Contents

DedicationAllegiancesMaps

PrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20

Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37ExclusiveMangaAdventure

ExcerptfromWarriors:AVisionofShadows#1:TheApprentice’sQuest

BackAdsAbouttheAuthorBooksbyErinHunterCreditsCopyrightAboutthePublisher

Dedication

SpecialthankstoKateCary

ALLEGIANCES

WINDCLAN

LEADER WIND RUNNER—wiry brown she-cat withyelloweyes

GORSEFUR—thin,graytabbytom DUSTMUZZLE—graytabbytomwithamber

eyes MOTHFLIGHT—whiteshe-catwithgreeneyes SLATE—thick-furredgrayshe-catwithoneear

tipmissing WHITETAIL—darkgraytom-kitwithwhite

patchesandambereyes SILVERSTRIPE—palegraytabbyshe-kitwith

blueeyes BLACKEAR—black-and-whitepatchedtom-kit

withambereyes SPOTTEDFUR—golden-browntomwithamber

eyesandadappledcoat ROCKY—plumporange-and-whitetomwith

greeneyes SWIFTMINNOW—gray-and-whiteshe-cat REEDTAIL—silvertabbytomwitha

knowledgeofherbs JAGGEDPEAK—smallgraytabbytomwith

blueeyes HOLLY—she-catwithprickly,bushyfur STORMPELT—mottledgraytomwithblue

eyesandthick,bushytail DEWNOSE—brownsplotchytabbyshe-catwith

whitetipsonnoseandtail,yelloweyes EAGLEFEATHER—browntomwithyellow

eyes,broadshoulders,andstripedtail WILLOWTAIL—paletabbyshe-catwithblue

eyes FERNLEAF—blackshe-catwithgreeneyes

SKYCLANLEADER CLEARSKY—lightgraytomwithblueeyes STARFLOWER—goldenshe-catwithgreen

eyes TINYBRANCH—tan-and-silvertom DEWPETAL—silver-and-whiteshe-cat FLOWERFOOT—she-catwithtanstripes ACORNFUR—chestnutbrownshe-cat THORN—tomwithsplotchybrownfur

SPARROWFUR—tortoiseshellshe-catwithambereyes

QUICKWATER—gray-and-whiteshe-cat NETTLE—graytom BIRCH—gingertomwithwhitecirclesoffur

aroundhiseyes ALDER—gray,brown-and-whiteshe-cat BLOSSOM—tortoiseshell-and-whiteshe-cat

withyelloweyes REDCLAW—reddish-browntom

THUNDERCLANLEADER THUNDER—orangetomwithbigwhitepaws VIOLETDAWN—sleekdarkgrayshe-catwith

bitsofblackaroundherearsandpaws CLOUDSPOTS—long-furredblacktomwith

whiteears,whitechest,andtwowhitepaws LIGHTNINGTAIL—blacktom OWLEYES—graytomwithambereyes PINKEYES—whitetomwithpinkeyes LEAF—black-and-whitetomwithambereyes MILKWEED—splotchyginger-and-blackshe-

catwithscaronmuzzle CLOVER—ginger-and-whiteshe-catwith

yelloweyes THISTLE—gingertomwithgreeneyes GOOSEBERRY—paleyellowtabbyshe-catyew

tail—cream-and-browntom APPLEBLOSSOM—orange-and-whiteshe-kit SNAILSHELL—dappledgraytom-kit

RIVERCLAN

LEADER RIVER RIPPLE—long-furred silver tom withambereyes

DAPPLEDPELT—delicatetortoiseshellshe-catwithgoldeneyes

SHATTEREDICE—gray-and-whitetomwithgreeneyes

NIGHT—blackshe-cat DEW—grayshe-cat DAWNMIST—orange-and-whiteshe-catwith

greeneyes MOSSTAIL—darkbrowntomwithgoldeneyes DRIZZLE—gray-and-whiteshe-kitwithpale

blueeyes

PINENEEDLE—blacktom-kitwithyelloweyes

SHADOWCLAN

LEADER TALL SHADOW—black, thick-furred she-catwithgreeneyes

PEBBLEHEART—darkgraytabbytomwithwhitemarkonhischestandambereyes

SUNSHADOW—blacktomwithambereyes JUNIPERBRANCH—long-furredtortoiseshell

she-catwithgreeneyes RAVENPELT—blacktomwithyelloweyes MOUSEEAR—bigtabbytomwithunusually

smallears MUDPAWS—palebrowntomwithfourblack

paws

ROGUES

COW—plumpblack-and-whitebarnshe-catwithgreeneyes

MOUSE—smallbrownbarntomwithambereyes

MICAH—yellowtomwithgreeneyes

Maps

PROLOGUE

“Helpher!”HorrorsearedthroughMothFlight’sbodyas shespotted the blue-gray she-cat lying in the ditch beside the dirttrack.Blooddarkenedtheshe-cat’sneck,spreadingfastthroughher thick fur. Her flanks trembled as she struggled for eachshallowbreath.

OtherfelineshapesmovedaroundMothFlight,hazyinthepale dawn. She snapped her head around as a hiss soundedbesideher.Ahugedarktabbyrearedandsmashedhisforepawsdownontoasmallerblack-and-whitetom.“Whydon’tyouhelpher?”MothFlightbegged.Butneithercatseemedtohear.Thetomscrabbleddesperatelyattheearthasthetabbypinnedhimdown.

MothFlight’sthoughtsspun.Isthisabattle?Buttheothercatsweren’tfighting.Gingerfurflickeredlikeflamethroughtheditchasayoung

tom raced to the she-cat’s side and crouched beside her. Twofrightenedfacespeeredoverthetopoftheditch,earstwitching.

Bloodwasseepingontothegroundfromtheshe-cat’sneck.“She’sdying!”MothFlightyowledtothefightingtoms.But

theyonlysnarledatoneanothermoreviciously.Dread shadowed her heart. Moth Flight raced toward the

injured she-cat, her paws moving soundlessly over the earth.Early sunlight struck her flank, but made no shadow on theearthbeyond.

Sheslidintotheditchandstoppedbesidetheflame-colored

tom.“Whathappenedtoher?”The tomdidn’tanswer.He leanedclose to the injuredshe-

cat,untilhisbreathstirredherearfur.“Don’tdie!”MothFlight reachedout to touch the she-cat,

butherpawpassedthroughtheinjuredcat’sflankasifshewascuttingthroughmist.

Dark fur loomed beside her. The great tabby had stoppedfightingandcomeatlast.Butashepushedpasther,MothFlightfelt no weight. His fur brushed through her as though sheweren’tthere.

The two young cats, watching from the top of the ditch,climbeddownintotheshadowsandstoodtremblingbesidetheginger tom. She saw the tabby’smouth open and close as hespoke,butshecouldn’thearhiswords.

MothFlight heldher breath as she saw theblue-gray cat’sflanksgrowstill.

She’sdying!The sight of death sliced throughMoth Flight like an icy

wind,andshebegantotremble.SherememberedGrayWing’sdeath,justamoonago.She’dshiveredasshe’dpeeredintohisopengrave,herhearttwistingasshesawhowsmallhelookedandhowdullhisfurhadbecome.Thewarmheartedtom,whosepelthadrippledinthewind,hadbeenlostindeath.Preyseemedto lie inhisplace.HisClanhadburiedhim,eyeshollowwithgrief,yetatleasttheceremonyhadgiventhemachancetosaygood-bye.

“Youmustburyher,”shebreathedshakily.But the cats did notmove. They only stared at their dead

friend,hardlyblinkingasthesunliftedhigherintothesky.The-

black-and-white tom watched from a few tail-lengths away,nervouslyeyeingthetabby.

“Don’t just stand there!” Frustration raged through MothFlight as she tried to make herself heard. “Show her somerespect!Startdigginghergrave.”

Nocatturnedorevenbetrayedwithaneartwitchthatthey’dheardher.

Thesunliftedhigheruntilitsraysspilledintotheditch.“Are you going to leave her here for crows to pick at?”

Moth Flight couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Are thesecatsheartless?

Suddenly,theblue-grayshe-cat’stailtwitched.MothFlightgasped,shockjoltingthroughher.Hadthewind

caughtthedeadcat’sfur?No!Theblue-grayshe-catwasliftingherhead,lookingblearily

attheothers.Moth Flight tried to back away, but the mist seemed to

entwineherpaws,holdingherstill.Shestaredindisbeliefastheshe-cat spoke to the flame-pelted tom. She was dead! MothFlight couldn’t make out the words but she could see, as thecat’sblueeyescleared,authorityinhergaze.Itremindedherofher own mother’s look. Was this she-cat the group’s leader?Howwasshealive?

Theyoungcatsmovedawaytolettheshe-catstand.Assheheaved herself slowly to her paws, relief washed over theirfaces.

Butthetabbyonlystared.Hisambergazebetrayednothing—neitherrelief,norjoy.MothFlightdrewinatremblingbreath

and began to run, clambering out of the ditch, her thoughtsspinningasshetriedtomakesenseofwhatshe’dseen.

Apaleflashcaughthereyeandsheliftedherhead,surprisedtoseeagreat,greenmoth.Itswidetranslucentwingsflutteredin the breeze; dawn sunshine flooded through them so theyglowedasbrightasnewleaves.

Shewatchedthemothdanceaway,realizingthat,beyondit,shecouldseeHighstones.TheirtoweringpeaksglitteredinthesunshineandMothFlightnarrowedhereyesagainst theglare,strainingtoseethemothasitflutteredtowardthem.

Without thinking,she leaped theditchandbegan to followthemothasitbobbedoverthegrass,keepinglow.Imustreachit!Sheboundedafteritasitzigzaggedlikeapetalcaughtonabreeze,stayingjustbeyondpawreach.

It pulled farther ahead until she stumbled to a halt andwatched it fly away. Moth Flight was surprised by a fiercelonginginherheart.Waitforme!Awailcaughtinherthroat.Iwanttocomewithyou!

CHAPTER1

“Whatareyoumumblingabout?”DustMuzzle’smewjerkedMothFlightawake.Sheblinked

open her eyes, narrowing them at once as bright afternoonsunshine sliced over the gorse wall of the camp. “Was Imumbling?”Thedreamof theblue-gray she-cat and themothwere still sharp in hermind. Had she been calling out in hersleep?

DustMuzzlepacedinfrontofher.“Yousaidyouwantedtogowithsomeone.”

Spotted Fur stopped beside Dust Muzzle, his eyes warmwithaffection.“Ithoughtonlyoldcatstookafternoonnaps.”HenudgedDustMuzzle. “Your sister has been hanging out withRockytoolong.”

Rockylookedupasheheardhisname.Theoldginger-and-white tom blinked from his nest in the long grass beside thesandy hollow. “She could learn a lot from me,” he grunted.“I’veseenmoremoonsthanthethreeofyouputtogether.”Thekittypet had been with the Clan for only a fewmoons—he’darrived shortly after GrayWing had called the groups of catsClans for the first time, a word that had seemed right themomentGrayWinghadsaid it—butRockyhad taken toClanlife like a frog to swimming. He didn’t hunt as much as theyounger cats, complaining that his paws were too slow forchasing.ButhelovedtohelpHollyandEagleFeatherwiththeirtunneling. Holly was always planning new tunnels, digging

througholdrabbitrunstomakeshortcutstonewones.Moth Flight scrambled to her paws. “I didn’tmean to fall

asleep, but the sun was so warm.” Leafbare was finallylooseningitsgriponthemoorandthenewleafsunfeltluxuriousafter hard moons of frost and ice. Panic jolted through her.“Where are Slate’s kits?” She scanned the clearing, her heartlurching. Slate had asked Moth Flight to watch White Tail,SilverStripe,andBlackEar.They’dbeenplayinginthesandyhollow when Moth Flight’s eyes had begun to grow heavy.She’d only closed them for amoment and now the kits werenowheretobeseen.

ShecaughtHolly’seyeacross thecamp.Theblackshe-catwaswashing dirt fromher fur,whileEagleFeather shookouthisdustypeltbesidehismother.

Holly frowned. “Is everything okay, Moth Flight?” shecalled.“Youlookworried.”

MothFlightforcedherselftoblinkbrightly.“I’mfine,”sheassuredHolly.

DustMuzzleflashedhera look.“ApartfromlosingSlate’skits,”hebreathed.

“Hush!” Moth Flight headed across the tussocky grass.“Perhaps they’re near the stones.”The kits liked to chase oneanotheraroundthesmoothflatrocksnearthecampentrance.

“Isawthemearlier,”Rockycalled.Moth Flight spun to face him. “Where?” Before he could

callhisansweracrossthecampforeveryonetohear,shedashedto his nest and stopped, panting, beside him. “Where werethey?”shebegged.

“Isawthemplayingoutsidecampwhenwecameoutofthe

tunnel,”Rockytoldher.“Whereabouts?”FearprickledthroughMothFlight’spelt.“NeartheRiverClanborder.”“You mean the gorge?” Moth Flight’s throat tightened. A

deepravinecutthroughthemoorthere,ariverchurningatthebottom.Itwasadangerousplaceforkits.

“Notverynear,”Rockyreassuredher.“They’retoosensibletogoclosetotheedge.”

“They’re only two moons old!”Moth Flight was fightingpanic. Slate had trusted her to watch her beloved kits. Stillmourning the loss of her mate, Gray Wing, the gray she-catoften rested after sunhigh, weary from her grief. I’ve let herdown!What if Silver Stripe fell into the gorge?Or a buzzardcarriedoffWhiteTail?OrBlackEar—stop!MothFlightforcedher thoughts to slow. “Why didn’t you bring themhomewithyou?”SheglaredatRocky.

“Ithoughtyou’dsentthemoutthere.”Rockyblinkedather.“WhywouldIdothat?”MothFlightloweredhervoicetoa

hiss. “They’re too young to be out of camp. They can’t lookafterthemselves.”

Rockymethergazesteadily.“Ithoughtthat’swhatyouweresupposedtobedoing,”hegrunted.

AdisdainfulsnortsoundedfrombehindMothFlight.Sheglancedaround towhere theheatherwallof thecamp

shadedasoftgrassyborder.Swift Minnow was eyeing her harshly. “I can tell you

haven’tbeenwithus long,Rocky,” thegray-and-whiteshe-catmeowed.“Youclearlydon’tknowMothFlightverywell.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”MothFlightglaredattheothercat,

herbellytwistingassheguessedwhatSwiftMinnowwasgoingtosaybeforeshe’dfinishedherquestion.

“You never do what you’re supposed to.” Swift Minnowsniffed.“WindRunnersentyououttocatchvolesyesterdayandyoucamebackwithleavesfromsomestinkingplant.”

“Itwasn’t stinking!”MothFlight defendedherself. “And Ihadtobringitback.I’dneversmelledleaveslikethatbefore.”

“Leavesdon’tfeedaClan,”SwiftMinnowshotback.Rockypushedhimself tohis paws andgazedgently at the

gray-and-white she-cat. “Don’t be too harsh, Swift Minnow.MothFlight’shardlymorethanakitherself.Kitsgetdistracted.Everythingisnewtothem.”Heshruggedandshambledtowarda sunny patch of clearing, his pelt twitching along his spinewheretunnelmudcakedhisfur.

“Don’tworry.”SpottedFur’smewstirredMothFlight’searfur.Thegolden tomleanedcloser,hisdappledpeltglowing intheafternoonsun.“Thekitswillbefine.I’llhelpyoulookforthem.”

Swift Minnow glanced toward the shady hollow in theheatherwallwhereSlatewassleeping.“You’dbetterfindthembeforetheirmotherwakesup.She’shadenoughgrief.”

Moth Flight lifted her chin. “I’ll find them!”Wishing shefelt as sure as she sounded, she marched toward the campentrance.

SpottedFurhurriedafterher.Moth Flight glanced back at Dust Muzzle. “Aren’t you

comingtohelp?”Dust Muzzle rolled his eyes. “Not again! I’m always

helpingyououtoftrouble.You’vegotSpottedFurtohelpyou.

I’mtiredfromhunting.Letmerest.”Moth Flight flicked her tail crossly.But hewas right.Her

brotherwasalwayshelpingheroutofscrapes.Lasthalf-moon,WindRunner had sent her looking for cobwebs to dressDewNose’s scratched paw, but the night had been so starry,MothFlighthadbeendistractedbythereflectionoftheskyglitteringinapuddle.IthadbeenDustMuzzlewho’dcometohurryherupandwhohadfinallyfoundaclumpofcobwebsamongapileofrockswhileshe’dbeenspottingpatternsinthestars.

I must learn to focus on what I’m supposed to be doing!Otherwise,I’llnever—

“Shouldweheadforthegorge?”SpottedFur’smewcutintoherthoughts.

“The gorge?” she stopped outside the camp entrance andfrownedforamoment.Thenshehissed,angrywithherself.Herthoughtshadwanderedagain!Promisingherselfshewouldtryharder, she nodded. “Of course. That’s where Rocky saw thekitslast.”

Shestaredacrossthewideswathsofbrownheatherripplingsoftlyinthenewleafbreeze.Fullmoonwasintwodays,andinanother half-moon, the moor would be green with buddingleaves, something she had only heard older cats talk about.MothFlightcouldhardlywaitforthefresh,cleanscentofnewlife.Thiswould be her first newleaf.All she could rememberwas snow and ice and the slow dying of themoorland in themoons before leafbare.Now itwas all going to come back tolifeagain.Excitementfizzedinherpaws.

“MothFlight!”SpottedFur’smewwassternthistime.“Weneedtofindthekits!”

She shook out her fur, feeling guiltier than ever.Why didtherehavetobesomanythingstodistracther?“Thekits.”Shecurled her claws into the grass, determined that this time shewouldstayfocusedonfindingthem.

TheheatherrustledaheadofthemandWillowTailslidoutfrombeneath thebushes,amousehangingfromher jaws.ShedroppeditandlookedatSpottedFur.“What’sthisaboutkits?”

“I’velostSlate’s—”SpottedFurcutMothFlightoffbeforeshecouldfinishher

confession.“Slate’skitshavewanderedoutofcampandwe’regoingtofindthem.”

Moth Flight glanced gratefully at her friend. “Rocky saidhe’dseenthemnearthegorge,”sheadded.

Willow Tail’s eyes rounded with worry. “I’d better comewithyou.Threenosesarebetterthanone.”Leavinghermouse,shebegan tohurrydown the slope,breaking intoa runas sheweaved between the clumps of heather. Spotted Fur hurriedafterherandMothFlightranbehind.

“Keep your mouths open to taste for their scent,”WillowTailcalledoverhershoulder.

MothFlightcaughtupwithSpottedFur,openingherjawstolet themoor scents batheher tongue.The smell ofwarmpeatfilled hermouth. She narrowed her eyes, peering at the slopebelow, hoping to see a flash of familiar fur. “Can you smellthem?”shepuffed.

Spotted Fur’s gaze was fixed ahead. “Not yet, but withWillowTailhelpingwe’reboundtofindthemquickly.”

WillowTail had slowed as the slope steepened toward thegorge. She darted thisway and that, sniffing the grass around

theedgeofagorsepatch.“Check that stretchofheather,” shecalledtoSpottedFur.

“WhereshouldIlook?”MothFlightcalled.“StaywithSpottedFur,”WillowTailcalledback.“Wedon’t

wantyougettinglosttoo.”MothFlight’speltprickled.DideverycatinWindClanthink

shewasasuselessasthistledown?Obediently,sheslidbetweentheheatherbushesafterSpottedFur.

Adistanttangtouchedhernose.“Icansmelltheriver.”“From here?” Spotted Fur turned to face her, heather

crowdinginoneithersideandarchingovertheirheads.“Icansmellthewaterplantsthatlineit.”MothFlightfelta

pang of longing. “I’ve always wanted to go and see them upcloseandpickafew.Waterplantsaresointeresting.Whydon’ttheydrown?Don’ttheyneedwindlikemoorplants?”

“Youcan’tgopickingplantsinRiverClanterritory,”SpottedFur warned her. “Wind Runner says if there’s to be peacebetweentheClans,thenwehavetostayonourownlands.”

MothFlightfeltaprickleoffrustration.“Howwillwelearnanythingifwejuststicktowhatweknow?”

Asshespoke,shesawSpottedFurstiffen.Alarmsparkedinhisgaze.

“What’swrong?”Fearprickedherpaws.“Listen!”SpottedFur’searswerestretched.MothFlightstretchedherstoo,strainingtohearwhathehad

heard.Thefaintwailofakitsoundedthroughtheheather.Then Willow Tail’s frightened yowl sounded from

downslope.“SpottedFur!Comequickly!”

“Thekits are in trouble!”SpottedFurplunged through theheather.

Heartpoundinginherears,MothFlightracedafterhim.

CHAPTER2

She crashed through the heather, hardly feeling the branchesscrapeher flanks,andexplodedonto thegrassamomentafterSpotted Fur. He was already scanning the slope and shefollowedhisgaze.

Willow Tail crouched in a dip near the edge of the gorsepatch.Thepale tabbyshe-catwaspeeringintoanarrowrabbitburrow.“It’sallright,SilverStripe.We’llgetyouout.”

Aplaintivewailansweredher.“Hurry!Please!I’mscared!”White Tail—no bigger than a rabbit-kit—appeared, nosing

pastWillowTailandpeeringintotheburrow.“She’sbeenthereforages!”

BlackEarpacedaroundthem,hisfluffyblack-and-whitefurbushedout.“Wetriedtoreachherbutshe’stoofardown.”

They’reokay!ReliefswelledinMothFlight’schest,thenshefroze.BlackEarandWhiteTailweresafe,butwhataboutSilverStripe?

Spotted Fur charged toward his Clanmate. “Whathappened?”

Willow Tail’s ears twitched. “Looks like Silver Stripe fellinto a tunnel and she can’t get out, the poor kit. She’s scaredhalf to death but the hole’s too narrow for me to squeezethrough.”

MothFlight caught up, skidding to ahalt andpeering intothe small gap in the grass where Silver Stripe’s wails weregrowinglouder.“Areyouhurt?”shecalleddown.

“Notyet,”SilverStripesqueakednervously.“ButI’msureIcanhearpawstepscomingupthetunneltowardme!”

BlackEar’seyeswidened.“Abadger!”White Tail unsheathed his tiny claws. “I’ll save her.” He

stuckhisheadintotheholeandbegantoburrowintothetunnel.“No you don’t!” Spotted Fur grabbed his tail between his

teeth and hauled the kit backward. “We’re not losing two ofyou.”

Black Ear tried to scrabble free. “But what about thebadger?”

“Thattunnel’stoosmallforabadger,”WillowTailassuredhim.

WhiteTailblinkedatthetom.“Whataboutrats?”MothFlight’s heart quickened, her fear spilling into anger.

“Whydidn’tyoujuststayincamp?”shesnappedatthekits.BlackEarmethergaze innocently.“Weweregoing toask

youifwecouldleave,butyouwereasleep.”WillowTail flashedher a look. “Wereyou supposed tobe

watchingthem?”MothFlightdroppedhergazeguiltily.“Yes,”sheconfessed,

herfurripplingwithirritation.WhydidSlatehavetoaskhertowatchherkits?EveryoneknowsI’mafeatherbrain!

SpottedFurpushedpastherandbegan tearingat thegrassaroundthenarrowtunnelentrance.“Let’sjustgetSilverStripeout.Ican’tsmellratscentdownthere,butshemustbecoldandhungry.”

Willow Tail nodded and hooked her claws into the earth,rippingawayanotherclump.Togethertheydugoutsoilaroundtherim.MothFlightfoundherselfwatchingthegrassyclodsas

herClanmatesflungthemaside.Theyexplodedastheyhit theground; the soil herewasn’t as dark andwet as itwas on thehigh moor. And she noticed that the grass was softer too,nothinglikethestiffgrassaroundcamp;itsmelledlushertoo.

“Stopstaringandhelp!”WillowTail’ssharpmewbrokeintoherthoughts.

Moth Flight hopped forward, tripping over Black Ear. Hesqueakedasherpawsquashedhistail,thendraggeditfreeandglaredatherindignantly.

“Sorry!” Moth Flight plunged her forepaws into the holebesideSpottedFur’sandbeganscrapingoutsoil.ShecouldseeSilver Stripe’smuzzle, lit by the late sunshine that broke intothewideninghole.Theearthwaseasytoscrapeaway—lighterand crumblier than the heavy peat higher on the moor. MothFlightwonderedifdifferentplantsgrewhereand,asshehelpedWillow Tail and Spotted Fur dig, glanced furtively around,lookingforunusualleafshapesshowinginthegrassnearby.

“That should be big enough.”WillowTail sat back on herhaunches.

SpottedFurfrowned.“It’stoosmallformetofitin.”Silver Stripe was already trying to scrabble up the steep

sides of the hole, yowling with frustration each time she sliddownastheearthcrumbledbeneathherclaws.

“You’re smallenough tosqueeze in.”WillowTail staredatMothFlight.“Jumpdownandgivehimaboost.”

MothFlighthesitated.SheknewthatsomeoftheWindClancats liked running though the rabbit tunnels.Holly often tookEagle Feather and Dew Nose hunting there. ButMoth Flightpreferredtofeelthewindinherfur.

Spotted Fur nudged her shoulder with his muzzle. “Don’tthink about the dark,” he urged gently. “Silver Stripe needshelp.”

Steadying her breath, Moth Flight slithered into the hole.Herpawsslippedasshereachedthebottom,andshenearlyfell.A cold musky smell swirled around her. She shivered, thedarkness of the tunnel pressing around her until her bellytightenedwithfear.

“You saved me!” Silver Stripe flung herself againstMothFlight,purringloudly.MothFlightsuddenlyrealizedhowbravetheyoungkithadbeen,trappedalonedownhereforsolong.

She peered, blinking, into the blackness beyond the kit,wonderingwithashiverhowfarthetunnelstretchedandwhatmightbeattheendofit.Shesniffedforratscent,prickingherears to listen for the slither of tails.Nothing. The tunnelwasclear. “I’m sorry I fell asleep,” she whispered into SilverStripe’ssoftear.“Ishouldhavebeenwatchingyou.”

Silver Stripe’s coldmuzzle brushed her cheek. “I’m sorryweranoff,”sheapologized,hermewthick.

“Let’sgetyououtofhere.”MothFlightduckedandtuckedher nose beneath the kit’s haunches. “Jump!” she ordered, hermew muffled by fur. As Silver Stripe leaped, Moth Flightheavedherupward.ShesmelledSpottedFur’swarmbreathashereacheddownandgrabbedthekit’sscruff,scoopingherintothelight.

“SilverStripe!”WhiteTailsqueakedhappily.BlackEarmewledwithexcitement.“Wethoughtratswould

getyouforsure.”SpottedFurpurred.“Areyoucoming,MothFlight?”

MothFlighthardlyheardhim.As she staredat the ringoflightaboveher,asharptangtouchedhernose.Sheopenedhermouth,intrigued.Therewasanunfamiliarsourscentmingledinwith the heavy smell of earth. She glanced down the tunnel,wideninghereyes toadjust to thegloom.White rootsdangledfromtheroofofthetunnelatail-lengthaway.Theydidn’tsmelllike grass roots. Or heather. Or gorse. I knew there must bespecialplantsgrowinginthissandysoil!Herheartquickening,Moth Flight padded deeper into the darkness until her facebrushed the roots. Sticking out her tongue, she licked themgingerly, intrigued by their sweet flavor. I wonder what theleavesofthisplantlooklike?MothFlightknewthatshewasn’tfarfromthesurface.Leaningbackonherhaunches,shebegantodigupward,throughtheeartharoundtheroots.Ifshecouldjustclawawayafewpawfulsofsoil,she’dbeabletodragthewholeplantdownandlookatitproperly.

“MothFlight?”SpottedFur’smewechoedalongthetunnel.“Whereareyou?”

“Coming,” she called back absently. Dirt spilled onto hertongueasshespoke,andshecoughed,spittingitout.

“Hurry up!”Willow Tail’s mew was sharper than SpottedFur’s.“Weneedtogetthesekitsbacktotheirmother.They’retiredandhungry!”

“Iwon’tbe long!”MothFlightscrabbledharderat thesoilaboveherhead, screwinguphereyesagainst theearth,whichshoweredher face.The rootswere thicker, higher up, and shecurled her claws into their flesh and tugged. They slid free,bringingpawfulsofdirtwiththemasMothFlightdraggedtheplantdownintothetunnel.Layingitontheground,shetriedto

makeouttheshapeoftheleaves.“Moth Flight!”WillowTail sounded angry. “We need you

uphere!”MothFlight grasped the plant betweenher jaws and raced

backalongthetunnel.Reachingup,shescrambledout,thankfulto feel SpottedFur’s teeth in her scruff as he helped haul herfreeofthecrumblingearth.

“What, in all the stars, is that?”Willow Tail stared at theplantdanglingfromMothFlight’sjaws.

MothFlightdroppedit,spittingoutdirt.“Idon’tknow,”shespluttered.“ButIwanttofindout.”

WillowTailglaredather.“You’renotbringingitwithyou,”she snapped. “These kits are two moons old and too tired towalkbacktocamp.Theyneedcarrying.”

Moth Flight’s heart sank. She glanced at the plant she’dunearthed. Its bright green leaves had scalloped edges and itsmelled pungent—almost how she imagined RiverClan waterplantswouldsmell.“Ican’tleaveitbehind!”Sheknewalltheplantsonthehighmoor.Thiswasnew!ShelookedhopefullyatSpottedFur.“Can’toneofthekitsrideonyourback?”

“I’ll ride,” Black Ear offered. His eyes were dull withtiredness.“It’sbetterthanbeingcarried.”

Willow Tail snorted at Moth Flight. “Do you really thinkhe’llhavethestrengthtohangontoSpottedFur’sbackallthewaytocamp?”

SpottedFurglancedapologeticallyatMothFlight.“WillowTail’sright.Thesekitsneedtobecarried.”

“Icanmakeit,”BlackEarpromised.“IknowIcan.”“Of course you can.” Spotted Fur soothed the young kit.

“Butit’llbeeasierformeifyouletMothFlightcarryyou.”MothFlightsighed.“Okay.”Theplantwouldhavetowait.

“IguessIcancomebackandfetchthis later.”Shestrokedthesoftleaveswithherpaw.Theyfeltfurry.

WillowTail’searstwitchedimpatiently.“Whatdoyouwantwithadeadweedanyway?”

MothFlightshrugged.“It’sinteresting.”Willow Tail shook her head, sighing. “Cats are meant to

huntprey,notplants.”SpottedFurnosedBlackEargentlytowardMothFlight.“If

allcatswerethesame,lifewouldbedull,”hemeowedsoftly.Willow Tail huffed disapprovingly and scooped up Silver

Stripebyherscruff.SpottedFurliftedWhiteTailandMothFlightgraspedBlack

Eargentlybetweenher jawsandliftedhimoff theground.Hewasas lightaspreyandshesuddenlyrealizedhowvulnerablethekitshadbeenouthereon theirown.A fresh flashofguiltshotthoughherasshefollowedWillowTailandSpottedFuruptheslopetowardcamp.

BlackEar swung limply fromher jaws.Hedidn’t scrabbleorfidgetlikehedidwhenshewastryingtogethimintohisnestintheevenings.Hemustbeexhausted.Shequickenedherpace,fallingintostepbesideSpottedFur.

Theyslidintosinglefileastheyapproachedathickswathofheather.WillowTailpushedintoitfirst.SpottedFurwaitedforMothFlighttoduckinfrontofhim.ShefollowedWillowTailthroughthebranchestowhereanoldsheeptrailcutthroughthebushes.SpottedFur’sbreathtickledhertailashetracedherpawsteps.

Astheynearedthefaredgeoftheheatherpatch,WillowTailslowed.Thepaletabby’searsprickedandMothFlightstiffened.Had Willow Tail heard something? A badger? A dog? MothFlightbreatheddeeply,butall shecould tastewasBlackEar’swarmscent.WillowTailputSilverStripedownandpushedherwayoutoftheheather.

“What’s wrong?” Spotted Fur slid past Moth Flight anddroppedWhiteTailbesideSilverStripe.

BlackEarbegantostruggle.“What’sthatsmell?”AsMothFlightplacedhimgentlybesidehislittermates,she

smelledthestrongtangofastrangetom.Spotted Fur’s hackles lifted. “Wait herewith the kits.”He

slidoutoftheheatherafterWillowTail.“It’s just a SkyClan tom!” Moth Flight could smell the

fragrantscentofbarkminglingwiththetom’sownscent.ItwascompletelydifferentfromtheheatheryscentofherClanmates.RiverClan smelled fishy, ShadowClan like pine. AndThunderClan always carried the musty scent of the leaf litterthatsoftenedtheflooroftheirravine.

WhywereWillowTailandSpottedFursoedgy?MothFlight shooed thekits aheadofher as shenosedher

way out of the heather. A large reddish-brown tom wasstretching languorously on a sunlit patch of grass. Sherecognizedhimatonce.She’dseenhimatGatherings.HewasRed Claw. Willow Tail must know him well—they’d beenroguestogetherbeforethey’dchosendifferentClans.

Thenwhywasshesnarlingathim,herearsflatagainstherhead?

“What are you doing on WindClan land?” Willow Tail

hissedaccusingly.MothFlightglancedquestioninglytowardSpottedFur.The

tabbyshe-catsoundedfurious.Whywasshesobotheredaboutthetom?Hewasdoingnoharm.

AsSpottedFurshruggedinreply,RedClawliftedhisheadand blinked at them lazily. “I came up here to enjoy thesunshine.It’stooshadyinthewoods.”

WillowTailspat.“Youshouldn’tbehere!Thisisourland.”Black Ear began to march forward, showing his teeth.

“Yeah,thisisourland!”hesqueaked.Red Claw glanced at the kit, amusement brightening his

gaze.“I’mnothunting.Sowhere’stheharm?”SpottedTailcockedhishead.“Howdoweknowyou’renot

hunting?”heasked.WillowTailbaredherteethatRedClaw.“Wedon’t!Listen,

Idon’twantyouonWindClan land.You’llbring trouble.Youalwaysdo!”

Moth Flight pricked her ears. Did Willow Tail knowsomethingaboutRedClawtherestoftheClandidn’t?Washedangerous?MothFlight instinctivelymoved closer to thekits,sweepinghertailaroundthemtodrawthemnear.

BlackEar tried towriggle free, but SpottedFur froze himwithawarninglook.

Pushinghimself tohispaws,RedClaw facedWillowTail,hiseyesglittering.“You’renotWindClan’sleader,”hegrowled.“OrSkyClan’s.Youcan’ttellmewhattodo.”

WillowTailunsheathedherclaws.Spotted Fur padded between the bristling cats. “This isn’t

worth fightingover,” hemewed softly. “Wemaynot beWind

Runner,butwecancertainlytakethisbacktoherandaskwhatshethinks.Isthatwhatyouwant?”

Moth Flight shifted her paws uneasily.What wouldWindRunner say?Wind Runner claimed that the borders had beenestablished to make sure each Clan had enough prey to feedthemselves,but therewasmore thanenoughpreyon themoorand in theforests to feedeverycat.Besides,RedClawwasn’teven hunting. Still . . .Wind Runner seemed especially edgywhereClearSky,andSkyClan,wereconcerned.

RedClawwaseyeingSpottedFurwithannoyance.“I’mjustatiredcatenjoyingarestinasunnyclearingthathappenstobea few tail-lengths across the border.Doyou think your leaderwouldcare?”

SpottedFurnarrowedhiseyes.“Again, Icouldgoandaskher,ifyou’dlike.”RedClawscowled,andSpottedFurwenton.“Look, I don’t want any trouble. You chose to join SkyClan.There must be a sunny clearing somewhere in your ownterritory.”

Red Claw’s tail flicked angrily. “Fine.” Turning away, hestalkedtowardtheheather.

SilverStripestaredatMothFlight.“Whowashe?”“JustaSkyClancat,”shesaid.Shewasn’tentirelysurewhy

thingshadgottensotense,butshedidn’twantthekitstoworry.Black Ear hopped over her tail and padded a few steps

toward the grassRedClaw had flattened.His small nosewastwitchingwithcuriosity.“AreSkyClancatsbad?”

Moth Flight felt a prickle of irritation. “Of course not.They’rejustlikeyouandme.”Shedidn’tunderstandwhytherehad to be lines scratched between the Clans. Borders just

seemed to make everyone suspicious of each other. What iftherewasaharshleafbareoradrygreenleaf?WouldoneClanlet another starve or go thirsty rather than share their huntinglands?

WillowTail’speltwasstillbristling.“Weshouldfollowhimtomakesureheleaves.Youcan’ttrustSkyClancats.”

MothFlightglancedcrosslyatWillowTail.“Don’tsaythatin front of the kits!”Therewas enough gossip in camp aboutThunderClan cats being reckless, ShadowClan cats beingunfriendly, and RiverClan cats being odd. Making updifferencesbetweentheClanswas justplantingtroublefor thefuture.Anewthoughtstruckher,makingherpeltprickwarily.IwonderwhattheotherClanssayaboutus?

“WeshouldgetthekitsbacktoSlate,”SpottedFurmeowed.Moth Flight was suddenly aware that White Tail was

shiveringagainstherbelly.“He’sright.They’regettingcold.”“Youdidn’tseemworriedaboutthatwhileyouweredigging

out your precious weed.” Willow Tail stared fiercely at theheatherwhereRedClawhaddisappeared.“Whatifhestaysonourland?”

“Whocares?”MothFlightgraspedWhiteTail’s scruff andbegantopadtowardcamp,annoyedattheoldershe-cat.It’snotaweed, it’saplant!And shemademe leave it behind for thesakeof thekits.Nowshewants togochasingafteraSkyClancat.

“I’m sure he’ll leave,” Spotted Fur assured Willow Tail,gatheringher inwithhis tail.“EvenSkyClancatsknowbetterthantotanglewithWindRunner.Nowlet’sgetthekitshome.”

WillowTailwatched theheather fora fewmomentsmore,

thensighedandbeganwalkingbacktowardcamp.“Allright.”Soon, Moth Flight could see the dip where their camp

nestled into the hillside and, after a few more paw steps, itsheatherwalls showed against thewindswept grass.Theywerenearlyhome.

SpottedFurfell inbesideher,BlackEardanglingfromhisjaws.

She frowned, wondering why he’d been so tough on RedClaw,thensheheardayowl.

Slate was bounding from the camp, Wind Runner at herheels.

“Aretheyokay?Aretheysafe?”Slateskiddedtoahalt,hereyesroundwithfear.

Spotted Fur placed Black Ear at her paws. “They’re a bitcoldandhungry,butnoharmdone.”

MothFlightputWhiteTailgentlydown.Thekitranatoncetohismotherandnuzzledintohersoftgrayflank.

SilverStripewailed,strugglinginWillowTail’sjaws.“Ifelldown a rabbit hole!”Willow Tail dropped her and she racedtoward Slate. “Moth Flight had to climb down and push meout.”

“Shewasinthereforages!”WhiteTailtoldSlate.“We thought a badger was going to eat her!” Black Ear

added.Slate pulled her kits to her belly, her eyes glistening even

brighterwithworry.Spotted Fur brushed Moth Flight’s flank with his tail. “It

was just a rabbit hole,” he toldSlate. “Too small for badgers.WehadtodigitopenbeforeMothFlightcouldsqueezeinand

rescueher.”Moth Flight felt a wave of gratitude toward her friend.

Spotted Fur always defends me. But then she caught WindRunner’seyeandherbellytightened.

Hermotherwas glaring at her. “Youwere asked towatchthem,MothFlight.”

MothFlightstaredatherpaws,shamewormingbeneathherpelt.“I’msorry.”

Slatebeganlappingherkitsfuriously.“Itwasmyfault,”shemurmuredbetweenlicks.“Iwasinahurrytoliedown.Ishouldhaveaskedsomeonemorereliabletokeepaneyeonthem,likeFernLeaf,butshewashunting.”

Her words raked Moth Flight like claws. She glancednervouslyathermother.WindRunner’seyeswereburningwithrage.

TheWindClan leadergrowled.“MothFlight isoldenoughtoknowbetter.HerClanmatesshouldbeabletorelyonher.”

MothFlightshiftedherpaws.“Itwon’thappenagain,”shemumbled.

“I wish I could believe you,”Wind Runner hissed. “HowdoesitlooktotheClanifmyownkitcan’tbetrusted?”

Moth Flight flinched.Why did hermother have to be theClanleader?Everything Idomustbeanexample to theClan!Andifshegotanythingwrong,shewaslettingthewholeClandown. Resentment burned in her belly as she watched Slatefussingoverherkits.Ibetshedoesn’texpectthemtobeperfectallthetime!

Grayfurflashedatthecampentrance.Herfather,GorseFur,was hurrying toward them,DustMuzzle and FernLeaf at his

heels.“Youfoundthem!”HestaredproudlyatMothFlight.“Shelostthem!”WindRunnersnapped.Dust Muzzle’s eyes rounded with sympathy as he caught

sight of Moth Flight. She saw him exchange glances withSpottedFur.Thiswassohumiliating.DidWindRunnerhavetoscoldherinfrontofeverycat?

SpottedFurseemedtoguessherthoughts.“Let’sgetthekitsintocamp,”hesuggested.“It’smoreshelteredthere.”Windwastuggingat theirfur.HebegantonoseSilverStripe,BlackEar,and White Tail toward the camp entrance, then glanced atWillowTail.“Areyoucoming?”

The pale tabby shook her head. “I’m going to followRedClaw’sscent,”shegrowled.“Iwanttomakesurehecrossedtheborder.”

Wind Runner narrowed her eyes. “Was Red Claw on ourland?”

MothFlightliftedherheadsharply.“Hewasn’thunting.Hejustwantedtolieinthesun.”

“They have sun in SkyClan,” Wind Runner answeredsharply. She nodded towardWillow Tail. “Gomake sure he’sleftourterritory.”

“I’llgowithyou,”FernLeafoffered,followingWillowTail.“Whydowehavetohaveallthisfussaboutborders?”Moth

Flightblurted.WindRunnersilencedherwithalook.“Youweren’taround

for thegreatbattle. Ifyouhadbeen,you’dunderstand.”Therewasdarknessinhergaze.

MothFlightcurledherclaws into theground.Idon’tknowwhyIbotheropeningmymouth.Herfurprickedangrilyalong

her spine asWillowTail headed away. Then she rememberedherplant.Shehad tofetch itbeforea rabbitate itor thewindblewitaway.Sheturnedandbegantopaddownslope.

“Whereareyougoing?”WindRunnersnapped.MothFlighthalted.Whatwaswrongnow?“Ihavetofetcha

newplantIdiscovered.”“Noyoudon’t.”WindRunner’smewwashardwithanger.

Gorse Fur nosed past the Clan leader and met Moth Flight’sgaze.“Yourmotherwantsustogohuntingtogether.”

Butmyplant!MothFlight’sheartsank.Whatwasthepointinarguing?WindRunnerwouldneverunderstand.

DustMuzzleweavedaroundher.“Comeon,”hemurmuredto her softly. “Hunting will put us all in a good mood.” HesnatchedaglanceatWindRunner.

MothFlighthuffed.“Yeah,right.”GorseFursniffedtheair.“Ismellrabbit!”Liftinghistail,he

raced across the grass.WindRunner shotMoth Flight a finalsearinglook,andboundedafterhim.

DustMuzzlenudgedMothFlightwithhisshoulder.“Comeon.Shecan’tbeangryforever.”

MothFlightstaredafterhermother.Thelithetabbymovedwith expert speed across the grass, her tail low, and hershoulderspumpingrhythmically.WhydidWindRunnerhavetobesogoodateverything?

DustMuzzledartedaway.“I’llraceyou!”hecalledoverhisshoulder.

MothFlighthurriedafterhim,herheart likeastone inherchest. Her brother’s words rang in her ears as her pawsthrummedtheearth.Shecan’tbeangryforever.Windstreamed

throughherfur.Withadaughterlikeme,sheprobablycan.

CHAPTER3

GorseFurpulledupsharplyastheslopesteepenedtowardthemoortop. Moth Flight was out of breath and relieved to seeWindRunnerhaltbesidehermate.DustMuzzle reached themfirst.She couldn’t helpnoticing that hewashardlypanting asshescrambledtoahaltbesidehim.

WindRunnersurveyedthemoor,herpeltripplingthechillybreeze. Moth Flight gazed past her, staring across the widevalley thatdippedbehind themtoHighstones.Thesunburnedorange in the pale blue sky and, as it sank toward the craggypeaks, Moth Flight watched their vast shadow fall across themoorandfolditindarkness.Shesuddenlyfeltverysmall.

“MothFlight!”Hermother’ssternmewmadeherjump.“What?”“Didn’tyouhearme?”MothFlightstaredindismay.No.“I told you to gowithDustMuzzle and hunt out the prey

aroundthatgorsepatch.”WindRunnernoddedtowardaclumpofpricklybushesdownslope. “GorseFur and Iwill check thehighburrowsforrabbits.”

DustMuzzlefrowned.“Can’tIhuntrabbitstoo?”“Staywith your sister,”WindRunner told him. “She’s not

fast enough for rabbits and if I let her hunt alone, she’llprobablyendupbringinghomenothingbutleaves.”ShestaredatMothFlight.“Andleavesdon’tfillemptybellies.”

MothFlightturnedawayandstompeddowntheslope.

DustMuzzle quickly caught up. “Ignore her,” he advised.“Herbadmoodwon’tlast.”

“It’smyfaultshe’sinabadmoodinthefirstplace.”MothFlight padded on, not looking at her brother. “She’s going totorturemealldayjustbecauseIfellasleep.”

“Youwere supposed to be looking afterSlate’s kits,”DustMuzzleremindedhergently.

“They were okay, weren’t they? I rescued them!” MothFlightlashedhertail.Itwasn’tlikeshedidn’t trytobeagoodcat.“Whycan’tWindRunnerbepleasedwiththat?”

Dust Muzzle didn’t answer, but walked closer to MothFlight, his pelt brushing hers. “Let’s forget about it and catchsomethingtasty.”Heslowedastheynearedthegorse.

Thegrassaroundthepricklybushesrippledlikewaterinthewind.MothFlight flattenedherears toblockout thesoundofthe breeze. She tasted the air, hoping for prey scent. DustMuzzle was right. If she could take home some prey, WindRunnerwouldbepleased,surely?

DustMuzzlehalted.“IwonderifWillowTailcaughtupwithRedClaw?”

“Ihopenot.”MothFlightrememberedWillowTail’sangerat theSkyClan cat. “What if she starts a fight?Shemight gethurt.”

“Shewouldn’tattackhimonherown.”DustMuzzle liftedhismuzzle,tastingtheair.“She’snotarabbit-brain.”

“Butsheseemedsoangrywithhim.”MothFlightfretted.“Iknow he was on our land, but he wasn’t hunting. It was likeWillowTailwantedtopickafightwithhim.”

“Maybe.” Dust Muzzle’s gaze was fixed on the shadows

beneath thegorse. “But sheandWindRunnerwere right, too:TheyhavesunnyclearingsonSkyClanterritory.Maybehewasuptosomething.”

“Maybe,”MothFlightmurmured.Butshedidn’tbelieveit.AmIcrazytotrustRedClaw?“Anyway,”DustMuzzlewenton,“thenextGathering’sthe

day after tomorrow. We can see if she causes more troublethen.”

MothFlightwasstillthinking.“Theywereroguestogether,”she began, relishing the gossip. It was a nice change fromworrying aboutWindRunner. But as she spoke,DustMuzzledroppedintoacrouch.

Moth Flight froze and followed his gaze. A shrew wasrootinginthegrassbelowagorsebranch.

Her paws itched with excitement. “Let me catch it!” shewhispered.

DustMuzzlegaveatinynod,hisgazestillontheshrew.Sinking low,MothFlight crept forward.The shrewburied

itssnoutdeepintothegrass.IthasnoideaI’mhere.Delighted,MothFlightleaped,pushinghardwithherhindlegs.Toohard!She sailed into the gorse, crashing through the branches. Thepricklesstabbedhernoseandshescreweduphereyestoprotectthem.Recoilingwithayowl,she trippedoverDustMuzzle ashedartedpasther.

Findingherpaws,sherubbedhernose,wincingatthesting.Amoment later DustMuzzle scrambled from beneath the

bush.Theshrewdangledfromhisjaws,dead.“Yougotit!”MothFlightblinkedathimproudly.“IwishI

wasasgoodathuntingasyou.”

DustMuzzle laid the shrewatherpaws. “Youwill beoneday. Until then, why don’t we tell Wind Runner you caughtthis?”

MothFlightbristled.“Idon’tneedyourhelp!”shesnapped,then felt instantly guilty as hurt flashed in her brother’s eyes.“I’m sorry. That’s really kind of you. But I’m not going topretendtobesomethingI’mnot.I’muselessathunting.”

“You just needpractice.”DustMuzzle leaned forward andlicked her nose. “You’re bleeding,” he mewed as he pulledaway.

“I am?” Moth Flight sighed. Wind Runner would guessshe’dcrashedintothegorsebush.

“Give it a wash,” Dust Muzzle suggested. “It’ll hardlyshow.”Hescoopeduptheshrewandheadedupslope.

“Aren’twehuntinganymore?”MothFlightcalledafterhim.“I thinkwe’ve frightened away all the prey around here.”

DustMuzzle’smewwasmuffledbytheshrew.“Let’shelpWindRunnerandGorseFurhuntrabbits.”

MothFlightfollowedhim,herearstwitching.She’druinedthehunt.

As they neared the burrows dotting the high moor, MothFlightwassurprisedtoseeherparentssittingsidebyside.Whyweren’t they hunting? They faced Highstones, their backs toMothFlightandDustMuzzle.Windruffledtheirfur,andtheirheadswerebentinconversation.

Their words caught on the wind as she and Dust Muzzleneared.

“Don’tbesohardonher.”GorseFurwaspleading.MothFlightslowed,DustMuzzleslowingwithher.

“It’sabouttimeshegrewupandtookresponsibility,”WindRunner snapped. “She’s not a kit anymore. I don’t makeallowances for the rest ofmyClan!Why should Imake themforher?”

MothFlightfeltDustMuzzleglanceather.Herpeltprickleduncomfortably along her spine and she didn’t return his gaze.Herparentsweretalkingabouther!

“She’s not irresponsible,” Gorse Fur argued, his tonehardening. “She just notices things other cats don’t. She getsdistracted,that’sall.”

“When there are mouths to feed and kits to protect, sheshouldn’tbedistracted,”WindRunner’stail lashedbehindher.“DustMuzzle isn’t alwaysgetting into trouble.Whycan’t shebemorelikehim?”

“DustMuzzle will make a fine hunter one day, butMothFlightisspecial,”GorseFurpressed.“Can’tyouseethat?”

WindRunnerstaredathermate,blankly.“WindClandoesn’tneedspecialcats.Itneedshuntersandfighters!”

Special! Moth Flight growled. “They think I’m rabbit-brained!”shesaidsoftly.

DustMuzzledroppedtheshrew.“GorseFurisjusttryingtoexplainthatyou’redifferentfromothercats.”

MothFlightglaredathim.“YouthinkI’mdifferent,too?”“Notinabadway.”DustMuzzleblinkedatheruneasily.“Idon’twanttobedifferent!”MothFlighthissed.“Moth Flight!” Gorse Fur turned. “Are you two back

already?”Hismewwassharpwithsurprise.Wind Runner was staring at the shrew. “Is that all you

caught?”

“That’salltherewas,”DustMuzzledippedhishead.WindRunnersnorted.“I supposeMothFlight trippedover

hertailandscaredtheotherpreyaway.”MothFlightcouldn’tmeethermother’sgaze.She’dguessed

right away that it was her fault, without even noticing thescratchonhernose.MothFlightclenchedherteeth,angerandhurtpulsingthroughher.IcanbejustasgoodasanyotherClancat! Determined to impress her mother, she scanned themoortopdesperatelyforsomethingshecouldcatch.Witharushof relief she spotted a lapwing, stalking through the ripplinggrass beyond the rise. She dropped into a crouch and paddedtowardit.

Justwatchme!Thelapwingwasstabbingitsbeakintotheearth, twitching

asitcaughtsomethingandbegantotug.MothFlight’s breathing quickened as shewilled the bird’s

prey to resist and keep the lapwing distracted. Just for a fewmoments! She was a fox-length away now, her tail swishingoverthegrasswithexcitement.

Thelapwingfroze,itseyecatchingsightofherandsparkingwithpanic.

Moth Flight leaped, stretching out her paws wildly as thelapwingflappedintotheair.Shetriedtoreachup,twisting.Herclawgrazedatalonasthewindfromitswingsblastedherfaceandshelandedwithawhumponherside.

Embarrassed, she scrambled to her paws. I nearly had it!DisappointmentswampedherasshelookedaroundtoseeWindRunnershakingherheadsadly.

GorseFurhurriedtowardher.“Greattry,MothFlight.”

DustMuzzlefollowedcloseathisfather’spaws.“Lapwingsarehardtocatch,”hesympathized.

GorseFurstoppedbesideher.“Yourtailgaveyouaway,”hetoldhergently.“Nomatterhowexcitedyoufeel,youmustkeepitstillandliftitjustabovethegroundsoyoucanmovesilently.Wemightbe smarter thanprey,butpreyknowswhat to listenforand,ifithearsanythingunusual,instinctwillsenditfleeingintheblinkofaneye.”

MothFlighthungherhead.“Iletitgetaway.”“Don’t worry,” Gorse Fur told her cheerfully. “You’ve

learnedsomething.That’swhat’simportant.You’llbecatchinglapwingsbeforelong.”

“Dust Muzzle caught one a few days ago,” Moth Flightmumbledmiserably.

“Dust Muzzle’s had more practice than you,” Gorse Furreassuredher.

I’msosorry.MothFlightknewthatGorseFurmustfeelasdisappointedinherasWindRunner,despitehiskindwords.Sheshook out her fur and looked at him as brightly as she couldmanage.“I’llgetbetter,Ipromise.”

Hepurred.“Ofcourseyouwill.”She glanced toward Wind Runner, but her mother was

crouching beside a burrow entrance, her ears pricked and hergazefixedonthedarkopening.

Gorse Fur followed her gaze. “I’d better go and help,” hemeowed. “Why don’t you join me?” He glanced from MothFlighttoDustMuzzle,butDustMuzzle’sattentionwasfixedonthegrassyslope.Hisearswereprickedandheopenedhismouthasthoughtastingforprey.

“I’ll be back after I’ve caught that vole,” he whispered,headingdownslope.Hecrossed thegrass,hispawstepssilent,histailstill.

Gorse Fur nudgedMoth Flight toward the rabbit burrows.“Ifyouseearabbitrunning,doyourememberwhattodo?”

MothFlightfrowned.“Chaseit?”sheofferedhopefully.GorseFur’seartwitched.“Headwhereit’slookingandcut

offitsescaperoute.Outrunningarabbitishard.Outthinkingitiseasy.”

He quickened his pace, breaking into a trot. Moth Flightfollowed slowly, sighing as her father caught up with WindRunner.TheClan leaderbeckonedhermateonwithaflickofhermuzzleandheracedawaytoanotherholefartheralongtherise.

MothFlightwoundherwayaroundtheburrowsdottingtherise.ShewantedtokeepherdistancefromWindRunner.Ifhermothermanagedtoflushoutayoungrabbit,shedidn’twanttoscareitdownanotherhole.

ThesunwastouchingHighstones,turningthepeaksorange.MothFlight shivered as the evening chill reached throughherfur.Sherememberedherdream.Ithadbeensovividitwashardto believe that she hadn’t actually been there while the blue-graycatdiedbesideherfriends.Butshedidn’tdie!MothFlightfrowned.Shecamebacktolife.. .aftershelookedsolifeless.She remembered the fear in the eyes of the flame-pelted tomand the dark, unreadable gaze of the tabby. She could almostbelieve that these cats were real, not just figments of herimagination. When the blue-gray cat had suddenly twitchedaftersuchstillness,noneofthecatshadseemedshocked—only

relieved.Itwasasiftheyknewitwouldhappen!“MothFlight!”WindRunner’scrysoundedattheedgeofherthoughts,no

morethantherushingofthewind.Shehardlyheardhermother.Herthoughtswerefilledwithherdream.Thebloodontheblue-gray cat’s fur had spread so quickly through her matted pelt.Howcouldanycathavesurvivedsuchawound?

“MothFlight!”WindRunner’s angry yowl pierced her earfur.Arabbitpeltedpasther,thenhermother’speltflashedattheedge of her vision and she heard grass tear beneath skiddingclawsasWindRunnerslowedtoahaltatail-lengthaway.Therabbit veered downslope, easily avoidingGorse Fur,whowascrouchedbeyondtherise,anddarteddownahole.

“You birdbrain!”WindRunner turned onMothFlight, hermewhotwithrage.Sheseemedtobeswallowingbackasnarl.“Ifyouweren’tgoingtocatchit,youshouldhavegottenoutofmywaysoIcouldhavedrivenitintoGorseFur’spaws!”

MothFlightstaredather,strickenwithhorror.I’vedone itagain!Panicflashedthroughher.WhydoIalwaysgetitwrong?“I’msosorry!”

Wind Runner seemed to be trying to stop herself fromshakingassheglaredatherdaughter.“Youweresupposedtobehelping,”shemeowedslowly,herwordsclipped.

“Iknow.”MothFlightstareddejectedlyatherpaws.“IwasjustrememberingadreamIhad.Itwassovivid,Isortof...”Shesearchedforwords,knowingthatnomatterwhatshesaid,hermotherwouldn’tunderstand.“...Isortofgotlostinit.”

GorseFurgallopedtowardthem.“MothFlight.”Therewasmore pity than anger in his mew. “You need to try to pay

attention.”“How many times do I have to remind you?” As Wind

Runnerstartedanotherlecture,MothFlight’sshoulderssank.“Ahungry clan is a vulnerable clan.With empty bellies, we arepreytodiseaseandattacksfromrogues.Whatifadogislooseonthemoor?Ourcatsneedthestrengthtooutrunit.”

MothFlightliftedherheadtomeethermother’sgaze.“I’msorr—” She stopped, her breath catching in her throat.Wide,greenwingswereflutteringatail-lengthaway.

Themoth!Thereitwas!Dancingoverthegrass,whippedonewaythen

theotherbythebuffetingwind.Justliketheoneinmydream!MothFlight’sheartsoared.Suddenlyshewasswampedbythesame longing to follow the beautiful moth that had filled herdream.Herpawsitchedtorunafterit.Ihavetocatchupwithit!Withapurrofdelight,shepeltedafterit.

“MothFlight!”Shehardlyheardhermother’syowl.Wind rushedpasther

earsasshechasedthemothacrossthegrass.

CHAPTER4

MothFlight ran. She couldhearWindRunner andGorse Furcalling, but her eyes were fixed on the moth’s great, greenwings. She had to chase it. The moth wanted to show hersomething.Shejustknewit!

The ground sloped steeply beneath her paws and sheskidded,strainingtokeepherbalanceassheboundeddownthehillsidewherethemoordroppedintothevalley.

Thesun,burningorangeonthepeaksofHighstones,madeahaloaroundthemoth,illuminatingitsgreatwingsasitflutteredabovetheground.

Thecoarsegrassofthemoorturnedsoftasitdippedtowardthe valley, growing lush as the land flattened. SuddenlyMothFlight felt hard stone beneath her paws; the stench of theThunderpathtouchedhernose.Shepaused,wary.

Themoth paused too,wheeling in the air and flying backtowardher.Itswoopedaboveherhead.

It’sbeckoningtome!Sheknewthemothwantedhertokeepfollowing.

“I’mcoming!”Themothbegantoheadaway,movingtowardfieldsbeyond

theThunderpath.Abreezeliftedit,swirlingitsideways.MothFlight leaped, pawsoutstretched, hoping to touch its

softwings.As she arched her back, straining to reach it, hardmuscle

slammedintoherflankandknockedherrollingacrosstheblack

stoneoftheThunderpath.Surprise flared through her as she tumbled onto the grass

vergeonthefarside.Aroarexplodedinherearsandwindtoreatherfur.Thefoulstenchofamonstersweptoverher,burningherthroat,asgritpeltedherflank.Wailinginterror,shescreweduphereyesandflinchedfromthestingingshower.

“MothFlight!”GorseFur’svoicesoundedinherearasthemonster’sroarfaded.

Shescrambledtoherpaws,blinkingopenhereyes.Gorse Fur stood beside her, his gaze almost black with

shock.“Youcouldhavebeenkilled!”Shestaredathim,numb.“YouwerestandinginthemiddleoftheThunderpath!”Fury

flared in Gorse Fur’s eyes. “Didn’t you hear the monstercoming?”

Moth Flight blinked at him, struggling to make sense ofwhathadhappened.“Iwaschasing themoth.”Hadn’theseenit?Sheturnedherhead,scanningthehedgebesidethem.Wherehaditgone?

Paws thuddedover theThunderpath.MothFlightglimpsedhermotherandDustMuzzleracingtowardthem.

“Yourabbit-brainedfool!”WindRunnerscrambledtoahalt,bristlingwithrage.

Dust Muzzle’s eyes glittered with horror. “If Gorse Furhadn’tknockedyououtoftheway—”

Wind Runner didn’t let him finish. “You could have bothbeenkilled!”

Moth Flight saw fear in her mother’s gaze. She stiffened,cold dread rippling beneath her pelt. She had never seen her

motherfrightenedbefore.“Are you hurt?” Dust Muzzle leaned forward, sniffing at

MothFlight’spelt.Theyoungtom’sgazeflickedtowardGorseFur.“Areyoubothokay?”

GorseFurblinkedreassuringly.“We’refine,”hepromised.WindRunner’sgazeburnedintoMothFlight’s.“Nothanks

toyou!”MothFlightbackedaway,suddenlyscared.“I’msorry.”She

begantotremble.GorseFurandIbothcouldhavedied!Anditwasmyfault!

Thegroundswayedbeneathherpaws.“You’ve always been irresponsible!”WindRunner’s sharp

words cut through her jumbled thoughts. “Losing Slate’s kits,getting lost collecting plants when you should have beenhunting. We’re used to that. But you’ve never been thisreckless!You’renotjustadangertoyourself!You’readangertoyourClan!”

“I’ms-sorry.”GuiltwelledinsideMothFlight,risinginherthroatuntilshecouldhardlyspeak.

“You’ve worn that word out today!” Every hair on WindRunner’speltstoodonend.“Sorrydoesn’tbringbackcatsfromthedead!WindClanwouldbebetteroffwithoutyou!”

MothFlighthardlyheardDustMuzzle’sgaspor thegentlewordsofGorseFurashetriedtocalmhismate.

“Noonewasactuallyhurt,”hesoothed.Moth Flight’s heart seemed to crack in her chest. Wind

Runner is right. Shewas adanger to herClan.What ifSilverStripehadbeenkilledbyabadger?OrBlackEarcarriedawaybyabuzzard?WhatifGorseFurhadbeenkilledbyamonster

ashetriedtosaveme?Asshebackedaway,hervisionblurred.WhathaveIdone?

Shestaredatherfamily,herchesttootighttobreathe.“Whereareyougoing?”WindRunneryowled.“I need time to think,”Moth Flight struggled to speak. “I

need to be bymyself for awhile.”Unsteadily, she turned andheadedforthehedgebeyondthegrassverge.

GorseFur’smewrangbehindher.“Youcan’tjustgooffbyyourself!”

“Don’t try and stopme!” shewailed. She slid beneath thehedge and began running. Shallow ridges of soil stretchedbeforeherandsheracedoverthem,herpawsslippingintothefurrows and tripping over ridges. But she had to keep going.Shehadtogetaway!

“Comeback!”WindRunner’scallechoedfrombeyondthehedge.“Sulkingwon’thelp!”

I’m not sulking! Moth Flight’s thoughts whirled as griefstormedinsideher.Butyou’reright!IamadangertomyClan.

Idon’tdeservetobewithyou.

CHAPTER5

MothFlightracedblindlyacrossthefielduntilgoldenbranchesloomed ahead, forcing her to a stop. She pulled up, heartlurching, her paws sinking into the soft soil. A beech hedgeblockedherway.Sheglancedbackacrosstheridgedearth.Noonehadfollowed.Good!Herthroattightened.AretheyrelievedI’veleft?

She gazed bleakly around. Beyond the hedge top, rookswhirledlikedarkleavesaroundthecanopyofalargeelm.Theyshouted at one another while a monster howled along theThunderpathbehindand,somewherefaraway,dogsbarked.

MothFlightshivered.Acoldwindwastuggingatherpelt.Downhere, in the valley, shadow swathed the fields.The sunwas hidden by Highstones now, but its rays still bathed themoortopinsoftorangelight.Slinkingbeneaththebeechhedge,shepressedherbellytotheearthandtuckedhernosebetweenherpaws.

Whatnow?She was of no use to her Clan. And the moth had

disappeared.Asshe’dchasedit,shehadbeensosureshe’dbeenheading therightway.Nowshedidn’tknowwhere togo.Thebeech leaves rattled around her and she drew her paws intighter.

Her belly growled. She hadn’t eaten all day and even hermiserycouldn’thideherhunger.

Ishouldhunt.

She lifted her head and gazed halfheartedly through theshadows,hopingtospotamousescuttlingamongtheroots.

Onlytheleavesstirred.Shepeeredfromunderthebranchesat the field. Birds swooped across the furrows, trawling forinsects, before swooping out of reach. Moth Flight’s taildrooped.WindRunnerwouldcatchoneeasily.She’dcrouchinadip,invisibleagainsttheearth,andhookoneasitdived.Butnotme.Evenifshewasanygoodathunting,MothFlightknewherwhitepeltwouldgiveheraway.

Windruffledthesurfaceofapuddleafewtail-lengthsaway.Atleastshecoulddrink.MothFlightslidoutfrombeneaththehedgeandpadded toward it.As sheneared,movementcaughthereye.Adarkbrowntoadwasslitheringalongtheedge.

Could I eat a toad? Moth Flight frowned. She knewRiverClan cats ate frogs. And ShadowClan boasted of eatinglizards.Atleastit’llbeeasytocatch.Thetoadhoppedclumsilyand landedwitha thumpon thesideofa furrow, itshind legsflappingas it tried to find its feet.MothFlightdropped intoahuntingcrouchandwaitedforittojumpagain.

Asitleaped,shelungedtowardit,flingingoutherforepawsandknocking it to theground. It fellonto itsback, showingapalebelly.MothFlightscrewedupherfaceandduckedtogiveakillingbite.

Its fleshwas squidgybetweenher teethandshe shudderedasshecrunchedthroughitsspine.Asittwitchedandfelllimp,Moth Flight felt relieved. Its blood wasn’t as sweet as rabbitblood,butatleastitdidn’ttastelikepondwater.

Graspinghercatchbetweenherjaws,shecarrieditbacktothehedgeandsqueezedintotheshadowsoncemore.

Hungryandcold,shebegantoeat,queasyasshetoreatthetoad’sflabbyflank.Perhapsthelegsaremeatier.Shegnawedatone, trying to ignore the muddy taste of the creature’s flesh.Once she’d swallowed a few mouthfuls, her aching hungereased, and she pushed the toad away. She imagined WindRunner telling her not to be wasteful and that hungry belliescouldn’t be choosy. But Wind Runner wasn’t here. I can dowhatIlike.

Herheartquickened.AmIreallygoing tostayouthereallnight?She’dneversleptawayfromherClan.ShewasusedtoDustMuzzle’s pelt pressed against hers and the sound of herClanmates snoring. She suddenly realized how safe she’dalwaysfeltincamp.

Nervously, she peered from the hedge. The afternoonshadowhad turned to night.Thebirds had stopped swooping.Therookshadstilledandgrownquiet.MothFlightblinkedupat the sky, where stars were beginning to show. She glancedtoward the puddle, hoping to see their reflection sparkle likefamiliarfriendsinthemuddywater.

Somethingmovedinthefield.MothFlight tensed.Ashapewascreepingalong thehedge

towardher. Its dark shadow rippled across the leaves,makingthemrustleasitpassed.

A fox? The creature was skulking low to the ground. Sheopenedhermouthtotastetheair,buttoadstenchstillsouredhertongue. Belly tightening, she backed deeper into the hedge,hoping itwouldn’t see her.The creature had stopped andwassniffing the furrows. Itpausedand lifted itshead.MothFlightfroze as its eyes flashed towardher.As it darted forward, she

unsheathedherclaws.Bracingherhindpawsagainstaroot,shepreparedtodefendherself.

Blood roared in her ears as the creature neared. She couldhearitspawsthrummingtheearth.Itsgazedartedthiswayandthat,asthoughitwasscanningthehedgerow.

It knows I’m here. Panic flared through her. Should I runaway?

“MothFlight!”MothFlightblinkedinsurprise.Thecreaturewascallingher

name.Andsherecognizedthemew!“Spotted Fur?” Relief swamped her as she made out the

familiar shape of his shoulders. His dappled, golden pelt waspaleinthemoonlight.

“I’vefoundyou!”Hepulledupbesidethehedge.“Whatareyoudoinginthere?Areyouokay?Yousmellscared.”

“I’m fine.” Moth Flight ducked out, limp with gratitude.HeatherscentpulsedfromSpottedFur’spelt,smellingoftheirhome.“Ithoughtyouwereafox!”

“WhatifIhadbeen?”Hiseyesdarkenedwithworry.“Youweren’t.”MothFlightflickedherear.Shedidn’twant

tothinkabouttheanswer.“DustMuzzlesaidyou’drunoff.”“Idid.”“Well,youcan’tstayouthereallnightjustbecauseyouhad

anargumentwithWindRunner.Let’sgetyouhome.”MothFlight staredathim.Hadn’tDustMuzzleexplained?

“I’mnotgoinghome.I’madangertomyClan.”Spotted Fur swished his tail. “Don’t be silly.You’re not a

dangertoanycat.WindRunner’supset,butit’llallbeforgotten

bythemorning.”MothFlightdugherclawsintotheearth.“ShesaidtheClan

wouldbebetteroffwithoutme,andshe’sright.I’mnotcominghome.”

“You can’t stay here!” Spotted Fur stared at her. “It’s notsafe.Besides,youmustbestarving.”

MothFlightliftedhermuzzleindignantly.“Icaughtatoad.”Shereachedunderthehedgeandhauleditout.

Spotted Fur backed away, screwing up his muzzle. “Youcan’teatthat!”

“Ialreadyhave,”MothFlighttoldhimproudly.“Yousee?Iate some of its leg.You think I can’t look aftermyself, but Ican!”

Spotted Fur’s gaze softened. “Oh,Moth Flight. Of courseyoucan.”Heleanedforwardtobrushhischeekagainsthersbutsheflinchedaway.

“Don’t treatme like a kit!”She’dheardhim talk toBlackEarinthesametoneearlier.“I’mnotgoinghome!”

SpottedFursatdown.“Well,inthatcase,we’dbettermakeanestforthenight.”

“You’re staying with me?” Moth Flight shifted her pawsuneasily. She was desperate to prove she could look afterherself. But it would feel safer to have Spotted Fur sleepingbesideher.

“I’m not leaving you out here by yourself,” he answered.“Besides,you’llhavechangedyourmindbythemorning.Afteragoodnight’srest,you’llbereadytogohome.”

NoIwon’t.ButMothFlightbitbackheranswer,frightenedthathemightberight.

SpottedFur nodded toward the deadbeech leaves lying indrifts along the hedge. “Why don’t we push some of thoseunderneaththehedgetomakeanest?”

“Let’s dig a hollow first,”Moth Flight suggested. “It’ll bewarmer.”

“Goodidea.”SpottedFursniffedbeneaththebranches,thenbeganscrapingamongtherootswithhisforepaws.

MothFlightpushed inbesidehimandhelped.Before longthey’d dug a shallow dip between two gnarled roots. SpottedFurfetchedpawfulsofleavesandMothFlightpattedthemintoasoft,ifslightlycrunchy,liningfortheirnest.

“I’mhungry,”SpottedFurmewedwhenthey’dfinished.Hesat down in the nest and sniffed the air. “Have you seen anymice?”

“IfIhad,doyouthinkI’dbeeatingatoad?”MothFlightsatbesidehim,theleavescrunchingbeneathher.Hispeltfeltwarmagainsthers.

SpottedFurpurred.“Icouldgoandhunt.”“Theremightbedogsaround.Iheardthembarkingearlier,”

MothFlightwarned.Shedidn’twanttobeleftaloneinthedark.Suddenly, she wondered how she could ever have thought ofsleepingoutherebyherself.

Spotted Fur gazed at her fondly. “Okay.” He dipped hishead.“I’lleatyourstinkytoad.”

“The legs aren’t that bad.” Moth Flight reached out and,hooking the toad with a claw, dragged it into the nest. ShedroppeditatSpottedFur’spaws.

“Youhaven’teatenmuchofit,”hecommented.“Iwasn’thungry.”

“Havesomewithmenow,”heurged.“It’llbeacoldnightandafullbellywillkeepyouwarm.”

Thetoaddidn’ttastesobadwhenshewassharingit,butitstillwasn’tasgoodasrabbit.

Moth Flight purred as Spotted Fur screwed up his face.“RiverClancatseatfrogsallthetime,”sheremindedhim.

“RiverClancatsswimtoo,”SpottedFuranswered,chewing.“That doesn’t mean we should go throw ourselves into theriver.”

Theyateasmuchastheycouldandkickedtheremainsoutofthenest.“Youneverknow—”SpottedFurstoppedtostifleayawn. “A birdmight come pecking around it in themorning.ThenIcancatchadecentmeal.”

“Itwasn’tthatbad,”MothFlightlieddefensively.Whydidhehave toact as thoughhewasbetter than shewas?Crossly,shecurleddownintothenest,snugglingasdeepintotheleavesas shecould, andclosedher eyes.SpottedFur’s rough tonguelappedherear.

“I know you’ve had a hard day,” he murmured. “But wewereallreallyworriedaboutyou.Theotherswillbesorelievedtoseeyoutomorrow.”

“EvenWindRunner?”MothFlightkepthereyesclosed.Spotted Fur touched his muzzle to her head. “Especially

WindRunner.”Her heart swelled and she lifted her head, blinking at him

gratefully.Hewas such a kind friend.She should go home inthe morning. She’d been a rabbit-brain to stay out here byherself.Shefelthimsettlebesideher,andrelishedthewarmthofhispeltagainsthers.HowcouldIlivewithoutmyClan?Ijust

needtotryharder.Sheignoredtheuneasetugginginherbelly.IfIjustpracticemyhuntingandconcentratemoreonwhatI’mdoing...Lettingtirednesssweepoverher,sheslidintosleep.

CHAPTER6

Moth Flight opened her eyes, stiffening as darkness pressedaroundher.Itwasn’ttheglitteringdarknessofastarlitnight,butastiflinggloom.Theair smelleddank, sharpwith themineraltaste of stone. She blinked, surprised to find herself standing,coldrockbeneathherpaws.

WhereamI?Where’sSpottedFur?She glanced around, looking for her Clanmate and

wonderingwhathadhappenedtothebeechhedge.Allshecouldmakeoutintheshadowswasstone.Aboveher,asmallopeningletstarlight filter in. Itpooledona large rock juttingfromthefloor.

I’m in a cave! With a start, she realized that she wasdreaming.But it feels so real! The cold stonemade her pawsache.Thedampairchilledherpelt.MothFlightshiveredasshegazed at the rock, looming at the center of the cave. Paddingforward, she sniffed it. Her whiskers tingled and her heartquickened. What is this place? Something about the stoneseemedtocarrythepromiseofacomingstorm,thickeningtheairarounditsothatMothFlightexpected,anymoment,tofeelthecaveshudderwiththunder.

Someone’scoming!Her ears twitched as she heard the sound of paw steps

echoing towardher.She turnedandsawadarkshadowon thesideof thecave.Atunnel!Twocatsemerged, theirfurpaleasweakstarlightlittheirpelts.

MothFlightcouldmakeouttheshapesofagraytomandalong-furred she-cat. I know her! Her heart leaped as sherecognized thecat she’dwatchedstrugglebackfromthebrinkofdeath.Shedartedforward,excitedtoseetheshe-cathealthyandstrong.Herthickfurlookedwell-groomed;hereyesshonebrightlyinthehalf-light.Shelooksyounger!MothFlighttippedherhead,confused.

Whywasshedreamingaboutthesamecat?Andwhydiditfeelvividenoughtobereal?

“Who are you?”Hermewechoed across the cave, but thecatsdidn’tseemtohear.Theirgazewasfixedonthegreatrockas they padded toward it, the gray she-cat slowing as sheapproached.

“Please talk to me!” Moth Flight hurried to their side,reachingoutapawtotouchthegrayshe-cat.But,asinherlastdream,herpawpassedthroughtheothercatasthoughsheweremist.

Thetom’smouthmoved.Thegrayshe-catdraggedhergazefromtherockandnodded.

Whycan’tIhearthem?MothFlightburnedwithfrustration.Unease seemed to glitter in the she-cat’s gaze as she

approachedtherockandlaydownbeforeit.SheglancedupandMothFlightfollowedhergaze.

Throughtheholeintheroof,shecouldseethemoonrising.DelightfizzedthroughMothFlight’speltasitsraysturnedthestonesilver.It’ssobeautifulhere!

Theshe-catclosedhereyes.MothFlightleanedcloser.Whatnow?Suddenly, the cave exploded with light—a flash more

blindingthanlightning.MothFlight’seyes—stretchedwideforthe darkness—burned. She screwed them shut, shaking. Then,slowlysheopenedthemtonarrowslits.

Through the glare, she saw the gray she-cat reach forwardandtouchhernosetotheglitteringstone.

What’shappening?MothFlightleanedforward,desperatetounderstand.Curiositysearedthroughherpelt.Thegrayshe-catgrewasstillas therock itself.Atail-lengthaway, the tomhadcurledonthefloor,hiseyesclosed.

Moth Flight padded around the gray-she cat, her bellyflutteringwithexcitement.Thenpeltsmovedaroundher.MothFlightgasped.Thecavewassuddenlyfilledwithcats.

Wherehadtheycomefrom?She blinked in shock as she realized their pelts were

translucent and shimmered as though water rippled throughtheirfur,reflectingstarlight.

Spirit-cats!MothFlighthadheardtalesofghostlyancestorsappearing at Fourtrees after the great battle. They had sharedtongueswiththeClanleadersandbroughtpeacetothewarringcats.Theyhadappearedinthemoonssince,butshehadneverseenthemherself.

She stiffened. If theywere ancestors,GrayWingmight beamongthem.Eagerly,shescannedthestarrypelts.Therewasnosignofhim.

A great tom padded to the gray she-cat’s side. Leaningdown,hetouchedhisnosetothetopofherhead.

Theshe-cat flinchedas thoughpain flared throughher,butshe did notmove from her spot, or open her eyes. The tom’smouthmoved as he spoke butMothFlight couldn’tmake out

thewords.Thenhebackedawayandthegray-shecatgrewlimponcemore.

Witharushofhope,MothFlightwonderedifthespirit-catcouldseeher.Thedeadcouldspeaktotheliving,afterall.Whyshouldn’t they be able to see a dream-cat? She lifted her chinchallengingly. “What’s happening? Why are you here?” Hermew hung in the air. No echo rang from the walls. No catlookedather.

Disappointed,sheweavedamongthem,longingtofeeltheirpeltsbrushhers.Butitwaslikeshewasn’tthere!

A small brown tom padded forward, his sparkling peltcamouflagedagainsttheshimmeringofthestoneashestoppedbeside the gray she-cat. He touched his nose to the she-cat’shead,andoncemoresheflinchedviolently.

MothFlightgazedsadlyattheranksofstarrycats.“Iwishyoucouldhearme.”Suddenlyshefeltveryaloneandsmall.Fora moment she wanted to escape this dream and return to herwarmnestbesideSpottedFur.Thenafamiliarcolorflashedatthe edge of the cave. The pale green of the moth’s wingsfluttered beyond the starry cats. It was hovering at the tunnelentrance,wherethegraytomandshe-cathadentered.

Moth Flight’s breath caught in her throat. She knew shemust follow it. Passing through the circle of starry cats, shehurriedintothedarknessbeyond.

The smell of damp leaves filled her nose. As her eyesblinked open, she heard Spotted Fur’s gentle snoring.Disappointment dropped like a stone in her chest. I’m awake!Shewasback inhernest, lyingbesideSpottedFur.Thebeechleaves rattled overhead. An owl called from close by. Moth

Flightliftedhernosefromherpawsandpeekedoutacrossthemoonlitfield.Frostsparkledonthefurrows.Whereismymothnow? With a flash of understanding, Moth Flight knew. It’swaitingtoleadme!Butwhere?Andwhen?Whydiditalwaysseemtodisappearjustasshewasstartingtofollowit?

Determination hardened in Moth Flight’s belly. This isn’tsupposedtobeeasy.Itdoesn’twantmetogiveup!Shestoodupand slid from beneath the hedge, fluffing her fur against thecold.Dawnwaslightingtheskybeyondtheloomingmoortop.SpottedFurwouldbeawakesoon.Therewasnotimetowaste.

How could she even think of returning to her Clan now?Perhapsshewasbeingfoolish;perhapsshewaswrong;perhapsthe moth was nothing but a dream. But if Moth Flight wenthome now, she’d never stop wondering whether somethingimportantwaswaitingforherfarfromhome.

I can’t leave Spotted Fur without telling him. If she wasgoing to send him homewithout her, he had a right to knowwhy.Shedroppedontoher belly and leaned into the nest, thewarmsmellofhim fillinghernose.Herheart ached.Shewasgoing to miss her Clan. But she had to follow her heart.Stretchingforwardapaw,sheproddedSpottedFur.

Grunting,heliftedhishead.“Ihavetogo,”MothFlightwhispered.Strugglingtoopenhiseyes,hepeeredatherblearily.“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I know it seems crazy but I

knowthatthere’ssomethingIneedtodo.Ican’tgohomeuntilI’ve done it. And if I don’t leave now, Imay never have thechanceagain.”

SpottedFur lickedhis lips,as thoughhewasstill lost ina

dream. “Nomore toads,” hemumbled, his eyes slipping shut.Withasigh,herestedhisnosebackontohispaws.

MothFlightgazedathim,wonderingifhe’devenheardher.She leaned forward and touched her nose to his cheek. “I’msorry,SpottedFur,”sherepeated.Guiltprickedherheartasshewriggledbackward,outof thehedge.“Good-bye.Ihopewe’llseeeachotheragain.”Shestraightened,shakingleafdustfromherpelt.Glancingacrossthefield,shewonderedwhichwaytohead.

Themoorlaybehindher,Highstonesahead.Liftinghertailshepaddedforward,followingthehedgerowuntilitturned,andthen squeezed under it onto a dirt track beyond. A ditch ranbeside the track,water swirlingalong thebottom.MothFlightjumpedintoit,flinchingasthecoldwaterswallowedherpaws.Then she waded downstream, pleased that the narrow brookwouldwashawayallscentofher.SpottedFurwouldn’tbeabletofollowhertrail.Whatevershewassupposedtodo,sheknewthatshemustdoitalone.

CHAPTER7

When she felt sure that she’d disguised her trail completely,Moth Flight hopped out of the ditch, shaking water from herpaws, and followed the dirt track. It turned suddenly, risingtoward aTwoleg nest.Moth Flight halted. She didn’twant tostrayclosetoTwolegs.Theywereunpredictableandkeptdogs.Instead, she nosed her way through a patch of bracken andfoundherselfinanovergrownmeadow.

Pushing through the long grass, she paused to sniff thestems,excitedbyhowmanyunfamiliarplantsgrewhere.Therewereflowersbudding,andsoftgrass,risingtallerthanhertail.Itwas so different from themoor,where theweather scouredthelandscapesothatonlythetoughestplantscouldsurviveandthe few that did seemed to cling to the earth, keeping low forfearofbeingtornawaybytherelentlesswind.

Here, plants grew fearlessly, as if they had nomemory ofcruelweather.MothFlight’snosefilledwiththeirpungentscentuntilshefeltdizzy.Shefollowedthevalley,Highstonesrisinginthedistanceononeside, themoor loomingon theother.Untilsheknewwhereshewasmeanttobegoing,shewantedbothtobeclose.

Whatifherjourneylaybeyondthevalley?PastHighstones?Outofsightofthemoor?Herbellytightenedatthethought.Itfelt strange enough to be so far from her Clan, and headingawayfromSpottedFur.Asthesunroseandbegantocrossthewide,bluenewleafsky,shefoundherselfslowing,unsureofher

nextpawsteps.Perhapsthiswaswherethemothhadwantedtoleadher;perhapsithadonlywantedtoshowhertherichfoliagegrowingsoclosetoherhome.

Her belly growled and she realized how hungry she was.Andthirsty.Shelickedherlips,tastingtheairforwater.Ifshecouldfindanotherdirttrack,theremightbeaditchbesideit.Ifshewereluckyitwouldprovidewaterandperhapsavole.Oratoad,atleast.Sheshuddered.

Pushingthroughahedge,shefoundherselfattheedgeofawidefield.Thegrassherewasshort.Sheepgrazed,eyesblank,clumpedinsmallgroupslikecloudsdottingagreensky.Afewtail-lengths away, where the hedge gave way to fence, waterpooledinmuddydipswheremonstershadleftpawmarks.

Earsprickedwarily,MothFlightpaddedtowardthepuddlesand crouched beside the nearest one. She lapped the brownwater, trying to ignore the bitter taste. She heard hoovespattering across the grass and looked up to see sheepmovingtoward her. Unsure of them, she backed away. They ambledaimlessly,theirattentionfixedonthegrass,buffetingeachotherclumsily. Such dumb animalsmight trample herwithout evennoticing.Sheheadedaroundthem,keepingasafedistance,hernosetwitchingatthewarm,soursmellofthem.

