopped her.“Lavender,"He said,“Can you go visit the Wet-foots?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She nodded and ran off into the forest.She knew the way by heart to the little family by the river.They were of Clan blood,from what used to be RiverClan.They were fishers,and only traded fresh fish.Only traded for what they needed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender kept a tight grip on the package her father was sending to Old Wetfoot.She didn't know what was in it,but fish was in high demand in leaf-bare and when the river froze it was impossible to get.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Out in the woods,homes were spread farther apart.Families often stayed together in a large den instead of kits moving out at adulthood.Most families took on the name of whatever cat built the den.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The Wet-foot territory spread from the river's edge to the end of a huge clearing.A fence of brambles was put up.Lavender called out,“Berrywood?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Her old friend ran to the bramble fence.“Lavender!"He skidded to a stop and removed a rock from the tunnel under the bramble fence.Lavender crawled into the tunnel.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“It's been so long!"Berrywood exclaimed.“How's your father?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Well."Lavender replied curtly.“He sent a package for your grand-tom."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Berrywood took the package and ran into the large den.It backed onto the river.It was at least five times the size of the den that Robin and Lavender lived in.The Wet-foots had a large cellar where they stored their fish and herbs.In green-leaf it kept them cool,and in leaf-bare it protected the herbs from the cold.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Soon enough,Berrywood's brother,Troutpaw,ran out of the den.“Lavender!"He squealled.“Did you bring me a treat from The Alley?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Troutpaw!"His mother,Dusky,said as she ran after him.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender laughed.“Sorry Troutpaw,maybe next-time."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“What brings you alone,Lavender?"Dusky asked.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Robin sent me."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The she-cat nodded.She looked young,though she was a grandshe-cat several times over.And,Lavender noticed,her stomach was swollen with kits.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“How are Fox and Dawnskies?"Lavender asked.The Wet-foots had an extended family so large that Lavender couldn't keep up with who was living where or who was expecting kits.She didn't visit often enough to know.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Dusky grinned.“Fine.Fox is building a den on the other side of the river.He plans to harvest wild herbs and deliver them to The Alley and to twolegplace.Dawnskies doesn't want him to travel so much,but he is sure it will make a good business."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender nodded.“Herb supplies is low in The Alley.Twolegplace has catmint,but many herbs are wild and they don't have a good supply there,either."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Just then a familiar russet pelt called a greeting and slipped through the tunnel.“Good morning,Dusky."Fox said politely.He smiled at Lavender.“Lavender!"He said excitedly,“It's been so long!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She nodded.“Hello,Fox.How's Dawnskies."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Fox told her that she was doing well.“And,"He added,“She's expecting kits."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“That's wonderful,"Lavender said sincerely.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She turned when she heard panting behind her.Berrywood was running out of the house,with four small fish in his jaws.He dropped them at her feet.“Grandtom Wetfoot is bringing the rest."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“The rest?"Lavender gulped.How would she carry this much fish home?

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Sure enough,Old Webfoot came out of the den with four more fish in his jaws.Drypaw,Troutpaw's littermate,came with a big fish in her jaws,and Lakepelt had another large trout.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“How in the world is one little cat like Lavender supposed to carry all that?"Dusky asked,voicing her thoughts.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“I can go with her,"Berrywood offered.“And Reedbed could help."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Thanks,"Lavender murmured.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">When Reedbed had picked up his share,and Lavender thought she would gag on the smell of all the fish she struggled to hold,They prepared to go.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The Wet-foots said their goodbyes as Lavender,Berrywood,and Reedbed set on their way to The Alley.

