Sign Of The Moon

And who said you were leading the patrol? Jayfeather asked himself sourly. But he couldn’t say anything aloud: Squirrelflight was the oldest cat to be chosen, and by far the most experienced in the mountains. It made sense for her to take the lead.

“Who else is going?” Squirrelflight asked. “Lionblaze, I suppose, and—”

“No, Lionblaze is staying here,” Firestar interrupted. “You don’t need him, because you’re not going to fight. Jayfeather’s omen didn’t give him any reason to expect trouble.”

“Hmm…” Squirrelflight sounded surprised, and not too pleased. “You know best, I suppose. But I hope you don’t expect Jayfeather and me to trek all that way by ourselves.”

“No,” Firestar told her. “Foxleap is going with you, and Dovewing.”

“What? Me!”

Jayfeather jumped as an excited squeal sounded behind him. More cats were beginning to gather around to hear what was going on, and he hadn’t noticed Dovewing’s approach. He turned and explained quickly what had been decided.

“That’s so cool!” Dovewing exclaimed. “I’ve heard so many stories about the mountains, and now I’m really going there! Can Ivypool come, too?”

“No,” Jayfeather retorted. Great StarClan, any cat would think those two were joined at the tail!

“Why not?” Dovewing hissed close to his ear. “Don’t you trust her?”

“That’s not the issue at all,” Jayfeather answered through gritted teeth. “And we can’t discuss it now, not in front of every cat. It’s just the four of us and that’s all.”

“Okay.” Dovewing’s disappointment made her voice bitter.

“Come on,” Jayfeather mewed briskly. “I’ve prepared traveling herbs for all of us. Let’s go and get them.”

“You mean, we’re going right now?” Squirrelflight asked, astonished.

“There’s nothing to wait for,” Firestar began.

“Hey, Squirrelflight! Dovewing!” Brambleclaw’s voice cut across Firestar’s as the deputy came bounding up. “Why haven’t you joined your patrols? And why is every cat standing around here?”

It was Squirrelflight who replied. “Firestar is sending us to the mountains. Jayfeather has had a sign.”

“I see.” Brambleclaw’s voice was level. “Firestar, I hope you’re not sending too many cats. All of our warriors may be needed here.”

“No, just these three and Foxleap,” Firestar replied.

“Brambleclaw, do you have any messages for the Tribe?” Squirrelflight asked hesitantly. “I could say hi to Stormfur and Brook for you.”

Jayfeather heard something else beneath her words, something she dared not ask for out loud. She wants Brambleclaw to wish her luck, or tell her to be careful…anything to show that he still cares about her.

But all Brambleclaw said was “Sure. Tell them they’re missed in ThunderClan.”

Jayfeather could almost taste Squirrelflight’s disappointment. Brambleclaw doesn’t seem to feel anything. Has he forgotten that he once thought he was our father?

Several cats were circling them by now, excitedly asking questions. The dawn patrols hadn’t left, and more warriors were pushing their way between the branches of their den.

“What’s all the racket about?” Dustpelt asked irritably. “Can’t a cat get a wink of sleep around here?”

“Going to the mountains?” That was Cinderheart’s voice, filled with longing. “Oh, I wish I were going. I can just imagine it…bare peaks, the endless blue sky with eagles swooping like specks in the air, and the water so cold and clear…”

Jayfeather blinked at the vivid picture her words called up. Of course, Cinderheart has seen it, he thought. She just doesn’t know she’s remembering.

“I remember hunting with the Tribe,” Cloudtail meowed. “When we passed through there on the Great Journey. I’d like to hunt eagles again.”

“So would I,” Sandstorm agreed. “Lionblaze, you’re so lucky!”

“I’m not going,” Lionblaze replied, still sounding disgruntled. “Firestar wants me to stay here and help guard the camp.”

“Oh, bad luck,” Sandstorm sympathized.

Jayfeather’s nostrils twitched at the scent of herbs as Foxleap padded back into the group. He was passing his tongue across his jaws, over and over again. “Why do the traveling herbs have to taste so yucky?” he complained.

Jayfeather jumped as a paw prodded him in the shoulder and he picked up Purdy’s scent. “So you’re off on your travels again, young’un,” the old loner rasped. “I wish I could go back wi’ you and see my old home.”

Jayfeather tensed. Please, StarClan, not that!

Purdy let out an amused snort. “No need to look so shocked. I don’t reckon my old paws would carry me that far. Mind you, I could tell you a thing or two—”

“There isn’t time, Purdy,” Jayfeather interrupted. “We’re leaving now.”

“Oh.” Purdy hesitated, then added, “Well, mind you stay clear of that farm where your littermates an’ that nuisancy WindClan apprentice met the dogs.”

“We will, Purdy, don’t worry,” Jayfeather assured him. Leaning closer to Purdy, he added in an undertone, “Take care of Mousefur while I’m gone.”

“Sure I will.” Jayfeather heard the pride in Purdy’s voice. “You can rely on me.”