Tall Shadow slid out of camp, her nose twitching. “Do we have visitors?”
Cow dipped her head to the ShadowClan leader. “We came to see Moth Flight.”
“Come in and share some prey,” Tall Shadow told her. “It’s running well at the moment. There’s more than we can eat.”
She led Cow into camp, the scent of fresh-kill heavy in the air. Moth Flight and Raven Pelt followed at her heels, while Mouse and Pebble Heart dragged the nettles after them.
Three kits looked up from the long grass where Juniper Branch was resting.
The biggest, a black tom with an orange tail, blinked at them. “Look, Dusk Nose!” He nudged the she-kit beside him. “Visitors!” He dashed across the clearing.
Dusk Nose, a black-and-orange tortoiseshell, followed. “Who are you?” she called to Cow.
“Are you a Clan cat?” Another tom-kit hurried after them, his dappled brown pelt perfectly camouflaged against the shady forest floor.
Moth Flight purred. “This is Cow,” she explained. “She and Mouse were friends of Micah.”
“I’m Dangling Leaf.” The orange-tailed tom scrambled to a halt in front of Cow.
“I’m Dusk Nose,” his sister mewed.
The dappled brown tom stopped beside them. “I’m Shade Pelt.”
Dangling Leaf tipped his head. “Do you know Micah’s dead?” he asked Cow.
Moth Flight flinched, but Cow returned his inquisitive gaze steadily. “Yes.”
Dusk Nose nudged her brother. “You can’t ask questions like that, Shade Pelt. It’s rude.”
“Raven Pelt says we can ask anything we like,” Dangling Leaf mewed back.
Shade Pelt sniffed. “He also says we have to know when to be quiet, or we’ll never be good hunters.” He blinked at Moth Flight. “Do you mind us talking about Micah?”
Moth Flight ignored the sadness pricking in her chest. “No.” It wouldn’t change anything to pretend Micah had never existed. It wouldn’t hurt any less.
Dangling Leaf was still staring at Cow. “Why did you come, if Micah’s dead?”
“We came to see Moth Flight,” Cow told him.
Dusk Nose lifted her chin. “Are you her friends too?”
“Yes.” Cow gazed around the camp. “This looks very cozy.”
Behind them, Mouse was helping Pebble Heart hoist the nettle stems high into the bramble wall of the camp to drain. The nettles dangled from the prickly branches and dripped muddy water onto the ground.
“I have my own den,” Moth Flight told her.
“You’ve got Sun Shadow’s den,” Shade Pelt corrected her.
Moth Flight shifted her paws. “That’s true. Sun Shadow’s letting me use his den until I go home.”
Cow blinked at her. “Isn’t this your home?”
Tall Shadow answered for her. “She lives on the moor.”
Cow glanced at Moth Flight’s belly. “Will you go home to have your kits?”
Moth Flight stared at her. “I’m not having kits!”
“Are you sure, dear?” Cow tipped her head sympathetically.
Moth Flight froze. Could I be having kits? Surely she’d know? Then she remembered: her tiredness, her queasiness . . . She glanced at Tall Shadow, shock pulsing through her pelt.
The ShadowClan leader dropped her gaze.
Pebble Heart padded closer, his ears twitching. “We thought you knew.”
Moth Flight’s paws seemed to root into the ground. The camp swam around her. “I didn’t think!” Her mind whirled. “I’ve never had kits before.” She’d thought that her easy life in ShadowClan was making her fat.
Tall Shadow blinked. “We thought you were happy to have something left of Micah.”
Micah’s kits. Moth Flight’s heart seemed to turn in her chest. She was carrying Micah’s kits.
Cow purred loudly. “They’ll be as handsome and brave as their father.”
Kits! Growing inside her! “I can’t!” She backed away, shocked. She could hardly take care of herself! How could she be responsible for new lives? Her thoughts flashed back to Slate’s kits, lost on the moor because of her. Then she remembered Juniper Branch’s kitting. The pain! The ground seemed to sway beneath her paws.
Cow pressed against her. “It’s the most natural thing in the world.”
Moth Flight’s thoughts swirled. “I need to go home.” The need tugged deep in her belly. “I have to see Wind Runner.” Suddenly she wanted to nestle among her kin and shelter in their warmth.
