Board Thread:Fun and Games/@comment-27804437-20160216194037/@comment-27823669-20160301202951

Sorry I'm late, I had a fever, but here it is! (sorry if it's too long) Chapter 4

Ripplestar stretched as he padded out of his den. He quickly glanced around the Riverclan camp before being greeted by Frostwhisker, his thin deputy. "Hello, Ripplestar." The skinny she-cat looked troubled. "Is there something wrong, Frostwhisker?" "Well, you know how Twoleg activity has been increasing? They come on these strange water-monsters with long sticks and catch fish with them." "Yes, of course." Ripplestar was fully aware of the situation. The Twolegs were catching more fish than usual, causing a shortage of food for the Riverclan cats. He also knew that Twolegs cast off strange items into the lake, killing fish and poisoning the water. "I think we should send out larger hunting patrols." Frostwhisker shifted her weight from one paw to another as she spoke. "But Frostwhisker, we've already done that." "Yes, but... well... we need to do SOMETHING about this!" Frostwhisker insisted angrily. Deep down, Ripplestar knew she was right. He had already sent out Troutleap, Hawkfeather, Fallowpaw, Greystream, and Rainpaw, but they had brought back nothing but two small minnows. "Send out another hunting patrol," he began, exasperated. "Take who you like." "Yes, Ripplestar." Frostwhisker gathered Mallowheart, Riversong, Petalpaw, and Frogbelly, leading them out with a flick of her tail. Ripplestar watched them go, concerned. Without food, Riverclan would be in serious danger. He glanced warily around the camp again. Birchpelt and Pebblecreek shared a small trout at the edge of the clearing. Bluekit, Streamkit, and Lightkit tussled by the nursery, watched by Skyleaf and Puddlesplash. Ripplestar frowned. Puddlesplash was bound to have Troutleap's kits eventually, so she needed all the food she could get. Ripplestar stumbled as Reedkit bustled past him, carrying a tiny water vole. The small tom skidded to a halt and dropped the prey in front of Ashbird. The elder signaled Ravenfur with a flick of her tail and crouched down happily, taking a large bite. "Ripplestar?" Wavepaw's voice jerked Ripplestar out of his thoughts. "Poolshine wants to see you." "Okay. Thanks, Wavepaw." "You're welcome, Ripplestar. But one thing." The small she-cat looked concerned. "Yes, Wavepaw?" "I'm worried about what's going on, with the hunger and all." "Don't worry, Wavepaw. Go see if Greystream will take you hunting." "Yes, Ripplestar." Wavepaw still looked worried as she turned away. Ripplestar sighed as he headed to the medicine den. He pushed his way through the ferns and saw Poolshine waiting paitiently, tail curled around her paws, while her apprentice, Morningpaw, sorted herbs at the back of the den. "Yes, Poolshine?" "Ripplestar, I need to tell you something." "What is it?" Ripplestar asked, tilting his head to one side. "I just wanted you to make sure Thunderclan's leader knows where his loyalties lie." "What?" Ripplestar was confused. What did Lionstar's loyalties have anything to do with Riverclan? Why should it matter to Ripplestar? Could it cause Riverclan even more trouble than it was already in?