Moth Flight’s Vision

Chapter 14

“Wake up.”

Moth Flight felt a muzzle nudging her shoulder. She lifted her head, blinking at the bright sunshine. Where am I? Confused for a moment, she saw Micah, standing beside her on the smooth, wide rock at the foot of Highstones.

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

The moonlit stone!

Heart leaping, she scrambled to her paws. “We have to get back and tell Wind Runner!” They’d talked until dawn had crept over the moortop, and then slept. Now the sun was sinking behind them. “Come on!”

“There’s no hurry. We can eat first.” Micah jumped off the rock and sniffed for prey underneath.

“There isn’t time. It’s full moon tonight. We have to get back and tell her before the Gathering. Then she can let the others know.” Moth Flight leaped from the rock and headed across the stony ground, toward the fields. If she could convince

Wind Runner that the Clans needed to have medicine cats, then Wind Runner could explain everything to the other leaders.

They might not believe me, but they’ll believe the WindClan leader.

She heard Micah’s paw steps hurry after her. “What’s the Gathering?”

“The Clans meet every full moon to share tongues,” Moth

Flight explained quickly, her eyes fixed on the meadow ahead.

“They swap information about dangers, like Twolegs or dogs, and how the prey’s running. It helps keep the peace.”

“Do the Clans fight?” Micah sounded surprised.

“They did once,” Moth Flight told him. “Now we meet and share so that we’ll never fight again.”

She quickened her pace. The moor looked a long way off.

They’d be lucky to get there before dusk.

“We’ll travel faster on full bellies,” Micah scanned the land around them as stones gave way to grass beneath their paws.

Moth Flight kept her gaze firmly ahead. “If you see prey as we travel, then catch it. But I’m not stopping.”

Evening was flooding the valley by the time they neared the steep hill that climbed to the moor. Micah had caught a shrew he’d spotted as they leaped a ditch. He’d killed it and they’d quickly shared it between them. It hadn’t stopped Moth Flight’s hunger. Her belly was rumbling as she caught sight of the Thunderpath, but she ignored it. She must concentrate on crossing. The wide strip of black stone cut across their trail and Moth Flight stopped at the edge. Her ear fur tingled, picking up the distant roar of a monster. Stale monster scent soured her tongue.

“Come on.” Micah hurried onto the flat stone. He stopped in the middle and turned as she hung back on the verge. She remembered the last time she was here. Fear wormed in her belly. She’d nearly got Gorse Fur killed. What if he’d died? I was so rabbit-brained! Had Wind Runner forgiven her?

You’re a danger to your Clan.

Moth Flight stared at the Thunderpath, her mouth suddenly dry. Spotted Fur had promised everything would be fine by the morning. That had been two days ago. Would it really be fine?

It has to be! I’m going to be a medicine cat. She forced herself to remember Morning Whisker’s words. If she’s strict, it’s because she worries about you, not because she thinks you’re useless. A spirit-cat couldn’t be wrong, could she?

“Moth Flight!” Micah’s yowl made her jump. She blinked, focusing on him. The roaring of the monster was louder. Its silhouette loomed on the horizon. Glaring eyes blazed through the twilight, blanching Micah’s yellow pelt.

I’m not risking another cat’s life!

Moth Flight pelted forward, whisking past Micah. “Come on!” She glanced over her shoulder, relieved to see him hare after her as she made for the far side of the Thunderpath. She skidded to a halt, grass snagging between her claws. Micah slowed beside her. Foul wind tugged her fur as the monster roared past, honking like a goose.

“That was close!” Micah panted.

Moth Flight blinked at him anxiously. His pelt was bushed.

“I didn’t expect you to wait for me in the middle.”

“I didn’t expect you to stand daydreaming at the side!”

“Next time, don’t wait for me,” she told him. “I get distracted.”

Micah’s ears twitched uneasily.

“Are there any

Thunderpaths on the moor?”

“No.”

“Good.”

They climbed the slope in silence. As they reached the top, the setting sun warmed Moth Flight’s back for a moment before it slipped behind Highstones. She stopped and blinked through the dusky half-light. She could smell WindClan scents clinging to the gorse ahead. And the heather, fragrant with evening dew.