Suddenly movement flashed at the corner of her eye. Asmallbrownshapewasdartingthroughthegrass.

Mouse!Heartleaping,MothFlightdroppedintoacrouch.The mouse was scampering toward the hedge, its nose

twitchingnervously.Prey will smell you before they see you, so keep the wind

behind you. Moth Flight remembered one of Gorse Fur’slessonsand liftedher tail, letting thebreezestream through it.Shewas in luck; themousewasupwind. Itwouldneversmellher.Allsheneededtodowascreepuponitwithoutithearingher.

Treading delicately, she pulled herself over the grass. Shemade sure that her tail didn’t brush against the grass, gratefulfor Gorse Fur’s training and surprised that she suddenlyrememberedsomuchofit.Whycouldn’tsherememberitwhenshewastryingtoimpressWindRunner?

Themousewasmovingfast,itsgazefixedonthehedge.Ifshewantedtocatchitbeforeitfoundthesafetyoftheshadows,she would have to run. Holding her breath, Moth Flightquickened her pace, trying to keep her paw steps as light asfeathers falling. With any luck, the pattering of the sheep’shooves a few tail-lengths away would disguise any noise shemade.

Themousekeptrunning,butshewasalmostcloseenoughtopounce.Herchesttightenedwithexcitement.Keepyoureyesonit,sheremindedherselfasshestiffenedforherleap.Shehadtolandonitthefirsttimeorshe’dloseit.

Ready...Greenwingsflutteredbesideher.MothFlightscrambledtoa

halt.Themoth!Forgettingthemouseinamoment,sheturnedtostareatthe

moth.Itwasrightinfrontofher,itsgreatwingsbrilliantinthesunshine.

Reachingupwithher forepaw, she tried to touch it.But it

whiskedawayandbeganheadingacrossthefield.Delight surged throughMoth Flight’s pelt. She chased the

moth, a purr rumbling in her throat. It’s come to showme theway!

It flittedpastagroupof sheep.MothFlightveeredaroundthem.Themoth liftedhigher into theair.No!Don’t leaveme!Fear flashed through her.What if it climbed so high she lostsightofit?Sheranfaster,desperationprickinginherpaws.

I’mnotlosingyouthistime!Abarkcutthroughtheair.MothFlight’speltbushed.Dog!Dragginghergazefromthemoth,sheglancedaround.Thebarksoundedagain,louderthistime.Thenthedogburst

intoexcitedyapping.FearshrilledthroughMothFlight.It’sseenme!She twisted, scanning the field desperately, her senses

confusedbytheearthymeadowscents.Thesheepbegan to run,panicshowing in theireyes.They

closedintoaflock,andheadedforMothFlight.Stillshecouldn’tseethedog.Butitsjubilantbarkingwasgettingclosereverymoment.Suddenlytheflockopened.Theterrifiedsheepscatteredasa

black-and-white shape surged among them. They shied away,bleatingwithfear,asitracedtowardMothFlight.

Shefrozeforamoment,horrorgrippingher,thenspunandpeltedfortheedgeofthefield.

Thehedgetherewasthick.Ifshecouldsqueezethroughit,thedogmightnotbeabletofollow.

Blood roared in her ears as she pushed hard against the

earth.Butthedog’spawswerethrummingcloser.I can’t outrun it! Unaware of everything but terror, Moth

Flightranonward.Teethnippedhertailtip.Tooscaredtolookback,shefeltherfurspike.Thedog’shotbreathbillowedoverherhaunches.Itsyelpingdroppedtoaviciousgrowl.

Ifitgotagriponherhindlegs,she’dbelost.Imustfaceit.Theonlywaytoescapewastowounditfirst.Herpawsslitheringonthegrass,sheturnedandreared.With

ayowl,shelashedoutwithherforepaws.Yellowfurflashedbetweenherandthedog.MothFlight froze in surprise, drawing back her paws as a

catpeltedpast.Stumbling, her heart in her throat, shewatched as the dog

swervedandbegantochasetheyellowtomacrossthefield.Wheredidhecomefrom?MothFlightstoodandwatched,numbwithshock.“Quick!”Amewsoundedbehindher.Shesnappedhergaze

around,amazedtoseetwocatspullinguponeithersideofher.A plump black-and-white she-cat stared at her urgently.

“We’vegottogetoutofhere.”Asmalltomwithgrayingwhiskersaroundhisbrownmuzzle

nudgedhertowardthehedge.“Now!”Moth Flight stared across the grass. The yellow tom was

zigzagging,thedogathisheels.“Butwhatabouthim?”“Who, Micah?” The brown tom swapped amused glances

withtheblack-and-whiteshe-cat.MothFlightstiffenedasMicahveeredsuddenlyandplunged

between the legs of the startled sheep.Bleatingwith surprise,

they scattered as the dog raced after the tom, knocking themasideiftheyweren’tquickenoughtogetoutoftheway.

The she-cat purred beside her. “Micah doesn’t need anyhelp.”

“Comeon.”Thetomnudgedheragain.“Wecanshowyousomewheresafe.”

The black-and-white she-cat was already hurrying towardthehedge,herplumpbellyswingingbeneathher.

Heart swelling with gratitude, Moth Flight followed afterher. Behind them the dog’s bark grew shrill with fury. Thebrown tom fell into step beside her, slowing to let her pushthrough thehedgefirst.As thestemsscrapedher flanks, reliefswampedher.Shejusthopedthatthesecatswererightandtheyellowtomwhohadsavedherdidn’tneedanyhelp.

CHAPTER8

“Followme!”The plump she-catwas climbing a steep slope,scramblingupthewoodenslatsthatcrisscrossedit.

MothFlighthurried towardher,crossing thestraw-coveredfloor, nervous at finding herself inside a huge Twoleg den. Ittowered aroundher, the roofhigh aboveher head.Thebrowntomtrottedafterthem,notevenglancingatthelargeblack-and-whitecreaturesthatshiftedandhuffedatoneendoftheden.

“Are theydangerous?”MothFlightwhispered, eying themwarily.

“Cows?Dangerous?”The tom shrugged. “They’re clumsy,butnotmean.Stayawayfromtheirhoovesandyou’llbeokay.”

Theshe-cathadalreadymadeit tothetopoftheslopeandpeereddownfromabroadledgewherebiglumpsofdriedgrasswerestacked.

MothFlightpausedatthebottomoftheslattedslope,pawstwitchingwithunease.“What is thisplace?Are thereTwolegshere?”

The tomnudged her onto the first rung. “This is the barn.The Twolegs store their hay in the loft and keep their cowsbelow.Butthey’reusedtousbeinghereandtheydon’tbotherus.”

Arethesecatskittypets?MothFlightclungontothenextslatandpulledherselfup.Oneofherhindpawsslippedandhitthetomonthemuzzle.“Sorry!”Shehauledherselfup.“I’veneverseenaslopelikethisbefore.”

The tom snorted and shook his fur out. “Ladders are onlyhardtoclimbthefirsttime,”heassuredher.“Justkeepgoing.”

Moth Flight scrambled over the top, onto the ledgewheretheshe-catwaited.Shesneezed,haydustfillinghernose.Thismustbetheloft.

AsMothFlightsniffled,theshe-catpurredwithamusement.“You’llgetusedtothattoo.”

Moth Flight wasn’t so sure. Her eyes stung. The air wasthick with dust; she could see it clouding in the shafts ofsunlightthatslicedthrougheverygapinthehighwoodenwallsofthebarn.Theloftstretchedintoshadowwhereitreachedtothe back wall of the huge den. Stacks of hay crowded everyside.

Thetomlandednexttoher.“You’resafeuphere.Dogscan’tclimbladders.They’reallpawsandnosense.”

“What aboutMicah?”She could still hear thedogbarkingangrilyinthedistance.

“Micahis thefastestandcleverestcatIknow.”Theplumpshe-catsatdownandbeganlickingherbellyfur.

“Nodogevergetsnearhim,”thetomassuredher.The she-cat looked up from her washing. “What are you

called,dear?”“Moth Flight.” She glanced around the stacks of hay, her

nose twitching as she smelled prey in the shadows.Her bellygrowled.Shewashungry.

“MothFlight?”Theshe-catblinkedather.“Isthatakittypetname?”

MothFlight liftedher chin sharply. “I’mnokittypet!”Shesnorted indignantly.Thenshehesitated,guiltprickingherpelt.

Were these cats kittypets? The tom hadn’t answered herquestion. She didn’twant to offend them after they’d been sokind.Shetippedherheadapologetically.“Areyou?”

The tom lay down and stretched in a strip of sunshine.“We’refarmcats.Weshareour territorywithTwolegs,butwelookafterourselves.”Heyawned.

Theblack-and-whiteshe-catstraightened.“Myname’sCowandthat’sMouse.”

MothFlightswallowedbackapurr.Suchoddnames!“Whereareyoufrom,dear?”Cowpressed.MothFlight’spurrcaught inher throatas she remembered

theWindClancamp. “I come from themoor. I live therewithmyClan.”Homesicknessswepthersofiercely,sheswayedonherpaws.

Cowleanedforwardtosteadyherwithasoftshoulder.“Youmust be hungry, you poor thing. You’ve strayed a long wayfromhome.”SheglancedatMouse.“Themoor’sthatgreathillloominginfrontofthesunrise,isn’tit?”

Mousenodded.“IsyourClanyourfamily?”heaskedMothFlight.

“Kindof.”HerheartachedassherememberedDustMuzzleandGorseFur,andevenharderasshepicturedWindRunner.IwishIcouldmakeherproudofme.

Moth Flight heard paws pattering over the ground below.She turned in time to catch sight of yellow fur, then heardscrabblingontheladder.MomentslaterMicahjumpedintotheloft. His striped pelt gleamed in a streak of sunlight and hisgreen eyes flashed as he met Cow’s gaze. “That dog will bepickingthornsoutofitspawsfordays.”Apurrrumbledinhis

throat.“Didyou lead it through thebramblepatch again?”Cow’s

whiskerstwitchedwithamusement.“Ofcourse!”Moth Flight stared at him. “You sound like you do this a

lot!”“There’snotadog in thewholevalley thatcancatchme.”

Micahwhiskedhistailintheair.“Andiftheydid,I’dgivethemsuchaclawing,they’dregretit.”

Mouserolledontohisback,drowsily.“Itmustbeanewone.Theoldfarmdogsknowbetterthantochaseyou,Micah.”

Moth Flight gazed in admiration at the yellow tom. Hestaredbackather,hiseyeswidening.

She shifted her paws uneasily. He was staring at her asthough she had green fur. “What’s wrong?” Self-consciously,she smoothed a paw over her ears, wondering if one of themwasbentinsideout.

“It’s you!” Micah’s pelt ruffled along his spine. His mewwas thickwithdisbelief.“Whatareyoudoinghere?This isn’twhereyoubelong!”

Cowblinkedathim. “What areyou talking about,Micah?She’sastranger.”

“ButIknowher!”Micahinsisted.Mouse pushed himself to his paws. “You’ve been on this

farmsinceyouwereakit.Howcanyouknowher?She’sneverbeenherebefore.”

“I’ve seen her in my dreams!” Micah murmured, halfbreathless,hiseyeswide.

Cow whisked her tail over her paws. “Don’t be mouse-

brained.She’sreal!”Moth Flight hardly heard the she-cat. She was staring at

Micah.“Doyouhavedreamstoo?”Mousesniffed.“Everycathasdreams.”Micah glanced at him. “I’ve heard you talking about your

dreams,Mouse.Youdonothingbutchasemiceandrats.”“That’snot true,”Mouse sniffed. “Sometimes Idream that

they’rechasingme!”“Butmydreamsfeellikethey’rereal!”Micahinsisted.“Minetoo!”MothFlight’sbellytightenedwithexcitement.Cowweavedbetweenthem,tailhigh.“PoorMothFlightis

starving.Let’s eat first and talk later.” She nodded toward theshadowsatthebackoftheloft.“ShallIcatchamouseforyou?Thereareplenty!”

MothFlightshookherhead.Shehadalongjourneyahead.Themoth still had something to showher, shewas sure of it.And if her dreams could be trusted, she assumed it hadsomething to do with the spirit-cats. Shemust prove that shewas strong enough for the task. “I’ll catch my own prey,thanks.” She glanced past Cow, snatching a look at Micah. Idon’twanthimthinkingthatIcan’thuntformyself,shethought,herpeltgrowinghot.

Cowjerkedhernosetowardtheshadows.“Helpyourself.”Micahpaddedpasther.“Let’shunttogether,”hesuggested.

“Thatchasehasmademehungry.”“We’llallhunt.”Cowstoodup.Moth Flight felt a jab of disappointment. She wanted a

momentalonewithMicah toaskabouthisdreams.Were theylikehers?

“Comeon!”Cowmarchedtowardthebackoftheloft.Micahleapedontooneofthestacksofhayanddisappeared

downtheotherside.MothFlightwonderedwhethertofollowhim,butCowwas

beckoningherintotheshadows.“Here’s a great spot,” Cow lowered her voice. “There are

always plenty ofmicewho can’t resist a nibble on the straw,evenuphere.”

She dropped into a crouch.Moth Flight sank down besideherandstaredintothegloom.Dustfilledhernosebut,throughit,shecouldtastethemuskyscentofprey.

Herbellygrowledagain.Cowstifledapurr.“I’llletyougofirst,”shewhispered.“Thanks.”MothFlightcrept forward,hereyesadjusting to

the gloom. Between two lumps of hay, movement flickered.Concentrating, Moth Flight remembered Gorse Fur’s advice,realizing as she did how many times he’d told her the samething.Move slowly. Lift your tail. Put your pads down softly.Her father’s words ringing in her mind, she stalked forward,earspricked.Excitementtingledinherbelly.Asshenearedthehaylumps,shecouldmakeout thesmall, roundhaunchesofamouse. Holding her breath, she padded closer, then halted.Bunchingthemusclesinherhindlegs,shepreparedtopounce.Foramoment,shewasawareofabsolutestillnessandsilence.Thensheleaped.

The mouse darted away, but Moth Flight was quick. Shelanded awhisker away from thehay lumpand thrust her pawintoit,movingfasterthanshe’devermovedinherlife.Triumphflaredthroughherasherclawssankintowarmflesh.Quickasa

flash,shehookedthemouseoutandkilleditwithasinglebite.Black-and-white fur pelted past her. Hay dust exploded

around her as Cow thumped against one of the lumps,scrabblingunder it foramomentbeforedraggingoutherowncatch.

HereyesshoneatMothFlightasshekilledthemouseshe’dcaught, thennoddedapprovinglyatMothFlight’s.“There’snobetterplacetolivethanabarn,”shepurredloudly.

MothFlightmethergaze,gratefulforthiscat’swarmth.Butshecouldn’tagree.Foramomentsheimaginedthewindonthehighmoor,sweepingthroughherfurasshechasedrabbitswithDustMuzzle.OnedayI’llcatchone.Happinessswelledinherchestassheimaginedtheimpressedlookonherbrother’sface.

“Comeon.”Cowwaspaddingbacktothesunnyopeningoftheloft,hermewmuffledbyhermouse.

MothFlightscoopedupherowncatchandfollowed.Mousewasalreadyeating.Micahappearedamomentlater,

scrambling over the stack of hay and landing lightly besidethem,amousedanglingfromhisjaws.

MothFlight bit into hermouse, relishing the sweet flavor.Sheremembered,withagrimace, lastnight’s toad.HowcouldRiverClan eat frogs every day? Perhaps they didn’t. Perhapstheysavedthemasatreat!Sheshuddered.

Softbreathbrushedherear.“Yousaidyoudreamaswell.”Micah’smew broke intoMoth Flight’s thoughts.He’dmovedclose,layinghismousebesidehers.

“Yes,”shemurmured.Cowwasbusyeating.Mousehadalreadyfinishedandwas

startingaleisurelywashatail-lengthaway.

Micah took a bite of his mouse. “What do you dreamabout?”heasked,hismouthfull.“Me?”

Moth Flight shook her head, trying not to purr. Micahclearlywasnotamodestcat.“Idreamaboutamoth,andspirit-cats.They’resovividit’slikethey’rereal.”

“Spirit-cats?”Micahstaredather.“Dead cats who visit the living.” Moth Flight wondered

suddenlyiffarmcatswerevisitedbytheirancestorstoo?BythepuzzledlookonMicah’sface,sheguessednot.Shepressedon.“Do you dream the same? About moths and other cats?”Perhapshedidn’tknow that thecats inhisdreamsweredead.She stared at him eagerly, hardly smelling the warm scent ofpreywaftingfromhermouse.Hopesparkedinherchest.WouldMicah know what the moth meant and who the gray she-catwas?

He shook his head, then swallowed. “I just dream aboutyou.” A frown wrinkled his brow. “Just you. Playing with ayounggraytabbytom—”

“DustMuzzle?”MothFlightinterrupted.“I don’t know his name. Sometimes you’re playing Catch

the Tail, sometimes you’re out on a wide stretch of grass,hunting. Sometimes you’re with different cats—another graytom,thinnerandolderthantheMuzzleone.”

“Gorse Fur!”Moth Flight’s pelt stood up along her spine.Thiscathadreallyseenherinhisdreams!

Micahshrugged.“Ifyousayso.And there’sawirybrownshe-cat.Shealwayslookscross.”

“That’sWindRunner,mymother,”MothFlighttoldhim.Micah tookanothermouthfulofmouse.“Iwas taken from

mymotherwhenIwasakit.Butifmothersarethatstern,I’mhappyIhadCowinstead.”Heglancedfondlytowardtheplumpshe-cat.Hereyeswereglazedwithcontentmentasshechewedthelastofhercatch.Micah’swhiskerstwitchedsuddenly.“Whyareyoualwaystakingplantsbacktoyourden?”

“Yousawthat?”MothFlightstaredathim.“Theothercatsteaseyou,buteveryhuntingtrip,youbring

backaplantinsteadofprey.Itdrivesyourmothercrazy.”MothFlightpurredloudly.Micahmadeitsoundfunny.Then

shepaused.“Areyousurprisedtoseemeinreallife?”Henarrowedhiseyes,asthoughthinking.“Mydreamshave

always seemed real, so it seemsnatural that I’dmeetyouoneday.”

MothFlight nodded eagerly. “I know justwhat youmean.Mydreamsaren’taboutyou,buttheyseemsoreal.Theyhavetobereal,right?”

Micaheyedher,dubiously.“Greenmothsandspirit-cats?”MothFlightgazedintohisbrightgreeneyes.“Youdreamed

ofmewhenyou’dnevermetme,”shetoldhim.“Soanything’spossible.”

Micah’s ear twitched. “I guess.” He held her gaze andwarmthfloodedherpelt.

She stared back, feeling suddenly as if she had alwaysknownhim.Herfurtingled.Isthiscatpartofmyjourney?

CHAPTER9

MothFlightsneezedherselfawake.Sniffling,sheblinkedopenher eyes and saw the stacks of hay towering around her. Shecould see the flattenednestsof strawwhereCow,Mouse, andMicahhadslept.Warmthstillradiatedfromthem.

Shesatup,wonderingwhere they’dgone. Itwas light,butno direct sunshine sliced through the barn walls.Moth Flighttastedtheairand,throughthemustyscentofhaydust,smelledrain. She stood and stretched, feeling energy surging throughhermuscles.Shehadslept soundlyandcomfortably,herbellyfull.Asshepressedherchesttothefloor,hertailquiveredwithsatisfaction and she straightened and fluffed out her sleep-flattenedfur.

She suddenly realized that she hadn’t dreamed at all andwondered,stiffening,ifthefarmwaswherethemothhadbeenleading her. She’d found Micah here, hadn’t she? He haddreamedofher.Perhapsthemothhadjustwantedthemtomeet.She frowned, pushing the idea away. That didn’t explain herdreamsofthegrayshe-cat,ortheglitteringstone,andthespirit-catswho’dgatheredaroundit.

Shehadtomoveon.Therewasstillmoretodiscover.She padded to the top of the ladder and peered down.

Tentatively,sheputherfrontpawsonthetopslat,thenletthembumpdown to the next.Her heart lurched and she dug in herclaws, gripping anxiously to the rough wood. Clumsily, sheslithered down to the next slat, then the next, her hind paws

tryingdesperatelytocatchupsothat,inamoment,shewashalfscrambling,halffalling,towardtheground.Sheleapedclearassoon as she saw the groundwas close enough for her to landcomfortably,relievedthatthefarmcatshadn’tbeenheretoseeherungainlydescent.

The cows in the shadowsbehindher swished their hoovesthroughthestraw.Hurryingpastthem,sheheadedforthesmallcrack in thewallwhereMouse andCow had led her into thebarnthedaybefore.

Drizzlesprayedher faceasshepaddedcautiouslyonto thestretch of stone beyond. She narrowed her eyes, relishing thelight rain. It felt refreshing after the dusty air inside. A mildbreeze swirled newleaf scents around her. Beyond the stoneclearing, the trees were turning green, their branches glowingwithfreshleafbuds,readytounfurl.

“You’reawake!”Cow’scallmadeherturn.Theblack-and-whitecatwaspaddingacrossthestonetowardher.

Mousehurriedathisfriend’sheels.“Didyousleepwell?”“Yes.”MothFlightpurredastheyhaltedbesideher.“Youmustbehungry,”Cowguessed.“I’llcatchsomethingonmyway,”MothFlighttoldher.“Onyourway?”Cowtippedherhead,frowning.Moth Flight gazed back at her, searching for words. How

could she explain that her dreams were leading her onward?“There’sjustsomewhereIneedtogo.”AsMothFlightfinished,greenwingsflutteredatthefarendofthestoneclearing.

Mymoth!Herheartleaped.Itwasswoopingbackandforthoverastonewall,asthoughbeckoningher.

She headed toward it, fluffing out her pelt against the

drizzle.Cowswervedinfrontofher.“Youcan’tjustleave!”“Ihaveto.”MothFlighttriedtoduckaroundherbutMouse

blockedherway.Thetom’seyesglitteredwithworry.“You’retooyoungtobe

wanderingaroundthevalleyalone!”“I’llbeokay.”MothFlighttriedtopushpasthim,butCow

nudgedherback.“Just stay for a few days, until you’ve eaten and rested

properly.”Therewasconcernintheshe-cat’syellowgaze.“I can’t.” Moth Flight glanced anxiously at the moth. It

swoopedfaster,asthoughimpatient.Shecouldn’tletitgetawayagain!“Ihavetogonow!”

“Younearlygotcaughtbyadog!”Mouseremindedher.“I’llbemorecarefulfromnowon,”MothFlightpromised.“You’renomore thanskinandbone.”Cowblinkedather.

“Stayandletusfattenyouupabitbeforeyouleave.”Moth Flight bit back frustration. I’m only skin and bone

comparedtoyou!The moth flitted suddenly away, heading for the trees

beyond thewall.MothFlight strained frantically, trying to seepastMouse andCow,whowere backing her toward the barn.It’ll gowithoutme! Anger surged inMoth Flight’s belly. Sheunsheathedherclaws.Wasshegoing tohave to fightherwayoutofhere?

Themothflutteredtowardthewalloncemore.I’mcoming!MothFlightpromisedsilently.“Pleaseletmego!”shebegged.Itmightdisappearatanymoment,justlikeithaddonebefore.

“Lethergoifshewants.”Micah’sdeepmewechoedacross

thestone.Heslidoutfrombeneathamonsterthatwassleepingonthefarsideoftheclearingandstrodetowardthem,tailhigh.MothFlightfeltasurgeof joy, tingedwithadmiration.Wasn’tMicahscaredofthemonster?Itcouldwakeupatanymoment!

Micahstoppedbesidehisfriendsandshooktherainfromhiswhiskers.“Can’tyouseethatshe’sdesperatetoleave?”

MothFlight looked at him gratefully. “Themoth frommydreamsistryingtoshowmesomething.”

Micahnoddedsolemnly,asthoughheunderstood.Cow looked startled. “What if somethinghappens toher?”

shefretted.“I’llneverforgivemyself.”“Youcan’tprotecteverycat,Cow,”Micahreasoned.“She’s

oldenoughtolookafterherself.Shewastravelingalonewhenwefoundher.”

“Shewas nearly ripped to shreds by a dog,”Cow pointedout.

MicahlookedatMothFlight.Hisbrightgreengazeburnedintohers.“Shehastogo.”

MothFlightnodded,hergaze flicking toward themoth. “Ihavetogonow!”

Micahturnedhisgaze,softening,ontohisfriends.“Icouldgowithher.”

Mouse’seyeswidened.“Gowithher?”Micahmet the old tom’s gaze. “Then Cowwon’t have to

worry.”HeturnedtoMothFlight.“CanIcome?”Butthisismyjourney!Sheopenedhermouth,expectingthe

words tocomeout,but they frozeonher tongue.“Comewithme?”wasallshecouldmanage.

“You’vebeen inmydreamssince Icanremember,”Micah

toldher.“Ineedtofindoutwhyasmuchasyouneedtofindoutaboutthemothandthespirit-cats.”

MothFlight shiftedherpaws. “I think I’m supposed to dothisalone.”

“Thenwhydidyouappearinmydreams?”Micahstaredatherpleadinglyuntilshefeltcaughtinhisgreengaze.“Pleaseletmecome.”

Sheknewwhathewas feeling—the tug inhisbelly ashisdreams called out to him. Now that he’d seen his dreamsbecome reality, he couldn’t just go onwith his life as thoughnothing had happened. Besides, she felt deep beneath her furthat theywere connected in someway.Micahmust be linkedwith themothand the spirit-cats.Slowly shenodded. “Okay.”The moth lifted into the air and began to zigzag toward thetrees.“Butwehavetoleavenow.”

“You can’t go, Micah!” Cow’s eyes shimmered withsadness.“You’vegrownuphere.”

Micahtouchedhismuzzletohers.“Andyou’vebeenlikeamothertome.Iwillalwaysrememberyou.Andyou’llseemeagain.”

Mouse’s eyes were dark. He dipped his graying muzzle.“I’ve heardmany cats say that, but once a cat wanders, theyrarelycomeback.”

Moth Flight’s heart ached for the farm cats, but her pawsitched to race after the moth. “I can’t wait,” she toldMicah.“CowandMouse, thankyou for everything, but I need to go.Micah,catchupwithme.”Sheglancedat themoth. Itsbrightgreenwingswerenearlycamouflagedagainstthebuddingtrees.Boundingaway,shechasedafterit,crossingthestretchofstone

andleapingontothewallattheend.She dropped down into soft grass on the other side and

begantrackingthemoth.Shecouldjustmakeitoutasitflittedthroughthewoods.Sheduckedintotheirshadow,relievedtobeoutoftherain.

The moth dropped low to bob over ferns that were juststartingtounfurlamongthetrunks.

PawstepssoundedbehindMothFlightandsheglancedoverher shoulder.A striped yellow pelt showed between the trees.Micahwasracingafterher.

Hecaughtuptoher,panting.“What’stherush?”MothFlightnoddedtowardthemoth.Ithadstopped,resting

foramomentagainstthebarkofabeech.“Canyouseeit?”Micah followed her gaze and his eyes widened. “It’s

beautiful!Isthatthemothyoudreamedabout?”“Yes!” Joy sparked beneathMothFlight’s pelt. She hadn’t

beensureifthemothwasreal,orjustatrickofherimagination.ButMicahcouldseeittoo!

Micah purred. “So you know what it’s like when yourdreamssuddenlyshowupwhileyou’reawake?”Hisgreeneyesshoneastheymethers.

Beforeshecouldanswer,themothtookoffagain,andbegantoweaveoncemoreamongthetrees.MothFlightfollowed.

“Where do thesewoods lead?” she asked asMicah fell inbesideher.

“They open onto a slopewhere a track leads past anotherTwolegfarm,”Micahtoldher.

MothFlightstiffened.“Moredogs?”Micah’s pelt brushed hers as he trotted beside her. “Don’t

worry,”hepurred.“Icanhandledogs.”

CHAPTER10

The moth avoided the Twoleg farm, much to Moth Flight’srelief. As she andMicah emerged from the woods, it veereddeeper into thevalley.Overhead, thecloudswereclearingandthedrizzleeased.Bysunhigh,theskyshowedpatchesofblue,andbylateafternoon,thesunshoneinacloudless,bluesky.

AchillybreezewhiskedaroundMothFlightand,despitethesunburningherpelt,shebegantofeelcold.Theyhadn’teatenallday,butMothFlightwasfrightenedtostopandhuntincasethey lost sightof themoth.Herbelly rumbledand she fluffedoutherfur tokeepwarm.Asifsensingherdiscomfort,Micahpadded closer and they shared each other’s warmth as theyfollowedthemoth.

It led themover field after field and, following the settingsun,headedclosertoHighstones.

Weariness dragged at Moth Flight’s paws as they paddedinto the shadow of the great peaks. As the sun disappearedbehind them,MothFlightblinked, trying toadjust frombrightsunshinetoshade.Thegrasswasbecomingcoarserbeneathherpaws.AstheyapproachedthefootofHighstones,itgavewaytobare,rockysoildottedwithpatchesofheather.Thelandslopedsteeply ahead of them and the moth lifted higher, swoopingtowardthesheercliffsabove.

Micah halted and shook out his pelt. “We can’t keepfollowingitwithoutrest.”

MothFlightglancedbackathim.“Butwehaveto!Whatif

weloseit?”Micahclimbedontoasmooth,widerockandsatdown.His

palepeltlookedcolorlessintheduskygloom.“It’llcomebackinthemorning.It’scomebackbefore.”

MothFlight’shackleslifted.“Wecan’tstopnow!”Micahlookedtowardthemoth.Itwasflutteringagainstthe

cliff face. “Howarewegoing to follow itup there?Wedon’thavewings.”

“We’ll find a path.” Moth Flight scanned the sheer rockanxiously,lookingforledgesandtrackstheycouldfollow.HerheartsankasshesawnothingbutthesteepfaceofHighstones.“Theremustbeaway.”

Themoth’swingswerehardlyvisibleagainsttheshadowedstone.MothFlighthadtosquinttomakethemout.“It’sstoppedmoving!”Her pelt rippledwith surprise as she realized it hadsettled.Wasittiredtoo?

Micah jumped from his rock and followed her gaze. Hisbreathbillowed in thechillyeveningair. “Is thatahole in thecliffface?”hemurmured.

Moth Flight narrowed her eyes. Blackness surrounded themoth,asthoughithadsettledonthelipofagapingmouth.Theopeningwassquare,withsharpcornersliketheholesinTwolegnests.Excitementfizzedbeneathherfur.“It’sanentrance!”

“Anentrancetowhat?”Micahsoundedwary.“Idon’tknow,butthismustbewhatitwantstoshowme!”

Moth Flight scrambled quickly up the slope, loose stonescracking beneath her paws. As she neared the entrance, themoth liftedoncemore into theairandbegan tospiralupward.“Wait!”Moth Flight called to it, her belly tightening. “Aren’t

yougoingtoshowmewhat’sinside?”ButthemothkeptcirclingupwarduntilMothFlightsawit

liftaboveHighstones,wherethepurpleskywasstreakedorangeby the setting sun.Moth Flight strained to see themoth as itflitted higher until it was no more than a speck against theeveningsky.Thenitdisappeared.Shecurledherclawsagainstthestonyground,herheartaching.“Canyouseeit?”shecalleddesperatelytoMicah.

“It’sgone.”StonesrattledbehindherasMicahclimbedtheslope.

“Itcan’t be!”MothFlight stared at himashe reachedher,bereft.

Hesmoothedhistailacrossherspine.“It’sshownyouwhatitwantedtoshowyou,”hemurmuredgently.“Youdon’tneeditanymore.”

Slowly Moth Flight turned her gaze toward the gapingmouth in the cliff. “I think I have to go in there.” Dreadhollowedherbelly.Sherememberedthechokingfearshefeltinthe moorland tunnels. “I don’t like the dark,” she whisperedshakily.

“I’llbewithyou,”Micahpromised.Moth Flight shook her head. “You dreamed of me,” she

remindedhim.“Youdidn’tdreamofmoths.Imustgoalone.”“Why?”Micahblinkedather.Moth Flight felt her paws trembling. “I’m not sure, I just

knowImust.”Certaintysatinherbellylikehunger.Micah’s ear twitched. “Okay,” he meowed briskly. “But

you’renotgoinginthereuntilyou’vehadsomethingtoeat.”MothFlightdippedherhead,gratefultohavehimwithher.

She was starving. Perhaps that was why her paws weretrembling somuch.As he turned, she followedhimdown theslope.

“I’msureIsmelledmousedungaroundhere.”Micahbegansniffingaroundtheedgeofthesmooth,widerockhe’dstoppedon.Hisearspricked.“Thisisgoingtobeeasy.”Ashespoke,asmallshapedartedfrombeneath therockandracedacross thestonyground.Mouse!Micahleaped,landingonitbeforeithadrunatail-length.HesnappeditsneckandMothFlightsmelledthewarmscentofblood.

Hermouthwateredandshebegantoscantheslope,lookingforherownprey.

“Youeatthisone.”Micahdroppedthemouseatherpaws.“Icancatchmyown,”MothFlightprotested.“Iknow,”Micahagreed.“Butnotnow.Saveyourstrength

forwhatever’sinsidethatcave.”Ashepaddedquietlyaway,hisnosetwitching,MothFlight

glancedupatthegapingmouthinthecliffface.Sheswallowed.Themothwouldn’t have led her anywhere dangerous, surely?She pushed the thought away. I’m meant to do this, she toldherself,nomatterwhat.Crouching,sheateMicah’smouse,herbellygrowlingformoreasshefinished.ShewaspleasedtoseeMicah heading back with two more mice swinging from hisjaws.Heglancedat thebloodstainedrockwherehermealhadbeen and dropped his fresh catch on the space. “You werehungry,”hepurred.Hepushedoneofthemicetowardherandhookedtheothertowardhimself.

“Are you sure?” Moth Flight felt a prick of guilt. He’dwalkedjustasfarasshehadtoday.Hemustbestarvingtoo.

“I can catch more while you’re exploring your cave.” Hetookamouthful,hiswhiskerstwitchingwithpleasure.

“You’ll wait for me?” she asked tentatively. The sky wasdarknow.Starswereshowingintheblackness.Thechillywindhadgrowncolder.Frostwasbeginning tosparkleon the rocksand the stone beneath her pads was so cold that it made herpawsache.

“OfcourseI’llwaitforyou!”Helookedupfromhismousesharply.“WhywouldIleave?”

She shrugged. “It’s cold. I thoughtyoumightwant to findshelter.”

“We’llfindsheltertogether,onceyougetback.”Moth Flight felt her throat tighten with gratitude. “Thank

you,”shecroaked.She took longer to finish her second mouse. She wanted

desperately to see inside the cave, but fear was tugging herback. Her heart pounded in her chest. It’ll be so dark!Swallowingherfinalmouthful,shetriedtosteadyherbreathing.Micahwaswashingbesideher, hismouse longgone.She feltsoothed by the easy, rhythmic strokes of his tongue.He’ll bewaitingforme.Thethoughtcomfortedherassheglancedupatthecave.

“Areyouready?”Hismewmadeherjump.MothFlightnodded,hereyeswide.“You’ll be fine,”Micah promised. They stood up together

and he padded beside her as she climbed up the slope.Scrabbling the last few tail-lengths, she leaped onto the lip ofthe cave. The stone was smooth beneath her paws. Micahjumped up next to her and peered inside. “It’s a good thing

you’vegotwhiskers,”hemuttered.“You’regoingtoneedthemtotellwhereyou’regoing.”

She glanced into the darkness. “I’ve got a nose too, andears,”shemurmured,tryingtoreassureherself.“I’llbeokay.”

“Iknow.”Micahcaughther eye,hisgaze solemn.She felthisbreathonhermuzzleasheleanedforwardandtouchedhisnosetohers.“Butbecareful.”

“Iwill.”Turningaway,MothFlightpaddedintothecave.It felt huge—high and wide enough for a Twoleg. She

sniffed the air tentatively, but there was no living creature inhere except her. All she could smell was stone and stagnantwater.Shepaddeddeeper into thegloom,straining toseehowfaritreachedintoHighstones.Blacknesslayaheadand,asshepadded onward and the weak starlight faded behind her, sherealized that this was a tunnel, not a cave. As darknessswallowedher,shewaitedforfeartoflareinherbelly,butnonecame. She felt curiously calm, her paw steps steady on thesmoothstonefloor.

A chill reached through her pelt. This sunless place feltcolder than a snowbound night on the moor. She opened hermouthandletthedampairbathehertongue,tastingthetangofstoneasfreezingairfilledherchest.

The ground sloped beneath her paws. Stone touched herwhiskersononesideandsheletitguideherasthetunnelbegantobend.Shewasblindhere, thoughhereyeswerewideopen,straining to see any glimpse of light. But, with blackness oneveryside,shecouldonlyfollowthetwistsandturnsbytouchasthetunnelspiraleddownintotheearth.Shewassurprisedtofeelpeacespreadfromherbellythrougheveryhaironherpelt.

Itwas as though the stonewelcomedher andwas leadingherdeeper into its heart. She listened, ears stretched, and heard adistantdropofwaterresoundonhardrock.

How farmust I go?As she began towonder if the tunnelwould lead on forever, herwhiskers suddenly tingled and shesmelledcrispnessinthedankair.Shequickenedherstep.Freshairlayahead!HadshereachedtheothersideofHighstones?Orperhaps she had circled back to the hole where Micah waswaiting.Expectinganymomenttoturnacornerandfindherselfbeneath awidemoonlit sky, she stepped instead into a cavernglimmering with watery starlight. She could hardly make outthewalls,but she recognized itatonce.Heartquickening, shescannedthecaveandsawthehugerockjuttingatitscenter.

Justlikemydream!Shelookedupandsawthehole in theroof.Starsflickered

beyondandshecouldseethemoonslidingintosight.MothFlightglancedexpectantlyattherock.Sheknewwhat

wouldhappennext.As themoon lifted higher, the rock suddenly sparked into

light.MothFlightnarrowedhereyesagainsttheglare.The great stone was glittering like countless dewdrops

sparklinginsunlight.Thecaveshimmeredinitsglow.Are the spirit-cats here? Moth Flight glanced around

eagerly.But nothingmoved in the cave.Shewas the only catthere.

Pushingawaydisappointment,shepaddedtothespotwherethegrayshe-cathadlain,andpressedherbellytotheicyfloor.Tuckingherpawsbeneathher,shetriedtoimaginetheshe-cat’s

warmth still lingering in the stone. Her pelt tingled withexcitement.This is where I was meant to come! Closing hereyes,shestretchedhermuzzleforwardandtouchedhernosetothesparklingrock.

CHAPTER11

Light flared through her, tingling in every hair. Moth Flightopenedhereyes,awareofpawsscuffingthestoneflooraroundher.Shesatup,blinking.Shewasnolongeralone.Bythelightof the moonlit stone, she could see the shimmering pelts ofspirit-catsallaroundher.Theywerestaringather.

Theycanseeme!JoyswelledinMothFlight’schest.Atlast!Theycanseeme!

Shemetthegazeofatabbytom,whodippedhisheadtoher,thenlookedat the tortoiseshellshe-catbesidehim,whoclosedhereyes slowly,noddingagreeting.MothFlight’s furprickedalongherspine.Thesecatswereshowingrespect!Didn’t theyknow she was just a young WindClan cat who hadn’t evenlearnedtohuntproperlyyet?

AglitteringgraypeltmovedtowardherandsherecognizedthefaceofGrayWing.“You’rehere!”shebreathed,excitementfizzinginherpaws.

Gray Wing stopped a muzzle-length from her nose.“Welcome,MothFlight.”Hiseyesglowedwithpride.“You’vecomeatlast.”

“Welcome.”“Welcome.”“You’vecomeatlast.”Murmursofgreetingrippledthroughthegatheredcats.Whatdidtheymean?MothFlight’sheartquickened.“Come

atlast?”sheechoed,puzzled.

A white she-cat padded forward and stopped beside GrayWing. Her pelt glistened with starlight and her green eyesglowedemerald as though lit by ancientwisdom.MothFlightfoundherselfdrawnintothewhitecat’sgaze,breathcatchinginherthroat.

“I’m Half Moon.” Affection warmed the she-cat’s mew.“We’vebeenwaitingforyou.”

“Forme?” Moth Flight stepped back, surprised. “Do youknowme?”Thespirit-catshadlookedstraightthroughherinherdreams;theyneverevensawher.

HalfMoon seemed to read her thoughts. “We know everycat.”

“How?”MothFlightblinkedather.“Wewatchoveryou.”Shegazedwistfullyattheholeinthe

roof.MothFlightglancedat the stars twinklingoutside.Did the

spirit-catsliveuptherelikesomekindof...Clan?HalfMoon’sgazeflashedtowardheroncemore.“Like the

stars,welightyourwaywhenitgrowsdark.Weknowwhatisinyourheartsandyourdreams.”

“Then why couldn’t you see me in my dreams about theblue-gray she-cat?”Moth Flight glanced around the glitteringcats.Wastheshe-cathere?Therewasnosignofher.“Youwererightinthiscavewithher.Isawyou!”

HalfMoondippedherhead.“Somedreamsyoumustdreamalone.”

Moth Flight narrowed her eyes. “But my dreams led mehere.”

“Themothledyouhere,”HalfMoonremindedher.

“Didyou send it?”MothFlightdidn’twait for a reply.Ofcoursetheysentit!“HowdidyouknowI’dfollowit?”

“Wedidn’t,”HalfMoontoldher.“Weonlyhoped.Itwastheonlywaywecouldbesurethatyouweretheone.”

“The one?” Moth Flight’s tail tip twitched anxiously. Shesuddenlyfeltveryfarfromhome.SheglancedatGrayWing’sfamiliarface,hungryforreassurance.

But Gray Wing dipped his head and stepped back. “HalfMoonwillexplain.”

The white she-cat sat down and tucked her tail over herpaws.“Webroughtyouhereforareason,”shebegan.

“Whyme?I’mnotspecial.I’mjusta—”HalfMoonsilencedherwithalook.“Youarespecial.”MothFlightrememberedGorseFur’swordsonthemoortop.

DustMuzzlewillmakeafinehunteroneday,butMothFlightisspecial. She stared at her paws. “I can’t hunt as well as theothers.Ikeepgettingdistracted.”Hadthespirit-catsbroughtherallthiswaytotellhershewasn’tgoodenoughtobeaClancat?

“Weknow,”HalfMoonmeowedsoftly.“Butthat’snotabadthing.Wewantyoutocarryonbeingyourself.”

“Beingmyself?”Whatdidthatmean?“Honor the qualities that make you who you are,” Half

Moon went on gently. “Your curiosity, your dreams, youropennesstotheworldaroundyou.”

MothFlightblinkedatherinsurprise.“Buttheyareuselessqualities in a Clan. Curiosity and dreams don’t feed hungrybellies.” Moth Flight could hear her mother’s voice as shespoke.

HalfMoon’s tail twitched. “Let yourClanmates fill empty

bellies.Theywillalwaysbebetterhuntersthanyou.”MothFlight’speltburnedwithshame.“Youhavestrengthsnoothercathas,”HalfMoonwenton.

“Of course curiosity is no good for a hunter, nor is an openmind.Ahuntermustfocusonthepreyinfrontofhisnose.Hemissesthethingsthatyounotice.”

MothFlightstruggledtounderstand.“ButallIseearestarsinpuddlesandinterestingplants!”

“Yousawthiscaveinyourdreams,”HalfMoonpointedout.“Youclearlyhaveastrongerconnectionwithusthananyothercathas.”

“Butothercatshaveseenyou!”MothFlightargued.“Thatwasatthebeginning.BeforetheClanshadfoundtheir

way.Nowthingsmustchange.”HalfMoonglancedaroundherstarry companions. “TheClansneedmore than leadership andstrength; they need nurture and care. But it must come fromwithin.Wecan’tguidetheirpawsineverything.Thatiswhywehavechosenyoutobethefirstmedicinecat.”

Moth Flight’s pelt rippled along her spine. “Medicine cat?Whatdoyoumean?”

Half Moon tipped her head. “You will learn to heal yourClanmateswhentheyaresickorwoundedusingplantsfromthemoor,forest,andriver.”

Moth Flight remembered each of the leaves she’d broughtbacktocampoverthepastfewmoons.Couldsomeofthembeusedtoheal?Howwouldsheknow?Sheshiftedherpaws,herthoughts quickening. When she’d been a kit, her littermate,MorningWhisker, had died from the sickness that had sweptthrough the Clans. Then Cloud Spots had figured out that an

herb—the Blazing Star—could fight the illness, and the sickcatswerecured.Andtherewerealreadycatsskilledinhelpingothers. Last leafbare, when every cat had been coughing andmany became so sick they could not hunt, PebbleHeart fromShadowClanhadbroughtherbstocurethem.DappledPelthadcomefromRiverClanandhelpedSlatebirthherkits.Shecouldstartbylearningfromthesecats.

Enthusiasm pulsed through her paws. Then she coulddiscovernewherbs.Oneday, shemight findherownBlazingStar—an herb that would save her Clanmates! Moth Flight’sheartquickened.SheimaginedWindRunnerwatchingherheala sick cat. She could already see the surprise in hermother’seyes.Shewon’tbeangrywithmeanymore!AndmyClanmateswillstopthinkingI’museless!

A purr sounded in Half Moon’s throat and Moth Flight’sattention snapped back to the starry she-cat. Half Moon wasgazingatherfondly.“Youlooklikeyourelishthechallenge.”

“Ido.”MothFlightmethergreengaze,suddenlyawarethatshe could feel her paws trembling. “I just hope I’m goodenough.”

Abrowntabbyshe-catpushedpastHalfMoon.MothFlightbacked away, unnerved by the fierceness in the tabby’s starrygaze.

“You must devote yourself to your Clan,” the she-catgrowled.

MothFlightstiffenedcrossly.Ialreadydo!Half Moon brushed her tail soothingly along the tabby’s

spine.“Shewillcometoknowthat,RainsweptFlower.Intime.”Anorangetabbyshe-catcalledfromthefarsideoftherock.

“Youmustlearnthewayofhealingherbs.”“Andyoumustlearntorecognizetheomenswesendyou!”

A tom, his pelt dark as night sky and glittering with stars,padded closer.His gazewas stern. “Onlyyouwill knowwhatouromensmean.Youmustusesuchknowledgetoadviseyourleader.”

Advise Wind Runner? Moth Flight blinked. “She’ll neverlistentome!”

Theblacktomdidn’tblink.“Thenyoumustbestrong.Youmustmakeherlisten.”

HalfMoonnodded.“MoonShadowis right.This isnotaneasytaskwegiveyou.ButwearerelyingonyoutokeepyourClansafe.”

Moth Flight’s mouth grew dry. “I’ll try,” she promisedsoftly. “Butwhat about the other Clans?Do I have to I keepthemsafeaswell?”

MoonShadowansweredher.“EachClanwillhaveitsownmedicinecat.”

MothFlightblinked.“Haveyouspokenwiththemalready?”“Youmusttellthem,”MoonShadowordered.“ButhowwillIknowwhotheyare?”MothFlightfeltdizzy.

How could she tell other cats how theymust live their lives?Andwasshereadytochangeherownlife—tospendithealingrather than hunting? She would be responsible for herClanmates!

Half Moon shifted, gently shooing Moon Shadow andRainswept Flower backward with her tail. She glanced at theemptystoneinfrontofMothFlight.“Watch.”

Moth Flight followed her gaze, gasping as a shape

shimmered into view. “Dappled Pelt!” She recognized theRiverClan she-cat, curled in a nest fast asleep, and wonderedhowshecouldbehereinthecave.Tentatively,shereachedoutandtriedtotouchtheshe-cat’spelt.Herpawpassedthroughair.

“Sheisathome,dreaminginhernest,”HalfMoonglancedoverher shoulderandbeckonedabrown-and-white tabbyshe-cat closer with a flick of her tail. “Bright Stream. Come andshareyourblessingwithDappledPelt.”

BrightStreampadded toward thevision,hergazewarmasshe leaned close. She touched her nose to the sleeping head.“Protectthem,”shewhispered.

Moth Flight half expected Dappled Pelt to wake, but shefadedfromviewandanothercattookherplace.

CloudSpots!AsMoth Flight blinked at the sleeping ThunderClan tom,

Half Moon called to another of her companions. “Jackdaw’sCry!”

Ablacktomhurriedforward.Helookedfondlyattheblack-and-white cat. “Take care of your Clan.” Jackdaw’s CrystretchedhismuzzletotouchhisoldTribematewithhisnose.

Cloud Spots flashed out of sight and a gray tom replacedhim.

Pebble Heart. Moth Flight wasn’t surprised to see theShadowClantomappear.He’dalwaysknownmoreaboutherbsthananycat.

A tortoiseshell she-cat padded past Half Moon. Her peltshimmered as she stopped beside the vision of Pebble Heart.Moth Flight guessedwho shewas beforeHalfMoon said hername.

“Bequick,TurtleTail.Themoonispassing.”HalfMoon’smewwasthick.

Moth Flight knew that Turtle Tail was Pebble Heart’smother.She’dbeenkilledbyamonsterwhile trying to rescueherkits.ShediedthedayIwasborn.MothFlightfeltweakwithanguishas shesaw joyandgriefglisten likesunshine throughraininthetortoiseshell’sgreengaze.

Turtle Tail touched her nose to her kit’s head. “I alwaysknewyouwerespecial,”shemurmured.“Takecareofthemall,mydear.”

Pebble Heart stirred, his ear twitching as his mother’smuzzle grazed it. Then he huffed and turned in his sleep, andthevisionfaded.

GrayWingmovedtoTurtleTail’ssideandguidedheraway,histailcurledprotectivelyacrossherspine.

Moth Flightwatched the pair take their place among theircompanions.Who next? Medicine cats had been chosen foreveryClan except SkyClan. She looked back at the stone andblinked as yellow fur shimmered into view.There’s no yellowcat in SkyClan. She stiffened as she recognized the slendershouldersandsmoothbackofthetom.“Micah!”

Shockpulsed throughher.Unlike theothers,Micahwasn’tasleep.Hesat,alert,gazingahead,asthoughwaiting.

He’swaitingforme.Asmalltabbyshe-catbrushedinfrontofHalfMoon.“Petal.”HalfMoonpurredfondlyasshepassed.MothFlightstaredasPetalapproachedthevisionofMicah.

“How can he be a medicine cat?” she gasped. “He doesn’tbelongtoanyClan!”

“NordidI,once.”Petalblinkedather,hereyesglitteringinthe light from the stone. She leaned forward and brushed hermuzzle against Micah’s cheek. “Protect your Clan as thoughtheyhadraisedyou.”

Micahdidn’tflinch,butcarriedonstaring,serenelyunawarethat spirit-catswerewatchinghim.MothFlightwanted to callout to him that she was safe and she could see him. But sheknewhewouldn’thear.

As Micah faded away, Half Moon stepped forward oncemore.“YoumustreturntoyourClannow,MothFlight.Tellthecatswhatwehaveshownyou.”

Moth Flight stiffened. “All of them?” She’d have toconvince every cat thatwhat she’d seenwas real.Howwouldshemakethembelieveher?

“Justspeakyourtruth,MothFlight.”HalfMoon’smewwasfirm.“Havefaithinwhoandwhatyouare.”

Iamamedicinecat.MothFlightliftedherchinasthewhitecatwenton.

“Next half-moon, and every half-moon after that, you andtheothermedicinecatsmustreturnhereandwe’llspeakagain.”

“Next half-moon? I’ll need more time that that!” MothFlightspluttered.ShepicturedTallShadowsittingsternlyinherbrambleden,andClearSky’sthicktailflickingscornfully.AndThunder!Hewasthemostpowerfultomshe’deverseen.She’dnever even spoken to themysteriousRiverRipple.AndWindRunner...

Herpawsfeltsuddenlyhotagainsttheicystone.Idon’tevenknowifI’llbeabletoconvincemyownmother!“Ican’tdoit!”Herheartpoundedinherchest.“I’llneverbeabletodoit!”

CHAPTER12

HalfMoonwhiskedhertailirritably.“Havefaithinyourself!”MothFlight’shackles lifted.Thatwaseasy forher to say!

You’redead!Whatdoyouhave to lose? “MyClan thinks I’mfeather-headedenough,”shesnapped.“IfIgobackwithstoriesabout talking to spirit-cats and telling them that they’resupposed to have medicine cats and I should be one, they’llthinkI’macompletebirdbrain!”

“The moonlight will be gone soon.We don’t have long,”HalfMoonwarned.“This isyourdestiny,whetheryouwant itornot.Youhavenochoicebuttofollowit.EveryClan’sdestinydependsonyou, though theydon’t know it yet.But theywill.Andtherewillcomeatimewhentheywilllistentoyouandyoualone.Icantellyouthis,butit’suptoyoutoearntheirrespect.”

“How?”MothFlight felt frantic.Atanymoment themoonmight pass over the hole and the cavewould be plunged intodarkness. She’d be alone, to face the Clans by herself. “Ihaven’tmanagedtoearnanycat’srespectsofar!WindRunnertoldmeIwasadanger tomyClan.I lostSlate’skits. InearlygotGorseFurkilledbyamonster.I’museless!”Hermewbrokeashopelessnessoverwhelmedher.Shedroppedhergazetothemoon-washedstone.

Downyfurmovedinfrontofher.Sheliftedherheadtoseeatom-kitnosingpastHalfMoon.Hewastiny,andlookedhardlymorethanadayold,althoughhiseyeswereopenandbright.Ashe-kitstoppedbesidehim,alittlebigger,butlessthanamoon

old.MothFlightblinkedatthem,shockedtoseekitsamongthespirit-cats, but then her nose twitched. She recognized theirscent. For a moment she was back in Wind Runner’s nest,nuzzling for milk at her mother’s belly beside Dust Muzzle.“Morning Whisker? Is that you?” She stared at the she-kit.MorningWhiskerhaddiedinthesicknessthatswepttheClans.She looked well now, her starry pelt fluffed out, her eyessparkling.

Morning Whisker nodded. “It’s good to see you, MothFlight.”

MothFlight’sgazeflickedtothetom-kit.He’ddiedbeforeshecouldknowhim,onthedaytheywereborn.“Emberkit?”

“Hello,MothFlight,”hepurred.MorningWhiskerpaddedcloser.“Youhavetodothis,Moth

Flight,”sheurged.“TheClansneedyou.”“But I don’t know how,” Moth Flight answered bleakly.

“WindRunner’snevergoingtolistentome.”“Shewill,”MorningWhiskerinsisted.“Youdon’tknowthat.”MorningWhisker’sgazehardened.“Weshare three things,

MothFlight.”“What?” How could she share anything with these dead

kits?“Isn’t it obvious?” Emberkit pushed in front, fur spiking.

“Weshareahistory,afuture,and—”MorningWhiskerinterruptedherbrother.“LetMothFlight

tellusthethirdthing.”MothFlightfrowned,tryingtoguess.“Idon’tkno—”Then

sherealized.“Amother!”Shepaused,breathlesswithanguish.

She’d never wondered before about her brother who’d died.Andyet,herehewas,asbrightandstrongasalivingkit.Theirsister stood beside him. She hadn’t thought about MorningWhisker for moons. Her pelt pricked along her spine. WindRunnerwastheirmothertoo!MothFlightwasusedtosharingWindRunnerwithDustMuzzle, butDustMuzzle had alwaysseemed independent;he’dneverworriedaboutWindRunner’sapproval.He’dneverhadto;everythingcamenaturallytohim.ButthesekitshadbeenWindRunner’stoo,beforethey’dbeentaken from her. DidWind Runner still think about them? Ofcourseshedid!Shemustmissthem!IsWindRunnermissingmetoo?Withapang,sherememberedhermother’sangrywordsasthey’d parted. “I justwish I could please her,” shemurmuredsadly.

“Youwill,”MorningWhiskermewed.“Of course you will!” Emberkit’s tail was twitching

excitedly. “In time shewill understand everything.Until then,shewillsupportyoubecauseyouareherkit.”

MothFlightwasn’tconvinced.“ShethinksI’museless.”“She can be harsh,”MorningWhisker conceded. “But are

yousurprised?Themoor isaharshplace.Shelostus there. Ifshe’sstrict,it’sbecausesheworriesaboutyou,notbecauseshethinksyou’reuseless.”

Emberkit stepped forward and lifted his muzzle close toMothFlight’s.Hisbreathfeltwarmonhernose.“Shejustwantsto protect you. It’s amother’s strongest instinct.When you’remedicinecat andyourClanmatesare relyingonyou,youwillfeelthesameway.”

MothFlight’seartwitcheduneasily.WillIhavetobemother

tothewholeClan?Around her, the starry cats began to fade, becoming so

translucentthatshecouldonlyseethestarsintheirpelts.Emberkitwasnomorethanshimmeringlightbeforeher.“Don’t go!” Panic blazed beneath her pelt. She called to

HalfMoon,whosegreengazewasgrowingpale.“Youhaven’ttoldmehowIcanconvincetheClanstolistentome!Won’tyoucometothefullmoonGatheringandtellthemyourself?”

“No.”HalfMoon’smewwasbarelyanecho.“Butwewillsendasignwhenyoutellthem,toletthemknowthatwespeakthroughyounow.”

“A sign?”Howwould sheknow it?What should she lookfor?Thecatsweredisappearingonebyone.“Whatsign?”shemeweddesperatelyasthemoonpassedoutofsightandthecavewasswallowedbyshadow.

Avoiceechoed from theblackness.“Wewill split thesky.Andlater,starswillrise.”

Splitthesky?Whatdidthatmean?MothFlightstruggledforbreath.Thedarknessseemedsuddenlysuffocating.Later,starswillrise....

Whatcoulditpossiblymean?

CHAPTER13

Moth Flight followed the tunnel upward, her paws trembling.Wasshereallygoing toberesponsibleforanysickcats inherClan?Howwouldsheexplainitall toWindRunner?Whydidthespirit-catswanttospeakthroughher?

Your curiosity, your dreams, your openness to the worldaroundyou.

SherememberedHalfMoon’swords.The spirit-cats believe in me. . . . Joy surged beneath her

pelt,pushingherdoubtsaway.Suddenly,thecoldstonebeneathherpawsfeltlikeitbelongedtoher.Thiswasherplace.She’dfound it. Determination hardened in her belly. I won’t let youdown,shepromisedsilently.

Starlight showed through the darkness ahead, seeping likewaterintothetunnel.MothFlightquickenedherpace,breakingintoarunasshenearedtheopening.Sheleapedfromtheledge,sendingstonesclatteringdownthesteepslope.

Micah, sitting on the wide stone below, turned, his eyesflashing in the moonlight. “What happened?” He boundedtowardherandmether,breathless,halfwayuptheslope.

Sheskiddedtoahaltandstaredintohisstarliteyes.“Itwasamazing,”shebreathed.

“I was worried. You were gone so long.” His gaze flittedoverherpelt,asthoughhewascheckingthatshewasn’thurt.

“I’mfine,”shereassuredhim.Sheshuddered,realizinghowcold shewas. The dampness of the tunnel had reached to her

bones.Shefluffedoutherpelt.Micah began to steer her gently down the slope. “There’s

stillalittlewarmthfromthesunleftintherock.”Nudgingherupontothewidestonewherehe’dbeenwaiting,hejoinedher.

Adeadmousewaslyinginthemiddle.“Ithoughtyoumightbehungry.”

“Thanks.” Moth Flight blinked at him gratefully. “But Idon’tthinkIcouldeatanythingrightnow.I’mtooexcited.”Shecould feel faint warmth beneath her paws and crouched,pressingher belly to the rock.Micah crouchedbesideher, hisfur barely brushing hers, just close enough for her to feel theheatfromhispelt.

“Doyouwanttotalkaboutit?”Micahaskedsoftly.Moth Flight stared at him. “Of course. It was the most

amazingthingthateverhappenedtome!”Micahgazedathereagerly.“Therewasacaveattheendofthetunnel.JustliketheoneI

sawinmydream.Ithasabigrockatthecenterandaholeintheroofandwhenthemoonlighthit therock, itblazedlikeafire!Andthenthespirit-catsappeared.”

“Yousawthemforreal?”Micahwidenedhiseyes.MothFlightnodded.“EvenGrayWingthistime.”Micahgazedatherblankly.“Hewas part of our Clan until he died amoon ago,” she

explained.“Itwasgoodtoseehimagain.”“Wereallthesespirit-catsoncealive?”Micahasked.“Yes!”MothFlight could still hardlybelieve she’d spoken

withthem.“Ididn’trecognizemany.”ThememoryofMorningWhiskerandEmberkitburnedbrightlyinhermind.“Isawmy

deadlittermates.”Micahblinked.“I’msorry!Ididn’tknowyou’dlost—”Moth Flight interrupted him. She didn’t need sympathy.

“I’mgladIsawthem.Theyweresowise.Theylookedlikekitsstillbuttheyactedlikegrowncats.”

“Youspoketothem?”“TheytoldmenottobescaredofWindRunner.She’sonly

sternbecauseshecaresaboutme.”Micah’sbreathstirredhercheekfur.“Didn’tyouknowthat

already?”MothFlight hunched her shoulders. “I always thought she

wasdisappointedinmebecauseIcouldn’thuntaswellasDustMuzzle.”

Micah’s eyes flashed teasingly. “I guess she wishes you’dbringprey home insteadof plants,” he joked. “But howcouldshenotloveyou?”

MothFlight shifted self-consciously.Micah’s stare seemedsuddenlytoointensetobear.Washejusthumoringher?Didhethink she was crazy? She was talking about dead cats! “Youbelieveme,don’tyou?”

“I’ve dreamed about you since I was a kit.”Micah’s earstwitched. “Now that I’ve met you for real, I can believeanything.”

Moth Flight felt relief sweep over her. She was lucky tohave someone to share this with, someone who believed her.She suddenly pictured her Clanmates. What would they saywhen she told them that the spirit-cats had told her she wasspecial? But you’re a featherbrain! She imagined SwiftMinnow’sscornfulmew.

“Tellmewhattheysaid.”Micah’svoicejerkedherfromherthoughts.

“They told me I was to become a medicine cat and learnaboutherbsandhealingandthattheywouldsendmeomensandI had to explain the omens to Wind Runner.” Moth Flight’schesttightened.“Theysaiditwasmydestiny.”Shegazeddeepinto Micah’s eyes, expecting uncertainty, but he stared backsolemnly.“DoyouthinkIcandoit?”sheaskedanxiously.

“Youhavedreamsaboutmothsandspirit-catsandyouloveto collect plants instead of prey.”Micah sat up and stretched.“You’lldoitbrilliantly.”

“Doyoureallythinkso?”Shejumpedtoherpaws.“Doyouwanttodoit?”MothFlightimaginedherselftreatingcats,collectingherbs,

advising Wind Runner and searching the stars for omens.Anticipationprickledbeneathherpelt.“Yes!”Hertailquivered.“Butit’snotjustme,”shewenton.“TheywantCloudSpotstobeamedicinecattoo.AndPebbleHeartandDappledPeltand—” She stopped herself. Was Micah ready to be told of hisdestiny?He’donly agreed to follow themothwithher, not togiveuphislifeonthefarmtolivewiththeClans.“Ihavetotellthem. I have to tell all of them what I’ve seen.” She felt herpawsbegintotrembleagain.

“Of course!” Micah swished his tail, excitedly. “They’llwanttoknow.”

Moth Flight dropped her gaze, feeling suddenly smallbeneath thewide starry sky.Could she really do this?As shetried to imagine telling herClan that she’d spokenwithGrayWing and Half Moon and Emberkit, her paws pricked with

alarm.“TheyalreadythinkI’mabirdbrain.Thiswilljustproveit.”

“Why?”Micahfrowned,puzzled.Hopelessness swamped Moth Flight. “I’ve done so many

dumbthings,”sheconfessed.“Theywon’tbelieveme.”“Theyhave tobelieveyou!”Micahpuffedouthischest.“I

believeyou.”“Youdon’tknowhowdumbIcanbe.”Micahpaddedaroundher,impatiently.“You’renotdumb.”“Youdon’tknowme.”“Yes, I do!”Micah stopped and stared at her. “I’ve never

metacatwhogoesoffchasingmothsordisappearsintostrangetunnelsinthemiddleofthenightortellsmethatshe’sgoingtolearn how to heal and read omens.” He paused, his gazesparkling so intensely that her heart seemed to miss a beat.“You’rewonderful!”

MothFlightshiftedherpawsnervously.Wouldhethinkshewassowonderfulwhenshetoldhimabouthisdestiny?“You’repartofit,”sheblurted.

Micahstiffened.“Partofwhat?”“You’remeanttobeamedicinecattoo.”“Onthefarm?”Hetippedhishead,puzzled.“No!”MothFlightpacedacross the stoneand lookedover

the trees to thedistantmoor, curving likeacat’s spineagainsttheglitteringsky.“You’retobeSkyClan’smedicinecat.”

“That’syourClan,right?”Micahstoppedbesideher.“No.”MothFlightsteadiedherbreath.“I’mfromWindClan.

SkyClanisClearSky’sgroup.Theyliveintheforest,notonthemoor.”ShefeltMicahshiftuneasilybesideher.

“SoI’lllivethere,andnotwithyou?”Herheart lifted.Hehadn’tsaidno.She turnedsharplyand

facedhim.“Doyoumeanyou’lldoit?BecomeamedicinecatfortheClans?”

Micah returnedhergaze,but shecould readnothing inhiseyes. “The leader of SkyClan,” he began. “He’s a tom, right?Fierce.Helikesbossingothercatsaround.”

MothFlight’smouthgrewdryashewenton.“Ishesuspiciousofothercats?Andproud?Graywithblue

eyes?”MothFlightbackedaway,startled.HewasdescribingClear

Skyexactly.“Howdoyouknow?”“I’vedreamedofhim,”hemurmured.“IdreamI’mbringing

himcatminttohelpasickkit.”“Catmint?”MothFlightprickedherears.“It’sanherb thatgrowsbehind thebarn. It looksabit like

nettles but the leaves are smaller and they don’t sting. You’llknow if you ever see some. It smells great. And it helpscoughs.”Micahwhiskedhistailimpatiently.“Ikeephavingthesamedream.Thekit’salwayssickandthegraytom’sorderingmetohurrywiththecatmint.”Heblinkedather.“ButIcanseenow—itwasn’tadream!Noneofmydreamshavebeendreams.I’vebeenseeingmydestiny!”Hisfurrippledwithsurprise.Heliftedhisgazetowardthemoor.

Moth Flight shifted her paws nervously. He’d justdiscovered that the life he’dplannedwasnot the life that hadbeenplannedforhim.“Doyoumind?”

“Why should I mind?” Micah shrugged. “It’s pointless tomindyourowndestiny.Youjusthavetofaceit.”

Moth Flight wondered how he could be so calm. Fearhollowed her belly as she tried to imagine themoons that layheadofher.“Aren’tyouscared?”

“No,” hemeowed softly. “One path is as good as another.It’snotknowingwhichonetotakethat’sscary.NowthatIknowwhere I’m meant to be going, there’s nothing to fear.” Helookedather.“Foreitherofus.”

“Doyoupromise?”Hermewquavered.“Ipromise.”Hisgreengazewassteady.Starlightsparkledin

itsdepths.Moth Flight reached out hermuzzle and touched his. Her

heartslowedashisnosebrushedhercheek.Shefeltsoothedbyhisstillness,awareofthemoonlightwashingtheirpelts.

CHAPTER14

“Wakeup.”MothFlight felt amuzzlenudgingher shoulder.She lifted

herhead,blinkingatthebrightsunshine.WhereamI?Confusedfor a moment, she saw Micah, standing beside her on thesmooth,widerockatthefootofHighstones.

Memories flooded her. The night before! The spirit-cats!Themoonlitstone!

Heart leaping,shescrambled toherpaws.“Wehave togetbackandtellWindRunner!”They’dtalkeduntildawnhadcreptover the moortop, and then slept. Now the sun was sinkingbehindthem.“Comeon!”

“There’snohurry.Wecaneat first.”Micah jumpedoff therockandsniffedforpreyunderneath.

“There isn’t time. It’s full moon tonight. We have to getback and tell her before the Gathering. Then she can let theothers know.” Moth Flight leaped from the rock and headedacrossthestonyground,towardthefields.IfshecouldconvinceWindRunnerthattheClansneededtohavemedicinecats,thenWind Runner could explain everything to the other leaders.They might not believe me, but they’ll believe the WindClanleader.

She heardMicah’s paw steps hurry after her. “What’s theGathering?”

“TheClansmeet every fullmoon to share tongues,”MothFlightexplainedquickly,hereyesfixedonthemeadowahead.

“They swap information about dangers, like Twolegs or dogs,andhowtheprey’srunning.Ithelpskeepthepeace.”

“DotheClansfight?”Micahsoundedsurprised.“Theydidonce,”MothFlighttoldhim.“Nowwemeetand

sharesothatwe’llneverfightagain.”Shequickenedher pace.Themoor looked a longwayoff.

They’dbeluckytogettherebeforedusk.“We’lltravelfasteronfullbellies,”Micahscannedtheland

aroundthemasstonesgavewaytograssbeneaththeirpaws.MothFlightkepthergazefirmlyahead.“Ifyouseepreyas

wetravel,thencatchit.ButI’mnotstopping.”Eveningwasfloodingthevalleybythetimetheynearedthe

steephill thatclimbed to themoor.Micahhadcaughta shrewhe’d spotted as they leaped a ditch. He’d killed it and they’dquicklyshareditbetweenthem.Ithadn’tstoppedMothFlight’shunger. Her belly was rumbling as she caught sight of theThunderpath, but she ignored it. She must concentrate oncrossing.ThewidestripofblackstonecutacrosstheirtrailandMothFlightstoppedattheedge.Herearfurtingled,pickingupthe distant roar of a monster. Stale monster scent soured hertongue.

“Comeon.”Micahhurriedontotheflatstone.Hestoppedinthe middle and turned as she hung back on the verge. Sheremembered the last time she was here. Fear wormed in herbelly.She’dnearly gotGorseFur killed.What if he’ddied? Iwassorabbit-brained!HadWindRunnerforgivenher?

You’readangertoyourClan.MothFlightstaredat theThunderpath,hermouthsuddenly

dry.SpottedFurhadpromisedeverythingwouldbefinebythe

morning.Thathadbeentwodaysago.Woulditreallybefine?It has to be! I’m going to be a medicine cat. She forced

herself to rememberMorningWhisker’swords. If she’s strict,it’s because she worries about you, not because she thinksyou’reuseless.Aspirit-catcouldn’tbewrong,couldshe?

“MothFlight!”Micah’syowlmadeher jump.Sheblinked,focusing on him. The roaring of the monster was louder. Itssilhouette loomedon thehorizon.Glaringeyesblazed throughthetwilight,blanchingMicah’syellowpelt.

I’mnotriskinganothercat’slife!Moth Flight pelted forward, whisking past Micah. “Come

on!” She glanced over her shoulder, relieved to see him hareafterher as shemade for the far sideof theThunderpath.Sheskidded to a halt, grass snagging between her claws. Micahslowed beside her. Foul wind tugged her fur as the monsterroaredpast,honkinglikeagoose.

“Thatwasclose!”Micahpanted.MothFlightblinkedathimanxiously.Hispeltwasbushed.

“Ididn’texpectyoutowaitformeinthemiddle.”“Ididn’texpectyoutostanddaydreamingattheside!”“Next time, don’t wait for me,” she told him. “I get

distracted.”Micah’s ears twitched uneasily. “Are there any

Thunderpathsonthemoor?”“No.”“Good.”Theyclimbedtheslopeinsilence.Astheyreachedthetop,

thesettingsunwarmedMothFlight’sbackforamomentbeforeitslippedbehindHighstones.Shestoppedandblinked through

theduskyhalf-light.ShecouldsmellWindClanscentsclingingtothegorseahead.Andtheheather,fragrantwitheveningdew.Herpawsprickedwithhappiness.Shewashome!

SheglancedatMicah.Itwasstrangetohavehimbesideher.ShewasusedtocrossingthisgrasswithherClanmates.Washenervous?Hewasenteringunknownterritory.“Areyouready?”

Micahgazedacrossthemoorslopingawayinfrontofthem.The forest stood beyond, no more than a shadow against thepurplingskynow.Heliftedhistail.“I’mready.”

“Followme.”MothFlightheadedtowardthegorse,weavingbetweenthethicklyclusteredbushes.Flowerbudshadbeguntounfurlsinceshe’d leftand theirsweetperfumefilledhernose.Shequickenedherpaceastheyreachedanopenstretchofgrass.

“HowlonghavetheClanslivedhere?”Micahtrottedatherside.

“Not too long.Wewereonebiggrouponce,”MothFlightexplained.“ButwesplitintoClansmoonsago.Somepreferredthe pine forest, somepreferred the oaks. Somewanted to livebesidetheriver.”SheglancedsidewaysatMicah.“Theyswim.”

“Theyswim?”Micah’searstwitched.“Why?”“Only the stars know.”Moth Flight had never understood

any catwho enjoyed getting their furwet. “WindRunner andGorse Fur have always been moor cats. So that’s where welive.” She pointed hermuzzle toward the shadowy dip in thehillsidethatenclosedthecamp.

Micahnarrowedhiseyes.MothFlightwishedshecouldtellwhathewasthinking.

Shebrokeintoarun.Shedidn’twanthimtolosehisnerve.“Comeon.”Thefullmoonwasrisingintoaclearsky.“They’ll

beheading toFourtreessoon. Ihave tospeak toWindRunnerbeforesheleaves.”

ShesmelledSpottedFur’sscentassheduckedintoaswathof heather. The golden-brown tom had followed this paththroughthebushesearlierand,bythesmellofit,DustMuzzlehadbeenwithhim.Theirscentsrosefromtheearth.Wait till ItellthemwhereI’vebeen!Excitementbuzzedbeneathherpelt.WindRunnerwillhavetobelieveme!Shesuddenlyfeltsurethatshecouldconvincehermothershe’dspokentoHalfMoon.ShemaythinkI’mafeatherbrainbutsheknowsIwouldn’tlie.ShecouldhearMicahpantingbehindherand theheatherswishingagainsttheirpeltsassheledhimzigzaggingthroughit.

“Arewenearlythere?”hepuffed.“It’s not far.” She burst out onto open grass and saw the

gorsewallofthecampahead.Circlingaroundit,sheledMicahtotheentrance.

Above them, stars were beginning to glitter as the skydarkened.IsHalfMoonuptherewatching?MothFlight’spawsprickled. Shewas determined to prove that the spirit-cats hadputtheirfaithintherightcat.

Sheduckedthroughthecampentrance,Micahonhertail.StormPeltwassittingamongthetussocks,DewNoseathis

side.TheyleapedtotheirpawsastheysawMothFlight.“You’re back!” Joy sparked in StormPelt’s eyes. Then he

sawMicahandraisedhishackles.“Who’she?”“He’s a friend.” Moth Flight pulled up in front of the

mottledgraytom.“Hesavedmefromadogtwodaysago.”Micah stiffened as DewNose sniffed him, suspicious, but

kepthishacklessmooth.

“What’shedoinghere?”shedemanded.“I’lltellyoulater.”MothFlightscannedthecamp,herheart

thumping.Where’sWindRunner?Uneaseflutteredinherbelly.Slatewasplayingwithherkitsatoneedgeof thecampwhileRockylaynearby,watchinglazily.Nooneelsewasincamp.

“Moth Flight! You’re back!” Silver Stripe spotted her andcame bouncing across the grass. Black Ear chased after hissisterexcitedly.

Slate looked up fromWhite Tail, who was rolling on hisbacktryingtoswipehermother’stail.“You’resafe!”shecalledhappily.“WindRunnerwillberelieved.”

“WhereisWindRunner?”MothFlight’sheartquickened.Rockyheavedhimself slowly tohispaws.“She’s leftwith

theothers.”DewNosewasstillwatchingMicahwarily.“They’vegone

tothefull-moonGathering.”“Already?”Moth Flight stared at him, her heart dropping

likeastone.“ButIwantedtospeaktoher.”Micah padded to her side, ignoring DewNose’s curiosity.

“Whendidsheleave?”“Notlongago,”StormPelttoldhim.DewNosestalkedaroundherbrotherandglaredatMicah.

“Westayedbehindtoguardthekits.”Silver Stripe raced around Micah and Moth Flight. “You

smellfunny!”shesqueaked.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”BlackEarstaredatherwithwide

eyes.“You’realldusty!”Micah looked at the kit, his whiskers twitching with

amusement.“We’vebeentoHighstones.”

“Highstones!” Slate was crossing the grass toward them,WhiteTailatherheels.“That’salongwayfromhere.”

“Iknow.”MothFlightsuddenlyrealizedhowtiredherpawswere. But she couldn’t stop now. “We have to catch up withWindRunner.I’vegotsomethingimportanttotellher.”

Slatenarrowedhereyes.“Iseverythingokay?”Moth Flight met her gaze. “Everything’s fine,” she

promised.“Why the rush?” Rocky was shambling toward them too.

Buttherewasn’ttimetotalk.“You’llhearaboutitlater!”MothFlightturnedandheaded

fortheentrance.“IhavetocatchupwithWindRunner.”“You’renottakinghimtoaGathering,areyou?”DewNose

calledafterMothFlight.Micahwasfollowingher.“GatheringsareforClancats!”

“He’llbeaClancatsoon!”shecalledoverhershoulder.Sheburstoutofcampandheadeddownslope.Openingher

mouth,shetastedtheair.WindClanscentbathedhertongue,sofreshshestruggledtomakeoutwhichwaythey’dgone.Micahwasalreadysniffingtheground.Hewhippedhistaileagerlyashe reached a spot of trampled grass a few tail-lengths ahead.“Theywentthisway.”

MothFlight rushed to his side and checked the scents.Hewas right. Fresh paw-scents coated the tussocks here, andheadedtowardawideclumpofheather.Shefollowedthetrail,nose low, pushing through the bushes onto the grassy slopebeyond.ItledpasttheoutcropofrockssheusedtohuntonwithDustMuzzle.WindRunnermustbeleadingherClanalongtheoldsheeptrackthatwentthroughdeepheatherandendedatthe

topofFourtrees.CheckingtoseethatMicahwasstillfollowing,MothFlightbrokeintoarun.

Hecaughtupandfellinstepbesideher.“Doyouthinkwe’llcatchherintime?”

“I think so,” Moth Flight puffed. “The scents are veryfresh.”

Theyslidintosinglefileasheatherrosearoundthemandthesheeptrackmeanderedamongthebushes,finallyopeningatthetopofthehollow.

Moth Flight halted and scanned the ridge. Her bellytightened.Shecouldn’tseeWindRunnerortheWindClancats.Butshecouldsmelltheirscentsrisingfromthehollow.“We’retoolate,”shewhispered.“They’redownthere.”

The tops of the oaks loomed in front of them, the hugebranches softened by a haze of leaf buds.Moth Flight gazedintothevalleyandsawpeltsmovingbelow.

Sheshiftedherpaws.“Let’swaituntil they’vefinishedtheGathering. Then I can tell Wind Runner about the medicinecats.”

Micah lookedather. “All theClan leadersaregoing tobedowntheretonight,right?”

MothFlightavoidedhisgaze.Shecouldguesswhathewasthinking.“Youwantmetogodownthereandtelleverycat.”

“Theyhavetoknow,”hereasoned.“But I wanted to tell Wind Runner first,” Moth Flight

argued.“Why?”Micah’sgreengazedidn’twaver.MothFlightfelthot.“Becauseit’seasier,”sheadmitted.“Moth Flight.” Micah moved his muzzle closer until she

couldfeelhiswarmbreathbillowaroundhernose.“Youcandothis.”

“Youwantme towalk into themiddle of aGathering andtell all of them that some spirit-cats toldme they shouldhavemedicinecats?”Feartightenedherbelly.

“Thespirit-catsbelieveyoucandoit.”Micahdidn’tmove.MothFlightnoddedstiffly.“Theytoldmetobestrong.”She

triedtoignorethepanicflashingbeneathherpelt.“Then,bestrong.”Gently,Micahnudgedhertowardthetop

ofthehollow.Pawsnumbwithterror,MothFlightlethimsteerherintothe

thick bracken that crowded the slope. Pressing against her, heguided her among the thick stems. Her ears twitched as sheheardthemurmurofthecatsbelow.Ican’tdothis!Thebrackenrustledaroundheras theyneared thebottomof theslope.Shefeltsick.“Wait.”Shepaused,desperatelytryingtothinkofwhatshewasgoingtosay.

Micah halted beside her and peered through the bracken.Shefollowedhisgaze.

“Who’sthatgraycat?”hewhispered.“That’sClearSky.”Micahnodded.“Ithoughtso.”“Didhelooklikethatinyourdream?”“Yes.”Hisgazescannedthegatheredcats.“Whoarethecats

standingbesidehim?”MothFlightnarrowedhereyes,tryingtotellwhowaswho.

Bright moonlight shone through the budding oak branches,turning thepeltsof theClancats silver.“That’s JaggedPeak.”Shenoddedtowardthesmallgraytabbytomwhopacedbeside

Clear Sky. “He’s Clear Sky’s brother but he lives withWindClannow.AndThunderisthebigtomnexttothem.”

“Thunder is leader of ThunderClan.” Micah was clearlytryingtolearnasmuchashecould.

“He’salsoClearSky’sson.”Micah stared at her. “They all live in differentClans even

thoughtheysharethesameblood?”“Clanconnectionsarestronger thanblood tiesnow,”Moth

Flight told him. She glanced back at the cats milling in theclearing among the trees.WherewasWindRunner?Her gazeflittedfrompelt topeltuntil sherecognized thenarrowstripesof her mother. Wind Runner was pacing restlessly betweenGorseFurandDustMuzzle.SpottedFur,FernLeaf,andWillowTailsatnearby.

The grass on the far side of the clearing swished asRiverRippleledhiscatsintotheclearing.DappledPeltwaswithhim,andShatteredIce,Night,andPineNeedle.

River Ripple nodded a polite greeting to the other leadersandsettledonanarchingrootbeneathoneof theoaks.Ashiscatsgatheredaroundhim,TallShadowledPebbleHeart,RavenPelt, Juniper Branch, Mud Paws, and Mouse Ear into theclearing.

“We’re all here.” Clear Sky’smew rang out loudly in thechillynightair.

WindRunnercrossedtheclearingandstoppedinfrontoftheSkyClan leader, dippingherheadpolitely first to him, then toThunder, RiverRipple, and Tall Shadow. “What news do youbring?”

“Newleafhasbrought freshprey toourpartof the forest,”

ClearSkytoldher.“Andtoours,”Thunderadded.River Ripple hopped from the root and joined the other

leaders. “The river is still swollen with snowmelt, and thefishingisgood.”

MothFlightfeltMicahshiftbesideher.HewaswatchingtheClancatswithwideeyes.

WindRunner offered her report. “There are rabbits on themoor and the lapwings are beginning to nest. There will beplentyofpreybygreenleaf.”

A hiss sounded behind her. “There won’t be if SkyClankeeps hunting on our land.” Willow Tail stalked across theclearing.

WindRunnerlookedsharplyatherClanmate.ClearSkystiffened.“Areyouaccusingusofprey-stealing?”Willow Tail faced the SkyClan leader. “Just one of you.”

Hergazeflashedtothereddish-browntomsittingbehindClearSky.

MothFlightrecognizedRedClaw.Shetensed.WasWillowTailstilldeterminedtostartafightwiththeSkyClantom?

RedClawgottohispaws,histailflickingominouslybehindhim.Hepadded towardWillowTail, showinghis teeth. “Whywouldaforestcatwanttostealmoorprey?We’vegotrabbitsofourown—fatterthanyourscrawnyvermin.”

WillowTail’shackles lifted. “Theonly scrawnyverminonourterritorylatelyisyou!”

RedClawflattenedhisears.Wind Runner pushed between them. She looked at Clear

Sky.“YouneedtokeepyourClanundercontrol.”

ClearSkynarrowedhiseyes.“It’syourcatwho’s tryingtostartabattle.”

“She is justdefendingourborders,”WindRunnersnappedback. “Besides, it isn’t onlyWillow Tail who’s noticed. SlatefoundrabbitbonesjustonoursideoftheSkyClanborder.Noneofmycatsenjoyedthatmeal.Whichofyoursdid?”SheglaredatRedClaw.

MothFlight’sfurpricklednervously.Slate foundevidence?Still, one rabbit didn’t seem worth fighting about. TheGatheringwasmeanttobeatimeofpeace.TheClansweren’tsupposedtoquarrelhere.

Micahshiftedbesideher.“Aretheygoingtofight?”“I hope not.”Moth Flight watched uneasily as Clear Sky

nudgedRedClawasideandglaredatWindRunner.“Anyanimalcouldhavekilledthatrabbit.Whatotherproof

doyouhavemycatsareonyourterritory?”hegrowled.“WillowTail sawRedClawon themoora fewdaysago,”

WindRunnerhissed.“Isshetellingthetruth?”ClearSky’stailtwitchedirritably

asheturnedtotheSkyClantom.RedClawliftedhischin.“Iwasthere.Idon’tneedtohide

it. Iwasn’t hunting.Can’twe even set pawon anotherClan’slandnow?”

WillowTailglaredathim.“Notwhenyou’reafox-heartedtraitor.”

“Howdareyou!”RedClaw’seyesflashedinthehalf-light.WillowTailletoutalowwarninggrowl.

Theymustn’tfight!BloodroaredinMothFlight’sears.Thespirit-catswanted her to share her newswith the otherClans.