Chapter 3
<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender dropped the fish she was carrying on the pile of prey.Reedbed and Berrywood did the same.Robin smiled and dipped his head to the Wet-foot toms.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Please,stay for the night."Robin invited them.Tired after the trek through the forest,Reedbed accepted.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender noticed that the toms eagerly ate their voles.She supposed that as fishers,they ate mostly,well,fish.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The sun had not yet gone down,and Lavender noticed that they were running low on the scented flowers that were so common in The Alley.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Robin,"she said,remembering how upset he was that morning when she left without telling him,“I am going to pick flowers.The sun still shines high and I won't be gone long."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Not alone,"Robin protested.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender rolled her eyes.“Berrywood?"Her friend smiled and followed her to the entrance.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin let them go.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Out in the stretch of woods behind the den,a huge patch of daisies and lilies grew.Tugging some free,Berrywood asked,“Why do cats here trade for these flowers?They are no herbs,they cannot be eaten."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Because,"Lavender said,flicking him with her tail,“We grace our homes in elegance."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Berrywood rolled his eyes.“Whatever that means."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender and Berrywood each had huge bundles of flowers,and she carried as many roots as she could hold.She told him they worked great for luring prey.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She looked up.The last rays of sunlight shimmered through the treetops,and then the world fell into darkness.“Oh no,"she murmured.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“What?"Berrywood asked.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender felt her heart hammering in her throat.“Hurry."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She ran as fast as she could with Berrywood on her heels.It wasn't too far to her den,but at night,The Alley was hard to navigate.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender heard a sharp intake of breath from Berrywood and heard a loud thump.She spun to see what had happened.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">His paw was caught on one of the many twoleg things left behind from when the twoleg-nests were inhabited.She recognized it as a brick.His paw was twisted at an angle that made Lavender's stomach churn.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">He pulled his paw free and groaned.Lavender heard a sickening snap.Berrywood tried to push himself to his feet.He groaned again.She could tell that his leg was injured badly.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She longed to run through the terrifying darkness,to be safe in her nest.She longed to be a kit again,having Robin tell her stories of the times before the Clans divided.But she had to be here to help Berrywood.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She stood beside him,and gratefully he leaned on her shoulder.Slowly they limped along.Robin's den wasn't too far,now.Lavender thought they just might make it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Where ya goin'?"Someone behind them hissed.Lavender tensed.She turned into the faces of three cats.Two toms and a she-cat.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The she-cat walked around them in circles.She swiped at Berrywood,knocking him over.He groaned and pulled his injured leg in close.“Leave him alone,"Lavender growled.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Ya gonna stop me?"One of the toms,the one who first spoke,taunted.“Kits can't fight,can dey,Snake?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The other tom shook his head.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The she-cat joined her companions.“Shadow,I'm in the mood for some...elegance,"She looked at the flowers that Lavender had picked,that now sat at her feet.She added,“I also hear that the roots of those flowers are good for luring prey."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Snake nodded.“Shadow,if our little sister wants elegance,she must have it.Don't you agree?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Shadow,the first tom,nodded.Lavender growled,“These flowers are for my father's trades-making place."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Snake hissed and gave Lavender a swipe across her cheek.Blood began to well.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender's fur bristled.She unsheathed her claws.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She wasn't totally sure how it happened,but she somehow ended up on top of Shadow.He was a thin black cat.He looked weak.But he proved his strength when he used his hind legs to kick her in the stomach.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She hit the ground hard.The she-cat was on her in an instant.She heard the yowls of protest from Berrywood and knew that Snake was attacking him with all his might.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Blood ran into Lavender's eyes as the she-cat clawed her.Lavender struggled under her weight.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Lavender!"Berrywood groaned.She heard another snap as he yowld in pain.She felt sick with fear.She had to protect her friend.She had known Berrywood since she was a kit.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">With renewed energry,Lavender showed off the she-cat.She slash her side open.Glaring in menace,the younger cat went for her throat.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender felt blood in her mouth.She knew that no healer could fix this.Closing her eyes tightly,she bit deeper.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Shadow looked up from where he was assisting Snake in the torment of Berrywood.“Alpine!"He yowled in greif.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Snake stalked toward Lavender.Has was twice the size of his sister,and Lavender knew she could never fight him on her own.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The rogue glarred at her.“You took my sister,"he hissed in hatred,“And you won't live to regret it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender realized she was whimpering in fear like a little kit.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">As Snake lifted a paw to slice her throat,Shadow stopped him.“Let her go.Help me with Alpine."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Snake reluctantly walked over to help his brother drag away Alpine's body.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender ran on to Berrywood,who was collapsed on the ground in a bloody mess.His leg was bent in unnatural angles.His paw was twisted.She realized in horror that her friend was barely breathing.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Don't leave me,"Lavender whispered,“Please,Berrywood,don't leave me..."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">This was when she realized how extremely tired she was.She was slightly dizzy from blood loss.And Berrywood,in that huge puddle,his paw soaked in it...