Her paws pricked with happiness. She was home!

She glanced at Micah. It was strange to have him beside her.

She was used to crossing this grass with her Clanmates. Was he nervous? He was entering unknown territory. “Are you ready?”

Micah gazed across the moor sloping away in front of them.

The forest stood beyond, no more than a shadow against the purpling sky now. He lifted his tail. “I’m ready.”

“Follow me.” Moth Flight headed toward the gorse, weaving between the thickly clustered bushes. Flower buds had begun to unfurl since she’d left and their sweet perfume filled her nose.

She quickened her pace as they reached an open stretch of grass.

“How long have the Clans lived here?” Micah trotted at her side.

“Not too long. We were one big group once,” Moth Flight explained. “But we split into Clans moons ago. Some preferred the pine forest, some preferred the oaks. Some wanted to live beside the river.” She glanced sideways at Micah. “They swim.”

“They swim?” Micah’s ears twitched. “Why?”

“Only the stars know.” Moth Flight had never understood any cat who enjoyed getting their fur wet. “Wind Runner and Gorse Fur have always been moor cats. So that’s where we live.” She pointed her muzzle toward the shadowy dip in the hillside that enclosed the camp.

Micah narrowed his eyes. Moth Flight wished she could tell what he was thinking.

She broke into a run. She didn’t want him to lose his nerve.

“Come on.” The full moon was rising into a clear sky. “They’ll be heading to Fourtrees soon. I have to speak to Wind Runner before she leaves.”

She smelled Spotted Fur’s scent as she ducked into a swath of heather. The golden-brown tom had followed this path through the bushes earlier and, by the smell of it, Dust Muzzle had been with him. Their scents rose from the earth. Wait till I tell them where I’ve been! Excitement buzzed beneath her pelt.

Wind Runner will have to believe me! She suddenly felt sure that she could convince her mother she’d spoken to Half Moon. She may think I’m a featherbrain but she knows I wouldn’t lie. She could hear Micah panting behind her and the heather swishing against their pelts as she led him zigzagging through it.

“Are we nearly there?” he puffed.

“It’s not far.” She burst out onto open grass and saw the gorse wall of the camp ahead. Circling around it, she led Micah to the entrance.

Above them, stars were beginning to glitter as the sky darkened. Is Half Moon up there watching? Moth Flight’s paws prickled. She was determined to prove that the spirit-cats had put their faith in the right cat.

She ducked through the camp entrance, Micah on her tail.

Storm Pelt was sitting among the tussocks, Dew Nose at his side. They leaped to their paws as they saw Moth Flight.

“You’re back!” Joy sparked in Storm Pelt’s eyes. Then he saw Micah and raised his hackles. “Who’s he?”

“He’s a friend.” Moth Flight pulled up in front of the mottled gray tom. “He saved me from a dog two days ago.”

Micah stiffened as Dew Nose sniffed him, suspicious, but kept his hackles smooth.

“What’s he doing here?” she demanded.

“I’ll tell you later.” Moth Flight scanned the camp, her heart thumping. Where’s Wind Runner? Unease fluttered in her belly.

Slate was playing with her kits at one edge of the camp while Rocky lay nearby, watching lazily. No one else was in camp.

“Moth Flight! You’re back!” Silver Stripe spotted her and came bouncing across the grass. Black Ear chased after his sister excitedly.

Slate looked up from White Tail, who was rolling on his back trying to swipe her mother’s tail. “You’re safe!” she called happily. “Wind Runner will be relieved.”

“Where is Wind Runner?” Moth Flight’s heart quickened.

Rocky heaved himself slowly to his paws. “She’s left with the others.”

Dew Nose was still watching Micah warily. “They’ve gone to the full-moon Gathering.”

“Already?” Moth Flight stared at him, her heart dropping like a stone. “But I wanted to speak to her.”

Micah padded to her side, ignoring Dew Nose’s curiosity.

“When did she leave?”

“Not long ago,” Storm Pelt told him.

Dew Nose stalked around her brother and glared at Micah.

“We stayed behind to guard the kits.”

Silver Stripe raced around Micah and Moth Flight. “You smell funny!” she squeaked.

