Chapter 1
It was a bright, sunny day in the forest. Goldenwish was sitting in the center of camp, where the only patch of sunlight leaked through. Her fur glowed like the moon on the darkest night.
"Hey, Goldenwish. Care to join me on a hunting patrol?" It was Aspenshade, the deputy. His bronze-colored fur seemed to vibrate with excitement.
"Sure!" Goldenwish responded, a smile spread across her face.
The two headed off into the forest, sniffing for any sign of prey. Although it was new-leaf, their hunt didn't go too well. They only caught a few mice and a robin. Even though their catch was scrawny, they were rewarded with smiles from those who were hungry.
"Hi, Goldenwish." Timberstar, the leader, approached her with a grateful smile.
"Hello." Goldenwish meowed.
"I'd like to speak to you," Timberstar said, his eyes moving from Goldenwish's steady gaze to Stonepaw.
Goldenwish's face lit up. Finally! My first apprentice! She thought. "Alright. In your den, I'm guessing. Right?"
"Yes. Come along, then."
The two entered the old leader's den. It was filled with the slightest bit of sunlight, and the walls were covered with limp hanging vines.
"Haven't been in here in awhile.." Goldenwish mewed.
"Yes, I know. Anyways, I'd like to talk about Stonepaw." The old tom rasped, his voice filled with slight sorrow.
"Go on.."
"He's getting older, and will be needing a mentor quite soon. Will you be that mentor?"
Her fur seemed to stand up like tiny hair-mountains. "Of course!"
"Great, I'll do the ceremony tonight."
"Okay, thanks." Goldenwish purred, pressing her muzzle against his. She seemed to bounce with excitement. With a quick leap, she leaped out of the abandoned badger's den and into the center of camp. "That was the best talk I've had with someone in moons!" she meowed loud enough for the elders to hear.
