Did someone fall in the river? Are you okay? I'm fine. I need to speak with Darkstar. Why is SHE here? What's going on, Appledusk?! Three kits have drowned in the river... Ask me their names! I... I am their father... What do you mean, Appledusk? What are you talking about? I'm so sorry, Reedshine. Please forgive me... Forgive you? For what? Many moons ago, I met with Mapleshade in secret... Traitor! She HAS to take pity on me... I have lost my home and my kits... I have NOTHING left except Appledusk... You knew about these kits? Mapleshade told me she would raise them in Thunderclan... I... I knew I had made a mistake, so I said nothing to my clanmates. A mistake?! I should have never betrayed my clan by meeting with Mapleshade! I will regret it for the rest of my life, and I can only beg for your forgiveness... What brought these kits here tonight? Mapleshade's clanmates learned the truth, and she had to leave. The river was flooded, and the kits were too young to swim across... You're making it sound as if this was MY fault! The loss of ANY kit is a loss to ALL of us. But you broke the warrior code, Appledusk. How can I ever trust you again? There's NO cat more loyal to Riverclan than Appledusk! If I'm willing to forgive him for his past mistakes, then so should you, Darkstar. This is not the season for losing warriors. Appledusk, I believe that you are sorry for what you did, and that you have been punished enough by the death of your kits. I will allow you to remain in Riverclan... But know that I and the rest of your clanmates will be watching you. You will have to earn back our trust. I will never forget your mercy, Darkstar. Thank you. I promise that my loyalty lies ONLY with Riverclan and my clanmates. Rainfall, help Splashfoot and Eeltail bury these kits. The accident of their birth is not their fault. They may lie in peace in our territory now. W-What... what about me? May I stay here with my kits? No, you may NOT. You will leave this territory at once, and never set foot across the border again. Like Appledusk, I believe that the loss of your kits is punishment enough. Otherwise, rest assured, my warriors would have clawed your fur off for what you've done. But night is falling! Where will I go? Appledusk, HELP ME! Why SHOULD I? It's YOUR fault that these kits are dead. I never want to see you again. Go away, Mapleshade! You've caused ENOUGH trouble tonight! I... I cannot leave them... They are EVERYTHING to me! And now, they're dead! Be thankful that we have shown you some mercy, Mapleshade. Get out, before we MAKE you leave. You told me you loved me! I went through the AGONY of bearing your kits, and now? You treat me worse than prey! You will regret this, Appledusk! That is MY last promise to you...
