Darkfinch's Story - Chapter 21

Cattail turned to the apprentice and intercepted them before Hollypaw could do any real damage. "You should show respect to the warriors of the clan Hollypaw," snapped Cattail. "With behavior like that and going and attacking warriors you might never become a warrior." Turning back to Darkfinch she said, "Let's go find you a nest." Darkfinch nodded and when Cattail had done getting Darkfinch a nest she turned and walked over to Cinderstar. Cinderstar looked surprised but nodded. "Cats of Nightclan, before you go Cattail has an announcement." The cats turned back to listen. "I have served Nightclan for a long time, Now I think it is my turn to step aside and let other cats take charge. I am retiring to the elders den, but I would like to make a recommendation for the next deputy. Cinderstar has kindly taken my suggestion and chosen the next deputy. This cat is young but will do just finely as deputy." Cinderstar stepped forward. "The new deputy for Nightclan, is a cat I would have probably chosen a little later, but now will do fine. The next deputy of Nightclan is Darkfinch." "Darkfinch?" came Hollypaw's mew. "But he just became a warrior," she whined. Darkfinch himself was just as shocked. "ME?" he asked. "Yes, Darkfinch, you are the new deputy of Nightclan. You will be a good deputy, and probably a future leader. Now come into my den so we can talk." Darkfinch nodded and followed. "Now Darkfinch, I am not as young as I was," started Cinderstar. "Since you are a new deputy I want you to take charge of as much responsibilities as possible. Even some of the leader's duties. That way you will be ready when you are the leader yourself." Darkfinch was nodding along, but in his head he was waiting for a chance to go back to the forest.