“Where have you been?” Black Ear stared at her with wide eyes. “You’re all dusty!”

Micah looked at the kit, his whiskers twitching with amusement. “We’ve been to Highstones.”

“Highstones!” Slate was crossing the grass toward them, White Tail at her heels. “That’s a long way from here.”

“I know.” Moth Flight suddenly realized how tired her paws were. But she couldn’t stop now. “We have to catch up with Wind Runner. I’ve got something important to tell her.”

Slate narrowed her eyes. “Is everything okay?”

Moth Flight met her gaze. “Everything’s fine,” she promised.

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

But there wasn’t time to talk.

“You’ll hear about it later!” Moth Flight turned and headed for the entrance. “I have to catch up with Wind Runner.”

“You’re not taking him to a Gathering, are you?” Dew Nose called after Moth Flight. Micah was following her. “Gatherings are for Clan cats!”

“He’ll be a Clan cat soon!” she called over her shoulder.

She burst out of camp and headed downslope. Opening her mouth, she tasted the air. WindClan scent bathed her tongue, so fresh she struggled to make out which way they’d gone. Micah was already sniffing the ground. He whipped his tail eagerly as he reached a spot of trampled grass a few tail-lengths ahead.

“They went this way.”

Moth Flight rushed to his side and checked the scents. He was right. Fresh paw-scents coated the tussocks here, and headed toward a wide clump of heather. She followed the trail, nose low, pushing through the bushes onto the grassy slope beyond. It led past the outcrop of rocks she used to hunt on with Dust Muzzle. Wind Runner must be leading her Clan along the old sheep track that went through deep heather and ended at the top of Fourtrees. Checking to see that Micah was still following, Moth Flight broke into a run.

He caught up and fell in step beside her. “Do you think we’ll catch her in time?”

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

They slid into single file as heather rose around them and the sheep track meandered among the bushes, finally opening at the top of the hollow.

Moth Flight halted and scanned the ridge. Her belly tightened. She couldn’t see Wind Runner or the WindClan cats.

But she could smell their scents rising from the hollow. “We’re too late,” she whispered. “They’re down there.”

The tops of the oaks loomed in front of them, the huge branches softened by a haze of leaf buds. Moth Flight gazed into the valley and saw pelts moving below.

She shifted her paws. “Let’s wait until they’ve finished the Gathering. Then I can tell Wind Runner about the medicine cats.”

Micah looked at her. “All the Clan leaders are going to be down there tonight, right?”

Moth Flight avoided his gaze. She could guess what he was thinking. “You want me to go down there and tell every cat.”

“They have to know,” he reasoned.

“But I wanted to tell Wind Runner first,” Moth Flight argued.

“Why?” Micah’s green gaze didn’t waver.

Moth Flight felt hot. “Because it’s easier,” she admitted.

“Moth Flight.” Micah moved his muzzle closer until she could feel his warm breath billow around her nose. “You can do this.”

“You want me to walk into the middle of a Gathering and tell all of them that some spirit-cats told me they should have medicine cats?” Fear tightened her belly.

“The spirit-cats believe you can do it.” Micah didn’t move.

Moth Flight nodded stiffly. “They told me to be strong.” She tried to ignore the panic flashing beneath her pelt.

“Then, be strong.” Gently, Micah nudged her toward the top of the hollow.

Paws numb with terror, Moth Flight let him steer her into the thick bracken that crowded the slope. Pressing against her, he guided her among the thick stems. Her ears twitched as she heard the murmur of the cats below. I can’t do this! The bracken rustled around her as they neared the bottom of the slope. She felt sick. “Wait.” She paused, desperately trying to think of what she was going to say.

Micah halted beside her and peered through the bracken.

She followed his gaze.

“Who’s that gray cat?” he whispered.

“That’s Clear Sky.”

Micah nodded. “I thought so.”

“Did he look like that in your dream?”

“Yes.” His gaze scanned the gathered cats. “Who are the cats standing beside him?”

Moth Flight narrowed her eyes, trying to tell who was who.

Bright moonlight shone through the budding oak branches, turning the pelts of the Clan cats silver. “That’s Jagged Peak.”