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She didn't want to think about it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">It was almost moonhigh,no where near sunrise,but something told her that The Fighters wouldn't be back tonight.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She looked at her companion.Guilt gnawed at her.She had been the one to suggest they come out here.“I'll be back,Berrywood."She promised.And she ran down The Alley faster than greased lightning.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Robin!"She called at the top of her lungs.“Robin,Reedbed!Hurry!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Her father came immediately.“Where have you been?"He hissed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“No time for that.Bring herbs.Lots and lots of herbs.And cobwebs.It's Berrywood."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Reedbed,whome she hadn't noticed in the background,snapped to action.Living in the woods,he knew many things about herbs and grabbed all sorts of things - some that Lavender recognized,some she didn't.Horsetail,marigold,juniper berries.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She led them to where Berrywood was sitting in the ever-growing puddle of blood.Reedfeather quickly chewed ther horsetail and marigold into a poultice,which he applied generously to Berrywood's leg,his side,his forehead,his tail.He placed codwebs on all of his scratches,then turned to the leg that was undeniably broken.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Get me a stick and some vines,if you can find them."Reedbed said in a low voice.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender looked at Berrywood,then glanced at her father.“I'll get Annelda."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin nodded.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Weaving her way through the many dens of The Alley,she came to the cozy shelter of reeds.If she knew Annelda,the elderly healer would still be up,organizing her herbs while she dozed off.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Annelda!"Lavender called.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">A horse mew from inside told her to come in.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Annelda was an old she-cat with pale tabby fur.Her coat was long and silky and well groomed,comparred to Lavender's short,tangled grey mess of what she called fur.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender sighed.The den always smelled like herbs,and the healer often traded for scented flowers to perfume the den.The result was a sweet,minty fragrance that Lavender loved.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Annelda,we need your help.My friend Berrywood and I had a fight with The Fighters,and his leg is broken real bad..."She trailed off as she realized that Annelda was starring at her instead of preparing herbs.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Lavender,"She said at last,“You are the one I am concerned for."With a healer's eyes Annelda was seeing the cuts and scrapes,the blood,trying to judge how badly the she-cat was injurred.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender hissed in annoyance.“I am fine.But Berrywood is not.He is probably bleeding to death out there while we stand talking!"She winced as she had a thought that she didn't want to think.She tried to push it away,but it wouldn't leave.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">He is definetely bleeding to death out there.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The healer sighed and grabbed a huge wad of cobwebs.She told Lavender to carry them,then prepared a pile of herbs.And they set off.