Tall Shadow dipped her head. “Someone must escort you,” she meowed firmly. “You shouldn’t travel alone.”
“I’ll be fine,” Moth Flight answered, still dazed from the shock.
Pebble Heart stepped forward. “I’ll take her.”
Moth Flight looked at him blankly. “Can we go now?” Her gaze flitted distractedly to Cow and Mouse. “I’m sorry to leave you. You’ve only just arrived. But—”
Cow’s eyes rounded with sympathy. “We understand.”
Tall Shadow flicked her tail. “We’ll make sure they are fed and rested before they head home.”
Moth Flight hardly heard the ShadowClan leader. Her thoughts were already racing toward the moor, where her Clanmates were waiting for her. How could she have stayed away so long? “I’ve been so selfish,” she murmured to herself as she headed for the camp entrance.
Pebble Heart caught up to her and fell in step beside her. “Perhaps you should have some thyme before we go,” he suggested quietly. “You seem shocked.”
“I’m okay.” Moth Flight kept her gaze fixed ahead. It didn’t matter if she was shocked. She had to be strong now. She was carrying Micah’s kits. Nothing was more important than that.
CHAPTER 26
Moth Flight struggled for breath as she walked beside Pebble Heart.
“Let’s slow down,” he urged.
She shook her head. “I want to get home.” She padded from the pines and stopped beside the Thunderpath. The stone trail was deserted, but the stale stench of monsters made Moth Flight feel sick. “I’ve become so weak!”
“I think it’s because you’re carrying kits.” Pebble Heart paused on the grass verge. “Juniper Branch could hardly cross the clearing without panting by the end.”
“But I’ve another moon to go!” Moth Flight hurried onto the smooth stone, not wanting to be reminded of the queen’s long and painful kitting.
Pebble Heart followed her, tactfully changing the subject. “Your Clanmates will have missed you.”
“Do you think?” She turned as she reached the far side. Would they feel she’d been disloyal by staying away for so long?
“They’ll be glad you’re home.” Pebble Heart bounded up the short, steep slope onto the moorside.
Moth Flight struggled after him, stopping at the top to catch her breath. She gazed across the heather. Its blossom had turned the moorside purple. Wind swept around her, lifting her fur. She closed her eyes, relishing the sensation. The dank pines had shielded her for too long. “I should have come home earlier.”
“You waited until you were ready.” Pebble Heart headed upslope.
Moth Flight followed, surprised by the silkiness of the grass beneath her paws. One day her kits would run here. Excitement flickered in her chest. Was she really going to be a mother? To Micah’s kits! Joy swamped her. Grief would no longer be her only link to him. Soon she’d have his kits; she’d watch them grow. She’d tell them about their brave and handsome father. He would live on through them.
I’ll have to raise them alone. The idea daunted her, but the closer she got to home, the more she felt she would be okay. Wind Runner always knows what to do. She glanced at Pebble Heart, his gray pelt ruffled by the breeze. “Thank you for being so kind to me.”
He slowed to let her catch up. “I didn’t do anything really.”
“Yes, you did.” She remembered all the times he’d brought her prey; how often she’d woken to find water-soaked moss on the side of her nest; how gently he??
?d encouraged her to help gather herbs and mix poultices. Thanks to him, she’d lost none of her skills; indeed, he’d taught her so much. He was such a wise, serious cat—a dreamer in his own way, but not as easily distracted as she was. She admired him and had grown fond of him. He was almost like a Clanmate.
As her thoughts drifted, movement caught her eye. She looked down the grassy slope and saw cats stalking along the SkyClan border. Their pelts showed among the trees, moving slowly through the ferns. She halted, narrowing her gaze as she recognized Thorn, Birch, and Nettle. “I wonder what they’re doing?” she called to Pebble Heart.
Pebble Heart followed her gaze. The three cats had stopped. Birch was marking a tree with his scent. “It’s a border patrol.”
Moth Flight blinked at him. “A what?”
“Clear Sky’s given orders that his borders are to be checked daily and fresh markings left.”
Anger flared in Moth Flight’s belly. “Does he still insist on borders?” She could hardly believe any cat could be so rabbit-brained.
“He says cats belong in their own territory,” Pebble Heart murmured.
“So Micah died for nothing!” Moth Flight flattened her ears. “Doesn’t he realize that Micah would never have died if he hadn’t been so bothered about his borders?”