She nodded toward the small gray tabby tom who paced beside

Clear Sky. “He’s Clear Sky’s brother but he lives with WindClan now. And Thunder is the big tom next to them.”

“Thunder is leader of ThunderClan.” Micah was clearly trying to learn as much as he could.

“He’s also Clear Sky’s son.”

Micah stared at her. “They all live in different Clans even though they share the same blood?”

“Clan connections are stronger than blood ties now,” Moth

Flight told him. She glanced back at the cats milling in the clearing among the trees. Where was Wind Runner? Her gaze flitted from pelt to pelt until she recognized the narrow stripes of her mother. Wind Runner was pacing restlessly between

Gorse Fur and Dust Muzzle. Spotted Fur, Fern Leaf, and Willow

Tail sat nearby.

The grass on the far side of the clearing swished as River Ripple led his cats into the clearing. Dappled Pelt was with him, and Shattered Ice, Night, and Pine Needle.

River Ripple nodded a polite greeting to the other leaders and settled on an arching root beneath one of the oaks. As his cats gathered around him, Tall Shadow led Pebble Heart, Raven

Pelt, Juniper Branch, Mud Paws, and Mouse Ear into the clearing.

“We’re all here.” Clear Sky’s mew rang out loudly in the chilly night air.

Wind Runner crossed the clearing and stopped in front of the SkyClan leader, dipping her head politely first to him, then to Thunder, River Ripple, and Tall Shadow. “What news do you bring?”

“Newleaf has brought fresh prey to our part of the forest,” Clear Sky told her.

“And to ours,” Thunder added.

River Ripple hopped from the root and joined the other leaders. “The river is still swollen with snowmelt, and the fishing is good.”

Moth Flight felt Micah shift beside her. He was watching the Clan cats with wide eyes.

Wind Runner offered her report. “There are rabbits on the moor and the lapwings are beginning to nest. There will be plenty of prey by greenleaf.”

A hiss sounded behind her. “There won’t be if SkyClan keeps hunting on our land.” Willow Tail stalked across the clearing.

Wind Runner looked sharply at her Clanmate.

Clear Sky stiffened. “Are you accusing us of prey-stealing?”

Willow Tail faced the SkyClan leader. “Just one of you.”

Her gaze flashed to the reddish-brown tom sitting behind Clear Sky.

Moth Flight recognized Red Claw. She tensed. Was Willow

Tail still determined to start a fight with the SkyClan tom?

Red Claw got to his paws, his tail flicking ominously behind him. He padded toward Willow Tail, showing his teeth. “Why would a forest cat want to steal moor prey? We’ve got rabbits of our own—fatter than your scrawny vermin.”

Willow Tail’s hackles lifted. “The only scrawny vermin on our territory lately is you!”

Red Claw flattened his ears.

Wind Runner pushed between them. She looked at Clear Sky. “You need to keep your Clan under control.”

Clear Sky narrowed his eyes. “It’s your cat who’s trying to start a battle.”

“She is just defending our borders,” Wind Runner snapped back. “Besides, it isn’t only Willow Tail who’s noticed. Slate found rabbit bones just on our side of the SkyClan border. None of my cats enjoyed that meal. Which of yours did?” She glared at Red Claw.

Moth Flight’s fur prickled nervously. Slate found evidence?

Still, one rabbit didn’t seem worth fighting about. The Gathering was meant to be a time of peace. The Clans weren’t supposed to quarrel here.

Micah shifted beside her. “Are they going to fight?”

“I hope not.” Moth Flight watched uneasily as Clear Sky nudged Red Claw aside and glared at Wind Runner.

“Any animal could have killed that rabbit. What other proof do you have my cats are on your territory?” he growled.

“Willow Tail saw Red Claw on the moor a few days ago,” Wind Runner hissed.

“Is she telling the truth?” Clear Sky’s tail twitched irritably as he turned to the SkyClan tom.

Red Claw lifted his chin. “I was there. I don’t need to hide it. I wasn’t hunting. Can’t we even set paw on another Clan’s land now?”

Willow Tail glared at him. “Not when you’re a fox-hearted traitor.”