Chapter 4
<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Reedbed was still applying cobwebs to Berrywood's wounds.The latter was barely breathing.Lavender could smell the many herbs that Reedbed had used on his brother.Berrywood smelled like Annelda's den at the moment.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The old healer jumped into action.She layered more cobwebs upon the ones that were soaked with blood.When she came to his leg,Annelda confirmed what Lavender had feared.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Bad break.The paw is twisted pretty bad.I...I don't know if I can fix this."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender swallowed hard.“I don't care how far I have to go to find a healer who is qualified,but I swear to StarClan,I will.I will go to twolegplace and back."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Annelda looked up briefly from her work.“You wouldn't make it to the Stars' territory before you collapsed."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“I told you,I'm fine!"Lavender said,though she knew it wasn't true.Her grey fur was a dirty brown with caked blood.And no matter how much she denied it,she could barely put one paw in front of the other,never mind twolegplace.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin seemed to notice for the first time that she was swaying on her paws with exhaustion.He was beside her as she collapsed in a pile of dirty,blood-stained fur.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender woke in her nest.She could hear Robin trades-making on the other side of the reed curtain.Sunlight filterred through the brambles,and she could almost beleive it was a normal day,that it had been a dream,but as she stood and felt the pain throb through her,as everything around her spun,as she could smell the herbs on her pelt,she knew it was real.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She pushed through the curtain,no matter how much her wounds protested.She said in a shaky voice,“Robin?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Her adopted father turned to look at her.The same skinny rogue she had given the herbs to a few days before was offering a tiny amount of acorns,and a small bundle of reeds.He gave her a half smile.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">As a trades-maker,she knew she wasn't supposed to do favors,but Robin had also taught her that making friends with the customers helped business.Clearly her miniscule act of kindness had brought him back,though he had little to give.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin told her,“You're supposed to be resting."His voice was hoarse.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender didn't care.“Where's Berrywood?"She demanded.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">He looked at her and said,“Annelda is taking care of him."He paused.At her questioning stare,Robin added,“Reedbed is with them.Annelda says that with his help,maybe she can help Berrywood's leg."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Will he ever be able to walk again?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin said nothing.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">After a moment he turned back to the rogue,who was standing so patiently.“I can give you a mouse and some marigold for this."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The rogue nodded.He dipped his head to Lavender and,taking his items,walked out.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin sighed.“There goes a good cat.He works hard day in,day out,and is rewarded with a few acorns and whatever he can find."The tom shook his head sadly.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“What good are acorns,anyway?"Lavender asked.She had seen a couple cats trade for them,but she knew they weren't worth much.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Robin told her they helped lure squirrels,though Lavender knew there weren't many squirrels in the area.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Do you know his name?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Unknown."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender looked at him in curiosity.“What kind of name is Unknown?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“It isn't."Robin said.“He never says who he is.He is Unknown,so we call him that.He doesn't seem to mind."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender nodded thoughtfully and then went quietly to the entrance.The sunlight blinked in her eyes.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“Where are you going?"Her father asked.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She sighed.“I'm going to see Berrywood."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Walking through The Alley,Lavender observed all the cats doing their needed-running.She saw Jetkit,the tiny cat,and young Cloud,she saw Ole' Finn taking his grandkits around.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">When she reached Annelda's den,she hesitated.She could hear shuffling inside.A pitiful moan reached her ears,and she knew it was Berrywood.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She went inside.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Reedbed looked up from where he was sitting beside a nest.Inside was a small clump of fur,shivering despite the warm weather.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“How is he?"Lavender asked in a soft voice.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Reedbed shrugged.“Not too well..."He trailed off and went to change his brother's bandages.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The elderly healer came into the den with a large supply of herbs.She must have been needed-running.Dropping the herbs into her supply,she examined his leg.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender stood in silence,not wanting to disturb the healer.After a moment,she asked,“Annelda,will he ever walk again?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">“StarClan knows."

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Lavender sighed.That one saying had little power anymore.Every cat knew that the StarClan that the Clan bloods beleived in had not “spoken" to them since long before Lavender had been born - since the time when Robin was a kit.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">It was hopeless.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">As the young she-cat turned to go,Annelda stopped her.Lavender stood,impatiently but still,while the healer examined her wounds and dressed them with herbs.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">When the pretty pale tabby finished,Lavender was free to go.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">She knew Robin would insist she didn't work today,and the thought of staying in her nest bored her.He wouldn't appreciate her going out to collect flowers,not so soon,so she quickly ran over the list of cats she knew,the ones who would be free to do something interesting.The list was pitifully small.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The Wet-foots.No,she didn't want to be the one to tell them about Berrywood.Not when it was her fault.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Dawn and Cloud.No,they would be too busy helping their mother with their needed-running.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Dimly,at the back of her mind,Lavender remembered a small bit of her life in Twoleg-place.Robin had taken her away from there quickly.It was a rough place,where herbs were harder to get,hunting was more fierce.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">And cats would kill for their territory.

<p style="font-weight:normal;font-family:"HelveticaNeue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Shoulders squared,Lavender set off.