Howcouldsheiftheywereatwar?“Waithere!”SheleftMicahandboundedfromthebracken.

Thecatsturned,eyesglitteringwithsurpriseastheysawher.She skidded to a halt in the clearing, suddenly conscious thateveryonewasstaringather.

“Moth Flight?” Wind Runner stared across the dappledclearing,hereyesroundwithdread.“Isthatyou?”

MothFlightblinkedather.“Ofcourse.”Whydidhermotherlooksoscared?

Wind Runner flattened her ears. “Are you dead?” Fearedgedhermew.

MothFlightfrowned,strugglingtounderstand.Dead?Whywould I be dead? She glanced at her paws, noticing how themoonlightwasmaking herwhite fur glow.Then she realized,shocked. She’d appeared at a Gathering like a spirit-cat! DidWind Runner think she’d been killed on her journey? Alarmspiked in her belly. “No!” She hurried toward Wind Runner.“I’m alive. I’ve come home!” She pressed hermuzzle againsthermother’scheek.

WindRunnerwastrembling.GorseFurshoulderedhiswaythroughthewatchingcats,his

gazeglitteringwithanger.“Wherehaveyoubeen?We’vebeenworriedsick!”

MothFlightdippedherheadapologetically.“I’msorry,”shemewed. “But I had to go. There was something I needed tofind.”

“What?” Wind Runner lifted her head sharply. Her griefseemedtoevaporate.

Moth Flight backed away. Clear Sky was staring at her.

RiverRipplepaddedcloser,hiseyesroundwithinterest.TallShadowtippedherheadtoonesidethoughtfully.MothFlight’sbellyflutteredwithfear.Sheliftedherchin.“I

bringnewsfromthespirit-cats,”shebegan.“Really?” Clear Sky huffed, clearly unconvinced. Tall

Shadowrolledhereyes.MothFlight glanced towardherClanmates, hoping to find

support.ButSwiftMinnowwasstaringatheraccusingly.“Haveyou

beendaydreamingagain,MothFlight?”Jagged Peak exchanged glances with Holly. Spotted Fur

blinkedathersympathetically.Theydon’tbelieveme.MothFlightfoughtthepanicrisingin

herchest.A low growl sounded in Red Claw’s throat. “She’s just

trying todistractus.”He turnedhisgazeback toWillowTail.“Nocataccusesmeofstealing.”

WindRunnerhissed.“NocatstealsfromWindClan.”Frustration surged beneath Moth Flight’s pelt. Did they

really think their dumb fight was more important than amessagefromtheirancestors?Shelashedhertail.“Youhavetolistentome!”

RedClawflashedheralook.“DidWindRunnerputyouupto this,Moth Flight?”He growled. “Is she scared herClan isgoingtolooklikeabunchofliars?”

WindRunner’shackleslifted.“ClearSky.”SheglaredattheSkyClan leader. “You seem to make a habit of taking introublemakers. I thought you’d have learned after One Eyeturnedonyou.Butyou’restillfillingyourClanwiththievesand

bullies.”ClearSky’sbluegazeturnedtoice.“Mycatsarebraveand

honest.”StarFlowerpushedpastBlossomandAcornFurandstood

besidehermate.“ClearSkyisagreatleader.Heknowshiscatsandheknowstheywouldneverlie!”

WindRunnercurledherlip.“ThenwhydidSlatefindrabbitbonesattheborder?”

Red Claw snorted. “How do we know Slate is telling thetruth?”

“Slateisnotaliar!”WindRunnerhissed.“Stop it!” Frustration flared through Moth Flight. “I’m

tryingtotellyouthemostimportantnewsyou’lleverhear.Thefutureof theClansdependson it!”Shestiffened, surprisedbyherownboldness.

DustMuzzleblinkedather.Before any cat could interrupt, shewent on. “I spokewith

the spirit-cats. They told me that each Clan should have amedicine cat to care for their sick. Dappled Pelt will beRiverClan’smedicinecatandPebbleHeartwillbemedicinecatforShadowClan.I’mtobeWindClan’sandCloudSpotswillbeThunderClan’s.” She paused. It wasn’t time yet to tell themaboutMicah.Theyneeded togetused to the ideaofmedicinecatsfirst.Shedugherclawsintotheground,bracingherselffortheClans’reactions.

Tall Shadow stepped forward. “Why would the spirit-catstellyou this?Whynot tell us?”Sheglanced atClearSky andRiverRipple.“We’retheClanleaders.”

“Theysaidthattheywouldspeakthroughmefromnowon,”

MothFlighttoldher.ClearSkyspluttered.“You?You’rehardlymorethanakit!”Moth Flight tried to ignore him, but her paws began to

tremble.“Theysaid theywill sendomens,and that Imust tellWindRunnerwhattheomensmean.”ShenoticedDappledPeltstaringather,eyesbrightwithstarlight.“Iguesseachmedicinecatwillseeomensandinterpretthemfortheirleader.”ThatwaswhatHalfMoonhadmeant,surely?

Wind Runner padded closer, her pelt rippling along herspine.“MothFlight?”Hermewwasgentle.“Iknowyouthinkyou’redoingtherightthing.Butisthisjustanotheroneofyourdreams?”

“It’sreal!”MothFlightdugher clawsharder into the coldearth.“IfollowedatunnelintoHighstonesandIfoundastonefilledwithmoonlight and I saw the spirit-cats.”Sheknewshemust sound crazy and she saw some of the Clan cat’s eyessoftenintopityasshewenton.Iknewit!Theydon’tbelieveme.

Clear Sky sniffed. “You forgot to tell us who SkyClan’smedicinecatwouldbe.”

MothFlightstaredathimuncertainly,words frozenonhertongue.Washetakingherseriously?

“The spirit-cats told you so much,” Blossom yowledmockingly.“Didtheyforgettomentionus?”

“She’smakingitup!”MudPawsaccused.“She just wants attention.” A ShadowClan tortoiseshell

paddedforward.Pebble Heart nosed past her. “Give her a chance, Juniper

Branch!”Hegazed softly atMothFlight. “DoyouknowwhoSkyClan’smedicinecatwillbe?”

MothFlight glancedover her shoulder toward thebrackenwhereMicahwashidingamongtheshadowstems.Howwouldthesecatsreactwhenshetoldthemthespirit-catshadnamedastranger?

Thebracken rustledandMicahpushedhiswayout. “TheysaidthatIwouldbeSkyClan’smedicinecat,”hesaid.

ShockedmewsroseamongtheClancats.“Who’she?”“He’snotoneofus!”“Whosaidhecouldcomehere?”“This is Micah.” Moth Flight pressed her flank against

Micah’sashestoppedbesideher.“HesavedmefromadogandcamewithmeonmyjourneytoHighstones.”

RiverRipplenarrowedhiseyes.“Didhesee thespirit-catstoo?”

MothFlightshookherhead.“Themothledmetothecave,nothim.”

WindRunnerhadstiffened.“Isthisthemothyou’realwaysdreamingabout?”

“Yes.” Moth Flight watched the cats exchange glances.Thunder stared atMicah through slitted eyes.ClearSky’speltrippleduneasilyalonghisspine.TallShadowwaswatching,herears twitching. Helplessness swept over Moth Flight. Howcould she convince them?Only River Ripple looked calm. “Ididn’tdreamit!”shemeweddesperately.“Itwasreal.”

“Isawthemoth.”Micahliftedhischin.“Youmight justbesayingthatsoyoucanbeourmedicine

cat,”ClearSkygrowled.“Themothwasreal.ItledustoHighstones.”HemetClear

Sky’s gaze steadily. “I want to be your medicine cat, but Iwouldn’tlietoyou.”

“Whatdoyouknowabouthealing?”ClearSkydemanded.“Nothing,yet,”Micahtoldhimcalmly.“ButIwilllearn.”“We’ll all learn!”Moth Flight added. “There are catswho

alreadyknowhealingherbs.Ifwecanlearnsome,wecanlearnmore! The Clanswill depend on theirmedicine cats one day.HalfMoontoldme!”

“HalfMoon?”ClearSkystiffened.TallShadowsteppedcloser.DappledPeltblinked.“YouspokewithStoneteller?”QuickWater hurried to Clear Sky’s side. “She must have

seen Stoneteller,” the oldmountain cat whispered. “How elsewouldsheknowhername?”

Clear Skywas still staring atMicah. “She probably heardJaggedPeakorGrayWingtalkingabouther.”

MothFlightheart’sleaped.TheyknewwhoHalfMoonwas!Weretheygoingtobelieveherafterall?

Dappled Pelt’s eyes shone with excitement. “My dreamsmusthavebeenasign!”

RiverRipplelookedathisClanmate.“Whatdreams?”“I’ve been dreaming about teaching cats about herbs and

healing for the past moon,” Dappled Pelt told him. Her gazeflitted toMicah. “I think one of the cats in my dreammighthavebeenhim.”

“Whydidn’tyousayanything?”RiverRippleaskedquietly.“I thought they were just ordinary dreams,” Dappled Peltanswered.

ClearSkypaddedtowardMicah,openinghismouthtotaste

hisscent.“Yousmellstrange.”“I smell like the farm I was raised on.”Micah stood still

whileClearSkycircledhim.CloudSpotsnosedhisway to the front.“I’vehadadream

too,”headmitted.“Isawthemoonlitstone.”HelookedatMothFlight.“Wasitinacave?”

Moth Flight nodded, swallowing back excitement. “InsideHighstones.”

“Andtherewasaholeintheroof?”“You’veseen it?”MothFlight couldhardlykeepherpaws

still.“IdreamedIwastherewithyou,DappledPelt,andPebble

Heart.”CloudSpotsnoddedtowardMicah.“Andhim.”Tall Shadow turned to Pebble Heart. “Have you had any

dreams?”“Only last night.” His eyes glowed like stars. “I dreamed

Turtle Tail was leaning overme. She said she always knew Iwasspecial.”

MothFlight’s tailquivered.“Andshetoldyouto takecareofthemall,didn’tshe?”

“Yes!”PebbleHeartblinked.“That’sexactlywhatshesaid!”Juniper Branch looked at Tall Shadow. “Are we actually

goingtobelievethishare-brainedWindClancat?”GorseFurflickedhistailangrily.“She’snothare-brained.”“SowhydoesSpottedFur always joke that oneday she’ll

find the end of a rainbow and try to climb up it?” JuniperBranchscoffed.

“I was joking!” Spotted Fur caught Moth Flight’s eyeapologetically.

Fern Leaf brushed past him and stared at Moth Flight.“Whatifyou’rewrongaboutthis,MothFlight?Youmighthavemisunderstood thespirit-cats’message.Youcan’teven tell thedifferencebetweenplantsandprey.”

WindRunnerfacedthegray-and-whiteshe-cat.“Shecantellthe difference. Perhaps she brings home plants because that’swhatmedicinecatsdo.”

MothFlightfeltarushofgratitude.SheglancedatMicah.“Ithinkthey’regoingtobelieveme,”shewhispered.

ClearSky’stailwasstilltwitchingimpatiently.“SoSkyClanisgoingtobestuckwithanextramouthtofeed.”HeglaredatMicahresentfully.

“Icanhunt,”Micahtoldhim.“Won’tyoubetoobusylookingaftersickcats?”ClearSky

sneered.StarFlowerstoodbesidehermate.“Perhapsweshouldwait

for the spirit-cats to tellus themselvesbeforewe startmakinganychanges.”

JuniperBranchandSwiftMinnowmurmuredinagreement.“The spirit-cats have spoken to us before,” Tall Shadow

reasoned.“If they’renot speaking tousnow, it’sbecause theyhavenothingtosay.”

“But they do!” Alarm buzzed beneath Moth Flight’s pelt.You have to listen to me! What more could she say? ShesuddenlyrememberedHalfMoon’spartingwords.Wewillsplitthesky.Andlater,starswillrise.Thespirit-catshadpromisedtosendasignwhenshetoldtheClans.

Where was it? She stared up through the branches to thestarsbeyond.

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”ClearSkyaskedher,hismewthick with scorn. “Do you think you can call themwheneveryouwant?”

MothFlightblinkedathim.“TheypromisedtosplittheskywhenItoldyou.”

Clear Sky’s whiskers twitched with amusement. Purrsechoedaroundtheclearing.

“Split the sky?” Juniper Branch shook her head. “Whatnonsense!”

MothFlight squaredher shoulders. “They said they’d splittheskyandlaterstarswouldrise.”

ClearSkysatdown.“Okay.”Helookedup.“Let’swait.”Silence gripped the clearing. Above, the sky stretched

cloudlessandblack.MothFlight’speltburnedwithshame.PerhapsIdreamedit

after all! I’ve thought dreams were real before. Perhaps I’vebeenwrongallalong!

ShecouldfeeltheeyesoftheClancatsonher.“WhathaveIdone?”shewhisperedtoMicah.“I’msucharabbit-brain!”Sheshrankbeneathherpelt.

Suddenly,aflashlittheclearing.Aboltoflightningcrackedtheskyand,foramoment,theClansweredrenchedinblindingwhitelight.

TerrorrippedthroughMothFlight.Shedroppedtotheearth.Onthefarsideof thehollowatreeexplodedintoflameas

thelightninghitit.Itshudderedandsplit.Onehalffell,blazing,totheground.

MothFlightstaredinamazement.Theydidit!Theysplitthesky!Herheart leaped intoher throat.Theyhave tobelieveme

now.Sheglancedaroundtheclearing.TheClancatsgapedat theflamingtree.Then,onebyone,

theyturnedtowardMothFlight.

CHAPTER15

Theroarof the flamesdied awayas the fireburned itself out.MothFlightfeltMicahshiftbesideher.TheClancatsstaredatherinsilence.

She froze, her breath catching in her throat, when RiverRipplepaddedforwardanddippedhisheadlow.“MothFlight,youwerebravetospeakup.Comewithme.”Heheadedforthehugestonethatrosefromthesoilasthoughithadbeengrowingforcountlessmoonsfromtheheartoftheearth.

Moth Flight glanced nervously at Micah as River Rippleleapedontothegreatrock.

“Goon.”Henudgedherforwardwithaflickofhismuzzle.“You’vedonethehardestpart.”

Self-consciously,MothFlightpaddedintotheshadowoftherockandscrabbledontoaledge,thenleapedintothemoonlight.She landed beside River Ripple, who was gazing at the Clancatsbelow.

She peered over the edge. What a long way down! HerClanmates seemed suddenly small.MothFlight glanced at thesky.Athickbandofstarsstretchedlikeasilverpeltacrosstheindigo blackness.Was that where the spirit-cats lived? A starClan?Sherememberedtheirstar-fleckedpelts,glitteringinthedarkness of the cave. How small the Clans must look to thespirit-cats. They were so powerful they could commandlightning!Andyettheycaredaboutthesecats,enoughtowatchoverthemandguidethem.

“There can be no disagreement now.”RiverRipple’smewjerkedherbackintothemoment.TheClancatswerewatchingherexpectantly.

Thunderliftedhistail,hisorangepeltpaleinthemoonlight.“The spirit-cats have spoken.EachClanwill have amedicinecat.”

QuickWatercalledfromamongtheSkyClancats.“Ifwe’dhadmedicinecatsearlier,thesicknessmightnothavetakensomany.”

MothFlightshookherhead.“Wedon’tknowanymorenowthanwedidthen,”shepointedout.“Wecan’tchangethepast.Butwecanchangethefuture.Somehowwemustdiscovernewherbsandnewcures.”

“How?”PebbleHeartlookedupather.“Itwilltakemoonstotestouteveryplant.”

“Yes,”MothFlightagreed.“Inthemeantime,wecanlearnfrom each other. Each Clan has cats who know a little abouthealing.”

SwiftMinnowliftedhermuzzle.“ReedTailknowsplenty.”Sheglancedproudlyathermate.

Thesilver tabbydippedhisheadmodestly.“Iamhappy tosharethelittleIknowwithMothFlight.”

“And I’ll share whatever you teach me with the othermedicinecats.”MothFlightnoddedtoPebbleHeart.“WillyoulearnallyoucanfromthecatsinShadowClan?”

PebbleHeartnodded.Cloud Spots whisked his tail. “I will gather all the

knowledgeinThunderClan.”“The medicine cats are to meet at Highstones every half-

moon,”MothFlighttoldthem.DappledPeltblinked.“That’salongwaytotravel!”MothFlightmetherwide-eyedgaze.“Onceyouhaveseen

themoonlitstoneforreal,you’llbegladyoumadethejourney.”She suddenly realized that shewas addressing theClan like aleader.Shebackedawayfromtheedge,butterfliesrisinginherbellyoncemore.

“Don’tbeafraid,”RiverRipplewhispered inherear.“Thespirit-catschoseyou.Thisisyourdestiny.”

ShestaredatthemysteriousRiverClanleader,wonderingifthestarClaneversharedwithhim.Heseemedsowise.

Anangrymewrangintheclearing.Moth Flight stiffened as Clear Sky glared up at her. “You

talkasthougheverythinghasbeendecided.”Hefluffedouthispelt.“Weshouldn’thave to takemedicinecatswhohavebeenchosen for us! We should decide our Clan’s future forourselves!”

Moth Flight forced herself to meet his gaze. “We can’tignorethespirit-cats.”

“Youmust havemisinterpretedwhat they toldyou!”ClearSkywaseyeingMicah.“WhywouldtheychooseastrangerforSkyClan?”

“Areyousayingshe’saliar?”WindRunnerturnedonClearSky,hacklesup.

Clear Sky held his ground. “I’m just saying shemight bemistaken.”

“If she were mistaken, would the spirit-cats have sent asign?” Wind Runner snapped. “Micah is your medicine cat!Stopcomplaining!”

ClearSky’sgazeflashedwithfury.“That’seasyforyoutosay.Youdon’thavetotakeinarogue.”

Wind Runner’s tail twitched irritably. “You’ve taken inplenty of rogues before, Clear Sky. You just don’t like beingtoldwhattodo.”

ClearSkyglaredattheWindClanleader.“Neitherdoyou.”“Atleast if I’mwrong,I’lladmit it,”WindRunnerflashed

back.“I’mneverwrong!”ClearSky’searstwitched.Moth Flight felt a sudden rush of pity forMicah.What if

ClearSkydidagreetotakehim?TheSkyClanleaderhadneverlet any cat tell him what to do. The spirit-cats wanted themedicinecats toadvise their leaders.HowcouldMicahadviseClear Sky if he wouldn’t listen? She glanced at Micah, whowatchedsilently,moonlightsilveringhispelt.Hisgazeseemedsosureandsteady.He’llfindaway.

Shesteppedtothefrontofthegreatrockoncemore.“MicahmaybeastrangertotheClans,buthesharesabondwithus.Healwayshas.”

ClearSkyliftedhismuzzletostareather.“What?”Mewsofsurpriserippledaroundthecats.Micahstiffenedas

theystaredathim,theirgazessharpwithcuriosity.“Tellthem,Micah,”MothFlightencouraged.Micah’s tail quivered. “I’ve dreamed of you.” He nodded

toward Clear Sky. “I dreamed I was bringing you catmint totreatasickkit.”

StarFlowerprickedherears.“What’scatmint?”“It’sanherb thatgrowson thefarm,”Micah toldher.“We

useittotreatcoughs.”

StarFlower turnedtoClearSky,herpurplegazeglittering.“HecouldhelpTinyBranch!”

Clear Sky’s fur lifted along his spine. He looked uneasilyfromStarFlowertoMicah.“Canyougetsomeofthiscatmint?”

“Of course.” Micah tipped his head to one side. “Who isTinyBranch?”

ClearSkynarrowedhiseyes.“He’smykit.”Micahliftedhistail.MothFlightcouldseehewasexcited.

Hewasclearlykeentostartwork.River Ripple moved beside Moth Flight. “Are we all

agreed?” he called to the cats below.His gaze fixed onClearSky.

ClearSkyhesitated.“Areyousure thiscatmintwillhelp?”heaskedMicah.

“IthelpedmewhenIwasakit.”“Wehavetotryit!”StarFlowerurged.“Okay.”Clear Sky dipped his head. “If you can heal Tiny

Branch,youcanstaywithSkyClan.”TallShadowliftedhermuzzle.“Fromnowon,PebbleHeart

willbeShadowClan’smedicinecat.”“AndCloudSpotswillbeThunderClan’s,”Thunderagreed.“Dappled Pelt will be medicine cat for RiverClan.” River

Ripplesatdownandtuckedhistailoverhispaws.Moth Flight looked toward Wind Runner. She met her

mother’sgaze,surprisedatitswarmth.“MothFlightwillbemedicinecatforWindClan.”Herheart swelledwithpride and joy as hermother spoke.

Quickly, sheslithereddown thesideof the rockand leaped tothe ground. She hurried toward Wind Runner. “I’m sorry I

scaredyou,”sheblurtedasshereachedher.Wind Runner touched her nose gently to Moth Flight’s

cheek. “I understand now why you went.” She pulled back,meetingMothFlight’sgaze. “I’msorry Iwas sohardonyou.GorseFurwas right.Youare special. I’vebeen rabbit-brainednottoseeit.”

GorseFurreachedthem,DustMuzzleathisheels.“I’msoproudofyou!”HiseyesshoneashelookedatMothFlight.

Shepurred loudly,hesitatingasmemoriesofEmberkitandMorning Whisker flashed in her thoughts. “I saw mylittermates,”shetoldWindRunner.“Theywerewiththespirit-catsandtheyspoketome.”

Wind Runner’s eyes glistened with emotion. “Are theyokay?”Hermewcaughtinherthroat.

“They are still kits,”Moth Flight told her. “But they lookwellandhappy,andtheyhavegrownwise.”

Wind Runner jerked hermuzzle toward Gorse Fur. “Theyare happy.” The words were no more than a breath but theywerefilledwithjoy.

GorseFurpressedhischeekagainsthismate’s.“Theywillalwaysbesafe,”hemurmured.

The ShadowClan cats were starting to climb the slopetoward the pine forest. Thunder was leading his cats awaythroughthetrees.

“Weshouldgotoo.”WindRunnersignaledtohercatswithaflickofhertailandbegantoheadforthemoor.

ClearSkyandStarFlowerledSkyClanintothebramblesasRiverClandisappeared into the longgrass that reached towardthereedbeds.

Dust Muzzle nudged Moth Flight’s shoulder. “Are youcoming?”

Moth Flight scanned the empty clearing, relieved to seeMicah hanging back at the bottomof the slope. “I’ll catch upwithyou,”shetoldDustMuzzle.

HerbrotherglancedquizzicallyatMicah,thenheadedaftertheirClan.

MothFlighthurriedtowardMicah.“Wedidit!”shemewedexcitedly.

Sadnesscloudedhisgaze.“What’swrong?”Wasn’thehappythatthey’dconvincedthe

Clans?“I’mgoingtomissyou,”hemewedsoftly.Herheartquickened.She’dforgotten!Hewasgoingtolive

inSkyClan’scamp.They’donlybeentogetherafewdays,yetleavingwithouthimseemedstrange.“I’llmissyoutoo.”

Heleanedforwardandtouchedhismuzzletohers.“I’llseeyouathalf-moon.”

“We can travel to the Moonstone together,” Moth Flightmurmured.

Eyesflashedfromthetopoftheslope.“Micah!Hurryup!”ClearSky’smewrangaroundthehollow.

“I’dbettergo.”Micahheadedfortheundergrowth.“Idon’twanttostartoffonthewrongpaw.”

MothFlightwatchedhimdisappear.Theprickingsadnessinher heart was suddenly swept away by excitement. She’dchanged the future of the Clans! Nothing would ever be thesameagain.Sheglancedupatthesky,wonderingifHalfMoonwasproudofher.

Greenwingsflittedinthemoonlightoverhead.Themoth!Itflutteredtowardher,dancingcloseruntilitsettledonher

muzzle.Herwhiskerstwitchedasittickledhernose.Herbreathstirred itswings, then themothswoopedaway,circlinghigherandhigheruntilitwaslostamongtheoakbranches.

Haditcometosaygood-bye?Thankyou!MothFlightheard thebrackenrustleat the top

oftheslope.HerClanwasheadingontothemoor.Shehurriedafter them,pushingthroughthestiffstems.Her lifewasgoingto be different now. Her heart quickened. Half Moon, shewhisperedintothechillynightair.Helpmebestrongenoughtofulfillmydestiny.

CHAPTER16

“MothFlight,lookatme!”Silver Stripe’s mew sounded behind her. Shaking leaf

crumbsfromherpaws,MothFlightturnedimpatientlytowatchthepalegrayshe-kit.

SilverStripewaswedgedintothepricklygorsehalfwayupthewall of her den.BlackEarwas tugging at his sister’s tail,whileWhiteTailwastryingtoclimbupbesideher.

“Please,getdown!”MothFlightmarchedacrossthefreshlydug floorofherdenand snatchedSilverStripe’s scruff inherteeth.

ItwasWindRunnerwhohadsuggestedhollowingoutadenespecially forMoth Flight. Storm Pelt, Reed Tail, Fern Leaf,Holly,andDewNosehadspentdaysdiggingoutadipbeneaththestemsandtearingawaybranchestoshapeacaveintheheartofthethickestpartofthegorsewall.Thefloorwaswideenoughfor threenests.Oneforherself,and twoforanysickcatswhomight need to be watched. The branches wouldmake a greatplacetostoretheplantsshecollected.Shecouldslotherherbsamong the spiny stems and keep them sheltered from theweather.

MothFlightdroppedthekitontheground.“Ifyouwanttoclimb,gooutside.”

SilverStripeblinkedather.“ButSlate toldus tostaywithyou.”

Moth Flight glanced back at the piles of leaves she’d

collected.Shewashoping to sort themand store themamongthegorsestemsatthebackofherdenbeforesunhigh.

BlackEar followed her gaze and hurried toward the piles.Hebegansniffingthem,sneezingashereachedapungentheapandscatteringleavesacrosstheflooroftheden.“Sorry!”

MothFlightswallowedbackfrustration.IhavetotellSlatethatsheneedstofindanothercattowatchherkitsnowthatI’mamedicine cat. Moth Flight loved the kits, but she had newresponsibilitiesnow.

In thedays since the full-moonGathering, she’dgraduallybecomeusedtothestrangenewwayherClanmatestreatedher.When she disappeared into thought, SwiftMinnow no longerteased her. When she brought plants back to camp, WindRunner was the first to ask her if she’d found somethinginteresting.JaggedPeaknoddedarespectfulgreetingwhenevershe passed him. Only Slate didn’t seem to have noticed thechange,stilllostinhergriefforGrayWing.

The entrance rustled as Reed Tail poked his head in. “Doyouneedanyhelp?”

“Can you look after these three?” Moth Flight grabbedBlackEar’stailandhauledhimawayfromtheherbs.

“Swift Minnow’s just back from hunting,” Reed Tail toldher.“I’llseeifshecanwatchthem.”

WhiteTailfrowned.“Butwewant tostayinMothFlight’scave!”

“Kits need fresh air and sunshine.”ReedTail slid into thedenandnosedthegray-and-whitetom-kittowardtheentrance.

“Wait!”BlackEarwassniffingtheherbpilesagain.“What’sthis?”Hewrinkledhisnoseatalushgreenleaf.

Moth Flight’s ears twitched. “Horsetail.” I think. She washavingtroublerememberingallthenames.

SilverStripepushedpastherbrotherandsniffedit.“What’sitfor?”

MothFlightfrowned.“Itcurestwistedtails,”sheguessed.Reed Tail blinked at her sympathetically. “It’s chervil and

it’s good for bellyache.” He padded past Silver Stripe andhooked a leaf with his claw. “But the root is better than theleaves.Theyaren’treallystrongenough.”

MothFlight’speltgrewhot.“Ofcourse!”Sherememberednow.ReedTailhadtoldheryesterdaywhenhe’dtakenheroutcollecting herbs. Why couldn’t she remember the simplestthings?

WhiteTailstaredatherwithwideeyes.“Ithoughtyouwereourmedicinecat?”

“MaybeReedTailshouldbethemedicinecat,”SilverStripesuggested.

MothFlight shiftedherpawsuneasily.Perhaps thekitwasright.Howwassheevergoingtolearneverythingshe’dneedtoknow?Shewonderedforamomentifthespirit-catshadmadeamistakechoosingher.I’mtoofeatherbrained.

Reed Tail shooed White Tail toward the entrance andnudged Silver Stripe and Black Ear after them. “Go and findSwiftMinnow.TellherIsentyou.”

“It’snotfair,”SilverStripecomplained.“Wewereonlyhelping,”addedBlackEar.As the kits disappeared, grumbling, from the cave, Moth

FlightlookedgratefullyatReedTail.“Youknowsomuchmorethanmeaboutherbsandhealing.Perhapsthey’reright.Perhaps

youshouldbeWindClan’smedicinecat.”ReedTailgazedatherfondly.“Thespirit-catschoseyoufor

areason.Ithinktheywantedsomeonewhocoulddomorethanrememberherbs.”

“Likewhat?”MothFlightfeltlost.Shewasuptoherearsinplants and names and had no idea how she’d ever know theright herb in an emergency.What if aClanmate died becauseshecouldn’tremember?Panicsparkedinherpaws.

“You’veonlyjustbegun,”ReedTailtoldhersoftly.Outside,Holly’s yowl rang across the clearing. “Wheredo

youthreethinkyou’regoing?”“The kits!” Reed Tail headed for the entrance. “They’re

probablytryingtosneakoutofcampagain.”Thegorseswishedashesqueezedoutoftheden.

Moth Flight looked back at her herb piles, and beganpushingthescatteredleavesbacktogether.

Acoughsoundedoutside.Rocky.Theoldtomhadbeencoughingforafewdays.MothFlight

glancedattheemptynestatthesideoftheden,freshlywovenfrom heather by Storm Pelt and Eagle Feather. It would becozierthanRocky’snestinthelonggrass.Eventhoughnewleafwaswarmingthemoor,thenightswerestillchillyandthewindrelentless.Perhapsafewnights’sleepintheshelterofherdenwasallRockyneededtorecover.Shehopedso;thetansyshe’dgivenhimlastnightclearlyhadn’tworkedandshedidn’tknowanyotherherbthatmightcurehim.

“Rocky!”Moth Flight slid out of her den and crossed theclearing.

Rockywasweavingslowlyamongthetussocks,headingforthepreypile.Hepausedasshestoppedbesidehim.

“Howareyoufeeling?”“Notbad.IthoughtImightfeelbetterifIhadsomethingto

eat—”Rockybrokeoff,coughing.Hisshaggyshouldersheavedwiththeeffort.Strugglingtocatchhisbreath,helookedather,hisgazecloudedwithexhaustion.

MothFlightpushedawayworry.ShemustfocusoncuringRocky; fretting wouldn’t help. Her thoughts quickened. He’dbeen heading for food. A hungry cat is a healthy cat. HermotherusedtosaythatwhenshereturnedhomewithpreyforMothFlightandDustMuzzle.“Areyouhungry?”

“Notreally.”Rockyshrugged.“Ijustthoughtasmallbiteofshrewmighthelp.”Hegazedatherbleakly.

“I think you’d better move into my den,” Moth Flightmewedbriskly. “There’sanice, cleannest foryouand it’llbewarm.”And I can keep an eye on you. His lack of appetiteworriedher.PerhapsIneedtogivehimmoretansy.ShewishedDappled Pelt were here. Or Pebble Heart. They might knowwhat to do. I bet even Micah knows more than me. As shesteeredRockygentlytowardherden,shethoughtoftheyellowtom.Herpeltprickledwithwarmth.She’dbeseeinghimbeforelong,atthehalf-moongatheringatHighstones.Shepausedandwaited for Rocky to squeeze into her den. Following, shepointedhermuzzletotheheathernest.“ResttherewhileIfetchyoumoretansy.”

AsRockyclimbedinandbegantokneadtheheather,MothFlight turned towardherherbs.Perhaps I gavehim thewrongone. She sniffed at the curly green leaves she’d shredded for

himlastnight.Itwasdefinitelytansy.Shefeltsure.Shegrabbedabunchbetweenher jawsandcrossedtheden.DroppingitontheedgeofRocky’snest,sheleanedcloseandfeltheatpulsingfromhispelt.Hehasafever.“Eatthese.”Shepushedthetansycloser andheadedback to her herbs. Frustration tightenedherbelly.Sheknewtheremustbesomethingheretohelphisfever,butwhat?

Rocky lapped at the leaves, swallowing, then coughingharderthanever.

Moth Flight stared at him anxiously. The tansy wasn’thelping!

Catmint. The name flashed in her mind. Micah hadmentioned it!He’dsaid itwouldhelpTinyBranch’scough! Itlooksabitlikenettlesbuttheleavesaresmallerandtheydon’tsting. You’ll know if you ever see some. It smells great. He’dsaid itgrewby theTwolegbarn.Rockybegan towheeze.Thefarm was too far to travel. She needed to find some quickly.WouldtherebeanyaroundtheTwolegnestsbeyondtheforest?

“Trytorest,”shetoldRocky.“I’mgoingtohuntforherbs.”Shewatchedtheoldtomsettlestifflyintohisnest.Hispeltwasclumpedandhisgazedull.IwishIknewhowtomakehimfeelbetter.“ShallIfetchyousomethingfromthepreypilebeforeIgo?”

Rockygrunted.“Idon’tthinkIcanswallow.”“Isyourthroatsore?”“LikeIswallowedhotnettles.”Rockylaidhismuzzleonthe

edgeofhisnestandshookashefoughtbackacough.“Iwon’tbelong!”MothFlightracedfromherden.She’dbe

lucky if she made it to Twolegplace before sunhigh. She

boundedoverthetussockyclearing.“Moth Flight!” Dust Muzzle called from rocks near the

entrance. He was chewing on a vole. Spotted Fur lay besidehim,washinghisface.

Sheslewedtoahalt.“What?”“Whereareyougoing?”DustMuzzlepaddedtowardher.“Ineedtofindcatmint.”“ForRocky?”DustMuzzle looked towardherden. “I saw

youtakehimtoyourden.”“Itwillhelphiscough,”MothFlightexplained.SpottedFurcrossedthegrasstowardthem.“Whereareyou

goingtolook?”“Twolegplace,”MothFlighttoldhim.AnexcitedsqueaksoundedfrombehindtherocksandBlack

Earscrambledontothehigheststone.“Canwecome?”MothFlightblinkedathim.“No!It’stoofar.”“ButI’mbored,”thekitcomplained.Reed Tail stuck his head up from behind the rocks and

nudgedthekitwithhismuzzle.“I’ll takeyououtonthemoorwhenSlatewakesup,”hepromised.

MothFlightblinkedathim.“WasSwiftMinnowbusy?”“Shewastiredfromhunting,”ReedTailtoldher.“Shesaida

tomwasasgoodasa—”BlackEarinterrupted.“PerhapsSlatewillcomewithus!”“Noway.She’salwaystootired.”SilverStripescrambledup

besideherbrother.“Canwehuntonthemoor?”“Teachussomehuntingmoves!”WhiteTailleapedontothe

rock.“Iwanttocatcharabbit.”“They’rebiggerthanyou!”ReedTailteased.

“Reed Tail!” Holly called from the prey pile. “There arethreefatmicehere.Doyouknowanycatwhomightwantone?”

“Me!” Silver Stripe leaped from the rock and beganscramblingoverthetussocks.

“Iwantthefattestone!”BlackEarchasedafterhissister.“Youarethefattestone!”WhiteTailharedafterthem.Reed Tail glanced at Moth Flight. “I hope Slate says it’s

okaytotakethemoutofcamp.Theyhavemoreenergythananestofsquirrels.”

MothFlightwatchedhimtrudgeafterthekits,gratefulthathe’dtakenthemoffherpaws.SheturnedbacktoSpottedFur.Thetom’sambergazecloudedwithworry.

“Twolegplaceisalongway.You’llhavetocrossClearSky’sforest.”

“I’ll be okay,” Moth Flight reassured him. “Clear Skydoesn’tmindcatscrossinghisbordersanymore.Besides,I’mamedicinecatnow.I’monlyhuntingforherbs.”

Dust Muzzle frowned. “What if you run into rogues inTwolegplace?”

“AndthereareThunderpaths,”SpottedFuraddedanxiously.“We’d better comewith you.”DustMuzzle shook out his

pelt.Moth Flight blinked at him. “Aren’t you supposed to be

huntingtoday?”Spotted Fur paced around her. “We can hunt on the way

back.”Moth Flight wondered if she’d travel faster alone, but it

madesensetotakehelp.WhenshereachedTwolegplace,she’dhavetosniffoutcatmint,andthreenoseswouldbebetterthan

one.“Okay!”Shewhiskedher tail. “Thanks.”Heading for theentrance,shebrokeintoarun.

As she burst out of camp, relishing the fresh breeze thatstreamed through her whiskers, heather scent filled her nose.Happiness surged beneath Moth Flight’s pelt as she raceddownslope. She would find catmint and cure Rocky! Shepushedharderagainstthegrass.PawstepsthumpedbehindherasSpottedFurandDustMuzzlecaughtup.

“Slow down!” DustMuzzle called. “You can’t run all theway!”

“We’llhavetowalkintheforest.”MothFlightkepthergazefixedahead.Therootsandbramblesunderthetreeswouldslowthem down. Theymight aswellmake good time here, wheretheyknewtheterrainwell.Sheduckedintoaswathofheather,heading down a rabbit trail she’d followed countless timesbefore.

Racingouttheothersideoftheheather,sheheadedfortheforest,DustMuzzleandSpottedFurfollowingher.

Theycrossed thebordergingerly, exchangingglances.Thewhole Clan told tales of the days when Clear Sky hadchallengedanycathe’dfoundinhisforest.We’llbefine.MothFlight lifted her chin. Since the great battle, cats had crossedeach other’s territory freely, but itwas understood that no catwould hunt on another cat’s land.We’re not hunting. As thetreesblockedthesun’swarmth,sheshivered.WhatifaSkyClancatchallengedthemthesamewayWillowTailhadchallengedRed Claw about his “theft”? She pushed the thought away.Rockyneededcatmint.

DustMuzzlewasstaringbetweenthetoweringtrunks,eyes

wideasheadjustedtothegloom.“SkyClancatsmusthaveeyeslikeowls.”

Birdsongechoedeerilyfromthetreetrunks,closedinbythecanopy of branches. Sunshine filtered through the bright newleaves and dappled the forest floor. Brambles spilled frombetweenthetrees,andfernsunfurledinwideclumps.

Moth Flight tasted the air. Themusty flavor of old leavesand damp wood bathed her tongue. “Don’t SkyClan andThunderClanmissthesunshine?”shewhispered.

“Theymust.”SpottedFurfluffedouthispelt.“It’sweirdnothearingthewind.”

MothFlight realized that thepressinghum inherearswasthe sound of stillness. High overhead the leaves swished, butdownhere,amongtheroots,nobreezestirred.

“Thisway.”DustMuzzlepaddedforward,headinguparisewhere the forest sloped toward a small clearing and sunlightbrokethroughthecanopy.

Tinypawsscuttledacrosstheleavestooneside.SpottedFurjerkedhisheadaround.

“Ignoreit,”DustMuzzlewarned.“Wecancatchbiggerpreywhenwe’rebackonthemoor.”

SpottedFurhuffedandfollowedDustMuzzleashejumpedovera fallen log.MothFlightscrambledbehind them,yelpingasabramblesnaggedherpaw.

DustMuzzleglancedback.“Areyouokay?”“Yes.”MothFlight tugged herself free,wincing. “Howdo

theyhunthere?”SpottedFur shrugged. “Perhaps theywait for their prey to

trip.”

Atthetopoftherise,MothFlightrelishedthewarmthofthesunforamomentbeforeshadowswallowed itagain.“Doyouknowwhichway togo?” she called toDustMuzzle,whohadpulledintothelead.Hewasfollowingatrailsmoothedbyrabbittracks,bythesmellofthem.

“I’mtryingtofindtheThunderpath,”heanswered.SpottedFurfellinbesideher.“ItrunsbetweenSkyClanand

ShadowClanterritory.”Dust Muzzle glanced over his shoulder. “And it leads

straighttoTwolegplace.”Moth Flight shuddered. “I don’t want to follow a

Thunderpath.Itstinks.”“Doyouwanttogetlostamongthesetrees?”DustMuzzle

argued.“Can’t we just head away from the sun?” Moth Flight

reasoned.“Wecouldifwecouldseeit.”DustMuzzleveeredfromthe

trailasbramblescutacrossit.SpottedFurpaused.“Is thatagapin thetreesover there?”

Hepointedhisnosetowardalighterstretchofforest.DustMuzzleheadedtowardit.MothFlightpaddedbesideSpottedFur,hernose twitching

as the sour scent of monsters touched it. She could see lightspillingbetweenthetrunks.Theyclearedanotherlog,leapedaditch,andclimbedanotherrise.Ahead,thetreesopenedontoawide gap that cut through the forest like a clawmark. Blackstonelinedthegash,stinkingofTwolegstenchand,onthefarside,thetreesturnedfromoaktopine.

MothFlightfeltdizzyfromthescentswashingoverher.The

sharptangofpinesapandmonstersmadeherqueasy.“Let’sstayinthetrees,”shebegged.

“It’ll be easier to walk along the verge.” Dust Muzzleheadedoutontothegrass.

SpottedFurfollowed.“It’ssunnyhere.”MothFlightpeeredat theblackstoneasamonsterhowled

past.DustMuzzle hardly flinched.SpottedFur onlynarrowedhiseyesagainstthestinkingwindthatbillowedinitswake.

Moth Flight ducked back among the trees. She could stillremember Gorse Fur’s close brush with death. “I’m stayinghere.”

“WalkwhereIcanseeyou!”DustMuzzletrekkedalongthegrass verge, keeping pace with her as she pushed through aclumpofbracken.

“I’ll keep an eye on her.” Spotted Fur bounded into theforestandfellinbesideMothFlight.

“YoucanwalkwithDustMuzzle,”shetoldhim.“I’mokaybymyself.”

“I’dratherwalkwithyou.”She ignored the meaningful glance he gave her and

wonderedifMicahwasnearby.Hadthefarmcatexploredthispartoftheforestyet,orhadClearSkybeenkeepinghimbusyincamp?

Sheopenedhermouth,tastingtheairforatraceofhisscent.ButthestenchoftheThunderpathdrownedoutanyothersmell.Taildrooping,shepaddedon,scanningthetreesaheadforsomesignofTwolegnestsbeyond.

Theforestgrewwarmasthesunclimbedhigher,untilDustMuzzlecalledfromtheverge.“IcanseeTwolegplace!”

MothFlight’sheartlifted.“Isitfar?”“No!”She quickened her pace, Spotted Fur breaking into a trot

besideher.Pickingherwaypastabramblepatch,shescannedthetreesahead.Sharp-corneredwallsshowedbehindthetrunks.

Shebrokeintoarunasshereachedtheedgeofthewoods.DustMuzzleleft thevergeandhurriedtocatchupwithherasshe zigzagged through the undergrowth until she reached asheer wooden wall. She stopped at the bottom, judging theheight.Takingabreath,sheleaped.Shehookedherclawsintothe rough wood and scrambled like a squirrel to the top.Balancingonthenarrowridge,shegazedacross the jumbleofTwoleg nests and patches of grass, crisscrossed by amaze ofwoodenwalls.TheridgewobbledasDustMuzzleandSpottedFurjumpedupbesideher.

“Weshouldsplitup,”MothFlighttoldthem.DustMuzzlenarrowedhiseyesashescannedthenests.“We

don’tknowwhatwe’relookingfor.”“Micah says catmint looks like nettles,” Moth Flight told

him. “Its leaves are smaller and don’t sting. He said that itsmellssogreat,you’llknowifyoufindit.”

SpottedFur’speltruffled.“DoesMicahknowevery herb?”Therewasanedgeinhismew.

“Just catmint.” Moth Flight gazed down into the grassyclearing below.Unusual plants crowded the edge. She openedhermouthandlettheirscenttouchhertongue.Nothingsmelledgreat.Shenoddedtowardthewoodenwallsfartheralong.“Yousearchthere,I’llheadtheotherway,”shetoldDustMuzzle.

“I’mstickingwithyou,”SpottedFurtoldher.

Moth Flight dug her claws into the ridge. “We’ll find itquickerifwesplitup.”SpottedFurwasnicebutshedidn’twanthimbreathingonhertaileverywhereshewent.

DustMuzzlewhiskedhistail,wobblingasheturnedonthewall.“Callifyouneedhelp,”hetoldher,pickinghiswayalongit.“Wewon’tbefaraway.”

Spotted Fur caughtMoth Flight’s eye. “Are you sure youdon’twantmetogowithyou?”heaskedhopefully.

“DustMuzzlewillneedhelpsearchingforherbs.He’susedto hunting rabbits.” Moth Flight turned her tail on him andheadedintheoppositedirection.

Thewalltrembledbeneathherandshehadtoconcentratetokeepherbalance.Inthenextclearingbetweenthewallsshesawhuge white-plumed grasses towering around a patch of grass.Theclearingbeyondwascoveredwithstone.Shesniffedtheairas she reached the next one, relieved to see countless plantscrammedbetweenthewoodenwalls.Excited,shejumpeddownamongthemandbegansnufflingthroughtheleaves.

Likenettles.Micah’swordsranginhermind.Ifonlyshe’dmet him in the woods; he could have helped her find it. Shepaused. A wonderful scent was filling her nose. She blinked,gazingaround.

There! A leafy plant, just like Micah had described, wascrammed between a flowering shrub and a spiky grass. Shehurried toward it, her pelt pricking as its scent reached insideher. Excitement flared in her belly. She stopped beside it andplungedhermuzzledeepintotheplant,dizzyasshebreathedinthemouthwateringsmell.ItwasjustlikeMicahhadsaid.You’llknowitwhenyoufindit!

Shegrabbedaclumpofstemsbetweenherteethandrippedthem away from the plant. Laying them at her paws, shegrabbedanothermouthful, tearingawayasmuchasshecould.Delighted, she patted the broken stems into a tight bunch andbenttopickthemup.Thanks,Micah.

She paused, remembering their journey to Highstones. Itwasstillsovividinhermind:thesunsettingbehindthestones;themealMicahhad caught for her before she’dgone into thetunnel. She’d been so nervous, and he’d been so reassuring.Thathadbeenthebestnightofherlife.Shesuddenlytastedthescent of damp stone and imagined the spirit-cats shimmeringintoviewaroundher.Joywarmedherbellyasshepicturedhowkindlythey’dgreetedher.You’respecial—

Aloudyelpbrokeintoherthoughts.Shejerkedhermuzzlearound.ATwoleg burst from its nest and raced toward her. Itwasbarkinglikeanangrydog.

MothFlight’sheart seemed toburst.Blindwithpanic, shesnatched up the catmint between her jaws and hared for thewoodenwall.Twolegpawsgrabbedforher,theirclammyfleshpulling her fur as she twisted free. A growl rumbling in herthroat,sheleapedupthewallandclungtothetop.TheTwolegwasyowlinginrage,itsredfaceonlyatail-lengthaway.

Fightingterror,MothFlightleapedalongthewoodenridge,herclawsstretchedasitwobbledbeneathher.Inamoment,shewasbeyondtheTwoleg’sreach.Anotherwallblockeditsway,anditwasclearlytooclumsytoclimbover.Sheslowed,findingher balance and made her way shakily back toward DustMuzzle.

Her brother was already hurrying toward her, his pelt

bushed, his gaze flashing toward the barking Twoleg. “Did ithurtyou?”

Moth Flight’s mouth was too full to speak. Instead shejumped down into the forest. She spat out the catmint andsuckedinadeepbreath.

Dust Muzzle landed beside her, darting around heranxiously.“Areyouokay?”

“Just scared!” shepanted. “Ididn’t see it cominguntil toolate.”

SpottedFurscrambleddownthewall.“Whathappened?”DustMuzzle rolledhiseyes. “Mydreamysisternearlygot

caughtbyaTwoleg.”Moth Flight glared at him furiously. “I can’t help being

dreamy!”shehissed.Beyourself.HalfMoon’swordsflashedinhermind.“It’sjustthewayIam.”

“Oneday it’s going to get you into trouble,”DustMuzzlefretted.

“Iescaped,didn’tI?”MothFlightlashedhertail.“Anddon’ttellWindRunner!She’lljustworryaboutme!”

SpottedFurnosedbetweenthemandsniffedthecatmint.“Itdoes smell good!”A purr rumbled in his throat. “Can I chewsome?”Hewasalreadyrubbinghischeekagainstthestems.

MothFlightnosedhimaway sharply. “That’smedicine forRocky!”shesnapped,stillangrywithherbrother.“Hedoesn’twant your drool all over it.” She snatched up the stems andmarchedbackintotheforest.

Pawsachingfromthe journeyhome,MothFlight leftDustMuzzleandSpottedFurtohuntonthemoorandhurriedbacktocamp.Holdingherheadhighsoshedidn’ttripoverthestems,

shescrabbledoverthetussockyclearingandheadedforherden.Jagged Peak looked up as she passed. “That smells

mouthwatering!”Shedippedherheadtohim,unabletoanswer.StormPeltandEagleFeatherfellinbesideher,leaningclose

tosnifftheleaves.“What’sthat?”ApurrrumbledinStormPelt’sthroat.“IsitforRocky?”EagleFeatherasked.Moth Flight dropped the stems at the entrance to her den.

The heady scent clouded her thoughts and she shook out herpelt,hopingtoclearthem.“It’scatmint,”shetoldthem.

EagleFeatherwascrouching,sniffingattheleaves.“Wheredidyoufindit?”

“Twolegplace.” Moth Flight could hear Rocky coughinginsideherden.

“It’sashameitdoesn’tgrowonthemoor.”StormPelt’sblueeyesshone.“Itsmellsgreat.”

“It’sforcuringcoughs.”MothFlightshooedEagleFeatherawaywithaflickofhertail.“It’sprecious.”Sheglancedtowardthe sandy dip beside the big stone. Sunlight pooled at thebottom. If shedried the leaves, theywouldn’t rot.ShehookedtwostemsfromthepileandpushedtheresttowardStormPelt.“Will you spread these in the hollow so that they dry?” Sheglancedaround.SwiftMinnowandReedTailwerelounginginthe late-afternoon sunshine at the edge of the camp. Slate satblinking at the entrance to her denwhile Silver Stripe, BlackEar,andWhiteTailskitteredaroundher,chasingoneanother’stails. Wind Runner stretched beside the big stone, her bellyturnedtowardthesunandhereyesclosed.MothFlightblinked

atStormPelt.“Sitandguardthemwhiletheydry,”sheordered.“Idon’twanteveryoneincampsniffingtheleaves.They’reforsick cats.” She wouldn’t blame her Clanmates for wanting totaste the tempting leaves.She’dwanted to tryoneherself,butsheworriedthat, ifcatsatecatmintwhile theywerehealthy, itmightnotworkwhentheywereill.Besides,shedidn’twanttotraveltoTwolegplaceeveryfewdaystofetchmore!

Storm Pelt nodded, grabbing the stems between his jaws.Eagle Feather followed eagerly as he hopped into the hollowandbeganspreadingthemoverthesandyearth.

MothFlightduckedintoherden.ShelaidthestemsbesideRocky’snest.Heatwasstillpulsingfromhisdamppelt.

“Rocky?” She touched him gently with a paw and heblinkedhiseyesopen.“Howareyoufeeling?”

Hecoughedinreply.“I’vebroughtyousomethingthatmighthelp.”MothFlight

toreoffaleafwithaclawandplaceditbesideRocky’smuzzle.“Eatthis.”

Rocky sniffed the catmint, his eyes brightening. “It smellsnice!”Heblinkedathergratefullyandlappeduptheleaf.

She tore off a few more, dropping them beside him. Helapped themupasquicklyasshecouldshred them,untilbothstemswerepluckedclean.Wasthatenough?Sheleanedcloser,wonderinghowlongthecatmintwouldtaketowork.

Rocky purred happily, though he still wheezedwith everybreath.

“MothFlight!”She lifted her head sharply. A familiar voice was calling

outside.

Micah!Peltprickingwithexcitement,sheduckedoutofherden.Theyellowtomwascrossingtheclearing,thelatesunshineturninghisfurgolden.Shehurriedtomeethim,hopingherpeltdidn’tlooktoodustyafterherlongtrekthroughtheforest.Herheartleapedasshesawhim.

Hestoppedashereachedher,hiseyesshining.“How’slifeasamedicinecat?”

“Youshouldknow!”MothFlightmethisgaze, joysurginginherchest.“What’slifelikewithSkyClan?”

Micah swished his tail. “Okay, I guess.” He didn’t soundsure.

“How’sTinyBranch?Didyoucurehim?”“He’schargingaroundcampwithhislittermates,ashealthy

asalark.”Micahpuffedouthischestproudly.“Clear Sky and Star Flower must be happy,”Moth Flight

commented.“Star Flower is,” Micah told her. “I think Clear Sky’s

wishinghehadn’tpromisedIcouldstayifIcuredhiskit.”WorryrippledthroughMothFlight’sfur.ClearSkycouldbe

cruel.“Ishegivingyouahardtime?”“NothingIcan’thandle.Hemeowsloudly,buthekeepshis

clawssheathed.Ithink—”“Micah.”WindRunner’smewcut himoff. “What are you

doinghere?”MothFlight turned to seehermotherapproaching.Her fur

was still flattenedwhere she’d been lying. Sleepiness cloudedher gaze. But Moth Flight recognized her tone of voice. Shestiffened,wonderingwhethertheWindClanleaderwasgoingtofindfaultwithherorwithMicah.“Hecametoseeme,”shetold

WindRunner. Then she paused, glancing anxiously atMicah.“Youdid,right?”

Micahpurred.“Ofcourse!I’vemissedyou.”Wind Runner’s gaze darkened. “I really don’t think you

shouldbehere,”shetoldtheyellowtom.“ClearSky’snot toohappywithWindClanatthemoment.NotsinceweaccusedRedClawofprey-stealing.”

OrsinceItoldhim to takea farmcat intohisClan,MothFlightthought.

WindRunnernarrowedhereyes.“Yousmellliketheforest,MothFlight,”shemeowedsharply.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”

“IwenttoTwolegplacetofetchcatmintforRocky.”Wind Runner bristled. “Did you cross Clear Sky’s

territory?”“It’sthequickestroute.”Micah blinked at her. “I wish I’d known,” he told her

earnestly.“Iwouldhaveescortedyou.”“It’s okay,”Moth Flight reassured him. “DustMuzzle and

SpottedFurcamewithme.”WindRunner’s tail twitched. “Three of you crossed Clear

Sky’sland?”MothFlightfacedher.“Sowhat?Weweren’thunting.And

Rockyneededtheleaves.”“Butwhatif—”MicahcutWindRunneroff,his eagergaze fixedonMoth

Flight.“Didyoufindsome?”Moth Flight nodded. “It was just like you said. Once I

smelledit,Iknewitwascatmint.”“Itmakesyourmouthwater,doesn’tit?”Micahpurred.

“Stop it!” Wind Runner pushed in front of Micah. “Youcan’t come intoour campwhenever youwant togossip aboutherbs!” She turned on Moth Flight. “And you can’t gowanderingintoSkyClanterritorywithouttellingme.”

MothFlight blinked at her. “But itwas forRocky!You’realwaysgoingonabout thegoodof theClan.Well thiswasforthegoodoftheClan.”

WindRunner’sgazedarkened.“It’snotforthegoodoftheClanifitstartsabattle.”

Moth Flight’s pelt pricked. “Surely there wouldn’t be abattleoversomethingasdumbascrossingeachother’sland.”

“ClearSky’sstartedonebefore,”WindRunnermuttered.Micah’searstwitched.“IthinkClearSkyismoreinterested

in being a good father at the moment than fighting battles.”BeforeWindRunnercouldreply,hecaughtMothFlight’seye.“I’dbettergo.”

“Yes.”WindRunnerstaredathim.“You’dbetter.”Moth Flight sniffed indignantly. “I’ll walk you to the

border.”WindRunnershotheralook.“Don’tcrossit.”“Iwon’t!”Moth Flightwhisked her tail as she headed for

the entrance. Then she paused. “I’d better check on RockybeforeIgo.Iwanttoseeifthecatmint’sworking.”

WindRunnerstalkedaway,growling.“Don’tbelong.IwantMicahbackinhisownterritorybysunset.”

Micah glanced at Moth Flight, his eyes glittering withamusement.“She’sevensternerthanIimagined.”

“Iwarnedyou.”MothFlightheaded forherden, stiflingapurr.

Inside, Rocky stretched in his nest, spreading his bellyhappily.Aloudpurrthrobbedinhischest.Hewasn’tcoughing.MothFlightblinkedathim.“Itsoundslikethecatmintworked.”

“I feel great!”Rocky lifted his head and stared blearily atMothFlight.

Micah padded past her and smelled the old tom’s breath.“Howmuchdidyougivehim?”heaskedMothFlight.

“Two stems.” Moth Flight hurried to the nest anxiously.“Wasthattoomuch?”

BeforeMicahcouldanswer,Rocky reachedoutapawandgaveher a playful shove on themuzzle. “Itwas just the rightamount.”His tail flicked over his belly.As it flashed past hisnose, he grabbed it betweenhis forepaws. “Got you!”Delightshoneinhiseyes.“Look!Icaughtmytail!”

Moth Flight stiffened. She’d never seen him act like a kitbefore.“HaveIpoisonedhim?”

“He’ll be fine,”Micah reassured her. “Hemight just be alittleplayfulforawhile.Buthiscoughshouldimprove.”

“It already has.” Rocky flopped onto his side, his headlollingovertheedgeofhisnest.

“Comeon.”MicahsteeredMothFlighttowardtheentrance.“Lethimsleepitoff.”

“I’mnotsleepy,”Rockycalledafterthem.“Stayinyournest,”Micahtoldhimfirmly.“Wedon’twant

you wandering off and getting lost in the heather. Youmightfeelbetterbutyoustillneedtorest.”HenosedMothFlightfromtheden.

Outside,inthesunshine,MothFlightblinkedathim.“HowmuchshouldIhavegivenhim?”sheasked.

“Twoorthreeleavesareenough.”Micahheadedtowardthecampentrance.

MothFlighthurriedtocatchup.“DidTinyBranchact likethatwhenyougavehimsome?”

“I only gave him one leaf,” Micah weaved between thetussocksandheadedoutofcamp.

Moth Flight’s pelt prickled hotly along her spine as shefollowedhim.Rockyhadbeen the first cat she’dever treated.“I’msuchafeatherbrain,”shemewedcrossly.

Micahlookedather,surprised.“Why?”“Ishouldhaveknownitwastoomuch.”“How?” Micah padded at her side. “You’d never seen it

before.I’mimpressedthatyouevenfoundsome.”“Really?”MothFlightblinkedathim.“Don’tbesohardonyourself,”Micah toldher.“We’reall

learning.”“Haveyoumadeanymistakes?”MothFlightasked.“Notyet.”Micahgazedacross theheather. “But there’s so

muchIdon’tknowyet.ClearSkyseemstothinkIshouldhavetheanswertoeverything.Mostofthetime,I’mjustguessing.”

ThebreezetuggedMothFlight’spelt,chillynowasthesunbegan to set.But shehardlynoticed.Shewas relieved tohearthat Micah was feeling overwhelmed by his duties too. “Ithoughtitwasjustme,”shemeowedsoftly.

Micah’s flankbrushedhers. “It’s not just you,” he assuredher. “I bet Dappled Pelt, Cloud Spots, and Pebble Heart arestrugglingtoo.”

“Not Pebble Heart,” Moth Flight sighed. “Everyone sayshe’sanaturalhealer.”Sheglancedatherpaws.“IwishIwas.”

“Howdoyouknowyou’renot?”Micahchallenged.“Rockyseemedveryhappyjustnow.”

MothFlightpurred,picturingtheoldtom.“Abittoohappy.”“There’snosuchthingas‘toohappy.’”Micahbrokeintoa

run,swervedaroundapatchofheatherandboundeddowntheslopeasitsteepened.

MothFlightchasedafterhim,purringassheran.Shecaughtupastheynearedtheborder.“Wait!”Shedidn’twanthimtogohomeyet.

Heskiddedtoahaltashenearedthebramblesspillingfromamongthetrees.“What?”

“Youdon’thavetogetbacktocampalready,doyou?”MothFlightgazedintohisambereyes.

Micahglancedattheborder.“Iguessnot.”Hedidn’tsoundsure.

MothFlighttippedherhead.“Issomethingwrong?”“No.”Micahswishedhistailbreezily.“Ofcoursenot.Ijust

promisedAcornFurI’dhelphermixsomeherbs.”“AcornFur?”MothFlightfrowned.“Butyou’reSkyClan’s

medicinecat.”“ClearSkywantsmetohaveahelper.”Micahavoidedher

gaze.“Ithinkhewantshertokeepaneyeonme.”“ClearSky’sneverbeen too trusting.”MothFlightpadded

closer.“I’msurehe’llgetusedtohavingyouasamedicinecatsoon.”

“Yeah.” Micah shrugged. “Besides, Acorn Fur’s nice. Wegetalongfine.Andshe’sbright.Iquitelikehavingheraround.”

MothFlightpushedawaythejealousyprickinginherbelly.“AcornFur’sokay,”sheconceded.

“Wefoundawaytotreatscratches,”Micahtoldher.“Ifyouchew dock leaves and horsetail stems into a paste, you cansmearitdeepintoawound.”

MothFlightprickedherears.“I’lltrythatnexttimeoneofthekitsgrazesapaw.”

“Itstings,”Micahwarned.“They’llmakeafuss.Butitwillstopthewoundfromgettinginfected.”

Thebramblesshivered.“Micah!”AcornFurpaddedintotheeveningsunshine.“I’vebeenlookingforyou.”

Micahdippedhisheadtothechestnutbrownshe-cat.“Iwasjustonmywaybacktocamp.”

“Clear Sky wants you there now.” Acorn Fur eyed MothFlightwarily.“HesaysTinyBranchneedsmorecatmint.”

Micahfrowned.“TinyBranchisfine.”“Justcome!”AcornFurglaredathim.“ClearSkyisinone

ofhismoods.”“Letmesaygood-byetoMothFlightfirst.”Moth Flight felt Micah’s soft breath on her muzzle as he

leanedtowardher.“Hurry up!” Acorn Fur crossed the border and padded to

Micah’sside.MicahcaughtMothFlight’seye,hisgazeapologetic.“I’ve

gottogo,”hewhispered.“Seeyouathalf-moon,”MothFlightmurmuredback.“Yeah.”MicahfollowedAcornFurintothetrees.Moth Flight watched the shadows swallow him, her pelt

pricking uneasily. Acorn Fur was treating him more like ahostagethanaClanmate.WasMicahokayinSkyClan?Shetoreher gaze away, already longing to see him again, and headed

backtocamp.

CHAPTER17

MothFlightglancedat themoon. It rose,aperfecthalfcircle,amongthestars.Thedayssincefullmoonhadpassedquickly.MothFlighthadbeenbusierthanshe’deverbeenbefore.NowshewasonherwaytoHighstones.

Shepaused,herpawschafedfromthestonyfarmtracks.Micahhaltedbesideher.“Tired?”“Alittle,”sheadmitted.She’dnormallybecurledinhernest

bynow.They’d leftWindClan as the sun sank toward the horizon.

Micah andCloud Spots hadmetMoth Flight on themoortopwhereshe’dbeenwaiting,thewindripplingherfur,heartracinginanticipationoftheirjourneytotheMoonstone.

Now she glanced at Highstones, looming ahead of them.“We’vemadegoodtime.”CloudSpotshadhurriedahead.Shecouldseehim,nomorethanashadowtrackingbackandforthatthebottomofabeechhedge,as thoughlookingfor theeasiestwaythrough.“Whatifthespirit-catsdon’tcome?”

Micah touchedhismuzzle tohershoulder.“Youworry toomuch.”

Cloud Spots glanced over his shoulder. “I’ve picked upDappledPelt’strail!”

“Atlast!”MothFlightwasbeginningtowonderwhethertheRiverClanmedicinecathadforgottenthemeeting.

“PebbleHeart’swithher,”CloudSpotscalled.Moth Flight hurried to catch up with the ThunderClan

medicinecat.“Isthetrailfresh?”“Yes!” Cloud Spots ducked under the hedge and

disappeared.Moth Flight squeezed after the long-furred black tom, the

beech twigs scraping her pelt.Micahwriggled through at hertail.

On the other side, ameadow stretched into the shadow ofHighstones. The cliff seemed to swallow half the sky. CloudSpotswasalreadyboundingthroughthelonggrasstowardtwofelineshapesmovingatthefarside.

“PebbleHeart!”CloudSpots’syowl rang in the coldnightair.“DappledPelt!Isthatyou?”

“Yes!”PebbleHeart’scallechoedback.Micahbrokeintoarun.“Comeon!We’renearlythere!”Moth Flight hared after him. As the soft grass turned to

stones beneath her paws, she reached the RiverClan andShadowClan medicine cats. “I thought you’d forgotten,” shepuffed.

Dappled Pelt’s tortoiseshell fur rippled along her spine.“Howcouldweforgetsomethingasimportantasthis?”

“I can’twait to speakwith the spirit-cats!” PebbleHeart’seyesshonewithstarlight.

Micah paced back and forth, his tail twitching. “Cow andMouse would never believe this.” He looked towardHighstones.Theopeningwasjustbarelyvisible,adarkshadowinthefaceoftherock.

CloudSpotsfollowedhisgaze.“Isthatwherewe’regoing?”“Yes.”ButterfliesflutteredinMothFlight’sbelly.“Isitdeepinside?”PebbleHeart’smewtrembled.

“There’snoneedtobescared,”MothFlightreassuredhim.“Oncewe’ve entered, you’ll feel theMoonstone calling you.”She remembered the strange calm that had enfolded her lasttime.

“Comeon.”Micahbegantocrossthestones.MothFlightboundedafterhim,pebblescrunchingbeneath

herpawsastheslopesteepenedtowardthefootof thecliff.“Ibetyouneverthought,amoonago,thatyou’dspeakwithdeadcats,”sheguessedasshecaughtup.

“IneverthoughtI’dbelivinginaforest,”Micahreturned.Moth Flight blinked at him anxiously. Did he resent how

muchshe’dchangedhislife?“Areyousorryyoumetme?”Micahhaltedandmethergazesolemnly.“No.It’s thebest

thingthateverhappenedtome.”Joy rippled beneathMothFlight’s pelt. “I feel the samew

—”“Hurryup.”CloudSpotsslidpastthem,hisblackpelthardly

visibleagainstthedarkrock.Onlyhiswhiteearsandpawsgavehimaway.

Dappled Pelt hurried after the black tom. Pebble Heartboundedbehind,scatteringstonesinhiswake.

Wincingasonehitherpaw,MothFlightglancedupat thedarkopening.Whatwould theothers thinkwhen theysawtheMoonstoneforthefirsttime?

“Comeon.”Micahnudgedherforward.Pebble Heart had already leaped onto the shadowy ledge.

The white spot on his chest glowed like a star. Cloud Spotshoppedupbesidehimandstaredblinkingintothetunnel.MicahfollowedDappledPeltasMothFlightscrambledupafterthem.

Theicystonefeltfamiliarbeneathherpaws.Shesniffedtheshadows.The tangof stoneandwaterwashedhermuzzleandsheshivered,excitementswellinginherchest.“Followme.”Asshe padded into the darkness, cold air flooded over her pelt.Behindher, thestarlight faded.“Wehave toreach thecavebythe time moonlight strikes the stone.” Her breath billowed,warmaroundhernose.

She heard the other cats’ paws scuff the stone as theyfollowed. Eyes wide, Moth Flight peered into the blackness,relaxingassheletherwhiskersguideher.Brushingthewallofthe tunnel, she followed it down as it snaked deep intoHighstones.

“Doyou remember theway?”CloudSpots’s anxiousmewechoedbehindher.

“Whatifyoutakethewrongtunnel?”DappledPeltfretted.“IknowwhereI’mgoing,”MothFlightpromised.Micah’sbreathrippledhertail-fur.“Ican’tbelieveyoucame

downherealone.”“Iwasn’t alone.”A purr trembled inMoth Flight’s throat.

“Thespirit-catswerewaitingforme.”“Are they there now?” PebbleHeart’smew sounded from

theblackness.“We’llseewhenthemoonlighthitsthestone.”MothFlight

quickened her pace. She didn’t want to miss it. Fresh airtouchedher nose. “We’re nearly there!”She rounded a cornerand felt the tunnel open around her.Air swirled over her peltandsheblinkedasshesawweakstarlightripplingonthecavewalls ahead. She paused, her heart pounding. Pebble Heartpaddedpast her, nose twitching.DapplePelt andCloudSpots

circledthegreatrock.Micah stopped beside Moth Flight. He stared at the hole

high in the roof. “Who’d have thought starlight could reachdownthisfar?”

MothFlightpurred.“Waituntilthemoonlightarrives.”Shepadded toward the rock and settled herself in front of it. “Wehavetotouchournosestoit,”shetoldtheothers.

“Howdoyouknow?”CloudSpotsblinkedather.“Isawanothercatdoitinadream,andlasttimeIcame—”PebbleHeartcutheroff.“Look!”MothFlightfollowedhisgaze.Throughthehole,shecould

seetheclippededgeofthemoon.“Hurry!”Fur brushing rock, the other cats settled around the

Moonstone. Dappled Pelt’s eyes flashed with excitement.PebbleHeartshiftedonhisbelly,peltpricking.

CloudSpotscrouchedbesidehim,awhiskerfromthestone.MicahsettledbesideMothFlight.Shefeltwarmthseepingfromhispeltandclosedhereyes.

PebbleHeart’sgaspmadeherblinkthemopen.Light blinded her. The rock shimmered in front of her

muzzle, brighter than countless stars.Her breath quickened asshetouchedhernosetoit.

The rock seemed to fall away. Shewas swept through theair,herheadspinning,herheartpoundinginherears.Andthenshefeltsoftgrassbeneathherpaws.

Sheblinkedopenhereyes.Wherewasthecave?Shewasontopofahill.Greenmeadowsstretchedawayon

everyside.Inthedistance,aforestlifteditsbranchestoaclear,

bluesky.Shefeltsunlightwarmherpeltandsmelledthefreshscentofnewleaf.

Micahshiftedbesideher.Shecaughthiseye.“Wherearewe?”“Youdon’tknow?”Heblinkedinsurprise.“Lasttime,Ineverleftthecave.”Cloud Spots looked around, pelt bristling. Dappled Pelt

leapedtoherpaws.“What is this place?” Pebble Heart’s eyes were stretched

withwonder.A silky mew answered him. “These are our hunting

grounds.”HalfMoonwasclimbingtheslopetowardthem.Morepelts

shimmered into view, encircling the hilltop. Starlight shone intheirfur.

Joyswelled inMothFlight’schest.Thespirit-cats! They’dcome!

HalfMoonpaddedpastMothFlightandhalted.AsMicahturnedhishead,surveyingtheranksofstarrycats,

PebbleHeartstretchedhismuzzleandsniffedatHalfMoon.DappledPelttippedherhead,curiosityflashinginhereyes.

“Stoneteller?”“Itisgoodtoseeyousettledinyournewhome,”HalfMoon

purred.CloudSpotsgazedintoHalfMoon’sdarkgreengaze.“Isit

reallyyou?”“Ofcourse.”TheThunderClantom’sgazeflittedtotheotherstarrycats.

“Jackdaw’s Cry! Bright Stream!” He raced from one cat to

another,touchingmuzzlesexcitedly.“Rainswept Flower!” Dappled Pelt darted toward a brown

she-cat. She greeted her, then jerked her muzzle toward anorangeshe-cat.“HawkSwoop!”

Micahshiftedhispaws,staringblanklyatthespirit-cats.“Turtle Tail!” Pebble Heart’s eyes lit up as he saw his

mother.Henosedhiswaybetweenthespirit-catstowardher.Turtle Tail was already hurrying to meet him. “Pebble

Heart!”Hereyesglowedwithjoyasshetouchedhermuzzletohishead.

Purring,herubbedagainsther.“IthoughtI’dneverseeyouagain!”

“We’realwayscloseby.”GrayWingslidfromthecrowd.PebbleHeart jerked hismuzzle around, delighted. “You’re

bothhere!Together!”GrayWing purred loudly, his starry pelt shimmering. “It’s

goodtoseeyou,PebbleHeart.”HalfMoonliftedherchin.“Letusgatherandsharenews.”At herwords, the starry cats closed the circle aroundHalf

Moon,Micah,andMothFlight.PebbleHeart,DappledPelt,andCloudSpotslefttheiroldfriendsandhurriedtothecenter.

“You did well.” Half Moon’s green eyes glowed as shegazedatMothFlight.

“DidI?”MothFlightblinkedatheranxiously.“Yes.” As Half Moon dipped her head to Moth Flight,

murmursofappreciationrippledaroundthespirit-cats.MothFlightglancedatthemshyly,pridesurgingbeneathher

pelt. “I just told the Clans, like you asked me to.” Sheremembered with a shudder Clear Sky’s scorn. And Tall

Shadow’s disbelieving gaze. Even her Clanmates had thoughtshe’d imagined the spirit-cats. “Thanks for sending thelightning.” Without it, the Clans might never have taken herseriously.“Whenyousaidyou’dsplittheskies,Ineverguessedthat’swhatyoumeant.”

Half Moon gazed at her warmly. “You will get better atunderstandingus.”

MothFlighthopedshewasright.“Whatdidyoumeanwhenyou said later the stars would rise?” She tipped her head,waitingforthewhiteshe-cattoexplain.

“Youwillknowwhenithappens.”FrustrationprickedMothFlight’spaws.Whycouldn’tHalf

Moonjustsaywhatshemeant?“Whenwhathappens?”HalfMoonnarrowedhergaze.“Thisisyourlife.Wecannot

guideeverypawstep. Ifwedid,youwouldonlydiscoverourpath.Youmustdiscoveryourown.”

MothFlight’staildrooped.“Iguess.”Butitwouldbeeasierifyoujusttolduswhattodo.

HalfMoonseemedtoreadherthoughts.“Itwouldbeeasier,but not better.” She turned toMicah. “Thank you for leavingyourhometojoinus.”

“Us?”Micah’s ears twitched. He glanced uneasily aroundthespirit-cats.“IonlyjoinedSkyClan.”

“YoujoinedtheClans,”HalfMoonpurred.“Whatarewe,ifnotanotherClan?”

MothFlight’sbreathcaughtinherthroat.Thespirit-catssawthemselves as a Clan. “You’re StarClan,” she breathed,rememberingwhenshe’dlookedupatthestarsandfirstthoughtofthename.

Half Moon’s eyes shone. “Yes.” She lifted her chin,surveyingherstarryClanmates.“That’sexactlywhatweare.”

“StarClan!”“StarClan!”Thewordrippledaroundthespritcats,theireyeslightingup

astheyspoketheirnewname.HalfMoonswishedhertail,herdarkgreengazereturningto

Micah.“YoubringfreshspirittotheClans,Micah,”shepurred.MothFlightsniffed.“Hewould, ifClearSky lethim.He’s

toldAcornFurtowatchhim.”“ClearSkyistheleader,”HalfMoonremindedher.“Hewill

do what he thinks best for his Clan. But he will seeMicah’sworth.”Hergazedarkened.“Ijusthopeheseesitsoon.”

“SodoI!”Micahfluffedouthisfur.GrayWingpaddedforwardandstoppedbesideHalfMoon.

“We are pleased to see themedicine cats learning skills fromeachother.”

Bright Stream lifted her tail. “We hope you will sharemore!”

“TheClansmustpooltheirknowledge,”RainsweptFlowerurgedfromamongherClanmates.

“Butweknowsolittle!”MothFlightblurted.HalfMoon’sgazeflittedaroundthemedicinecats.“Youwill

learnmoreifyoushare.”Excitement sparked in Moth Flight’s chest. Of course!

Micah had told her about catmint and she’d used it to cureRocky. If she knew everything Dappled Pelt, Cloud Spots,PebbleHeart,andMicahknew,she’dbeabletohelpherwholeClan.SheblinkedatHalfMoon.“Wewillshare!Ipromise.”

TheStarClancat’speltbegantofade.Aroundher,thespirit-catsweregrowingpale.

AlarmflashedthroughMothFlight.“Don’tgoyet!”“Wewill return next half-moon,” GrayWing called as he

shimmeredoutofsight.The greenmeadows and distant forest grew hazy asMoth

Flightdesperatelytriedtofixhergazeonthem.Shefeltdizzyasthey began to swirl.Blackness enfolded her and a chill sweptherpelt.

Sheblinkedopenhereyes.Shewasinthecaveoncemore,theMoonstonenomorethanadulllumpofrock.

Micahshiveredbesideher.PebbleHeartpushedhimselftohispaws.Dappled Pelt lifted her head, blinking. “Did you all see

that?”“Wewereonahill!”CloudSpotseyesgleamedintheweak

starlight.“Stoneteller!” Dappled Pelt jumped up, her pelt bristling.

“Shewantsustosharewhatweknowabouthealing!”“Who’sStoneteller?”MothFlighttippedherhead.Whydid

theoldercatskeepcallingHalfMoonbythatname?“She was our healer in the mountains,” Cloud Spots

explained.“WecalledherStoneteller.”Micahsniffed.“Ifshe’sahealer,whydoesn’tshesharewhat

sheknowswithus?”DappledPeltpaddedaroundhim,herpeltprickingexcitedly.

“Healingwas different in themountains. Thereweren’tmanyherbs.Shemustwantustolearnnewskills.”

PebbleHeart’seyesglazed,asthoughdeepinthought.“We

have thechance tobecomebetterhealers than sheever could.Sheknowsthat.Shewantsustobebetter.”

MothFlight’spawstingled.“Wemusttryourbest.Wehavetoshareeverythingweknow.”ShewantedtomakeHalfMoonproud.She’sputsomuchfaithinme. “Afewdaysago,Micahtoldmehowtostopcutsfromgettinginfected.”Shelookedathimexpectantly.

“Imadeapoulticeofdockandhorsetailbychewinguptheleaves,”Micah told themeagerly. “Blossomhada scratch thatwas turningsour, so I licked thepoulticedeep into thewoundanditwasbetterbymorning.”

Cloud Spots’s whiskers twitched excitedly. “Clover keptchewingatawoundonherpaw,soIsmearedsomemousebileonit.Shedidn’tputhernosenearitagain.”

“ShatteredIcegotabellyachefromeatingastinkingfish,”DappledPeltputin.“Igavehimwatermint.Hefeltalotbetter.”

“I’ve been trying to work out if pinesap is good foranything,” Pebble Heart mewed thoughtfully. “So far it onlyseemsusefulforstickingleavesoverwoundstokeepdirtout.”

As the others looked expectantly at Moth Flight, guiltwormedbeneathherpelt.Ihaven’tdiscoveredanything!Exceptthattoomuchcatmintmakescatscrazy!“IguessIcouldseeifheatherisgoodforanything,”shemewedtentatively.“Butwhatifit’spoisonous?”

“Itcan’tbe,”CloudSpotsreasoned.“WindClancatsmustbecovered in heather dust. And you don’t get sick when youwash.”

Why didn’t I think of that?Moth Flight began to feel hot.“Perhaps I should have brought Reed Tail with me,” she

mumbled.“Heknowsalot.”“So doesMilkweed,” Cloud Spotsmewed. “She’s the one

whosuggestedmousebile.”Micah’s tail twitched. “Instead of bringing every cat who

knows something about healing here, why don’t we travel toeachother’scamps?”

MothFlightfrowned.Shewasn’tsurewhathemeant.“It would only take one or two of us to travel around,

learning and sharingknowledge.”Micahpaced in front of theMoonstone. “What if Moth Flight and I traveled to anotherClan’scampand learnedeverythingwecould?ThenwecouldmoveontoanotherClanandsharewhatwe’dlearnedandpickupnewskills.”

“What about the Clan you’d left behind?” Cloud Spotsargued.“They’donlylearnwhatyouknew.”

“Wecouldtaketurns,”Micahsuggested.“YoucouldtravelwithDappledPelt,orPebbleHeart.Solongaswekeeplearningandsharing,itdoesn’tmatterwhotravelswhere.”

PebbleHeartnodded.“Itsoundslikeagoodidea.”“HowcanweleaveourClans?”DappledPeltargued.“They

needus.”Moth Flight shifted her paws. “I know so little that

WindClanwouldbejustassafewithReedTailincharge.”“Milkweedknowsenough to lookafterThunderClanwhile

I’mgone,”CloudSpotsadded.“You see?” Micah’s eyes glowed in the half-light. “The

soonerwegetstartedthebetter.”Dappled Pelt tipped her head. “Why don’t you and Moth

Flight come visit RiverClan first? River Ripple will welcome

you.Hethinksmedicinecatsareagreatidea.”“It might be hard to get Tall Shadow to agree to have

strangersinhercamp,”PebbleHeartmurmured.Micahblinkedathim.“DoyouthinkClearSky isgoing to

letme leavewithout an argument?”He swished his tail. “Wehave to persuade our leaders that it’s for the good of theirClans.”

PebbleHeartnoddedslowly.“Themoreweknow,thebetterwecanhelpourClanmates,”heagreed.

“Then it’s settled.” Micah turned to Dappled Pelt. “MothFlightandIwillvisityouthedayaftertomorrow.”

Moth Flight’s ears twitched. “What ifWind Runner stopsme?”

“You’re WindClan’s medicine cat now,” Micah told her.“Shehastolistentoyou.”

Moth Flight blinked. He was right. She wasn’t a kitanymore. She wasn’t even an ordinary Clan cat. “Okay,” sheagreed. “I’ll meet you at the stepping-stones, the day aftertomorrow.”She’dseenstonesdottingtheriverwheretheforestgavewaytothereedbedsofRiverClan’sterritory.

Micahpurred.“Great.”Pebble Heart shook out his pelt. Cloud Spots stretched,

shivering,whileDappledPeltswallowedbackayawn.Moth Flight guessed theywere cold and tired. “Let’s go.”

Sheheadedforthetunnel.“We’vegotalongwaytotravel.”Micah fell in beside her as she ducked into the shadows.

“How’sRocky’scough?Didthecatmintwork?”“Yes.”MothFlightpurred.Rockyhad slept thewholeday

awayafterhe’dswallowedtheleaves,buthe’dwokenbrighter

andhiscoughwasclearingup.PebbleHeart’smewsoundedfromthedarknessbehind.“Is

he the only cat in your Clanwith a cough? Sun Shadow andRavenPelthavebeencoughingfordays.”

“DewNose was a bit wheezy this morning,”Moth Flighttoldhim.“ButIthinkit’sjustpollenmakingherthroattickle.”

“Milkweed and Clover both have coughs,” Cloud Spotsmeowed.

“Shattered Ice has been croaking like a frog these pastdays,”DappledPelt’smewechoedaroundthetunnelswalls.

Moth Flight brushed against Micah, frowning. Perhapsnewleafalwaysbroughtcoughs.“IsTinyBranchstillokay?”

“Hewassplutteringabitthismorning,”Micahconfessed.“ItoldAcornFurtokeepaneyeonhim.”

MothFlightcouldhearanxietyinhismew.“He’llbeokayifyougivehimcatmint,won’the?”

Micah’s paws scuffed the rock. “There was a tom on thefarmwithacough,”hemeoweddarkly.“Wecalleditredcoughbecause,attheend,hecoughedupblood.”

At the end? Moth Flight shivered. The darkness suddenlyseemedtopressagainstherpeltasshepaddedon.

“I’ve never seen a Clan cat cough blood,” Dappled Spotsmurmureddarkly.

Alarm pricked in Moth Flight’s paws. “Didn’t catminthelp?”sheaskedMicah.“Yousaid therewassomebehind thebarn.”

“Cow triedgivinghimcatmint, but it didn’twork,”Micahexplained.

“I know something more powerful than catmint.” Cloud

Spots’smewsoundedatMothFlight’s tail.She felthisbreathstirherfur.“There’satreeonSkyClan’sland.Itoozessapfromcracksinthebark.Thesapcancureanycough.”

Moth Flight glanced over her shoulder hopefully. “Evenredcough?”

“I’venevertestedit,”CloudSpotsadmitted.FreshairbegantowashMothFlight’smuzzle.Afewmore

pawsteps,andstarlightshowedthroughthedarkness.Crispairsent a surge of energy through her fur. She hurried onto theledgeandgazedoverthevalley.Moonlightdrenchedthedistantmoor. “We’ll be home by dawn.” She leaped down, sendingstonescrackingdowntheslope,andheadedforthemeadow.

Pawsheavywithweariness,MothFlightduckedthroughthegap in the campwall.Beyond it, the sky showedorangeoverthe forest as dawn pushed the night away. She could hear thegentlesnoringofherClanmates,andmakeout theirpelts, justshadows in the grass as they slept curled in their nests. Howgooditwouldfeeltoslipintoherdenandsnuggledeepintoherownnest.

Sheheardthesoundoffurbrushingtherocksasshepassedthem.Sheturned,blinking,throughthehalf-light.“Whoisit?”

Wind Runner’s scent bathed her nose as her mother slidfromtherocks.

“You’reback.”TheWindClanleaderstretchedsleepilyandtouchedhernosetoMothFlight’scheek.

“Didyouwaitupforme?”WarmthglowedinMothFlight’schest.