“How dare you!” Red Claw’s eyes flashed in the half-light.

Willow Tail let out a low warning growl.

They mustn’t fight! Blood roared in Moth Flight’s ears. The spirit-cats wanted her to share her news with the other Clans.

How could she if they were at war? “Wait here!” She left Micah and bounded from the bracken.

The cats turned, eyes glittering with surprise as they saw her.

She skidded to a halt in the clearing, suddenly conscious that everyone was staring at her.

“Moth Flight?” Wind Runner stared across the dappled clearing, her eyes round with dread. “Is that you?”

Moth Flight blinked at her. “Of course.” Why did her mother look so scared?

Wind Runner flattened her ears. “Are you dead?” Fear edged her mew.

Moth Flight frowned, struggling to understand. Dead? Why would I be dead? She glanced at her paws, noticing how the moonlight was making her white fur glow. Then she realized, shocked. She’d appeared at a Gathering like a spirit-cat! Did Wind Runner think she’d been killed on her journey? Alarm spiked in her belly. “No!” She hurried toward Wind Runner.

“I’m alive. I’ve come home!” She pressed her muzzle against her mother’s cheek.

Wind Runner was trembling.

Gorse Fur shouldered his way through the watching cats, his gaze glittering with anger. “Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick!”

Moth Flight dipped her head apologetically. “I’m sorry,” she mewed. “But I had to go. There was something I needed to find.”

“What?” Wind Runner lifted her head sharply. Her grief seemed to evaporate.

Moth Flight backed away. Clear Sky was staring at her.

River Ripple padded closer, his eyes round with interest.

Tall Shadow tipped her head to one side thoughtfully.

Moth Flight’s belly fluttered with fear. She lifted her chin. “I bring news from the spirit-cats,” she began.

“Really?” Clear Sky huffed, clearly unconvinced. Tall Shadow rolled her eyes.

Moth Flight glanced toward her Clanmates, hoping to find support.

But Swift Minnow was staring at her accusingly. “Have you been daydreaming again, Moth Flight?”

Jagged Peak exchanged glances with Holly. Spotted Fur blinked at her sympathetically.

They don’t believe me. Moth Flight fought the panic rising in her chest.

A low growl sounded in Red Claw’s throat. “She’s just trying to distract us.” He turned his gaze back to Willow Tail.

“No cat accuses me of stealing.”

Wind Runner hissed. “No cat steals from WindClan.”

Frustration surged beneath Moth Flight’s pelt. Did they really think their dumb fight was more important than a message from their ancestors? She lashed her tail. “You have to listen to me!”

Red Claw flashed her a look. “Did Wind Runner put you up to this, Moth Flight?” He growled. “Is she scared her Clan is going to look like a bunch of liars?”

Wind Runner’s hackles lifted. “Clear Sky.” She glared at the SkyClan leader. “You seem to make a habit of taking in troublemakers. I thought you’d have learned after One Eye turned on you. But you’re still filling your Clan with thieves and bullies.”

Clear Sky’s blue gaze turned to ice. “My cats are brave and honest.”

Star Flower pushed past Blossom and Acorn Fur and stood beside her mate. “Clear Sky is a great leader. He knows his cats and he knows they would never lie!”

Wind Runner curled her lip. “Then why did Slate find rabbit bones at the border?”

Red Claw snorted. “How do we know Slate is telling the truth?”

“Slate is not a liar!” Wind Runner hissed.

“Stop it!” Frustration flared through Moth Flight. “I’m trying to tell you the most important news you’ll ever hear. The future of the Clans depends on it!” She stiffened, surprised by her own boldness.

Dust Muzzle blinked at her.

Before any cat could interrupt, she went on. “I spoke with the spirit-cats. They told me that each Clan should have a medicine cat to care for their sick. Dappled Pelt will be

RiverClan’s medicine cat and Pebble Heart will be medicine cat for ShadowClan. I’m to be WindClan’s and Cloud Spots will be

ThunderClan’s.” She paused. It wasn’t time yet to tell them about Micah. They needed to get used to the idea of medicine cats first. She dug her claws into the ground, bracing herself for the Clans’ reactions.

