42 | Preparing for War | The Darkest Hour Chapters 24-27

When Firestar leaves his den the next morning, camp is busy.

Mousefur is leading a patrol, Sandstorm is gathering the kits for training, and Brackenfurt is arriving with prey.

Everyone is doing their duty to prepare.

He is stopped by Whitestorm, who tells him that Bramblepaw and Ashpaw are helping patch up the camp walls in case Bloodclan gets through.

Firestar is glad to hear that, shivering at the thought, when their camp is interrupted by sudden movement at the camp entrance.

Ravenpaw and Barley enter, and Firestar runs to meet them.

We have to talk to you, Ravenpaw blurted out.

Last night we met Onewhisker on the border of his territory, and he told us about Scourge and Bloodclan.

The raven-colored fur on his shoulders bristled.

We want to help, but more important, Barley has some information for you.

Firestar dipped his head in greeting.

It's good to see you both, he meowed.

And we're grateful for any help we can get.

Perhaps you better come to my den.

Barley relaxed at Firestar's friendly greeting, and the two loners followed Firestar to the hollow beneath the high rock.

Early morning sunshine slanted through the entrance and into the peaceful den.

Firestar could almost forget the threat from Scourge and his bloodthirsty followers, but the serious expressions of his visitors reminded him all too clearly of the shadow over the future of the forest.

What is it, he prompted, once the two loners were settled.

Ravenpaw was gazing around him with an almost awestruck look.

Firestar guessed he was remembering Bluestar, and maybe wondering at how the apprentice who had trained with him had come to take the former leader's place.

Barley, however, looked uneasy, crouching with his paws tucked under him as he began to speak.

I was born in Two Lake Place, he began quietly.

I know too much about Scourge and his warriors.

I...

I suppose you could say I was once a member of BloodClan.