Moth Flight’s Vision

Around her, StarClan began to chant, their voices echoing around the shimmering walls of the cave. “Windstar! Windstar!

Windstar!”

Chapter 35

“Moth Flight!” Bubbling Stream paced in front of her mother, her stumpy tail fluffed with excitement. “White Tail says I can go hunting with him and Storm Pelt.”

Moth Flight was lying in the morning sunshine outside her den. She gazed sympathetically at her kit. “You’re too little.”

“He says he won’t let any buzzards get me,” Bubbling Stream argued.

“Storm Pelt’s taking White Tail out to teach him hunting techniques,” Moth Flight argued. “How can he learn anything if he’s protecting you from buzzards?”

Bubbling Stream scowled and stomped away.

Blue Whisker hurried to meet her littermate. “I told you she’d say no.”

Moth Flight flicked her gaze past her kits to the sandy clearing below the tall rock. Windstar stood at the head, Gorse

Fur beside her, while the Clan milled around her. She was assigning patrols for the day. The bright morning sunshine gleamed on her pelt. As she paced, the WindClan leader showed no sign of a limp. At her neck, there wasn’t even a scar where the gash had been.

Jagged Peak nosed his way through his Clanmates and stopped in front of her. “Can I hunt the moortop burrows?”

Windstar shook her head. “We’ve hunted there too much this greenleaf. There’ll be no rabbits left. Take Holly to the ShadowClan border and see what’s running there.” She nodded toward Dust Muzzle. “I want you to train Silver Stripe. She’s fast, but her stalking needs work.”

Silver Stripe pricked her ears. “Can we hunt lapwings?” she asked Storm Pelt excitedly.

Storm Pelt padded toward the young she-cat. “Lapwings are hard to catch,” he told her. “Let’s start with mice.”

Black Ear pushed past his sister. “Can you train me as well?”

Windstar cut in. “Spotted Fur can train you.”

Black Ear lifted his tail happily as Windstar turned to Spotted Fur.

“Show him the borders and the best places to scent mark,” she ordered.

Spotted Fur puffed out his chest proudly as Windstar turned to Swift Minnow.

“You can go to the ShadowClan border with Fern Leaf, Jagged Peak, and Holly. Reed Tail”—she nodded to the tom—“take Dew Nose and Eagle Feather along the moorside. I saw kestrels hunting there yesterday. The prey must be running well.”

Moth Flight noticed Reed Tail’s gaze flit over Windstar anxiously. “Will you be hunting again today?”

“Of course.” Windstar sounded surprised. She’d hunted every day since her return.

Reed Tail was staring at her healed hind leg. “Are you sure you’re strong enough?”

Windstar rolled her eyes. “How many times must I explain?

I’m fine now. You’ve even checked my leg. Does it look broken?”

Reed Tail’s ear twitched. “It’s just hard to believe StarClan has such power.”

Moth Flight understood his bewilderment. She could hardly believe what she’d seen. And yet it was true.

When they had returned from the Moonstone a few days ago, reaching camp in the early dawn light, Gorse Fur had been waiting at the entrance, his eyes widening with shock as Windstar padded toward him. He’d run to meet her, circling her in disbelief.

“StarClan healed you!” he gasped.

Windstar met his gaze steadily. “They did more than that.

They gave me this life back, and eight more lives to lead

WindClan through endless moons.”

Gorse Fur halted, his pelt rippling along his spine. He glanced toward Moth Flight. “Nine lives? How can that be?”

“I’m not sure.” Moth Flight shifted her paws. She was still awed by StarClan’s power. “But it’s true. I’ve seen it before in my dreams. It’s a gift they will give to all leaders.”

In the days that followed, Moth Flight had traveled to each camp, sharing her news with Acorn Fur and Clear Sky, Cloud

Spots and Thunder, Pebble Heart and Tall Shadow, Dappled Pelt and River Ripple. River Ripple had seemed the least surprised; Clear Sky the most excited. Moth Flight was sure he’d have traveled with Acorn Fur by now to receive his nine lives. She hoped all the Clan leaders had visited the Moonstone by now.

She’d find out tonight at the half-moon gathering.

Windstar’s mew jerked her from her thoughts. “Honey Pelt, get down!”

Moth Flight looked up to see the tom-kit scrambling onto the ledge halfway up the tall rock.

Swift Minnow and Reed Tail had leaped from the hollow.

Reed Tail reached up with his forepaws, stretching until he was high enough to pluck Honey Pelt from the ledge by his scruff.

He placed him on the ground.

Honey Pelt fluffed out his fur grumpily. “I’m not allowed to have any fun!”

Windstar stared at him sternly. “Go and play with your littermates.” She nodded toward where Bubbling Stream and Blue Whisker were chasing Spider Paw’s tail as he darted among the tussocks, whisking it over the grass.

Frowning, Honey Pelt padded toward them. His Clanmates streamed past as they raced for the entrance, heading for the moor. Above the camp, the sky stretched, clear and blue.

Heather scent mingled with prey scent, rolling into camp on a light breeze.