“I slept a little,”WindRunner admitted. “But Iwanted tomake sure you got back safely. It’s a long journey to

Highstones.”“IhadMicahwithme,”MothFlightreassuredher.“I know.”WindRunnerwrinkled her nose distastefully. “I

cansmellhisscentonyou.”Moth Flight felt suddenly self-conscious. “Cloud Spots,

DappledPelt,andPebbleHeartweretheretoo,”shepointedout.Wind Runner’s gaze slid away. “Did you speak with the

spirit-cats?”“Yes!”MothFlightliftedhertailexcitedly.“StarClantoldus

wemustsharetheknowledgewehavewitheachother.”“StarClan?”WindRunnerjerkedhergazeback.“That’swhatthespirit-catsarecallednow.Theyevenhave

theirownhuntinggrounds.”Wind Runner’s eyes widened but she didn’t comment.

Insteadshetippedherhead.“Whohastoshareknowledge?”“The medicine cats.” Moth Flight squared her shoulders.

Shemight aswell tellWindRunner aboutMicah’s plan now.“I’m meeting Micah at the border tomorrow. We’re going tovisitRiverClanandlearneverythingDappledPeltknowsabouthealing. All the medicine cats are going to visit each other’scamps.It’swhatStarClanwants.”

Wind Runner narrowed her eyes. “Clear Sky won’t letMicahvisitotherClans.NomatterwhatStarClanwants.”

“Whynot?”MothFlightmethermother’sgaze.“He’sangrywithWindClan,butthathasnothingtodowithMicah.”

“ClearSkydoesn’tliketobetoldwhattodo.”“Micah will convince him it’s for the good of his Clan,”

MothFlightinsisted.“Micahcanbeverypersuasive.”WindRunner’seartwitcheduneasily.“Idon’tdoubtit.”

“I’mtired.”MothFlightignoredthesuspiciousglintinhermother’sgazeandheadedacrosstheclearing.“I’mgoingtomynest.”

“There’s a mouse for you on the prey pile,” her mothercalledafterhersoftly.

“Thanks.”MothFlightblinkedgratefullyoverhershoulder.“ButI’mtootiredtoeat.”

“Sleepwell,then.”WindRunnerdippedherhead.“I’llmakesureyou’renotdisturbed.”

MothFlightslippedquietlyintoherden.Rockywaspurringinhissleep,hiswhiskerstwitchingashedreamed.Sheclimbedintohernest,surprisedtofindfreshheatherliningit.Relishingthe sweet scent, she curled down and rested her chin on theedge. Through the den entrance, she could see sunlightdrenchingthecampwallasthenightskypaledintodawn.ShewonderedwhetherStarClanwatchedthemduringtheday.Ordotheyfadewiththestars?Shepicturedtheslopingmeadowsanddistant forest of StarClan’s hunting grounds; joy warmed herpeltasshe thoughtofGrayWingandTurtleTailwalkingsideby side once more. She purred. Tomorrow she’d be travelingwith Micah to RiverClan. Was he looking forward to theirjourneyasmuchasshewas?

CHAPTER18

Assunhighneared,MothFlightpulled amouse from thepreypile. She wasn’t very hungry, but she didn’t want her bellyrumblingwhenshemetMicah.Andwhoknewwhatthey’dbeoffered to eat in the RiverClan camp? She shuddered,rememberingthetoadshe’dcaught,andhopedthere’dbemoretoeatamongthereedbedsthanriverprey.

She padded past Swift Minnow, who was washing in thelong grass beside Reed Tail. Jagged Peak and Holly wererepairing gaps in their den wall by threading heather—whichEagle Feather and Dew Nose had fetched from the moor—tightlybetweenthestems.GorseFurandWindRunnersatattheedgeofthesandyhollow,theirheadsbentcloseastheytalked.Slate sat beside Fern Leaf and Willow Tail, blinking in thesunshinewhileBlackEar,WhiteTail,andSilverStripeclimbedthegorsewallbehindher.

Warmprey scent bathedMothFlight’s nose as she carriedthemouseintotheshadeofthecampwallwhereDustMuzzleandSpottedFurwere lounging in the thickgrass, ahalf-eatenrabbit lying between them. As she dropped hermouse besidethem and bent to take a bite, she noticed Spotted Fur’s tailtwitchingcrosslyfromthecornerofhereye.Sherippedalumpof flesh from themouse and lookedathim. “What’sup?” sheasked,hermouthfull.

He frowned. “Dust Muzzle says you’re going to visitRiverClanwithMicah.”

MothFlight swallowed. “StarClanwants themedicine catstolearnfromeachother.”

“Can’tyouvisitRiverClanbyyourself?”SpottedFurasked.“Micahneedstolearntoo.”MothFlightcockedherheadas

shechewed.Whywashebeingsocrabby?“Whycan’tyoutravelwithPebbleHeartorCloudSpots?”

SpottedFuraskedaccusingly.DustMuzzle hooked the rabbit closer with a claw. “Moth

Flight can travel with whomever she likes,” he meowedabsently.

SpottedFurgottohispawsandshookouthispelt.“Idon’tknow if spending time with other Clans is a good idea,” hemeowedloudly.

Holly glanced over her shoulder, a sprig of heather in herpaws.

Moth Flight stiffened. The golden tom was attractingattentionfromtheirClanmates.

Fern Leaf jerked hermuzzle around. “So it’s true!You’rereallygoingtovisitRiverClan?”

“Yes.”MothFlightshiftedherpawsuneasily.WindRunnerlookedup,eyesnarrowing.“Isthatagoodidea?”Hollydroppedthesprigofheatherand

headedacrosstheclearing.“Rocky’sstillsick.”“ReedTail’spromisedtowatchhim,”MothFlightdefended

herself.SwiftMinnowflashedhermatealook.“Youdidn’ttellme!”“He’snotthatsick.”ReedTailpushedhimselftohispaws.

“He’sjustenjoyinghiscozynestinMothFlight’sden.”Slate’s eyes roundedwithworry. “What if one ofmy kits

getsill?”SilverStripecalleddownfromthegorsewall.“Weneverget

sick!”“Butwhatifyoudo?”Slatefretted.“ReedTailwillknowwhattodo,”MothFlightpromisedthe

queen.Heprobablyknowsmore than than Ido. “Besides, I’monly going to RiverClan. Someone can come and fetchme ifyouneedme.”

Willow Tail’s ears twitched. “It’s just asking for trouble,crossinganotherClan’sborders.”

“Dappled Pelt invited me!” Impatience tightened MothFlight’s belly. Willow Tail was only trying to make a pointbecauseofRedClaw.Shefeltasurgeofangertowardthepaletabby she-cat;with all this talk of borders, shewas getting asbadasClearSky!“Besides,I’mamedicinecat.I’mgoingtheretolearn,nottohunt!”

WindRunnerpaddedtothecenteroftheclearing.“StarClanhas told themedicinecats to learn fromeachother.”HergazeswepttheClan.

MothFlightfeltarippleofrelief.WindRunnerwasn’tgoingtostandinherway.

GorseFurnoddedsolemnly.“WhatMothFlightlearnsfromtheothermedicinecatswillhelpus.”

JaggedPeaksteppedoutfromtheshadowofhisden,heatherstickingoutofhispelt.“MixingwithotherClansisdangerous,”hegrowled.

MothFlightbristled.“Why?You’velivedwiththeforestcatsandonthemoorandinthepinemarshwithTallShadow!”

“WhichmeansI’velearnedhowimportantitistoremainin

oneplace.”JaggedPeakmethergaze.“Yourloyaltyshouldbewithus.”

“It is with you!” Moth Flight snapped. “Visiting theRiverClancampwon’tchangethat.”

“But you’re going because StarClan ordered you to, notWindRunner,”Hollychippedin.“AreyouaWindClancatoraStarClancat?”

MothFlightstaredindismayatherClanmates.Howcouldanycatdoubtherloyalty?HermotherwastheClanleader!

WindRunner lashed her tail. “Stop all thismouse-brainedchatter!”shegrowled.“Irealizethatwearenotusedtohavingamedicinecatamongus.Anditfeelsstrangetotakeordersfromspirit-cats.ButMothFlightonlyhasthegoodoftheClaninherheart. She is going to learn so that she can take care of usbetter.”ShefixedhergazeonSlate.“Ifoneofyourkitsfallsill,wouldn’t you wantMoth Flight to know as much as she canabouthealing?”SheturnedtoJaggedPeak,hergazehardening.“NeversuggestthatMothFlight’sloyaltiesaredivided!Shewasborn a WindClan cat and, whatever happens, her heart willbelongwithherClanmates.”

MothFlightfeltasurgeofgratitudetowardhermother.ButSpottedFur’saccusinggazestillburnedherpelt.Shestaredatherpaws.He’sjealousofMicah.Guiltwormedinherbelly.WasitdisloyalofhertoliketheSkyClanmedicinecatsomuch?

She left her mouse and padded across the clearing. “Ipromised I’d meet Micah at sunhigh.” She avoided herClanmates’ stares. “I don’t know when I’ll be back, but ifthere’sanemergency,sendforme.”

Ignoring the hushed murmurs behind her, she slid out of

camp,relievedtofeelthecoolwindinherfur.Moth Flight headed for the RiverClan border. As she

climbed down the steep path that led to the river, she sawMicah,seatedonastepping-stone.Hewassilhouetted,stillandstrong, against the flashingwater.He lookedupas shenearedand she narrowed her eyes against the glare of the sparklingripples.

Behindhim,theriversplit,cuttingthroughthereedbedstocreatean island in themiddle.Sheknewfrom listening toherClanmates talk that RiverClanmade their camp there and shewonderedwhat itwould feel like tobeentirelysurroundedbywater.

“It’s so peaceful here!” Micah’s purr rumbled over thechatteringstream.

Moth Flight jumped gingerly onto the first stepping-stone,watching thewater as it swirled aroundher.She flinchedas aripple broke over the edge of the stone and splashed herforepaw.

Micahpurredlouder.“YoumighthavetogetusedtogettingyourpawswetinRiverClan.”

“Ihopenot.”Sheshookthewateroff.Itfeltgoodtobeawayfromcamp.Thenewleafsunwarmed

herpelt.Theriverwasshelteredfromthewindbytheforestonone side and the cliffs on the other. Pungent scents filled hernoseandthebirdschatteredoverthebabblingoftheriver.SheblinkedhappilyatMicah.Alonehere,withhim,shedidn’tneedto impress Wind Runner, or know how to treat Black Ear’sbellyacheorStormPelt’sitchyears.

She crossed the stepping-stones until she reached Micah,

thenliftedherfacetothesunandhalfclosedhereyes.Thewindwhiskedthereedbedsonthefarshore,stirringtherushesuntiltheyrippledlikewater.

Downstream, a black she-cat padded onto the shore. Anorange she-cat passed her, wading into the shallows until thewaterstreamedthroughherbellyfur.Shedippedherhead,thenplungedbeneaththesurface.

MothFlightfroze.“Shesank!”Micahleanedforward,earspricked.“Wait.”Hewatchedthe

wateruntilsuddenly,withasplash,theRiverClanshe-catbrokethesurfaceafewtail-lengthsaway,afishclampedbetweenherjaws. She swam back to shore, then hauled herself out anddisappeared among the reeds. Her Clanmate gave amrrow ofapproval,thenfollowed.

Moth Flight shivered. “I hope Dappled Pelt doesn’t try toteachustodothat!”

Micah purred. “If she does, you can threaten to teach herhowtohuntinyourtunnels.”

“I hate tunnel-hunting,”Moth Flight confessed. “It’s DustMuzzle’sspecialty,notmine.”

“You’re a medicine cat,” Micah reminded her. “You haveyourownspecialskills.”

“Iwish.”“That’s whywe came here.”Micah jumped onto the next

stone and crossed to the far shore. He glanced back atMothFlight. “We’ll know plenty by the time we leave. But we’dbetterhurryup.ThosecatsprobablytoldDappledPeltwe’reonourway.”

Ruefully,MothFlightfollowed.Shewishedshecouldspend

allafternoonwatching the riverwithMicah.Buthewas right.DappledPeltwouldbeexpectingthem.Shelandedonthesandyshore and followedMicah along a trail that wove among thereeds.Theearthwasmuddyandsquelchedbetweenherclaws.As the trail widened, she caught up with Micah. “What didClearSkysaywhenyoutoldhimyouwerevisitingRiverClan?”

“Hewasn’thappy.”Micahkepthisgazefixedahead.“Did he try and stop you?”Moth Flight scannedMicah’s

peltforscratches.“Hewantedtoknowwhy,”Micahtoldher.“Ittookawhile

toconvincehimthatitwasforthegoodofSkyClanbut,intheend,heagreed.”

“Wind Runner thought you’d never convince him.” MothFlightfeltaglimmerofsatisfactionthatMicahhadprovedhermotherwrong.

“I thinkClearSky likescatswhostandup tohim,”Micahtold her. “And it helped that Star Flower was there. Since IhelpedTinyBranch,shewantsmetolearnasmuchasIcan—incaseDewPetalorFlowerFootgetssick.”

“How’sTinyBranch’scough?”“Itseemstogetbetteronedayandworsethenext,”Micah

murmured thoughtfully. “I wonder if there’s something in theforestthataggravatesit.”

“SilverStripealwayssneezeswhenshe’sbeenplayingnearheather flowers,”Moth Flight commented. “Maybe you couldfollowTinyBranchforadayandseewhereheplays.”

“I wish I had time for that,” Micah meowed. “Clear Skykeepsmebusytreatingfleabitesandgatheringherbs.”

“ButyouhaveAcornFurtohelpyou.”MothFlightignored

the jealousy prickingbeneath her fur. “Couldn’t she take yourdutiesforaday?”

“ClearSky insists shenever leavemy sidewhenwe’reonSkyClanterritory.”

MothFlightblinked.“Never?”BeforeMicahcouldanswer,thereedsaheadshiveredanda

black she-cat slid out and blocked the path—the same onethey’d seen on the shore downstream. She eyed Micah andMothFlightsuspiciously.“Whatareyoutwodoinghere?”

“Hi!” Micah greeted her cheerfully. “Didn’t Dappled Peltwarn you? She invited us to come and learnwhat she knowsabouthealing.”

“Night!”Amewsoundedfartheralongthetrail.DawnMistappeared from among the rushes. Her orange-and-white peltwaswet, slickedagainstherslender frame.“DappledPelt saidthatifit’sMicahandMothFlight,you’retoescortthemtoherden.”

Nightnarrowedhereyes.“Istill thinkit’sabadideatoletotherClancatsintoourcamp.”

“River Ripple says it’s okay,” Dawn Mist argued. “Andthey’reonlymedicinecats.What’stheworsttheycando?Cureyou?”

Nightsnortedandturnedhertailonthem.“Followme,”shehuffed.

Moth Flight padded beside Micah, following the she-catalongthewindingpath.

DawnMistfellinbesideherClanmateandglancedoverhershoulder.“IwishIcouldvisit theotherClans,”shemewed.“Ican’timaginewhatit’sliketoliveonthemoororintheforest.”

MothFlight’spawsslitheredonthemuddyearth.“It’sdry,”shemuttered.

AsDawnMistpurredwithamusement,thereedsopenedupandMoth Flight saw a clearing ahead. Fish scentwashed hermuzzleas twokitsboundedacross thesandysoilandbundledintoDawnMist.

“DawnMist!” The gray-and-white she-kit bounced aroundtheorangequeen.“PineNeedleatemoreof thetrout thanme!It’snotfair.”

The black tom-kit dug his paws into the earth. “I didnot!She’sjustbeinggreedy!”

“PoorDrizzle.”DawnMist licked the gray she-kit’s head.“I’llcatchanotherfishsoon,”shepromised.

“Canwehaveoneeach?”PineNeedleasked.Drizzleblinkedeagerly.“Iwantthebiggestone!”“You twoaregreedier thanfoxes,”DawnMistpurred.She

nosedthekitsaway.“Goandplay.I’mhelpingNightshowourgueststoDappledPelt’sden.”

Drizzle’seyesopenedwideasshespottedMothFlightandMicah.“Whataretheydoinghere?”

“Invasion!”PineNeedlefluffedouthisfur.“ShouldIwarnRiverRipple?”

Adeeppurrrumbledatthesideoftheclearing.“There’snoneedtowarnme.Iwasexpectingthem.”

MothFlight jerkedhernosearoundandsawtheRiverClanleadersittingintheshadeofthereedwall.

He stood and crossed the camp, dipping his head as heneared. “I’mgladyou’rehere.DappledPelt’s in her den.”Hepointed his muzzle to the foot of a long-dead tree. Its roots

snakedintotheearth,formingacavebeneaththestump,wherecountlessmoonsofwindandwaterhadhollowedouttheearth.

NightflashedMothFlightalook.“Ihopeyoucanhuntforyourselves,” she growled. “I’m not feeding WindClan orSkyClancats.”

River Ripple blinked calmly at his Clanmate. “It doesn’tmatterwhatClanthey’refrom;theirhungerisnodifferentfromyours.”

Nightsnortedandstalkedaway.DawnMistwhiskedher tail. “Don’tworry about her,” she

whisperedtoMothFlight.“Sheenjoysbeingbad-tempered.”Drizzleprickedher ears. “Yesterday she said that Iwas as

dumbasawatervole.ButI’mnot.”“Of course you’re not!” Pine Needle’s whiskers twitched

mischievously.“You’redumber.”“Hey!”Fluffingherfuroutindignantly,Drizzleleapedather

brother.PineNeedleduckedoutofthewayandharedacrossthecamp.

“I’llgetyouforthat!”Drizzlehurtledafterhim.“When they’re not eating, they’re fighting.” Dawn Mist

rolledhereyes.“I’dbetter fetch themmoreprey.”Sheheadedtowardagapinthereedswheretheriverlappedtheedgeoftheclearing. Without pausing, she slid into the river anddisappearedbeneaththesurface.

MothFlightglancedatMicah.TheRiverClancats seemedmorelikeottersthancats.Micahwasgazingaroundthecamp.Shattered Ice lay in a patch of sunshine at the far end of theclearing. Swift, a dark brown tom,washed himself beside thecampwall.

River Ripple flicked his tail toward Dappled Pelt’s den.“She’sbeenlookingforwardtoyourarrival.”

Micahdippedhishead to theRiverClan leaderandheadedtowardthe treestump.MothFlighthurriedafterhim,hernosetwitchingas thestinkoffishgrewstronger.Shecouldseethatthe gaps between the roots of Dappled Pelt’s den had beenwoven with reeds. Feathers were threaded between them andflutteredinthesoftbreeze.

DappledPeltstuckherheadoutfromunderanarchingroot.“You’rehereat last!” shepurred. “Come in! I’ve just finishedsortingmyherbs.”

As the RiverClan medicine cat ducked back into theshadows,MothFlightfollowedherdowntheshortslopethatledinto the den. She shivered. The reed walls screened out thebrightsunshineandtheshadowsfeltcoldanddamp.Reedswerestrewnoverthefloor.TheyshiftedbeneathMothFlight’spaws.She blinked, adjusting her eyes to the half-light. “You’ve gotplentyof space!”Shepaused in thecenterand lookedaround.Therewas roomenough for four nests here, though she couldonlyseetwo,bothwovenfromrushes.Shelookedupandsawshadowwhere the roof disappeared into the rotting stump. Aspiderwas spinning aweb at one corner. “You’ll alwayshavecobwebs to dress wounds!” she mewed, delighted. Perhaps Ishouldcatchspidersandtrytopersuadethemtonestinmyden!

Micah slid under the root and padded inside. “Does itflood?”Heglancedoverhisshoulder.

“Notunlessthewholeislandfloods,”DappledPelttoldhim.MothFlightblinked,alarmed.“Hasthateverhappened?”“Ithappenedonce,duringastormthatcameaftermoonsof

rain.”DappledPeltpattedastrayrushintothenestbesideher.“RiverRipplesaysifthere’srainlikethatagain,we’llshelterintheforestuntilitpasses.”

Micahwas peering into the shadows behindDappledPelt,whereanearthwallformedthebackoftheden.“Isthatwhereyoukeepyourherbs?”

Moth Flight followed his gaze. Small holes had beenhollowed from the mud, and green leaves stuck out here andthere.

“There’sadifferentholeforeachherb.”DappledPelt’seyesshoneproudly.

“Doesn’t the damp air make them rot?” Moth Flight wasusedtothedrywindsthatscouredthemoor.

“It’sairyenough,”DappledPelttoldher.“Thebreezefromthe river keeps it cool, which seems to preserve fresh leaves,andIfindthatfreshleavesaremoreeffectivethandriedleaves.”

Micah frowned. “It’s a shame,” he murmured. “Leafbarebrings more illness. But by then, all we’ll have left in oursuppliesaredriedleaves.”

“Seeds and berries keep their strength.” Dappled Peltreached intooneof theholes andpulledout apawfulof darkberries.ShedroppedthematMothFlight’spaws.

As Dappled Pelt drew out one herb after another, tellingthem where they could be gathered and what they treated—juniper for bellyache, poppy to ease pain—Moth Flight triedhard to remember them, sniffing their pungent leaves, rollingtheirseedsbeneathherpaw,fixingthescentsinhermind.Shecouldn’twaittogethomeandstartscouringthemoor.

Micah nosed past Dappled Pelt and sniffed a wide, furry

leaf.“What’sthis?”AsDappledPelt turned to see, a yowl split the air outside

theden.“Help!”MothFlightfrozeasNightskiddeddowntheslopeintothe

den.Hereyeswerewidewithterror.“Youhavetocome!IjustpulledDrizzlefromtheriver—she’snotbreathing!”

CHAPTER19

DappledPeltdartedpastherClanmate.Micahharedafterher.Panicflashingbeneathherpelt,MothFlightfollowed.

Dappled Pelt was already skidding through a gap in thecampwallasMothFlightreachedtheclearing.Micahracedatherheels.MothFlightgavechase,bloodroaringinherears.Sheleaped through the gap and pulled up sharply as the riverloomedinfrontofher.

Dawn Mist was standing at the water’s edge, her eyeshollowwithdread.Waterdrippedfromherfurandshetrembledlikefrightenedprey.Asoddenscrapoffurlayatherpaws.

Drizzle!MothFlight’sheartleapedintoherthroat.DappledPeltdroppedintoacrouchbesidetheunmovingkit.Micahleanedclose.“Isshedead?”DappledPeltjerkedhernosetowardDawnMist.“Keepher

warm.She’sinshock.”MicahhurriedtoDawnMist’ssideandpressedagainsther.Moth Flight’s paws seemed frozen to the ground as she

staredatDrizzle.Thetinykit’sflankwasn’tmoving.“She’snotbreathing!”ShestaredatDappledPelt.WhydidtheRiverClanmedicinecatlooksocalm?

Dappled Pelt’s gaze flitted over Drizzle’s body, then sheliftedherforepawsandrestedthemontheshe-kit’schest.

MothFlightwatched,eyesstretchedwide,asDappledPeltbeganpumpingthekitwithrapidjerksofherpaws.“Whatareyoudoing?”Howcouldsquashingthepoorkithelp?

Dappled Pelt ignored her. She paused and leaned down,sniffing atDrizzle’smuzzle.Then, straightening, shebegan topumpthekit’schestagain.

Drizzle’sbodyshudderedwitheach jolt,herpawsflappinglimply,likethepawsofadeadrabbit.

DappledPeltpausedagainandsniffedatDrizzle’snose.DawnMistletoutalowmoan.“She’sdead!”“No,”DappledPelt,growledfiercely.“Notyet.”Oncemore

sherestedherpawsonDrizzle’schestandbeganpumping.Suddenly,withasplutter,Drizzlejerkedandbegancoughing

up water. Dappled Pelt quickly rolled the kit onto her side,strokingherchestfiercelyasDrizzlebroughtupmorewater.

“Drizzle?”DawnMist’smewwasnomorethanabreath.Drizzlestoppedvomitingandblinkedathermother.“What

happened?”shecroakedweakly.Pine Needle stuck his nose out from behind a clump of

reeds.“Issheokay?”Hiseyeswerebrightwithterror.DawnMist beckoned him closer. “She’s fine.” She looked

anxiouslyatDappledPelt.“Isn’tshe?”“Yes.Nowthatshe’scoughedupthewater,she’llbeableto

breatheagain,”DappledPelttoldherbriskly.Moth Flight stared at the River Clan medicine cat. She

wasn’teventrembling.Howdoesshestaysocalm?PineNeedlehurriedtohismother’ssideandpressedagainst

her flank.“Shewanted to see if shecouldcatchherownfish.But she disappeared under the water,” he mewed shakily. “IcalledNightwhenshedidn’tcomeupagain.”

“Sheneedstolearntoswimbeforeshecatchesafish.”RiverRipplebrushedpastMothFlight.

She spun, her heart lurching at the sight of the RiverClanleader.Shehadn’theardhispawsteps.

He touched his muzzle to Dawn Mist’s cheek. “StartteachingthemassoonasDrizzlehasrecovered.”

DawnMistmet his gaze, her eyesglistening. “Iwanted towaituntiltheywerestronger.”

“Fish swim the moment they are born,” River Ripplemurmured.“It’snevertoosoonforaRiverClankittolearn.”

Drizzlepushedherselfuncertainlytoherpaws.DawnMist leaned down and lapped her cheek. “Let’s get

youintomynestandwarmyouup.”Shenosedthekit towardtheclearing.

River Ripple ran his tail along Pine Needle’s spiked fur.“Youdidwelltofetchhelp.”

“IonlycalledtoNight.”“Thatwastherightthingtodo,”RiverRippletoldhim.PineNeedlestaredathimuncertainly.“Ishouldn’thavelet

hergointothewater.”River Ripple touched his muzzle to the kit’s head.

“Sometimeswecan’tstopothersfrommakingmistakes.Butwecan help them when they do. And that’s what you did.” Henosed the kit after hismother, whowas lifting Drizzle into areednestonthefarsideoftheclearing.

DappledPeltwatchedher leaderasheguidedPineNeedleaway.“He’ssogoodwiththekits,”shemurmured.“It’sashamehedoesn’thaveanyofhisown.”

MothFlighthardlyheardher.“Howdidyouknowwhat todo?”

“RiverRipple taughtme,” she explained. “He’s lived near

thewaterallhislifeandheknowsthatyoucanpushwateroutofacat’schestaseasilyasacatcansuckitin.”

Micahswishedhistailthroughtheair.“Youwerefantastic!IthoughtDrizzlewasdead.”

DappledPeltgazedattheriverasitswirledpast.“It’satrickeveryRiverClancatshouldknow.”

AdmirationsurgedbeneathMothFlight’spelt.IhopeI’mascalmandskilledasDappledPeltoneday!Howmustitfeeltosave another cat’s life? Shewondered ifHalfMoon had beenwatching. I’ll try to become as good as she is, she promisedsilently.

Clouds hid the setting sun.A thin drizzlemisted the riverandabreezerustledthereedsaroundcamp.

MothFlightshiftedclosertoMicahasthedampwindlickedherpelt.SheeyedNight,whowaswatchingthemwarilyfromtheothersideoftheclearing.DawnMistwasstillcurledinhernest, tuckedamong the rushes.RiverRipplehadgonehuntingforshrewsinthereedbedswithDawnMist’smate,Swift.“Areyousureweshouldstaythenight?”MothFlightwhispered.

“Of course!” Micah looked up from washing his belly.“Lookhowmuchwelearnedtoday!Tomorrowwe’lllearnevenmore.”

Moth Flight was glad he was with her. She liked theRiverClancats,but it felt strange tobeawayfromthehollow.After she’d returned from the valley, she thought she’d neverleave her Clanmates again. “Do you think River Ripple willcatchashrew?”shemewedhopefully.

DappledPelthadslipped into theriveras thesunbegan tosink,promisingtobringthembackajuicytrout.

Micahblinkedather.“Don’tyouwanttotastefish?”MothFlightwrinkled her nose. She’d smelled nothing but

fishandherbsallafternoon.Shewaslookingforwardtotastingthe sweet, familiar flesh of prey with legs. Before she couldanswer, water splashed behind them and Dappled Pelt wadedoutfromtheriver.

Moth Flight’s heart sank as she saw a fish between thetortoiseshell’s jaws. It thrashed as she padded onto land, itsscalesglitteringthroughtherain.DappledPeltstoppedinfrontofthemanddroppeditontheground.

MothFlighthoppedbackwardasitwriggled,spatteringmudontoherpaws.

Purring with amusement, Dappled Pelt stilled it with aforepawandleanedtogiveakillingbite.“Atleastyouknowit’sfresh,”shemeowed,lookingup.

MicahglancedatMothFlight.“Doyouwantthefirsttaste?”She flattened her ears and sniffed uneasily at the fish. “Is

thisatrout?”DappledPelt’seyesflashed.“It’scalledachub.”Moth Flight stifled a shiver. “Does it taste anything like

toad?”“No!”DappledPeltsnorted.“Whoeatstoads?”“Theytastelikemud!”Micahspluttered.Heat spreadbeneathMothFlight’spelt.Therewasnoway

shewasgoingtotellMicahandDappledPeltthatshe’dsharedonewithSpottedFur.Shetouchedthechubgingerlywithapaw.

Micahcaughthereye.“DoyouwanttowaitandseeifRiverRipplebringsbackashrew?”

“No.” Moth Flight lifted her chin. She wasn’t a coward.

Besides,itwouldberudetorefuseDappledPelt’sgift.“Iwanttotastefish.”Sheleaneddownandsankherteethintothesoftflankofthechub,delightedtofindthetexturemeatierthantherubberytoadflesh.Asshetoreawayachunk,theflavorsangonhertongue.SheblinkedatDappledPeltinsurprise.“It’snice!”Chewing, she relished the soft flesh. It tasted of fresh water.“It’sdelicious!”

“Don’t tellWindRunner you likeRiverClan food,”Micahjoked.Hetookamouthful,hiseyesbrighteningashechewed.“Oh,you’reright!It’sgreat!”

Ashespoke,RiverRipplenosedhisway through the reedwall of the camp, awater vole dangling from his jaws. Swiftfollowed him, carrying a shrew.They stoppedwhen they sawMothFlightandMicah.

RiverRippledroppedthevole.“You’reeatingfish!”“It’stasty!”MothFlightrippedoffanothermouthful.River Ripple nodded toward the shrew dangling from

Swift’sjaws.“Youmightaswellsharethatwiththekits.”Thedarkbrown tomdippedhisheadandcarriedhis catch

towardthenestwhereDawnMistwascurledwithDrizzleandPine Needle. Placing it beside the tightly woven bundle ofreeds,hestuckhisnoseinandnudgedDawnMist’spelt.

Shejerkedherheadup,blinking.“How’sDrizzle?”Swiftasked.“I’mfine!”Drizzlesatup,earspricked.“I smell vole!” Pine Needle clambered onto his mother’s

backandpeeredfromthenest.Nosetwitching,hisgazeflashedtowardRiverRipple’scatch.Hescrambledoutof thenestandraced toward it. “Can I taste it?”Heglancedat theRiverClan

leader.“Ofcourse.”AsRiverRipplepushed thevole towardPine

Needle, Drizzle leaped from the nest and hurried to herbrother’sside.

“Iwanttotasteittoo!”RiverRipplepurred.“It’sgoodtoseeyoulookingbetter.”Drizzle stuckher tailup indignantly.“Iwasn’t sick. Ionly

wentforaswim!”RiverRipple’swhiskerstwitched.Waterbeadedalongthem

as the rain grew heavier.He glanced up at the darkening sky.“I’mgoingtomynest.”Heheadedtowardaden,wovenamongtherootsofanothertreestump.

Moth Flight felt rain seeping through her pelt. “Whereshouldwesleep?”shecalledaftertheRiverClanleader.

HepausedandnoddedtowardDappledPelt’sden.“Isthereroomenoughthere?”

DappledLeafnodded.“Theycansharethesparenest.”As River Ripple disappeared inside his den, Moth Flight

glanced shyly at Micah. She’d only shared a nest with herbrotherbefore.DustMuzzlehadalways teasedher that itwaslikesleepingnexttoabadger.“I’mafraidIsnore.”

“Good.”Hetookanotherbiteoffish.“Isnoretoo.”DappledPeltrolledhereyes.“Great,”shemuttered.When they’d finished the chub, she led them to her den.

Rainwas thrumming theearthasduskgaveway tonight,andMoth Flight was relieved to slip into the shelter of the treestump.Shecrossedthedarkdenandclimbedintothereedneston the far side, surprised to find the stems silky beneath herpaws.Allthesharpendshadbeencarefullytuckedunderneath

so that curling into it felt almost as good as curling into herheathernestathome.Shewriggledtooneside,leavingroomforMicah.

Hesqueezedinbesideher.“Doyouhaveenoughroom?”“Yes.” Moth Flight purred as Micah’s warm pelt pressed

againsther.Dappled Pelt’s golden gaze shone through the darkness.

“Areyoubothcomfortable?”“Iam,”Micahpurred.“Me too.”MothFlightsnuggleddeeper into the reeds.She

yawned, suddenly sleepy. “I hope I remember everything I’velearnedtoday.”

“Youwill.”Micahshiftedbesideher,tuckinghispawsclosetohisbelly.

Moth Flight blinked at him through the darkness. “I don’tthinkI’lleverforgetseeingDrizzlecomebacktolife.”

“Shewasneverdead,”DappledPeltmeowedacrosstheden.“Shejustneededairinherchestinsteadofwater.”

Moth Flight suddenly remembered her dream of the blue-gray she-cat. She’d come back to life too. Perhaps she hadn’tbeendeadeither.MothFlightfrowned.Butnocathadpumpedherchest,andshehadn’tcoughedupwater.

Besideher,Micah’sbreathingbegantoslowanddeepen.Hewas drifting into sleep.Moth Flight rested hermuzzle on herpawsandwatchedhim.Herfurtingledwherehisbreathstirredher pelt. Gradually, her eyes grew heavy and closed anddarknessswirledaroundher.

A familiar stone tang touched Moth Flight’s nose. SheopenedhereyesasthescentoftheMoonstonecavewashedher

tongue.Leaping toherpaws,shegazedaround.Howdid Igetback—

Beforeshecouldfinishherthought,twocatspaddedintothecave.Alarge,darktabby,theoneshe’dseenwiththegrayshe-catthedayshe’dcomebacktolife,headedfortheMoonstone,his eyes fixed on the dull rock.He glanced at the hole in theroof,thewaterystarlightreflectinginhisyelloweyes.

MothFlightshivered.Therewascoldnessinthistom’sgaze,and a stiffness in his broad shoulders that frightened her. Heseemedtobewaitingforthemoontolighttherock,impatienceripplingalonghisspine.

Thegraytom,who’denteredthecavewithhim,stoppedatthe dark tabby’s side. The tabby jerked his muzzle around,snarling as the gray tom spoke. There was no friendshipbetweenthesecats.Thenwhyaretheyheretogether?

The dark tabby sank stiffly onto his belly and touched hisnosetotherockamomentbeforemoonlightsetitalight.

Moth Flight screwed up her eyes, flinching as brightnessblindedher.

The stone beneath her paws turned to squelchymoss. Sheblinked open her eyes eagerly. Was she back on StarClan’shuntinggrounds?

Darknesspressedoneveryside.Sheturnedherheadsharply.Trees loomed around her. This wasn’t StarClan’s land. Sherecognized the dank scent of rotting wood, sharpened by thesmellofpinesap.ThiswasShadowClanterritory.

Feline shapesmoved among the trees, their shadowypeltsglitteringwithstarlight.Spirit-cats!Shescannedthestarrycats,hopingtoseeafamiliarpelt,buttheseweren’ttheStarClancats

she knew.Heart racing, she backed toward a tree, hoping shecouldn’t be seen.Her fur rippledwith fear. These catsmovedwithsolemnpurposeand thedark tabbyseemed tobewaitingforthem,hisgazeblazingexpectantlyinthedarkness.

Hiseyesnarrowedasasparklingtomapproachedhim.MothFlight saw the spirit-cat speak, but she couldn’tmake out thewords.Asthetomsteppedaway,asmallgingershe-cattookhisplace.Theshe-catspokeand thedark tabbyanswered,disdainsparkinginhisgaze.

Doesn’therespecthisancestors?MothFlightleanedcloser,peltprickingwithinterest.

The she-cat reached her muzzle forward and touched thedarktabby’shead.

Thetabbyjerkedasthoughagonyflaredthroughhim.This is like the time I saw the blue-gray cat in the cave!

MothFlightrememberedherdream.Whydidthetouchofthesespirit-catsseemtocausesomuchpain?

MothFlightnarrowedhereyes,herbreathquickeningasoneafter another, the spirit-cats stepped forward and touched thedarktabby.Eachtime,hestiffened,hispeltspiking,buthedidnotgiveground.Hemeteachnewtouch,hiseyesburningwithhunger.

Finally, the last spirit-cat steppedawayand thedark tabbylifted hismuzzle.Moth Flight looked into his eyes, searchingforsomeclueastowhatthespirit-catshadsharedwithhim,butshesawonlypride.

Aroundhim,thespirit-cats’mouthsmoved.Theyseemedtobechantingsomething.MothFlightprickedherears, trying tomakeoutthewords,butshecouldn’t.OneStarClantombroke

off,hismouthfrozenashestaredatthedarktabby.MothFlight swallowedas she sawdreaddarken the spirit-

cat’sgaze.Shejoltedawake,coldwithfear.“Moth Flight?” Micah jerked his head up as she stared,

blinking,aroundDappledPelt’sden.Thesoundofhismewsoothedherandshe turnedandmet

hisgaze.“Baddream?”heasked.Asshenodded,heleanedforwardandtouchedhismuzzleto

hercheek.“Gobacktosleep,”hemurmuredsoftly.“We’resafehere.”

Obediently,sherestedhernoseonherpawsandclosedhereyes.Shefelthistonguelapherearuntilwearinessmuddledherthoughts.

“Itwasonlyadream.”Micahstoppedandtuckedhismuzzlebesidehers.

These aren’t dreams. They’re visions. As his breathdeepened into gentle snores, worry pulled Moth Flight backfromthebrinkofsleep.Butwhataretheyabout?Andwhydotheymakemefeelsouneasy?

CHAPTER20

Early-morning light washed the reed beds. The rain that haddrenched thecampfor thepast twodayshadfinally liftedandsunshinewasbreakingthroughtheclouds.Ontheothersideoftheclearing,RiverRipplestretchedoutsidehisden.MossTailandDawnMistwerestirringsleepilyintheirnestwhileDrizzleandPineNeedlechargedacrossthecamp,tryingtocatcheachother’stails.

DappledPeltblinkedkindlyatMothFlightandMicah.“I’vetaughtyouallIknow.”

Micahwhiskedhistail.“Youknowlots!”“I can’twait to use some of the stuff I’ve learned!”Moth

Flight’s pelt prickled with excitement. I hope I can findgoatweedonthemoor!ItwasoneoftheherbsDappledPelthadshownthem.Afewleaves,givendaily,mightliftSlate’sgrief.

Herpawsitchedtogohome,andyetthethoughtofleavingMicahmadeherheartache.

Micah glanced around the RiverClan camp. “I’m going tomissithere,”hemurmured.“Iwasgettingusedtothesoundoftheriverlullingmetosleep.”

I was getting used to the sound of your breathing. MothFlight glanced at him shyly. Her own nest would seem chillywithouthim.

Drizzleskiddedtoahaltbetweenthem.“Areyouleaving?”PineNeedlestaredatMicahwithroundeyes.“Youcan’tgo

yet!Ihaven’ttaughtyouhowtofish.”

Micahnudged the kit’s cheekwith his nose. “Youneed tolearnhowtoswimfirst.”

PineNeedlestuckouthischin.“Iswamawholetail-lengthyesterday!”

Drizzlesnorted.“WithDawnMistholdingyourscruff!”“AtleastIdidn’ttrytoswallowhalftheriver!”“Hush.” Dappled Pelt silenced Pine Needle with a look.

“MicahandMothFlightneedtoreturntotheirClans.”“Whycan’ttheystayherewithus?”Drizzlemewed.“MyClanneedsme,”Micahtoldher.AtwingejabbedMothFlight’sheart.Ineedyou.Shepushed

therabbit-brainedthoughtaway.“Minetoo.”Drizzle’staildrooped.“Okay.”“Willyoucomeandvisitagain?”PineNeedleasked.“Ofcourse.”MothFlightswishedher tail.“Whenwehave

newskillstoshare.”Dappled Pelt’s eyes shone. “I hope itwon’t be long.”Her

gazeflittedpastthem.MothFlightturned,followingit.RiverRipplewasheading

towardthem.Shedippedherheadasheneared.“Thankyouforlettingusstay.”

“Itwasanhonor.”MicahnudgedMothFlightastheRiverClanleaderblinked

atherrespectfully.“SeewhathappenswhenyougetchosenbyStarClan?”heteased.

“Imustgetbacktomyherbs.”DappledPeltturnedtowardherden.“Theywon’tsortthemselves.”

“Thanks!”MothFlightcalledasshedisappearedinside.Micahgazedacrossthereedbedsthoughtfully.“Dowehave

togohomerightaway?”MothFlightshothimalook.“Don’tyouwanttogobackto

SkyClan?”“Eventually.” Micah leaned close to her ear. “But I like

hangingoutwithyou,”hewhispered.MothFlightsnatchedhergazeaway,herpeltgrowinghot.“I

likehangingoutwithyoutoo,”shemumbled.River Ripple looked away, his whiskers twitching. Moth

Flightwonderedifhe’dheard.“PerhapsCloudSpotscanteachyouaboutwoodlandherbs,”

River Ripplemeowed vaguely as he stared toward the forest.“ThunderClancampisn’tfar.”

Micahblinkedathim.“That’sagoodidea!It’llbefun.Andwe can tell Cloud Spots what we’ve learned from DappledPelt.”

“I’msurehe’llappreciate that.”RiverRipplekepthisgazeonthetrees.

Moth Flight shifted her paws self-consciously. “Maybe.”She felt guilty about stayingaway from themoor for so long.AndwithMicah.“ButwhataboutWindClan?Theymightneedme.”

RiverRippleblinkedather.“You’vegotawholelifetimetotakecareofyourClan.Havefunwhileyoucan.”

She glanced at Micah. If River Ripple thought visitingThunderClanwasokay,thenitmustbe.“Let’sdoit.”

Micahpurred.“Great!”RiverRipple’stailtwitched.“Doyouwantmetoshowyou

theway?”AndmisswalkingalonewithMicah?“No,”MothFlighttold

himquickly.“We’llfindit,”Micahassuredhim.“I thoughtyou’dsaythat.”AteasingglintflashedinRiver

Ripple’seyes.MothFlight’spawsprickledwithembarrassment.Hehadguessedtheywantedtobealone.

River Rippled turned his muzzle toward the forest. “Thecamp’sinaravine,”hetoldthem.“It’shardtoseefromthetop,sofollowyournoses.”

Micah dipped his head and padded toward the campentrance.“Thanks.”

“Yes, thank you,RiverRipple,”Moth Flight called as shehurriedafterMicah.

They followed the trail through the reeds until it openedonto the riverbank.MothFlight could see the stepping-stones,which crossed to the tree-lined shore beyond. She trottedhappily toward them. Dappled Pelt had led her over them somany times in the past few days that she no longer thoughttwiceaboutgettingherpawswet.Sheknewthisstretchofriverand the herbs that grew along it as well as she knew themoortop.ShebeatMicahtothefirststoneandboundedacross,landingatthefarside,herchestburstingwithhappiness.

ShepurredasMicahlandedbesideher.“Whichwaynow?”Micah gazed among the trees, narrowing his eyes as he

scannedtheshadows.“Idon’tknowthispartoftheforest.”“Let’s explore it together.”Moth Flight marched from the

shoreandhoppedoveranoakrootjuttingfromtheground.Shebrushedpastafern,itsfreshleavesglowinginthedappledlightthat glittered through the canopy. Musty scents bathed hermuzzle and, for the first time since leaving the moor, she

smelledmouse.Herbellyrumbled.Theyhadn’teatensincelastnight,whenMossTailhadbroughtthematrout.Shelongedtotastefurrypreyagainandshescannedtheundergrowth,hopingtocatchsightofmovementamongtheleaves.

“We mustn’t hunt,” Micah reminded her. His nose wastwitching.“Can’tyousmelltheborderscents?”

MothFlighthadbeen toobusysniffingforprey.She liftedher muzzle and breathed in the scent of ThunderClan cats.“Perhaps we can catch a fish. I’m sure River Ripple won’tmind.”Herbellygrowledagain.

“Canyouswim?”Micahstaredather.“No.”MothFlightglancedbackattheriver.“Butsometimes

theycomeclosetotheshore.Wemightbeabletowadeinandgrabone.”

“Orwecouldwaithereforabirdtoflyintoourpaws.”MothFlight liftedher tail andbrushedpastMicah,huffily.

“Itwasjustasuggestion.”Hepurredandpaddedafterher.“Iloveyoursuggestions.”MothFlighttriednottopurr.Micahwassosweet.He fell in stepbesideher. “Let’s find the camp.Hopefully

ThunderClanwillsharetheirprey.”Moth Flight followed Micah, pelt pricking uneasily. Had

CloudSpotswarnedThunderthatStarClanwantedthemedicinecatstosharetheirknowledge?SheknewthattheThunderClanleaderwasClearSky’sson;didthatmeanhe’dbeassuspiciousasSkyClan’sleader?

Theyfollowedarabbit trailbetweenbramblesandbrackenas the forest floor rosebeneath theirpaws. It steepenedas thetreesgrewthicker,theshadowsdeepeningaroundthem.

“Do you know where you’re going?” she asked Micahhopefully.

“No.”Micahscrambledoverarottinglogandpausedontheotherside.

MothFlight dropped downbeside him and gazed betweenthe trees.They seemed to stretch on forever, sunlight piercingthe leaveshereand there, illuminatingspotsofwoodlandwithbrilliantshaftsoflight.Shepointedhernosetowardathickpathofbramblessomewayahead.“Doyou think thatcouldbe thecampwall?”

“Let’scheck.”Micahheadedtowardit,stumblingasaroottrippedhim.

MothFlight steadied himwith hermuzzle. “I thought youwereusedtoforests,”sheteased.

“I’musedtofarms,”Micahremindedher.“Idon’tknowifI’lleverstopstubbingmypawsonroots.”

“Ofcourseyouwill.Youjustnee—”MothFlightyelpedasshetrodonapatchofyoungnettles.Painshotthroughherpawandshehoppedclear,liftingitprotectively.

“Wait.”Micahglancedatthenettlesthenbegantoscantheforestfloor,hiseyeslightingup.Hedashedtowardaclumpofleavessproutingbesideanash.Tearingoneoffwithhisteeth,hecarrieditbacktoMothFlight.

Shestaredatit.“What’sthat?”“Dock.”Micahlaiditupside-downonthegroundinfrontof

her.“Rubyourpawonit.”MothFlightpressedherthrobbingpadtothesoftleaf.“Rubithard,”Micahurged.MothFlightsquashedtheleafbeneathherpawuntilshefelt

itsjuicesbathethesting.Tohersurprise,thepaineased.“That’sgreat!”ShestaredatMicahwithroundeyes.

“IlearneditfromCow,”Micahtoldher.“I wonder if dock grows on the moor,” Moth Flight

murmured.A deep mew sounded from between the trees. “If nettles

growthere,dockwon’tbefaraway.”MothFlightjerkedaround,herheartlurching.Micahflattenedhisearswarily.“Don’tworry. It’sonlyme.”Ablack tompadded from the

shadows.“CloudSpots!”ReliefwashedMothFlight’spelt.“Areyoutwolost?”TheThunderClanmedicinecatstopped

besidethem.“We’vecometovisityou,”Micahexplained.Cloud Spots sniffed them, his nose wrinkling. “How was

yourstaywithRiverClan?”“Dappled Pelt taught us so much!” Moth Flight told him

eagerly.“We’vecometosharewhatwelearned.”Micahliftedhistail.“Andhopefullylearnsomemore.”Moth Flight blinked at Cloud Spots. “Will Thunder let us

stay?”“Ofcourse.”CloudSpotsflashedMicahaplayfullook.“He

doesn’twantSkyClan’smedicinecatknowingmorethanhis.”Micahpurred.“HesoundslikeClearSky.”“Perhaps,” Cloud Spots conceded. “But he also wants to

pleaseStarClan.”Micah’s whiskers twitched. “I’m not sure Clear Sky cares

muchaboutwhatStarClanthinks.ButhecaresabouthisClan.”

Cloud Spots dipped his head. “He’s become a worthyleader.”

Moth Flight looked toward the bramble thicket. “Are wenearthecamp?”

“It’snotfar,”CloudSpotstoldher.“I’mheadingbackthereonceI’vecollectedsomeborageleaves.”

MothFlightgazedathimblankly.“What’sborage?”“I’llshowyou.”CloudSpotsledthemalongawindingtrack

through bracken, stopping as the trees thinned. In the patchysunlight beyond, green plants crowded the forest floor. Theirsoft leaves looked furry and buds showed at the top of eachstem.“Bygreenleaf,thispatchwillbepurplewithflowers.”

MothFlightpaddedamongthestems,breathinginthezestyperfume.Shestoppedandtouchedhernosetoaleaf,surprisedbyitssoftness.“What’sitfor?”

“Theleaveshelpsoothebadbellies,”CloudSpots toldher.“Andrelievetightchests.Theycanalsohelpnursingqueenstomakemoremilkfortheirkits.”

Micahweavedamongthestems.“Issomeoneill?”“Milkweedhasjusthadkits,”CloudSpotstoldher.Moth Flight blinked. Newleaf seemed to bring kits like it

broughtfreshleaves.ShewonderedifanycatinWindClanwasexpecting.

Micah ran his paw over a borage leaf. “Doesn’t she haveenoughmilk?”

“I’mjustmakingsure,”CloudSpotstoldhim.“Milkweed’snot as young as she used to be. She had her first littermanymoonsago,beforeshejoinedtheClan.”

“IsLeaf the father?”MothFlight tippedherhead,curious.

She’d seen Leaf and Milkweed at gatherings. They’d alwaysstayed close, watching each other with a fondness she’d onlyseenbetweenhermotherandGorseFur.

“Yes,”CloudSpotspurred.MothFlightreachedoutapawandtoreaborageleaffrom

itsstem.“The best leaves growhalfway up the stem,”CloudSpots

toldher.“Nottootough,butoldenoughtohaveplentyofsap.”MothFlight chose another leaf closer to themiddle of the

plant.“Likethisone?”“That’s great.” Cloud Spots picked a leaf from the plant

besidehimandlaiditontheground.Together they picked enough to make a small pile, then

Cloud Spots rolled them into a tight bundle and clasped itbetweenhisjaws.

He headed away through the trees.Moth Flight followed,Micah on her tail.They pushed past the brambles and headedacross a clearing, Cloud Spots slowing as the forest slopedupward.

He flicked his tail sharply, his ears twitching a warning.Moth Flight halted as the medicine cat stopped and lookeddown.Shefollowedhisgaze,amazedtoseethelanddropawayintoasteepravine.

Spindlytreesandbushescrowdedthebottom.“Isthecampdownthere?”

“Yes.” Cloud Spots placed his bundle on the ground.“FollowmyroutedownthecliffandwatchcloselywhereIputmypaws.Someof theledgesarenarrow.”Pickingupthewadofborage, he scrambleddownonto awide shelf, thenhopped

ontoanarrowjuttingstonebelow.MothFlightglancednervouslyatMicah.“Trust your paws,” Micah told her. “They led you to the

Moonstone.”Slitheringontothefirst ledge,hefollowedCloudSpots. Moth Flight ignored her pounding heart and jumpeddownafterhim.

Shelandedclumsilyandsentgritshoweringdown.“Sorry!”shecalledasitsprayedCloudSpotsandMicah.

Micahshookthedirtfromhispelt.“Don’tworry!”Carefully, Moth Flight leaped down onto the next ledge,

unsheathingherclawstohelphergrip.Fearsparkedbeneathherpelt as shehopped from rock to rockuntil at last she saw theground below. She landed on the smooth earth besideMicah,limpwithrelief.Buttherewasstillnosignofthecamp.Alargegorsebushblockedtheirway.Shescannedit,searchingforanentrance,butitwasonlywhenCloudSpotsslidamongthedarkgreen branches that she saw it. She followedMicah through,awareofthehighcliffsandthickbushesloomingoneveryside.ItwasdifferentfromtheairyRiverClancamp.

Assheemergedfromthegorse,sheblinked,surprisedtoseea grassy clearing. Bushes encircled it, and a wide thicket ofbramble crowded one end, while a great rock towered at theother.Onthefarside,acliffshowedamidburgeoningfernsand,attheotherside,arottingtreelay,barkcrumblingaroundit.

CloudSpotsheadedforthebrambles,whileMicahpausedintheclearing.

Moth Flight stopped beside him. She could smellThunderClan scents. They clung to the grass and drifted fromeverybush,but therewasnosignofanycat. “Where isevery

cat?”“Hunting!” Cloud Spots called over his shoulder before

disappearingamongthebramblestems.“I’m not.” A croaky mew sounded from the shadows

beneatha juttingbranchof thefallentree.Askinnywhite tomcreptout.MothFlightrecognizedPinkEyes.She’dseenhimather first Gathering. He blinked through sunlight shafting pastthe thick canopy. Is he blindnow?The tomwas squinting, asthoughtryingtomakethemout.

“It’sme,MothFlight.”Shepaddedcloser.“I’mWindClan’smedicinecat—”

PinkEyesinterrupted.“Youdon’tneedto tellmewhoyouare. The Clan has been gossiping about you since you camebackfromHighstones,talkingofspirit-cats.”

Moth Flight hesitated. The Clans gossiped about her? Sheshiftedherpawsself-consciouslyasPinkEyeswenton.

“You toldCloud Spots to be ourmedicine cat, so now hewantsme to eat herbs,” hemuttered peevishly. “He thinks hecancuremyachesandpains.Butyoucan’tcureoldage.”

CloudSpotssqueezedoutfromthebramble.“Icantry,”hecalledtoPinkEyes.

“I’d rather you brought me a fresh vole every day,” PinkEyeshuffed.

CloudSpots flashedMothFlightanexasperated look.“It’smyjobtotakecareofyou.”

A young orange-and-white she-kitwho looked about threemoonsoldslidout fromthebrambleandraced toward theoldtom.“PinkEyes!ShallIfetchfreshmossforyourbedding?”

A dappled gray tom-kit chased after her. “I’ll help you,

AppleBlossom.”HestoppedashesawMothFlightandMicahandblinkedattheminsurprise.“ArethesethevisitorsyoutoldMilkweedabout?”heaskedCloudSpots.

“Yes.MothFlightandMicah.”“Hi!”AppleBlossomdippedherhead,thenlookedatCloud

Spots.“CanwegoandgathermossforPinkEyes’sbed?”PinkEyessnorted.“Idon’tneedmyneststuffedwithdamp

moss.”AppleBlossomliftedhertail.“We’lllayitinthesuntodry

first.”Sheflickedhermuzzletowardthedappledgraytom-kit.“SnailShellsayshefoundapatchofthesoftestmossever.”

Thetom-kitnodded.“Wecanfetchitnow.”CloudSpotsfrowned.“Isitfarfromcamp?”SnailShellshookhishead.“It’snearthetopoftheravine.”Apple Blossom blinked hopefully at the ThunderClan

medicinecat.“Wewon’tbegonelong.”Cloud Spots dipped his head. “Be careful climbing down.

It’shardtoseewhereyou’reputtingyourpawswithamouthfulofmoss.”

AppleBlossomhared toward the gorse barrier. “Wewon’tfall.”

SnailShellchasedafterher,disappearingthroughthegapinthedarkgreenbranches.

Pink Eyes rolled his eyes dramatically. “Betweenswallowingherbsandhavingmynestcleanedout,Idon’tgetamoment’speace.”

CloudSpotspurred. “Anddon’t forget all thekit-watchingyoudo,”heteased.

“Kit-watching!”PinkEyesgrunted.“IsupposeIfeeluseful

helping out Gooseberry andYew Tail.Makes the new familyfeelwelcome.ButAppleBlossomandSnailShellhardlyneedmeanymore.”

“ShiveringRose,HazelBurrow, andMorningFirewill, assoonasthey’rebigenoughtoleavetheden.”

Moth Flight pricked her ears. If Apple Blossom and SnailShell belong to a new family, then the kits Cloud Spots justmentionedmustbe...“AretheyMilkweed’skits?”

CloudSpotsnodded,glancingtowardthebramblebush.“Doyouwanttoseethem?”

“Yes.”ThoughMothFlightwasmore interested in findingout ifMilkweed had eaten the borage Cloud Spots had takenher. She followed the ThunderClan medicine cat toward thetangleofbramblesthatspilledfromoneedgeoftheclearing.Assheneared,shesawasmallentrancehollowedamongthestems.

Cloud Spots stuck his nose in. “Milkweed!Moth Flight’shere.Maysheseeyourkits?”

“Ofcourse!”Agentlemewsoundedfrominside.MothFlightglancedatMicah,standingintheclearing.“Can

Micahcome?”Micahshrugged.“Cowalwaystoldmetoleaveaqueenand

her kits to themselves. I’ll keep Pink Eyes company,” hemeowed.“Hemusthaveplentyofstoriestoshare.”

PinkEyes’stailtwitched.“Idon’tseewhyayoungtomlikeyouwouldbeinterested,butokay.”

CloudSpotswriggledthroughthebramblesandMothFlightfollowed. She was surprised to find herself in a wide hollowwalled by prickly stems.Sunlight speared throughgaps in thebranches. “How did you make this den?” she asked, gazing

around.“Carefully,”CloudSpotspurred.Threewide nests,woven from twigs and linedwithmoss,

sat on a dry earth floor. A splotchy ginger-and-black she-catgazedwithambereyesfromone.Threetinykitssquirmedatherbelly,theireyesclosed.

ThewarmscentofmilktouchedMothFlight’snose.Oneofthe kits beganmewling as another pushed him away fromhismother’ssoftflank.Milkweedquicklyscoopedhimnearwithapaw. “That’sHazelBurrow,” she purred. “ShiveringRose andMorning Fire are always stealing his milk. But he’s going togrowintoahandsometom,justlikehisfather.”

“They’reallbeautiful.”MothFlightgazedattheblack-and-white tom-kit, happy now as he nursed at Milkweed’s belly.ShiveringRosenuzzledinbesidehim,herblackpeltasfluffyasan owl chick’s,whileMorning Fire squirmed closer, her darkbrownfurcamouflagedamongtheshadows.

MothFlightglancedtowardtheemptynestontheothersideoftheden.Itsmelledwarm.“Is thatAppleBlossomandSnailShell’snest?”

“Theyshareitwiththeirmother,Gooseberry,”CloudSpotstoldher.

“There’s hardly room for them anymore,” Milkweedcommented.“Buttheremaybemorespacesoon.Thethirdnestbelongs to Violet Dawn, and I think she wants to move toThunder’sden.”

MothFlight knew thatVioletDawnwas a sleekdarkgrayshe-catwho’djoinedThunderClanseveralmoonsago.Thunderhadtakenherashismate.

CloudSpotsnarrowedhiseyes thoughtfully.“Perhaps theyshouldbebuildingnewnestsinsteadofcollectingmossforPinkEyes.”

Ahoarsemewsoundedoutsidetheden.“Doyouwantmetogoscavengingformyownbedding?”

CloudSpotspurred.“PinkEyes’ssightmaybeweak,buthishearingisassharpasever.”Henoddedtowardthedenentrance.“Let’sleaveMilkweedtorest.”

“Haveyougivenhertheborage?”MothFlightasked.Cloud Spots nodded to a pile of leaves beside her nest.

“She’shadone leafandI’m leaving the rest incasesheneedsmore.”

“Take some for your store,”Milkweed told him. “I won’tneeditall.”

Cloud Spots glanced at the kits, suckling happily at herbelly, andnodded. “Okay.”Hegrabbed a few leaves from thepileandnosedhiswayoutoftheden.

“Thanks for lettingme seeyourkits,”MothFlightmewedgratefullytothequeen.

Milkweed purred. “There’s nothing better than being amother.”

“Iguess.”MothFlightshrugged,wonderingwhatcouldbebetter than roaming themoor alone, searching for newplants.Shecouldn’timaginebeingresponsibleforcatstoohelplesstolookafterthemselves.Butisn’tthatwhatamedicinecathastodo?Her belly tightened as she followedCloud Spots into theclearing.ThenshesawMicah.Helookedsohandsome,apoolof sunshine creeping slowly across his flank. He was lyingbeside Pink Eyes, his attention fixed on the old tom as he

listened.“The squirrel was near the top of the tree,” Pink Eyes

rumbled.“ButIwasn’tgoingtoletitgetaway.Ifolloweditup.Then,justasIscrambledontothehighestbranch,therewas—”Theoldtombrokeoffandsnappedhisgazetowardthegorse.

Amoment later, the barrier trembled and Thunder paddedintocamp.LightningTailtrottedathisheels.TheThunderClanleader’s orange pelt glowed in the dappled sunlight. A rabbithungfromhisjaws.OwlEyesandLeaffollowed,carryingprey.

“Good hunting, I see?” Cloud Spots nodded toward therabbit.

Thunderdroppedhiscatch.“Justwaituntilgreenleaf.”HisgazeslidtowardMothFlight.

Micahscrambledtohispawsandshookouthisdustypelt.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind—”

Thunderdippedhishead toMothFlight. “Wearehonoredbyyourvisit.”HeturnedtoMicah.“HowisClearSky?”

“He’sfine.”LightningTailgrunted.“Doeshestillthinkhe’sthebestcat

intheforest?”“Heknowshisstrengths,”Micahanswereddiplomatically.Thundersnorted.“Ibethelikesyou.”“Hewill,”Micahanswered.“Eventually.”Leafwasheading for thenursery.“IsMilkweedokay?”he

calledtoCloudSpots.“She’sfine.”Owl Eyes glanced toward the gorse barrier. “Violet Dawn

asked me if you have any chervil. She’s had a bellyache allmorning.”

“Whereisshe?”CloudSpots’seyesdarkenedwithworry.“ShestoppedtohelpAppleBlossomandSnailShellgather

moss,”OwlEyestoldhim.“I’ll get some for her,” Cloud Spots meowed. “There’s

plentyintheforest.”Micah narrowed his eyes. “Don’t you keep any in your

store?”CloudSpots shrugged. “It’sbetter topick fresh leaves this

timeofyear,”heexplained.“I’llgathersometodryformystoreinlategreenleaf,whenit’sstartingtodieback.”

PawstepssoundedbeyondthegorsebarrierandThistleandCloverpushed theirway into camp.Theyweredragging a fatwoodpigeonbetweenthem.

Thunderswishedhistail.“Youmanagedtogetitdownthecliff!”

Clover sniffed. “Thistle threw it over the edge and wehauleditfromthebottom.”

MothFlightglancedat thebatteredbird, itswings splayedawkwardly. Feathers speckled the ground around it. “It was agoodthingnoonewasunderneath.”

Thistlesniffed.“Anycatwhocan’thearapigeonbouncingdownacliffneedshisearschecked.”

Micah’s eyes flashedwith amusement. “It looks like it hiteveryledgeonthewaydown.”

PinkEyespaddedtothepigeonandsniffedit.“Atleastit’llbetender.”

CloudSpotsnoddedtowardtheferns.“DoyouwanttoseemydenbeforeIgoandgatherchervil?”

Moth Flight nodded eagerly and followed as Cloud Spots

headedacrosstheclearingandpushedthroughatunnelofferns.Moth Flight glanced at Micah as he stopped beside her.

“Yougofirst.”The yellow tom dipped his head and nosed his way after

Cloud Spots.Moth Flight followed, padding through the ferntunnel, her belly flutteringwith excitement.She could alreadysmellCloudSpot’sherbs.Asmallclearingopenedahead,edgedby a cliff that stretched toward the top of the ravine. Watertrickleddowntherock,poolingatoneedge,andacrackopenedinthestone.MothFlightpaddedtowarditandsniffed,hernosetwitching as the pungent herb scents grew stronger. “Do youkeepyourstoresinthere?”Shepeeredintothedarkness.

CloudSpotsbrushedpastherandreachedintothecrack.Hepulledoutawadofleaves,neatlybundledandtiedwithgrass.Heopeneditandspreadtheherbsoverthedenfloor.

MothFlightglancedat them,hoping to recognizeone.Buttheywereforestherbs,lushanddarkandmusty-smelling.

“Thisiscomfrey.”CloudSpotspulledthelargestleafcloser.“IkeepafewleavesinmystoreincasePinkEyesiswakenedin the night by aches.But the forest is full of it and I like togatheritfresheachdayandlinehisnestwithit.”

“Whatdoesitdo?”Micahsniffedthefurryleaf.“Iteasesthepainsinhisjoints,”CloudSpotstoldhim.“Canyoueatit?”MothFlightasked.“Yes, butwrapping sore limbs in the leavesworks just as

well,” Cloud Spots told her. “I’ve heard it even helps brokenlimbstoheal,thoughI’venotyethadtotryit.”

ThefernsrustledandLeafpaddedintotheden.“Milkweed’sthirsty,”hemeowed.

CloudSpotsjerkedhismuzzlearound.“I’msorry!Imeanttogiveherfreshmoss.”

MothFlightfrowned,puzzled.Howcouldmosshelpthirst?“I’ll take it to her.”Leaf padded toward thewater pooling

besidetherock.Hehookedalumpofmossfromaheappiledatone edge and dipped it in thewater. He let it soak for a fewmoments, then grabbed it between his jaws and carried it,dripping,towardtheferntunnel.

As he disappeared, Moth Flight blinked. “She laps waterfrom the moss!” Had she seen Reed Tail soaking moss inpuddlesonthemoor?Shemustaskhimwhenshegotback.Itwas a great idea. Sick cats could stay in their nests and restinsteadofroamingthemoorinsearchofadrink.

CloudSpotsgathereduphisherbs.“I’dbettergatherchervilforVioletDawn.Comewithme.I’llshowyousomeotherherbsyoumightfinduseful.”

“Great!”Micahliftedhistail.HappinessfizzedbeneathMothFlight’sfur.Shewasgoing

to return to WindClan knowing so much! Cheerfully shefollowedMicahandCloudSpotsoutoftheden.

Anowlhootedatthetopoftheravine.MothFlighthuddledcloser toMicah, searching for a glimpse of themoon throughthecanopyoftrees.Thunderhadofferedthemanestbesidethefallentree.ShecouldhearPinkEyessnoringatail-lengthawayandsmellthecomfreylininghisnest.

The forest was black with shadow. She was used to themoor, washed silver by moonlight. Countless scents, madericher by a heavy dew, filled her nose. Trying to ignore thepressing darkness, she recalled the plants Cloud Spots had

shown them, murmuring their names under her breath.“Coltsfoot,goldenrod,feverfew,catchweed—”

“Can’tyousleep?”Micahwhisperedinthedarkness.“Idon’twanttoforgetanything,”MothFlighttoldhim.Micahnuzzledherear.“He’llshowusagaintomorrow,”he

promised.“You’llremember,don’tworry.”Ihopeso.“Gotosleep,”Micahmurmured.“It’sbeenabusyday,and

tomorrowmightbeevenbusier.”MothFlightclosedhereyesandnestledagainsthisthickfur.

Itwas cozyhere.SnailShell andAppleBlossomhadbroughtbacksomuchmossthattherewasenoughtolinetheirownnest.Micah’swarmscentseepedintoherthoughtsassheslippedintosleep. She purred contentedly. She could easily get used tosleepingbesidehimeverynight.

CHAPTER21

Moth Flight slept. AsMicah’s soft breathwashed hermuzzle,shedreamed.

Fourkitssquirmedbetween theminasunnynest.Happily,she nuzzled the strong tom-kit clambering over her flank.“Look,Micah!He’sashandsomeasyou!”She turned tomeetMicah’s lovinggaze,buthe’dgone.Alarmspiked throughherpelt.“Micah?Whereareyou?”Shewassuddenlyaloneinthenest, cold air flooding around her. “Kits?” Panic surgedthroughher.Sheleapedtoherpawsandstaredintotheshadowsclosingfastaroundthenest.Strainingtosee,shesearchedforMicahandherkits.“Wheredidyougo?”

“MothFlight!”Avoicecalledhername.“Micah!Isthatyou?”Shestruggledawake.“MothFlight!”Bleary with sleep, she struggled free of her dream. She

could feel Micah, warm against her. She shook her head,clearingher thoughts.Shewas in theThunderClancamp.Softdawnlightcreptintotheshelterofthefallentreewherethey’dmadetheirnest.

“MothFlight!”Someonewascallingherfromtheclearing.“I’m coming!” She scrambled onto her paws and hurried

out.SpottedFurstoodinthemiddle,gazingdesperatelyaround.

Hisearsprickedashesawher.“Thereyouare!”

“What’shappened?”Fearstabbedherbelly.Whathadsenthimhereatdawn?

“Yousaidyou’dbewithRiverClan!”Therewasreproachinhis mew. “River Ripple told me you were here.” His gazeflickedpastherasfurbrushedbeneaththejuttingbranchofthefallen tree.“Micah.”SpottedFur’shackles liftedas theyellowtomslidoutbehindMothFlight.

MothFlightflickedhertailimpatiently.“What’shappened?”The WindClan tom looked away from Micah. “Rocky’s

sick!”MothFlightfrowned.“Ishecoughingagain?”“No,” Spotted Fur told her. “He’s burning hot and he’s

talkingnonsense!”“Hashebeeneatingcatmint?”“ReedTailsayshe’sonlyhadtansy,”SpottedFurtoldher.Thunderslidfromthelichendrapingtheentrancetohisden.

“What’sgoingon?”HestaredatSpottedFur.“WeneedMothFlight,”SpottedFurtoldhim.Around the camp, cats were beginning to stir. Apple

Blossompeekedoutofthebrambleden.LightningTailduckedfromunderaspreadingyew,Leafathistail.

Lightning Tail narrowed his eyes as he saw Spotted Fur.“Howdidyoufindyourwayintothecamp?”

“Howdoyou think?”SpottedFur snorted. “I followedmynose, of course. Do you think ThunderClan paw prints don’tsmell?”

Thundersteppedforward,hisearstwitchingcrossly.“You’redisturbingmyClan.”

“I’m justhere to fetchMothFlight.”SpottedFurglaredat

theThunderClanleader.“OneofourClanmatesissick.Weneedher.”

HeatwashedMothFlight’spelt.DidSpottedFurhavetoberude?ThunderandhisClanmateshadbeensokind.

Cloud Spots nosed hisway from the ferns, a roll of herbsdanglingfromhismouth.HecrossedtheclearinganddroppedthematMothFlight’spaws.“Takethese,”hetoldher.“They’resomeoftheherbswegathered.Theymightbesomehelp.”

MothFlightblinkedathimgratefully,thendippedherheadtoThunder.“Thankyouforlettingusstay.”

Thunder’s eyes glowedwithwarmth. “Sendmy regards toWindRunnerandGorseFur.”

“Iwill.”Shesnatcheduptheherbbundleandheadedforthegorsebarrier.SpottedFurfollowed.

“Waitforme!”Micahhurriedafterthem.Spotted Fur glanced at the yellow tom. “We don’t need

you.”Ido!MothFlightgruntedcrossly,theherbbundlemuffling

hermew.“Twomedicinecatsarebetterthanone,”Micahinsisted.SpottedFur shotMothFlightaglance.Hemusthaveseen

theangerinhergaze.“Okay,”hesnapped,duckingthroughthegorsebarrier.“Iguessyoucancometoo.”

“Great!Seeyousoon,CloudSpots!”Micahcalledoverhisshoulder.“TakecareofPinkEyes!”

MothFlightfollowedSpottedFuroutofcampandstoppedatthebottomofthecliff.SpottedFurwasalreadyscanningtherock face.“Followme.”Hehoppedonto the lowest ledgeandbegantoleadawindingrouteupthecliff.

Bythe timetheyreachedtheWindClancamp,MothFlightwasoutofbreath.Hertongueburnedwithherbjuicesthathadseepedoutasshegrippedthebundlebetweenherjaws.They’dharedoverthelaststretchofgrassandburstintothehollowasthe sun lifted above the distant forest. Sunshine flooded theclearing.

MothFlight raced towardherden.ShecouldhearMicah’spawsthrummingbehindher.

GorseFurwatchedthempass,surpriseglitteringinhiseyes.DustMuzzleandWillowTailleapedtotheirpaws.JaggedPeakstaredfromhisden,Hollypacingintheshadowsbehind.MothFlight felt her pelt prickle as their gaze followedMicah.Whydidtheylooksouneasy?

“Wait!” Wind Runner’s yowl sounded across the camp.MothFlightskiddedtoahalt.

Her mother was stalking across the tussocks, staring atMicah.“What’shedoinghere?”

MothFlightdroppedtheherbs.“He’scometohelp!”“IthoughtItoldyouIdidn’twanthiminthecamp!”Wind

Runnerhalted.Moth Flight faced her. “Rocky’s sick and Micah’s a

medicinecat.”Wind Runner didn’t blink. “Can’t you heal him by

yourself?”“Idon’tknow.”MothFlightheldherground.Shefoughtthe

urge to drop her gaze as Wind Runner glared at her. Rockyneededhelp.

Wind Runner’s tail twitched ominously “There was anincidentwhileyouwereaway.”

MothFlighttensed.“Whathappened?”“A moor rabbit was found in SkyClan’s territory,” Wind

Runnertoldher.Micahprickedhisears.WindRunnermethisgazeaccusingly.“Clearly,yourClanis

stealingpreyfromourland.”Micah shrugged. “How do you know it didn’t just stray

acrosstheborderbyitself?”WindRunner lashedher tail. “WillowTail said she’d seen

SkyClancatsonthemoorearlier.”Micahflashedalookatthepaletabbyshe-cat,whowatched

throughnarrowedeyesfrombesideDustMuzzle.“Thatdoesn’tproveanything.”

“ItprovesSkyClancan’tbetrusted,”WindRunnersnarled.MothFlightsteppedbetweenhermotherandMicah.“Itrust

Micah!”shegrowled.“Ineedhishelp.”Wind Runner’s ears twitched. “One day, you’re going to

havetostandonyourownfourpaws.”“One day I will. But not today.”Moth Flight grabbed the

herbbundleandmarchedtoherden,Micahatherheels.Inside,Rockywasshiveringinhisnest.Hismattedfurclung

to his frame. He looked old and weak. Moth Flight’s heartquickened.

ReedTailandSwiftMinnowcrouchedbesidehim.“Howlonghashebeenlikethis?”MothFlightaskedReed

Tail.“Hetookaturnfortheworselastnight.”Theoldtomwrithedintheheather,hiseyesrolling.“When

willleafbareend?”hegasped.“It’ssocold!”

Howdidhegetsosick?Ishedying?Thoughtsracing,MothFlight dropped the herbs and thrust her muzzle close to his.Warmthpulsedfromhisnose.Panicflashedthroughher.Whatdo I do first? Words came. “We need to cool him down.”DappledPelt hadwarnedher that fevers couldbedeadly.SheturnedtoSwiftMinnow.“Goandfindasmuchmossasyoucancarryandsoakitinapuddle,thenbringitback.”

“I’m so cold!” Rocky’s teeth chattered as Swift Minnowracedfromtheden.

“WhatcanIdo?”ReedTailasked.“Gowithher.”“Don’tyouneedmehere?”ReedTailfrownedanxiously.“I’ve gotMicah,”Moth Flight told him. “We’ve learned a

lotsinceweleft.”ReedTailnoddedandheadedoutoftheden.Moth Flight hooked a claw through the grass stem that

grippedherbundleandsnappeditopen.Theleavesunrolledandherbscentsbathedhernose.Shestaredatthem,panicprickingherpaws.Whichoneiswhich?Whataretheyfor?HerthoughtswhirledasshedesperatelytriedtorecallCloudSpots’straining.“Come on,” she hissed to herself under her breath.“Remember!”

Micah’s pelt brushed hers. “Feverfew might help,” hemurmured.

Feverfew!Ofcourse!Butwhichoneis it?Shescanned theleaves, her thoughts tumbling over one another. Then sherecognized the delicate scalloped leaves that Cloud Spots hadhelpedherpickyesterday.

“Rocky!” She spoke to the tom sternly, hoping he’d

understand.“Ineedyoutoswallowsomeleaves,okay?”Hestaredatherthroughcloudedeyes,shivering.“Doyouthinkyoucandothat?”IfRockychewedthemand

spat them out, they’d be wasted. She’d have to return to theforesttofetchmore,andtherewasn’ttime.

Rockystaredatherblankly.Micah leaned forward and rested his muzzle on Rocky’s

head.“It’sjustlikeeatingprey,”hemurmuredsoftly.Rockygrewstill.“Likeeatingprey,”heechoed.Moth Flight lifted the feverfew to Rocky’s lips with a

hookedclaw.“Justswallowtheseandyou’llfeelabitbetter.”Micah lapped the old tom’s head. “Just a few leaves,” he

soothed.Obediently Rocky nibbled the herb from Moth Flight’s

claws.“Comeon,”Micahurgedgently.“They’llgodowneasy.”ReliefwashedMothFlight’speltasRockylappedtheleaves

down.ShestaredgratefullyatMicah.“Thankyou.”“Sickcatsarelikekits,”hetoldher.“Alittlegentlenessgoes

alongway.”MothFlightgazedatRockyasheslumpeddeeper intohis

nest.“What’swrongwithhim?He’snotcoughinganymore.”“Listen to his chest,” Micah suggested. “Even when Tiny

Branchstoppedcoughing,Icouldhearhimwheezinginside.”MothFlightleanedintothenest,relievedtofeellesswarmth

seepingfromRocky’spelt.Atleastthefeverfewwasworking.Shepressedher ear tohis rib cageand listened. It soundedasthoughwaterwasbubblingupinside.Shesatup,alarmed.“He’sdrowning,likeDrizzle!”

Micah’s eyeswidened. “He can’t be.He hasn’t swallowedanywater.”

“There’swaterinhischest!”MothFlightgasped.“Icanhearit.”

Micahleaneddownandlistened,hiseyesdarkwithworryashestraightened.“Theremustbeinfectioninside.”

Moth Flight’s belly felt hollow. “What can we do?” ShestareddesperatelyatMicah.ThensherememberedwhatCloudSpots had told them on theirway home from theMoonstone.“Thetree!”ShestaredatMicah.“Theonewiththeoozingsap!Onyourterritory!”

“Of course!” Micah lifted his tail. “Cloud Spots said it’dcureanycough.SurelyitwouldcureRocky’schestinfection!”

“Doyouknowwhereitis?”“Yes!”“You’re brilliant!”MothFlight pressed hermuzzle against

Micah’scheek,purring.Shedrewback.“Whereisit?”Henodded.“ItookAcornFurlookingforit.Itwasn’thard

tofind.Itssapsmellsasstrongaspine,butsweeter.”“Wemustgotherenow!”MothFlight’spawsitched.“We?”Micahhesitated. “Perhaps I shouldgo alone.Wind

Runnerwon’twantyougoingtoSkyClanterritory.”“I’mcomingwithyou!”Shehadtoseewherethetreewas.

One day her Clan might depend on it. And Rocky needed itnow.Sheliftedherchin.WindRunnerwasn’tgoingtostopherfrombeing thebestmedicinecat shecouldbe.“Wewon’t tellWindRunnerwherewe’regoing.Let’shurry.”SheglancedatRocky,whowasworryinglystill,hisflankshardlymoving.

Micah followed her gaze, then nodded. “Come on.” He

haredoutoftheden.MothFlightracedafterhim.Theycrossedtheclearinginafewbounds.

“Where are you going?”DustMuzzle’smew echoed afterthemastheyheadedthroughtheentrance.

“Wewon’tbelong!”MothFlightcalledbackevasively.Theyraceddownthemoorside,MothFlighttakingthelead

andburningtrailsthroughtheheather.ShereachedtheSkyClanborder,herchestonfire.“Whichway?”

Micahpeltedpasther.“Followme.”Moth Flight chased him through the wall of ferns and

around a clump of brambles. He cleared a rotting log in onebound.Shescrambledover itandkept running,digging inherpaws to catchup as he disappearedover a rise.She followed,her heart lurching as the ground opened into a ditch. Herforepawsslippedovertheedge.Shepushedhardwithherhindlegsandsoaredover thegap.Landingheavily, shesent leavesswirling behind her. Micah was still running and she chasedafter him, determined not to lose sight. He swerved past anancientoakandfollowedagullythatcutintoaglade.Thetreesthinnedandsunlightstreamedin.Bluebellsmisted theground,turningtheforestfloorpurple.

“This is it!” Micah slowed and circled a tall tree at thebottom of the glade. “The bark at the base is too old,” hemeowed. “I’ll have to climb to the topwhere there are tenderstems.”

MothFlightscrambledtoahalt,herheartpounding.“It’ssotall!Canyouclimbtrees?”

“Idon’tknow! I’venever tried.”Micahpeeredup throughtheleafybranches.“Itcan’tbeharderthanthebarnladder.”

“It’s a lot higher.”Anxietywormed beneathMothFlight’spelt.She’dneverclimbedatree.Onthemoor,preylivedamongthegorseandheather.

“OnceIgettothefirstbranch,I’llbeokay.”Micahreachedupwithhisforepawsandhookedhisclawsintothebark.Shardsflakedawayandshoweredaroundhim.

“I’mcomingwithyou.”MothFlightwasnotlettinghimtrythisalone.

“No.Ineedtoconcentrate.Ifyouclimbup,I’llbedistractedbecauseI’llbeworryingaboutyou.”Micahlookedather.“YoustayhereandI’lldropthebarkdowntoyou.”

Moth Flight blinked at him uncertainly. “Are you surewecan’t just scrape thebarkawayhere?”Shenodded toward thepeelingwood.

“It’sasdryasabone.”Heleapedup,digginghishindclawsinandscootingtowardabranchjuttingafewtail-lengthsabovehishead.

“Be careful!”MothFlight called, her breathquickening asshewatchedhimscramblehigher.

Grunting,hehauledhimselfontothelowestbranch.“Thisiseasy!”hecalleddown.

MothFlightscreweduphereyesascrumbsofbarkdrifteddownlikesnowflakes.“Don’tforgetyou’renotasquirrel!”

“I won’t.” Micah craned his neck, peering up toward thenext branch. Reaching up, he clung to the trunk and hauledhimselfhigher.

MothFlightpacedthebottomofthetree.Becareful!Fernsswishedbehindher.Sheglancedoverhershoulder.“What are you doing here?” Clear Sky stalked into the

glade, his broad shoulders rippling. An angry snarl curled hislip.

“We need medicine for Rocky,” Moth Flight explained.“He’sreallysick.”

“Don’tyouhaveherbson themoor?”ClearSkystoppedawhiskerfromhernose.

Shebackedaway,shockedbythemenaceinhismew.“We need sap from this tree.” She glanced towardMicah.

Leavesshiveredaroundhim,highamongthebranches.ClearSkyjerkedhismuzzleup.“Isthatmymedicinecat?”Yellow fur showed between the leaves as Micah climbed

higher.“He’shelpingme,”MothFlightexplained.“Getoffmyland,”ClearSkyhissedather.MothFlightstiffened.“I’mnothunting!”“WindClanseemtothinkthatbordersonlyworkoneway!”“That’snottrue.”MothFlight’shacklesrose.“It’sSkyClan

who’sbeenstealingmoorprey!”ClearSky’sbluegazeturnedtoice.Hispeltliftedalonghis

spine.MothFlight froze,wishing she hadn’t spoken. She backed

awayfeelingsuddenlyvulnerable.“I’mjustamedicinecat,”shemewed. “I only want to get sap to cure Rocky! As soon asMicahfindssomebark,I’lltakeitandleave.”

“You’renot takinganythingfromSkyClan territory,”ClearSkysnarled.

“ButRockymightdiewithoutit!”“That’snotmyproblem!”MothFlightcouldn’tbelieveherears.Howcouldanycatbe

socruel?“MothFlight?”Micah’smewsoundedfromhighamongthe

branches.“Areyouokay?”ClearSkyglancedupward.“Shewillbe.Ifshegoeshome.”LeavesshiveredonabranchandMicahstuckouthishead.

“ClearSky?Whatareyoudoinghere?”“It’s my territory!” Clear Sky yowled. “Or had you

forgotten?”Micah blinked at him. “Of course not, butwe need to get

somesapforR—”ClearSkycuthimoff.“Stopplayingtheheroforyourlittle

WindClanfriend.Yourloyaltyistome.Getdownfromthere!”“I’m amedicine cat,”Micah called back. “It’smy duty to

curecats.”“It’syourduty to cureyourClanmates,”ClearSkyhissed.

“Noteverycatyoumeet.”Anger flared inMothFlight’sbelly.“Wecan’t letcatsdie,

justbecausetheybelongtoadifferentClan!”Clear Sky narrowed his eyes. “Are you tellingme how to

leadmyClan?”“Someoneneeds to!”MothFlight snapped. “You’re a fox-

heart!”Eyesflashingwithrage,ClearSkylashedoutandrakedher

muzzle.Shocked,sherecoiled.“Leaveheralone!”Micahbegantoclimbdown.“Iwillifshegetsoutofhere,”ClearSkysnarled.“Stay where you are,Micah!”Moth Flight dug her claws

intotheearth.Sheforcedhermewnottotremble.“Rockyneeds

thesap.Ican’tlethimdie.”Brownfurshowedatthetopoftheglade.RedClaw!Moth

Flightspottedhimwithasparkofrelief.Perhapshecouldtalksomesenseintohisleader.

TheSkyClantompaddeddowntheslopeandstoppedbesideClearSky.“IsWindClantryingtostartanotherfight?”HisgazesweptMothFlight,coldwithdisdain.ThehopeMothFlighthadfeltathisarrivaldimmed.

Above,abranchshook.“I’mcomingdown!”Micahcalled.“No!” Moth Flight ignored the fear sparking beneath her

pelt. “Rocky needs the bark.” She narrowed her eyes, glaringdefiantlyatClearSky.“Youcandowhatyouliketome.I’mnotleaving.”

