A Forest Divided by Erin Hunter Page B

“But the prey pile’s empty. Jagged Peak and Holly can work on their den later. And Slate has hunted here for seasons. She can show them the best places to find prey.”
    Jagged Peak’s gray fur flashed at the corner of his vision.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” The tom padded confidently toward them.
    â€œGray Wing’s organizing hunting parties,” Tall Shadow growled, straightening up. “I don’t think it’s your place to make such decisions.”
    Gray Wing bristled. “Mouse Ear offered,” he pointed out. “I just didn’t think it was safe for him to hunt alone.”
    Jagged Peak lifted his chin. “Tall Shadow’s right,” hemeowed. “You gave up leadership. You can’t try to take it back now.”
    Shock flashed through Gray Wing’s pelt. “I wasn’t—”
    Tall Shadow huffed. “You’ve been giving orders ever since you returned to camp!”
    Gray Wing blinked at her. “I’m only trying to help.”
    â€œI’m leader here!” Tall Shadow snapped. “I brought us to this place.”
    â€œBut . . .” Words dried on Gray Wing’s tongue. He knew how much coming here had meant to Tall Shadow. He’d supported her decision and come to help her build a safe home. He’d spent every day watching out for Fern and Slash. He just wanted to keep his campmates safe.
    â€œI’m sorry, Gray Wing.” Tall Shadow’s mew softened. “But you’ve looked after the cats long enough. You’re not as strong as you used to be.”
    She thinks I’m weak! Gray Wing lashed his tail as she went on.
    â€œIt’s time you let stronger cats take charge. You’re not our leader anymore.”
    â€œI’m just as strong as any cat!” Gray Wing hissed. “How dare you say—” He stopped. A familiar scent was drifting through the brambles. His pelt bushed.
    Fern!
    He pricked his ears and heard pine needles swish beyond the camp wall.
    That rogue is spying on us.
    He raced for the camp entrance.
    â€œGray Wing?” Slate called after him.
    â€œDon’t go!” Tall Shadow’s mew was sharp with worry. “I was only thinking of your health.”
    Gray Wing flattened his ears as he scraped through the bramble tunnel, opening his mouth to taste the air. It was definitely Fern. He scanned the shadowy forest floor. A dark shape darted past a pine tree and ducked into a clump of bracken. The mouse-hearted rogue was running away.
    Gray Wing raced after her, hackles raised. Tall Shadow had no idea about the dangers lurking in their new home. I’ll show her that I’m not too weak to protect my campmates!

C HAPTER 7

    Which way had Fern gone, Gray Wing wondered. The rogue’s scent was still fresh, but he’d lost sight of her. He strained to see between the shadowy pines, stiffening as he spotted movement ahead.
    Moving quietly over the pine needles, he followed. The black she-cat was weaving between the trees. It would be easy to catch up. Then he could drag her back to camp and show Tall Shadow that he wasn’t too weak to look after his campmates.
    Gray Wing frowned. Why wasn’t Fern running? Hadn’t she realized she was being followed? Curiosity itched beneath his fur. What was the rogue up to?
    Dropping low, he kept to the shadows, treading as lightly as prey.
    Weak sunlight seeped into the forest ahead. Gray Wing felt the faint rumble of a monster shake the ground. They were approaching the Thunderpath where it sliced through the trees, separating the pine forest and Clear Sky’s woods. Fern’s pelt showed against green as she slid out onto the side of the Thunderpath. Gray Wing paused and peered between the trees.
    Fern crouched at the side of the Thunderpath, scanning the dark trail. A monster growled, its wide white flank flickering beyond the trees as it neared. Gray Wing curled his claws into the earth, his