Chapter Forty Six

Time felt as if it had slowed down when Spruceleaf watched the Tribe cats regroup. The battle had been quick and painful. She could still feel the sting of a Tribe cat's claws from where they tried pinning her down and delivering a final blow. It was only thanks to Strike that she had survived that attack. Seeing the tabby now, she noticed that he looked as if he'd suffered the most injuries. She glanced at Stormshadow and Flamestrike warily when she noticed they were all sitting together with Oakfire.

Not for the first time, she wondered if all the Clans would continuously feel divided. Acorntail and Reedriver looked equally uneasy, while Birdpaw remained with the SkyClan cats who had fought with her. Spruceleaf was more than relieved that she hadn't suffered from any severe injuries. It was impossible to tell who had suffered the worst, but, Spruceleaf noticed with a start that the Tribe cats seemed smaller and frailer than ever.

A shiver of unease swept through her when Strike limp