RedClawglanceduneasilyatClearSky.“She’shardlymorethanakit.”

“There’s noneed to hurt her.”ClearSky liftedhis gaze toMicah.“Stophimfromgetting thebark.Shecan return tohercamp,butshe’llgowithemptypaws.”

RedClawnoddedandracedforthetree.Leaping,heclungtothebarkandpulledhimselfontothefirstbranch.

“Watch out, Micah!” Moth Flight wailed. “Red Claw’scoming!”

AgrowlrumbledominouslyinClearSky’sthroat.“IknewIshouldneverhavetakenhimin.”

MothFlightblinkedathim.“Buthecuredyourkit!”“AcornFurcouldhavecuredTinyBranch.”“No she couldn’t!” Moth Flight spat back. “She knew

nothingabouthealinguntilMicahcameandtaughther.”Clear Sky’s gaze didn’t move from the tree. He was

watchingRedClawscramblethroughthebranches.Micahwasstillclimbing,closetothetopnow.

MothFlight’schestswelledwithrage.“You’reluckytohaveacatlikeMicahinyourClan!”shegrowled.“He’sthebravestandcleverestcatI’veevermet.”

“You’re the clever one,” Clear Sky snarled. “You’re here,withyourpawssafelyontheground.Hethinkshe’sgotwings.”

MothFlightliftedherchin.“You’venevergivenhimafairchance!” she growled. “He left his friends to help your Clan,andyoutreathimlikeaprisoner!You’vemadeAcornFurspyonhim!Iwishhe’dleaveyouandjoinWindClan!”

ClearSky turned on her. “Noone leavesmyClanwithoutpermission!”

Bramblestrembledatthetopoftheslope.WillowTailburstout, her pelt bushed. “What’s going on here?” She boundeddowntheslope,pushingherselfbetweenMothFlightandClearSky.

ClearSkystaredather.“AnotherWindClancat!Can’tyousmellboundaries?”

Willow Tail nudged Moth Flight away and faced theSkyClan leader. “I was worried about Moth Flight when Ismelledhertrailcrosstheborder.Iwantedtomakesureshewasokay.”

“I’m fine,” Moth Flight told her. “It’s Micah who’s introuble.” She nodded toward Red Claw, who was only a fewtail-lengths behind Micah. “He’s trying to stop Micah fromgettingthebarkweneedtocureRocky!”

WillowTail’s eyes blazedwith anger. “RedClaw! Imighthaveknown.Hewastroublewhenwewereroguestogetherand

he’sstill troublenow.”Peltbushing,sheracedfor thetreeandscootedupit,asnimbleasasquirrel.Leavesshowereddownasshescrambledupthetrunk.

As she disappeared among the leaves, a lower branchtrembled andMicah stuck his head out. A long strip of barkhungfromhisjaws.Scramblingontothenextbranchdown,heleaped for the trunk and dropped tail-first toward the ground.Landinglightly,hehurriedtowardMothFlightandlaidthebarkat her paws. It glistened in the sunshine, sap oozing from itsflesh.“Igotit!”

Delight fizzedbeneathher pelt. “Thankyou!”Shepressedhernoseagainsthischeek.

ClearSkyhissed.“Howdareyou!”Tail lashing,hekickedthebarkaway.

“No!”MothFlightleapedafterit,tryingtorescueitbeforeleaflittersoiledtheprecioussap.

Clear Sky facedMicah, ears flat. “I actually believed thatyoumightbecomeoneoftheClan,”hespat.“Butyoucan’tbetrusted.”Hisgaze flicked toMothFlight. “Howcanyou stealforWindClan?”

“It’s not stealing!”Micah faced him. “Herbs belong to allcats.”

Ascreechsoundedabovethem.“Murderer!”WillowTail’scryrangoutacrosstheforest.“Thief!”RedClawshriekedback.Highup,theleavesexplodedaroundthefightingcats.Micah jerked his muzzle up. “They’ll kill each other!”

Sprayingearthbehindhim,heleapedtowardthetreeandhauledhimselfintothebranches.“TakethebarktoRocky!”hecalled

backtoMothFlight.MothFlightfroze.Ican’tleave!NotuntilMicahwas safe.

“Comeback!”shewailed.Letthemkilleachotheriftheywant!Guiltflaredthroughher.Shewasmeanttoprotectcats,notwishthem dead! Her paws were rooted to the ground as Micah’syellow pelt flashed among the leaves. He swarmed upward,towardthetremblingbrancheswhereRedClawandWillowTailfought.

Brown fur crashed through the leaves. Red Claw swungfromabranchforamomentbeforescramblingbackon.WillowTail balanced farther along, her hind paws trembling as shelashed out, blow after blow, with her forepaws. Red Clawbacked away, the end of the branch only a tail-length behindhim. It dipped perilously as he retreated from Willow Tail’spunishingswipes.

“Stop!”Micah’smewrangoutbehindthem.Moth Flight strained to see him. She could make out his

yellow pelt among the green leaves. He was moving slowlyalongthebranch.“Stop!”heorderedagain.

WillowTailglancedathim.“Stayoutofthis,”shesnarled.“It’snotyourbattle.”

“It’snotanycat’sbattle!”Micahcalled.“I’vegotthebark.Moth Flight’s taking it toRocky. There’s no point in fightingnow.”

Red Claw stopped near the end of the branch, his tailthrashingwildlyashefoughttokeephisbalance.“Let’satleastfightlikecats,notcrows!Onthegroundwherecatsaremeanttobe!”

WillowTailnarrowedhereyes.“Youalwayswereamouse-

heart!”SheadvancedslowlytowardtheSkyClantom.“Stop!”Micahfollowedheralongthebranch,liftingapaw

tograbforhertail.Hewobbled,fearflashinginhiseyes.MothFlightgasped.“Becareful!”Micahdughisclawsintothebranch,clinginglikeavine.The branch creaked beneath him.Dry bark fluttered down

likedust.Fear flared through Moth Flight as she noticed that the

leavesaroundRedClawwerewitheredandbrown.Withajolt,she realized that the branch they were on was dying. “Getback!”shecried.Itcreakedagain.“Thebranchisrotten!”

Besideher,ClearSkybackedaway.Acracksplittheair.Theworldseemedtoslowasthebranch

bent,thensnapped,thewoodscreamingasittoreawayfromthetreeanddropped.

ShesawRedClawfall,flailing.WillowTaildroppedbesidehim, her legs thrashing the air. Red Claw caught hold of abranchandswung,forepawsclinginghard.WillowTailhit theboughbelow,yowlingwithshockasshescrambledtoclingon.

The rotten branch hurtled down and smashed onto theground, shards of wood strafing Moth Flight’s flank. Shescrewedup her eyes, scrabbling away as theworld seemed toexplodearoundher.

Thensilencefell.A moment later, leaves rustled overhead and Willow Tail

huffedhighabove.“Micah?”MothFlightblinkedawaythesplintersandgazed

intothebranches.RedClawhadhauledhimselfontohispawsandwas trembling.WillowTail lay frozen, her pawswrapped

tightlyaround thebough thathadbrokenher fall.MothFlightscannedtheleavesaroundthem,tryingtoglimpseMicah’spelt.

Alowmoansoundedfrombelowthetree.MothFlightdraggedhergazetowardthefallenbranch.Among the shriveled leaves and shattered wood, she saw

yellowfur.Dread hollowed her belly. “Micah?” Her throat tightened.

Trembling,shecreptcloser.Don’tletitbehim.Oncemore,shelookedup,hopingtoseeMicahgazingdownfromthetree,hiseyesbrightwithrelief.

Themoansoundedagain.Moth Flight felt sick. She forced herself closer, until she

couldmakeoutMicah’stwistedbody,hishindquarterscrushedbeneaththesplinteredwood.

Hisheadmoved.He’salive!Hopesoaredinherchest.Then his pain-wracked gaze sought hers and held it. She

could see his hopeless agony. Grief tore at her heart as shecrouchedbesidehim.“WhatcanIdo?”shewhisperedhoarsely.

“Letme feel your breath onmy cheek.”Hismewwas soweak that she had to lean closer to hear. He sighed as hermuzzletouchedhis.“MothFlight,Idon’twanttoleaveyou.”

“Thendon’t!”Desperationfilledherplea.“Wecandragyouout.”

“No,MothFlight.Myspineiscrushed.”“Youdon’tknowthat!”“I can feel only pain.”He reached for her gaze again, his

eyesclouding.Asobchokedhermew.“Icanwrapyouincomfrey.Cloud

Spotssaysitcanmend—”“MothFlight.”Micah interrupted,gasping.“Thankyoufor

lettingmecomewithyoutoHighstones.AndforbringingmetotheClans.”

HorrorpressedattheedgeofMothFlight’sthoughts.“Don’tsaythat!”Hewastalkinglikethiswastheend.

“I’mgladIspentthistimewithyou.”“No!”Hemustn’tdie!Hecouldn’t!“Youmade senseofmy life,”he rasped. “Youshowedme

mydestiny.”“Thiscan’tbeyourdestiny!”MothFlightfoughtforbreath,

herthoughtsspiralingintopanic.“It’snotfair!”“Iloveyou.”“Thendon’tleaveme!”“I’ll see you again.” His eyes flickered. “Next half-moon

maybe.”MothFlightfeltawaveofrelief.Butthensherealizedwhat

he meant: Next half-moon. He means he’ll see me fromStarClan! “No!” The ground swayed beneath Moth Flight’spaws.ShethrusthermuzzleagainstMicah’s,longingtofeelhiswarm breath. But she felt nothing. Jerking away, she saw hisgaze light for amoment, then grow dull, as though dusk hadsweptthroughtheforestandswallowedthesunshine.

“Micah.”Collapsing,MothFlightpressedhercheektohis.“Don’tgo.Iloveyou!”

CHAPTER22

Moth Flight lifted her head blearily, not sure if she’d slept.Dawn light filtered through the trees above. “I forgot aboutRocky,”shesaid,buthervoicecameouthoarseandcreaky.“Ididn’ttakethebarktohim.”

“ReedTailtookit,”WindRunner’svoicereplied.“Rocky’sdoingokay.Don’tworryaboutanything,MothFlight.”

She smelled Wind Runner’s scent and realized that hermother’swarm flankwas pressed against hers. SwiftMinnowwasonherotherside.MothFlightwonderedhowlong they’dbeenthere.Achillymistswirledaroundtheforestfloor.

Dreadswelledattheedgeofherthoughtsandshewondered,foramoment,why.Thensheremembered.

Anguishstruckherlikeawave.Shestruggledtobreathe.Micah’smuzzlewasstillawhiskerfromhers,coldandstiff.Sheblinkedatitnumbly.Griefhaddraggedherthroughthe

long, dark night. Foxes had screeched from the depth of thewoods.Owlshadglided,curious,throughtheglade,thebreezefromtheirsilentwingstheonlycluetheyhadpassed.Pawshadscuffed the forest floor as cats came and went, dipping theirhead in respect to Micah, exchanging sympathies in hushedmews.

“It’stimeweburiedhim.”WindRunner’smewcutthroughMothFlight’sgrieflikeclaws.

Panic seized her. “No.”They couldn’t lay himdeep in theearthandcuthimofffromsunlightforever.“Ineedtoseehim.”

Wind Runner got to her paws and touched her muzzle toMothFlight’shead.“Foxeswillcomeforhisbodyifwedon’t.”

Moth Flight blinked at her.Whywas hermother being socruel?

SwiftMinnow shifted beside her. “Burying himwill showourrespect.”

WindRunnernodded.“He’llbesafeintheearth.”AnguishslammedintoMothFlight.“Butwhataboutme?”I

needhim.“Youstillhaveyourfamily,”murmuredWindRunner.“AndyourClanmates,”SwiftMinnowadded.MothFlightleapedtoherpawsandglaredatthem.“Idon’t

wantyou!”shehissed.“Iwanthim!”Theyexchangedlooks,thenWindRunnersignaledtosome

catwith her tail.Gorse Fur padded toward them,withNettle,Blossom,andAcornFurfollowingclosebehind.Thesplinteredbranch had already been cleared away, leavingMicah’s bodyexposedtothebrighteningday.

NettlethrusthisgraymuzzlebeneathMicah’sflank,heavinghimontohisback.GorseFurandBlossomcrowdedbesidehim,helping to take the weight of Micah’s body. Acorn Fur slidamong them, pressing her shoulder beneath Micah’shindquarters.Together,theycarriedthebodyfromtheglade.

MothFlightwatched themwade through thebluebells, thepurpleblossomssweepingMicah’smattedpelt.

Wind Runner nudged her gently forward. “Come and saygood-bye.”

Moth Flight’s paws felt as heavy as stone as she followedthe cats out of the glade. Daylightwas beginning to glimmer

amongtheleavesoverheadasthesunliftedhigher.Atthetopoftheriseshesawclearedearthandaholedugdeepintoit.ClearSkystoodatitshead,StarFlowerathisside.SkyClangatheredaroundthemasNettleandGorseFurpausedattheedgeofthehole.

Moth Flight blinked at the solemnity in Clear Sky’s gaze.Didn’t he realize that he’d caused this, with his fox-heartedcravingforborders?

Acorn Fur’s eyes were misted with grief. She pressedagainstBirchwhileQuickWater,Alder,FernLeaf, andThornstared bleakly at Micah’s body. Red Claw hung back behindClear Sky, his gaze fixed on his paws.Moth Flight felt angerflash inherbelly, eclipsinghergrief for amoment.You killedhim!Youandyourstupidfight!Sheglancedaround,wonderingifWillowTailhaddaredcome.

The pale tabby she-cat was watching half hidden behindDustMuzzle.MothFlightglaredather,angerseethingbeneathherpelt.“Don’tskulkbehindmybrother!”shespat.“Comeandseewhat you’ve done.”She jerkedhermuzzle towardMicah,lyingstifflyonNettle’sback.

MothFlightfeltWindRunner’speltbrushherflank.“Itwasanaccident,”shemurmured.

“It didn’t have to happen! If they hadn’t been fighting”—MothFlightglaredatRedClaw—“Micahwouldstillbealive.”

ClearSkycaughthergazeand returned it steadily. “Micahdiedbecausehewasbrave.Itwasanobledeath.”

“Hedidn’tdiebecausehewasbrave!”MothFlightstaredathim,stunned.“HediedbecauseyousentRedClawafterhim.”

ClearSkydidn’tblink.“Hechosetoclimbbackupthetree,”

hemeowedsimply.“Hecouldhavestayedontheground.”MothFlight’smindwhirled.WasClearSkyblamingMicah?StarFlower stepped forward, her emeraldgaze roundwith

sympathy. “Youare angry,” shemewed. “Acat you lovedhasdied.ButwhatisthepointofblamingClearSky?OrRedClaworWillowTail?Thetreewasrotten.Doyoublamethetree?”

“Yes!”MothFlight’speltbristled.“AndRocky’scoughforsending us there!AndClear Sky!AndRedClaw andWillowTail!”Herthoughtsseemedtowhirlasrageflared.“AndMicahforbeingsodumb!”

Star Flower blinked at her. “Would Micah have blamedanyone?”

I’mgladIspentthistimewithyou.Hisdyingwordsechoedinhermind.Shamewashedherpelt.Hecouldhavehatedmeforbringinghimhere...butinstead,hewasgrateful.Shefelttheeyesof theother cats fixedonher andbackedaway,griefwellingoncemoreinherchestasherangerwithered.

WindRunnerbrushedhercheekwithhermuzzle.“Let’ssaygood-byetoMicahkindly.”

Nettle crouched and let Micah’s body slip from hisshoulders. It dropped into the hole with a thud. Clear Skysteppedforwardandlookedintothedarkness.

No!MothFlightclosedhereyesandpicturedMicahonthestepping-stones, the river sparkling aroundhim.That night, asthey’dcurledintheirnestinDappledPelt’sden,he’daskedhertobehismate.WhileDappledPeltsleptthey’dplannedafuturein soft whispers. They’d told each other that StarClan wouldfindawayforthemtobetogether;theycouldbemedicinecatsto both Clans, traveling between them, but always at each

other’sside.Moth Flight felt her mother’s flank pressing against hers.

She watched as Clear Sky pushed a pawful of earth into thehole.Would either leader have let them live thatway?WouldStarClan?

She’dneverknownow.Her throat tightened. A wave of sadness flooded her, so

strong that the ground swayed beneath her. Wind Runnerpressedharderagainsther.GorseFurpadded toherother sideandpushedhisshoulderbeneathhers.

Clear Sky lifted his muzzle. “I had doubts about takingMicah in,” he meowed. “When he cured Tiny Branch, Iregrettedmypromise to lethimstay.Hewasafarmcat,sleekfromeasyliving,toosureofhimselftobetrusted.Ididn’tthinkhehadanyplaceinaClan.”

Nettlenodded.QuickWatermurmuredinagreement.ClearSkywenton.“ButIwaswrong.”Hegazedsadlyinto

thegrave.“HedevotedeverythoughtandeverymomenttohisClanmates.”HisgazeflittedfromNettletoQuickWater.“Allofuswhodoubtedhimcametorespecthisintelligenceandvaluehiskindness.”TheSkyClancatsnoddedsolemnly.

Star Flower moved closer to the SkyClan leader as hecontinued.“IrespectedMicah.Hestooduptome.Hedidwhathethoughtwasright,notwhatwouldpleaseme.Hedieddoingwhathethoughtwasright.”HelookedatMothFlight.“Hehadto climb back into the tree; hewas being true to himself. Hedied as he lived—caring about others, bravely and withouthesitation.Wewereluckytohaveknownhim,evenforsoshortawhile.”

TheforestseemedtospinaroundMothFlight.ShefeltWindRunnerandGorseFurpresscloser,supportingherasherpawsbuckledbeneathher.

ClearSky’sgazewasstillonher.“Willyouspeakforhim?”“Ican’t—”MothFlightfaltered.Griefseemedtobetearing

her heart in two.Theother cats stared at her expectantly.Sheglanced into thehole,glimpsinga flashofMicah’speltwherethe rising sun’s rays pierced the depths. “May StarClan lightyourpath.”

She blinked, surprised at herself. The words seemed toappearinhermouthandrollfromhertongueasthoughshehadspokenthemcountlesstimesbefore.

“May you find good hunting, swift running, and shelterwhenyousleep.”

Murmursofapprovalrippledaroundtheothercats.MothFlightbackedaway.WindRunnerwaswatchingher,eyesbrightwithworry.“I’mokay,”MothFlightbreathed.“Ijustneedtobealone.”

Sheturnedandfledbacktotheglade,skiddingtoahaltasshesawthescatteredremainsofthesplinteredbranch.Sheturned,hergazeflashingwildlyaroundtheforest,unsurewheretogo.

“MothFlight.”Agentlemewsoundedfromthetreesbehindher.

Pebble Heart padded over the rise. “I came to pay myrespects.”

Moth Flight glanced past him, toward the grave, hiddenbeyond the crest of the hollow. “Are they burying him?” ShepicturedtheearthtumblingoverMicah’spoor,beautiful,brokenbody.

“He is safe now.” Pebble Heart stopped beside her. “Youshouldgohomeandmourn.”

“No!”Alarmjolted throughher.Shedidn’twant tobe likeSlate,moving around the hollow like a shadow, pitied by herClanmates. She didn’t want to see her den. Micah had beenthere.They’dbeensoexcitedwhenthey’drememberedthetreebark. Her breath quickened. Rockywould still be there. Howcouldshetakecareofhim?Howcouldshetakecareofanycat?Her thoughts tumbled, confused. She’d never be able torememberanyherb.Everycatwouldbedependingonher.Shestruggledforbreath.

“MothFlight.”PebbleHeart’ssoftmewsoundedthroughtheroarofbloodinherears.“Eatthis.”Anaromaticscenttouchedhernose.TheShadowClanmedicinecathadlaidasprigoftinyleavesatherpaws.“It’sthyme.Itwillcalmyou.”

Blindly, Moth Flight leaned down and grabbed the sprig,chewingitastheworldseemedtospinaroundher.Itspungentflavorsbathedher tongue,pullingher thoughts away from thespiraling terror that filled hermind. Slowly she felt her heartbegin to slow. She blinked, the blurred bluebells brighteningaroundher.

“Comeback tomycamp,”PebbleHeartmurmured.“ReedTailcanlookafterWindClanforawhile.Youcanhavepeacetogrieve until you feel strong enough to return to yourClanmates.”

Moth Flight blinked at him, soothed by his amber gaze.“WillTallShadowletmestay?”

“Yes.IfIaskher,”PebbleHearttoldher.WindRunner’smewsoundedatthetopoftheglade.“Will

TallShadowletyoustaywhere?”Shehurrieddowntheslope,earstwitching.

“IwantMothFlighttospendsometimewithShadowClan,”PebbleHearttoldhercalmly.

“Why?” Wind Runner bristled. “She should be with herkin.”

PebbleHeartreturnedhergaze.“Sheneedstobeawayfromresponsibilityuntilshe’sstrongenoughtobearhergrief.”

MothFlightlookedatWindRunner,expectinghermothertoargue,butsawworrydarkenheryelloweyes.

“Isthiswhatyouwant?”sheaskedMothFlight.MothFlightnodded,strangelycalm.Sheguessedthethyme

mustbesoothingher.SheleanedagainstPebbleHeart,gratitudewashingherpelt.

PebbleHeartdippedhisheadtoWindRunner.“I’lltakehertomycamp.”

Wind Runner shifted her paws. “I’ll send DustMuzzle tocheckonhersoon.”

“Not too soon,” PebbleHeart told her. “She’ll be in goodpaws.I’lltakecareofheruntilshe’sstrongenoughtotakecareofherself.”

GorseFurcalledfromthetopoftheslope.“Weshouldgetback to the moor, Wind Runner. The Clan will be unsettled.They’llneedyou.”

Wind Runner touched her nose to Moth Flight’s cheek.“Takecare.”

MothFlightnoddeddumblyashermotherboundedup theslope, and then Pebble Heart began to guide her across theglade. He nudged her gently up the far slope, steering her

towardarabbittrailthatcutbetweenthebrambles.With every paw step, grief jabbed at Moth Flight’s heart.

Shewaswalkingaway.ShewouldneveragainseeMicahintheforest or on the moor. She was leaving him behind, alonebeneaththeearth.

Pebble Heart led the way into the ShadowClan camp,ducking through a gap in the vast bramblehedge into awide,pineneedle–strewnclearing.

JuniperBranch looked up from amouse shewas gnawingand blinked sympathetically at Moth Flight. The tortoiseshellqueenwas lookingplump,herbellyswollen.Hermate,RavenPelt, glanced toward Moth Flight, catching her eye beforeawkwardlysnatchinghisgazeaway.

Mouse Ear, sitting on a sun-dappled patch of grass at theedgeoftheclearing,leanedclosertoMudPawsandmurmuredintohisfriend’sear.“Iheardshewasinlovewiththefarmcat.”

MothFlightfixedhergazeahead.Whatdoyouknow? Shefeltunreasonablyangry.Micahwasdeadand thesecatswouldneverknowhim.Itwasn’tfair.

“Moth Flight.” Tall Shadow padded from the head of theclearing,hereyessoftwithsympathy.

MothFlightstoppedandstaredatherpaws.“PebbleHeartsaidIcouldstay,”shemumbled.

Pebble Heart padded past her and leaned close to theShadowClan leader. “I thought she’d grievemore easily here,awayfromanythingthatwillstirmemories.”

Everything stirs memories! The sky! The wind! The sun!MothFlightbracedherselfagainstafreshwaveofgrief.

TallShadowdippedherhead.“Ofcourseyoucanstay.”

Ablacktompaddedfromasmalldenwovenintothecampwall. “Moth Flight?” He padded closer, his ears twitchingnervously. “Are you okay? SparrowFur brought us the news.I’msosorry.IwishI’dknownMicahbetter.PebbleHeartsayshehadtheheartofaTribecatandthecourageofaClancat.”

“Thanks,SunShadow.”MothFlightmethisambergaze.ItwasarelieftohearsomeonesayMicah’sname.Solongascatsspoke of him, hewould never be forgotten. “Micah shouldn’thave died.” She flashed a look at Tall Shadow, wonderingwhethershewaslikeClearSkyandWindRunner.Didshevaluebordersmoredearlythanthelivesofcats?

Tall Shadow’s expression was unreadable as she gazed atSunShadow.“MayMothFlighthaveyourden?”

“Ofcourse.”SunShadowglancedoverhisshouldertowardthebrambles.“ShouldIfetchsomefreshmossforthenest?”

“Don’t bother.”Moth Flight brushed past him. She didn’tcarewhereshelay,justsolongasitwasawayfromthepryinggazeoftheothercats.Sheduckedintotheshadows,relievedtofindthedencozy.Itsbramblewallsencircledanestwovenfrompine sprigs. She climbed into it, feeling silky needles beneathher paws. It was surprisingly soft to curl into and she settleddeepinside,lettingthepineandbramblemufflethemurmuringofthecatsoutside.

“Willshebeherelong?”“Whydidshecomehere?”Then everything fell quiet.Moth Flight imagined that Tall

Shadow had silenced her Clanmates with a stare. “She camehereforkindness.”

A moment later, Pebble Heart nosed his way into Moth

Flight’sden.Hewascarryinga leafbundle inhis jaws.AshedroppeditbesideMothFlight’snest,itunfurledtorevealafewtinypoppyseeds.“DappledPeltbroughttheseforyou.Shesaysthey’llhelpyourest.”

“She’shere?”MothFlightpeeredtowardthedenentrance.“Shedidn’tstay,”PebbleHearttoldher.“Shesaysyouneed

peacemorethansympathyrightnow.”“Howdidshefindme?”“Shewas taking these to themoor andmetWind Runner

andGorseFur.”Moth Flight felt her heart prick with gratitude for her

medicinecatfriends.ExceptMicahisn’toneofusanymore.Sheclosedhereyes,frightenedeventothink.EachthoughtseemedtoremindherofMicah.Shewantedtoblockouteverymemoryandpretend that hewas still alive in the forest, tending tohisClanmatesandthinkingofher.Sheleanedoverthesideofhernestandlappedupthepoppyseeds.

PebbleHeartstiffened.“Shesaidjusttwoorthree.”“Iwanttosleepuntil thepainstops.”MothFlightgazedat

himwearily.“I’llsitwithyou.”“No.Ineedtobealone.”“ThenI’llcheckonyouinawhile.”MothFlight tuckedhernoseontoherpawsandclosedher

eyes. Blackness came as a relief. She flattened her ears,blockingoutthecallingofthebirdsoverheadandthesoundofpaw steps outside the den. She wished the darkness wouldswallowhercompletelyandquenchthepainblazinginherheartandscorchingdeepinherbelly.

Her thoughts began to slow as the poppy took hold. SheheardPebbleHeart’sfurbrushthedenentranceasheleft,thenfeltherselfdriftingintosleep.

SheopenedhereyestofindherselfbackattheMoonstone.No!Notagain.Wearinessdraggedatherbones.Griefweighedinherheartlikeastone.Idon’twanttodream.

Pawstepsbrushedrockastwocatsenteredthecave.Asmalldark gray she-cat whose brilliant blue eyes sparkled in thegloom,andaflame-peltedtom.

Moth Flight stared at them blankly. She didn’t even try tospeak.They’dneverhearher.Thiswasjustanotherdream,likethe dream of the other blue-gray she-cat, and the dark tomwho’dshownsuchscornforhisancestors.Sheglancedupatthehole in the roof, unsurprised to see the edge of the moonnudging into view. In a few moments the Moonstone wouldlightup and the spirit-catswould come.The flame-pelted tomcrouchedbeforetheMoonstoneandtouchedhisnosetoit.Thegrayshe-catsteppedawayandMothFlightnarrowedhereyes,preparingfortheexplosionofmoonlight.

When itcame,shehardly flinchedas the lightblindedher.As it faded, she gazed around. Trees had replaced the stonewallsofthecave;butthiswasn’tShadowClan’sforest.ShewasintheFourtreesclearing.Theflame-peltedtomstoodatthefootof the great rock, his gray companion hanging back as starsswirledoverhead.

Moth Flight watched them whirl against the night sky,spiralingdowntowardtheclearing.

The flame-pelted tom backed away, his pelt bristling withalarm.Didn’t he know that thesewere the spirit-cats come to

sharewithhim?Thestarsspun,meltingintooneanotherastheynearedthe

ground,untiltheyblazedlikewhitefire.MothFlightblinkedascatsemergedfromthesilverflames,

theirstarrypeltsmorebrilliantthanever.Astheypaddedacrosstheclearing,thewhitefirefadedbehindthem.

The flame-pelted tomblinked at them, his eyes lighting inrecognition.HeliftedhistailandMothFlightsawjoywarmhisgaze.

A golden tom padded forward, his thick fur like a manearoundhishead.

The flame-pelted tomgreeted him.They exchangedwordsMothFlightcouldnothear.Thenthegoldentomreachedouthisstarrymuzzleandtouchedthetom’shead.

Thetomjerkedasthoughfiresearedhim.Thisisjustliketheothers.MothFlightfrowned.Whydidshekeepdreamingthis,and

alwayswithdifferentcats?A red bushy-tailed tom approached the flame-pelted cat

next,sendinganotherspasmthroughhimashetouchedhisnosetothetom’shead.Thenabeautifulsilver-peltedshe-cattookhisplace. A lithe tabby tom followed. His touch set the flame-pelted tom’s fur rippling as though he were running throughwind.

WhydoIkeepseeingthis?MothFlight’spawsitchedwithfrustration.Whatdoesitmean?

Four more cats approached, each one’s touch scorchingthroughthetomasthoughithadsparkedlightning.Andyet,aseachspasmended,thetomstoodstronger,hischinhigher.

Hemet the gaze of the last catwith eyes suddenlymistedwithemotion.

MothFlight froze as thepretty tortoiseshell padded closer.Micahlookedatmelikethat.Sherecognizedloveinthetom’sbright green eyes. The tortoiseshell’s amber gaze reflected itbackwithsuchintensitythatMothFlight’sbreathstoppedinherthroat.

Griefswampedher.He’sinlovewithadeadcat!As shockjolted through her, she searched the starry ranks. Was Micahhere?Wouldshehaveachancetosharesuchalookwithhim?

Sherecognizednocat.Pleasecome!Why couldn’t shemake her dreams dowhat

shewanted?Shecouldonlystandby,unheardandunseen,andwitnesswhatshecouldnotunderstand.

It’snotfair!Herthroattightenedasshesawthetortoiseshellstretchher

muzzletowardtheflame-peltedtom.Hemethergaze,hiseyesburningwithjoyandgrief.Her touchmade his pelt glow, as though filling himwith

moonlight.Heleanedintoher,unflinching.Stop!MothFlightbackedaway.Shecouldn’tbeartowatch

amomentlonger.Thisallmeantnothing!Shedidn’tknowthesecats!Whyshould shecare?All shewantedwas to seeMicah,butshecouldn’t!

Hissing, she lashed out a forepaw and slashed through thevisionof the tortoiseshell. Itwas like raking starlitwater.Thelightshatteredintocountlessripplesandfadedfromview.

A wail welling in her throat, Moth Flight struggled intoconsciousness. Heart burning with loss, she blinked open her

eyesintoSunShadow’shollowden.

CHAPTER23

MothFlightfeltapawpushhershoulder.Shestruggledawake,hermouthdry,hereyesstickywithsleep.

“Moth Flight?” Pebble Heart sounded worried. “Are youokay?”

She lifted her head groggily and blinked at the dawnsunshinefilteringintotheden.“I’m...”

Pebble Heart’s shoulders relaxed. “I’m not used to givingpoppy seeds,” he admitted. “I was worried you’d sleep fordays.”

MothFlightlookedaround,surprisedbythedarkbramblesenclosinghernest.Wherewasthegorse?

Asickfeelinghitherbellylikerottenprey.“Micah’sdead.”She stared at Pebble Heart, a tiny spark of hope flickeringbeneathherpelt.Perhapsshe’ddreameditall.

Butthemedicinecat’sambereyesglistenedwithsympathy.Heleaneddownandpickedupawadofdrippingmossandlaiditontheedgeofhernest.“Ithoughtyoumightbethirsty.”

SadnessswampedMothFlightassherememberedthepoolinCloudSpots’s den.Micahhad still beenwith her then.Shelappedatthemoss,hertonguewelcomingthemoisture.

“Ibroughtyoufoodtoo.”PebbleHeartdrapedamouseoverthesideofhernest.Itwasstillwarm,freshlykilled.

MothFlightwrinkledhernose.“I’mnothungry.”“Butyoumusteat,”PebbleHeartreasoned.“Why?”MothFlightsnortedrebelliously.“IfIstarve,Ican

joinMicahinStarClan.”“Youmustn’tsaythat!”PebbleHeart’seyeswidened.“Whynot?”AngerrolleddeepinMothFlight’sbelly.“WhataboutyourClanmates?AndtheotherClans?”Pebble

Heart stared at her fiercely. “StarClan shared the secret of theMoonstonewithyou.You’reimportant!”

“AndMicah’snot?”MothFlightgrowled.PebbleHeartstaredathersadly.“Perhapshe’ssupposedto

bewiththem.”“Hisdestiny,”shemutteredbitterly.Shepicturedtherolling

meadows of StarClan’s hunting grounds.WasMicah going tospendforeverchasingspirit-rabbitswhilesheworkedherpawsto the bone taking care of her Clanmates? “What aboutme?DoesStarClanwantmetobelonely?Isthatmydestiny?AmIjust here to carry out their orders? I can’t even get a goodnight’ssleepbecausetheyhauntmydreams!Can’ttheygivemeanypeace?”

PebbleHeart’seyeflashedwithcuriosity.“Theyhauntyourdreams?”heechoed.“How?”

“Idreamof spirit-catsdoing somedumbceremony,”MothFlight snapped. “The same thing, over and over again, but todifferentcats.”

PebbleHeartleanedcloser.“Whatcats?”“WhyshouldIcare?”AngerprickledbeneathMothFlight’s

pelt.PebbleHeartnudgedthedrippingmosswithhispaw.“Drink

somemore.”“Stoptryingtomakemefeelbetter,becauseyoucan’t!”“Iknow,”hesoothed.“ButIwanttoknowmoreaboutthese

dreams.Theymightbeimportant.”“Of course they’re important!”Moth Flight snapped. “But

StarClanwon’t tellmewhy.They justkeepmakingmedreamthesamedream.”Shelappedatthemosscrossly.

“Perhaps, if you describe the dream exactly, we canworkoutwhatitmeans,”PebbleHearturged.

Moth Flight swallowed back her anger. “I wake up at theMoonstone.Andtwocatscomeintothecave.”

“Doyourecognizethem?”“No.” Moth Flight narrowed her eyes as the dream grew

morevividinhermind.“OneofthecatssitsattheMoonstoneand,whenthemoonlightstrikesit,thespirit-catscome.”

“StarClan?”“Iguess,”MothFlighttoldhim.“Theyhavestarrypeltsbut

Idon’trecognizeanyofthem.”“Goon.”PebbleHeart’spelttwitchedalonghisspine.“Thestarrycatsapproach the livingcatand,oneata time,

they touch his head with their muzzle.” She shuddered. “Itseems to hurt a lot. The real cat jerks like he’s been hit bylightning,buthedoesn’t flinchaway.He’snot scared.He justlets thespirit-cats touchhim,oneafteranotherandat theend,helooksstronger.Kindofproud,likehe’sbeengivenaspecialgift.”

“Isitalwaysatom?”MothFlightshookherhead.“Thefirsttime,itwasashe-cat.

I’dseenherbeforeinadifferentdream.Shewasdeadandthenshecamebacktolife.”

Pebble Heart shifted his paws, his gaze clouding withthought.“WhatgiftcouldStarClangivealivingcat?”

MothFlightshrugged.“Ijustknowitlookspainful.Idon’tthinkI’dwantit.”

“Really?”PebbleHeart’s ear twitched. “Butyou’re the catwhowent toHighstonesandfound theMoonstone.You’re thebravest cat I know. I think you’d endureanything if StarClanwishedit.”

Moth Flight returned his gaze, her heart twisting. “I can’tendurelosingMicah.”Hermewcracked.

Pebble Heart got to his paws. “Why don’t you come andvisitJuniperBranchwithme?She’sexpectingRavenPelt’skitsandIpromisedtocheckonher.She’sbeenhavingpains.”

“Whenarethekitsdue?”“Not for anotherhalfmoon.”PebbleHeart flickedhis tail.

“Joinme.Thiswillbe the first litter I’vehelpedwith.Wecanbothlearnalot.”

Moth Flight frowned. Pebble Heart was clearly trying todistractherfromhergrief.“No.”Shedugherpawsdeeperintothenest.“I’mstayinghere.”

“Somefreshairmighthelpyoufeelbetter.”“I don’t want to feel better.” She crouched in the nest,

glaringathimstubbornly.Pebble Heart tipped his head sympathetically. “Okay. You

rest.Iguessthere’snorush.”Moth Flight watched him duck out of the den, uncertain

whether shewanted tobealone.Butwhatuseam I toanyonelikethis?Shetuckedhernosebetweenherpawsandclosedhereyes. Sadness washed over her, wave after wave until shepushedeverythoughtawayandsoughtsanctuaryinsleep.

Sheopenedhereyes intoanotherdream.Shewasstanding

inawidemeadow.Thegrasswaswiltingand the flowershaddied.Mistswirledacrossthegroundandswallowedthesky.Sheglancedaround,anxietycreepingbeneathherfurasshestrainedtoseethroughthemurkyfog.Whatwashidingthere?Herheartquickenedasshesawashape.Broadshoulders,prickedears,alongtail.Itwasatom.

“Hello?”MothFlighttastedtheairwarily.Micah’sscentwashedhertongue.“Micah!”Sheracedtowardtheshadowyfigureinthemist,

the scent growing stronger as she neared. “It’s me! MothFlight!”

The tom didn’t turn but kept moving, swinging his headfromsidetosideasthoughsearching.

“Micah!”Shewasonlya tail-lengthaway.Surelyhecouldhearher!Shecaughtupwithhimanddodged in frontofhim,tryingdesperatelytocatchhiseye.

Hewalkedthroughherasthoughshewerepartofthemist.Herheart dropped like a stone. “No!”Rage swept through

her.Whywasshesopowerless inherdreams?Helplessly,shewatchedMicahmove through themist,headingoneway, thenthe other, his ears pricked, his mouth open. Is he looking forme?Painstabbedherheart.Micah,I’mhere!

Shewoke,trembling,andjerkedupherhead.Sun Shadow was sitting beside her nest. “You were

dreaming.”Moth Flight blinked at him, themist from her dream still

foggingher thoughts.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Shepushedherselftoherpaws.“Doyouwantyournestback?”

“No.” His whiskers twitched. “I thought you might want

somethingtoeat.”“PebbleHeart broughtme somethingearlier.”She scanned

theedgeofthenestbutthemousehadgone.“I gave it toMouseEar,” Sun Shadow told her. “He likes

micebest.”MothFlight’sbellyrumbled.Shehadn’teatensinceMicah

died. “Did you bring me something?” She looked hopefullyover the side of her nest, surprised to feel hungry. Guiltflickeredbeneathherfur.Herstomachwasactinglikenothinghadchanged.

“Comehuntingwithme.” SunShadownodded toward thedenentrancewhereafternoonsunlightwasturningthebramblesgolden.“Youcancatchyourownprey.”

MothFlightshiftedinhernest,realizingsuddenlyhowstiffher legs were. Perhaps she should listen to the needs of herbody. “I guess I could try.” She stood up and stretched. “I’veneverhuntedinapineforestbefore.”

“I know a stretch where there’s hardly any undergrowth,”SunShadowtoldher.

“Isthatgood?”MothFlightwonderedwherethepreyhid.“There are plenty of ditches,whichmeanswe’re bound to

findafrogortwo.”“No,thankyou.”MothFlightwrinkledhernose.“I’veeaten

toad.”Sun Shadow snorted. “Frogs taste way better.” He leaned

closer,eyesnarrowing.“Whywouldyoueatatoad?”MothFlight’speltprickedself-consciously.Shehoppedout

of her nest andheaded for the entrance. “It’s just something Itriedonce.”Shesniffedassheduckedoutoftheden.

Outside,TallShadowwastalkingwithMouseEarandMudPaws in the clearing. The ShadowClan leader snapped hermuzzle around as she caught sight ofMoth Flight. “How areyou?”shecalledcheerily.

Moth Flight blinked in the sunshine, feeling suddenlyfurless.Was everyone expecting her to act like she was okaynow?

SunShadowbrushedpast her andnodded toTall Shadow.“MothFlight’sagreedtogohuntingwithme.Wewon’tbegonelong.”HenudgedMothFlighttowardthecampentranceasTallShadowdippedherheadsilently.

MothFlightslippedoutofcamp,relievedtobeawayfromthecuriousgazesofShadowClan.JuniperBranchhadwatchedherpass,stretchedonasoftpatchofgrass.RavenPelthadbeensorting through the prey pile, glancing up to see her duckthroughtheentrance.

“This way.” Sun Shadow headed past a stretch of mossygroundandhoppedoverafallentree.Oneofthespindlytwigsjutting from the trunk scratched Moth Flight’s belly as sheleapedafterhim.Shewincedasshelanded.

“Areyouhurt?”SunShadowhalted.“Justascratch.”MothFlightdidn’tcare.Grazedfleshhurt

farlessthanthelossofMicah.“Get Pebble Heart to look at it when we get back.” Sun

Shadowstartedwalkingagain.“Imightfindsomehorsetailanddockwhilewe’reout.That

should stop it getting infected.” Moth Flight hesitated asMicah’swordsflashedinhermind.Ifyouchewdockleavesandhorsetail stems into a paste, you can smear it deep into a

wound.Freshgriefsweptoverher.SunShadowpausedatthetopofapineneedle–strewnslope

andglancedoverhisshoulder.“Areyoucoming?”Moth Flight shook out her fur. “I want to go back to my

nest.”“You can.” He disappeared over the rise. “After we’ve

caughtafrog.”MothFlighthurriedafterhim.Tall pines towered around her, shielding the sky. Sunlight

glimmeredbetweenthebranches,but theforestfloorwascoldand damp. She bounded down the other side of the slope andcaught upwith Sun Shadow as he reached a stretch of shadywoodland rutted with ditches. He paused at the first and shestoppedbesidehim.

“Iknowwhatit’sliketolosethecatsyoulove.”Hekepthisgazefixedahead.

Shejerkedhermuzzletowardhim.“Youdo?”“Icamefromthemountainstofindmyfather.”SunShadow

appeared to be scanning the ditches, his eyes narrowing as hesearchedformovement.“HewasdeadwhenIgothereandthecatItraveledwith—QuietRain—diedshortlyafterwearrived.”

Youdidn’t lose yourmate, though.MothFlight shifted herpaws.

Hewenton.“SuddenlyIwasalone,farfrommyhomeandfromthecatsI’dgrownupwith.”

“TallShadow’skin,isn’tshe?”Hewasn’tentirelyalone.“She’skin,”SunShadowconceded.“Butshewasn’tlikemy

kin back in the mountains. She’d become a forest cat.EverythingwassodifferentherefromwhatI’dknown.Mostof

the cats couldn’t even imagine what it was like to hunt thepeaks.Ortoneverbewarm.”HeturnedandmetMothFlight’sgaze.“Ifeltlikeastranger.LikenooneknewhowIfelt.Itwaslike being trapped beneath ice, mouthing words to cats whocouldn’thearwhatIsaid.”

Moth Flight blinked at him slowly. Did he actuallyunderstandthepaininherheart?“Doyoustillfeelthatway?”

“No.” Sun Shadow’s solemn gaze lit up. “It got better astimepassed.I’vegrowntoloveithere.MyClanmatesfeellikekinnow.Wequarrelsometimes,butwelookoutforeachotherno matter what. And the hunting is good and, when newleafcomes, and the oak woods turn green and the wind from themoor brings the scent of heather blossom, I am glad I came.AndIfeelIhavegainedmorethanI’velost.”

Moth Flight’s shoulders drooped. “I’ll never feel like I’vegainedmorethanI’velost.”

“Maybe not.” Sun Shadow leaped the ditch and paddedforward.“Butyouwillcometovaluewhatyoustillhave,andwhatyoumayhaveinthefuture.”

Could that ever be true? Moth Flight followed him, theforest floor turning spongy beneath her paws as pine needlesgavewaytomoss.Watersquelchedbetweenherclaws.

“Wait!”SunShadowdroppedhisvoice, signaling toher tohaltwithaflickofhistail.

Shefollowedhisgazeandsawagreenshapehoppingalongtheedgeofaditchafewtail-lengthsahead.Afrog.

“Doyouwanttocatchit?”SunShadowwhispered.“I’mnotthegreatesthunter,”sheadmitted.“Ifyoumissthisone,we’llfindanother.”

Moth Flight glanced at him, suddenly aware of howcomfortableshewasinhiscompany.“Micahwouldhavelikedyou,”shemurmured.

“IthinkIwouldhavelikedhimtoo.”Hiseyesglowedashereturnedhergaze.

She turned toward the frog and dropped into a huntingcrouch.Liftyourtail.GorseFur’swords rang inher ears.Shecrept forward, pleased that the soft moss absorbed her pawsteps.Atail-lengthfromthefrog,shepausedandfixedhergazeonitsglisteninggreenbody.Sheforcedherselfnottoshudder.The frog hopped another muzzle length and paused. They’redumber than rabbits,Moth Flight thought.Can’t it smell me?Shewonderedifthepine-scentedairwasdisguisingherscent.

“Hurry up!” Sun Shadow hissed. “They’re not as slow astheylook!”

MothFlightkneadedthemosswithherhindpaws,preparingtojump.Thensheleaped,herpawsslappingthemossawhiskerbehind the frog. It jumped, tracingahigharcacross theditch.MothFlightblinkedasitsoaredaway.Boundingovertheditch,she tried tocatch itagain,herpawssendingupwater-sprayasshe splatted the ground half a tail-length behind it. It jumpedagain,changingdirection.MothFlightspunandtriedtoknockit from the air, but it had swerved and she landed flat on herbelly.

Black fur flashed past her as Sun Shadow flew across theditch and landed expertly on the frog. He held it down as itsquirmed, its flippers churning desperately. “Do you want togivethekillingbite?”

MothFlightscreweduphernose.“No,thanks.”

SunShadowduckedandkilledit,snappingitsspinewithacrunch.Ashestraightened,shesawhiswhiskerstwitchingwithamusement.

“What?”Sheruffledherfur.“Youlookedfunny,that’sall,”hepurred.“Icantellyou’ve

neverhuntedfrogsbefore.”MothFlightsniffed.“Ibetyoucouldn’tcatcharabbit.”“Probably not,” hemeowedwarmly. “But you still looked

funny,likeakitchasingitstail.”MothFlightpurred,pleasurerisinginherwithoutwarning.I

must have looked pretty dumb. Then she stiffened. Her purrdriedinherthroat.

SunShadowwatchedher, his gazedarkening. “Comeon,”hemewed briskly. “Let’s take this back to camp and you cantasteit.”

“I’mnothungry.”MothFlightturnedtowardthecamp.“Amouthfulwon’t hurt.” Sun Shadow picked up the frog

betweenhisjawsandpaddedafterher.They padded back to camp in silence.How could I have

purred? Guilt ripped her belly. It’s like I’m already forgettinghim. Suddenly shewanted to cling to her grief. Itwas all shehad left ofMicah now. She ducked first through the brambleentrance.

“Youcaughtone!”TallShadowgreetedthem,liftinghertailhappilyasshecrossedtheclearingtowardthem.

SunShadowdroppedthefrog.“MothFlightdoesn’twanttotasteit.”

TallShadowpaddedaroundher.“Wecan’tsendyoubacktoyour Clanmates without having tasted frog,” she meowed.

“Whatwillyouhavetoboastabout?”Moth Flight lifted her gaze wearily to the ShadowClan

leader.“Idon’twantfood.”Shepaddedacrosstheclearingandnosed herway into Sun Shadow’s den. Curling deep into hernest, she closed her eyes and let sadness sweep over her. Sowhat if Sun Shadow had gotten used to his new home?HowcouldshebetrayMicahbygettingusedtolifewithouthim?

CHAPTER24

Shewokeintoamistymeadow andknewatonce that shewasdreaming.“Micah?”Shescanned theswirling fog, straining tocatchaglimpseofhim.

“MothFlight?”Hisvoiceechoedfromthemurk.Herheartleaped.Joysurgedbeneathherpelt.“Micah!Can

youhearme?”“MothFlight,areyouthere?”MothFlightdartedforward,searchingforhim,buttherewas

no sign of him. Only his scent. “Can you hear me?” sherepeated,panicrising.

“Moth Flight?” His voice echoed back, sounding lost. “Ineedtotellyousomething.”

Hedoesn’tknowI’mhere!“Itwill be okay.”Hismewwas tightwithworry. “I know

you’re sad. I miss you too. I love you. I’ll always love you.Don’tletsadnesschangeyou.Youhavetokeepgoing!”

“Micah!”Hercryturnedtoawailoffrustration.“Ineedtoseeyou!”Whycouldn’theshowhimself, likeHalfMoonandtheothers?

Sheglimpsedhiseyessparklingthroughthemistonthefarside of the meadow. They seemed to stare right through her,anxious and searching. She raced toward his gaze, his scentenfoldingherassheneared.

“Keepgoing!”hecalled.“I’mcoming.”She racedharder,pushingagainst thedewy

grass.“Don’tgiveup.Youhavetobestrong.Notjustforyourself

butfor—”Apawbuckledunderherandshestumbled,rollingontothe

grass. Pain jerked her awake. “My leg!” Her forepaw wastwisted clumsily under her chest. She pulled it free, kneadingher paw against the bottom of the nest to ease the cramping.“Dumbleg!”

Shadowsurroundedhernest.Itwasstillnight.Shegrowledcrossly.Micahwastryingtotellmesomethingimportant!

As the pain eased,Moth Flight thrust her paws under hermuzzle. Perhaps she could finish her dream. She screwed hereyesshut,tryingtoignorethepoundingofherheartasirritationprickedbeneathherpelt.Witheverywakingmoment,herdreamwouldbefading,andMicahwithit.

Bestrong!Notjustforyourselfbutfor—Whatwashegoingtosay?

Outside,anowlscreechedthroughthepines.AShadowClancatwassnoringsomewhereincamp.Windswishedthroughthebrancheshighaboveher.

I’ll never get back to sleep. Heart sinking, she lifted herhead. As her eyes grew accustomed to the moonlight thatfiltereddimlythroughthebrambles,shewonderedifdawnwasnear.Sheopened hermouth and let the night scentswash hertongue. The dewy air tasted of dusk, not dawn. I’m sorry,Micah. Guilt pricked at her belly. She’d let him down. He’dtriedtospeaktoherandshe’dwokenup.

Whywashestillroamingthemurkymeadow?Whywasn’theinStarClan’shuntinggroundsyet?He’dbesafe there,with

HalfMoonandtheothers.DofarmcatsjoinStarClan?Herfurlifted along her spine.What if she never saw him again? Shestared,frozen.Thebramblesseemedtocloseinaroundher.I’llneverbewithhim.Ever.

She lost trackof time,her thoughts spiraling inandoutofpanic.Ishouldtakeawalk.Therewasnochanceofsleepnow.Butherpawsseemedrootedbeneathher,herbodyheavywithdread.

When dawn comes, it’ll seem better, she told herself. Buthow long until dawn? Her heart pounded in her chest as shewatchedthoughtheendlessnight.

Shemusthaveslepteventually,becausePebbleHeartwokeher.

“MothFlight!”Sheliftedherheadsharply.Therewasfearinhismew.“Ineedyourhelp!”She leaped to her paws, her heart lurching. Dawn light

showedatthedenentrance.“What’swrong?”“JuniperBranchstartedkittinginthenight.”“Butshe’snotduefor—”“I know!” Pebble Heart’s eyes were wide. “The kits are

stuck. She’s pushing, but they won’t come. I’m scared theymightdie.Thatshemightdi—”

MothFlightcuthimoff.“Wewon’tletthem.”Sheboundedfrom her nest and ducked through the entrance. Scanning thecamp,shetastedtheair.Thesourscentoffearpulsedfromanopening in the brambles beyond the patch of long grass. Sheheaded for it, Pebble Heart at her heels. She nosed her waythroughagapinthebranches,surprisedbythesizeof theden

inside,hollowedfromthethickbramblewall.JuniperBranchlaybesidehernest,hereyeswildwithpain.

Raven Pelt crouched beside her, his pelt spikedwith fear. Heglanced atMoth Flight as she slid in beside him, his hacklesrising.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“I’vecometohelp.”“It’sokay.”PebbleHeartpaddedpasther.“She’samedicine

cattoo.”“She’syoung.”RavenPelteyedherwarily.“Doessheknow

anythingaboutkitting?”“Doyou?”PebbleHeartreturnedsternly.Moth Flight pressed her cheek to Juniper Branch’s belly.

“They’restillmoving.”Shecouldfeelthekitssquirminginside.“Theywanttocomeout.”

JuniperBranchmoaned.“I’m trying!”Herbodyconvulsedandsheshriekedaspainrippledthroughher.

Moth Flight darted behind her and checked to see if therewas signof a kit.Thegroundwasbare. “Could somethingbeblocking them?” She glanced at Pebble Heart. The den wasdark,but enough light filtered through thebrambles to seehisface.

Helookedgrim.“Raven Pelt.” She turned to the dark tom. “Iwant you to

fetchmossandsoakitinwater.JuniperBranchwillbethirsty.”RavenPeltglancedatPebbleHeartquestioningly.“Getit,”PebbleHearttoldhim.Thetomheadedfromtheden.JuniperBranch stared atMoth Flight, eyes darkwith fear.

“ButIneedhimwithme.”

“He’snotgoingfar.”MothFlightcrouchedinRavenPelt’splaceandrestedapawonthequeen’sbelly.Thesquirmingwasstronger. “Pebble Heart and I will help you.” She exchangedlookswithPebbleHeart.Ihope.

“Whywon’ttheycome?”JuniperBranchwailed.Moth Flight narrowed her eyes, her thoughts quickening.

Eithersomethingwasblockingtheirway,ortheyweren’treadyto be pushed out. “They aren’t due for a half-moon,” shemurmured toherself.CouldJuniperBranch’sbodybepushingthemouttoosoon?

Anotherspasmgrippedthequeen.Herbellyconvulsed.“Don’tpush!”MothFlightorderedsharply.“ButIhaveto.”JuniperBranchbegantopant.MothFlightleanedcloser.“Keeppanting.Focusonthat.We

needtostopyourbodypushingandletyourkitsfindtheirownwayoutintheirowntime.”

Pebble Heart blinked at her. “She can’t be like this for ahalf-moon!”

“She won’t need to be,” Moth Flight told him. Calmnessswept over her. She remembered heading into the Highstonestunnel for the first time. She was gripped by the same quietcertaintyshe’dfeltthen,asthoughsheknewwhattodo.“Whathappenswhenyoustubyourpaw?”sheaskedPebbleHeart.

“Ithurts?”Hestaredather,puzzled.“Whatelse?”“Itswellsup.”“Exactly.” Moth Flight rested her paws low on Juniper

Branch’s belly. Heat pulsed from the queen’s fur. Somethingwasinflamed.“Herbody’snotreadyyet.Icanfeelwhereshe’s

swollen.Andeachtimeshepushes,itgetsworse.Theswellingis blocking the kits’ way out. She has to stop pushing longenoughforittogodown.”

“So they’ll have room to come out!” Pebble Heart’s eyeswidenedwithunderstanding.

JuniperBranchgrowled.“Anotherpainiscoming.”“Keep panting!” Moth Flight darted out of the den and

scanned theclearing.Herheart leapedasshesawa thickpinetwiglyingattheedge.Racingtoit,shesnatcheditbetweenherjaws and headed back to the den. She thrust the twig intoJuniperBranch’s jaws.“Biteonthiswhenthepaincomes.Putallyourenergyintobiting,notpushing.”

JuniperBranchscreweduphereyes.Alowmoanrolledinherthroat.Thewoodcrackedbetweenherjawsasshebitdownhard.

“We’regoingtoneedmoresticks,”MothFlighttoldPebbleHeart.

Henoddedandduckedoutoftheden.MothFlightlappedJuniperBranch’sbellywithhertongue,

relievedtofeelnospasmreachthekits.“Don’tworry,kits,”shemurmuredbetweenstrokes.“We’llhaveyououtoftherebeforelong.”

JuniperBranchfelllimp.Moth Flight jerked her muzzle around and stared at the

queen.Hereyeswereglazedwithexhaustion,butthespasmhadclearlypassed.Thecrushedpinetwiglayonthegroundnexttoher.“Welldone!”shemeowed.“Youdidn’tpushthattime.”

JuniperBranchdrewinadeepbreathandclosedhereyes.“This is going to be difficult,”Moth Flight told her. “You

needtostopyourselffrompushingforawhilelonger.Justuntilthere’senoughspaceforthekitstogetout.”

“It’shard,”JuniperBranchmoaned.“Iknow.”Mothflightfeltawaveofsympathyforthequeen.

“Butyouhave todo it.Foryourkits.”Andyourself. She heldJuniperBranch’sfearfulgaze.“Wearegoingtohelpyou.”

Asshespoke,PebbleHeartslidintotheden.Hedroppedafresh twig on the ground. “Mouse Ear and Mud Paws arescouringtheforestformore.”

“Have you got any poppy seeds?” A pang of guilt jabbedMoth Flight’s belly.Had she eaten hiswhole supply that firstnight?

“DappledPeltbroughttwoleafwraps,”hetoldher.“Fetchwhatyou’vegot,”MothFlightordered.“Weneedto

easeherpain.”“I’llbringthymeaswell.It’llcalmher.”“Good idea.”MothFlightmethisgaze, relieved theywere

facingthistogether.AsPebbleHeartdisappearedagain,JuniperBranchbeganto

moan.“Herecomesanotherone.”MothFlightgrabbed the fresh twig and slipped it between

Juniper Branch’s jaws. “Remember. Focus on your breathing.Thepainwillpassbeforeyouknowit.”

SherestedherpawsgentlyonJuniperBranch’sbellyasthequeen stiffenedwith the effort of not pushing.No! The smallmovements insidewereweakening.Hang on, kits. Itwon’t belongnow.Shehopedshewasright.

Spasmafterspasmgripped thequeen.MothFlightsoothedher as she fought eachone.PebbleHeart returnedwithpoppy

seeds and thyme. Juniper Branch swallowed both and, whenRavenPeltbroughtwater-soakedmoss,shelappedatitthirstily.

“Isshegoingtobeokay?”RavenPeltgazedfearfullyathismate.

PebbleHeartnosedhimtowardthedenentrance.“We’lldothebestwecan,”hepromised.

Astheblacktomlethimselfbeguidedout,MudPawsstuckhisheadinsideanddroppedabundleofpinetwigs.

“Thankyou!”MothFlightnoddedgratefullytothetomandquicklythrustoneofthetwigsbetweenJuniperBranch’sjaws.Another spasmwascoming.Shepressedherpaws lowon thequeen’s belly. The kits were hardly moving inside. But therewasnoheatpulsingfromherfur.Hadtheswellinggonedown?ShecaughtPebbleHeart’seyesashecamebackin.“Feelthis.”

Shemovedawayandlethimplacehispawswherehershadbeen.“Lessswelling,right?”

Henoddedslowly,eyesnarrowingwithalarm.He loweredhisvoicetoawhisper.“ButIcanhardlyfeelthekitsmoving.”

“Iknow.”MothFlightleanedclosetohisear.“Sheneedstostartpushingnoworwe’lllosethem.”

“Butwhatifit’stoosoon?”“It’llbetoolateifweleaveitlonger.”PebbleHeart gazed at her darkly. “I agree.”He pulled his

paws away and ducked down beside Juniper Branch’s head.“Whenyougetthenextspasm,wewantyoutopush.”

“Really?” Relief sparked in Juniper Branch’s gaze. Shegasped,herbodystiffening.

Moth Flight swapped looks with Pebble Heart. StarClanhelpus.

AsafreshspasmsweptJuniperBranch, thequeenmoanedwith effort and pushed. Moth Flight placed her paws on thequeen’sbellyandfeltherbeardown.

PebbleHeartcrouchedatthequeen’stail.“Iseesomethingcoming!”Excitementedgedhismew.

“Keeppushing!”MothFlighturged.JuniperBranch’smoan turned toagrowlasshegrittedher

teethwitheffort.PebbleHeartgasped.“It’shere!”MothFlight darted to his side and stared at the tiny shape

besidethequeen’stail.AmembranecovereditandMothFlightinstinctively reached out and sliced it openwith a claw.Fluidspilledoutasthewetkitstruggledfree,mewlingasitgulpeditsfirstbreath.

JuniperBranchliftedherhead,strainingtosee.MothFlightgrabbedthekitbyitsscruffandplaceditbesidehermuzzle.Asshereachedtolickit,hereyesshiningwithjoy,anotherspasmseizedher.

“Push!”MothFlighttoldhersharply.SherestedherpawsonJuniperBranch’sbellyoncemore,feelingitconvulse.

“Another one!” Pebble Heart’s mew was jubilant. MothFlightrushedtosee.He’dsplitopenthemembranebythetimeshereachedit.Apurrthrobbedinherthroatasthekitwriggledandmewled.Liftingitgently,sheplaceditbesidethefirst.

“Howmanymore?”JuniperBranchasked.Moth Flight ran her paw over the queen’s belly, feeling

movementinside.“Anotheroneatleast.”Asshespoke,JuniperBranchjerkedwithpain.Sheshuddered,pantingasshepushed.

“It’scoming,”PebbleHearturged.

Juniper Branch pushed again, yowling. The kits squealedandwriggledblindlybesidehercheek.

“I think it’s the last one.” Moth Flight glanced at PebbleHeart as Juniper Branch fell limp. The movement inside herbellyhadstopped.“Wedidit!”

The ShadowClanmedicine catwas staring down, his eyesdark.

“What’swrong?”MothFlightdartedtohisside.“Itwasashe-kit,”hemewedsoftly.Thekitlayonhersplitmembrane,motionless.MothFlight’sheart lurchedas she staredat the limpbody.

ShethoughtofEmberkit,who’ddiedmomentsafterhe’dbeenborn.StarClan,helpit!Shereachedoutapawandtouchedthelifelesskit’spelt.Shewassmallerthanherlittermates,herpalegrayfurslickbeneathMothFlight’spad.Sheleaneddownandsniffed her tinymuzzle. “She’s not breathing,” shewhispered.“LikeDrizzle!”

PebbleHeartblinkedather.“Whatdoyoumean?”MothFlighttouchedapawtothetinykit’sribs.“Shemight

havewaterinsideherchest!”PebbleHeart lookedconfused.“Doyouknowhow tohelp

her?”MothFlightrolledthekitontoherbackandplacedherpaws

on her chest. “I think so. But she’s so small!” The kit felt asfragileasasparrow.Howharddareshepush?

Shebegantopump,gentlyatfirst,andthen,asshefelttheeasyresilienceofthekitbeneathherpaws,harder.

“What’s happening?” Juniper Branch was reaching hermuzzlearoundtosee,hereyeswide.

“Takecareof theother two,”PebbleHeart toldher.“We’lltakecareofthisone.”

“Isitdead?”Thequeen’smewwasthickwithfear.“Wedon’tknow.”PebbleHeartmoved,blockingthequeen’s

viewasMothFlightkeptworkingonthekit.“Whatareyoudoing to it?”AlarmedgedJuniperBranch’s

mew.Shetriedtostruggletoherpaws,butfellback,weakwithexhaustion.

RavenPeltdartedintotheden.“What’sgoingon?”MothFlightdidn’tlookattheblacktom,butkeptpumping

the kit’s chest. Am I doing the right thing? Was Half Moonwatching?Breathe! Please breathe! Fear sparked beneath herpelt.

RavenPeltshoulderedhiswaypastPebbleHeart.“Whatareyou doing?” He stared at Moth Flight, his eyes round withhorror.

As he spoke, the kit jerked andwater bubbled at her lips.MothFlightflippedheroverquicklyandbegantomassageherback as the kit spewed up liquid. Then it mewled a loud,desperatemewl.

MothFlightsatbackonherhaunches, joylightingher likesunshine.Trembling,shemetPebbleHeart’sgaze.

“Yousavedher.”PebbleHeart’seyesshone.Thekitflaileditspawsandmewledagain.“I think shewants hermother.”Moth Flight backed away

andletRavenPeltscoopthekitupbyherscruff.HeplaceditbesidetheothersandgazedproudlyatJuniper

Branch.“They’rebeautiful.”MothFlightsuddenlyrealizedhowwearyshewas.Juniper

Branchmust be exhausted. “We shouldget her intoher nest,”shemurmuredtoPebbleHeart.

“I’ll see to that,” Pebble Heart told her. “You look wornout.”

Moth Flight blinked at him gratefully. “I am.” Her gazedriftedtoJuniperBranchandRavenPelt.Theyweregazingattheirkits,andtheneachother,witheyeswarmwithlove.MothFlight’shearttwisted,griefstabbinghersosuddenlyittookherbreathaway.SheandMicahwouldneversharesuchjoy.Weakwithsorrow,sheheavedherselfontoherpawsandpaddedoutoftheden.

Behindher, the kitsmewledwhileRavenPelt and JuniperBranch purred. The happinessMoth Flight had felt as the kithadcometolifebeneathherpawsdisappearedlikemistinthewind.Oh,Micah.Imissyousomuch.Losshollowedherheartoncemore.Shelongedtostopgrieving,buthowcouldshe?Shecould never have the life she’d planned with Micah—onlyemptinessandlongdaysalone.Shefeltasthoughallherdreamshaddiedwithhim.

CHAPTER25

MothFlightscannedthenettlepatch.Shelovedthispartofthepine forest. Gaps in the canopy let narrow strips of sunshinereachthemossyforestfloorandnettlesthrivedintherarelight.PebbleHeartwaswaitingforherbetweentheditchesthatruttedthe ground beyond the rise. She’d beenwith ShadowClan fornearly a moon now and lately had begun helping him gatherherbsforhisstore.Shewasusedtothegloom,althoughthetangofpinesaphadbeguntomakeherqueasy.

Butshewasn’treadytogohome.She stretched her muzzle forward and nipped through the

baseofa fat-lookingnettlestem.Thenshedragged itover therise,carefultostayclearoftheshiveringleaves.

“I thinkwehaveenough.”PebbleHeartsteppedoutof thewayasshenearedtheditch,leavingroomforhertodropitovertheedge.

Itlandedontopoftheothersandbegantowiltslowlyintothemuddywater.

“Aretheoneswesoakedyesterdayfinished?”sheasked.PebbleHeartleapedthenextditchandreachedhispawinto

thenext.“Yes,”hecalledoverhisshoulder.“Nostingleft.”Moth Flight shook out her fur. “I wonder if drying the

nettleswouldgetridofthesting?”“Dryingherbsiseasyonthemoor,”PebbleHearthauledup

a dripping stem and laid it on the ground. “There’s plenty ofwindandsunshineupthere.It’stoodamptodryherbshere.”

“Howareyougoingtogetthroughleafbarewithoutastoreofdriedherbs?”

“Dappled Pelt asked me the same question last night.”PebbleHeartglancedatherashehookedanotherstemfromtheditch.

MothFlightfeltaflashofguilt.She’dmissedthehalf-moongatheringattheMoonstone.“Whatdidyoutellher?”

“IaskedifshecoulddrysomeherbsforShadowClan.”Sherealized that hewas lookingat herhopefully. “Wouldyou drysometoo?Whenyoureturntothemoor?”Therewasaquestioninhiseyes.

Doyouwantmetoleave?Pebble Heart must have seen worry darken her gaze. “I

mean,whenyou’reready.”WillIeverbeready?TheShadowClancatsaskednothingof

her.Theybroughtherpreyanddippedtheirheadsrespectfully,and talked about everyday things, like how the prey wasrunning, or how soon greenleaf was coming this year. Beingamongthemwaseasy.

HerownClanmateswouldbemoreinquisitive.They’daskaboutMicah.And they’d expect her to return tohermedicinecat duties.Moth Flight’s belly tightened. She wasn’t ready tolookafteranyoneyet.

Whenshedidn’tanswer,PebbleHeartglanceddownatthenettlestems.“WemissedyouattheMoonstonelastnight.”

“Iwantedtocomewithyou.”Shehad.Sheknewdeepinherbellythatbeingamedicinecatwasherdestiny.AndhelpingtheShadowClan medicine cat was renewing her confidence. Shehadasenseofpurposeoncemore,andsatisfactioninherwork

had distracted her from her grief. Since Juniper Branch hadkitted, she’d kept a close eye on the kits. She’d taken PebbleHearttotheedgeoftheoakforesttogatherboragetomakesurethatJuniperBranchhadenoughmilkforthem.Butshe’dfeltsowearyinthepastmoon;shecrept,exhausted,tohernesteverynight. The thought of the long trek to Highstones had beendaunting.And,ifshewasbeinghonestwithherself,perhapsshewasn’treadytoseeMicahamongtheStarClancats.Thatmeanshe’sreallygone.“Iwastired.”

“Iunderstand.”PebbleHeart’sgazeflickeredoverherbelly.Had he noticed that her days of resting—eating prey, whichother cats had caught—had begun to show in her swollenflanks?Perhapsitwastimeshepulledherselftogetherandwentback to her Clan. Her grief had lost the raw power that hadsilencedherfordaysata time,butshestillwoke trembling inthenight,herlongingforMicahsostrongthatherheartroaredinherears.

“I’mnotgoingtostopbeingamedicinecat,”shereassuredhim.

“Ididn’tthinkyouwould.”Hebegantostraightenthenettlestems.

“Theothermedicinecatsknowthat,don’tthey?”“Ofcourse.”Hepluckeda stringyoldgrass stem from the

edgeof theditchand threaded itunder thebundlehe’dmade.“They told me to tell you not to worry about missing themeeting.Theyunderstood.”

“Did StarClan visit with you?” Moth Flight had beenavoidingthequestionsincePebbleHeartreturnedatdawn.HadMicahbeen there?Shedidn’twant toknow. Ifhehad,having

missedhimwouldbreakherheartalloveragain. Ifhehadn’t,she’dworrythathewouldneverbepartoftheirranks.ButshehadtoknowifStarClanhadamessageforher.

“HalfMooncamealone,”PebbleHeart toldher.“Sheonlystayedlongenoughtotellustolookafteryou.”

MothFlightblinkedathim.Hadn’tshesaidanythingaboutMicah?“Wasthatall?”

“Yes.” Pebble Heart wrapped the grass stem around thebundle.“AcornFurwasdisappointed.She’dbeenexpectingtoseeherancestors.”

Moth Flight stiffened, irritation prickling beneath her pelt.“AcornFurwasthere?”

Pebble Heart threaded the grass around the stems again,pulling them tightly together. “She’s SkyClan’s medicine catnow.”

“She’saspy!”MothFlightsnapped.“ClearSkytoldhertowatchMicahbecausehedidn’ttrusthim.”

“Thatmightbe true.”PebbleHeart lookedup.“ButMicahtaughthera lot.SheknowsmoreabouthealingthananyotherSkyClancat.Andshelikesit.Besides—”Hepaused,avoidinghergaze.“I’vehaddreamsaboutherhealingherClanmates.”

“You knew she’d become their medicine cat?” OutrageflaredinMothFlight’sbelly.“Whydidn’tyouwarnme?”

“Ineverknew,”PebbleHeart correctedher. “I have lotsofdreams.Theydon’tallturnouttobevisions.”Hemethergazesteadily. “SeeingAcornFur giving herbs to sick cats isn’t thesame as knowing Micah would die. Even if I’d guessed hewoulddie,wouldyoureallyhavewantedtoknow?”

“Icouldhave—”

He cut her off. “What? Changed his destiny? Loved himmore?”

Moth Flight stared at him, wordless. If she had known,wouldshehavedoneanythingdifferently?HertimewithMicahhadbeenwonderful.Wouldshereallyhavewantedtheshadowofhisdeathloomingoverthoseperfectdays?

Pebble Heart’s mew softened. “I was worried you didn’tcometotheMoonstonebecauseyoublamedStarClanforlettinghimdie.”

Sheblinkedathim.“Ididblamethem,”sheadmitted.“Butthat’snotwhyIdidn’tgo.”

“Doyoustillblamethem?”Moth Flight shook her head. “Even if they’d known his

destiny, they might have been powerless to change it. Andyou’reright:WhatwouldIhavedoneifI’dknown?”

Asshespoke,PebbleHeart’sgazeflickedpasthershoulder.She stiffened as she sawhis hackles rise.Openinghermouth,shetastedtheair.Catscentswerebillowingbehindher.

Sheturned,flatteningherears.Twocatspaddedfromamongthetrees.“MothFlight!”Aplumpblack-and-whitefarmcatcalledout

toher.The brown tom at her side swished his tail. “We thought

we’dneverfindyou!”“Cow!” Moth Flight hurried toward them, her heart

quickeningwithdelight.“Mouse!”Cow’s gaze was rimmed with sadness. “We heard about

Micah.”Mouse’staildrooped.“Didhesuffer?”

MothFlightstoppedinhertracks,hermewcatchinginherthroatassherememberedMicah’slastmoments.“Notforlong,”shemanagedtomew.

Cow weaved around her, her soft pelt brushing warmlyagainstMothFlight’sfur.

Mousedippedhishead toPebbleHeart. “Ihopeyoudon’tminduscoming,”hemeowed.“Wecrossed themoor, lookingforMicah.AcatnamedGorseFurtoldusabouttheaccident.”

Cow held Moth Flight’s gaze, her eyes brimming withsadness.“Hesaidyouwerewithhimattheend.”

MothFlightwonderedforamomentiftheyblamedherfortaking Micah away. But Cow wrapped her tail over MothFlight’s spine, her gaze warm with sympathy. “It must havebeenhardforyou.”

“At least I was with him.” Her throat tightened as sheremembered. She swallowed back grief, noticing their dustypelts.“Youmustbetired.It’salongjourneyfromthefarm.”

PebbleHeartpaddedforward.“Comebacktothecampandrest.” He glanced at the bunch of stems. “I need to get thesebackbeforetheystarttorot.”

Cow stared at the sodden bundle. “Why are you gatheringwetnettles?”

Mouse glanced around the shadowy pine forest, puzzled.“Isn’tthereanypreyhere?”

“There’s plenty,” Pebble Heart purred. “I’m collectingnettlesincaseoneofmyClanmatesgetssick.”

Cowblinked.“Willstingingthemhelp?”Moth Flight’s whiskers twitched with amusement. “They

don’t sting, now thatwe’ve soaked them. They’ll help soothe

woundsand,ifyoueatthem,theyeaseachingbones.”“You seem a lot smarter than when we first met.” Cow

winked at Pebble Heart. “She tried to cross a field while thefarmdogwasherdingsheep.”

MothFlightpurred,remembering.“Micahsavedme.”Cowcaughthereye.“Youmustmisshim.”“Ido,”sheansweredhuskily.“Weweremates.”CowpressedhermuzzletoMothFlight’scheek.Pebble Heart flicked his tail toward brambles showing

amongthepines.“Thecamp’snotfar.”Hepickeduponeendofthe grass stem between his teeth and began to drag the nettlebundleacrosstheforestfloor.Mousehurriedtograbthetrailingend.

Cow fell in beside Moth Flight. “How long since Micahdied?”

“Amoon,”MothFlighttoldhersoftly.Theywalkedon,sharingtheirgriefinsilence.As they neared the camp, Raven Pelt padded from the

entrance, tasting the air. His gaze flashed toward them,narrowingashesawMouseandCow.

Moth Flight hurried to meet him. “They’re friends,” sheexplained.“TheylivedonthesamefarmasMicah.”

TallShadowslidoutof camp,hernose twitching. “Dowehavevisitors?”

CowdippedherheadtotheShadowClanleader.“WecametoseeMothFlight.”

“Comeinandsharesomeprey,”TallShadowtoldher.“It’srunningwellatthemoment.There’smorethanwecaneat.”

SheledCowintocamp,thescentoffresh-killheavyinthe

air. Moth Flight and Raven Pelt followed at her heels, whileMouseandPebbleHeartdraggedthenettlesafterthem.

Three kits looked up from the long grass where JuniperBranchwasresting.

The biggest, a black tom with an orange tail, blinked atthem. “Look,DuskNose!”Henudged the she-kit beside him.“Visitors!”Hedashedacrosstheclearing.

Dusk Nose, a black-and-orange tortoiseshell, followed.“Whoareyou?”shecalledtoCow.

“AreyouaClan cat?”Another tom-kit hurried after them,hisdappledbrownpeltperfectlycamouflagedagainsttheshadyforestfloor.

MothFlightpurred.“ThisisCow,”sheexplained.“SheandMousewerefriendsofMicah.”

“I’mDanglingLeaf.”Theorange-tailedtomscrambledtoahaltinfrontofCow.

“I’mDuskNose,”hissistermewed.The dappled brown tom stopped beside them. “I’m Shade

Pelt.”Dangling Leaf tipped his head. “Do you know Micah’s

dead?”heaskedCow.MothFlightflinched,butCowreturnedhisinquisitivegaze

steadily.“Yes.”DuskNosenudgedherbrother.“Youcan’taskquestionslike

that,ShadePelt.It’srude.”“Raven Pelt sayswe can ask anythingwe like,”Dangling

Leafmewedback.ShadePeltsniffed.“Healsosayswehavetoknowwhento

bequiet,orwe’llneverbegoodhunters.”HeblinkedatMoth

Flight.“DoyoumindustalkingaboutMicah?”MothFlightignoredthesadnessprickinginherchest.“No.”

It wouldn’t change anything to pretend Micah had neverexisted.Itwouldn’thurtanyless.

DanglingLeafwasstillstaringatCow.“Whydidyoucome,ifMicah’sdead?”

“WecametoseeMothFlight,”Cowtoldhim.DuskNoseliftedherchin.“Areyouherfriendstoo?”“Yes.”Cowgazedaroundthecamp.“Thislooksverycozy.”Behind them, Mouse was helping Pebble Heart hoist the

nettle stems high into the bramblewall of the camp to drain.The nettles dangled from the prickly branches and drippedmuddywaterontotheground.

“Ihavemyownden,”MothFlighttoldher.“You’vegotSunShadow’sden,”ShadePeltcorrectedher.Moth Flight shifted her paws. “That’s true. Sun Shadow’s

lettingmeusehisdenuntilIgohome.”Cowblinkedather.“Isn’tthisyourhome?”TallShadowansweredforher.“Shelivesonthemoor.”CowglancedatMothFlight’sbelly.“Willyougohome to

haveyourkits?”MothFlightstaredather.“I’mnothavingkits!”“Areyousure,dear?”Cowtippedherheadsympathetically.Moth Flight froze. Could I be having kits? Surely she’d

know?Thensheremembered:hertiredness,herqueasiness...SheglancedatTallShadow,shockpulsingthroughherpelt.

TheShadowClanleaderdroppedhergaze.PebbleHeartpaddedcloser,hisearstwitching.“Wethought

youknew.”

Moth Flight’s paws seemed to root into the ground. Thecamp swam around her. “I didn’t think!” Her mind whirled.“I’veneverhadkitsbefore.”She’dthoughtthathereasylifeinShadowClanwasmakingherfat.

TallShadowblinked.“WethoughtyouwerehappytohavesomethingleftofMicah.”

Micah’skits.MothFlight’sheartseemedtoturninherchest.ShewascarryingMicah’skits.

Cowpurred loudly. “They’ll be as handsome andbrave astheirfather.”

Kits! Growing inside her! “I can’t!” She backed away,shocked.Shecouldhardlytakecareofherself!Howcouldshebe responsible for new lives? Her thoughts flashed back toSlate’s kits, lost on the moor because of her. Then sheremembered Juniper Branch’s kitting. The pain! The groundseemedtoswaybeneathherpaws.

Cowpressedagainsther.“It’s themostnatural thingin theworld.”

Moth Flight’s thoughts swirled. “I need to go home.” Theneed tugged deep in her belly. “I have to seeWind Runner.”Suddenlyshewantedtonestleamongherkinandshelterintheirwarmth.

TallShadowdippedherhead.“Someonemustescortyou,”shemeowedfirmly.“Youshouldn’ttravelalone.”

“I’ll be fine,” Moth Flight answered, still dazed from theshock.

PebbleHeartsteppedforward.“I’lltakeher.”MothFlightlookedathimblankly.“Canwegonow?”Her

gazeflitteddistractedlytoCowandMouse.“I’msorrytoleave

you.You’veonlyjustarrived.But—”Cow’seyesroundedwithsympathy.“Weunderstand.”TallShadowflickedhertail.“We’llmakesuretheyarefed

andrestedbeforetheyheadhome.”Moth Flight hardly heard the ShadowClan leader. Her

thoughts were already racing toward the moor, where herClanmates were waiting for her. How could she have stayedawayso long?“I’vebeensoselfish,”shemurmured toherselfassheheadedforthecampentrance.

Pebble Heart caught up to her and fell in step beside her.“Perhaps you should have some thyme before we go,” hesuggestedquietly.“Youseemshocked.”

“I’mokay.”MothFlightkepthergazefixedahead.Itdidn’tmatter ifshewasshocked.Shehadtobestrongnow.ShewascarryingMicah’skits.Nothingwasmoreimportantthanthat.

CHAPTER26

MothFlight struggled forbreathas shewalkedbesidePebbleHeart.

“Let’sslowdown,”heurged.Sheshookherhead.“Iwanttogethome.”Shepaddedfrom

the pines and stopped beside the Thunderpath. The stone trailwasdeserted,butthestalestenchofmonstersmadeMothFlightfeelsick.“I’vebecomesoweak!”

“I think it’s because you’re carrying kits.” Pebble Heartpausedon thegrassverge.“JuniperBranchcouldhardlycrosstheclearingwithoutpantingbytheend.”

“ButI’veanothermoontogo!”MothFlighthurriedontothesmooth stone,notwanting tobe remindedof thequeen’s longandpainfulkitting.

Pebble Heart followed her, tactfully changing the subject.“YourClanmateswillhavemissedyou.”

“Do you think?” She turned as she reached the far side.Would they feel she’d been disloyal by staying away for solong?

“They’ll be glad you’re home.” Pebble Heart bounded uptheshort,steepslopeontothemoorside.

MothFlightstruggledafterhim,stoppingatthetoptocatchherbreath.Shegazedacrosstheheather.Itsblossomhadturnedthemoorsidepurple.Windsweptaroundher,liftingherfur.Sheclosed her eyes, relishing the sensation. The dank pines hadshieldedherfortoolong.“Ishouldhavecomehomeearlier.”

“You waited until you were ready.” Pebble Heart headedupslope.

MothFlightfollowed,surprisedbythesilkinessofthegrassbeneathherpaws.Onedayherkitswouldrunhere.Excitementflickeredinherchest.Wasshereallygoingtobeamother?ToMicah’s kits! Joy swamped her.Griefwould no longer be heronly link to him. Soon she’d have his kits; she’dwatch themgrow.She’dtellthemabouttheirbraveandhandsomefather.Hewouldliveonthroughthem.

I’llhavetoraisethemalone.Theideadauntedher,but thecloser she got to home, themore she felt shewould be okay.WindRunneralwaysknowswhat todo.SheglancedatPebbleHeart,hisgraypeltruffledbythebreeze.“Thankyouforbeingsokindtome.”

Heslowedtolethercatchup.“Ididn’tdoanythingreally.”“Yes,youdid.”Sherememberedallthetimeshe’dbrought

herprey;howoftenshe’dwokentofindwater-soakedmossonthe side of her nest; how gently he’d encouraged her to helpgatherherbsandmixpoultices.Thankstohim,she’dlostnoneofher skills; indeed, he’d taught her somuch.Hewas such awise,seriouscat—adreamerinhisownway,butnotaseasilydistractedasshewas.Sheadmiredhimandhadgrownfondofhim.HewasalmostlikeaClanmate.

As her thoughts drifted, movement caught her eye. Shelookeddown the grassy slope and saw cats stalking along theSkyClan border. Their pelts showed among the trees, movingslowlythroughtheferns.Shehalted,narrowinghergazeassherecognized Thorn, Birch, and Nettle. “I wonder what they’redoing?”shecalledtoPebbleHeart.

PebbleHeartfollowedhergaze.Thethreecatshadstopped.Birchwasmarkingatreewithhisscent.“It’saborderpatrol.”

MothFlightblinkedathim.“Awhat?”“ClearSky’sgivenordersthathisbordersaretobechecked

dailyandfreshmarkingsleft.”AngerflaredinMothFlight’sbelly.“Doeshestillinsiston

borders?”Shecouldhardlybelieveanycatcouldbesorabbit-brained.

“He says cats belong in their own territory,” PebbleHeartmurmured.

“SoMicahdiedfornothing!”MothFlightflattenedherears.“Doesn’t he realize that Micah would never have died if hehadn’tbeensobotheredabouthisborders?”

PebbleHeartavoidedhergaze.“HesaysMicahwouldneverhavediedifyouhadn’tcrossedtheborderwithhim.”

MothFlighttrembledwithfury.“Howdarehe?”“Don’tletitupsetyou,”PebbleHeartbegged.“IfClearSky

wantstofussabouthisborders,thenlethim.”Hisgazeslidpasther.

Shejerkedhermuzzlearound,followingit,andsawWillowTail and Eagle Feather watching the SkyClan patrol from adistant,rockyoutcrop.“Don’ttheyhaveanythingbettertodo?”shesnapped.“TheyshouldbefeedingtheirClan,notwatchingborders!”Shebrokeintoatrot,headingforthehollow.