Pebble Heart avoided her gaze. “He says Micah would never have died if you hadn’t crossed the border with him.”
Moth Flight trembled with fury. “How dare he?”
“Don’t let it upset you,” Pebble Heart begged. “If Clear Sky wants to fuss about his borders, then let him.” His gaze slid past her.
She jerked her muzzle around, following it, and saw Willow Tail and Eagle Feather watching the SkyClan patrol from a distant, rocky outcrop. “Don’t they have anything better to do?” she snapped. “They should be feeding their Clan, not watching borders!” She broke into a trot, heading for the hollow.
Pebble Heart hurried after her. “Let Wind Runner worry about it,” he told her. “You’re a medicine cat, not a hunter. Borders aren’t your problem.”
As he spoke, a gray-and-white pelt showed against the heather upslope.
Moth Flight recognized it at once. “Swift Minnow!” The sight of her Clanmate distracted her from her anger.
Swift Minnow squinted at them, lifting her tail suddenly and breaking into a run. “Moth Flight! Is that you?” She sprinted toward them, meowing happily, and skidded to a halt a tail-length away. She stared, her eyes rounding as she saw Moth Flight’s swollen flanks. “You’re expecting kits!” Joy lit up her gaze. “Are they Micah’s?”
“Yes,” Moth Flight purred.
“We were beginning to think you were never coming home.” Swift Minnow cast an anxious glance toward the hollow.
“I needed time to grieve,” Moth Flight explained.
The heather rustled behind Swift Minnow, as Slate padded out. She pricked her ears as she saw Moth Flight. “You’re back!”
Moth Flight felt a rush of happiness. The grieving queen looked well, her eyes brighter than they’d been in moons. “How’s White Tail?” she called. “Have Silver Stripe and Black Ear been behaving themselves?”
“They’re all fine!” Slate hurried toward them. “You’d hardly recognize them! They’ve grown so much.” She slowed, her ears pricking. “You’re expecting!”
Swift Minnow plucked at the grass excitedly. “They’re Micah’s kits!” she told her friend.
Slate wove around Moth Flight purring happily. “Have you come home for good?”
“I want my kits to grow up on the moor,” Moth Flight told her.
“Hurry up!” Swift Minnow ducked into the heather. “Let’s get back to camp!”
Moth Flight noticed Pebble Heart hesitate.
“I’ll go home, now that I know you’re safe,” he meowed shyly.
“Are you sure?” Moth Flight gazed at him fondly.
“Yeah.” He flicked his tail and began to head downslope. “Take care. Send for me when the kits come!”
“Bye, Pebble Heart!” Slate was nudging Moth Flight toward the heather. “Wait until Gorse Fur sees you! He’s been so worried.”
Moth Flight followed Swift Minnow’s trail, zigzagging between the bushes until she emerged onto the stretch of grass outside the camp entrance.
As the scents of home swept over her, her pelt rippled with pleasure.
Swift Minnow had already disappeared inside and Moth Flight followed, her heart beating loudly in her chest.
“Moth Flight!” Dust Muzzle was the first to come bounding across the tussocky clearing. Spotted Fur and Fern Leaf hurried after him, their eyes bright.
They scrambled to a halt in front of her, staring at her belly.
“I’m expecting Micah’s kits.” She glanced anxiously at Spotted Fur. Was he still jealous?
Spotted Fur blinked at her, then purred. “Congratulations!”
Relief washed over her.
Fern Leaf purred and murmured “How exciting!” as Dust Muzzle pressed his nose to her cheek. “I’m glad you’re home.”
Gorse Fur was crossing the clearing toward them, Rocky lumbering behind.
Moth Flight felt a flicker of worry as she saw the old cat. “Are you better?” she called. She should have been here, taking care of him.
“I’m as healthy as a fox,” he rumbled.
Gorse Fur stopped beside her. “I knew you couldn’t stay in that dark old forest forever.” He weaved around her while Rocky stared at her proudly.
“I’m glad you’re back,” the old tom rumbled. “Reed Tail won’t let me have catmint.”
Moth Flight stiffened. Had Rocky been exaggerating? Was he still sick? “Do you need some?”
Rocky glanced at his paws. “I don’t need it, but sometimes I get a sore throat and a little catmint always makes me feel better.”
