Path of Stars by Erin Hunter Page A

respectfully. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
    River Ripple met Wind Runner’s angry stare. “There are plenty of fish in the river. We are happy to share what we have.”
    â€œFish!” Lightning Tail snorted. “Who wants to eat fish?”
    â€œHungry cats must eat what they can,” River Ripple answered.
    Thunder swished his tail. “River Ripple’s offer is kind, but his fish can’t feed us all.”
    â€œAnd what if the river freezes over?” Wind Runner added. “Then there’ll be no fish at all.”
    Thunder stepped forward. “This is everyone’s problem. We need to find a solution.”
    Clear Sky’s gaze flicked around the other cats. “This trouble started when the rogues kidnapped Star Flower,” he meowed. “And I’m sorry I got you involved, but I had no choice. You did the right thing in rescuing her. She’s safe, and my kits are growing stronger with each day. You know as well as I do that none of you would have slept soundly in your nests if you’d let them die.”
    Gray Wing caught his brother’s eye. For once, Clear Sky had judged them perfectly. Not one of the cats who stood bathed in moonlight could have found peace knowing that Star Flower and her kits had come to harm because of their inaction. Pride surged beneath his pelt, and he padded closer to his brother. “Star Flower was just Slash’s excuse to start stealing from us.” He glanced around the leaders. “He is determined to hate us, and he must find a reason to justify his hate. It is deep in his bones, just as it was with One Eye.”
    Thunder growled. “Some cats need an enemy to make them feel strong.”
    River Ripple nodded. “Their bellies don’t feel full unless they are eating another cat’s food.”
    Wind Runner’s pelt pricked impatiently along her spine. “What are we going to do about it?”
    Tall Shadow’s ears twitched. “We’ve been sending out larger hunting patrols, but we’re always outnumbered.”
    â€œHow many rogues does Slash have?” Leaf lashed his tail, looking toward Gray Wing. “Has Fern given you any idea?”
    â€œI haven’t seen her since we rescued Star Flower,” Gray Wing told him. “But I’ve seen their camp and smelled the scents. He seems to have a large group, but I’m not sure how big.”
    Wind Runner flexed her claws. “You need to find out.”
    Fear spiked Gray Wing’s belly as he imagined sneaking back to the marsh. It would be risky. And even if he found Fern again, he’d be putting her in danger just by talking to her.
    Thunder blinked at him. “I’ll come with you. We can take a patrol.”
    He felt Slate’s pelt pricking against his and scented her fear. “I’m coming too.”
    Gray Wing shook his head. “I’m going alone. Sending a patrol might cause a battle.”
    Wind Runner grunted. “Perhaps we should have a battle and end this once and for all.”
    â€œNo.” Clear Sky paced between the cats. “It would be mouse-brained to fight a battle against an enemy we don’t know. First we need to know how many rogues there are.”
    Gray Wing nodded. Clear Sky was right. “I’ll find out what I can.”
    â€œMeanwhile, we must prepare to defend what is ours.” Thunder glanced toward Lightning Tail. “We’ve been training to fight and practicing battle moves. I think you should all start training so that you can fight off any rogue attack. There may be many of them, but they’re not very skilled. Ifthey were, they wouldn’t have to travel in such big groups.”
    Milkweed’s eyes glittered. “Lightning Tail has been teaching Clover and Thistle how to defend themselves.”
    Tall Shadow flicked her tail-tip. “Storm Pelt, Dew Nose, and Eagle Feather each have their own trainer.