Pebble Heart hurried after her. “Let Wind Runner worryabout it,” he told her. “You’re a medicine cat, not a hunter.Bordersaren’tyourproblem.”

As he spoke, a gray-and-white pelt showed against theheatherupslope.

Moth Flight recognized it at once. “Swift Minnow!” ThesightofherClanmatedistractedherfromheranger.

SwiftMinnowsquintedatthem,liftinghertailsuddenlyandbreaking into a run. “Moth Flight! Is that you?” She sprintedtoward them, meowing happily, and skidded to a halt a tail-length away. She stared, her eyes rounding as she sawMothFlight’sswollen flanks.“You’reexpectingkits!”Joy lituphergaze.“AretheyMicah’s?”

“Yes,”MothFlightpurred.“Wewerebeginningtothinkyouwerenevercominghome.”

SwiftMinnowcastananxiousglancetowardthehollow.“Ineededtimetogrieve,”MothFlightexplained.Theheather rustledbehindSwiftMinnow,asSlatepadded

out. She pricked her ears as she saw Moth Flight. “You’reback!”

Moth Flight felt a rush of happiness. The grieving queenlooked well, her eyes brighter than they’d been in moons.“How’sWhiteTail?”shecalled.“HaveSilverStripeandBlackEarbeenbehavingthemselves?”

“They’reallfine!”Slatehurriedtowardthem.“You’dhardlyrecognizethem!They’vegrownsomuch.”Sheslowed,herearspricking.“You’reexpecting!”

Swift Minnow plucked at the grass excitedly. “They’reMicah’skits!”shetoldherfriend.

SlatewovearoundMothFlightpurringhappily.“Haveyoucomehomeforgood?”

“Iwantmykitstogrowuponthemoor,”MothFlighttoldher.

“Hurryup!”SwiftMinnowducked into theheather. “Let’s

getbacktocamp!”MothFlightnoticedPebbleHearthesitate.“I’ll go home, now that I know you’re safe,” he meowed

shyly.“Areyousure?”MothFlightgazedathimfondly.“Yeah.” He flicked his tail and began to head downslope.

“Takecare.Sendformewhenthekitscome!”“Bye,PebbleHeart!”SlatewasnudgingMothFlighttoward

the heather. “Wait until Gorse Fur sees you! He’s been soworried.”

Moth Flight followed Swift Minnow’s trail, zigzaggingbetweenthebushesuntilsheemergedontothestretchofgrassoutsidethecampentrance.

Asthescentsofhomesweptoverher,herpeltrippledwithpleasure.

Swift Minnow had already disappeared inside and MothFlightfollowed,herheartbeatingloudlyinherchest.

“MothFlight!”DustMuzzlewasthefirsttocomeboundingacrossthetussockyclearing.SpottedFurandFernLeafhurriedafterhim,theireyesbright.

Theyscrambledtoahaltinfrontofher,staringatherbelly.“I’m expecting Micah’s kits.” She glanced anxiously at

SpottedFur.Washestilljealous?SpottedFurblinkedather,thenpurred.“Congratulations!”Reliefwashedoverher.Fern Leaf purred and murmured “How exciting!” as Dust

Muzzlepressedhisnosetohercheek.“I’mgladyou’rehome.”Gorse Fur was crossing the clearing toward them, Rocky

lumberingbehind.

MothFlight felt a flicker ofworry as she saw the old cat.“Areyoubetter?”shecalled.Sheshouldhavebeenhere,takingcareofhim.

“I’mashealthyasafox,”herumbled.GorseFurstoppedbesideher.“Iknewyoucouldn’tstayin

that dark old forest forever.” He weaved around her whileRockystaredatherproudly.

“I’m glad you’re back,” the old tom rumbled. “Reed Tailwon’tletmehavecatmint.”

MothFlight stiffened.HadRockybeen exaggerating?Washestillsick?“Doyouneedsome?”

Rockyglancedathispaws.“Idon’tneedit,butsometimesIget a sore throat and a little catmint always makes me feelbetter.”

ReedTailwasstalkingtowardthem,hisearspricked.“Theonlyreasonyougetasorethroatisfromsnoringsoloudly!”Hepadded past the old tom and greetedMoth Flightwith a nod.“Thank StarClan you’re back. I’m run offmy paws trying tofind herbs, and if Silver Stripe ever makes it through a daywithoutgettingascratchoragraze,I’llbeamazed.”

Moth Flight’swhiskers twitchedwith amusement. “Wherearethekits?”Shegaspedasshesawthreeyoungcatsboundingtoward her. She recognized their pelts, but they were so big!“Silver Stripe! Black Ear!” They looked old enough to hunt!“WhiteTail,you’vegrownsohandsome!”Thegray-and-whitekithadhisfather’sbroadshouldersandSlate’ssoftambergaze.

“BlackEar’shandsometoo!”SilverStripetoldherproudly.“Ofcoursehe is!”MothFlight lookedadmiringlyatBlack

EarbeforepurringatSilverStripe.“Andyou’reasbeautifulas

yourmother.”“WhocaresifI’mbeautiful?”SilverStripestuckhernosein

theair.“Beautydoesn’thelpwithhunting,andI’mgoingtobethebesthunterinWindClan.”

“I can believe it.”MothFlight nosed herway throughherClanmates and headed across the clearing. “How’smy den? Ihopenorain’sgotten in.Myherbsshouldbegoodanddrybynow.AlthoughIneedtopickfreshones.CloudSpotssaysfreshherbsworkbetter.”

ReedTailfellinbesideher.“I’vebeenusingyourden,”heconfessed.“Itseemedbest,sinceIwasbeingmedicinecatwhileyouwereaway.”

MothFlight caughthis eye,gratitude floodingher. “Thankyou so much,” she mewed earnestly. “I’m sorry I left youresponsible for everything. I just couldn’t face . . .”Hermewtrailedawayasasuddenwaveofgriefslappedagainstherlikecoldwater.ThefamiliarfacesandscentshadcarriedherbacktoatimebeforeMicahhaddied.Sheswallowed.

ReedTailshotheralook.“You’llfeelathomeagaininnotime,”hepromised.

“Yes,” she answered huskily. She stopped outside her den,herClanmateswatchingfrombeyondthetussocks.Theylookedsopleased toseeher.Herheartswelledwith thanks.Thenshespotted two pairs of eyes staring from the shadows of JaggedPeak’sden.Herfurprickledanxiously.HollyandJaggedPeakhadn’t wanted her to leave. She’d stayed away for a wholemoon.Takingadeepbreath,sheheadedtowardthem.

JaggedPeakduckedoutsidefirst,hisearstwitching.Holly followed,hergaze cool. “Agrievingcat should stay

withherClan,”shemuttered.Jagged Peak glanced at Moth Flight’s belly. “Are you

carryinghiskits?”“Micah’s?”MothFlightnarrowedhereyes.“Yes.AndI’m

proudofit.”“HewasaSkyClancat,”JaggedPeakgrunted.MothFlightglaredathim.“Hewasafarmcattoo!Doesthat

makeitbetterorworse?”“JaggedPeak!”StormPelt chargedacross theclearing.He

stopped in frontofhis fatherandmotherandblinkedat them.“Youshouldbehappyshe’scomehome.”

Hollysniffed.“Whydidshebother?She’sbeenawayfromWindClansolong,shedoesn’tevensmelllikeaWindClancatanymore.”

DewNoseslidfromthedenandstoppedbesideherbrother.“Moth Flight was born WindClan and she’ll always beWindClan.”

Storm Pelt lifted his chin. “She’s the one who found theMoonstone.Aren’tyouproudshe’sourClanmate?”

“WillherkitsbeourClanmatestoo?”Hollymuttered.“EventhoughtheycarrySkyClanblood?”

“Andfarm-catblood,”JaggedPeakadded.Storm Pelt faced his mother, pelt prickling. “You weren’t

bornWindClan!”Hisgazeflashedtowardhisfather.“Andyouwereamountaincatwholefthistribe.”

Moth Flight shifted her paws uncomfortably. She didn’twanttocauseanargumentbetweenkin.

Hollyeyedherkitsdoubtfully.“Howdoweknowshewon’tleaveagain?”

“Iwon’t,”MothFlightpromised.“MothFlight!”Hermother’smewrangacrosstheclearing.

SheturnedtoseetheWindClanleaderboundingtowardher.WindRunnerskiddedtoahaltandthrusthermuzzleagainst

Moth Flight’s chin. “You’re home at last!” A sigh shudderedthroughher.Shedrewback,hergazedarkening.“Didyoutravelhere by yourself? I hope you were careful near the SkyClanborder. They’ve been raiding the moor for rabbits again. Ofcourse, Clear Sky denies it but—” She stopped and stared atMothFlight.“You’reexpectingkits!”

MothFlightsatdown,lettingherbellybulge.“They’redueinamoon.”

“Micah’s?”WindRunnertippedherhead.“Ofcourse.”MothFlightpurred.Didhermotherthinkthey

couldbeanyoneelse’s?“Let’shopetheytakeafteryou.”WindRunnerloweredher

voice.“Micahwasalittletoosureofhimself.”MothFlightmethermother’sgazecalmly.“Andyou’renot,

Isuppose.”Wind Runner’s eyes widened with surprise. Then she

purred.“Mylittlekithasgrownclaws.”Moth Flight glanced down at her belly. “I need to,” she

mewed.“I’vegotmyownkitstoprotect.”Wind Runner swished her tail, pride warming her gaze.

“Youmustbe tiredafteryour journey.Let’sgetyousettled inyournest.”

MothFlightgottoherpaws,suddenlyrealizinghowwearyshefelt.ShesnatchedalookatJaggedPeakandHolly,hopingthat they’dbe lesspricklyonce they saw that shewashere to

stay.Theyavoidedhergaze,theirpeltsruffled.Wind Runner nudged her toward her den. “I’m so glad

you’reback.”Moth Flight purred. It felt good to be home and Wind

Runner was pleased to see her. The warmth in her mother’smewreassuredherthat,fromnowon,everythingwasgoingtobefine.

MothFlightrolledawadofborageleavesintoabundleandslottedthemintoasmallgapinthegorseatthebackofherden.She relished the coolness here. Outside, early greenleafsunshinewasscorchingthecamp.

The scent of herbs washed over her and she thankedStarClan that she’d stopped feeling queasy.The kitswere dueanydayandherbellywassoswollenthatshefeltasclumsyasatoad.She satbackonherhaunchesand lookedapprovinglyatthe array of herbs poking out from between the branches.“We’vedonewell.”SheblinkedatReedTail.

The silver tabby tomsatdownand tuckedhis tailoverhisherb-stainedpaws.“You’vetaughtmesomuch.”

In the moon since she’d returned to the WindClan camp,Moth Flight had shared with him all she’d learned from theothermedicinecats.Whenthekitscame,sheguessedthattherewouldbetimeswhenshe’dbetoobusytotendtoherClanandshewanted him to be prepared to take her place.And so, shehad spent nearly every day with him, scouring the moor forherbs,and teachinghimtheirnamesas theygathered themforherstore.

Sheglancedathernestnow,wonderingwhenthekitswouldcome.Shehadwovenextraheathertomakeitlarger,andlined

it thicklywithmoss.Sheshiftedasatwingeinherbellymadeherwince.

ReedTailstiffened.“Areyouokay?”“I’mfine,”MothFlighttoldhim.“Thekitsarejustfidgety

today.”Asshespoke,furbrushedthegorseentrance.Rockypaddedintotheden,blinkingashiseyesadjustedto

the gloom. “Mychest is feeling a bit tight.”He looked at herhopefully.“Canyousparesomecatmint?”

MothFlightheavedherselftoherpawsandcrossedtheden.Shepressedherearagainsthis flankand listenedforbubblinginside his chest. Hewas breathing clearly. She looked at himsternly.“You’reasfitasaflea.Ican’twastecatmintonhealthycats.I’dhavetotraveltoTwolegplacetofetchmore.”

“I could fetch some for you,” Rocky offered. “I knowTwolegplacewell.Iusedtolivethere,remember?”

“That’sakindoffer.”Shewouldn’tputitpasttheoldtomtotraveltoTwolegplaceinsearchofcatmint.“Butletyoungercatsfetch the herbs. Your paws are too stiff to climb the woodenwalls.”

Rocky’seyesbrightened.“Doescatminthelpstiffpaws?”MothFlight’swhiskerstwitchedwithamusement.“No,butI

cangiveyousomecomfrey.ReedTailandIpickedsomefreshleavesthismorning.”

Rockywrinkledhisnose.“No,thanks.Thestiffnessdoesn’tbothermethatmuchandI—”

Moth Flight didn’t hear the rest of hiswords. Pain pulsedthroughherasaspasmgrippedherbelly.Shegasped,swaying.

“Arethekitscoming?”ReedTailracedtoherside.

“I thinkso.”Shecurledherclaws into theground,bracingherselfagainstthepain.“SendsomeonetofetchPebbleHeart,”shepuffed.“Heknowswhattodo.”

ReedTailharedfromthedenand leftRockystaringathernervously.

“Doyouwanttoliedowninyournest?”heaskedhesitantly.“No!”MothFlightglaredathimasanotherspasmcrushed

herbelly.Shebegantopace,agrowlrollingdeepinherthroat.Focus on your breathing. She remembered the advice she’dgivenJuniper Branch and tried to concentrate on each breath.What if shewasn’t ready?What if thekitsgot stuck?What ifthey died like Emberkit? Her thoughts began to whirl. ShestoppedandstaredatRocky,panicsparkingthroughherpelt.

Rockyblinkedather.“I’llgetWindRunner.”Heduckedoutoftheden.

MothFlightmoaned,shockedbythepaingrippingherbelly.Shebeganpacingagain,not surewhat todowithherself.Shecouldn’tbearthethoughtofsittingstill.Movingdistractedher.Butshefeltweakwiththepain.Shelaydownasanotherspasmshuddered throughherbody.Thenshe scrambled toherpaws,frightenedatfeelingsohelpless.

“Moth Flight!” Wind Runner’s mew sounded at the denentrance. Her mother hurried into the den and pressed hermuzzle to Moth Flight’s cheek. “Don’t be scared,” shemurmured. “Everything’s going to be okay.DustMuzzle’s onhis way to fetch Pebble Heart. And Slate will be here in amoment. We’re going to look after you until Pebble Heartarrives.”

MothFlightleanedagainsthermother,reliefswampingher.

“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”shewhimpered.“Justkeeppacinguntilyouneedtoliedown.”WindRunner

drewawayandlookedintoMothFlight’seyes.“You’renotthefirstcattohavekits.Youwillbefine.”

“But ithurts!”MothFlightwasstartledby the intensityofthepain.

Wind Runner’s eyes glistened with sympathy. “Youwon’trememberitafterward,Ipromise.”

“That doesn’t help me now!” Moth Flight snapped back.Another spasm was coming. She closed her eyes as it sweptoverher.Whenithadpassed,shegazedblearilyathermother.“Howlongwillittake?”

“Notlong,”WindRunnersoothed.“Notlongatall.”PawstepssoundedatthedenentranceandSlatehurriedinto

theden.“How’sshedoing?”sheaskedWindRunner.TheWindClan leader shot her an anxious look. “The kits

willbeherebeforePebbleHeart,”shebreathed.MothFlightstiffenedassheheardhermother.“Howdoyou

know?”Slate didn’t give Wind Runner time to answer. “Are the

spasms that close together?” She turned toMoth Flight. “Liedownandletmefeelyourbelly.”

Wincingasanotherspasmpulsed throughher,MothFlightlaydown.Shegrowledwithpain,hardlyfeelingSlate’spawsonherbelly.

Slatenoddedbriskly.“Yourkits feel strong. I think they’reeagertocomeoutandmeetyou.”

Pain scorched through Moth Flight. Stronger than before.“WindRunner!”Shereachedapawtowardhermother.

“Itwon’tbelongnow.”WindRunnercrouchedbesideher.“Ineedasticktobiteon,”MothFlightpantedasshefought

theurgetoyowlwithpain.“I’llgetyouone.”Slateduckedoutoftheden.Shereturnedafewmomentslaterwithatoughheatherstem.MothFlighttookitfromher,relievedasshebitdownhard

withthenextspasm.Thewoodcrunchedbetweenherjawsandshemoaned as her belly convulsed with such power that shethought she would die.Micah! She focused her thoughts onhim, determined to stay strong. The image of his steady gazeshoneinher thoughts.Heseemedtobesilentlyurgingheron.Groaning,shepushedwithallherstrength.

“Here’s the first kit!”Slateduckedbehindher and lifted asmallsquirmingbundle.

MothFlightblinkedat it, surprised, and spatout the stick.“Isitokay?”

“It’saheandhe’sfine.”Slatelaidthetom-kitbesideMothFlight’smuzzle.Hiswarmscent filledMothFlight’snose andshenuzzledhim,herheartswellingashesquirmedagainsthercheek.

Herbodyconvulsedagain.“Anotherone!”Slatesoundedjubilant.Asaspasmseizedheroncemore,theworldseemedtoblur

aroundMothFlight.ShewasawareonlyofpainandthemutedvoicesofWindRunner andSlate. Inhermind,Micah’sgreengazeglowedsteadyandstrong.Theheadyscentofhernewkitswashedhermuzzleandthen,suddenly,thepainstopped.

“Four kits.”WindRunner’s proudmew broke through thefog.

Moth Flight turned her head, blinking, and saw foursquirming bundles beside her. Instinctively she pulled themclose to her belly, reachingdown to lap themdry.Twoof thekits had yellow splotches on their soft white pelts. One wasstripedyellowallover,justlikehisfather.“Hisfur!”shelookedupathermother.“It’s thesamecolorasMicah’s!”The fourthwas white, likeMoth Flight. “I wonder what color their eyeswillbe.”Thekitswriggledagainsther,theireyesstillclosed.

“You’ll have to wait a few days before you know.”WindRunner’smewwas barely a whisper as she leaned down andlapped Moth Flight’s cheek. “Well done. I’m very proud ofyou.”

“Issheokay?”PebbleHeart’sanxiousmewsoundedat theden entrance.Henosedhisway into theden, puffing to catchhisbreath.Heatradiatedfromhispelt.

Slatestaredathim.“Didyourunalltheway?”PebbleHeartwasgazingatthekits.“I’mtoolate?”“I’mafraidso,”WindRunnertoldhimapologetically.“But

I’mgladyoucame.YoucanmakesureMothFlightandthekitsareokay.”

“Theylookfine.”PebbleHeart’seyesglowed.Dust Muzzle stuck his head through the entrance. “He

outranme!”MothFlightblinkedfondlyattheShadowClanmedicinecat.

“Ididit!”Pridepulsedthroughher,strongerthananyshe’dfeltbefore.“Aren’ttheybeautiful?”Shehuggedthekitscloser,joywashing over her as she felt them warm against her belly.Micah’sgreengazeflashedoncemoreinhermind.Thankyou,Micah.

“They’relovely,”PebbleHeartagreed.Heleaneddownandsniffedthem.“Theyseemstrongandhealthy.”

WindRunnertippedherhead,hereyesglitteringwithworry.“Willyoustaytonight,justincase?”

“Of course,” PebbleHeart promised. “And I’ve spoken toDappled Pelt and Cloud Spots. They’ve agreed to visitWindClan regularly in case anyone is injured or sick whileMothFlight’srecovering.”

Moth Flight lifted her head. “That’s kind, but there’s noneed. I’ve shared everything I knowwith Reed Tail. He’ll beabletolookafterWindClan.”

PebbleHeartblinked.“You’vebeenbusy!”“I just wanted to be prepared.” Moth Flight suddenly

realized that, for thepastmoon, she’dbeen thinkingabout thefutureagain.ThegriefthathaddraggedherintohelplessdespairafterMicah’sdeathhadfinallyeasedassheplannedanewlifearoundherkits.Andnowtheywerehere,eachoneperfect,andher heart felt as full of love as it had been whenMicah wasalive. She purred loudly, joy leaping in her chest as her kitspurred with her. She suddenly remembered her conversationwithSunShadow.

IwillneverfeellikeI’vegainedmorethanI’velost.Maybenot.Butyouwillcometovaluewhatyoustillhave,

andwhatyoumayhaveinthefuture.She lookedatPebbleHeart. “Whenyougohome, tellSun

Shadowhewasright.”

CHAPTER27

MothFlightdreamed.Warm wind tugged her fur as she raced upslope and the

coarse grass grew soft beneath her paws as she neared themoortop.Shestoppedasshereachedthecrest.Meadowsrolledbelowher,stretching towardforest,anda riversparkled in thedistanceasitdisappearedamongthetrees.

WhereamI?Thiswasn’tthemoor.Thescentofpreywashedhermuzzle.Arabbitwasgrazing

calmly on the grass a few tail-lengths ahead. Moth Flightimagined carrying it home to her kits. They were almost oldenough for their first tasteof fresh-kill.SheswallowedbackapurrassheimaginedBubblingStream’seyeslightingupatthesight of it. Spider Pawwould be first to beg for a taste.BlueWhiskerwould hang back shyly, butHoney Peltwouldmakesureshehadapiecebeforehe’dtakeabite.

Her heart ached with love for her kits as she thought ofthem. Theywere perfect. Even Spider Paw’s extra toe,whichhe’dbeennamedfor,wasadorable.

She dropped into a hunting crouch and began to stalksilently throughthegrass.Therabbitdidn’teventwitchassheneared.Thisisgoingtobeaneasycatch.

Yellow fur flashed at the edge of her vision.Moth Flightjerkedhermuzzlearound,herbreath stopping inher throat asshe sawMicah padding toward her. The rabbit, still blissfullyunaware, hopped lazily away.Moth Flight let it go, her gaze

fixedonMicah.“Can you see me?” She hardly dared speak. No one ever

heardherinherdreams.Thelasttimeshe’ddreamedofMicah,he’d beenwandering inmist, unable to see her.But this timeMicah’s eyeswere fixed on her, sparkling green in the brightsunshineandfilledwithlove.

As he neared her, he quickened his pace until his scentbathed her. She closed her eyes, her heart pounding.Was shereallygoingtospeakwithhim?Hiswhiskersgrazedhercheekashereachedher.

“I havemissed you somuch.”Hiswordswere soft in herear.

She purred, rubbing her cheek fiercely against his. “IthoughtI’ddiewithoutyou.”

“I’mgladyoudidn’t.”Hedrewawayandlookedather,hiseyes shining. “I’ve seen thekits. I’vewatchedyouwith them.Youareawonderfulmother.”

Joy surged beneath her pelt. “Aren’t they gorgeous? Theyremindmesomuchofyou.HoneyPeltevenwasheshispawsthesamewayyoudid.”

“KeepaneyeonBlueWhisker,”he fretted. “She’s so shy.Don’tlettheotherspushheraround.”

“Theywon’t,”MothFlightpromised.“They’reprotectiveofher. Especially Spider Paw. Hewon’t let Slate’s kits near herbecauseshe’sscaredofthem.”

Micahfrowned.“Theyhaven’thurther,havethey?”Moth Flight purred. “No, of course not. But she can’t

understand why such big cats act like kits. I keep telling herthey’restillkits.Idon’tthinkshebelievesshe’llbethatbigtoo

inafewmoons.”Micah’s green gaze darkened. “Iwish Iwere there.”Grief

edgedhismew.ItcaughtholdofMothFlight,twistingherheart.“SodoI.”

Shehadn’t feltangersinceshe’d leftShadowClan’scamp,butrageflaredinherbellynow.“It’snotfair!Whydidyouhavetodie?Inadumbaccident!”

Micahsighedandrestedhismuzzleagainsthers.“Itwasmydestiny.”

She pulled away, blinking at him. “Did you know allalong?”

“No, but I see that our destinies were only ever meant tocrossforashorttime.”Hiseyesglistenedwithlove.“Aren’tweluckytheydid?Nowyouhaveourkits.”

“But Iwantyou too!”MothFlightcouldn’tpushawayherresentment.

Micah gazed at her gravely. “You must travel alone fromhereon.Thisisyourpath.ButIwillalwaysbewithyou.”

Hervisionswamwithgrief.“How?”“Iwillbeinyourthoughtsandyourheartandyourdreams,”

hemurmured.“Youwillseemeinthekitsandifyouneedme,youonlyneedtocloseyoureyes.”

MothFlight’sthroattightened.Isthatenough?Shetouchedhernosetohissoftly.Itwouldhavetobe.

Aroundher,themeadowsbegantogrowhazy.Micah’speltgrewpale,lightshowingthrough.

“Don’tgoyet!”shebegged.“You’llseemeagain,”hepromised,hismewgrowingfaint.“Micah!”

“Someoneiscomingtovisityou.”Shecouldbarelyhearhismewasitfadedintoecho.“Youmusthelpher.I’mdependingonyou.”

“Who?”Shespokeintodarknessasthedreamfaded.Jerkingawake,she liftedherhead.Thekits fidgetedather

belly,asleepinthestarlightthatfilteredthroughthegorse.Moth Flight’s heart ached with longing, but warmth

enfoldedher.Iwillalwaysbewithyou.Assherememberedhiswords, his scent lingered on her tongue. With a gasp, sherecognized the meadows in her dreams—StarClan’s huntinggrounds!He’sinStarClan.Apurrrumbledinherthroat.NowIknowthatwewillneverbefarapart.

“Go faster!”BubblingStream’s fur spikedwithexcitementassheclungtoStormPelt’sshoulders.

Storm Pelt bounded across the tussocks and BubblingStreammewledwithdelight.

“Becareful!”MothFlightwatchedwithwideeyesfromthesunnypatchofgrassoutsideherden.

Beside her, Slate purred. “She’ll be fine,” she reassuredMothFlight.

“She’s only a moon old!” Moth Flight worried. “Aren’tbadgerridesdangerous?”

BlueWhiskernestledtighteragainstherbelly.“Idon’teverwantabadgerride,”shebreathed,staringinalarmathersisterasshebobbedonStormPelt’sback.

MothFlighttuckedhertailoverBlueWhisker,relievedthatatleastonekitwasstayingclose.

SpiderPawwascrouchinginthesandyhollow.SilverStripecrouchedbesidehim,whileBlackEarpaced in front,advising

himonhisstance.“Hindquarterslower,”theblack-and-whitetom-kittoldhim.

“Andkeepyourtailstillorthepreywillhearyoucoming.”SilverStripe fidgeted impatiently.“Canwe jumpyet?”she

begged.“Notuntilyou’vegottheperfectcrouch,”BlackEartoldher

sternly.“Is this right?” Spider Paw pressed his chin closer to the

groundandstaredfiercelyahead.“Quitegood,”BlackEarconceded.“Pullyourhindpawsin

tighter,oryourtakeoffwillbeclumsy.”Where’s Honey Pelt? Alarm flashed through Moth Flight.

Shescannedthecamp,reliefswampingherasshecaughtsightofhisyellowpeltasheburrowedundertheheatherwallonthefarsideofthecamp.

WhiteTailwasbesidehim,squeezingunderthebranches.MothFlight frowned.Keeping an eye on four kits seemed

far more exhausting than it should be. “What are those twodoing?”

“WhiteTailpromisedtoshowhimallthesecretwaysoutofcamp,”Slatetoldher.

“I hope he’s not thinking of sneaking out.” Moth FlightrememberedhaulingSilverStripeoutoftherabbitholeallthosemoons ago.Howhad she been so calm?Dread gouged at herbellyassheimaginedoneofherownkitsstuckonthemoorandwailing for help. She pushed the thought away. She wasn’tgoingtoletherkitsoutofhersight.

ShefeltawaveofgratitudetowardherClanmates.Amongthem,someonewasalwayskeepinganeyeonBubblingStream,

Honey Pelt, Spider Paw, and BlueWhisker. EvenHolly, whowas watching Bubbling Stream now, her eyes narrow withdisapproval,alwaysknewwheretheywereandwhattheywereupto.

ReedTail nosedhiswayoutof theden thatEagleFeatherandDewNosehadhollowedfromtheheatherwallofthecamp.TheyhadgrowntoobigtoshareJaggedPeakandHolly’sdenandhadmovedintotheirownwithStormPelt.

ReedTailpaddedacrosstheclearingandpausedinfrontofMothFlight.“DewNosehaswrenchedapaw,”hetoldher.“Sheslippedinarabbitholewhileshewashunting.ShallIuseupthecomfreyfromyourherbstoreorpickfresh?”

“Usewhat we’ve got for now and pick some fresh later,”MothFlighttoldhim.

Henoddedandduckedintothegorsedenbehindher.ReedTail had been busy taking care of theClan’s cuts and sprainsoverthepastmoon.MothFlighthadtriedtokeepaneyeonherClanmates’well-being,buteverytimesheleftthedentocheckhowascratchwashealingorasorebellywasrespondingtothechervilReedTailhadgiven,oneofherkitswouldstartmewlingwithhungerorsquealforhelpastheyclimbedthedenwallandgot stuck among thebranches. It seemed that themoment shesetpawintheclearing,adesperatewailwouldcallherback.

“You need to be tougher,” Slate had told hermany times.“Letthemwail.They’resafeincamp.They’llsurvivewhileyoucheckonyourClanmates.”

But Moth Flight couldn’t relax. They’ve lost their father!Shecouldn’tbearforthemtobewithouttheirmotheraswell.

“TheyhaveawholeClantoraisethem,”Slatehadinsisted.

I don’t want to be like you,Moth Flight had thought. SheignoredthetruththatSilverPelt,BlackEar,andWhiteTailhadgrownintohappyyoungcatsdespitetheirgrievingmother.TheClanhadindeedraisedthem,givingSlate’skitsallthatkitseverneeded: warmth, kindness, food, and protection.My kits arespecial,MothFlighttoldherself.NoothercatcangivethemthelovethatIcan.

Andsoshe letReedTailcarefor theClanand toldherselfthatinanotherhalf-moon,she’dbereadytoreturntoherdutiesasmedicinecat.

Slatenudgedherfromherthoughtswithapaw.“Look!”Wind Runner and Jagged Peak had padded into camp.

DappledPeltandAcornFurwalkedbetweentheWindClancats,glancing at each other with puzzled looks. Wind Runner’sexpressionwasgrim.JaggedPeak’searstwitcheduneasily.

MothFlightsatup,alarmed.Gently moving Blue Whisker aside, she got to her paws.

WhatwereDappled Pelt andAcorn Fur doing here, andwhywere Wind Runner and Jagged Peak escorting them likeprisoners? She crossed the clearing, meeting Wind Runneramongthetussocks.“Issomethingwrong?”

Hermother’seyesweredark.“I found these two wandering across the moor,” she

growled.“Weweren’twandering,”DappledPeltobjected.“Wewere coming to seeMothFlight,”AcornFur chipped

in.Moth Flight glanced at the SkyClan medicine cat.

Resentmenttuggedatherbelly.You’vetakenMicah’splace.She

swallowedbackherbitternessandmethermother’sgaze.“Whyshouldn’ttheycrossthemoor?”

Jagged Peak lashed his tail. “How can you ask that aftereverythingClearSky’sdonelately?”

MothFlightfacedthetom.“Whathashedone?”“He keeps sending hunting patrols ontoour land!” Jagged

Peakbristled.WindRunnergrowled.“WillowTailandJaggedPeakfound

morerabbitremainsontheborderthismorning.”“WillowTailspendstoomuchtimecheckingborders,”Moth

Flight snapped. “She should be hunting for her Clan, notsearchingforgossip.”

Wind Runner flattened her ears. “Prey theft is more thangossip!”

Acorn Fur’s tail twitched crossly. “Clear Sky hasn’t senthuntingpatrols!”

JaggedPeakcurledhis lip.“Thenwhydowekeepfindingsignsoffresh-killonthemoor?”

AcornFur stood her ground. “Howdo you knowSkyClanleftthem?”

Moth Flight’s paw prickled with anger. What a dumbargument! Greenleaf was only just beginning. No cat washungry. Who cared whether prey was left on one side of aborder or another? She glared at Wind Runner. “This hasnothingtodowithDappledPeltandAcornFur!”shesnapped.“Theyaremedicinecats,nothunters.”BlueWhiskerscrambledacross the clearing. “MothFlight!” shemewedas she reachedhermother.“WhydoesWindRunnerlooksocross?”

JaggedPeakglaredatAcornFur.“BecauseSkyClancatsare

thievesandliars.”BlueWhisker looked at Jagged Peak with round, anxious

eyes.“MicahwasaSkyClancat.Didhelietoo?”JaggedPeak stared at the kit, his pelt rippling uneasily. “I

neverknewhim,”hemumbled.WindRunnershiftedherpaws.“Perhapsweshouldsavethis

discussionforanothertime.”“Perhapsweshouldnothaveitatall!”MothFlightsnapped.

ShedippedherheadtoAcornFurandDappledPelt.“I’msorryabout my Clanmates. They think borders are worth fightingover.”SheglancedatBlueWhisker.“GobacktoSlate,dear.Ihavetospeakwithourvisitors.”

BlueWhiskerblinkedathermother.“Willyoubelong?”“No,”MothFlightpromised.SheguidedDappledPeltand

AcornFurtowardthestonesbesidetheentrance.ShecouldfeelJagged Peak’s gaze burning into her pelt. “Is somethingwrong?”Sheloweredhervoiceastheyreachedtherocks.

“Nothing,” Dappled Pelt assured her. The tortoiseshell’sgazedriftedafterBlueWhiskerasshescrambleddownintothesandyhollowbesideherbrother.“Yourkitsarebeautiful.”

Moth Flight followed her gaze, her heart swelling. Besidethehollow,BubblingStreamwas still urgingStormPelt togofaster.“TheyremindmesomuchofMicah.”

“Theyhavehisspirit.”AcornFur’swordssurprisedher.“Whatdoyouknowabout

Micah’sspirit?”MothFlightquestioned.Acorn Fur dropped her gaze, flinching as though Moth

Flighthadrakedhermuzzle.“Iworkedwithhim,”shemewedquietly.“HewasmyfriendandImisshim.”

“Weallmisshim,”MothFlightsnappedpointedly.Jealousybristledthroughherpelt.

“Hespokeaboutyouallthetime.”AcornFurliftedhergazecautiously. “He loved you verymuch. I’m sorry that you losthim.”

MothFlightblinked,surprisedbythewarmthinAcornFur’smew.It’s too late to be nice! Shewasn’t going to forgive theSkyClancatsoeasily.“Youspiedonhim!”

Dappled Pelt’s tail flicked uneasily. “Moth Flight, I thinkyou’rebeingunfair—”

AcornFurinterrupted.“You’reright.ClearSkyorderedmetowatchhim.ButIknew,after thefirstday, thatMicahcouldbetrusted.HecaredabouthisClanmatesrightfromthestart.Ienjoyed working with him. And I loved helping. One time,Blossomgotathorninherpaw.Itwasreallydeep.Micahhadtodig around for ages to get it out. He talked to her thewholetime, distracting herwith jokes and stories ofwhen hewas afarm cat. He showed me that there was more to being amedicinecatthanlearningherbs.Youdon’tjustcareaboutthewound; youmust care about the cat.”Her eyes rounded. “Hesaidthat’swhyStarClanchoseyou.Becauseyou alwaysknewthatbetterthananyone.”

Moth Flight stared at her. She suddenly understood whyMicahhadlikedAcornFursomuch.Shewaskindandhonestandopen.MothFlightdroppedhergaze,herpeltpricklingwithguilt.How could she have judgedAcorn Fur so harshly? Shehardlyknewher.“Thankyou,”shemurmured.

Dappled Pelt glanced to where Wind Runner and JaggedPeak were crouched beside the camp wall, watching their

visitors throughslittedeyes.“Wecameherefora reason,”shemewed.“AcornFurhaslearnedallshecanfrommeandCloudSpots.PebbleHearthassharedallheknows.Nowit’syourturntotrainher,justaswetrainedyou.”

MothFlight’seartwitchednervously.“ButIhavekitsnow.”“You’re still a medicine cat,” Dappled Pelt reminded her.

She glanced back at the kits. Theywere playing happilywiththeirClanmates,Slatewatchingthemfondly.“Itlookslikethereareplentyofcatstotakecareofthemwhileyou’rebusy.”

Worry jabbedMoth Flight’s belly. “I need to take care ofthem.Theydon’thaveafather.”

AcornFurshiftedherpawsbeforeshespoke.“Micahwantsyoutotrainme.”

Surprise rippled along Moth Flight’s spine. Someone iscoming to visit you. Micah’s words echoed in her mind. Youmusthelpher. I’m depending on you. He’dmeantAcorn Fur!“Howdoyouknow?”shedemanded.

“Idreamedabouthim,”AcornFurtoldher.“HetoldmetocometoyouandthatyouwouldteachmeallIneededtolearn.”

Moth Flight blinked at her. Acorn Furmust be SkyClan’srightfulmedicinecatifStarClanvisitedherdreams.“ButwhataboutWindRunnerandClearSky?WilltheywantaWindClancattrainingaSkyClancat?”

AcornFurshrugged.“Theydon’tneedtoknow.”Dappled Pelt nodded. “They don’t understand the bond

betweenus.Theyarehunters,nothealers.Theyonlyunderstandprey.”

Moth Flight dipped her head. Micah wanted her to trainAcornFur, andhewaspart ofStarClannow.She couldn’t go

against StarClan’s wishes. And she didn’t want to disappointMicah.“Okay.”Sheglancedlonginglyatherkits.BlueWhiskerhadreturnedtoSlate’ssideandcurledupagainsther.BubblingStreamhad slid off StormPelt’s back andwas helpingSpiderPawcatchimaginarypreyinthesandyhollow.HoneyPeltwaschasingWhiteTailtowardanothergapintheheatherwall.Theycouldmanagewithoutherforawhile.“Wemightaswellstartnow.”

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”WindRunner’saccusingmewtookMothFlightbysurprise

as she padded into camp. The sun was sinking toward thehorizonandshootinglongshadowsacrosstheclearing.

MothFlightdroppedthebundleofcomfreyshe’dgathered.“TrainingAcornFur.”I’mnotgoingtolieaboutit.

“Why you?” Wind Runner’s hackles lifted. “Surely youunderstandthatSkyClancatsarenolongerourfriends.”

“Whynot?”MothFlightdemanded.“They’ve been stealing our prey.”Wind Runner narrowed

hereyes.“AndI’msendingpatrolsacrosstheirbordertohunt.”“What?”MothFlightstaredather.Didhermotherwant to

causeawar?WindRunner liftedher chin stiffly. “It’s important thatwe

showthemtheycan’tstealfromuswithoutconsequences.”“Has anyone actually seen SkyClan stealing our prey?”

MothFlightdemanded.“WillowTailsaysshesawRedClawcarryingarabbitover

theborderyesterday.”“Andyoubelieveher?”Howcouldhermotherbesonaive?

“WillowTailhatesRedClaw.”

“Thatdoesn’tmakeheraliar!”WindRunnerlashedhertail.“It’snotjustWillowTailwho’sseenevidence.FernLeafcaughtRedClaw’sscentonour territory.SlateandJaggedPeakhaveseenbonestoo.Aretheyliars?”

Ofcoursenot.But even ifSkyClancats caught a rabbit ortwo on WindClan territory—who cared? Still, Moth Flightswallowed back anger. She didn’t want to get drawn into hermother’sargumentwithSkyClan.Herdutywastohealcats,notfightwith them.“I’mgoing to teachAcornFurwhat Iknow,”shemewedstubbornly.

WindRunner’s pelt prickled. “I’m justworried about you,MothFlight.IfClearSkycatchesyouwithoneofhiscats,whoknowswhathe’lldo?I’veknownhimalongtime.He’scapableofmorecrueltythanyoucanimagine.”

“Then it’s important that hismedicine cat iswell trained,”Moth Flight argued. “If she can earn his respect, shemay beabletoguidehim.”

“No one has ever managed to guide Clear Sky before,”WindRunnerpointedout.

“AcornFurhasStarClanonherside.Theywantmetotrainher.”

“Theyspoketoyou?”“Micahdid,”MothFlighttoldher.“HespoketoAcornFur

too.”“Micah’snotStarClan!”MothFlight’sthroattightened.“Heisnow.”WindRunnergazedatherhelplessly.“Thenyou’regoingto

keepontrainingher?”“Yes.”MothFlightscoopedupthecomfreyandheadedfor

herden. IfMicahwantedher to trainAcornFur, thennothingwouldstopher.

As the days lengthened,Moth Flight kept her word. Eachafternoon,she’dleaveSlateinchargeofherkitsandslipoutofcamp. She was aware of Wind Runner’s gaze following her,darkwithworry.Butsheignoredit,racingtothepatchofgrassonthemoorsidewhereshemetAcornFur.

Thisafternoon,cloudshidthesunandathindrizzlemistedthemoor.MothFlightfluffedoutherpelt,hopingSlatewouldkeepthekitsintheden.Theairwaswarm,butawetpeltcouldmean a chill. Shewas getting used to being away from them,but she enjoyed their welcome each time she returned home,whenthey’dclamberoverher,purringandbeggingforbadgerridesoragameofchase-tail.

She blinked away raindrops and scanned the moorside.TherewasnosignofAcornFurandnoscenteither.Sheglancedat thedarkeningsky,wonderingwhether,with the sunhidden,theSkyClanmedicinecathadlosttrackoftime.

AcornFurwasaquicklearner,justasMicahhadsaid.Andsheseemedtohaveadeepunderstandingofsufferingaswellasa burning need to ease it. Teaching such a willing apprenticehad been fulfilling and, in going over her knowledge in suchdepth,MothFlighthadrenewedherowndelightinherhealingskills.WasittimesherelievedReedTailofsomeofhisduties?She frowned. She already felt that she spent too much timeawayfromherkits.

Shegazedtowardtheforest,impatiencefizzingbeneathherpelt.Whereareyou? It wasn’t likeAcorn Fur to be late. Shewasusuallypacingthehillside,waiting,bythetimeMothFlight

arrived.Uneasejabbedherbelly.PerhapsAcornFurcouldn’tcome.Herfurtingledwithworry.HadClearSkyfoundoutabout

theirmeetings?Hecan’tstopher fromlearning!Sheheadeddownslopeas

the rain thickened, heading for the SkyClan border.Does hethink his wishes are more important than StarClan’s? Angerpulsedthroughherpawsasshecrossedthewetgrass.

Thepungent scentofSkyClanmarkerswashedhermuzzleasshenearedthefernsthatedgedthetrees.Shepushedthroughthedrippingfronds.Paddingintotheshelterof thewoods,sheglancedaround,wonderingwhereSkyClan’scamplay.ShehadtoknowwhereAcornFurwas. IfClearSkywasstoppingher,someone needed to explain to the rabbit-brained leader howimportant it was for his medicine cat to learn everything shecould.

Sniffing the ground, she smelled paw prints and began tofollowthem.Theymusteventuallyleadtothecamp.Shetrailedaround a bramble and between two fallen trees. Duckingbeneath a branch, she smelledmore paw prints. She must begetting close.She could see a glade aheadwhere raindrippedthroughthecanopy.

I hope he hasn’t hurt her. She suddenly remembered hermother’swarning.He’s capable of more cruelty than you canimagine.MothFlightpushedthewordsaway.Shewasn’tgoingtobebullied.ShehadStarClanonherside.

Assheslidthroughaclumpofferns,ahissmadeherfreeze.Tortoiseshell fur flashed at the corner of her vision.

Something hard slammed into her flank and knocked her,sprawling,totheground.

PanicflaredbeneathMothFlight’speltasshescrambledtoherpaws.ThescentofaSkyClanshe-catfilledtheair.Jerkingaround,shesawSparrowFurglaringather,hacklesraised.

“WhatareyoudoingonSkyClanland?”Thetortoiseshell’seyesflashedwithsuspicion.

“I’mMothFlight!”shegrowled.“Iknowwhoyouare,”thetortoiseshellreturned.“ThenyouknowthatI’mamedicinecat!IcanwalkwhereI

please.”“No one walks in this forest without Clear Sky’s

permission!”SparrowFurgrowled.“Sincewhen?”“Sincehesaidso!”FrustrationsurgedinMothFlight’sbelly.“I’vecometofind

AcornFur.”PerhapsifsheexplainedthatshewasworriedaboutherClanmate,SparrowFurwouldunderstand.

“AcornFurisincamp,doingwhatshe’ssupposedtodo.”“Whichis?”shedemanded.“TakingcareofherClanmates!”“ButIhaven’tfinishedtrainingher!”Sparrow Fur’s tail swished ominously. “She’s had all the

trainingshe’sgoingtoget.”Moth Flight didn’t understand. “Don’t youwant her to be

thebestmedicinecatshecanbe?”JustbecauseClearSkywasarabbit-brain,didn’tmeanhiswholeClanhadtoactdumb!

“WhatIwantdoesn’tmatter,”SparrowFur snarled.“ClearSkyismyleader.Ifollowhisorders.Andhisordersarethatno

catshouldcrossourborder.EspeciallynotaWindClancat.”Fury scorchedMoth Flight’s belly. “I’m not here to hunt!

StarClan ordered me to train Acorn Fur and that’s what I’mgoingtodo.”SheheadedpastSparrowFur.

TheSkyClanshe-catdodgedaheadofher.Sheglaredatthetortoiseshellangrily.“Getoutofmyway!I

have to—” She stopped, surprised to see worry cloudingSparrowFur’sgaze.

“You have to leave!” Lowering her voice, Sparrow Furglancednervouslyoverhershoulder.

“Why?”“ClearSkywillripyoutoshredsifyoureachthecamp,”she

warned.“Andthenhe’llripmetoshredsforlettingyou.”MothFlighthalted.“Hehasn’thurtAcornFur,hashe?”“No!”SparrowFur looked indignant. “But he’s angry that

she’sbeensneakingontoWindClanlandtotrainwithyou.Howcanheprovethatwedon’tcrosstheborderifshetrailsSkyClanscentalloverthemoorside?”

“But you do cross the border!” Moth Flight accused.“WillowTail’sseenyou.”

“Shehasn’tseenme!”SparrowFursnapped.“SkyClancatsdon’thuntonotherClans’ land.Not likeWindClan.We foundJaggedPeak’sfurcaughtonabramblethismorning.Andfresh-killbloodlessthanatail-lengthaway.”

Moth Flight growled under her breath.WindRunnermusthavesenthimtoteachClearSkyalesson.She’donlymadethesituationworse.

“ButI’mamedicinecat!”sheinsisted.“Weneedtobeableto travel in each other’s territory.How elsewill I get catmint

from Twolegplace? And how can Acorn Fur get to theMoonstonewithoutcrossingthemoor?”

“That’snotmyproblem.”SparrowFurbegantoguideMothFlighttowardtheborder.

“WhatifsomethinghappenstoAcornFurandyouneedmyhelp?”Reluctantly,MothFlightletSparrowFursteerherbackalongthetrail.Thetortoiseshellclearlywasn’tgoingtoletherpasswithoutafight,andshedidn’twanttogetherintotroublewithClearSky.

“Nothing’s going to happen to Acorn Fur so long as shestopstrainingwithyou.”

MothFlightblinkedat the tortoiseshellas theyreachedtheborder.“Thisisthedumbestdecisionever!”

Sparrow Fur flicked her tail toward the moor. “Just gohome!”

MothFlightsawdoubtinhergaze.“Youthinkhe’swrong,don’tyou?”

Sparrow Fur looked away. “He’smy leader,” she growledandstalkedbackintotheforest.

Blood roared in Moth Flight’s ears. If the Clans startedguarding their territory like this, how could themedicine catsshare their knowledge? Half Moon’s word rang in her mind.EveryClan’sdestinydependsonyou,thoughtheydon’tknowityet.Whydidn’tClearSkyunderstand?Hismedicinecathadtogowhereshewasneeded.Therewillcomeatimewhentheywilllistentoyouandyoualone.Icantellyouthis,butit’suptoyoutoearntheirrespect.

How? Helplessness swamped Moth Flight. She had topersuadeWindRunnerandClearSkythatcats’livesweremore

importantthanborders.StarClan,whatcanIdo?

CHAPTER28

Moth Flight threaded among the rustling bracken stems,following her Clanmates into Fourtrees, where the full moonblanchedtheclearing.

The scents of RiverClan and ThunderClan swirled on thewarmeveningbreeze.Shescannedthecatsbelow,recognizingThunder and River Ripple moving among the gathered cats,dippingtheirheadsingreeting,whiletheirClanmatesclusteredingroups,headscloseastheysharedgossip.

Silver Stripe and Black Ear stampeded past Moth Flight,White Tail leading, their tails flapping excitedly. It was theirfirstfull-moonGathering.They’dbeenrestlessallday,excitedatthethoughtsofseeingnewfacesandsmellingnewscents.

“Slowdown!” Slate hurried at their heels, her fur ripplinganxiouslyalongherspineasherkitsburstintotheclearing.

Eyes flashed in the moonlight as muzzles jerked around,clearlysurprisedbythecommotion.

Slatedodged in frontofWhiteTail,hissingsternly. “Calmdown. I don’t want RiverClan and ThunderClan thinking Iraisedapackoffoxes!”

As thebracken thinnedaroundher,MothFlight’s thoughtsflashed toherownkitsback in camp.Rockyhadpromised towatchthemandmakesuretheyweretuckedintheirnestbythetimeshereturned.SpottedFurandHollyhadalsostayedbehindwithEagleFeather,FernLeaf,ReedTail,andStormPelt.Withborder tensions runninghigh,WindRunnerhadnotwanted to

leave the camp unguarded and, for once, Moth Flight wasgratefulforhermother’scaution.

Not that shebelievedSkyClanwouldattack.But ifa straydogorhungryfoxfoundtheirwayintocamp,sheknewherkitswouldbewellprotected.

This was her first Gathering in moons, and the first timeshe’d see the other medicine cats together since the last timeshe’dtraveledtotheMoonstonewithMicah.Shequickenedherpace, falling in beside Dust Muzzle. Her Clanmates flankedthem, moving wordlessly through the bracken. There wastension in their hunched shoulders and flicking tails as theyneared thebottomof theslope.WindRunner led theway intothe clearing, her eyes narrowed. Moth Flight knew that hermother had come to settle scores, and anxietywormed in herbelly.Pleaseletherrememberthefull-moontruce.

She glanced at the brambly slope at the other side of theclearing, looking for signs of SkyClan. But Clear Sky hadn’tarrivedyetandthewoodsbeyondwereeerilysilent.

“Moth Flight!” Following DustMuzzle from the bracken,she recognized Dappled Pelt’s mew. The RiverClan medicinecatwashurryingtowardher,CloudSpotsatherheels.

AsDustMuzzle followedWindRunner into the throng ofcats, Dappled Pelt stopped in front of Moth Flight. Her eyesshone.“Howarethekits?”

“They’re well,” Moth Flight told her. In the moon sincethey’dbeenborn,they’dgrownmoreboisterouseachday.EvenBlue Whisker had started exploring the camp with herlittermates.Onlythatmorning,theyellow-and-whiteshe-kithadclimbedthestonesbesidethecampentranceandcalledtoMoth

Flightfromthetop,herfurfluffedwithdelight.CloudSpots jerkedMothFlight from thememory, flicking

histailhappily.“DappledPeltsaystheyhaveMicah’scoloring.”“Honey Pelt looks just like him,” Moth Flight told him

proudly.CloudSpotspurred.“I’msureMicah’swatchingthemfrom

StarClan.”He is. Happiness surged through Moth Flight as she

rememberedherdream.SilverStripe’sexcitedmewsoundedbehindher.“Pleasecan

wetalktotheothers?”Sheturnedtoseethepaletabbypacingaroundherbrothers.

Black Ear was staring wide-eyed at the gathered cats, whileWhiteTailgazedaroundthoughtfully,hisnosetwitching.

“RiverClancatssmellfunny,”hecommented.“Hush!” Slate lowered her voice. “They smell a bit fishy,

that’sall.”“I want to ask them if they really swim!” Silver Stripe

whispered.Moth Flight nodded toward a pair of RiverClan cats. “Go

andtalktoDrizzle.”She’dspottedthegray-and-whiteshe-kit—ayoungcatnow—standingbesideherbrother.

PineNeedlehadgrown;hisshoulderswerebroaderandhisblack pelt was as sleek as an otter’s. He stared around theclearing,hiseyesround.MothFlightwonderedifitwashisfirstGatheringtoo.

Silver Stripe padded impatiently around Slate. “Can we?”shebegged.

ButBlackEarwasalreadycrossingtheclearingtowardthe

youngRiverClancats.Slate’searstwitched.“Ofcourse.”SilverStripeharedafterherbrother,WhiteTailatherheels.“Don’tforgettobepolite!”Slatecalledafterthem.DappledPeltwatchedtheyoungcatsraceaway.“GrayWing

wouldhavebeenproudofthem.”Slate blinked at her sadly. “He always wanted kits of his

own,”shemurmured.“I justwishhe’dhadachance towatchthemgrowup.”

Moth Flight swept her tail along Slate’s spine. “He’sprobably watching them right now.” Just like Micah watchesoverourkits.

Wind Runner’s angry mew rang across the clearing. ShefacedThunder,hereyesflashingaccusinglyinthemoonlight.“Iknewyou’ddefendhim.”

RiverRipple paddedbetween the two leaders. “We shouldwaitandletClearSkyspeakforhimself.”

Wind Runner scowled. “We’ve heard enough lies fromhim.”

Asshespoke,grassswishedatthetopofthehollow.Lithebodiesswarmeddownthefarslope.

Clear Sky? Moth Flight stiffened. Would Wind Runnermanage to keep her temper? Would she openly accuse theSkyClanleaderofsendinghuntingpatrolsontotheirland?AndwhatwouldhappenwhenClearSkyaccusedherinreturn?

ShadowClanscentwashedoverherandsherecognizedTallShadow’spelt,hardlymorethanashadowinthelonggrass.

Dappled Pelt eyedMoth Flight anxiously. “Are there stillhuntingdisputesbetweenWindClanandSkyClan?”

“Yes.”Moth Flight’s pelt prickled. “Clear Sky has bannedanycatfromcrossinghisborders.”

Cloud Spots blinked. “How will you fetch catmint fromTwolegplace?”

Dappled Pelt didn’t give her a chance to answer. “WhataboutAcornFur?Didyoufinishtrainingher?”

MothFlightdroppedhergazeguiltily.“Itried,butClearSkywon’t lether leaveand I can’tgetpast theborder to seeher.”She watched the ShadowClan cats weave among the waitingcats,greetingthemwithnodsandflicksoftheirtail.Murmuredgossiphummedintheeveningair.

Shattered Ice gazed grimly at Mud Paws. “Clear Sky’spatrollinghisbordersagain.”

“Pebble Heart was turned away when he tried to gatherborage,”JuniperBranchtoldMilkweed.

MothFlight sawpelts ripplewith apprehension.Milkweedglanced nervously toward the bramble-covered slope whereSkyClanusuallymadeitsentrance.DawnMistmovedclosertoDrizzleandPineNeedle.

PebbleHeartreachedthemedicinecats,hiseyesroundwithworry. “I thought the prey disputewould have blown over bynow,butit’sgottenworse.”

MothFlight’searstwitcheduneasily.“ClearSkyhasstoppedmefromtrainingAcornFur,”she toldhim.“Hewon’t letanycatcrosshisborder.He’sbeensendinghuntingpatrolsontoourlandagain.”

PebbleHeart’sgazedarkened.“SparrowFurandAcornFurbothsaythatClearSkyhasn’t

senthuntingpatrolsontoourlandbutWillowTailswearsshe’s

seenRedClawtakingWindClanpreyacrosstheborder.”MothFlightglancedatWillowTail.ThepaletabbystoodinacircleofThunderClanandRiverClancats,hereyesflashingwithmaliceas she talked.Moth Flight’s belly tightened.Whywas she sodetermined to stir up trouble? She lowered her voice. “WindRunner’s started sendinghuntingpatrolsontoSkyClan land toteachClearSkyalesson.”

PebbleHeart’stailtwitched.“Thisneedstostopnowbeforeit gets serious.” He glanced up the slope hopefully. “PerhapswhenClear Sky arriveswe can talk some sense into him andWindRunner.”

MothFlight’sheartlurched.“Doyouthinkthey’rereadytolisten to us?” She glanced at Cloud Spots and Dappled Pelt.Howmuchinfluencedidanyofthemhaveovertheirleaders?

CloudSpotsswishedhistail.“WespeakforStarClan.”Dappled Pelt frowned. “From what I’ve heard, Clear Sky

hasnotimeforStarClan.”PebbleHeartglancedat thestars, sparklinghighoverhead.

“They’rehisancestorsaswellasours.”“Weshouldholdthemeetingwithouthim!”WindRunner’s

angrymewrangoncemoreacrosstheclearing.AsMothFlightturned, the WindClan leader shouldered her way through thecrowdandleapedontothegreatrock.

Wind Runner glared at Thunder, River Ripple, and TallShadow.“Whyshouldweshowhimrespectbywaitingwhenheshows us none by being late?”She lashed her tail, her brownpelt pale in the moonlight. “He probably won’t come at all!That’showlittlehevaluesus.”

Tall Shadow weaved past Juniper Branch and Milkweed,

glancing at Sun Shadow before jumping up beside WindRunner.RiverRipplefollowedslowly,hispeltruffled.Thunderhesitated,checkingtheSkyClanslopeoncemorebeforeleapingontotherock.

Wind Runner’s gaze swept the Clans as the cats crowdedcloserandraisedtheirmuzzlestotheirleaders.

“WemusttreatClearSkyashehastreatedus!”sheyowled.“If he wants to stop all cats from crossing his land, then wemustturnourtailsonhim!”

Thunderstaredather,earstwitching.“Whatdoyoumean?”“From now on, SkyClan is not one of us,” Wind Runner

showedherteeth.“Theydonotexist.Theymustsurvivealone.”“No!” Thunder bristled. “Clear Sky must have closed his

bordersforagoodreason.Yousayhe’sbeinghostile.Forallweknow,he’s simplydefendinghis land.You claim thatSkyClanhasstolenpreyfromyou!Butwhere’syourproof?They’renotevenheretodefendthemselves.”

RiverRipplenodded.“ClearSkyshouldatleastbegivenafairhearing.”

“Why?” Tall Shadow narrowed her eyes. “He hasn’t evenshown up. Clearly, he doesn’t consider himself one of us. Ofcourse you defend him, Thunder; he’s your father. But whyshould we doubt Wind Runner’s word? She has never liedbefore.ClearSkyhasbeenlyingsincehewasakit.Haveyouforgotten his treachery to Gray Wing? He started the GreatBattle!Wehavebeenpatientwithhimlongenough!WewillbestrongerwithoutSkyClan.”

StrongerwithoutSkyClan?OutragesurgedinMothFlight’sbelly.Didn’t thesecats realize thatbanishingaClanwouldbe

like pulling a woven twig from a nest? Each twig made itstrong. Once you began to unravel it, the whole nest mightcollapse.“Wecannot turnour tailsonanotherClan!”Shewasshockedtohearherownvoiceringloudlyacrosstheclearing.

Eyesflashedtowardher.DappledPeltliftedherchin.“Wecamefromthemountains

together.Wesharebloodandmemories.”“Uniteordie!”CloudSpotsyowled.“Don’tyouremember

theGreatBattle?Thespirit-catstoldusafterwardthatwecouldnotlivewithouteachother.”

“Uniteordie!”Thundersteppedtotheedgeoftherock.“Ifweare to survive,wemust act together.Thisdisputemustbeendedwithwords,notdeeds.”

“Words?” Wind Runner spat. “Since when did Clear Skyever resolveanythingwithwords?Heonlyknowshow tousehisclawsandthisistheonlywaywecanavoidbattle.WemustshunClearSky,beforehestartsanotherwar.”

Moth Flight stared at hermother. “What about the rest ofSkyClan?It’stheywhowillsufferifweabandonthem.”

WillowTailcalled fromamong thecrowd.“Howwill theysuffer? They won’t starve. They have enough prey in theforest.”

Shattered Ice lifted his muzzle. “Clear Sky has alwayscausedtroublefortheClans.Withouthim,wecanhavepeace.”

“But theirmedicinecathasn’t finishedher training!”MothFlightwhisked her tail angrily. “Whowill care for their sick?Andwhatiftheyneedherbsthatonlygrowbesidetheriver,oron themoor?Dowe turn them away and let their Clanmatesdie?”

JuniperBranchspokeup.“TheClansmustworktogether.Ionly survived my kitting because Moth Flight helped PebbleHeart.NowIhavethreehealthykits!”

MutedmurmursofagreementrippledthroughtheClans.Willow Tail silenced them. “A fewmoons ago, we didn’t

even have medicine cats! We survived then. We’ll survivenow!”

MothFlight swung her gaze toward the she-cat. “StarClanordered us to care for our Clans. Would you go againstStarClan?”

“Why not?” Willow Tail snapped. “They’re dead! Theyknownothingabouttheliving.”

“That’snottrue!”MothFlightlashedhertail.“Theywatchoverus.”

RiverRipplenudgedpastThunder,his eyesglitteringwithstarlight.“StarClanbroughtpeace.Theyseethingswecannot.”HestaredatWillowTail.“Doyou thinkyouknowbetter thantheydo?”

WillowTaillookedaway,herpeltrippling.Thunder glanced gratefully at the RiverClan leader. “We

cannotmakehastydecisionswithoutspeakingtoClearSky.”WindRunnergrowled.“It’snotyourborder thatClearSky

has crossed. It’s not your prey he’s stolen. It’s clear that hewants to push us intowar. I amonly suggesting away that abattlemightbe avoided.Bycuttinghimoff,weare sendingastrongmessage:Wewon’t fightwith him.Wewill patrol ourbordersandprotectourland,butwewillnotfight.Heisonhisown.” She glared suddenly at Moth Flight. “And that meansmedicine cats too. You will not share your knowledge with

AcornFur.Youmustgo to theMoonstonewithouther.She isforbiddenfromyourmeetings.”

Moth Flight’s hackles lifted. You don’t have the right todecidethat!Sheopenedhermouth toobjectbutWindRunnerpressedon.

“This is the bestway to stopClear Sky.You’ve seen himdragusintowarbefore.Helpmestophimfromdoingitagain.”

As her gaze swept beseechingly over the Clans, yowls ofagreementfilledthestillnightair.

“Cuthimoff!”“ForgetSkyClan!”MothFlightblinkedathermother.Wasshereallygoingto

deprive SkyClan of help and healing? What would StarClansay? She glanced around her Clanmates, disappointmentweighing in her chest. Dew Nose and Swift Minnow werejoininginwiththecheering.

Gorse Fur lifted his muzzle. “It’s the only way to avoidwar!”

MothFlight stared at her father in disbelief.WindRunnerwashotheaded,butGorseFurhadalwaystemperedherrashnesswithreason.Whywashegoingalongwiththismadness?

A yowl sounded at the top of the hollow. The Clans fellsilent,theireyesflashingastheyturnedtoseewhohadcalled.

SparrowFurwasharingdowntheslope.“Help!”Thegatheredcatspartedandletherracetothecenter.The tortoiseshell gazed around, her eyeswidewith horror.

“Where’sMothFlight?PebbleHeart?”She scanned theClansdesperately.

MothFlightpushedherwaythroughthecats,PebbleHeart

atherheels.“What’shappened?”SparrowFurstaredather.“TinyBranchishurt!Hegothis

pawtrapped!Therewasafox.WefoughtitoffbutTinyBranch—”

DappledPeltburstfromthecrowd.“Washebitten?”SparrowFurnodded,hereyeswild.“It’sbad.We’vecarried

himbacktocamp,buthe’sunconscious.”“Foxbitescauseinfection.”CloudSpotsnosedhiswaypast

DappledPelt.“Theymustbetreatedatonce.”Sparrow Fur was trembling. “Acorn Fur can’t stop the

bleeding.”MothFlight’sheart lurched.TinyBranchwas less thansix

moons old. If the blood loss didn’t kill him, the shockmight.“Comeon.”Shebegantoraceforthesideofthehollow.

WindRunner’ssnarlmadeherstop.“Whereareyougoing?”“I have to help Tiny Branch!” She skidded to a halt and

glaredatWindRunner.“Itoldyou!SkyClanisontheirown!”WindRunner’seyes

blazedwithfury.“Youdecidedthat!”MothFlighthissed.“I’mamedicinecat.

Iwon’tstandbyandletcatsdie.”Shockedmewssoundedaroundher.“Shecan’tgo!”“Shemust!”“Whataboutthekits?”“That’sClearSky’sproblem!”Shattered Iceblockedherpath. “ClearSkymust learn that

hecan’tpushtheotherClansaround.”MothFlightflexedherclaws.“Getoutofmyway.”

Alowgrowlrumbledbehindher.DustMuzzlestalkedpastand facedShattered Ice. “Let her pass.TinyBranch shouldn’thavetopayforhisfather’smistakes.”HelookedmeaningfullyatThunder.

Thunderdroppedhisgaze.“Lethergo,ShatteredIce.”ShatteredIceglaredatThunder,hacklesraised.“You’renot

myleader.”“ButIam.”RiverRipplesteppedforward.“Letherpass.”Growling,ShatteredIcebackedaway.MothFlightglancedatDustMuzzle.“Thankyou.”Breaking

into a run, shepeltedup the slope.SparrowFur charged afterher,CloudSpots,DappledPelt,andPebbleHeartathisheels.

SparrowFurdodgedinfrontofherastheyreachedthetopoftheslope.“Followme!”

Zigzagging past brambles and leaping logs, she blazed awinding trail through the thickwoodland.Moth Flight’s chestburnedassheracedtokeepup.Behindher,shecouldhearthethrummingpawstepsofCloudSpots,DappledPelt,andPebbleHeart.

Astheforestfloorbegantoslopedown,sherecognizedthegladewhere Sparrow Fur had stopped her and sent her homeonlyafewdaysearlier.Thetortoiseshellcrosseditandheadedforathickclumpofbrambles.Duckingthroughasmallgapatone edge, she disappeared. Moth Flight narrowed her eyesagainstthepricklystalksandfollowedherthrough,surprisedtofind herself emerging into a small hollow edged by trees andlushferns.

ClearSkystood in thecenter.StarFlower trembledbesidehim. The rest of SkyClan ringed around them, their horrified

gazesfixedonablood-soakedscrapoffurlyingatClearSky’spaws.

TinyBranch!MothFlightscrambledtoahaltandcrouchedbesidethekit.

Shecouldhearherownheartpoundinginherearsassheswiftlyscannedhisbody.Thereweredeep teethwoundsonhis flank.His hind paw was twisted and bloody, as though it had beenyanked from a thorn bush. His eyes were closed, flickeringslightly.Hismuzzlewasclumpedwithdriedblood.

Shesmelledthesharptangofhorsetailandmarigoldrisingfrom Tiny Branch’s wound. Dried green pulp showed on hisbloody fur.AcornFurhadclearlybeen trying to treathim forsometime.MothFlightglancedatClearSky.“Where’sAcornFur?”

“Shewenttofindcobwebs.”ClearSky’smewwastight.Moth Flight pictured the SkyClan medicine cat struggling

alonetohelpTinyBranch.Sympathyprickedatherheart.Shewasn’ttrainedtodealwithinjuriesasbadasthis.Shemustbeterrified.“Sheshouldhavesentforhelpsooner.”

Clear Sky’s tail twitched. “SkyClan doesn’t ask for helpunlessthere’snochoice.”

Didyoustopher?MothFlightangrilyswallowedback thewords. Picking a fight with Clear Sky wouldn’t help TinyBranch.

StarFlowerdidn’twrenchhergazefromherkit.“Willhebeokay?”

MothFlightdidn’tanswer.“Where’sherherbstore?”ClearSkystaredatherblankly.“Idon’tthinkshehasone.”RedClawsteppedforward.“She’sbeengatheringherbsfor

awhile,”hetoldhisleader.MothFlightturnedtothedarkredtom.“Wherearethey?”RedClawbegantoleadthewaytoashortsteepslopewhere

therootsofanoaksnakedintotheearth.As Moth Flight straightened to follow, she felt Dappled

Pelt’snoseonhershoulder.“I’llgowithhim.”“Bring every herb she’s got,” Moth Flight told her. She

glanced at PebbleHeart. “What canwe do?” Shewasn’t surewhichwoundtotreatfirst.

Pebble Heart crouched beside Tiny Branch while CloudSpots shooed the Clan backward, making room on the kit’sotherside.

Pebble Heart pressed his paws on the brightest wound,where bloodwas stillwelling. “Weneed to stop this bleedingfirst.It’stheworstinjury.”

MothFlightslippedherpawsunderhis.“I’llpressthebloodbackwhileyouchecktherestofhim.”Warmthoozedunderherpads.Fearflashedbeneathherpelt,butsheignoredit.

CloudSpotssniffedTinyBranch’smangledhindpaw.“Thisneedswetnettlestotakedowntheswelling.”

Moth Flight looked toward the slope, relieved to seeDappledPelthurryingback,awadofleavesinherjaws.

“Are there any nettles in there?” Moth Flight asked asDappledPeltdroppedtheherbsbesideher.

“No.” Dapped Pelt began to sort through the pile. “It’smainlychervilandborage.”

MothFlightstiffened,frustrationflaringthroughher.Ifonlyshe’d been allowed to finish training Acorn Fur! Her store

would be fully stocked. She avoided Clear Sky’s gaze,swallowingbackanger.TinyBranchishiskit.Thiswasn’t thetimetoargueaboutborders.

“There’ssomethymehere.”DappledPeltmewedhopefully.MothFlightfrownedattheunconsciouskit.“Hecan’tchew

anything.”“We could put a sprig under his tongue,” Pebble Heart

suggested.“That’sbetterthannothing.”MothFlightpressedharderon

the wound as Pebble Heart slipped a claw between TinyBranch’slipsandverygentlyleveredhisjawsopen.

Alarmsparkedinherbelly.Thekit’sbreathwassoweakshecouldhardlyfeelhisflankmove.Hewasaslimpasdeadprey.

Shewatched, hermouthdry, asPebbleHeart slid a thymestalkbeneaththekit’stongue.

“You’rehere!”AcornFurburstintocamp.MothFlightsawrelief glistening in theSkyClanmedicine cat’s gaze.Cobwebsswathedherforepawsandshehurriedoverandpeeledthemoff.

PebbleHearttookthemfromherandbeganstuffingshredsinto the bloodiestwound.He nodded toAcornFur. “Put yourpawshere.”

As she pressed the cobwebs deep into the bloody flesh,PebbleHeart ripped the remainingwad into twoandgaveonehalf toCloudSpots.Between them, theywrappedeverygrazeandbitetheycouldsee.

Moth Flight leaned down and listened to Tiny Branch’schest.Therewasnobubblinginside,buthisheartwasflutteringlikeatrappedbird,weakwithexhaustion.Herbellytightened.

SheglancedatStarFlower.

Thegoldentabbyshe-catmusthaveseenthedespairinhergaze. She recoiled, pressing her muzzle into Clear Sky’sshoulder.

ClearSky’sdarkgazesweptthemedicinecats,thenfixedonMothFlight.“He’lllive,won’the?”

TinyBranch suddenlywhimpered.His eyes flickeredopenforamoment.Thenhejerked,andfellstill.

ClearSkystaredathim,hismouthopen.Moth Flight pressed her ear to Tiny Branch’s chest once

again.Nothing.Herthoughtsracedtoherownkits.Weretheysafelytucked

upwithRocky?Whatifafoxhadgottenintothecamp?Whatifoneofthemhadwanderedaloneontothemoor?Panictuggedatherbelly.Sheneeded tosee them.Shehad toknow theywereokay.ButfirstshehadtotellClearSkyhissonwasdead.

She looked at the SkyClan leader, pity twisting her heart.“I’msosorry.”

His eyes clouded. Pain flared in their blue depths. MothFlight was startled to see the tough Clan leader sway on hispaws.StarFlower rockedbesidehim,hernoseburieddeep inhispelt.

Their Clanmates began to move around them. BlossomtuggedaclumpofdampmossfrombetweentherootsofatreeandcarriedittoTinyBranch’sbody.Gentlyshebegantowipethebloodfromhisfur.ThornandQuickWaterpressedagainstStar Flower, supporting her as Clear Sky stepped away andcrouchedbesidetheirdeadkit.Herestedhisnosesoftlyonthekit’s head. “I should have been there, my son. I should have

savedyou.”MothFlightglancedatAcornFur.TheSkyClanmedicinecatwasstaringbleaklyatherleader.

MothFlightgottoherpawsandpressedhernosetothebrownshe-cat’scheek.“Idon’tthinkanyofuscouldhavesavedhim,”shemurmured.

“If only I’d had more cobwebs in my den,” she mewedthickly.

PebbleHeart straightened. “Itwouldhave takenmore thancobwebs.”

“He’s with StarClan now,” Dappled Pelt gazedsympatheticallyatAcornFur.“Youdidallyoucould.”

ThetugginginMothFlight’sbellygrewstronger.“Ihavetoseemykits.”GuiltflashedthroughherasClearSkyjerkeduphis nose and stared at her. “I’m sorry—” She began toapologize,buthecutheroff.

“Gotothem,”hegrowledhoarsely.Shebackedtowardtheentrance,grieftearingatherheart.“I

wishwecouldhavecomestraightaway.”ClearSky’sgazehardened.“Whydidn’tyou?”Moth Flight froze. She felt the anxious gazes of the other

medicinecatsflashedtowardher.SparrowFursteppedforward.“WindRunnerdidn’twanther

to come,” she mumbled. “She said that SkyClan was on itsown.”

ClearSky straightened, themuscles in his broad shouldersrippling.

StarFlowerpaddedforwardshakily.“Shewasgoingtoletakitdie?”

“It’snotthatsimple.”FearflashedthroughMothFlight.Sheonlywantedpeace.“YouneedtospeakwithWindRunner.”

Star Flower’s green eyes brimmed with pain. She turnedaway.

Clear Sky blinked at Moth Flight. “You should go,” hegrowled.“Yourkitsneedyou.”

Her heart pounding, Moth Flight turned and raced out ofcamp.ThescentofTinyBranch’sbloodlingeredonhertongue.Mykits!Shehadtoknowtheyweresafe.Sheharedthroughtheforest,herpawsskiddingonfallenleavesassheswervedamongthe brambles and ferns. She broke from the forest and peltedonto the moor. She needed to smell her kits and feel theirwarmth against her muzzle. Her gaze fixed on the distanthollow,shepushedagainstthecoarsegrass,racingbreathlesslyupslope. Bursting into camp, she bounded over the moonlittussocksandduckedintoherden.

Rocky lifted his head sleepily and blinked at her.The kitswerecurledagainsthisbelly.“ItoldyouI’dhavethemtuckedupbythetimeyougothome.”

Peace enfolded Moth Flight as she gazed at her beautifulkits.SpiderPawstirred inhissleep,stretchingapawtorest iton Bubbling Stream’s muzzle. Bubbling Stream pushed it offand rolled over, a tiny whimper escaping as she snuggledagainstBlueWhisker’spelt.

Moth Flight padded closer, breathing in their milky scent.Sheclosedhereyesandliftedhermuzzle.Thankyou,StarClan,forkeepingthemsafe.

CHAPTER29

“Slate!”MothFlightcalledacrosstheclearing.“WillyoukeepaneyeonmykitswhileIcheckonRocky?”

HoneyPelt slidunderherbelly.“Wedon’tneedanyone towatchus!We’renearlytwomoonsold.”

Moth Flight smoothed his ruffled fur, sweeping her tailalonghisspine.“Ijustwanttoknowsomeone’slookingoutforyou.”

SpiderPawsniffed.“Whatcanhappentousincamp?”BubblingStreamwasrollinginthesun-warmedearthofthe

sandyhollow, likeasparrowtakingadustbath.BlueWhiskerwatched her from the edge, her pelt pricking as though thethoughtofgettingdustyhorrifiedher.

Slate looked up blearily fromwhere she’d been dozing intheearlymorningsunshine.“I’mcoming.”Shegotstifflytoherpaws.

MothFlightguessedthatlastnight’sGatheringhadleft theshe-catsleepy.Herthick,grayfurlookedmatted,asthoughshehadn’t evenwashed.MothFlight felt a flash of guilt. PerhapssheshouldletSlaterest.ButRockyhadcometoherden,justasSpotted Fur and Reed Tail were leaving for the dawn patrol.He’dbeenawakeallnightwithaching joints.Shehad tohelphim.

She glanced at Honey Pelt, her heart pricking as sherememberedTinyBranch.Shewantedtogatherherkits toherbelly—asshehadwhentheywerenewlyborn—andkeepthem

safely wrapped against her. But they were growing. Theywantedtorunandexplore.

Rockyneedsmemorerightnow.Fighting to saveTinyBranch’s life had reminded her how

importantherdutiesweretoherClan.Leaderstalkedofborderpatrolsandbattles;medicinecatsweretheoneswhohadtohealthewoundsafterward.Uneaseitchedbeneathherpelt;couldshehavesavedTinyBranch?WhatifClearSkyhadletAcornFurcall her sooner? What if Wind Runner hadn’t delayed her atFourtrees?WhatifIknewmore?

There was somuch to be learned. She was determined todevoteherlifetoherskill.Itwouldhelpeverycat.

“MothFlight?”She half heard Spider Paw’s mew. She looked up as he

repeatedhername.“Moth Flight!”Hewas plucking at the grass outside their

den.“Whycan’twegoontothemoor?”Moth Flight blinked at him, still half lost in her thoughts.

“What,dear?”“Whycan’twegooutontothemoor?”SpiderPawrepeated

crossly.“There are buzzards out there that might carry you off,”

MothFlight reminded him. “And foxes andTwoleg dogs. It’snotsafeuntilyou’rebigenoughtorunorfight.”

Honey Pelt dropped into an attack pounce, wriggled hishindquarters, and leaped onto his brother. “We can fight!” hesqueaked as Spider Paw struggled beneath him. They rolled,wrestling,acrossthegrass.

“Becareful!”MothFlightflinchedasshesawSpiderPaw’s

unsheathed claws. “When you’re play fighting, remember topullinyourclaws!”

Slate was padding across the clearing, her shouldersdrooping.

Shelookssotired.MothFlightfrowned.Ihopeshedoesn’tfallasleepwhileI’mgone.

She glanced around the camp, hoping to find another catwilling to watch her kits while she tended to Rocky. But theclearingwasdeserted.WindRunnerhadassignedpatrolsfortheday. Gorse Fur had taken Storm Pelt, Dew Nose, and SwiftMinnowtoflushoutrabbitsfromtheirburrowsonthemoortop.DustMuzzleandFernLeafhadledapatroltowardthegorgetofindlapwings,whileJaggedPeakandHollyhadgonetogatherheather fornewnests.OnlyStarClanknewwhereWillowTailwas.The pale tabby hardly seemed to be in camp at all thesedays.

SpottedFurandReedTailweresharingpreyat thefarendof the camp.Moth Flight blinked at them hopefully, but theyweredeepinconversation,lyinginthelonggrass,relaxingaftertheirdawnpatrol.

Wind Runner lay, stretched on the rocks, beside theentrance.MothFlightnarrowedhereyes.Therewasnowayshewas askinghermother for help.Theyhadn’t spoken since theGatheringthenightbefore.Slatewouldhavetodo.

Moth Flight watched the gray she-cat settle awkwardlybesidethesandyhollow.“Callmeifyouneedme,”MothFlighttold her, hoping she wouldn’t. She ducked into her den andpulledawadofcomfreyfromherherbstore.She’dgatheredityesterday and it was nicely wilted. It would be easy to wrap

around Rocky’s stiff joints. She’d gather more later and lineRocky’snest.

Shewas about to grab the bundle between her jawswhenshe hesitated. Glancing back at her stores, she grabbed a fewextra leaves and rolled them up with the comfrey. Then shepadded into the sunshine and crossed the tussocks toRocky’sden.

ShewaspleasedthatherClanmateshadwovenashelterforthe old tom. Holly was an expert at threading gorse andbrambles into roofs and walls. Moth Flight had been dimlyawareof thebuildingworkwhile she’dnursedherkits.She’dheard Holly’s mew issuing instructions and ordering herClanmatestofindmorestemsandsprigsfortheden.She’devenmade sure any gaps had been filledwithmoss and leaves, sothat, as Moth Flight padded inside, shadow swept her sun-warmedpelt.

Rockyblinkedatherthroughthegloom.“MothFlight?”Hismewwastight.Hemustbeinalotofpain.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so long,” Moth Flight dropped thecomfrey guiltily beside his nest. “I had to find someone towatchmykits.”

Rockygrunted.“IwishIcouldwatchthemforyou.”“You can, once these herbs start tomake you feel better.”

Sheunrolled thebundleandhookedout theextra leavesshe’dtuckedamongthem.“Eatthese.”Shelaidtheleavesonthesideofhisnest.

Rocky’seyesgleamed.“Catmint.”“Ithoughtit’dhelp.”Rockypurred,lappingthemup.

Asheclosedhiseyescontently,MothFlightleanedintohisnestandbeganwrappinghishindlegswiththecomfrey.“Oncethesapseepsthroughyourfur, thepainwillstarttoease,”shepromised. “Weneed tomake sure that your nest is linedwithcomfrey in the future.Now thatWhiteTail, SilverStripe, andBlackEarareoldenoughtogoontothemoor,I’msurethey’llbe happy to gather fresh leaves for you.” Soon they’ll be oldenoughtobecomeapprentices,MothFlightthought,wonderingwhichoftheoldercatswouldbechosentoteachtheadolescentsthe finer points of hunting and caring for theClan. It seemedlikejustyesterdayshewashelpingfishSilverStripeoutofthetunnel.It’samazinghowfastthekitsgrow.

“Mmmmm.”Rockywasstillpurring.Pleasure warmed Moth Flight’s pelt. Last night, as she’d

fought to save Tiny Branch, she’d felt powerless. Nowsatisfaction moved deep in her belly as she eased herClanmate’spain.

“MothFlight!”Apainedshrieksoundedoutside.She dropped the comfrey and darted from the den.Beside

the tall rock, at the head of the sandy hollow, Slate crouchedoverBlueWhisker.

Thekitwaslyingmotionlessontheground.Spider Paw and Honey Pelt pressed around Slate while

BubblingStreamhungback,hereyeswidewithshock.“What happened?” Moth Flight raced to Blue Whisker’s

side.Thekitwasunconscious.Slateblinked,hergazecloudy. “I’mnot sure. I just closed

myeyesforamomentand—”Honey Pelt cut in. “She wanted to climb to the top.” He

looked up at the tall rock. “Shewanted to standwhereWindRunnerstandswhenshetalkstotheClan.”

MothFlightsniffedBlueWhisker’spelt,feelingforheatthatbetrayedswelling.

BlueWhiskerblinkedhereyesopen.“MothFlight?”Moth Flight’s throat tightened. “Where does it hurt?” she

askedsharply.“Nowhere.”BlueWhisker’sbreathwasshallow.“Are you sure?” Moth Flight ran her paws over the kit’s

white-and-yellowpelt,feelingforinjuries.BlueWhiskerstruggledtoherpaws,swayingslightly.“I’m

okay,”shewhispered.Slatestaredatthekit.“Shewasjustwinded.”“Areyousureyou’reokay?”MothFlight’sheartpoundedin

herears.BlueWhiskermethergaze.“I’msure.”Relief floodedMothFlight. She jerked hermuzzle toward

Slate.“Whyweren’tyouwatching?”Slatecoughed.“I’msorry.I’mnotfeelingtoowell.”“Why didn’t you say anything?” Frustration sparked in

Moth Flight’s fur. Was she supposed to do everything? Takecare of Rocky and watch her own kits? She swallowed backanger. Perhaps she should have asked Reed Tail to tend toRocky. Or swallowed her pride and asked Wind Runner towatchthekits.

Angrily,sheturnedonBlueWhisker.“Whatwereyoudoingclimbingtherock?Didn’tyourealizeitwasdangerous?”

HoneyPeltpaddedinfrontofhissister.“Shesawmedoityesterday,”hetoldher.

MothFlightblinked.“Youclimbedityesterday?”“Ididtoo,”SpiderPawliftedhischin.“Andme,”BubblingStreamtoldher.MothFlightstaredatthem.Whyhadn’tshenoticed?“Itwaswhileyouwereat theGathering,”HoneyPelt told

her,asthoughreadingherthoughts.“DidRockyletyou?”“Hesaidweweretootimid.AndthatMicahwouldhavehad

us hunting on themoor by now.” Spider Paw glanced guiltilytowardRocky’sden.“Hepromisedtocatchusifwefell.”

Bubbling Stream padded closer. “He wouldn’t let BlueWhiskerclimb.Hesaidshewasn’tready.”

“Soshedecidedtotryittoday.”MothFlightglaredatBlueWhisker.

BlueWhisker’seyesglistened.“I’msorry,”shewhimpered.HoneyPeltpuffedouthischest.“Ididn’tseeherclimbing,

orI’dhavestoppedher.”But you didn’t!Moth Flight shifted her paws.Why should

you? He was only a kit. He wasn’t responsible for BlueWhisker’ssafety.Iam!

“Is she okay?” Her mother’s voice took her by surprise.Moth Flight glanced over her shoulder and sawWindRunnerstalking across the hollow. Reed Tail and Spotted Fur hurriedafterher.

“She’sfine,”MothFlight told them.“Justwinded.”Asshespoke,shewassuddenlyawareofheatpulsingfromSlate’spelt.Shesniffedat theshe-cat,andsmelled thesourscentof fever.“Youshouldgoandrestinyourden,”shetoldhersoftly,guiltprickingbeneathherpelt.

Slatedidn’targue,butpaddedslowlyaway.Moth Flight jerked hermuzzle toward BlueWhisker. “Go

and play with your littermates.” She watched her kits headaway,tailsdrooping.