Reed Tail was stalking toward them, his ears pricked. “The only reason you get a sore throat is from snoring so loudly!” He padded past the old tom and greeted Moth Flight with a nod. “Thank StarClan you’re back. I’m run off my paws trying to find herbs, and if Silver Stripe ever makes it through a day without getting a scratch or a graze, I’ll be amazed.”
Moth Flight’s whiskers twitched with amusement. “Where are the kits?” She gasped as she saw three young cats bounding toward her. She recognized their pelts, but they were so big! “Silver Stripe! Black Ear!” They looked old enough to hunt! “White Tail, you’ve grown so handsome!” The gray-and-white kit had his father’s broad shoulders and Slate’s soft amber gaze.
“Black Ear’s handsome too!” Silver Stripe told her proudly.
“Of course he is!” Moth Flight looked admiringly at Black Ear before purring at Silver Stripe. “And you’re as beautiful as your mother.”
“Who cares if I’m beautiful?” Silver Stripe stuck her nose in the air. “Beauty doesn’t help with hunting, and I’m going to be the best hunter in WindClan.”
“I can believe it.” Moth Flight nosed her way through her Clanmates and headed across the clearing. “How’s my den? I hope no rain’s gotten in. My herbs should be good and dry by now. Although I need to pick fresh ones. Cloud Spots says fresh herbs work better.”
Reed Tail fell in beside her. “I’ve been using your den,” he confessed. “It seemed best, since I was being medicine cat while you were away.”
Moth Flight caught his eye, gratitude flooding her. “Thank you so much,” she mewed earnestly. “I’m sorry I left you responsible for everything. I just couldn’t face . . .” Her mew trailed away as a sudden wave of grief slapped against her like cold water. The familiar faces and scents had carried her back to a time before Micah had died. She swallowed.
Reed Tail shot her a look. “You’ll feel at home again in no time,” he promised.
“Yes,” she answered huskily. She stopped outside her den, her Clanmates watching from beyond the tussocks. They looked so pleased to see her. Her heart swelled with thanks. Then she spotted two pairs of eyes staring
from the shadows of Jagged Peak’s den. Her fur prickled anxiously. Holly and Jagged Peak hadn’t wanted her to leave. She’d stayed away for a whole moon. Taking a deep breath, she headed toward them.
Jagged Peak ducked outside first, his ears twitching.
Holly followed, her gaze cool. “A grieving cat should stay with her Clan,” she muttered.
Jagged Peak glanced at Moth Flight’s belly. “Are you carrying his kits?”
“Micah’s?” Moth Flight narrowed her eyes. “Yes. And I’m proud of it.”
“He was a SkyClan cat,” Jagged Peak grunted.
Moth Flight glared at him. “He was a farm cat too! Does that make it better or worse?”
“Jagged Peak!” Storm Pelt charged across the clearing. He stopped in front of his father and mother and blinked at them. “You should be happy she’s come home.”
Holly sniffed. “Why did she bother? She’s been away from WindClan so long, she doesn’t even smell like a WindClan cat anymore.”
Dew Nose slid from the den and stopped beside her brother. “Moth Flight was born WindClan and she’ll always be WindClan.”
Storm Pelt lifted his chin. “She’s the one who found the Moonstone. Aren’t you proud she’s our Clanmate?”
“Will her kits be our Clanmates too?” Holly muttered. “Even though they carry SkyClan blood?”
“And farm-cat blood,” Jagged Peak added.
Storm Pelt faced his mother, pelt prickling. “You weren’t born WindClan!” His gaze flashed toward his father. “And you were a mountain cat who left his tribe.”
Moth Flight shifted her paws uncomfortably. She didn’t want to cause an argument between kin.
Holly eyed her kits doubtfully. “How do we know she won’t leave again?”
“I won’t,” Moth Flight promised.
“Moth Flight!” Her mother’s mew rang across the clearing. She turned to see the WindClan leader bounding toward her.
Wind Runner skidded to a halt and thrust her muzzle against Moth Flight’s chin. “You’re home at last!” A sigh shuddered through her. She drew back, her gaze darkening. “Did you travel here by yourself? I hope you were careful near the SkyClan border. They’ve been raiding the moor for rabbits again. Of course, Clear Sky denies it but—” She stopped and stared at Moth Flight. “You’re expecting kits!”