Path of Stars by Erin Hunter Page B

They’ve only been learning to hunt so far, but they could learn some battle moves too.” She nodded to Mouse Ear. “You’ve formed quite a bond with Eagle Feather, haven’t you?”
    â€œHe’s a fast learner.” Mouse Ear glanced around at the other cats. “And it’s easier if I train him alone. I can learn his strengths and weaknesses and build on what he already knows.”
    Lightning Tail blinked. “That’s a good idea.” He glanced at Thunder. “Maybe I should assign trainers to Clover and Thistle.”
    â€œI’d be happy to train either of them,” Leaf offered. “They’re both bright and eager to learn.”
    Milkweed fluffed out her pelt proudly.
    Wind Runner exchanged looks with Gorse Fur. “Perhaps if Moth Flight had her own trainer, she’d learn faster. She certainly doesn’t seem to have learned much from us.”
    â€œShe’s doing fine—” Gorse Fur began to defend their kit, but Jagged Peak interrupted.
    â€œI got nowhere trying to train Eagle Feather,” he admitted. “I was either too soft on him or too hard. We ended up squabbling.”
    Mouse Ear shifted his paws. “It’s easy for me to see Eagle Feather’s progress with a clear eye. It seems more difficult to train one’s own kit.”
    â€œVery well.” Clear Sky dipped his head. “Let’s all begin battle training, and give each kit their own trainer.”
    Wind Runner nodded. Tall Shadow dipped her head. As River Ripple blinked his approval, shadows darkened the clearing.
    Gray Wing glanced at the full moon. Clouds were beginning to drift across it. Thicker clouds lurked on the horizon. Night was coming, and it would be easier to reach Slash’s camp in the dark. “I’ll go and find Fern now.” The sooner they knew what they were facing, the faster they could prepare. For what? His ears twitched uneasily. Was there really going to be a battle? He shuddered, remembering the Great Battle, fought right where they were standing. So many cats had died.
    Slate moved closer and lowered her voice. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
    â€œI’m sure.” He wasn’t going to put her in danger.
    She gazed at him, worry darkening her eyes. “Be careful,” she breathed.
    â€œI’ll be okay,” he promised, hoping it was true. He knew what it was like to wait for a loved one who never returned, and he wouldn’t wish it on Slate for anything. Stiffening, he determined that he was going to be back at her side by dawn. “I promise.”
    He nodded to the others, then turned and headed for the slope. Breaking into a run, he plunged into the bracken and headed toward the pine forest.
    As he neared the edge of the pines, he tasted the air. He winced as he smelled the dank odor of decaying mushroomsand followed the scent, moving silently through the shadows, until he found a patch of wilted ink caps at the foot of a tree.
    Wrinkling his nose, he lay down on the mushrooms, shuddering as he felt their rotting flesh collapse beneath his weight and squish into his fur. He stood up and shook out his pelt. The rankness of their scent would disguise his.
    Gray Wing headed for the edge of the pines, ducking as he emerged from their shelter. The moon and stars were covered by cloud. Fern would be curled up in her nest, fast asleep. Would he have to wait like last time, to catch her on patrol? As the grass beneath his paws turned to mossy peat, he slowed. He could just make out the marsh grass rising ahead. The wall of the rogues’ camp was half-hidden by the dip. He veered away, heading for the willow copse, and climbed the slope, then crouched between the hazel thickets once again.
    Blinking in the darkness, he pricked his ears and listened. He stiffened as an owl’s hoot echoed across the stretch of marshland. Wings fluttered far above his head, and the