SpottedFurtrottedafterthem.“Whydon’twehaveagameofmossball!”hecalled.

HoneyPeltturned,hisgazebrightening.“CanIbeonyourteam?”

“I want to be on Spotted Fur’s team!” Bubbling Streamracedtowardthegoldentomandclamberedontohisshoulders.

Spider Paw glanced at BlueWhisker. “You can be onmyteam,”hepurred.“We’llbeatthemeasily.”

MothFlightdraggedhergazeaway,gratitude soothing thetensioninherbelly.Thankyou,SpottedFur.

Reed Tail’s mew pierced her thoughts. He was watchingSlatedisappearintoherden.“What’swrongwithher?”

“I think she’s caught a chill,” Moth Flight guessed, stilldistractedbyherkits.

“I’llcheckonher,”ReedTailoffered.MothFlightflickedhertail towardRocky’sden.“Willyou

finish putting comfreyonRocky’s joints first? I’ve givenhimcatminttolifthisspirits,buthe’sstillinalotofpain.”

“Ofcourse.”ReedTailpaddedaway.MothFlightlookedatWindRunner.Hermother had sat down andwas staring at her. “It’s not

easy,isit?”“What?” Moth Flight stiffened. A snarl edged Wind

Runner’smew.Hermothereyedhercoldly.“Makingsureeverycatissafe

andwell.”MothFlightprickled.“Whatareyoutryingtosay?”“YouthinkI’mwrongforrejectingSkyClan.ButI’mdoing

itbecauseIthinkit’sbestforallofus.”“Itwasn’tbestforTinyBranch.”MothFlightliftedherchin.

“Hedied.”ShesawWindRunnerflinch,buttheWindClanleaderdidn’t

softenhergaze.“Ipresumeyoutriedtosavehim.”“Ofcourse!”“Butyoucouldn’t.”“Imighthave,ifClearSkyhadallowedAcornFurtoaskfor

helpearlier.”MothFlight flattenedherears. “Or ifyou hadn’ttriedtostopusfromgoingtohelp.”

“Really?”WindRunnernarrowedhereyes.“I don’t know!”Moth Flight snapped. “I never will. And

neitherwillClearSky.”“That’showitfeelstobealeader,”WindRunnergrowled.

“Youmakethebestdecisionyoucan.Butyoucan’tbesurehowitwillturnout.I’veseenwhatClearSkyiscapableof.IfoughtintheGreatBattle.NotbecauseIwantedtofight,butbecausenotfightingwouldhavedestroyedtheClans.”

“How?”Moth Flight didn’t understand. How could peacehurtanycat?

“ClearSkywashungryforpower.Wewouldhavelivedlikepreyifwehadn’tstooduptohim.”WindRunner’stailtwitched.“Nocatshouldlivelikeprey.”

“ClearSky’schanged.”“Howdoyouknow?”“Iwatchedhimgrieveforhiskit.”

AlowgrowlrumbledinWindRunner’sthroat.“I’vegrievedforkits.Doyouthinkitsoftenedme?”

MothFlightglaredathermother.“Iwishithad!”WindRunnerthrusthermuzzleforward,rageblazinginher

yelloweyes.“EverydecisionImakeisforthegoodoftheClan.You may think I’m wrong, but never dare to question meagain!”

Moth Flight ducked just in time to avoid her mother’slashing tail as theWindClan leader turned and stalked away.MothFlightwatchedhergo,herbellyhollow.HowcouldWindRunnerstandbyherdecisiontoshunSkyClan?Akithaddied!Shecurledherclawsintothesandyearth.I’ddothesameagainandagain.A leadermight let a cat die, but I’mnot a leader;I’mamedicinecat.

Sheglancedacross theclearingandguessedthatReedTailmuststillbedressingRocky’sachingjoints.She’dseetoSlateherself.Shepaddedtowardtheshe-cat’sdenandduckedinside.

Slatewasalone,lyinginhernest,eyesclosed.MothFlightleanedclose, shockedbyhowmuchheatpulsed from theshe-cat’spelt.

Slate’s eyes flickeredopen, then shecoughed. Jerking, shestruggledtoherpaws,thecoughtakingholdofherandshakingherbody.MothFlightreachedoutapawtosteadytheshe-catassherocked.HowhadSlategrownsoillsoquickly?MothFlightwidenedhereyes,adjustingto thegloomyden,andsawstainsdarkeningthemossbeneathSlate’schin.

Blood!MothFlightbackedaway,heartlurching.Furbrushed thegorseentranceandshe turned to seeReed

Tailslidein.“Thatcoughsoundsbad.”Thetomblinkedather,stiffening

ashereadhergaze.“Whatisit?”“Redcough,”MothFlightbreathed.Reed Tail glanced at Slate, stiffening. “Do you have any

barkleftfromwhenRock—”Moth Flight didn’t let him finish. Her thoughts were

whirling. “The sap dried up and flaked off a moon ago. Sheneedsfresh.”

“Buthowdowegetit?”“I’llgo.”“Butit’sinSkyClanterritory.”“So?”MothFlightlookedathim.“LastnightItriedtosave

TinyBranch’slife.”“Buthedied.”“Iknowhedied!”MothFlightsnapped.“ButClearSkysaw

ustryingtosavehiskit.Thatmustcountforsomething.Eventoa Clan leader!” Bitterness rose in her throat. She pushed pastReedTail.“LookafterSlate.I’llbebackassoonasIcan.”

Sheracedfromthedenandchargedacrossthetussocks.“MothFlight!”SpottedFurcalledfromoutsideherden.She skidded to a halt, impatience burning in her paws.

“What?”HoneyPeltandBubblingStreamwerewrestlingonthegrass

whileBlueWhiskerandSpiderPawpokedthroughthefreshlystockedpreypile.GorseFur,StormPelt,DewNose,FernLeaf,and Swift Minnow were back in camp. They lounged at theedgeoftheclearing,sharingarabbit.

SpottedFurheadedtowardher.“Whereareyougoing?”

Moth Flight scanned the camp for Wind Runner beforeanswering.TherewasnosignoftheWindClanleader.

“Youlookworried.”SpottedFurstoppedinfrontofher.“Slate’sgotredcough,”MothFlighttoldhim.“I’mgoingto

getsomeofthatbarkIgotforRockywhen—”Shestopped,herbreath catching in her throat. She swayed on her paws.WhenMicah died. She’d been so worried about Slate, she hadn’tthoughtaboutituntilnow.Griefwrenchedherheart.

“I’m coming with you.” Spotted Fur brushed against herflank,steadyingher.

MothFlightlookedathim,feelingsuddenlysick.Ican’tgobackthere.“WindRunnerwillbeangryifwecrosstheborder,”shemurmurednumbly.

“So will Clear Sky if he catches us.” Spotted Fur’s gazedidn’twaver.“Wejusthavetomakesurewedon’tgetcaught.”

Moth Flight stared into his amber eyes. Her thoughtsslowed. She steadied her breath. Shemust get the bark. Slateneededit.

Sheliftedherchin.“Areyouready?”“Yes.”SpottedFurturnedandcalledtoSwiftMinnow.“We

needtogatherherbs!Canyoulookafterthekits?”SwiftMinnowstretchedlanguidly.“Ofcourse!”GorseFurclamberedtohispaws,kickingtheremainsofthe

rabbit towardStormPelt.“I’llwatch them,”heoffered.“Icanshowthemsomehuntingmoves.”

Bubbling Stream looked up from the prey pile excitedly.“Willyoutakeusuptotheburrows?”

“Nottoday,”GorseFurpurred.MothFlight’sheartwas fluttering likecaughtprey.Micah!

How could she go back there? Panic spiraled in her mind.“Come on.” She needed to run before fear crippled her. Sheracedforthecampentranceandburstontothemoorside.

SpottedFur’spawspoundedbehindherasshe raceddowntheslopeandshoulderedherwayintotheheather.

“Moth Flight!” Spotted Fur called. “Use the trails!” Sheheaded blindly for his voice, crashing through the purplebranchesuntilsheglimpsedhim.Duckingbehind,shefollowedasheswervedamongthestems.

Assheexplodedontothegrass,shepushedhardagainsttheearth, her gaze fixed on the forest where the SkyClan borderedged themoor. Shewas panting by the time they reached it,herpeltspikedbythewind.

“Slowly!”SpottedFurpulledup.MothFlightspun,herpawsskiddingonthesmoothgrass.“Let’sbecareful,”SpottedFurwarned.“Nothing’sgoing to stopme fromgetting thebark!”Moth

Flight glared at him.Micah would understand how she felt!He’d been with her last time she’d made this trip. Her heartswelledwithfreshgrief.

SpottedFurglancedalongtheborder,hisnosetwitchingashescentedforpatrols.

He stiffened, his gaze flashing toward striped fur showingamidtheferns.“Wait,”hehissed.Crouching,hepulledhimselftowardthetabbypelt.

MothFlightwatchedhim,frustratedbythedelay.Suddenly his shoulders loosened and he straightened. “It’s

onlyWillowTail.”Ashespoke,theWindClanshe-catpaddedfromthefronds.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”SpottedFuraskedher.Willow Tail sniffed. “I’m just making sure those prey-

stealers haven’t crossed the border again.” She narrowed hereyes.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“We’ve come to get bark for Slate.”Moth Flightmarchedpasther.“She’sgotredcough.”

“I’llcomewithyou.”WillowTailsoundedexcited.“Wait.” Spotted Fur ducked in front of Moth Flight,

blockingherpath.“Wecan’tallgorushingontoSkyClan’sland.They’ll think it’s an invasion.” He tipped his head, his gazerestingonWillowTail.“Weneedyoutowaithere.Ifwedon’tcomeback,fetchhelp.”

WillowTail’seyeswidenedeagerly.“Goodidea.”Moth Flight headed through the ferns.Well done, Spotted

Fur.Thelastthingsheneededwasanothercatunderherpaws.ApointlessmissionwouldkeepWillowTailbusy.

Sheheadedthroughtheforest,forcingherself torememberthe route Micah had taken last time they were here. Sherecognizedafallenlogandscrambledoverit,herhearttwistinginsideherchestasshepicturedMicahleapingitwithease.

“Arewegoingtherightway?”SpottedFurhissedunderhisbreath.Thegoldentom’searswerepricked,hismouthopenforwarningscents.

“Yes.”MothFlightpushedon,eachpawstepfeelingheavierthan the last until the trees thinned and she saw the hollowwhereMicahhaddied.

Her paws turned to stone. She stopped and stared down,grief swamping her. A few shards of splintered branch stillfleckedtheground.

SpottedFur’speltbrushedhers.“Slateneedsthatbark,”hemurmured.

Shedraggedhergazetowardthehighestbranchesofthetreeat thecenterof theglade.“Up there,”shemurmuredhoarsely.“Weneedtogetitfromthetop,wherethebarkisthesoftest.”

“Youwaithere.”SpottedFurboundeddown the slopeandleaped for the trunk. Heaving himself into the branches, hedisappearedamongtheleaves.

Moth Flight watched the tree tremble as he climbed. Herheart seemed to beat in her throat. Sorrow—as suffocating asthe day Micah had died—pressed in her chest. She stoodmotionless,asthoughherpawshadsproutedrootsandfixedhertotheearth.

Sheshookoutherpelt.MourningMicahagainwon’tchangeanything.He’dbeproudIcamehere.Thisfeltlikehistreenow.

The leaves rustled and Spotted Fur’s pelt showed beneaththem.Amomentlater,hewasscootingdownthetrunk,stripsofbarkclaspedbetweenhisjaws.Hehurriedtowardher.Thetangofsapsentthornsofpainjabbingthroughherheart.Itwasthescentshe’dsmelledasMicahdied.

SpottedFurnudgedherfromtheglade.Hiseyeswerehalfclosed,streamingfromthepungentscent.MothFlightledhimthrough the woods, staying close to guide him past straybramblesandruttedearth.

As they neared the border, she scented heather andquickenedherpace.

Pawstepsscuffedtheearthbehindthem.MothFlightfroze.“Whereareyougoing?”A hostile mew made her turn. Nettle was staring at her

acrossapatchofblueberries.BirchandAlderflankedhim,theireyesnarrowedaggressively.

SpottedFurspatoutthebark,hishackleslifting.HepushedinfrontofMothFlightandfacedtheSkyClancats.“She’scometogetmedicineforasickClanmate.”

“I thought Wind Runner didn’t recognize SkyClananymore.” There was a sneer in Nettle’s mew. “Yet you stillcometostealfromus.”

Moth Flight stepped forward. “We’re not stealing! We’retakingbark,notprey!Justletusgo.Slatemightdiewithoutit!”

Alder curled her lip. “No one is allowed to help SkyClan,butSkyClanmusthelpyou?”

“Weshouldallhelpeachother!”RagepulsedbeneathMothFlight’spelt.

Birch tipped his head, his eyes glittering with curiosity.“Don’tyouagreewithWindRunner?”

Ofcourse Idon’tagree!MothFlight held her tongue.Shewasn’tgoingtobetrayhermother,orherClan.

“Justpretendyouhaven’tseenus,”SpottedFurreasoned.“Itmakesnodifferencetoyouwhetherwetakethebarkornot.”

Birchnarrowedhis eyes. “I’msickofWindClan tellinguswhattodo.”

Alder padded closer. “You’ll come back to campwith us.Anddon’ttrytorun.ClearSkywillonlysendabiggerpatroltofetchyou.He’llwanttoknowwhatyou’redoingonourland.”

“ButmyClanmate’s sick!”MothFlight fought the urge torakethegray-and-whiteshe-cat’snose.

“Let’sgowiththem,”SpottedFurbreathedsoftlyinherear.“Don’tforgetthatyoutriedtosaveClearSky’skit.Hemightbe

moreunderstandingthanthesefox-hearts.”Nettleglaredathim.“Stopwhisperingandgetmoving.”TheSkyClancatsfellinbesidethemandbegantoherdthem

deeperintotheforest.Moth Flight glanced at the bark left behind on the forest

floor. Its precious sapwould be leaking into the earth.But, ifsheexplainedeverythingtoClearSkyasquicklyasshecould,theremightbeenoughlefttotakebacktoSlate.

Shequickenedherpace.“Youseemtobeinahurry,”Aldersnarled.“I just want to sort this out and get home,” she snapped

back.Shespottedthebramblebarrierontheslopeahead.Birchhadtobreakintoaruntoduckthroughthegapbeforeher.

Assheemergedintothehollow,facesturnedtostare.Sparrow Fur got to her paws. Blossom blinked from the

shadowofayew.Moth Flight’s gaze flashed toward the earth where Tiny

Branch had died last night.Leaves had been scattered over it,butdarkbloodstainsstillshowedbetween.

Shefeltsuddenlyweary,herpawsasheavyasstone.Allshewanted was to help the cats around her, but every paw stepseemedtoleadherintoanothernettlepatch.

“ClearSky’s in his den.”Alder jerked her nose across theclearing.“SpottedFurcanwaitherewhileyouspeak tohim.”She steeredMothFlight up the short, steep slope and throughthe treesbeyond.“ClearSky?”Shepausedandcalled into theshadows.

TheSkyClanleaderpaddedslowlyout.MothFlightblinked.ClearSky’seyeswerehollow.Hispelt

wasmattedand slickedagainsthisbroad frame.He lookedasthoughhe’dbeendraggedfromariver.

StarFlowerfollowedhim.Griefglistened,stillfresh,inhereyes. She stared blankly at Moth Flight. “What’s she doinghere?”

“We found her on our land,” Alder told the she-cat. “ShewaswithaClanmate.”

Clear Sky padded closer, confusion clouding his strickengaze.“NocatisallowedonSkyClanland,”hemumbled.

“Ihadtocome,”MothFlighttoldhim.“IneedbarkfromthetreewhereMicahdied. It’s tocurea sickClanmate.She’sgotredcough. She might die.” She waited for Clear Sky tounderstand.Butheonlystaredather.

“NocatisallowedonSkyClanland,”herepeated.“Ineedthebark!”MothFlightglaredathim.“Iknowyou’re

grievingandIhatetodisturbyou.Wedon’twanttodisturbyou.Wejustwanttotakethebarkandgo.”

“No.” Clear Sky slowly lifted his head, his gaze clearing.“Lastnight,youtriedtosaveTinyBranch,andIwillalwaysbegrateful for that.But ifWindRunner hadn’t tried to stop youfromcoming,mykitmight still be alive.WindRunnerhas torealize that there are consequences for her actions. She has toadmithermistake.”

Cold fear rippled along Moth Flight’s spine. There wasdarknessintheSkyClanleader’swords.Heiscapableofmorecrueltythanyoucanimagine.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”

“Toyou?”Hiseartwitched.“Nothing.”MothFlightheardpawsteps.Peltsmovedattheedgeofher

vision.She smelled the scentsofAlder andRedClawas they

closedinbehindher.ClearSkywenton.“YouwillsimplybeourguestuntilWind

Runnercomestofetchyou.”“Shewon’tcomehere!”PanicflashedthroughMothFlight.

Shecan’tcomehere.It’snotsafe!“Shemust.”ClearSkysatdownheavily.“Shehasaccused

usofstealingprey.Shehasstolenpreyherself.Andwhy?”MothFlightstaredathim.Didheexpectananswer?Hewent on. “She has listened to thewordof a rogue and

believeditoverthewordofamountaincat.”HeglancedatStarFlower. “It’s hardly surprising. Wind Runner was a rogueherselfonce.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”MothFlightfeltlost.“Whatrogue?”

“WillowTail.”Moth Flight shifted her paws uneasily. “What do you

mean?”“I’vebeentalkingtoRedClaw,”ClearSkytoldher.“Heand

WillowTailgobackalongway.WillowTailhasbeenlyingformoons.She’sbeenspreadinghalf-truthsandstirringuptroublejusttosettlescoresthathavenothingtodowiththeClans.”

MothFlightshiftedherpawsnervously.ShehadnoideaifwhatClearSkywassayingwas true.Butshecouldseeawayout.“Whydon’tIgoandtellWindRunnerthis?”Icantakethebarkbackwithme.

“No!” Clear Sky snarled. “You will stay here until WindRunnercomestome,admitshermistake,andbanishesWillowTailfromherClan.”

“She’ll never do that!” The words burst out before Moth

Flightcouldstopthem.WindRunnerwasfartooproudtocomegroveling toClear Sky.And too proud to banishWillowTail.BybanishingWillowTail,WindRunnerwouldbeadmittingshehad made a mistake by letting the she-cat join her Clan. Itsimplywasn’tsomethingWindRunnerwoulddo.

“Shewill,”ClearSkymeowed.“Wejusthavetowait.”“Howlongareyougoingtokeepmeprisoner?”MothFlight

snarled.HerthoughtsskippedfromSlatetoherkits.Howdarehekeepherfromthem?Theyneededher!

“Foraslongasittakes.”Moth Flight glared at the SkyClan leader. “You can’t do

this!”His tail twitched menacingly. “This is my territory,” he

growled.“IcandoanythingIlike.”

CHAPTER30

“Whatdowedonow?”SpottedFurpacedtheden.“We can’t stay here!”Moth Flight stared angrily from the

entrance. The tiny cave, hollowed from the bramble close toClearSky’sden,stillcarriedthestalescentofStarFlower.ClearSky’smatemust have slept here at one time.Her ragged nestlooked as though it hadn’t been used in moons. It wouldprobablycrumbleintodustifanycatclimbedintoit.

Moth Flight thought of her own nest at home. She couldalmostsmellitsheatheryscentandthewarmthofherkitsrisingfrom its thick moss lining. Anxiety twisted in her heart. AndwhataboutSlate?Sheneededthebark.“Wehavetoescape.”

“How?”SpottedFur jerked hismuzzle towardAlder,whosat,asstillasarock,afewtail-lengthsfromtheentrance.

“We could burrow through the back,” Moth Flightsuggested.

SpottedFurgrunted,glancingatthepricklystems,sothicklywoven thatno light filtered through.“Ifwehadpawsmadeofwood.”

MothFlightwhiskedhertailcrossly.“WhydoClanleadersmakelifesodifficult?”

SpottedFurblinkedather.“Whoknows?”MothFlighttippedherhead.“DoyouthinkWillowTailhas

been stirring up trouble?” she asked. “Slate and Jagged Peakhaveseenthebones,too.”

Spotted Fur shrugged. “But she is usually the first one to

makeaccusations.”Hefrowned.“Andshe’stheonlyonewho’sactually seen SkyClan stealing prey. If she is really as bad asClearSkysays...shecouldhaveplantedthebones.”

Planted the bones? It seemed crazy to Moth Flight. Shecrouched and drew her paws tightly under her. “Doesn’t sherealizethatshemightcauseabattle?”

“Perhaps that’swhat shewants.” Spotted Fur stared at hergrimly.

“No!”MothFlightrefusedtobelieveit.“Whywouldanycatwanttocausesuffering?”

Spotted Fur didn’t answer. His gaze flicked back towardAlder. The gray-and-white she-cat still hadn’t moved. “EvenSkyClancatshavetoeat,surely?”

“If she goes, another catwill take her place.”MothFlightwondered how long they’d been here. The sun glimmeredthrough thedistantbranches, lowenough to show through theden entrance. Her kits would start wondering where she was.Yearningtuggedinherbelly,assharpashunger.“DoyouthinkWillowTailhasrealizedthatwe’renotcomingback?”

“She’sprobablyonherwaytocampnow.”Moth Flight stiffened. “I hope not.” How would Wind

Runner react to news that her daughter had gone missing inSkyClanterritory?“Whatifshesendsapatrollookingforus?”

“Isn’tthatwhatClearSkywants?”“He wants her to apologize.” Moth Flight stared at him,

dread worming beneath her pelt. “Doesn’t he know WindRunneratall?”Sherememberedhermother’swarning.YoumaythinkI’mwrong,butneverdaretoquestionmeagain!ShewasfartoostubbornevertoapologizetoClearSky.

Spotted Fur’s ears twitched. “Do you think she’ll fighthim?”

“Ofcourseshe’llfighthim!”“ButshesaysshewantspeacebetweentheClans.”“Notenoughtoadmitshewaswrong.”“We need to get to her beforeWillow Tail does. We can

explain why Clear Sky’s so mad.” Spotted Fur began pacingagain.“PerhapsIcandistractAlderandyoucanmakearunforit.OryoucoulddistractAlderandIcouldmakearun—”

Paw steps cut him off. He jerked his muzzle toward theentrance.

MothFlightfollowedhisgaze,herheartquickeningasshesawAcornFurapproachAlder.TheSkyClanmedicinecathelddrippingmossbetweenherjaws.ShedippedherheadtoAlder,whonoddedtowardtheden.

“ThankStarClanyou’rehere!”MothFlighthurriedtomeetAcornFurasshepaddedinside.

The chestnut brown she-cat dropped the wet moss on thegroundandblinkedanxiouslyatMothFlight.“Areyouokay?”

“We’refine,”MothFlightassuredher.“Butwe’vegottogetbacktocampbeforeWillowTail!”

Spotted Fur crouched to lick thirstily at the moss. “If shetellsWindRunnerwe’remissing,”hetoldherbetweenlaps,“inSkyClanterritory,we’reworriedit’llstartawar.”

“We have to get out of here.” Moth Flight stared at herurgently.

Acorn Fur backed away. “I can’t help you escape.” SheglancedatAlder,loweringhervoice.“They’remyClanmates.Ican’tbetraythem.”

Spotted Fur narrowed his eyes. “We only need to get pastAlder.”

MothFlightnodded.“IcanpretendI’millandyoucanfetchAlder,andSpottedFurcanslipoutwhileshe’s—”

“No!”AcornFurlookedstricken.“Iwanttohelp.ButwhenAlderseesyou’reokayandSpottedFur’sgone—”

“She’llthinkItrickedyou!”MothFlightinterrupted.AcornFurstiffened.“Sheknowsthatyoutrainedme.She’ll

suspect me. Every cat will suspect me! How can I heal myClanmatesiftheystoptrustingme?”

SpottedFurglancedatMothFlight. “She’s right.Wecan’taskhertobetrayherClan.”

Moth Flight’s thoughts flashed to her kits. They’d beterrifiedifWillowTailracedintocamptellingeveryonethatsheand Spotted Fur had gone missing in SkyClan territory. Herheartbegantopound.“Youcouldfetchtheothers!”SheblinkedatAcornFur.

“Theothers?”AcornFurechoed.“The other medicine cats,”Moth Flight explained. “Bring

themhere.TheycanreasonwithClearSky.”AcornFurtippedherhead.“Itmightwork.”SpottedFurshrugged.“It’sworthtrying.”“Go now!” Moth Flight nosed Acorn Fur toward the

entrance.SheloweredhervoiceasAlderturned,earspricking.“Runasfastasyoucan!”

“Take care,” Spotted Fur murmured under his breath asAcornFurtrottedpastAlderanddisappeareddowntheslope.

MothFlightblinkedathim.“Doyouthinkshe’llbringthemintime?”

SpottedFur’stailtwitched.“Evenifshecould,I’mnotsureClearSkywilllistentomedicinecats.”

“Hehasto!”MothFlightbeganpacingagain.Toomuchwasatstake.Slateneededthebark.Herkitsneededtoknowshewassafe.AndWindRunner—

Sheflinchedfromthethought.WhatiftheWindClanleaderchosewar?Nocatshouldlivelikeprey.

“MothFlight.”SpottedFur’smewwassoft inherear.Shemethisgaze,surprisedtoseewarmththere.

“What?”“IjustwantedtotellyouhowsorryIam.”“Sorry?”Shedidn’tunderstand.“AboutMicah,”hemurmured.“Abouthimdying.IknowI

wasjealouswhenyoubroughthimbackfromHighstoneswithyou.IalwaysthoughtI’dbeyourmate.”

MothFlightshiftedherpawsuneasily.“This probably isn’t the best time,” Spotted Fur told her

quickly. “But it’s so hard to get you alone these days.You’reeitherwith your kits or busywith yourmedicine-cat duties. IjustwantedyoutoknowthatIunderstandhowmuchyoulovedMicah.AndI’mgladyougottospendtimewithhimbeforehedied.Andthekits...”Hismewtrailedaway.

Moth Flight saw sadness in his gaze. “Thank you,” shemumbled self-consciously. “I’m sorry I hurt you, but I had tofollowmyheart.”

“And I must follow mine.” His gaze lingered on her,glowing.

Hestilllovesme.MothFlightlookedaway.“You’reagoodfriend,SpottedFur.Andthekitsloveyoubut—”

Ashriekrippedthroughthetrees.MothFlightracedtothedenentrance.Alderwas leaping into the hollow, her pelt bushed, as the

forestrangwiththeyowlsofbattle.“WindClan!” Moth Flight’s heart lurched. “They’re

attackingthecamp!”

CHAPTER31

Spotted Fur beat her out of the den. Moth Flight hared afterhim,skiddingtoahaltat thetopof thehollow.Peltsswarmedfromthebramblebarrier.WindRunnerwasleadingthecharge,WillowTailandGorseFuratherheels.BehindthemracedDustMuzzle, Fern Leaf, Swift Minnow, Holly, and Storm Pelt.JaggedPeak trailedat the rear,his lamehind leg slowinghimdown.

StarFloweryowled,hereyesblazing,anddraggedherkits,DewPetal andFlowerFoot, beneath ayewat the edgeof theclearing. She crouched in front of them, eyes slitted, a lowgrowlrumblinginherthroat.

SkyClancatsstreamedfromtheirdensandmettheinvaderswithoutstretchedclaws.WindRunnercrashed intoNettle,andthey fell, squirming like snakes, onto the ground. SwiftMinnow’sgray-and-whitepeltflashedbeneathSparrowFur’sasthetortoiseshellknockedtheshe-cat’spawsfromunderherandleapedontoherback.Blossomjumpedfromtherootsofanoak.She landedonDustMuzzle’s back and sankher jaws intohisneck.

Moth Flight flinched. “Dust Muzzle!” The yowl of battlesweptawayherpanickedcry.

FernLeafshoulderedherwaythroughthebattlingcatsandattackedBirchwithaflurryofblowswhile,behindher,QuickWaterleapedatHollyasshecrossedthehollow.

MothFlightheardayowlof ragebehindherand turned to

seeClearSkyracingfortheclearing.Furyglitteredinhiseyes.Flattening his ears, he leaped from the short, steep slope andhurledhimselfatSpottedFur.

MothFlight felt panic rising. “Stop!”Herwailwas lost intheshriekofbattle.“Youmustn’tfight!”

Paletabbyfurcaughthereye.WillowTailhadhaltedbesidethe barrier and was watching Red Claw through slitted eyes.The glossy red tom was fending off Gorse Fur with strongforepawswipes.

“Look out!”Moth Flight sawAlder streak towardWillowTail.ThepaletabbywhippedaroundandliftedherpawsastheSkyClan she-cat slammed into her. Staggering for a moment,WillowTailkeptherbalanceandhookedherclawsintoAlder’spelt.Withahissoffury,shehauledAlderontoherbelly.

The tang of blood touched Moth Flight’s nose. Her heartseemed to burst in her chest. “WindRunner! Stop!Clear Skyonlywantedtotalk!”

Wind Runner held Nettle down, raking his belly with herhindclaws.Shedidn’tevenlookup.MothFlightfeltasthoughshewereinadream,unabletomakeherselfheard.

Thorn slid from the ferns crowding the other side of thehollow.His blue gaze narrowed on Fern Leaf. TheWindClanshe-cat was pinned to the ground by Birch. Her hind legschurneddesperatelyasshefoughttoloosenBirch’sgrip.Thorndroppedintoanattackcrouchandshowedhisteeth.

That’snotfair!MothFlightleapedfromthetopoftheslope,landingheavilyonthesoftearthofthehollow.ShehadtohelpFern Leaf! She dodged out of the way as SwiftMinnow andSparrow Fur rolled toward her. “Fern Leaf!” Rearing, she

strainedtoseeoverthejumbleofpelts.She was too late. Thorn was on Fern Leaf’s back, his

hindlegs scraping lumps from the young she-cat’s pelt whileBirchaimedviciousblowsathermuzzle.

Shefroze.WhatdoIdo?Amedicinecatwasmeanttoheal,not harm, but she couldn’t watch while her Clanmate wasattacked.

Suddenly,grayfurflashedbesideThorn.DustMuzzle!MothFlight watched her brother plunge toward Thorn and rip himawayfromFernLeaf.FernLeaf’seyesflashedwithtriumphas,freed,sherearedandslashedBirch’snose.

Bloodsprayed theground.The tanggrewstronger,bathingMothFlight’stongue.

I’m going to need supplies! She stared around the camp.Where’s Acorn Fur’s den? Why had she sent the SkyClanmedicinecataway?She’dnevermanagealltheseinjuriesalone.

Cobwebs. The thought flashed in her mind. If she couldgatherenoughtostaunchanybleeding,itwoulddountilshehadtimetotendtothewoundsproperly.SheslidbetweenBlossomand Red Claw and scrambled out of the hollow. Hurryingamong the trees, she scanned their trunks for cobwebs. Herheart leapedas she saw the rootsofanelmswathed inagraymistofweb.Shescrapeditaway,wrappingasmucharoundherpawsasshecouldandturnedbacktowardthehollow.

“What are you doing?” Blossom faced her, eyes glitteringwithrage.

MothFlightbristled.“I’mtryingtohelp!”“Helpwho?”Blossompaddedcloser.“Anycatwho’sinjured.”MothFlightliftedherpawtoshow

thecobweb.“Thiswillstopbleeding.”“You’rewastingyourtime,”Blossomsnarled.“We’regoing

tomakeWindClanbleedsobadly,allthecobwebsintheforestwon’tsaveyou.”

MothFlightblinkedather.“Can’tyoujuststopfightingandtalk?”

“You invaded our camp!” Blossom padded closer, amenacinggleaminhereyes.

“I’mnot fightingyou.”MothFlight liftedherchin.“I’mamedicinecat.It’smydutytoheal.GetoutofmywaysoIcangetonwithit.”

Blossomshowedherteeth.“Youhavetofight.”MothFlightheldherground.“No,Idon’t.”Blossom reared and slashed a paw across Moth Flight’s

muzzle.Pain sliced through her. StarClan! What do I do? Rage

pulsed beneath her pelt. Her claws itched to rip the fur fromBlossom’s spine.ShenarrowedhereyesasBlossom liftedherpawagain.

GrayfurflashedbehindtheSkyClanshe-cat.JaggedPeak!ThelametomflunghimselfatBlossom,snarlingviciously.

Blossom gasped as he sunk claws into her shoulders andhookedherhindpawsfromunderherwithasharpkick.

MothFlightblinkedgratefullyatherClanmateashepinnedBlossom to the earth. She started for the hollow. “Don’t hurther,”shehissedasshepassedhim.

Surprise flashed in his eyes. “This is a battle, not aGathering!”hecalledafterherassheleapedintotheclearing.

FernLeafwasstaggeringatthefaredge,bloodwellingfrom

agashonherflank.Birchwasbackedagainsttheferns,flailingatDustMuzzleastheWindClantomswipedathimwithviciousblows. Moth Flight skirted the battle and skidded to a haltbesideFernLeaf.

The black she-catwas panting, her eyes cloudywith pain.MothFlight unwrapped a swath of cobweb fromher paw andpadded the open wound. Fern Leaf winced, but didn’t flinch.“Thiswillstopthebleeding,”shetoldher.

“Good.”FernLeafleapedtoherpaws.“Youcan’tfightagain!”MothFlightblockedherway.“You

mustrestorit’llstartbleedingagain.”FernLeafmethergaze.“IfoneofmyClanmatesdieswhile

I’mresting,Iwillneverforgivemyself.”MothFlightstaredatherwordlessly.Fern Leaf snatched her gaze away and fell in besideDust

Muzzle.Thetwocatsrearedtogether,sendingwell-aimedblowsat Birch’s nose until the SkyClan tom backed deep into theferns.

Moth Flight scanned the battle for more injuries. NettlestaggeredbesideRedClaw,whowaswrestlingwithGorseFur.Swift Minnow struggled beneath Sparrow Fur, her whiskersdrippingwithblood.

“Let her go!”Moth Flight shrieked at Sparrow Fur as thetortoiseshell pressed Swift Minnow’s muzzle into the earth.“She’shurt!”

ClawshookedMothFlight’sscruffandjerkedherbackward.Gasping, she struggled. A deep-throated snarl sounded in herear.RedClaw.“Ifyoudon’twanttofight,getoutofthebattle.”

“Getoff!”Shethrashedhelplessly.“Ineedtohelp!”

RedClawletgoandsheturnedonhim.“You have to stop them from fighting!” shewailed. “This

won’tsolveanything!”“Really?”Sneering,RedClawpushedpastherandgrabbed

Holly. Dragging her from Quick Water’s back he hurled theblack she-cat to the ground. Then he reared and slammed hispawsintoherchest.

RagesurgedthroughMothFlight.Thisisrabbit-brained!SuddenlyWindRunner’s tabby pelt flashed at the edge of

hervision.TheWindClanleaderwasracingtowardClearSky.“Stop!”MothFlight chased after her, skidding to ahalt as

WindRunnerleapedattheSkyClanleader.ClearSkyturnedasquick as a fox. Lashing out with a forepaw, he slashedWindRunner’s neck. Blood sprayed the clearing. Wind Runnerstaggered,hereyesroundingwithshock.

MothFlightracedtowardher,herheartinherthroat.WindRunnerbattedheraway,hergazefixedonClearSky.

Bloodwelledatherthroatanddrippedfromherfur.“Youwenttoofarthistime.”Hermewwashuskywithpain.“Youtookmykithostage.”

“Andyouletmykitdie.”ClearSkyglaredbackather.“MothFlightcame,didn’tshe?”shesnarledattheSkyClan

leader.“Notsoonenough!”ClearSkyflewather,hisblueeyescold

withfury.Hethrewanotherblowather,crackinghercheekwithsuchforcethatshestaggeredandfell.Leapingontopofher,hepinnedhertothegroundandrakedherbellywithpowerfulhindclaws.

Horror surged beneathMoth Flight’s pelt. She unsheathed

herclaws,rageburninginthem.Herthoughtswhirled.Shewasmeant to heal—but she couldn’t watch Clear Sky hurt hermother.

WindRunnertwisted,knockingClearSky’shindpawsclear.Sheleapedupandrakedhismuzzlewithapowerfulblow.

Blood glistened on his nose as he raised his gaze tomeethers. “Howdare you attackmy camp?My kits are here!”Heglanced toward the yew where frightened eyes peered outbehindStarFlower.“Areyoudeterminedtokillthemall?”

RagelitupWindRunner’seyes.“Youstartedthis!”Snakingbeneathhisbelly,shepushedhardagainsthischestandheavedhim onto his side. He hit the ground with a thump and shelungedforhisthroat.

Herjawssnappedthinairasherolledoutofthewayjustintime. Leaping onto his paws, Clear Sky reared.WindRunnerliftedherforepawstomeethis,buthewasquickerandthrewablowathercheek.Shelurchedbackward,unbalanced.Herhindpawslidoveraroot.Itsnaggedherandshefell,herlegtwistingbeneathher.

MothFlightheardacrackandfrozewithhorror.She’deatenenough prey to recognize the snap of breaking bone. Hermother’slegbonehadbroken.

“Wind Runner!” She raced to her mother’s side. WindRunnergroaned,hereyesrollingwithagony.

At the sound of her groan, Dust Muzzle and Gorse Furglanced over from the far side of the clearing. They weredrivingNettlebackwardtowardabirchtrunk.Astheirattentionslipped, the SkyClan tom lashed out. He lunged low andclampedhisjawsaroundGorseFur’spaw.DustMuzzle’sgaze

dartedawayfromWindRunnerandheslicedhisclawsacrossNettle’sears.

MothFlight jerkedhermuzzle fearfully towardClearSky.Washegoingtoattackagain?

Hestoodasstillasstone,andwatchedtheWindClanleadercoldly.Thenhisbluegazeflittedacross thewrithingpeltsandrestedonWillowTail.

WindRunner gasped, trying tomove, and fell back.MothFlight dragged her gaze from Clear Sky and looked into hermother’seyes.Wasthatfearsheglimpsed?FreshbloodwasstillwellingatWindRunner’sneck,andherhindlegstuckoutatanuglyangle.MothFlight’schesttightened.She’dneverseenhermotherafraidbefore.“You’regoingtobeokay.”Forcingherselftothink,sherememberedthecobwebsonherpaw.Quickly,sheunwrappeda long strip andwadded it into thedeep scratchathermother’s throat.Thenshe ranapawalongWindRunner’sleg.TheWindClanleaderflinched.

“I’ll be gentle,”Moth Flight promised. She could feel thebreak.Herbreathquickenedasshefelta jaggededgepressinginside the flesh.Thebonewasbent likeabroken twig.Alarmshrilled throughher.Couldaboneheal likegashed flesh?SherememberedCloudSpotsshowinghercomfrey,allthosemoonsago:I’vehearditevenhelpsbrokenlimbstoheal, thoughI’venot yet had to try it, thank StarClan. She closedher eyes andprayedhewasright.

Ascreechsoundedbehindher.Moth Flight spun, her breath stopping in her throat as she

sawClearSkybackawayfromWillowTail,hiseyesbrightwithshock.

WillowTailstaggered,awailrollingdeepfromherbelly.Assheswungherheadaround,MothFlightgagged.

Long gashes streaked the she-cat’s face. Blood streamedfromher slashed eyes anddripped fromherwhiskers.WillowTail moaned as her paws buckled beneath her. She collapsedontothegroundandstaredblanklyahead.

MothFlight’spawstrembled.He’sblindedher.ShegapedatClear Sky. Around him, the battling cats slowed, letting theirpawsdropastheyturnedtolookatWillowTail.

ClearSkymovedaway,hispeltripplingalonghisspine.Heliftedhismuzzle towardRedClawat theedgeof theclearing.“She’syoursnow,”hegrowledsoftly.“Dowhatyou likewithher.”

WillowTaildraggedherselffeeblyacrosstheearthwhiletheClan cats backed away from her, their shocked gazes dartingaway.RedClawunhookedhisclawsfromSwiftMinnow’speltandpaddedslowlytowardtheblindedcat.

Hernosetwitched.Whimpering,shetriedtocrawlaway,herheadjerkingoneway,thentheother,asthoughshewaschasingglimpsesoflight.

RedClawstoppedbesideher.“Whydidyouhavetolie?”Willow Tail froze. “Don’t you know?” Her mew cracked

desperately.“But why did you have to drag the Clans into it?” Red

Claw’seyesbrimmedwithgrief.“Itwasnevertheirargument.”“ItwastheonlywayIcouldpunishyou!”WillowTail’spelt

rippledalongherspine.“Youkilledmyfriend!”RedClawbristled.“Ididn’tkillher!Thedogskilledher!”“Andwholedthedogsintoourcamp?”WillowTailrasped.

“DoyouthinkIdiditonpurpose?”“Ofcourseyoudid!Youluredthemthere.”“Theywerechasingme.”RedClawcrouchedclosebeside

WillowTail.Hewasshaking,hismewcrackingashespoke.“Iwasyounganddumb.Iranintoapackofdogsand,whentheystartedchasingme, I ranback to theoneplace I’dalways feltsafe. I thought if I got there, nothing couldhurtme. Itwasn’tuntilthedogsattackedthatIrealizedwhatI’ddone!”

“Youranaway!”WillowTailaccused.“Youleftustodie.”“TherewasnothingelseIcoulddo.”RedClaw’sshoulders

drooped.“Iamsoashamed.I’vebeentryingtopretenditneverhappened.”

“Butitdidhappen!”RedClawhunghishead.“I’msorry,WillowTail.”Hismew

wasthick.“IftherewasanythingIcouldhavedonetochangeit,Iwouldhave.”

WindRunnerliftedherheadandgazedathim.“WasWillowTaillyingaboutthestolenprey?”

“Yes.”WillowTail restedherchinon theground,hereyesredwith blood. “I killed rabbits and dragged them across theborder, then told you that I’d seen SkyClan hunting on themoor.”

Clear Sky’s gaze flicked sharply toward the WindClanleader.“Youbelievedarogueoverme!”

WindRunner growled fromwhere she lay, pain tighteningherwords.“She’smyClanmate.”

ClearSkydidn’tmove.“Andyouarealways loyal toyourClan,”hesneered.

WindRunnerdidn’tflinch.“Aren’tyou?”

ClearSkylookedaway.Moth Flight felt a surge of pride. DespiteWind Runner’s

terriblepain,she’dsilencedClearSky.Ofcoursehe’dbeloyaltohisClanmate.IfWillowTailhadbeenaSkyClancatinsteadofaWindClancat,he’dhavestoodbyher.MothFlightlookedback at Willow Tail, her heart twisting with pity. The paletabby’sflankswerequivering.Herearswereflat.Alowmoancrackledinherthroat.

She’sinshock!MothFlightscannedtheedgesofthehollow,hopingtoseethymesproutingbetweentherootsandbrambles,but there was none. She scrambled toward Willow Tail andswept her tail along the tabby’s spine. “It’s okay,” shemurmured.“We’llgetyoubacktocampandtakecareofyou.”

Willow Tail began to shiver, her matted fur spiking. SheturnedhergashedeyestowardMothFlight.“WillIseeagain?”

“I don’t know,” Moth Flight whispered. Helplessnessgripped her. She glanced around the watching cats. All shecould see were wounds: scratched muzzles, torn pelts, rippedears.Bloodandfurspeckedtheclearing.Furyroseinherchest.“Youfoughtfornothing.”SheglaredatClearSky.“Whydidn’tyou letme go home? I could have spoken toWindRunner. Icouldhavetoldherwhatyou’dsaidaboutWillowTailandRedClaw.Youcouldhavesettledthiswithwords.”

ClearSkynarrowedhiseyes.“Ididn’taskWindRunnertoattackmycamp.”

MothFlighthesitated.IfonlyWindRunnerhadsentapatroltosearchforher,nottostartawar.“Youneedtomakepeace.”She got to her paws and stood between hermother andClearSky.Lookingfromonetotheothershegrowled.“Thismustend

here.”Clear Sky’s gaze lingered on her for a moment. Then he

dippedhishead.“Itwasadumbfight,”heconceded.WindRunner took a shuddering breath. “It was never our

battle,”sherasped.Paw steps thrummed the forest floor beyond the camp

barrier. The brambles shivered as Acorn Fur hurtled in. Sheskidded to a halt, her eyes widening as she saw the battle-scarred cats. Pebble Heart raced behind her, Cloud Spots andDappledPeltonhistail.

Theystared.DappledPelt’sgazeshot towardWillowTail.PebbleHeart

hurriedovertoWindRunner.Hesniffedherpelt,peeringatthegashinherneckbeforerunningapawalongherflank.

“Her leg is broken,”Moth Flight told him anxiously. ShelookedtowardCloudSpotsandDappledPelt.“Wehavetohelptheinjured.”SheblinkedatAcornFur.“I’mgoingtoneedherbsfromyourherbstore.”

“Let’s go.” Dappled Pelt was already climbing the steepbank.

AcornFurranafterher.Cloud Spots whisked his tail. “I’ll gather fresh dock and

marigold.”Heduckedoutofcamp.GorseFurhurriedacrosstheclearing,hisanxiousgazefixed

onWindRunner.“Issheokay?”“She’sbrokenherleg,”MothFlighttoldhim.“Brokenit?”GorseFur’sgazedarkened.“Willitheal?”Pebble Heart answered for her. “Yes. If we wrap it with

comfrey.” He leaped over Wind Runner and began tugging

toughshootsthatspoutedfromthebaseoftheoak.“Butfirstweneedtomakeasupportforit.”

GorseFurhurriedtohelp.“Thebone’stwistedoutofline.”MothFlightfeltsickasshe

rememberedthejaggedshapebeneathhermother’sflesh.“We can straighten it.” PebbleHeart snapped a stiff shoot

fromthetrunk.HeshowedittoGorseFur.“Weneedmorelikethese,”heordered.

Gorse Fur nodded and hopped over the roots, his eyesscanningthebark.

Moth Flight glanced atWillow Tail. “What can we do tohelpher?”shemeweddesperately.

Pebble Heart’s gaze darkened as he saw the she-cat. Shelooked like freshprey,crumpledon theground,bloodsoakingintotheeartharoundher.“Ithinkit’stoolate,”hewhispered.

RedClawdroppedbesideWillowTail, his eyeswidewithhorror.

PebbleHeartpaddedtothetabby’sside.Hepressedhiseartoherflank.Liftinghisheadslowly,heshookit,hisgazegrim.“She’sdead.”

SwiftMinnowlimpedcloser,hereyesglisteningwithgrief.JaggedPeakglaredatClearSky.

WindRunner caught the lame tom’s eye. “What’s done isdone,”shecroaked.“Allwecandonowisburyher.”

Dappled Pelt appeared at the top of the slope, a wad ofleavesinherjaws.AcornFurleapedpasther,carryingcobwebs.The brambles rattled as Cloud Spots returned with marigold,dock, and thyme. The ThunderClan medicine cat glancedquickly around the hollow. As he narrowed his eyes, Moth

Flightrealizedhewasassessingtheinjuries.“FernLeaf’sgotanastygashinherflank,”shetoldhim.Cloud Spots headed toward the black she-cat. Acorn Fur

weaved between Blossom and Swift Minnow, checking forwounds. Dappled Pelt padded to where Nettle swayed besidethe birch tree.Within moments, the three medicine cats weretreating the injured—crouching to chew poultices, wrappingbloodypawsincobweb,lappingsapintoscratches.

Fur brushed Moth Flight’s flank. Gorse Fur was standingbesideher,abundleofoakshootsbetweenhisjaws.HedroppedthemandcrouchedbesideWindRunner.“MothFlightwillhaveyouwellinnotime,”hepromisedsoftly.

PebbleHeartjumpeddowntheslopeandlaidawadoflushleavesatMothFlight’spaws.“Ifoundcomfrey.”HeglancedatWindRunner.“You’regoingtoneedsomethingtobiteon.”Hepicked the thickestshoot fromthepileGorseFurhaddroppedandsliditbetweenherjaws.

Unabletospeak,sheblinkedathimquestioningly.“Wehavetostraightenthebonebeforewecanwrapit.”He

reachedtowardaclumpofstragglygrassandtuggedoutafewtoughstrands,thenhenoddedtoMothFlight.“Putyourpawsatthetopofherlegand,whenIgivethesignal,pressdown.”

MothFlightobeyed,restingherpadsonWindRunner’sfur.Heatpulsedfromherinjuredleg.

PebbleHeartgrippedWindRunner’shindpawbetweenhisjaws.FlickinghisgazetowardMothFlight,hegaveatinynod.Thenhetugged.

AsMothFlight presseddown, she felt thebonemove andheardthestickcrunchbetweenhermother’sjaws.Anagonized

groansoundeddeepinWindRunner’sthroat.Stiffening, Moth Flight jerked around and lapped her

mother’scheekfiercely.“It’sovernow,”shesoothed,suddenlyfeelingmorelikeamotherthanakit.

Gorse Fur was staring at her, his eyes round with horror.“Youhurther!”

“Wehadto.”PebbleHeartletgoofWindRunner’slegandranhispawover thebreak.HeblinkedatMothFlight.“Whatdoyouthink?”

MothFlightwastrembling.Shereachedoutapawandranitnervously over her mother’s fur. The jagged lump had gone.“You’vestraightenedit!”Reliefrushedoverher.ShepurredatGorseFur.“Hopefully,itcanmendproperlynow.”

“Wehavetowrapitsoitcanheal.”PebbleFlighthookeduptwoof the shoots and laid them either side ofWindRunner’sleg.He laid severalmore above and below.Then hewrappedcomfreythicklyaroundthem.MothFlightrealizedwhathewasdoingandgrabbedoneofthetoughstemsofgrass.Threadingitunder hermother’s leg, shewound it around the comfrey andthe shoots, like bundling soaked nettles. Before long, WindRunner’s legwas tightly encased in comfrey, held straight bytheshoots.

MothFlightblinkedatWindRunner.“Howdoesitfeel?”WindRunner staredbackather,painshowing inhereyes.

“Notbad,”shelied.“I’ve got poppy seeds in my den,” Moth Flight told her.

“They’llhelpwiththepain.”Shesuddenlyrememberedherkits.Who was looking after them? Were they okay? They’d befrightened—wonderingwhereshewas.Herheartlurched.She’d

beensocaughtupwiththebattleandthewounded,shehadn’teventhoughtaboutthem.

Guiltwashedoverher.“Moth Flight?” PebbleHeartwas staring at her, frowning.

Hadheseenhergazedarken?“What’sthematter?”“My kits!” she whispered urgently. “I don’t know who’s

lookingafterthem.”Pebble Heart blinked sympathetically. “We can manage

here.”HenoddedtowardDappledPelt,CloudSpots,andAcornFur,whowere still tending to injured cats. “Gohome toyourkits.Iwon’tleaveWindRunner’ssideuntilshe’ssafelybackincamp.”

MothFlightstaredathim,heremotionswhirling.CouldshereallyabandonhermotherandherClanmates?

“Go!” Pebble Heart urged. “While your thoughts are withyourkits,you’llbeoflittleusehere.”

Shebackedaway,achillsweepingher.Wasthattrue?Sheshookoutherfur.Whocares?Rightnow,HoneyPelt,

Spider Paw, Bubbling Stream, and Blue Whisker might bewailingforher.

Turning away, she hared out of the SkyClan camp andheadedforthemoor.

CHAPTER32

MothFlightstirredinhersleep,dreaming.Sheblinkedopenhereyes into a vision of themoorside. A flame-pelted tom stoodbelowastarlesssky.MothFlightrecognizedhimatonce.She’ddreamed of his meeting with StarClan while she’d been withShadowClan.Abrown-and-whitetabbyshe-catlayonthewind-rippledgrassbesidehim, sostill thatMothFlightwondered ifshewasdead.Athirdcattwitchedherears,scanningthemiststhatswirledaroundthem.

Moth Flight padded closer. She knew that the other catscouldnotseeorhearher.Iamhere towatch.Thebrown-and-white tabby sneezed suddenly and scrabbled to her paws. Sheglanced at the flame-pelted tom, as though looking forreassurance.Herestedhistail-tiponhershoulderand,ashedidso, a gray-and-white tom padded from the mist. Dropletssparkledonhispeltlikestars.Isthisaspirit-cat?

The gray-and-white cat exchanged words with the flame-pelted tom.Moth Flight didn’t even strain to hear; she knewshe’d pick up nothing but thewhispering ofwind in her ears.Thenthespirit-cattouchedhisnosetothetabby’s.

Theshe-catjerkedwithpain.MothFlightnarrowedhereyes.She’dseenthisbefore.The

cat was receiving the agonizing blessing of StarClan. Sheworkedherpawsdeeperintothecoarsegrass,herpeltprickingwithcuriosityasmorecatsappearedfromthemist.

Adarkgraytomtouchedthebrown-and-whitetabby,andthe

tabbyshudderedagain.Then an older white-and-tabby she-cat stepped forward.

Theymustberelated.Theirmarkingsweresimilar,andthelookthat passed between them glistened with affection. Are theymotherandkit?MothFlight’sthoughtsflickedtoWindRunner.In the two days since the battle, her mother seemed to havegrown worse, not better. Amoan of pain jerked her attentionback to her dream.As the older cat touched noses, the youngtabbystiffenedandjerked,clenchingher teeth.Sheswayedonherpaws,butheldhergrounduntiltheoldercatwithdrewandbegan fiercely lappingher cheek, as though sorry for thepainshe’dcaused.Theymust bemother and kit. The young tabbyclosed her eyes, seeming to relish the moment. Then the oldtabbyturnedandheadedintothemist.

Theyoungtabbywatchedhergo,eyesdesperatewithgrief.Sheopenedhermouthtoyowl.ThoughMothFlightcouldnothear the words, she guessed that the tabby was begging hermothernottoleave.

Grief stabbedatMothFlight’sheart, sosharp it jerkedherawake.

She blinked her eyes open. Her den was shady and cool.Through the entrance she could see sunshine scorching theclearing.

WindRunner laybesideheronabedofmossandheather,herbrokenlegjuttingovertheedge.MothFlightleanedclose.TheWindClanleaderfelthotterthanever.WhatcanIdo?Overthe past two days, Wind Runner had struggled intoconsciousness less and less often, sleeping most of the timenow. Perhaps it was a blessing. It saved her from the pain.

Perhapsitwasherbody’swayofhealing.Butifthatwastrue,whywasWindRunner’s feverworsening?Perhaps I’mgivinghertoomanypoppyseeds?Maybesheneedstofeelthepaintofightit.

Moth Flight frowned. She’d helped Pebble Heart set hermother’s broken leg, and felt sure that they’d done the rightthing. She’d treated the gash in her throat with dock andhorsetail, just asMicah had taught her.And yet, it still oozedblood.

She sniffed the neck wound. Her pelt prickedwith alarm.Beneath thepungent tangofherbs, shesmelledsour infection.Whyhadn’tMicah’spoulticestoppeditfromturningbad?Wasthis wound what was making her mother so sick? IfMicah’sherbsweren’t strong enough to heal it,what herbs should sheuse?

Perhaps she should go and ask Pebble Heart.No. After amoon in ShadowClan, she knew his herb store aswell as herown.Therewerenoherbs thereshedidn’thavealready.WhataboutDappledPelt?Whenshe’dvisitedRiverClanwithMicah,theRiverClanmedicinecathadonly justbegun toexperimentwiththelushplantsgrowingalongtheriverbank.Perhapsshe’ddiscovered something new, something strong enough to fightWindRunner’sinfection.

“MothFlight?”HoneyPelt’smewinterruptedherthoughts.Hewaspeering at her from theden entrance. “Canyou comeandplayyet?”

She’dleftherkitsinthecareoftheClanwhileshe’dtendedtoWindRunner.

HoneyPelt’seyeswereroundwithworry.“Wemissyou.”

Guiltwormedinherbelly.“I’msorry,”shetoldhim.“IhavetolookafterWindRunner.”

HoneyPeltdidn’targue,butturnedaway,histaildrooping.MothFlight’sguiltdeepened.

Another shadowdarkened theentrance.ShesmelledGorseFur’sscentbeforeshecouldmakeouthispeltagainstthebrightsunlight.

“Howisshe?”GorseFur’smewwasgrimashepaddedin.HestoppedbesideWindRunnerandsniffedherpelt.

“Her fever’s getting worse,” Moth Flight confessed. “I’mnotsurewhattodo.”

A growl rolled in Gorse Fur’s throat. “This isn’t fair!” hesnapped. “After the Great Battle, I thought the Clans hadstopped acting like foxes! Can’t a new moon pass withoutbringingusfreshtroubles?”

Moth Flight got to her paws andmet her father’s gaze. “Iwillhealher,”shepromised.“I’mgoingtoRiverClantoseeifDappled Pelt has any herbs to treat the infection in her neckwound.WillyouwatchherwhileI’mgone?”

“Ofcourse.”AsGorseFursettledclosetohismate,MothFlightnodded

toward thewetmosspiledbesidehermother’smakeshiftnest.“Dripalittlewaterintohermoutheverynowandthen,”shetoldhim.“SendDustMuzzleorSpottedFur toget fresh if theoldmossdriesout.”

GorseFur’searstwitched.“Willyoubegonelong?”“I’llbeasquickasIcan.”MothFlightduckedfromtheden,

screwinguphereyesagainsttheharshsunshine.Slatewaslyingin the long grass outside her den. The gray she-cat was

recoveringfromhercough,butwasstillweak.StormPeltwasnosing through the prey pile with Swift Minnow. The otherhuntingpartieswerestilloutonthemoor.JaggedPeakhadbeenorganizing patrols whileWind Runner was sick, making surethepreypilewaswellstocked.

“MothFlight!”BlueWhisker’sexcitedmewsounded fromthesandyhollow.“Haveyoucometoplaywithus?”

MothFlightstiffened.“IhavetogoandspeakwithDappledPelt.”

SpiderPaw scrambled out of the hollow and stared at her.“Butyouhaven’tplayedwithusfordays!”

Honey Pelt andBubbling Stream stoppedwrestling besideBlue Whisker, untangling themselves and jumping to theirpaws.

“Justonebadgerride!”HoneyPeltmewed.“Please.”BubblingStreamblinkedathereagerly.MothFlight’s belly tightenedwith frustration.Digging her

claws into theearthshemetHoneyPelt’sgaze.“I’llplaywithyouasmuchasyoulikeonceWindRunneriswell.”

Slateheavedherselftoherpaws.“I’llplaywiththem,”shepuffed.

“Youneedtorest,”MothFlighttoldhersternly.StormPeltlookedupfromthepreypileandcalledtoHoney

Pelt.“OnceI’veeaten,I’llgiveyouabadgerride.”“Andme?” Bubbling Stream scrambled toward the young

tom.“Eagle Feather and Dew Nose will be back from hunting

patrolsoon,”StormPelttoldher.“Thenyoucanhaveasmanybadgerridesasyouwant.”

MothFlightglancedgratefullyatStormPelt.“Thankyou.”Sheheadedoverthetussockyclearingandhurriedoutofcamp.

The heather was browning after endless days of sunshine.MothFlight lookedat thehorizon,hopeflickeringinherbellyasshesawcloudsbubblinginthedistance.RainmighthelpcoolWind Runner’s fever. The feverfew leaves she’d given herhadn’thelped.

Sheheadeddownslope.Thedryheather jabbedherpelt asshenosedthroughit.Grasscrunchedbeneathherpaws.Assheneared the gorge, she heard the faint swish of the river farbelow.Slowingassheneared theedge,shefollowed thesteeptrail thatslopeddownthecliffandflattenedonto theshore. Innewleaf, theriverchurnedandfrothedbetweenthesheersidesof thegorge, swelledbymoonsof rainandsnowmelt.Now, itswirled smoothly, itsdeepcurrentspushingquietlyagainst thebank.MothFlightstoppedtolapwater,herthroatburningwiththirst,thenhurriedalongthebankasitopenedontomarshland.She could see stepping-stones ahead and remembered, with ajabofgrief,Micahwaitingforherthereonlyafewmoonsago.

Thistime,shewouldcrossthemalone.Micah?Sheliftedherfacetothesky,hopingStarClancould

hearher.HowcanImakeWindRunnerwellagain?The sun glared down at her, stinging her eyes, and she

hurried along the bank. If StarClan couldn’t help her, maybeDappledPeltcould.

She reached the stepping-stones and bounded across. Thesun-drenched rocks burned her pads and she paused on a lowstone to let the river lap over her paws, relishing the water’schill. She scanned the reeds ahead, searching for the opening

whereatrailwouldleadhertotheRiverClancamp.Fox scent touchedhernose.She stiffened,unnervedby its

freshness,andgazedalongtherivertowherethewatersplitthereed beds from the forest.Among the trees, birds chattered inthecoolshadows.Wingsflittedamongthebranches.Buttherewasnosignofaredpeltbetweenthetrunks.Sheleapedthelastfewstonesandlandedonthemarshybank,peltprickingasthefoxstenchgrewstronger.Shepaused,stretchingontoherhindlegs to peer over the reeds. Was a fox skulking there? Shecouldn’tturnback.SheneededtoreachDappledPelt.Paddingalongtheshore,sheprickedherears.Agapshowedinthereedwallbesideher.Herheartlifted.ItwasthetrailsheandMicahhadfollowedontheirfirstvisit.Sheopenedhermouth,lettingscentswashhertongue.Thefoxstenchwasstillstrong.

She paused. River Ripple would have smelled it surely?He’dhavesentpatrolstodrivethefoxawayfromhiscamp.Itmustbegonebynow.Sheignoredtheforebodinginherbelly.She’dhavetoriskit.WindRunner’slifedependedonher.

Assheduckedintothereeds,squealssoundedbehindher.Herheartlurchedassherecognizedthedesperatemewls.“SpiderPaw!”“Helphim!”“He’lldrown!”SheturnedandsawHoneyPelt,BubblingStream,andBlue

Whiskerclusteredonastepping-stoneinthemiddleoftheriver.Theyhuddled,furbushed,andstaredatthewaterflowingawayfromthem.

MothFlightfollowedtheirgaze,horrorsparkingthroughherfur. Her heart lurched as a paw jutted from the water,

disappearingagainasthecurrentsweptitonward.Lightningseemedtojoltthroughher.Shepeltedtowardthe

stepping stones, ignoring the surprised squeals of Honey PeltandBubblingStream.

“MothFlight!”“SpiderPawfellin!”Shehadalreadyplungedintothewater.Thechillofittook

her breath. Gulping, she struggled for the surface and flaileddesperatelytowardthetinywhirlpool,whichwasallshecouldsee of Spider Paw. The current grabbed her and spun her,dragging at her fur. Fighting to keep hermuzzle abovewater,shekickedfiercelywithherlegs,tryingtosteerherselftowardSpiderPaw.Theriverdraggedherdown,suckingatherpelt.Aswater closed over her head, she blinked open her eyes, panicsendingherthoughtsspiralingintoterror.SpiderPaw.

MothFlightforcedherselftofocus,strainingtoseethroughthe stinging water. It clouded around her and dragged herdownstream. She kicked out determinedly, pushing herselfupwarduntilherheadbroke thesurface longenough to takeadesperate gulp. The squeals of Bubbling Stream, Honey Pelt,andBlueWhiskerseemedfaraway.Shecouldhardlyhearthemaswater gurgled in her ears.Reeds blurred at the edge of hervisionastheriversweptherunderagain.

Prepared this time, she struck out with her hind legs andscannedthemurkywater.Apaleshapeshowedahead,whitefurin the spinning current.SpiderPaw! Blood roared in her earsand she flailed, trying to swim. She shot forward, closing thegapbetweenherandSpiderPaw.Reachingoutwithaforepaw,shefeltfursnagbetweenherclaws.Shegrabbeditandfought

oncemoreforthesurface.Shebrokeintofreshair,abundleflailingagainstherchest.

Itsscentfilledhernose.ItwasdefinitelySpiderPaw.Churning her hind paws, she managed to keep her head

abovewater.Dizzywith fearanddisorientatedby theswirlingriver, she looked for the bank, her heart sinking as she saw itacrossavaststretchofwater.

Icanmakeit!Grittingherteeth,shesteeredherselftowardit, fearsparking througheveryhairas thestrugglingbundle inher claws grew limp.Gruntingwith effort, she tried to heaveSpider Paw above the surface. “Lift your head!” she orderedsharply. “Breathe!” She shook her paw, desperately trying torousehimasshestruggledclosertothebank.

Hismuzzledraggedthroughthewater.Ishedead?Her hind paws hit stones and she scrabbled to find her

footingastheriverbedrosetomeetthem.Limping,shedraggedSpiderPawfromthewaterandlaidhimonthepebblyshore.

Panic scorched beneath her pelt as she stared at hisbedraggled body. His muzzle lolled to one side. His pawsfloppedontothestones.“SpiderPaw!”Hermindcloudedwithdread.Herpawsfrozebeneathher.

MothFlight.Adistantvoicesoundedinherears.RememberwhatDappledPeltdid.

“Micah?” Moth Flight gazed numbly around as sherecognizedhiscalmmew.

RememberDrizzle.Of course! Pushing fear away, Moth Flight lifted her

forepaws and rested them on Spider Paw’s white chest. She

began pumping, her thoughts clearing. Juniper Branch’s kit!She’d done this before! Spider Paw was much stronger.“Breathe!”shegrowled,pumpingharder.

SpiderPawjerkedsuddenlybeneathherpawsandcoughedupwater.

Sherolledhimquicklyontohissideandmassagedhisflank.Thensheglancedupstream.Theriverhadcarriedherfarfromthestepping-stones.She’dclimbedoutbesidethereedbeds,onRiverClan’s side.Shenarrowedher eyes, searching forHoneyPelt,BubblingStream,andBlueWhisker.

Thestepping-stoneswereempty.Her pelt spiked with fear as fox scent touched her nose.

“Hurry!” She nosed Spider Paw up. “We have to find yourlittermatesandgetoutofhere.”Hardlydaring to lookaround,shegrabbedSpiderPaw’sscruffandpickedhimup.Hechurnedhispawsindignantlyasshecarriedhimalongthebanktowardthestepping-stones.Wherearethey?Shescannedthefarshore,hergaze flittingover thewater and toward the reedbeds.Herheart lifted. Three shapes crouched at the water’s edge,shadowedbythereeds.They’dcrossedthestepping-stonesandwerewaitingforheronthissideoftheriver.Sheracedtowardthem, scrambling to a halt and dropping Spider Paw besideHoneyPelt.

Foxstenchstillsouredtheair.“Come on!” She began to herd them toward the stepping-

stones. “We have to get out of here.” Alone, she had beenwillingtoriskmeetingthefox,butherkitswouldbeeasypreyforit.Shehadtogetthemoutofdanger.

As theyreached thecrossing,shedarted in front.“Waiton

theshore,”shetoldthem.“I’llcarryyouacrossoneatatime.”She wasn’t going to let another kit fall in. Snatching BlueWhisker by the scruff, she bounded across the stones anddroppedheronthefarshore.Racingback,shescannedthereedbeds, her heart pounding as she looked for flashes of red furamongthestems.

Therewasno signof fox, only its stenchheavy in the air.ShegrabbedSpiderPawandcarriedhim,dangling,across theriver.Boundingback,shethankedDappledPeltsilentlyforthemanytripsacrossthestepping-stones.Herpawsseemedtofindtherockswithouther looking.ShepickedupBubblingStreamand turned, grit cracking beneath her paws. Leaping over thestonesathirdtime,shesetBubblingStreamdownbesideBlueWhiskerandturnedbackforHoneyPelt.

Theyellowkitwasalreadyhalfwayacrossthestones.MothFlightfroze,hereyeswideningwithfear.“I’mokay!”HoneyPeltpausedandmethergaze.Hardlybreathing,MothFlightwatchedhimboundontothe

next stone. His paws skidded on the rock, but he kept hisbalance and leaped for the next. Two more stones and hereachedtheshore.

MothFlightstaredathim,angerchurningbesideprideinherbelly.“Whydidyoucomehere?”shesnapped.“It’snotsafe!”

BlueWhiskerstaredatherwithroundeyes.“Butyoucamehere,”shemewedanxiously.

“Iknowhowtotakecareofmyself.”MothFlightjerkedhergaze towardSpiderPaw. “I can cross the riverwithout fallingin.”

Spider Paw looked tiny, his wet pelt slicked against his

bones.Heblinkedather,hisgreeneyesglitteringwithguilt.Moth Flight’s heart twisted. She’d nearly lost him! She

pressed hermuzzle against his cheek, then began lapping thewaterfromhisfur.

Honey Pelt nudged her flank. “Shouldn’t we go?” hemewed.“Icansmellfox.”

Moth Flight blinked at him. Then she glanced toward thereedbeds.SheneededtospeakwithDappledPelt.Butfirst,shehadtogetherkitsoutofdanger.“Followme,”sheordered.Sheledthewayalongtheshore,headingforthegorgeandthesteeptrailontothemoor.

Astheyreachedthetop,hershouldersloosened.Freshwindwhipped down from the moortop, clearing the stench of foxfromhernose.Shenosedherkits forwardandbegan toguidethemtowardcamp.

Astheynearedthehollow,shespottedGorseFurandStormPelt zigzagging over the grass. Gorse Fur lifted his tail as hesawherandcalledtoStormPelt.“They’resafe!”

The toms raced to meet her, slithering to a halt as theyneared.

“I don’t know how they snuck out,” Storm Pelt panted.“GorseFurwasattheentrance.”

HoneyPelt liftedhisnose.“Weused the tunnelWhiteTailshowedme.”

GorseFureyedthekitssternly.“Youweresupposedtostayincamp.”

Bubbling Stream glared at him. “Wewanted to findMothFlight.”

“Shewasbytheriver,”BlueWhiskertoldhimbreathlessly.

“Ifellin,”SpiderPawannounced.GorseFur’speltspiked.“MothFlighthadtosaveme,”SpiderPawexplained.MothFlightshookoutherdrippingpelt.Asherfearebbed,

irritationprickled inherpaws.Shewassupposed tobeaskingDappled Pelt about herbs forWind Runner, not escorting herkitshome.Hermother’slifewasatstake.ShelookedatGorseFur.“Ihavetogoback.”

HoneyPeltlookedalarmed.“Butthere’safox.”Moth Flight glanced toward the gorge. “River Ripple will

havesentapatroltodriveitawaybynow.”Blue Whisker pressed against her flank. “But what if he

hasn’t?”Moth Flight ignored her. There wasn’t time to worry.

“How’sWindRunner?”sheaskedGorseFur.“She’stalking,”hetoldher.“Butherwordsdon’tmakeany

sense. She opened her eyes for a while, but it was like shecouldn’tseeme.”

MothFlight’sheartquickened.Herfevermustbeworse.Sheturned away. “DappledPeltwill knowwhat to do.”She racedforthegorge.“Watchthekits!”

“Whataboutthefox?”StormPeltcalledafterher.“I’lldealwiththatifIhaveto.Juststaywiththekits!”Moth

Flight felt the wind whip her words away as she hurtleddownslope.

Would Dappled Pelt know? Fear crawled beneath her fur.WhatiftheRiverClanmedicinecatcouldn’thelp?ShecouldgotoCloudSpots.OrAcornFur.Hermindbegantospin.WhatifnoneofthemknewhowtosaveWindRunner?

Ihavetotry.Shepushedharderagainstthegrass,thewindsinginginherears.

Orange-and-whitefurshowedatthetopofthegorge.MothFlight slowed, narrowing her eyes. Dappled Pelt! Thetortoiseshellshe-catwaspaddingtowardher.

MothFlightracedtomeether.DappledPelt’seyesshonewithreliefasMothFlightskidded

toahaltinfrontofher.“Ismelledyourscentbesidetheriver.”“Iwascomingtoseeyou.”MothFlightcaughtherbreath.“There’sbeenafoxhuntingonourland,”DappledPelttold

her.“Iwasworriedithadhurtyou.”“Ismelledit,”MothFlighttoldher.“RiverRipplesentoutpatrolstochaseitoff.”DappledPelt

flickedhertail.“Whydidyouwanttoseeme?”“WindRunner’ssick,”MothFlighttoldher.“Ithinkit’san

infection inherneckwound. I’ve trieddockandhorsetail,butthewound smells sour and she has a fever.Do you have anyherbsIcouldtry?”

DappledPelt frowned. “It soundsas though the infection’sgone too deep for poultices,” she meowed gravely. “I don’tknowanyherbsthatcanfightitfrominside.”

FurliftedalongMothFlight’sspine.“Thenthere’snothingIcan do?” She glanced toward the forest, not waiting for ananswer.“PerhapsCloudSpotswillknow.”

Dappled Pelt followed her gaze, her eyes dark. “Perhaps.”Shedidn’tsoundconvinced.“WindRunner’sfatemightbeforStarClantodecide.”

“No!” What if nothing could save Wind Runner?HelplessnessswampedMothFlight,thegroundseemingtoshift

beneath her paws. “Theremust be something I can do! I’m ahealer!”

Dappled Pelt dropped her gaze. “Somewounds cannot behealed.”

Moth Flight’s thoughts spun. She stared desperately atDappledPelt,butthetortoiseshellwasavoidinghergaze.

Suddenly,greenwingsflutteredattheedgeofhervision.Sherecognizedthematonce.Themoth!Turningsharply,shesawit—thebeautiful,great

moththathadledhertoHighstones.Why had it come back now? She stared at it, energy

sparkinginherpaws.Itcircledherthenflittedupslope,dancingon the breeze as it had all thosemoons ago, as though itwasbeckoningher.

MothFlightglancedatDappledPelt.Hadsheseenittoo?The RiverClan medicine cat was gazing at the moth, her

eyesglitteringwithcuriosity.Themothflutteredfartheruphill,andpausedagain.“Itwantsmetofollowit,”MothFlightbreathed.Dappled Pelt leaned forward, her pelt pricking. “Then

followit,”shemurmured.Hope flickering in her chest, Moth Flight raced after the

moth.Didithavetheanswershe’dbeensearchingfor?CouldthegreenmothshowherhowtosaveWindRunner’s

life?

CHAPTER33

AsMothFlightfollowedthemothupslope,achillybreezeliftedherfur.Sheglancedoverhershoulderandsawcloudsrollinginbehindher,darkeningtheskyovertheforestandmarshes.Rainwascoming.

She ran quicker, skirting the camp as the moth flutteredfartherandfartherahead.

Wait forme!Moth Flight suddenly realized how tired shewas.ThedaysoftendingtoWindRunnerandthelongrunbackand forth to the river hadworn her out. But she had to keepgoing.Themothwasshowinghersomething.

But what? She paused as she reached the high moor, thegroundslopingawayaheadofher,rollingdownintothevalleytowardHighstones.

The moth flitted on andMoth Flight followed it over thecrest of the slope and raced downhill. It wants me to go toHighstones again! Her heart lifted. Perhaps StarClan waswaiting therewith advice.Were they going to tell her how tocureWindRunner?

Themothstopped,hoveringon thebreeze.Then itduckedpastMothFlight,headingbacktowardthemoor.

Moth Flight turned in surprise, skidding on the grass.“Whereareyougoing?”She racedafter itandwatched itbobdownslope toward the camp. It halted again and shivered inmidairwhileshecaughtup.

Frustration surged beneath Moth Flight’s pelt. “Where do

youwantmetogo?”shedemanded.The moth bobbed once more toward Highstones. Moth

Flight turned to follow but, the moment she did, the mothheadedbacktowardcamp.There, ithungin theair, lettingthewindtossitoneway,thentheother.

“Makeupyourmind!”MothFlightfroze,herangermelting.Aroundherthewindgrewstronger,sharpwiththescentofrain.Her dreams of the Moonstone flashed in her mind. The catsshe’dseentherehadallbeenaccompaniedbyaClanmate.Andwhen they arrived, StarClan had given them something.MothFlightpluckedimpatientlyatthegrass,thinkinghard.Sheknewitmustmeansomething.Something thatmatterednow! That’swhyStarClanhadsentthemothtofetchher.

Notjustme!MothFlightunderstood.Asthefirstdropsfellfromthedarkeningclouds,sheblinkedatthemoth.“Youwantme to bringWind Runner!” The moth fluttered closer to thecamp, as though agreeing. Moth Flight hurried after it. “YouwantmetoleadhertotheMoonstone!”

Assheyowled into thewind, themoth flutteredhigher, itsgreenwingsbrightagainstthegraysky.Deepinherbelly,MothFlightknewshewasright.StarClanwaswaiting togiveWindRunnerthesamegiftthey’dgiventheothercatsinherdreams.Woulditsaveherlife?

She had to try. Narrowing her eyes against the thickeningrain,MothFlightracedforcamp.

Spotted Fur, Fern Leaf, and Dust Muzzle were carryingfreshprey toward thepreypile.Theystared in surpriseas shepassedthem.SwiftMinnowwasnosingSlatetowardtheshelterofthecampwall,whileReedTailslidintoRocky’sden,awad

ofcomfreyinhisjaws.BlackEarsatproudlybeneaththetallrock,ignoringtherain

battering his muzzle. A freshly killed rabbit lay beside him.HoneyPelt,BubblingStream,andSpiderPawcrowdedaroundhim,theirpeltssoaked.“LookwhatIcaught!”hecalledtoMothFlightassheboundedpast.

Sheslowed,glancingattherabbit.Bubbling Stream was sniffing it, her ears twitching with

excitement.“I’mgoingtocatcharabbitsoon,”shemewed.Moth Flight paused. “Go and shelter with Slate and Swift

Minnow,”shetoldthemdistractedly.Herattentionwasfixedonherden.HowwasshegoingtoexplainherplantoGorseFur?CouldWindRunnerevenmakeittoHighstones?Shehasto!

Bubbling Stream scrambled out of the hollow. “MothFlight!”Hurtedgedhermewashermotherheadedaway.

“Notnow!”MothFlightcalled.“I’mbusy!”Spider Paw jumped out of the hollow and blinked at her.

“Youpromisedyou’dplaywithus!”“Shouldn’t you be taking care of your kits?” Jagged Peak

padded from the shelter of the gorse, his eyes narrow withinterest,whileHollywatchedfromtheshadowsbehind.

MothFlightignoredhim.Sheslidintoherden.“I’vehadasignfromStarClan,”shetoldGorseFur.

Her father was crouched beside Wind Runner. He jerkedaround,hispeltprickingnervously.“Isshegoingtobeokay?”

“IhavetotakehertotheMoonstone.”MothFlighttriedtocatchherbreath.

“Highstones!” Gorse Fur leaped up, eyes blazing. “Shecan’ttravel!”HeswunghisnosetowardWindRunner.Shelay

sprawledonthebedofheather,hercomfrey-wrappedlegjuttingawkwardly.Hereyeswerehalfclosed,whitesshowingthroughtheslits.

Moth Flight stiffened, fear stabbing her heart. Was WindRunner dead? She ducked down beside theWindClan leader,relievedtofeelhermother’sflankstremble.Herbreathwasfast.Heatpulsedfromherpelt.

“I’ll mix her some herbs to give her strength for thejourney.”MothFlighthurriedtoherstore,pluckingleavesfrombetweenthegorsestems.

“No!” Gorse Fur growled. “You’re not taking heranywhere.”

Moth Flight shredded a pawful of feverfew and rippednettle,catmint,andcoltsfootontothepile.Shesprinkledpoppyseeds over it, hoping they’d ease her mother’s pain withoutmaking her sleepy. She had to do everything she could to getWindRunnertotheMoonstone.

Gorse Fur’s breath billowed over her ears. “Did you hearme?”

MothFlightlookedathim.“Ican’tsitandwatchherdie.”“Youcan’ttakeherouttheretodie!”GorseFur’speltspiked

withfury.“Ifshe’sgoingtodie,sheshouldbewithherClan.”“If I can get her to theMoonstone, shewon’t die!”Moth

Flightglaredatherfather.“StarClanisguidingme.Iknowit!”Ashadowmovedat thedenentrance. JaggedPeakslid in,hispeltwetwithrain.“HaveyouspokenwithStarClan?”

MothFlightmethisgaze.“Inmydreams,yes!”“AndtheytoldyoutotakeWindRunnertotheMoonstone?”

JaggedPeaktippedhishead.

“Notexactly,”MothFlightsnapped.“ButIknowthat’swhattheymeant.”

JaggedPeaknarrowedhiseyes.“Youthinkthat’swhattheymeant.”

MothFlightgrowled.“Iknowit.”GorseFurpaddedtoWindRunner’ssideandgazeddownat

her.“She’sinnostatetotravel.”“Shewillbe.”MothFlightgrabbedamouthfulofshredded

leavesandpushedpasthim.ShespatthescrapsontotheheatherbesideWindRunner’smuzzle.“WindRunner,canyouswallowthese?”

WindRunnermoanedsoftly,butdidn’topenhereyes.PanicflashedinMothFlight’sbelly.“Leaveherinpeace!”MothFlight felther father’sclawsdragherbackward.She

turnedonhim,hissing.“Youhavetotrustme!YouhavetotrustStarClan!WhenHalfMoonmademeamedicinecat, she toldmethattheClans’destinywouldonedaydependonme.”

JaggedPeakleanedforward,earsflat.“WhathasthisgottodowiththeClans’destiny?”

“Idon’tknow!”MothFlight trembledwith rage.“Butyouhavetoletmefindout.”

Furbrushed theheatherat thedenentrance.AgentlemewsoundedbehindJaggedPeak.“Trusther,GorseFur.”

DustMuzzle! Gratitude sweptMoth Flight as she saw herbrother’ssolemngaze.HepaddedpastJaggedPeakandstoppedinfrontofhisfather.“Hassheeverbeenwrong?”

GorseFurhesitated,hiseyesglitteringwithfear.HeglancedatWind Runner, then atMoth Flight. Finally, he dropped his

gaze.“No.”“ThenlethertakeWindRunner,”DustMuzzlemurmured.GorseFurbegantotremble.“Butshe’lldie.”“Don’t be frightened, Gorse Fur.”Wind Runner’s parched

mewsoundedfromtheheather.MothFlightjerkedaroundtoseehermotherblinkingupat

them.GorseFurturnedbesideher.WindRunnerwenton.“Everycatmustdie.ButIwon’tgo

withoutafight.IamWindClan’sleaderandImustshowIhavecourage. It will give my Clan courage. I will go to theMoonstonewithMothFlight.”

MothFlight’sheartleaped.Shetrustsme!JaggedPeak staredat theWindClan leader, his eyes round

withsurprise.“Butyou’retooweak!”“I’ll find the strength.”WindRunner’s eyeswere clouded

withpain.“Eat these.”Moth Flight nosed the shredded leaves closer

andWindRunnerturnedherheadtolapthemfromtheheather.She swallowed and gazed into Moth Flight’s eyes. “I am

proudofyou,MothFlight.Youarereadytofightforwhatyoubelievein.”

Joy washed through Moth Flight’s pelt. Wind Runnerstruggledontoher threegoodpaws, gruntingwithpain asherbroken leg trailed on the ground, held stiff by the swaths ofcomfrey. At once, Moth Flight ducked down beside her andeased the wrappings enough for her to tuck her hind pawbeneathher.

Limping on three legs, Wind Runner headed past Jagged

Peak.GorseFurhurriedafterher.“I’mcomingwithyou!”WindRunnerswungherheadaround.“No.”GorseFurblinkedather,clearlyshocked.“But—”She cut him off. “If I don’t make it back,WindClan will

needyou.”SheglancedatJaggedPeak.“GorseFurwillbethenextleader.”Limpingoutoftheden,sheleftGorseFurgazingafterher.

MothFlight’spawstrembledasshesawthehelplessgriefonherfather’sface.

“I’llmakesureshecomeshome,”shepromiseddesperately.Please,StarClan.Saveher!

Shefollowedhermotherintotheclearing.Rainbatteredherface. It pounded the clearing and pooled among the tussocks.Thewide,darkskygloweredoverthecamp.ShefeltfurbrushherflankasDustMuzzlestoppedbesideher.

“We’recomingwithyou.”HebeckonedSpottedFurwithaflickofhistail.

SpottedFurlookedupfromthemousehewaseatingbesidethedrenchedpreypile.Hiseyesrounded,questioningly.

“We’re taking Wind Runner to the Moonstone,” DustMuzzlecalled.

Spotted Fur leaped to his paws and hurried to join them.“Canshewalkthatfar?”HisgazefollowedWindRunner.Shewaspaddingclumsilythroughthetussocks.

Hollydartedoutfromtheshelterofthegorse.“She’stooilltoleavecamp!”

SwiftMinnowstaredafterherleader.“WindRunner!Comeback!”

“Where’s she going?” Storm Pelt stopped, Spider Pawclinging to his broad shoulders. Honey Pelt and BubblingStreamstoodbesidehim,theirearspricked.

Moth Flight blinked at Storm Pelt. “I’m taking her to theMoonstone.”

“You’veonlyjustgotback!”HoneyPeltmewed.SpiderPawshooktherainfromhispelt.“Staywithus!”MothFlightavoidedtheirgaze.Ican’t,my loves. Ihave to

saveWindRunner.Herheartseemedtocrackinsideherchest.Gorse Fur padded from themedicine den.His gaze swept

thewatchingcats. “This is somethingWindRunnermustdo.”He nodded to Moth Flight. “StarClan has called her and shemustgo.”

MothFlightracedbacktoherfatherandpressedhercheekagainsthis.“I’lltakecareofher,”shewhisperedbeforepullingawayandheadingafterWindRunner.

“Moth Flight!” Blue Whisker’s mew sounded beside theheatherwall.MothFlight turned toseeherkit,coweringfromtherain.Herwetpeltclungtohertinyframe.Shestaredathermotheranxiously.“Areyouleavingagain?”