Tall Shadow stepped forward. “Why would the spirit-cats tell you this? Why not tell us?” She glanced at Clear Sky and River Ripple. “We’re the Clan leaders.”

“They said that they would speak through me from now on,” Moth Flight told her.

Clear Sky spluttered. “You? You’re hardly more than a kit!”

Moth Flight tried to ignore him, but her paws began to tremble. “They said they will send omens, and that I must tell Wind Runner what the omens mean.” She noticed Dappled Pelt staring at her, eyes bright with starlight. “I guess each medicine cat will see omens and interpret them for their leader.” That was what Half Moon had meant, surely?

Wind Runner padded closer, her pelt rippling along her spine. “Moth Flight?” Her mew was gentle. “I know you think you’re doing the right thing. But is this just another one of your dreams?”

“It’s real!” Moth Flight dug her claws harder into the cold earth. “I followed a tunnel into Highstones and I found a stone filled with moonlight and I saw the spirit-cats.” She knew she must sound crazy and she saw some of the Clan cat’s eyes soften into pity as she went on. I knew it! They don’t believe me.

Clear Sky sniffed. “You forgot to tell us who SkyClan’s medicine cat would be.”

Moth Flight stared at him uncertainly, words frozen on her tongue. Was he taking her seriously?

“The spirit-cats told you so much,” Blossom yowled mockingly. “Did they forget to mention us?”

“She’s making it up!” Mud Paws accused.

“She just wants attention.” A ShadowClan tortoiseshell padded forward.

Pebble Heart nosed past her. “Give her a chance, Juniper

Branch!” He gazed softly at Moth Flight. “Do you know who

SkyClan’s medicine cat will be?”

Moth Flight glanced over her shoulder toward the bracken where Micah was hiding among the shadow stems. How would these cats react when she told them the spirit-cats had named a stranger?

The bracken rustled and Micah pushed his way out. “They said that I would be SkyClan’s medicine cat,” he said.

Shocked mews rose among the Clan cats.

“Who’s he?”

“He’s not one of us!”

“Who said he could come here?”

“This is Micah.” Moth Flight pressed her flank against

Micah’s as he stopped beside her. “He saved me from a dog and came with me on my journey to Highstones.”

River Ripple narrowed his eyes. “Did he see the spirit-cats too?”

Moth Flight shook her head. “The moth led me to the cave, not him.”

Wind Runner had stiffened. “Is this the moth you’re always dreaming about?”

“Yes.” Moth Flight watched the cats exchange glances.

Thunder stared at Micah through slitted eyes. Clear Sky’s pelt rippled uneasily along his spine. Tall Shadow was watching, her ears twitching. Helplessness swept over Moth Flight. How could she convince them? Only River Ripple looked calm. “I didn’t dream it!” she mewed desperately. “It was real.”

“I saw the moth.” Micah lifted his chin.

“You might just be saying that so you can be our medicine cat,” Clear Sky growled.

“The moth was real. It led us to Highstones.” He met Clear Sky’s gaze steadily. “I want to be your medicine cat, but I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“What do you know about healing?” Clear Sky demanded.

“Nothing, yet,” Micah told him calmly. “But I will learn.”

“We’ll all learn!” Moth Flight added. “There are cats who already know healing herbs. If we can learn some, we can learn more! The Clans will depend on their medicine cats one day.

Half Moon told me!”

“Half Moon?” Clear Sky stiffened.

Tall Shadow stepped closer.

Dappled Pelt blinked. “You spoke with Stoneteller?”

Quick Water hurried to Clear Sky’s side. “She must have seen Stoneteller,” the old mountain cat whispered. “How else would she know her name?”

Clear Sky was still staring at Micah. “She probably heard Jagged Peak or Gray Wing talking about her.”

Moth Flight heart’s leaped. They knew who Half Moon was!

Were they going to believe her after all?

Dappled Pelt’s eyes shone with excitement. “My dreams must have been a sign!”

River Ripple looked at his Clanmate. “What dreams?”

“I’ve been dreaming about teaching cats about herbs and healing for the past moon,” Dappled Pelt told him. Her gaze flitted to Micah. “I think one of the cats in my dream might have been him.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” River Ripple asked quietly.

