The next four days were quite crazy since Cinder, Enchanted, and Quince were leaving soon. The three ate and made sure Secret was comfy. The fifth day brought a surprise. Secret was lying down watching the entrance to the cave when suddenly a grey mackerel tom stumbled in and collapsed on the floor.


“ Oh dear! “ Enchanted rushed over and helped the weak tom up into a sitting position.


“ I am looking for a cat by the name of… “ The tom trailed off when he saw Secret. “ Secret? Is that you? “


Secret was now sitting in her nest, looking quite stunned. “ Shard? I thought the Pack killed you. “


“ No, I have been looking for you. I would have never stopped. “ Shard was still quavering. Enchanted stepped away carefully. Secret’s eyes suddenly filled with happiness that had not been seen since Aspen’s death. Secret raced over to Shard and burrowed into the tom’s thick fur, purring. Shard licked her head, he started to purr also.


“ WHO IS THIS GUY?! “ Cinder yowled. Her hackles had started to go up. Secret turned around, looking a little bit embarrassed.


“ He is my mate. I haven’t seen him since the Pack split us up moons ago. We ran in different directions on accident. I never thought I would see him again. “


“ My name is Shard. “ The grey mackerel dipped his head toward the three. Then his gaze flicked back to Secret. He suddenly looked alarmed. “ What happened to you?! You have scabs all over. “ He rasped.


“ The Pack attacked me. “ Secret said simply.


“ What? “ Shard looked angry but also confused.


“ Let me fill you in about all that has happened since we were separated. “ Secret mewed. She led him over to her nest and they both layed down, side by side. Cinder, Enchanted, and Quince all sat down in their nests also.


“ Wait. Shard you must be hungry, let me get us some prey. “ Quince exclaimed.


“ I will come too. “ Cinder said. They both ran off and came back a little while later with enough prey for everyone. After everyone was done eating, Secret began their story, explaining everything that had happened to her right after they got seperated, and ending with him walking into the cave.


“ Wow.. I hope you three have a safe journey. “ Shard gestured toward Cinder, Enchanted, and Quince.


“ We hope so too. By the way, we have decided to call ourselves the Seekers, because we are seeking the Banarr stone. “ Cinder said. The others nodded their heads.


“ That is a good name. “ Secret mewed. Shard flicked his tail in agreement.


That night Secret and Shard went out into the wood by themselves. Cinder understood why. They wanted to be alone after all the time they spent away from each other. Cinder, Quince, and Enchanted discussed plans that night. None of them knew exactly where Mount Scourge was, but they knew there would be plenty of cats to point them in the right direction once they left the wood.


Secret and Shard came back late, walking close together, tails twined. They both got into Secret’s nest which Shard had helped her make bigger so that they both fit easier. Soon everyone was asleep, lulled by the soft cricket and frogs, chirping and croaking from nearby.


The next morning was the last day Cinder, Enchanted, and Quince had with Shard and Secret. They spent it playing and eating. When night fell they all went to their nests early to get some good rest. Shard and Secret suddenly spoke up.


“ Me and Secret are going to live here… maybe raise a family one day. “ Shard mewed, twining his tail with Secret’s.


“ That is fine with us. Right? “ Cinder asked the other two. They both nodded their heads. Soon everyone was asleep and snoring soundly. the three newly named Seekers slept deeply, dreaming about the adventures that awaited them tomorrow.