A Forest Divided by Erin Hunter Page A

Peak’s fur rippled along his spine as he padded forward. “They’re my kits,” he meowed sharply. “ I’ll build their den.”
    Holly moved aside as he pushed between her and Gray Wing. “Gray Wing says this end of the camp will be warmest,” she told him.
    Jagged Peak didn’t answer, but began sniffing around the bramble wall.
    Gray Wing backed away. If Jagged Peak wanted to take charge, why argue? Dew Nose, Storm Pelt, and Eagle Feather were his kits.
    â€œLet me know if you need some help,” said Gray Wing, giving Holly a polite nod. Turning, he noticed Tall Shadow gazing at him. She looked uneasy. Before he could ask if anything was wrong, the camp entrance rustled loudly. A familiar scent touched Gray Wing’s nose.
    â€œSlate!”
    The amber-eyed moor cat was padding into camp. She dipped her head low to Tall Shadow. “I hope you don’t mind my visiting.”
    Tall Shadow padded from the edge of the clearing. “We’re always pleased to see you.”
    Gray Wing hurried toward Slate. “How are Wind Runner and the kits?”
    â€œThey get bigger every day!” Slate purred. “They’re desperate to explore outside the camp, but Wind Runner won’t let them.” She lowered her voice. “I think Gorse Fur thinks a little fresh air will use up some of their energy, but Wind Runner just sticks out her tail and frowns. There’s no arguing with her.”
    Gray Wing’s whiskers twitched with amusement. Wind Runner had always been certain she knew best. It made her a fierce mother, but a strong one. The kits were lucky to have her.
    â€œWhy don’t you come and visit?”
    â€œThe moor?” Slate’s question took Gray Wing by surprise. He imagined the fresh wind rippling through his fur and pictured the wide-open expanse of heather and peat. His heart ached to be back there, but he shook his head. “I can’t leave my campmates. Not while we’re still settling in.”
    â€œNot even for a short while?” Slate gazed at him softly. “You haven’t met Reed and Minnow yet. You’d like them.” Reed and Minnow were rogues who had joined Wind Runner’s group at the end of leaf-fall.
    Longing tugged in Gray Wing’s chest.
    Tall Shadow flicked her tail. “Why don’t you go, Gray Wing? We can manage without you.”
    Gray Wing shook his head. Perhaps if he hadn’t overheard Slash and Fern, he’d go with Slate, just for a day. But he couldn’t leave his friends when he knew that danger was stalking among the shadowy pines.
    Mewling sounded outside the camp. Smalls paws pattered over the forest floor.
    â€œLet me help carry it!” Dew Nose’s mew sounded indignant.
    The brambles rustled and Storm Pelt charged into camp. His eyes shone as the lizard dangled from his jaws. Eagle Feather and Dew Nose burst in after him.
    â€œI would have found it first,” Dew Nose squeaked. “But Eagle Feather kept getting in the way.”
    Mouse Ear padded after them. He nodded to Gray Wing. “Storm Pelt just followed your scent trail and went straight to it, while these two were running around in circles.”
    â€œWe were not!” Eagle Feather puffed out his chest.
    Mouse Ear purred. “Go and put it on the prey pile, Storm Pelt.” He nodded toward the empty patch at the edge of the clearing. “Though it’s not much of a pile right now.”
    Gray Wing flicked his tail. “We should send out a hunting party.”
    Mouse Ear met his gaze. “Do you want me to go?”
    â€œTake Holly and Jagged Peak with you,” Gray Wing told him.
    â€œI can go too,” Slate offered.
    Tall Shadow stepped in front of the moor cat, her tail twitching with annoyance. “Jagged Peak and Holly are busy right now. And Slate has her own group to hunt for.” Her angry gaze scorched Gray Wing’s pelt.
    He tipped his head, puzzled.