“I thought they were just ordinary dreams,” Dappled Pelt answered.

Clear Sky padded toward Micah, opening his mouth to taste his scent. “You smell strange.”

“I smell like the farm I was raised on.” Micah stood still while Clear Sky circled him.

Cloud Spots nosed his way to the front. “I’ve had a dream too,” he admitted. “I saw the moonlit stone.” He looked at Moth

Flight. “Was it in a cave?”

Moth Flight nodded, swallowing back excitement. “Inside

Highstones.”

“And there was a hole in the roof?”

“You’ve seen it?” Moth Flight could hardly keep her paws still.

“I dreamed I was there with you, Dappled Pelt, and Pebble Heart.” Cloud Spots nodded toward Micah. “And him.”

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 over me. She said she always knew I was special.”

Moth Flight’s tail quivered. “And she told you to take care of them all, didn’t she?”

“Yes!” Pebble Heart blinked. “That’s exactly what she said!”

Juniper Branch looked at Tall Shadow. “Are we actually going to believe this hare-brained WindClan cat?”

Gorse Fur flicked his tail angrily. “She’s not hare-brained.”

“So why does Spotted Fur always joke that one day she’ll find the end of a rainbow and try to climb up it?” Juniper Branch scoffed.

“I was joking!” Spotted Fur caught Moth Flight’s eye apologetically.

Fern Leaf brushed past him and stared at Moth Flight.

“What if you’re wrong about this, Moth Flight? You might have misunderstood the spirit-cats’ message. You can’t even tell the difference between plants and prey.”

Wind Runner faced the gray-and-white she-cat. “She can tell the difference. Perhaps she brings home plants because that’s what medicine cats do.”

Moth Flight felt a rush of gratitude. She glanced at Micah. “I think they’re going to believe me,” she whispered.

Clear Sky’s tail was still twitching impatiently. “So SkyClan is going to be stuck with an extra mouth to feed.” He glared at Micah resentfully.

“I can hunt,” Micah told him.

“Won’t you be too busy looking after sick cats?” Clear Sky sneered.

Star Flower stood beside her mate. “Perhaps we should wait for the spirit-cats to tell us themselves before we start making any changes.”

Juniper Branch and Swift Minnow murmured in agreement.

“The spirit-cats have spoken to us before,” Tall Shadow reasoned. “If they’re not speaking to us now, it’s because they have nothing to say.”

“But they do!” Alarm buzzed beneath Moth Flight’s pelt.

You have to listen to me! What more could she say? She suddenly remembered Half Moon’s parting words. We will split the sky. And later, stars will rise. The spirit-cats had promised to send a sign when she told the Clans.

Where was it? She stared up through the branches to the stars beyond.

“What are you looking for?” Clear Sky asked her, his mew thick with scorn. “Do you think you can call them whenever you want?”

Moth Flight blinked at him. “They promised to split the sky when I told you.”

Clear Sky’s whiskers twitched with amusement. Purrs echoed around the clearing.

“Split the sky?” Juniper Branch shook her head. “What nonsense!”

Moth Flight squared her shoulders. “They said they’d split the sky and later stars would rise.”

Clear Sky sat down. “Okay.” He looked up. “Let’s wait.”

Silence gripped the clearing. Above, the sky stretched cloudless and black.

Moth Flight’s pelt burned with shame. Perhaps I dreamed it after all! I’ve thought dreams were real before. Perhaps I’ve been wrong all along!

She could feel the eyes of the Clan cats on her. “What have I done?” she whispered to Micah. “I’m such a rabbit-brain!” She shrank beneath her pelt.

Suddenly, a flash lit the clearing. A bolt of lightning cracked the sky and, for a moment, the Clans were drenched in blinding white light.

Terror ripped through Moth Flight. She dropped to the earth.

On the far side of the hollow a tree exploded into flame as the lightning hit it. It shuddered and split. One half fell, blazing, to the ground.

Moth Flight stared in amazement. They did it! They split the sky! Her heart leaped into her throat. They have to believe me now. She glanced around the clearing.

The Clan cats gaped at the flaming tree. Then, one by one, they turned toward Moth Flight.