Moth Flight hurried to her kit and snatched her up by herscruff. Bounding across the tussocks, she dropped her at theentrancetoRocky’sdenandnosedherinside.“Keepherwarmand dry while I’m gone!” Her mew echoed into the heathercave.

ReedTailstuckhisheadout.“I’m takingWindRunner to theMoonstone,”MothFlight

toldhim.“TakecareoftheClan.I’llbebackassoonasIcan.”“MothFlight!”BlueWhisker’splaintivemewsoundedfrom

theshadows.Rocky’srumblingpurransweredher.“She’llbebacksoon.”Moth Flight turned away, sorrowweighing like a stone in

herbelly.Raindropsstreamedfromherwhiskers.I’msorry,kits.Ihavetodothis.

Spotted Fur and Dust Muzzle had already reached WindRunner. They walked on either side, pressing their shouldersagainst hers to support her. Moth Flight hurried after them,catchingupastheyreachedthecampentrance.

Outside, the rain streaked the moorside, whipped by thewind.WindRunner’s facewas stiffwithpain,her eyes firmlyfixedahead.MothFlightslidintothelead,choosingtheeasiestpathtothemoortop.

Shereachedthecrestfirstandlookedback,stiffeningassherealized how far behind Wind Runner had fallen, even withSpottedFurandDustMuzzlesupportingher.Sheglancedatthesky,wishingthecloudswouldclear.She’dbeenrabbit-brainedto hope for rain! Where’s the sun? Was it slipping towardHighstonesyet?Theymustget therebefore themoon rose. Inherdreams,theMoonstonehadblazedwithmoonlightwhentheothercatshadmetStarClan.WindRunnermustbetherewhenitdid.

Whatifthecloudsdidn’tclear?Whatifmoonlightcouldn’ttouchthestone?Herpeltspiked.Shepushedawaythethought.Justgetherthere!ShebeckonedDustMuzzletohurry,flickinghertailurgently.Hegazedatherpleadingly.Sheknewhewasdoing his best. They couldn’t risk pushing Wind Runner toohard.Buttheyhadtogettheretonight.MothFlightguessedthathermothercouldn’tsurviveanotherday’sragingfever.

She gazed through the rain to the Thunderpath below.Monstersroared,thunderinginbothdirections,theireyeslitup,sprayingwallsofwaterintheirwake.

HowwouldtheygetWindRunneracross?She hurried down the slope, leaving Dust Muzzle and

Spotted Fur to follow with Wind Runner. As she neared thebottom, where the Thunderpath cut through the grass, sheslowed.Monster stench stung her eyes and burned her throat.Theground trembledbeneathherpaws.Shewatched thegapsbetween monsters, trying to judge whether there would beenoughtimetogetWindRunnerbetweenthem.

When she glanced back, her heart sank. Spotted Fur andDustMuzzlewerestillnearthetopoftheslope.She’llneverbefastenough!Heart racing, she pelted toward them, circling asshe reached them. Wind Runner hardly seemed to focus hergaze. Moth Flight thrust her muzzle close, smelling the rankstenchofinfectioninhermother’sbreath.Thenshesawbloodseepingfromthewoundinherneck.Raindrippedfromherfur,reddenedbyherblood. I should have brought cobwebs!MothFlightcursedherselfforbeingsodumb.

“How’sshedoing?”sheaskedDustMuzzle.WindRunnerpausedandliftedhergazehazily.“I’mdoing

okay,”sherasped.Itwas strange forMothFlight to seehermother soweak.

She’dalwaysseemedstrongerthananycat.DustMuzzle exchangeda lookwithMothFlight.She saw

fear flash in his eyes as he glimpsed the busy Thunderpath.“We’llnevergetheracrossthere!”

“Wehaveto,”MothFlighttoldhim.

SpottedFurnarrowedhiseyes.“Ifweget the timingright,wecouldjustdoit.”

MothFlightlookedathimhopefully.“Wemighthavetostopinthemiddle,”headded.“Stopinthemiddle?”MothFlightcouldhardlybelieveher

ears.DustMuzzlewas followingSpottedFur’sgaze. “There’s a

narrow channel where the monsters pass each other. If theydon’ttoucheachother,theywon’ttouchus.”

MothFlight’sbellytwistedwithfearassherealizedthey’dhavetotry.Itwastheironlychance.“Okay.”SheturnedtowardtheThunderpathandheadedslowlytowardit.

She could hear hermother’s breathing as she struggled tokeep up. Wind Runner was fighting for every breath. Herinjuredhindpawwastuckedbeneathher.MothFlightcouldn’timagine the pain that compelled her to keep it from trailingalongtheground.

She fixedher thoughts aheadbefore fear couldoverwhelmher.We’regoingtodothis!

AstheynearedtheThunderpath,shebegantojudgethegapsbetweenthemonstersoncemore.Astheraingrewheavier,themonstersseemedtoslow,thegapsbetweenthemwidening.

“Come on!” They had to cross while the rain was at itsheaviest.Shecrouchedattheedgeoftheblackstone,screwinguphereyesasamonsterhurtledpast.FilthywaterarcedlikeawaveoverherbackandsprayedSpottedFur,DustMuzzle,andWindRunnerastheycaughtup.

“Give me a moment to catch my breath,” Wind Runnergrowled.SheslumpedasDustMuzzlesteppedaway,herflanks

heaving.MothFlightleanedclosetohermuzzle.“IhopeIcanbeas

braveasyouoneday.”WindRunnerliftedhergaze.“Youalreadyare.”“Let’sgo!”DustMuzzlenosedMothFlightaway,pressing

hardagainstWindRunner.Awidegaphadopenedbetweentwomonsters.

This was their chance. Moth Flight hopped onto theThunderpath, pausing to make sure Wind Runner wasfollowing. Spotted Fur and Dust Muzzle half carried theWindClanleaderontothestone.WindRunnerfoughttofindherpaws.“Icandothis!”shehissedthroughgrittedteeth.Shakingthetomsaway,shelimpedforward.MothFlightturnedtofacetheoncomingmonster.Itpoundedtowardthem,itseyesflaring.Anothermonsterhurtledtowardthemfromtheotherdirection.

“Wait here!” Spotted Fur screeched, throwing himselfagainstWindRunner.MothFlightduckedintohermother.DustMuzzlepressedagainstthem.MothFlightscreweduphereyes,andherheartseemedtoburstasthetwomonstersscreamedpastoneitherside.Foulwaterdrenchedherpeltasthegroundshookbeneathherpaws.

“Move!”DustMuzzle’sorderwassharp.MothFlightopenedhereyesandsawthatthewaytothefar

sidewasclear.WindRunnerstraightenedwithagroanofpainandhobbled

towardtheverge.SpottedFurpushedhisshoulderbeneathherand urged her on. The roar of another monster screamed inMothFlight’sears.Sheturnedherhead,blindedbytheglareofitseyes.

“Don’t look!Run!” Dust Muzzle shoved her forward andshestumbledovertheedgeoftheThunderpath,collapsingontothemuddygrassbeyondasthepawofamonsterwhiskedpasthertail.Thewindfromitspassingtuggedherdrippingfur.

“WindRunner!” She looked around, fear shrilling throughher.WindRunnerwaslyingonthegrassatail-lengthahead.

SpottedFurhalfcradledheragainsthisbelly.Hestruggledfrombeneath her. “I fell,” he grunted, shaking rainwater fromhisfur.DustMuzzlehurriedtohelpWindRunnertoherpaws.

MothFlightwasonhisheels.“Areyouokay?”Shesniffedhermother’sbroken leg.Theswathsofcomfreywerehangingfromitloosely.WindRunnerflinchedasshetoucheditwithhernose.

Moth Flight looked into her mother’s eyes, seeing agonyspark in their amber depths. Then she looked back at theThunderpath. Monsters streaked back and forth, picking upspeedastherainbegantoease.Thegapsclosedbetweenthem.Therewasnowaybacknow.Theyhadtokeepgoing.

“Can you do this?” She searched Wind Runner’s gaze,prayingshe’dsayyes.

Wind Runner nodded and struggled to her paws. DustMuzzleandSpottedFurflankedher.

MothFlightblinkedthroughtherain,scanningthemeadowsahead. Perhaps she’d find some poppy seeds along the way.Anythingtoeasehermother’ssuffering.

They crossed the sodden fields slowly.Mud clung to theirpaws as they skirted meadows and squeezed beneathhedgerows. Every few steps, Moth Flight glanced up atHighstones, hoping each time that they’d loom larger. But it

seemed that, with each paw step, the great, dark cliffs weremovingfartheraway.We’llnevermakeit!Staringattheground,Moth Flight trudged on. She could hear Wind Runnerswallowingbackgaspsofagony.Rainthrummedherpeltasthefieldsaroundthemdarkened.Shefocusedonthemudcloggingherpawsasshetriedtoblockthefearchurninginherbelly.SheflattenedherearsagainstthepainedgrowlingofWindRunner.

WasIwrong?Doubtslicedintoherthoughts.Whatifshe’dmisunderstoodherdreams?WhatifthemothhadnothingtodowithStarClan?Mothsandbutterfliesdancedacrosstheheatherallgreenleaf.Whywasthisonespecial?

Sheliftedherhead,blinkingatSpottedFurandDustMuzzleas they helped Wind Runner squeeze beneath a hedge. Shecould hardly see them in the darkness.Duskwas passing andnightrollingin.

Hadtheycomeallthiswayfornothing?Shestopped,frozenwithfear.

“Moth Flight?” Dust Muzzle’s call jerked her from herthoughts. She stared at him as he turned from the hedge andheadedtowardher.“Areyouallright?”

“WhatifIwaswrong?”shewhispered.“You’reneverwrong,”DustMuzzletoldher.MothFlighthardlyheardhim.“GorseFursaidthatifshe’s

goingtodie,sheshouldbewithherClan.Andwe’vetakenherawayfromthem.”

“She’s with us.” Dust Muzzle leaned closer, keeping hismewlow.“Andshe’snotgoingtodie.”

MothFlight looked past him.She could justmake out theshapesofSpottedFurandWindRunnerbeyondthehedge.The

WindClan leaderwas lyingon theground.MothFlightdartedforward, panic spiraling in her chest. She wriggled under thehedge and sniffed Wind Runner’s muzzle. Was she stillbreathing?

“I’mjustresting,”WindRunnergrunted.MothFlight’spawstrembledbeneathherasreliefswepther

pelt.“Did you think I’d give upwhenwewere so close?” She

lifted her chin from the muddy earth and looked towardHighstones.

MothFlightblinkedinsurprise.Theywerenearlythere!Asshegazedupatthesheercliffface,greenwingsflutteredaboveher.She lookedupandsawthemothbobbing toward thedarkopeninginthestone.

HopeflaredinMothFlight’sbelly.Imusttrustmyselfmore!“Comeon!”ShenosedWindRunnergently toherpaws. “Wehavetogettherebeforethemoondoes.”

“Areweracingthemoon?”WindRunnerglancedatheroutofthecornerofhereye,amusementflashingthroughherpain.“IalwaystoldGorseFuryouwereastrangeone....”

AffectionopenedlikeaflowerinMothFlight’schest.ThenWindRunnercoughed,herpawsbucklingbeneathher.

MothFlight smelled the scent of freshblood.Shepressedhershoulder against hermother’s asDustMuzzle slid around theother side. Wind Runner’s fur felt warm and wet and MothFlightguessedthatherneckwoundwasbleedingheavilynow.Pleaselethermakeit.PrayingtoStarClan,shebegantoguideWindRunneronward.IjusthopetheMoonstonecansaveyou.

CHAPTER34

“Youhavetowaithere.”MothFlightgazedsolemnlyatSpottedFur.ShenoddedtoDustMuzzle.“Youtoo.”

TheyhadmanagedtohaulWindRunnerover thestonelipofthecave.WindRunnerleanedagainstDustMuzzle,hereyesclouded.Shemurmuredunderherbreath.“Where’sGorseFur?TellhimI’mcoming.”

MothFlightglancedathermotheranxiously.WindRunnerwasclearlylostinafeverishworldofpain.

Dust Muzzle peered into the darkness at the back of thecave.“Where’stheMoonstone?”

“It’sdownatunnel,”MothFlighttoldhim.“Canyougethertherealone?”“Imust.”Shewastheirmedicinecat.Shealonemustguide

hermothertoStarClan.Spotted Fur shifted his paws uneasily. “We could help her

thereandthenleave.”Moth Flight hesitated. Wind Runner was exhausted.Do I

reallyhavethestrengthtohelpherthoughthetunnel?Outside,thecloudswereclearing,revealingthenightsky.Starsstretchedto thedistantmoor.Somuchdependsonme. Spotted Fur andDustMuzzlewerehunters—moorrunnerswhofedtheClan.Mybond with StarClan is special. Her belly hardened. She metSpottedFur’sgaze.“Imustdothisalone.”

Sliding between Wind Runner and Dust Muzzle, shestaggered as she tookWindRunner’sweight. “Comeon,” she

whispered,hopinghermothercouldhearher.Wind Runner padded forward unsteadily. Moth Flight

pressed her paws hard against the stone, trying to keep herbalanceasshesteeredtheWindClanleadertowardthebackofcave.Asdarkness swallowed them, shebecamesharplyawareofhermother’sraspingbreathandthescuffingoftheirpawsastheylimpedtogetherintothetunnel.Theairgrewcold,swirlingaround them like freezing water. The tunnel sloped beneathMothFlight’spaws.ThedankscentofstonewasmaskedbytheirontangofWindRunner’sblood.Adropletsmackedthetunnelfloor.MothFlightfeltitsprayherpaws.Anotherdropfell,thesoundringingaroundthestonewalls.

MothFlight pushed on faster, heaving hermother forwardwitheverystep.Don’tdie.Herheartquickened.WindRunner’sdripping blood spattered her fur. Ignoring the fear that wastightening like bindweed around her heart, she focused onmovingforward,lettingherwhiskersbrushthecavewallwhereshe could, carefully following the twisting tunnel deeper intothe earth. Every sensewas fixed ahead, every thoughtwillingWindRunneron.Youcandoit.

Her mother’s breath was growing uneven—a few shortbreaths, followed by the desperate drawing in of air. MothFlightswallowed.EachbreathsoundedlikeWindRunner’slast.

MothFlightsmelledfreshair.Itfeltwarmonhernoseaftertheicychillofthetunnel.

Thecave!They’dmadeit.AfewmorestepsandthewallsopenedintotheMoonstone

cavern.Soft starlight filtered through thehole in the roof.The

Moonstone rose, still and dark, from the middle of the cavefloor. Grunting with effort, Moth Flight heaved her motherforwardandlethercollapseagainstit.WindRunnergaspedasshefell,thenlaystill.

MothFlightbackedaway,heartpounding.Hermotherdidn’tmove.“WindRunner?”MothFlight’spawsfeltrootedtothestone.

Shestared,terrorclutchingherchest.Wasittoolate?SuddenlytheMoonstoneblazedintowhitefire.MothFlight

flinched,screwinguphereyes.Throughaslittedgaze,shesawmoonlightfloodingthroughtheholeintheroof.

Shestrainedtoseehermother,andcouldjustmakeoutherbody,adarkshadowagainsttheglitteringstone.

Pleasemove.Desperately,shewilledWindRunnertotwitchanear,ormoveapaw.Showmeyou’realive!

Asoftmewsoundedbesideherear.Everythingwillbefine.Moth Flight froze as she recognized the mew. Her breath

stoppedinherthroatasshesmelledafamiliarscent.“Micah?”Furbrushedhersandshesnappedherheadaround,meeting

hisgazeamuzzle-lengthfromhers.Micahblinkedslowlyather,hispeltsparklingwithstarlight.

Hiswarmthseemedtomelt intoherandsherealizedsuddenlyhow cold and wet she was. She softened against him, lettingherselfleanintothefamiliarcurveofhisflank.Hepressedhischeekagainsthers.“You’vedonesowell.”Hismewwasthickwithlove.

Joyflaredinherchest.“WillWindRunnerbeokay?”“You’ve done all that you can,” he breathed. “Now she

belongstoStarClan.”Shestiffened.BelongstoStarClan?Wasshedead?Micah’sbreathstirredherearfur.“Onedayyouwillgather

thescatteredpetalsoftheBlazingStar,butnotyet.”She drew away from him and stared into his green gaze.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Heblinkedather.“Justwatch,”hewhispered.Heturnedhis

headtowardtheMoonstone.Moth Flight followed his gaze. Around the shimmering

rock, pelts were appearing, sparkling as though stars werewovenintothefur.

StarClanhadcome.GrayWingsteppedfromamongtheranksofstarrycatsand

stopped besideWindRunner.He turned toMoth Flight. “Youaremorelikeyourmotherthanyouimagine,”hetoldhergently.“Ittookcouragetobringherhere.Andstrength.Morethanyouknewyouhad.”Hedippedhishead.“Butitalsotooksomethingevenyourmotherdoesnotshare.Youarespecial,MothFlight.You can seewhat is hidden from ordinary cats.You can readsignsandunderstandtheirmeaning.”

Moth Flight glanced at her mother, slumped against therock.Wasn’t GrayWing going to healWind Runner? “Don’twastetime!”

GrayWing’s gaze didn’twaver. “Youmust understand theimportanceofthisskill.”

“Any cat can followamoth.” Impatienceprickled throughMothFlight’sfur.

“FewcatswouldunderstandwhichmothwillleadtheirClantosafety,”GrayWingtoldher.

“I haven’t led my Clan anywhere.” Moth Flight’s heartbegantoquicken.ShelookedforMicah.Hewasn’tbehindheranymore.Sheglimpsedhispelt among theother spirit-cats. “Ionly brought you Wind Runner. You’re going to save her,right?”

“Wecan’tsavethislife.”Hiswordsechoedfromthewalls,ringinginMothFlight’sears.

Shestaredathim,feelingsick.“Butyouhaveto!”GrayWingsteppedbackwhileStarClanmovedattheedges

of the cave, forming a glittering ring around the blazingMoonstone.

MothFlight’sheartseemedtostop.“Don’tletherdie!”“We can only give her our gift.”GrayWing leaned down

andtouchedhisnosetoWindRunner’sheadasshelayagainstthe rock. “Wind Runner, with this life I give you thedeterminationtobringunitytoalltheClans.”

Wind Runner suddenly jerked, as though sharp teeth hadseizedherbody.Sheshuddered,herfurbushing.

AsGrayWingsteppedaway,theWindClanleaderliftedherhead and blinked. She staggered to her paws and stoodunsteadily,staringatthecircleofstar-fleckedcats.

MothFlightwantedtoraceforwardandpresshermuzzletohermother’scheek,butherpawsfeltfrozen,herbodytoostifftomove.Shewatchedhelplesslyasanothercatsteppedforward.Moth Flight recognized Petal from her first meeting withStarClan.Theshe-catleanedtowardWindRunner,whoblinkedather,confused.

“With this life,” Petal told her, “may you learn to lovefriendshipandloyaltyaboveallthings.”Shetouchedhernoseto

WindRunner’sandWindRunnertrembled,herearsflattening.“Pleasedon’thurther,”MothFlightcalled.“She’ssuffered

somuchalready.”Micah’sgazeflashedtowardher,softwithsympathy.Moth

Flight stared at him pleadingly. He blinked slowly, as thoughreassuringheragainthateverythingwouldbefine.

WindRunnerswayedonherpawsasPetaldrewaway.Hereyes sparked with fear as Turtle Tail took Petal’s place. Sherecoiled,tuckingherbrokenlegtighterbeneathher.

“Don’t be afraid,WindRunner,” Turtle Tail soothed. “Wearegivingyouagift.AgiftforalltheClans.”

Wind Runner straightened, pushing her injured leg to theground.MothFlight’spawsturnedcoldasshesawhermothergrimace,asthoughgrittingherteethagainstpain.

TurtleTailreachedherheadforward.“Withthislife,Igiveyoustubbornnesstokeepgoinginthefaceoffuturetroubles.”

WindRunnermoanedsoftlyasTurtleTail touchedher, thefurliftingalongherspine.MothFlightfeltsick.Sheknewhermotherwassuffering.ShetensedasWindRunnertensedand,asTurtleTailsteppedaway,shefeltlimpwithrelief.

WindRunnerturnedherheadtostareatthestar-peltedcatscrowdingthecave.Sheblinkedasthoughnoticingthemforthefirsttime.Thenhereyeswidenedasagraytompaddedtowardher.Herearstwitched.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Therewasasnarlinhermew.

MothFlighttippedherhead,curious.Whowasthisstrangecat?Shehadn’tseenhimbefore.

The tom dipped his head as he stopped in front of WindRunner.“Iknowyouhatemeforleavingyou.”

Wind Runner hissed. “You’re a coward, Branch! Youabandoned me before I could even hunt properly! There’snothingIwantfromyou!”

“Ididn’tmeantoleaveyou.”“Yetyouleftmeallthesame!”WindRunnernarrowedher

eyes. “It was the kindest thing you ever did for me. If youhadn’tdisappeared,I’dneverhavemetGorseFur.He’sabettercat thanyoucouldeverbe!Hehasgivenmeloveand loyalty,andkitsthatI’mproudof.”

Moth Flight frowned. Who was this? Clearly a cat hermother had known when she was young. As she strained torecallhermother’sstories,Branchspoke.

“You deserve a cat like Gorse Fur far more than youdeservedme.”He leaned forward and touchedhis nose toherhead. “With this life, I give you the confidence to open yourhearttoothercats.Igiveyoutrust.”

WindRunnerjerkedagain,tremblingashistouchsentpainsearingthroughher.ButMothFlightdidn’tflinch.Thiswaslikeithadbeeninherdreams.WindRunnermustendureit,justasthe other cats had and, when it was over . . . Moth Flightnarrowedhereyes.Whenitwasover,thenwhat?

AfamiliarpeltmovedtowardWindRunner.WillowTail!Clear-eyed and strong, Willow Tail stepped forward. She

carriednosignsofher injuries fromthebattle.Chinhigh, shetookBranch’splace.

Wind Runner met her gaze, her eyes flashing with anger.“Youliedtome.”

WillowTailnodded.“Iknow.IledmyClanmatesintobattlefor no good reason.” As she leaned forward, Wind Runner

begantoduckaway.“I’msorry.”WindRunnerpausedandmetWillowTail’s touchwithher

nose.“With this life,” said Willow Tail, “I give your heart the

gracetoforgiveallcats,howeverweakorwrongtheymaybe.”WindRunnerhardlyflinched.Onlyhertail-tipshivered.AsWillowTailsteppedaway,akittookherplace.Moth Flight’s heart swelled with joy as she recognized

MorningWhisker.As the she-kit padded forward,WindRunner blinked.Her

eyesclouded.“MorningWhisker?”Disbeliefedgedhermew.MorningWhiskerpurredloudly.“Hi,WindRunner.”Wind Runner thrust her muzzle forward to greet her, but

MorningWhiskerbackedaway.“Notyet.”Theshe-kitgazedatWindRunner,joyshiningin

hereyes.Wind Runner’s tail trembled. “Are you happy? Are you

well?”Morning Whisker glanced fondly toward her starry

Clanmates. “Yes. HalfMoon and GrayWing have taught mehowtohunt.”

“Youhunt?”WindRunnersoundedsurprised.“Wehunt,andwarmourpeltsinsunshineandsharetongues,

justlikeyou.”A delighted purr throbbed in Wind Runner’s throat. Then

shepaused.“IsEmberkitwithyou?”MorningWhisker blinked slowly at her mother and then,

withoutanswering,reachedupandtouchedhernose.“Withthislife,Igiveyouresilience,tokeepgoing,whatevertroubleslife

brings.” As she finished, Wind Runner’s pelt bushed. Shestiffened,herclawsscrapingstoneasshebracedherselfagainstthe pain of her kit’s gift. Then her shoulders loosened andMorningWhiskerbackedawayintotheshadows.

Emberkittookherplace.MothFlightleanedforward,herheartpounding.Whatmust

itbeliketomeetakityou’dneverhadchancetoknowinlife?“Emberkit?”WindRunner’smewwasthickwithemotion.“Hello,WindRunner.”Emberkit stared at hismotherwith

round,star-speckedeyes.“It is sogood to seeyou.”AsWindRunner’sgaze flicked

over the young tom-kit’s fluffy pelt, Moth Flight swallowedbackapurrofpleasure.

“IwishIcouldhavestayedwithyoulonger,”Emberkittoldhismothersoftly.“ButI’mhappytobewithStarClan.Therearemoors for me to play on. One day I’ll show them to you.”BeforeWind Runner could answer, Emberkit reached up andtouchedhisnosetohermuzzle.“WiththislifeIgiveyoulove.”

This time,WindRunner did not flinchwith pain.Her peltsmoothed.Closinghereyes,sheswayedsoftly.ShegrewstillasEmberkitdrewaway,hereyesclosedasthoughlostinadream.

Half Moon took the tom-kit’s place, waiting patiently forWindRunnertodriftbackintothemoment.

When,atlast,WindRunneropenedhereyes,shetippedherheadasthoughconfused.“Whoareyou?”

“HalfMoon.”The slenderwhite she-cat’s dark green gazereflectedtheshimmeringMoonstone.

“AreyouStoneteller?”WindRunnerdippedherhead.“GrayWingandJaggedPeakhavespokenofyouoften.MothFlight

too.Iamhonoredtomeetyou.”“Youarethefirst,”HalfMoontoldhersolemnly.“Mayyou

carryStarClaninyourheartalways.”“Thefirst?”WindRunnernarrowedhereyes.HalfMoonstretchedhermuzzleforwardandtouchednoses

with the WindClan leader. As she did, a jolt seemed to racethroughWindRunner.

MothFlightstiffenedashermotherjerkedwildly.Herpawsbuckledbeneathherandshecollapsedtothefloor.

“No!” Heart bursting, Moth Flight darted to her mother’sside.WindRunner lay like deadpreyon the stone, her flanksstill.Nobreathstirredthecoldair.“Youkilledher!”SheglaredaccusinglyatHalfMoon.“Ibroughtherheretobesaved!”

HalfMoon blinked calmly and stepped away. “Have faith,MothFlight.”

Moth Flight’s mind whirled. Have faith? In what? TheyweremeanttostopWindRunnerfromdying!Shestaredaroundthe starry cats, appalled at the joy lighting their eyes. Didn’ttheyrealizewhatthey’ddone?

Why had they brought her here? Had they wanted WindRunnertodie?

Desperatewithgriefandrage,MothFlightburiedhernoseinWindRunner’spelt.HowwasshegoingtotellGorseFurthathismatehaddied,farfromherClanandthemoor?

SuddenlyWindRunnermoved.MothFlightjerkedhernoseup,shocksparkingthrougheveryhair.Shestaredashermotherpushedherselflightlytoherpaws.

WindRunnerliftedherchinandshookthecomfreyfromherhindleg.Theonce-bloodyfuraroundherthroatwascleanand

soft.Herinjuredpawpressedagainstthestone,asstrongastheothers.

MothFlightshivered,herthoughtsspinning.HadhermotherjoinedStarClan?Shescannedherpeltforsparksofstarlight,butsaw only plain brown fur. “I don’t understand.” She stared atHalfMoon.

“Rememberyourdreams,”thewhiteshe-cattoldher.Thosecatsdidn’tdie!MothFlight’sfurprickledwithhope.HalfMoondippedherhead toWindRunner. “Youare the

firstofthestarsthatwillrise.”Theprophecy!Wewillsplitthesky.Andlater,starswillrise.HalfMoonwent on. “We have given you the giftwewill

giveallleaders:thegiftofninelives.Fromnowon,youshallbeknownasWindstar.”

Joy flooded like starlight beneath Moth Flight’s pelt. Sheremembered her vision of the gray she-cat in the ditch.Suddenlyitmadesense.WindRunnercoulddieeighttimesandstillcomebacktolife.

Around her, StarClan began to chant, their voices echoingaroundtheshimmeringwallsofthecave.“Windstar!Windstar!Windstar!”

CHAPTER35

“MothFlight!”BubblingStreampacedin frontofhermother,herstumpytailfluffedwithexcitement.“WhiteTailsaysIcangohuntingwithhimandStormPelt.”

MothFlightwas lying in themorningsunshineoutsideherden.Shegazedsympatheticallyatherkit.“You’retoolittle.”

“He says he won’t let any buzzards get me,” BubblingStreamargued.

“Storm Pelt’s taking White Tail out to teach him huntingtechniques,”MothFlightargued.“Howcanhelearnanythingifhe’sprotectingyoufrombuzzards?”

BubblingStreamscowledandstompedaway.Blue Whisker hurried to meet her littermate. “I told you

she’dsayno.”Moth Flight flicked her gaze past her kits to the sandy

clearingbelowthetallrock.Windstarstoodatthehead,GorseFur beside her, while the Clan milled around her. She wasassigning patrols for the day. The bright morning sunshinegleamedonherpelt.Asshepaced,theWindClanleadershowednosignofalimp.Atherneck,therewasn’tevenascarwherethegashhadbeen.

Jagged Peak nosed his way through his Clanmates andstoppedinfrontofher.“CanIhuntthemoortopburrows?”

Windstarshookherhead.“We’vehuntedtheretoomuchthisgreenleaf. There’ll be no rabbits left. Take Holly to theShadowClanborderandseewhat’srunningthere.”Shenodded

towardDustMuzzle. “Iwant you to train Silver Stripe. She’sfast,butherstalkingneedswork.”

SilverStripeprickedherears.“Canwehuntlapwings?”sheaskedStormPeltexcitedly.

StormPeltpaddedtowardtheyoungshe-cat.“Lapwingsarehardtocatch,”hetoldher.“Let’sstartwithmice.”

Black Ear pushed past his sister. “Can you train me aswell?”

Windstarcutin.“SpottedFurcantrainyou.”Black Ear lifted his tail happily as Windstar turned to

SpottedFur.“Showhimthebordersand thebestplaces toscentmark,”

sheordered.SpottedFurpuffedouthischestproudlyasWindstarturned

toSwiftMinnow.“You can go to the ShadowClan border with Fern Leaf,

Jagged Peak, and Holly. Reed Tail”—she nodded to the tom—“takeDewNoseandEagleFeatheralongthemoorside.Isawkestrels hunting there yesterday. The prey must be runningwell.”

Moth Flight noticed Reed Tail’s gaze flit over Windstaranxiously.“Willyoubehuntingagaintoday?”

“Of course.” Windstar sounded surprised. She’d huntedeverydaysinceherreturn.

ReedTailwasstaringatherhealedhindleg.“Areyousureyou’restrongenough?”

Windstarrolledhereyes.“HowmanytimesmustIexplain?I’m fine now. You’ve even checked my leg. Does it lookbroken?”

ReedTail’sear twitched.“It’s justhard tobelieveStarClanhassuchpower.”

MothFlightunderstoodhisbewilderment.Shecouldhardlybelievewhatshe’dseen.Andyetitwastrue.

When they had returned from the Moonstone a few daysago,reachingcampintheearlydawnlight,GorseFurhadbeenwaiting at the entrance, his eyes widening with shock asWindstarpaddedtowardhim.He’druntomeether,circlingherindisbelief.

“StarClanhealedyou!”hegasped.Windstarmet his gaze steadily. “They didmore than that.

They gave me this life back, and eight more lives to leadWindClanthroughendlessmoons.”

Gorse Fur halted, his pelt rippling along his spine. HeglancedtowardMothFlight.“Ninelives?Howcanthatbe?”

“I’mnotsure.”MothFlightshiftedherpaws.ShewasstillawedbyStarClan’spower.“Butit’strue.I’veseenitbeforeinmydreams.It’sagifttheywillgivetoallleaders.”

Inthedaysthatfollowed,MothFlighthadtraveledtoeachcamp, sharinghernewswithAcornFurandClearSky,CloudSpotsandThunder,PebbleHeartandTallShadow,DappledPeltandRiverRipple.RiverRipplehadseemedtheleastsurprised;Clear Sky the most excited. Moth Flight was sure he’d havetraveledwithAcornFurbynow to receivehisnine lives.Shehoped all theClan leadershadvisited theMoonstonebynow.She’dfindouttonightatthehalf-moongathering.

Windstar’smewjerkedherfromherthoughts.“HoneyPelt,getdown!”

Moth Flight looked up to see the tom-kit scrambling onto

theledgehalfwayupthetallrock.SwiftMinnow andReedTail had leaped from the hollow.

ReedTailreachedupwithhisforepaws,stretchinguntilhewashighenoughtopluckHoneyPelt fromthe ledgebyhisscruff.Heplacedhimontheground.

HoneyPeltfluffedouthisfurgrumpily.“I’mnotallowedtohaveanyfun!”

Windstar stared at him sternly. “Go and play with yourlittermates.” She nodded toward where Bubbling Stream andBlue Whisker were chasing Spider Paw’s tail as he dartedamongthetussocks,whiskingitoverthegrass.

Frowning,HoneyPeltpadded toward them.HisClanmatesstreamed past as they raced for the entrance, heading for themoor. Above the camp, the sky stretched, clear and blue.Heather scentmingledwithprey scent, rolling intocamponalightbreeze.

Spider Paw halted and stared wistfully afterWindstar andGorse Fur as they followed the others through the gap in theheatherwall.

BubblingStreambouncedaroundhim.“Let’splayhunting!”She ducked low, pressing her belly against the grass. BlueWhisker crouched beside him. Honey Pelt scrambled onto atussock and reached his forepaws into the air. “I’m huntingbuzzards!”

“Hasacatevercaughtabuzzard?”BlueWhiskerblinkedatMothFlight.

MothFlightpaddedtowardher.“Idon’tthinkso.ButwhenGrayWing used to tell stories of themountains, he said theycaughteagles.”

“Who’sGrayWing?”BlueWhiskerasked.Beforeshecouldanswer,Rockypaddedfromhisden.The

oldtomblinkedathersleepily.“Doyouwantmetowatchthekitswhileyougatherherbs?”

Moth Flight hesitated. Her stores had been low sinceWindstar’ssickness.Sheoughttorestockthem.But,inthedayssinceshe’dreturnedfromtheMoonstone,she’dfeltadesperateneedtobenearherkits.

Rockystaredather.“Yesterday,yousaidyouneedtofetchmore catmint,” he reminded her. “You said your storewas solow—”

Honey Pelt interrupted. “Can I have a badger ride?” HeleapedfromthetussockandlandedonMothFlight’sshoulders.Shestaggered,strugglingtokeepherbalance.

Rockypaddedcloser.“Icandobadgerrides.”BubblingStreamboundedtowardhim.“Mefirst!”Moth Flight padded forward, Honey Pelt wobbling on her

back.Herthoughtsdriftedanduneasetwistedbeneathherpelt.Windstarhadnearlydied.SpiderPawhadnearlydrowned.TornbetweentheneedsofherClanandtheneedsofherkits,MothFlight felt herself veering between indecision and panic. Shewasn’tbeingthebestmedicinecatshecouldbe.Hermedicinecat duties threatened her kits’ safety. Her duties as a motherthreatened the good of herClan.How could she give her fullattentiontoboth?

I’mamedicinecat.HalfMoon’swordsranginhermindagainandagain.Thisis

yourdestiny,whetheryouwantitornot.Youhavenochoicebuttofollowit.EveryClan’sdestinydependsonyou.

RockygazedatMothFlightquestioningly.“Areyougoingtocollectherbs?”

Moth Flight winced as Honey Pelt dug in his tiny claws.“Tomorrow,” she toldRocky. “Iwant to spend todaywithmykits.”

Moth Flight followed Pebble Heart through the tunnel.Cloud Spots padded behind. The scents of Acorn Fur andDappledPelthung in thechillyair.“Theymustbewaitingforus,”MothFlightmurmured,halftoherself.

Pebble Heart’s tail stirred the air ahead. “It smells likethey’vejustpassedthisway.”

CloudSpots’smewechoedagainstthedampstone.“Ihopethecloudsclearsoon.Themoonisrising.”

Fresh scents swirled around Moth Flight’s muzzle as thetunnelopenedintothecave.Inthewaterylight,shecouldjustmake out Acorn Fur and Dappled Pelt, sitting beside theMoonstone.DappledPelt’s facewas raised toward thehole intheroof.Cloudshieldedthestars.

“Nomoonlighttonight,”DappledPeltmurmured.Cloud Spots padded to the Moonstone and settled beside

AcornFur.“Thecloudsmightstillclear.”“Notbefore themoonpasses.”DappledPelt turned to face

him.“HowwillwesharewithStarClan?”“Perhaps they don’t want to share tonight,” Acorn Fur

sniffed.“That’swhytheysentclouds.”Moth Flight padded across the cold stone and sat down a

littlewayfromtheothers.Herheartfeltheavy,herpawsweary.She’dspentthewholejourneyprayingthattheskywouldclear.SheneededtosharewithStarClan.HalfMoon,helpme. Grief

tuggedatherbelly.PebbleHeartpaddedtohersideandsatdown.“StarClanhas

sharedenoughthismoon.”AcornFur tippedherears towardhim.“Did theygiveTall

Shadowninelives?”PebbleHeartnodded.“She’sShadowstarnow.”DappledPelt’s tail swishedover the rock.“RiverRipple is

Riverstar.”“Thunder is Thunderstar,” Cloud Spots told them. He

glancedatAcornFur.“WhatnamedidtheygiveClearSky?”“Skystar.”AcornFur’stailswishedoverthestone.“Iwasso

scaredwhenIsawhowmuchpaineachlifecaused.”“Idon’tknowhowRiverstarstayedonhispaws,”Dappled

Peltadmitted.Moth Flight gazed blankly at the Moonstone, only half-

listening. She wanted to reach out and touch the dark stone.PerhapsStarClanwouldshareevenwithoutmoonlight.

“DidtheyreallyhealWindstar’sleg?”MothFlightsuddenlyrealizedCloudSpotswasspeakingto

her.Sheshookoutherpelt,tryingtofocus.“It’slikeitwasnever

broken.”“I wish I could bring Sun Shadow here,” Pebble Heart

commentedsadly.MothFlightjerkedhermuzzletowardhim.“IsSunShadow

sick?”“He’shadredcough,”PebbleHearttoldher.“He’soverthe

worstofit,buthe’stakingawhiletogethisstrengthback.”DappledPeltleanedforward.“DoyouthinktheMoonstone

healsanycat?”Moth Flight stared at the rock, surprised how dull it was

withoutmoonlight.“TheMoonstonedoesn’tdoanythingexceptletussharewithStarClan.It’sStarClanthatheals.”

AcornFurdippedherhead.“Thenlet’spraytheyhealSunShadow.”

CloudSpotsandDappledPeltmurmuredinagreement.Pebble Heart glanced atMoth Flight. “How is the rest of

yourClan?Havetheyrecoveredfromtheirbattleinjuries?”“StormPelt’seartipwillalwaysbetorn,”MothFlighttold

him.“ButIthinkhe’ssecretlyproudofhisscars.”AcornFursnorted.“RedClaw’sthesame!Heaskedmenot

to treat the scratch on his muzzle. I told him not to be silly.What if it got infected?” She purred suddenly, her eyesglisteningwithaffection.“Ididn’trealizeRedClawwassuchakind cat. He’s changed since the battle. I thinkmaking peacewithWillowTailhassoftenedhim.”

A teasingglint flashed inDappledPelt’sgaze.“Yousoundlikeyou’reinlove.”

AcornFurlookedawayshyly.“Wehavebeengettingclose,”sheadmitted.“We’veeventalkedaboutsharinganest.”

CloudSpotspurred.“ItlookslikeMothFlightwon’tbetheonlymedicinecatwithkits.”

“No!”Moth Flight stiffened, surprised at the harshness ofhermew.

PebbleHeartblinkedather.DappledPeltandCloudSpotsnarrowedtheireyes.

“What’swrong?”AcornFurtippedherheaduneasily.MothFlight’sthroattightened.Griefswelledinherchest.

“AreyouworriedI’lllosehimlikeyoulostMicah?”AcornFurpressed.“Youwereunlucky.Notall relationshipsend likethat.Imean,I’msorryyoursdid,butitdoesn’tmeanRedClawwill—”

Moth Flight glared at her. “You don’t understand!” Thewalls echoed the sharpness of her voice. The fear anduncertaintythathadnaggedathersinceWindstarhadbeenhurthitherlikeanicyblastofwind.Shegrippedthestonewithherclaws, bracing herself against the emotion sweeping over her.“Nomedicinecatshouldhavekits!Theyshouldn’teventakeamate!”

AcornFurstaredather.“Butyoudid!”MothFlight’smouthdriedasshegazedbackattheSkyClan

cat.“Iwaswrong.”Hermewcracked.“What do you mean?” Pebble Heart’s eyes rounded with

worry.“I can’t be a mother and a medicine cat,” Moth Flight

sobbed. “Spider Paw nearly drowned. I pulled him from theriver.Hewasn’tbreathing.”She staredat theotherswildly. “Iwassoscared,Ididn’tknowwhat todo!Amedicinecatcan’tbelikethat!”

“Butyousavedhim,”PebbleHeartpointedout.“Micah saved him!”Moth Flight confessed. “He spoke to

meandtoldmewhattodo.Iwasfrozenwithterror!IfMicahhadn’t toldmewhat todo, Iwouldhavewatchedmykitdie.”Her flanksheavedasherbreathingquickened.She feltPebbleHeart’stailsmoothingherspikedfur,butshewenton.“IspendhalfmytimeterrifiedthatmykitsmightdiewhileI’mlookingaftermyClan,andtheotherhalfterrifiedaClanmatemightdie

whileI’mlookingaftermykits.StarClansentmeasignthatletmesaveWindstar.Butwhatifthey’dsentitearlier,whileIwasrescuingSpiderPaw?Iwouldhavemissedit!Windstarcouldbedead.Andwe’dhaveneverdiscoveredthatleadersshouldhaveninelives.”

Cloud Spots lifted his chin. “StarClan would have sentanothersign!They’dhavemadesureyousawit.”

“Youdon’tknowthat!Wecan’triskit!”MothFlight’seyesgrewhotassheglaredatAcornFur.“Youcan’thavekitswithRedClaw.Youmustn’tevensharehisnest.YoumustliveonlyforyourClan.It’stheonlywaytostaystrong.”

Acorn Fur’s eyes flashed angrily in the darkness. “That’seasyforyoutosay.You’vehadamate.You’vegotkits!”

Moth Flight shifted her paws, the stone walls pressing inaroundher.“Ican’tdoitanymore!”

Pebble Heart stiffened beside her. “Are you going to stopbeingamedicinecat?”

“No.” Moth Flight gasped as sorrow plunged thorn-sharpclawsdeepintoherheart.“Beingamedicinecatismydestiny.It’swhatIwasalwayssupposedtobe.TheClansdependonme.HalfMoontoldme.”

PebbleHeart’s eyesgloweddarkly in thehalf-light. “Whatareyougoingtodo?”

The earth seemed to tremble beneathMoth Flight’s paws.The pain she’d felt at Micah’s death seemed to open in herchest, pouring out grief sharper than any she could imagine.“I’mgoingtogiveupmykits.”

CHAPTER36

“The oaks are so big!” Honey Pelt’s breathless mew echoedacrosstheshadowyFourtreesclearing.Hegazedupthroughthebranches.Theskywasturningpurpleasthesunsankbelowthedistant horizon. Stars began to show, glimmering among theleaves.

BlueWhisker huddled closer toMoth Flight. “Canwe gohomenow?”

MothFlight’s throat tightened.Wordsdriedonher tongue.Shecouldn’tanswer.InsteadshecalledtoSpiderPaw,whowasscramblingoveranancientoakroot.“Stayclose.”

Heglancedoverhisshoulder.“ButIwanttoexplore.”HoneyPeltmarchedtowardhisbrother,BubblingStreamat

hisheels.“MothFlightsaidtocomeback!”BlueWhiskerstartedtoshiver.“I’mcold.”“Itwon’tbe longnow.”MothFlight scanned theslopesof

theFourtreeshollow.Weretheycoming?PebbleHeart,DappledPelt,AcornFur,andCloudSpotshad

arrangedeverything.They’dspokentotheirleadersandbroughtnewsthateachClanwouldacceptoneofMothFlight’skits.

“Areyou sure thatyoudon’twant them to stay together?”AcornFurhadaskedwhenshe’dvisitedtheWindClancampthedaybefore.

“No.”MothFlighthadbeencertain.“Iwantonekittogotoeach Clan.” She hadn’t explained more. She knew she wasdoingtherightthing.

“Butiftheystaytogether,they’llbeabletolookaftereachother,”AcornFurhadreasoned.

“I’msuretheirnewClanswilllookafterthemwellenough.”MothFlighthadn’tmetAcornFur’sgaze.Itwashardenoughtostophermewfromtrembling.

AcornFurdidn’tpressher.“ClearSkyandStarFlowerarethrilled to be takingHoney Pelt. They stillmissTinyBranch,andHoneyPeltwillbeacomforttothem.”

“MothFlight?”BlueWhisker’smewjerkedherbacktothemoment. The she-kit was gazing through the branches. Herwhite-and-yellowpeltglowedintheduskylight.“IsthatwhereStarClanlives?Inthesky?”

“A new star is born each time a cat dies,” Moth Flightexplained.

“Which one’s Micah?” Blue Whisker narrowed her eyes,strainingtoseethroughtheleaves.

“I’mnotsure.”MothFlight’smewthickened.“Buthe’suptherewatchingyou.”

“Really?”BlueWhiskerblinkedatherhopefully.Moth Flight touched her muzzle to the yellow-and-white

kit’shead.“Really,”shepromised.“Get out of the way!” Bubbling Stream’s crossmew rang

across the clearing. She was trying to pull herself onto thegnarledoakrootbesideherbrothers.

MothFlightgazedatthemdesperately.Theyweresosmall,theirpeltslikepalethistledownagainstthebark.“Comehere,”shecalled.“Ineedtospeaktoyou.”

HoneyPeltleapedfromtherootandchargedtowardher.Hemusthaveheardthefearinhermew.“What’swrong?”

SpiderPawracedafterhim.“Arewegoinghomenow?”BubblingStreamdroppedtothegroundandhurriedbehind

them.“Whydidyoubringushere?”Moth Flight nosed Blue Whisker away from her flank.

“Stand beside your littermates.” She gazed at her kits as theylinedupinfrontofher,theireyeswidewithexcitement.“Ihavetotellyousomethingimportant.”

Onedayyouwillgatherthescatteredpetalsof theBlazingStar, but not yet. Micah’s words burned in her mind. Sheremembered the stories hermother used to tell of theBlazingStarprophecy,whichhadseparatedthecatsintoClans.

Youwillgatherthescatteredpetals.She was destined to bring the Clans together, one flower

madeoffivepetals,justliketheBlazingStarflower.Butnotyet.She would bring the petals together, but first, she must

scatterthem.HerbloodlinemustflowintoeachClan.Sheblinkedsolemnlyatherkits.“TheleadersoftheClans

arecomingheretonight.”“Why?”SpiderPawprickedhisears.BlueWhiskershrankback.“Dowehavetomeetthem?”Moth Flight didn’t answer. She forced herself to go on.

“Theyarecominghere tomeetyou.Theywantyoutogo livewith them, as part of their Clans. Each of you will go to adifferentClan.”

Bubbling Stream stuck out her muzzle. “I’m not goinganywhere.”

MothFlightsteadiedherbreath.“YouwillbewellcaredforandyournewClanwillbeyourhomefromnowon.”

BlueWhisker’s eyes cloudedwith terror. “I don’t want togo.”

“Areyougivingusaway?”SpiderPawlookedconfused.BubblingStreamfrowned.“Didwedosomethingwrong?”“No!”Moth Flight’s heart seemed to crack. She began to

tremble.“Iloveyousomuch.Butithastobethisway.”Honey Pelt’s gaze grew hard. “No it doesn’t. Youwant it

thisway.”MothFlightswallowed.“Yes,”sheadmittedsoftly.“Butnot

becauseIdon’twantyou—it’sbecauseyouarespecial.”SpiderPawgrowled.“Sospecialyouhavetogetridofus!”Micah,helpme!Moth Flight glanced up desperately.Why

doIhavetodothisalone?Shestraightened,determined tobestrong.“Yourfatherspoketome,”shebegan.“HetoldmethatonedayIwouldgatherthescatteredpetalsoftheBlazingStar.”

“What’s that got to do with us?” Spider Paw demandedangrily.

“Youarethepetals,”MothFlighttoldhim.“Longbeforeyouwereborn,thespirit-catscameintothisclearing—”

“Spirit-cats?” Bubbling Stream looked anxiously over hershoulder.

“Are they with us now?” Blue Whisker blinked into theshadows.

“We’realone,”MothFlightsoothed.“Buttheyusedtocomehere.BeforeIfoundtheMoonstone.BeforetheClansexisted.Itwasthespirit-catswhotoldustosplit intofiveClans, likethepetals of theBlazingStar flower.The cats hadgrown jealous.Theyallwanted land.They foughtoverwhoowned the forestandthemoor.Manydied.Sowedividedthelandfairlyamong

usandbecametheClans.”“But the Clans still fight each other,” Spider Paw pointed

out.“That’showWindstargothurt.”Moth Flight nodded. “That is why you must each join a

Clan.Youare littermates.Yourbond isstrong.Oneday,whenyouaregrownup,thatbondwillmaketheClansintoonefamilyoncemore.YouarethepetalsoftheBlazingStar.”

Honey Pelt narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “So wewon’tfightanymore?”

“Exactly.”PridewarmedMothFlight’spelt.BubblingStreamlookedunconvinced.“Whydowehaveto

join newClans?Why can’t StormPelt andEagleFeather andDewNose?”

SpiderPawglancedathissister.“Becausewe’respecial.”Blue Whisker stared at Moth Flight. “I don’t want to be

special.”MothFlighthesitated.Hermindwhirledback to themoor,

allthosemoonsago.Sherememberedherfather’swords.DustMuzzle will make a fine hunter one day, but Moth Flight isspecial. How little she’d understood. She thrust her muzzleclose to Blue Whisker, her heart twisting. “I need you to bebrave, little one. I’m asking you to do something very hard. Iknowyou’rescared.Butyouwillbesafe.ThunderClancatsarekind.You’lllovetheforest.It’sfullofbeautifulplants,andit’swarmer than themoor.Thewindwhispershigh in the treessoyou’llneverfeellonely.AndtheClanwillraiseyouasitsown.”

“ButIwantyoutoraiseme.”BlueWhisker’sbreathwarmedMothFlight’scheek.Thepaininherheartwasalmosttoomuchtobear,butsheforcedherselfnottotremble.

HoneyPeltnosedbetweenthem.“Comeon,BlueWhisker.It’ll be exciting.You’ll seeMothFlight atGatherings and therestofuswon’tbefaraway.”HelookedatMothFlight.“WhichClanwillIgoto?”

“SkyClan,”MothFlighttoldhim.“You see?” Honey Pelt blinked at Blue Whisker. “I’ll be

livinginthesameforestasyou,andBubblingStreamorSpiderPawwillbeinRiverClan.”

“SpiderPaw isgoing to livewithRiverClan,”MothFlighttoldhim.

SpiderPaw’seyeswidenedwithhorror.“I’llhavetoeatfish.Andswim!”

HoneyPeltnudgedhim.“Atleastnext timeyoufall in theriver,youwon’thalfdrown.”

SpiderPawtippedhisheadthoughtfully.Moth Flight was still watching Blue Whisker. She had

guessed that her shyest kit would take it hardest. But BlueWhisker’seyesweresparklingwithcuriosity.“DoThunderClancatsclimbtrees?”

“Idon’tknow,”MothFlightconfessed.BlueWhisker’sgazedriftedupward.“I’vealwayswondered

whatit’sliketolookdownoneverything,likeabird.”Honey Pelt flicked his tail encouragingly. “I bet

Thunderstar’salwaysclimbingtrees.It’sprobablythefirstthinghe’llteachyou.”

BubblingStreamwas staringup the slope,wheredarknessswallowed the forest. “I’ll be going to ShadowClan.” Shesoundeduncertain.

MothFlight’sthoughtsflickedbacktothemoonshe’dspent

there.“It’speacefulinthepineforest.AndJuniperBranch’skitsare only two moons older than you. You’ll have someone toplaywith.”

“You’llhavetoeatfrogs,”SpiderPawsnorted.“That’sevenworsethanfish!”

Bubbling Stream ignored him. “Are ShadowClan kitsallowedoutofcamp?”

“They’re probably allowed to roam anywhere they like,”HoneyPelttoldher.“Buzzardscan’thuntinforests.”

MothFlightblinkedathimgratefully.Hesoundedsomuchlikehisfather:sooptimisticandreadytotakeonanychallenge.Shepurred.“Iwillmissyouallsomuch.”

BlueWhiskerbrushedhermuzzlealongMothFlight’sjaw.SpiderPawweavedaroundherlegs.

BubblingStreamclamberedontoherback.“Onelastbadgerride!”

Moth Flight began to lumber heavily across the clearing,making Bubbling Stream sway on her shoulders until the kitmewledwithdelight.

HoneyPelttrottedbesideher.“Skystaristhebravestleader,isn’the?”

MothFlightglancedathim,tryingnottoimaginewhatsortof guardian Skystarwould be. “He’s themost confident,” sheconceded.

Honey Pelt whisked his tail. “I wonder what forest preytasteslike.”

“Betterthanfish,”SpiderPawmuttered.“Fish tastesgreat.”MothFlighthalted andblinkedathim.

“You’llloveit.”

“Moth Flight.” Blue Whisker’s anxious mew made herstiffen.Thekitwasstaringatthefarslope.

Moth Flight followed her gaze. The bracken stirred as ashapemoved through it.She shookBubblingStreamfromhershoulders, openinghermouth and tasting the familiar scentofRiverClan.

ThestemsswishedasRiverstarpaddedintotheclearing.SpiderPawpressedagainsther.“Idon’twanttogo.”“Itwillbeallright.”MothFlightliftedherchintogreetthe

RiverClanleader.“Thankyouforcoming.”Riverstar dipped his head. “I am honored that you trust

RiverClantocareforoneofyourkits.”As he spoke, paw steps thrummed the slope behind.Moth

FlightlookedupasThunderstarboundedintotheclearing.He scrambled to a halt beside Riverstar. “Hi.” His gaze

sweptthekits,glowingwithsurprise.“TheylooksomuchlikeMicah!”

BeforeMothFlightcouldanswer,morepawstepssoundedasShadowstarfollowedSkystarintotheclearing.

BlueWhiskerduckedbeneathMothFlight’sbelly.BubblingStreambackedaway.

“Thismustbeveryhardforyouall.”ShadowstarstoppedinfrontofMothFlight,hergazesolemn.

HoneyPelt stepped forward,meetinghergaze. “We’renotscared.”

Skystar purred. “I can’t imagine any kit ofMicah’s beingscared.”

BubblingStreamtippedherhead.BlueWhiskercreptfrombeneathMothFlight.SpiderPawliftedhismuzzle.

Thunderstarblinkedatthem.“WhichoneisBlueWhisker?”“I am.” Blue Whisker’s mew was hardly more than a

whisper.ShepaddedslowlyforwardandstoppedinfrontoftheThunderClan leader. Moth Flight could see her trying not totremble.

“VioletDawnhasmadeyouanest,”Thunderstartoldher.“I’veneversleptbymyself,”BlueWhiskerwhispered.“Then you can share a nest with Milkweed’s kits.”

Thunderstar’smewwas gentle. “They’re notmuch older thanyou. Although Milkweed says they fidget like rabbits in aburrow.”

“Bubbling Spring fidgets too,” Blue Whisker murmured.“SoIwon’tmind.”

Thunderstar pointed his nose toward the forest. “Are youreadytoleave?”

Blue Whisker glanced back at Moth Flight, her eyesglistening.“CanIstaywithyou,please?”

MothFlight hurried forward andpressedher nose into thekit’s soft fur. BlueWhisker’swarm scent filled her nose. Shefoughttheurgetoscoophercloseandneverletgo.“Youmustgo,”shecroaked.“ThunderClanneedsyou.”

Blue Whisker turned away, her tail down, and began tofollowThunderstarfromtheclearing.

BubblingStreampaddedtowardShadowstar.“I’msupposedtocomewithyou.”

Shadowstarblinkedather.“YoumustbeBubblingStream.”“I’mnoteatingfrogs,”BubblingStreamtoldherbluntly.Shadowstar’seyesflashedwithsurprise.“Okay.”Bubbling Stream glanced atMoth Flight. “Will you come

andvisit?”“Of course!”Moth Flight hurried forward and pressed her

muzzleagainstBubblingStream’s.Bubbling Stream drew away and stared at Moth Flight.

Anxietydarkened thekit’seyes,but sheblinked it away.“Seeyousoonthen.”Shepaddedtowardtheslope.

ShadowstarnoddedtoMothFlight.“We’ll takecareofherlikeshe’soneofourown.”

MothFlightdippedherhead,unabletospeak.BlueWhiskerand Thunderstar had vanished over the top of the slope asShadowstarturnedaway.Attheedgeoftheclearing,BubblingStreamnosedherwayintothebracken.

Riverstar glanced fromHoneyPelt toSpiderPaw. “Whichonecomeswithme?”Hisfriendlymewwasbrisk.

HoneyPeltglancedathisbrother.SpiderPawwasstaringattheRiverClan leaderas thoughRiverstarwereahawkcirclingprey.

Riverstarswishedhistailenticingly.“ThecatsofRiverClanarelookingforwardtomeetingtheirnewClanmate.”

Spider Paw edged forward. “I’m coming with you,” hemurmured.

Riverstarblinkedathim.“Youlooklikeyou’llmakeagoodswimmer. You have broad shoulders and wide paws.” HenoddedtowardSpiderPaw’sextraclaw.“Fishareslippery.Thatclawwillmakethemeasiertocatch.”

SpiderPawglanceddown.“Inearlydrownedonce.”Riverstarsnorted.“That’sbecauseyoudidn’thavetheright

swimming coach.” He began to head toward the slope. “Ihaven’tlostanapprenticeyet.You’reinsafepaws.”

Spider Paw blinked at Moth Flight. “Do I really have togo?”

MothFlightleanedforward,pressinghermuzzleagainsthishead. “It’s your destiny,” she whispered. “Don’t be afraid.StarClaniswatchingoveryou.”

“I want to be your kit, not RiverClan’s,” Spider Pawwhispered.

MothFlightmet his gaze. “You’ll always bemykit.”Thewords caught in her throat and she looked away as her gazeclouded.

When she looked back, Spider Paw was hurrying afterRiverstar.

Skystarpaddedforward.HedippedhisheadtoHoneyPelt.“AreyoureadytojoinSkyClan?”

“Yes.”HoneyPeltliftedhischin.Skystar glanced at Moth Flight. “Are you ready?”

Compassionfilledhisgaze.Moth Flight reached forwords, but could only stare back,

herheartbreaking.HoneyPelttouchedhisnosetohercheek.“Iknowyouhave

nochoice,”hewhispered.“If this isStarClan’swish, thenI’mhappytogo.”

“YourfatherwillbeasproudofyouasIam,”MothFlightcroaked.

“Don’t be sad.” Honey Pelt pressed his muzzle deeper.“We’llbefine.”

Ashedrewaway,MothFlightfeltcoldairtouchthefurhisbreathhadwarmed.

She watched numbly as Honey Pelt padded after Skystar.

“Good-bye,”shemurmuredunderherbreath.You’ve done the right thing.Micah’smew touchedher ear

fur,aslightastheeveningbreeze.“HaveI?”shewhispered.“YouhavechangedthedestinyoftheClans.”Micah’svoice

wasclearnow.Shewondered ifSkystarandHoneyPeltcouldhearitastheyclimbedtheslopetowardtheforest.Butneithercatlookedback.

Micahwenton.“Youwerealwaysbraverandsmarter thanyouthought.It’soneofthereasonsIlovedyou,andwhyIstillmissyou.Butyouhavesomuchlefttodo.Makingdecisionsiseasy;livingwiththemisthetruetestofcourage.Onlybybeingtrue to yourself and becoming themedicine cat you dream ofwillyoulearnhowtrulyspecialyouare.”

MothFlightlookedup,staringpastthebranchestotheskybeyond. The stars flashed like flecks of sunlight on ripplingwater, brighter than she’d ever seen them and too many tocount.

“I will do my best,” she promised. “I will always do mybest.”

CHAPTER37

Moth Flight fluffed out her fur against the chilly air of theMoonstone cavern and looked up. Stars glittered beyond theholeintheroof.Moonlightspilledovertherim.AsshewaitedforittoreachtheMoonstone,shelistenedtotheothermedicinecatstalk.

“I’mgladthecloudsclearedintime,”PebbleHeartmewed.“Cloudsneverlastlongwhenit’sthisbreezy,”DappledPelt

answered.“Thewindhasbeentuggingatmywhiskersallday.”“Itbroughtdownthefirstfallofleavesintheforest,”Cloud

Spotstoldthem.AcornFurshivered.“I’mnotreadyforleafbare.”“That’safewmoonsawayyet,”PebbleHeartreassuredher.Moth Flight’s thoughts drifted from their idle chatter, her

mindsifting througheverything they’d toldheron the journeyhere. In the moon since she’d given Honey Pelt, BubblingStream,BlueWhisker,andSpiderPawaway,herhearthadfeltlike aheavy, cracked stone inher chest.She’d curled intoherempty nest each night, feeling their absence in the coldmossaround her, and eachmorning she’d awoken expecting to feeltheir soft peltsnestling againstherbut feelingnothingbut thetwitchingofherownpaws.

“How is BlueWhisker?” she’d asked Cloud Spots as shemethimattheWindClanborder.

CloudSpotshadtoldherthatBlueWhiskerwaseatingwelland hadmade friends alreadywithMilkweed’s kits. “She and

ShiveringRoseareinseparable.”Acorn Fur had purred as she toldMoth Flight thatHoney

Pelt was following Skystar around camp, asking endlessquestions. “Skystar enjoys it,” the chestnut she-cat hadreassuredher.“HiseyeslightupwheneverHoneyPeltdartsinfront of him, begging to know something new. He seemsimpressedbyHoneyPelt’seagernesstolearn.”

“How’s Bubbling Stream?”Moth Flight had asked PebbleHeartasthey’dcrossedaduskymeadow.

“She’s leadingDanglingLeaf,DuskNose, and Shade Peltonexpeditionsoutsidecamp.”

MothFlight’sbellyhadtightenedwithworry.“Aretheysafeintheforestbythemselves?”

“Someonealwaystracksthem,”PebbleHearthadpromisedher.“MouseEarfollowedthemthroughanettlepatchyesterday.Theyallcamehomewithstungnosesandpads.”

MothFlight’shearthadquickenedwithalarm.“IsBubblingStreamallright?”

“Ihadplentyoffreshdockinmystore,”PebbleHearthadtoldhergently.“Besides,everykitgetsstungeventually.MouseEar should have known better than to walk through a nettlepatch,buthesaidhedidn’twanttoletthemoutofhissight.”

MothFlighthadfeltreassuredandhurriedtocatchupwithDappledPelt.“IsSpiderPawsettlingintoRiverClan?”

“He can swim already.”There had been a hint of pride inDappledPelt’smew.

“Not by himself, surely?” Alarm flashed through MothFlight’spelt.

“Kits never swim by themselves,” Dappled Pelt promised

her.“Notuntilthey’restrongenoughtoridethecurrents.”MothFlight’sthoughtshadflashedbacktoher“swim”with

Spider Paw. She’d felt helpless against the buffeting of thewater. She couldn’t imagine Spider Paw ever being strongenoughtosurviveit.

“He’llbe swimming likea fishbefore long.”DappledPeltmusthaveguessedMothFlight’sanxiety.“It’sjustlikerunningthrough a gale.” She’d glanced sideways. “You’ve never beenknockedoffyourpawsbythewind,haveyou?”

“No.”Moth Flight had been unconvinced. But she had totrustRiverClan.

DappledPeltgentlychangedthesubject.“DrizzleandPineNeedlethinkSpiderPaw’sgreat.He’sbeenteachingthemhowtoplaymoss-ball.He’sagreatjumper.Drizzlecannevergetthemosspasthim.”

MothFlight picturedSpiderPawnow, as she gazed at theMoonstone. She could imagine him charging around theRiverClan camp as he’d done in the hollow.Her heart ached.Didherkitsmissher?Theysoundedhappyintheirnewhomes.Happier than with me? Guilt pricked her paws. She wantedthemtobehappy,andyetshehopedtheystillkeptaplaceforherintheirhearts.

Acorn Fur’s mew cut into her thoughts. “I wonder ifStarClanhasanythingimportanttosharewithus.”

MothFlightshiftedherpawsuneasily.Hadtheyknownshewouldgiveherkitsaway?Hadshedonetheright thing?Guilthollowedherbelly.

The Moonstone flared. Moth Flight flinched, slitting hereyesaslightblanchedthecave.Countlessstarsseemedtoblaze

before her face.Leaning forward, she touched her nose to theglitteringstone.

Thefloorshiftedbeneathherpaws.Herheartlurchedasshefeltherselfsweptsideways,whirlingdizzyinglyuntilsuddenlyshefeltsoftpasturebeneathherpaws.Sheopenedhereyesintothe half-light of evening. Pebble Heart, Dappled Pelt, CloudSpots, and Acorn Fur stood nearby, blinking at the rollingmeadows and distant forest. They were in StarClan’s huntinggrounds,onthebreeze-blownhilltop,grassripplingaroundtheirpaws.

Abovethem,apurpleskydeepenedtoblackasitstretchedtowardthedistanthorizon.Shegazedatit,thestarsblurringasshe stared at them. They began to swirl like a flock ofshimmeringbirds,spinningtowardtheground.

Pebble Heart lifted his chin, his eyes wide in wonder.DappledPelt’s fur pricked along her spine.Acorn Fur backedawayasthestarscircledcloser.MothFlightnarrowedhereyesagainstthebrightnessasthegrasssparkledandthestarsslowed,comingtorestonthehilltoparoundthem.

Blinking,shesawthelightfadeuntilshecouldmakeouttheshapesoftheStarClancats.

Half Moon stepped from among them, her white peltglistening.ShestoppedinfrontofMothFlightanddippedherhead.

MothFlight tensed, trying toglimpse theexpression in theStarClan cat’s dark green gaze. I scattered the petals of theBlazingStar,justasMicahtoldme.Sheknewwhatshewantedto say. She had given away her kits and she wanted to tellStarClanthatitwastheonlythingshecouldhavedone.Butthe

words she’d planned stalled on her tongue. “I had to!” sheblurtedasHalfMoonmethergaze.

“Weknow.”HalfMoonstaredathersteadily.“Youmadetherightchoice.”

Moth Flight glanced beyond the white she-cat, hoping toglimpseMicah.He’dgivenhisblessingtosendingtheirkitstonewhomes,butshewantedtoseehim—sheneededtoreadhisgazeandtrulyknowthatheunderstood.

Before she could spothim,HalfMoon spokeagain. “Yourgreatest loyalty must always be to StarClan and yourClanmates.”Hergaze flicked toAcornFur. “Theonlyway toensurethisisforyoualltopromisenevertotakematesorhavekits.”

AcornFur’seyesflashedindignantly.“That’snotfair!Icanbeloyaltoyou,andmyClanmates,andamateandkits!”

HalfMoondidn’tanswer.“Ican!”AcornFurinsisted.Astarryshe-catpaddedforward.Snow-whitefurfleckedher

graymuzzle.“Howdoyouknowwhatitisliketobeamother?”shechallengedAcornFur,hereyesflashing.

AcornFursnorted.“I’veseenStarFlowerwithherkits.It’snothard!”

The old she-cat’s tail twitched crossly. “I am Quiet Rain,mother of Gray Wing, Clear Sky, and Jagged Peak. I stayedbehindinthemountainswhentheylefttheTribe.Butmyheartcriedoutforthemeverydaytheyweregone.”

MothFlightshivered.Willgrieftorturemeforever?QuietRainwenton.“MyneedwassostrongthatIspentmy

final days crossing unknown lands to see them. Only when I

wassuretheyweresafeintheirnewhomecouldIgiveintothesicknessthatmadeeverystepheavywithpain.”

AcornFurstaredather.“I’mnotyou!Mykitswillstaynearme.Iwon’thavetoworryaboutthem!”

QuietRaingaveahollowpurr.“Doyoureallybelievethatyou’llbeabletoignoretheircriestotreataninjuredClanmate?”She swung her head towardMothFlight accusingly. “Haven’tyouwarnedthisfoolishcat?”

“She’s not foolish!” Moth Flight stepped closer to AcornFur.“IthoughtIcouldbeamotherandmedicinecattoo.IhadtoexperienceitbeforeIrealizedhowimpossibleitwastogivemy heart twice over.” She blinked at Acorn Fur. “You mustmakeyourchoicenow,beforeyouhavekits.Youmustn’teverface the choice I faced. It will break your heart.” Her eyesprickledwithsadness.“Choosenow.EithercareforyourClan,ortakeamate.Youcan’tdoboth.”

PebbleHeartswishedhistail.“Whataboutus?”HenoddedtowardCloudSpots.“Wecan’tbemothers.”

HalfMoontippedherhead.“Butyoucanbefathers.Doyouthinkafatherloveshiskitsanyless?”

GrayWingslidfromamonghisClanmates.“PebbleHeart,”he meowed gently. “Each medicine cat must make the samechoice.LivelikeanordinaryClancatandtakeamate.Raiseafamily if you like.But if you do, renounce yourmedicine-catduties.”

Half Moon’s gaze flitted around the medicine cats. “Webroughtyoucloser tous thananyofyourClanmates.OnedayyourClanmaydependonwhatwesharewithyou.Weneedtoknowyouhearus.Ifyoudon’t,whowillsuffer?”

PebbleHeart’seyesdarkened.“OurClan.”HalfMoonnodded.“Thenchoose.”Pebble Heart shifted his paws, his gaze lingering on Half

Moon’sforamoment.Thenhespoke.“MygreatestloyaltywillalwaysbewithStarClanandmyClanmates.”

Half Moon’s ear twitched. “Do you agree you will nevertakeamateorhavekits?”

PebbleHeartnodded.HalfMoon’sgazeflickedtoCloudSpotsquestioningly.TheThunderClanmedicinecatdippedhishead.“Metoo.”“Andme.”DappledPeltgazedsolemnlyatHalfMoon.QuietRainwasstill staringatAcornFur.“Andyou?Have

youdecidedwhichyouwillchoose?”Acorn Fur glanced around anxiously. She caught Moth

Flight’seyehopefully,asthoughhopingforadvice.Moth Flight lowered her gaze. “You must decide for

yourself.”AcornFurshiftedbesideher.“Okay,”shemewed.“IfImust

choose,IchooseStarClan.”QuietRainnarrowedhereyessharply.“Areyoucertain?”AcornFurliftedherchin.“I’mcertain.”ReliefwashedMothFlight’spelt.SheknewhowhardAcorn

Fur’sdecisionmusthavebeen.Shethought,witharushoflove,of her first moon withMicah. Thememory still warmed her.She couldn’t imagine her life, never having known such love.Orworse,havingknownitbutknowingshemustrefuseit.

Softly,shepressedagainstAcornFur.“TendingtoyourClanwillgiveyouall the joyandwarmthand love thatyouneed,”shemurmured,hoping itwas true. “Giveyourheart to them.”

SheblinkedatHalfMoon.“Itmustalwaysbethisway.”HalfMoonnodded.“Inthefuture,medicinecatsmaynever

takeamate.Theymustneverhavekits.”Gray Wing swished his tail. “Their loyalty will rest only

withStarClanandtheirClanmates.”Aroundthem,StarClanmurmuredwithapproval,theirmews

echoingbeneaththestarlesssky.Watching them,MothFlight caught sight ofMicah at last.

Hisgazewasfixedonher,brimmingwithaffection.Shereturnedit,herhearttwistingwithsorrow.I’msorry,my

love.ButwhileIlive,Imustgiveyouup.Shehadsentherkitsaway so shecouldbe thebestmedicinecat shecouldbe.Shecouldn’t share her dreams withMicah anymore. Her dreamsbelongedtoStarClannow.Everyhairinherpelt,everybeatofherheart,everybreathbelongedtothem.

TURNTHEPAGEFORANEXCLUSIVEMANGAADVENTURE

CREATEDBYERINHUNTER

WRITTENBYDANJOLLEY

ARTBYJAMESL.BARRY

ExcerptfromWarriors:AVisionofShadows#1:TheApprentice’sQuest

AnewadventurebeginsforthewarriorClans.Readonforasneakpeekat

Formanymoons, thewarrior catshave lived inpeace in theirterritories around the lake. But a dark shadow looms on thehorizon, and the time has come for Alderpaw—son of theThunderClanleader,Bramblestar,andhisdeputy,Squirrelflight—toshapehisdestiny...andthefateofallthewarriorClans.

CHAPTER1

Alderkit stood in front of the nursery, nervously shifting hisweight.Heunsheathedhisclaws,diggingthemintothebeatenearthof thestonehollow, thensheathed themagainandshookdustfromhispaws.

Nowwhathappens?heaskedhimself,hisbellychurningashe thought about his apprentice ceremony that was onlymoments away. What if there’s some sort of an assessmentbeforeIcanbeanapprentice?

Alderkit thought he had heard something about anassessment once. Perhaps it had been a fewmoons agowhenHollytuft,Fernsong,andSorrelstripeweremadewarriors.ButIcan’treallyremember...Iwassolittlethen.

His heart started to pound faster and faster. He tried toconvincehimself thatsomecatwouldhave toldhimifhewassupposedtoprovethathewasready.BecauseI’mnotsurethatIam ready to become an apprentice. Not sure at all.What if Ican’tdoit?

Deep in his own thoughts, Alderkit jumped in surprise assome cat nudged him hard from behind. Spinning around, hesawhissisterSparkkit,herorangetabbyfurbushingout inalldirections.

“Aren’t you excited?” she asked with an enthusiasticbounce.“Don’tyouwant toknowwhoyourmentorwillbe?IhopeIgetsomeonefun!NotabossycatlikeBerrynose,oronelikeWhitewing.ShestickssoclosetotherulesIthinkshemust

recitethewarriorcodeinhersleep!”“That’s enough.” The kits’mother, Squirrelflight, emerged

fromthenurseryintimetohearSparkkit’slastwords.“You’renotsupposedtohavefunwithyourmentor,”sheadded,lickingone paw and smoothing it over Sparkkit’s pelt. “You’resupposed to learn from them. Berrynose and Whitewing arebothfinewarriors.You’dbeveryluckytohaveeitherof themasyourmentor.”

Though Squirrelflight’s voice was sharp, her green gazeshone with love for her kits. Alderkit knew how much hismother adored him and his sister. He was only a kit, but heknewthatSquirrelflightwasold tohaveher first litter,andherememberedtheirsharedgriefforhislostlittermates:Juniperkit,whohadbarelytakenabreathbeforehedied,andDandelionkit,whohadneverbeenstrongandwhohadslowlyweakeneduntilshealsodiedtwomoonslater.

Sparkkit and I have to be the best cats we can be forSquirrelflightandBramblestar.

Sparkkit, meanwhile, wasn’t at all cowed by hermother’sscolding. She twitched her tail and cheerfully shook her peltuntilherfurfluffedupagain.

Alderkitwishedhehadherconfidence.Hehadn’twondereduntil nowwhohismentorwouldbe, andhegazed around theclearing at the other cats with new and curious eyes. Ivypoolwould be an okaymentor, he thought, spotting the silver-and-white tabby she-cat returning from a hunting patrol withLionblaze and Blossomfall. She’s friendly and a good hunter.Lionblazeisabitscary,though.Alderkitsuppressedashiveratthe sight of themuscles rippling beneath the goldenwarrior’s

pelt.Anditwon’tbeBlossomfall,becauseshewasjustmentorfor Hollytuft. Or Brackenfur or Rosepetal, because theymentoredSorrelstripeandFernsong.

Lost in thought, Alderkit watched Thornclaw, who hadpaused in the middle of the clearing to give himself a goodscratchbehindoneear.He’dprobablybeokay,thoughhe’ssortofshort-tempered....

“Hey,wakeup!”SparkkittroddownhardonAlderkit’spaw.“It’sstarting!”

Alderkit realized that Bramblestar had appeared on theHighledgeoutsidehisden,wayabovetheirheadsonthewallofthestonehollow.

“Leteverycatoldenoughtocatchtheirownpreyjoinherebeneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!” Bramblestaryowled.

Alderkitgazedathisfatheradmiringlyasallthecatsintheclearing turned their attention to him and began to gathertogether.He’ssoconfidentandstrong.I’msoluckytobethesonofsuchanamazingcat.

Bramblestarranlightlydownthetumbledrocksandtookhisplaceinthecenteroftheraggedcircleofcatsthatwasformingatthefootoftherockwall.Squirrelflightgentlynudgedhertwokitsforwarduntiltheytoostoodinthecircle.

Alderkit’s belly began to churn even harder, and hetightenedallhismusclestostophimselffromtrembling.Ican’tdothis!hethought,strugglingnottopanic.

Then he caught sight of his father’s gaze on him: such awarm,proudlookthatAlderkitinstantlyfeltcomforted.Hetookafewdeepbreaths,forcinghimselftorelax.

“CatsofThunderClan,”Bramblestarbegan,“this isagoodday for us, because it’s time to make two new apprentices.Sparkkit,comehere,please.”

InstantlySparkkitbouncedinto thecenterof thecircle,hertail standing straight up and her fur bristlingwith excitement.Shegazedconfidentlyatherleader.

“From this day forward,” Bramblestar meowed, touchingSparkkitonher shoulderwithhis tail-tip, “thisapprenticewillbe known as Sparkpaw. Cherryfall, youwill be hermentor. ItrustthatyouwillpassontoheryourdedicationtoyourClan,yourquickmind,andyourexcellenthuntingskills.”

Sparkpaw dashed across the circle toCherryfall, bouncingwith happiness, and the ginger she-cat bent her head to touchnoseswithher.

“Sparkpaw!Sparkpaw!”theClanbegantoyowl.SparkpawgaveapleasedlittlehopasherClanmateschanted

hernewname,hereyesshiningasshestoodbesidehermentor.Alderkitjoinedintheacclamation,pleasedtoseehowhappy

hissisterlooked.ThankStarClan!Therewasn’tanykindoftesttoprovethatshewasready.

As the yowling died away, Bramblestar beckoned toAlderkit with his tail. “Your turn,” he meowed, his gazeencouragingAlderkiton.

Alderkit’slegssuddenlyfeltwobblyashestaggeredintothecenterofthecircle.Hischestfelttight,asifhecouldn’tbreatheproperly. But as he halted in front of Bramblestar, his fathergavehimaslightnodtosteadyhim,andhestoodwithhisheadraisedasBramblestarrestedthetipofhistailonhisshoulder.

“From this day forward, this apprentice will be known as

Alderpaw,”Bramblestarannounced.“Molewhisker,youwillbehismentor.You are loyal, determined, and brave, and I knowthat you will do your best to pass on these qualities to yourapprentice.”

As he padded across the clearing to join his mentor,Alderpawwasn’tsurehowhefelt.HeknewthatMolewhiskerwas Cherryfall’s littermate, but the big cream-and-brown tomwasmuch quieter than his sister, and had never shownmuchinterest in the kits. His gaze was solemn as he bent to touchnoseswithAlderpaw.

IhopeIcanmakeyouproudofme,Alderpawthought.I’mgoingtotrymyhardest!

“Alderpaw!Alderpaw!”Alderpaw ducked his head and gave his chest fur a few

embarrassed licksasheheardhisClancaterwaulinghisname.Atthesametime,hethoughthewouldburstwithhappiness.

Atlastthechantingdiedawayandthecrowdofcatsbeganto disperse, heading toward their dens or the fresh-kill pile.SquirrelflightandBramblestarpaddedovertojointheirkits.

“Welldone,”Bramblestarmeowed.“Itwasn’tsoscary,wasit?”

“Itwasgreat!”Sparkpawresponded,her tailwavingin theair.“Ican’twaittogohunting!”

“We’re so proud of both of you,” Squirrelflight purred,giving Sparkpaw and then Alderpaw a lick around their ears.“I’msureyou’llbothbewonderfulwarriorsoneday.”

Bramblestardippedhisheadinagreement.“Iknowyoubothhave so much to give your Clan.” He stepped back as hefinishedspeaking,andwavedhistailtodrawMolewhiskerand

Cherryfallcloser.“Listentoyourmentors,”hetoldthetwonewapprentices.“I’mlookingforwardtohearinggoodthingsaboutyourprogress.”

With an affectionate nuzzle he turned away and headedtowardhisden.Squirrelflighttoogaveherkitsaquickcuddle,andthenfollowedhim.AlderpawandSparkpawwereleftalonewithMolewhiskerandCherryfall.

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AbouttheAuthor

ERINHUNTERisinspiredbyaloveofcatsandafascinationwith the ferocity of the natural world. In addition to havinggreatrespectfornatureinallitsforms,Erinenjoyscreatingrichmythical explanations for animal behavior. She is also theauthorofthebestsellingSeekersandSurvivorsseries.

Discovergreatauthors,exclusiveoffers,andmoreathc.com.

BooksbyErinHunter

THEPROPHECIESBEGINBookOne:IntotheWildBookTwo:FireandIce

BookThree:ForestofSecretsBookFour:RisingStorm

BookFive:ADangerousPathBookSix:TheDarkestHour

THENEWPROPHECYBookOne:MidnightBookTwo:MoonriseBookThree:DawnBookFour:StarlightBookFive:TwilightBookSix:Sunset

POWEROFTHREE

BookOne:TheSightBookTwo:DarkRiverBookThree:OutcastBookFour:Eclipse

BookFive:LongShadowsBookSix:Sunrise

OMENOFTHESTARSBookOne:TheFourthApprentice

BookTwo:FadingEchoesBookThree:NightWhispersBookFour:SignoftheMoon

BookFive:TheForgottenWarriorBookSix:TheLastHope

DAWNOFTHECLANSBookOne:TheSunTrailBookTwo:ThunderRisingBookThree:TheFirstBattleBookFour:TheBlazingStarBookFive:AForestDividedBookSix:PathofStars

WarriorsSuperEdition:Firestar’sQuestWarriorsSuperEdition:Bluestar’sProphecyWarriorsSuperEdition:SkyClan’sDestiny

WarriorsSuperEdition:Crookedstar’sPromiseWarriorsSuperEdition:Yellowfang’sSecretWarriorsSuperEdition:Tallstar’sRevengeWarriorsSuperEdition:Bramblestar’sStormWarriorsFieldGuide:SecretsoftheClans

Warriors:CatsoftheClansWarriors:CodeoftheClansWarriors:BattlesoftheClansWarriors:EntertheClans

Warriors:TheUltimateGuideWarriors:TheUntoldStoriesWarriors:TalesfromtheClans

MANGATheLostWarriorWarrior’sRefuge

Warrior’sReturnTheRiseofScourge

TigerstarandSasha#1:IntotheWoodsTigerstarandSasha#2:EscapefromtheForestTigerstarandSasha#3:ReturntotheClansRavenpaw’sPath#1:ShatteredPeaceRavenpaw’sPath#2:AClaninNeed

Ravenpaw’sPath#3:TheHeartofaWarriorSkyClanandtheStranger#1:TheRescue

SkyClanandtheStranger#2:BeyondtheCodeSkyClanandtheStranger#3:AftertheFlood

NOVELLASHollyleaf’sStoryMistystar’sOmenCloudstar’sJourneyTigerclaw’sFuryLeafpool’sWish

Mapleshade’sVengeanceGoosefeather’sCurse

BookOne:TheQuestBeginsBookTwo:GreatBearLakeBookThree:SmokeMountainBookFour:TheLastWildernessBookFive:FireintheSkyBookSix:SpiritsintheStars

RETURNTOTHEWILDBookOne:IslandofShadowsBookTwo:TheMeltingSea

BookThree:RiverofLostBearsBookFour:ForestofWolves

BookFive:TheBurningHorizon

MANGAToklo’sStory

Kallik’sAdventure

BookOne:TheEmptyCity

BookTwo:AHiddenEnemyBookThree:DarknessFallsBookFour:TheBrokenPathBookFive:TheEndlessLakeBookSix:StormofDogs

THEGATHERINGDARKNESSBookOne:APackDivided

Survivors:TalesfromthePacks

NOVELLASAlpha’sTale

Sweet’sJourneyMoon’sChoice

Credits

Coverart©2015byOwenRichardsonSeriescoverdesignbyElliceM.Lee

Copyright

MOTHFLIGHT’SVISION.Copyright©2015byWorkingPartnersLimited.SeriescreatedbyWorkingPartnersLimited.Mapart2015byDaveStevenson.Interiorart2015byOwenRichardson.Mangatextcopyright©2015byWorkingPartners

Limited.Mangaartcopyright©2015byHarperCollinsPublishers.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-

AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionof

HarperCollinse-books.www.harpercollinschildrens.com

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataHunter,Erin.MothFlight’svision/ErinHunter.—Firstedition.pagescm.—(Warriors) Summary: “Strange visions drive a youngWindClan catnamedMoth Flight to leave her home on a journey that willchangethefutureofthenewwarriorClansforever”—Providedbypublisher.

ISBN978-0-06-229147-9(hardcover)ISBN978-0-06-229148-6(library)EPubEdition©October2015ISBN9780062291509Version12152015[1.Cats—Fiction.2.Visions—Fiction.3.Voyagesandtravels—Fiction.4.Fantasy.]I.Title.PZ7.H916625Mq2015 2014041203[Fic]—dc23 CIP

AC

15161718CG/RRDH10987654321

FIRSTEDITION

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