by Erin Hunter
Blue Whisker pressed against her flank. “But what if he hasn’t?”
Moth Flight ignored her. There wasn’t time to worry. “How’s Wind Runner?” she asked Gorse Fur.
“She’s talking,” he told her. “But her words don’t make any sense. She opened her eyes for a while, but it was like she couldn’t see me.”
Moth Flight’s heart quickened. Her fever must be worse. She turned away. “Dappled Pelt will know what to do.” She raced for the gorge. “Watch the kits!”
“What about the fox?” Storm Pelt called after her.
“I’ll deal with that if I have to. Just stay with the kits!” Moth Flight felt the wind whip her words away as she hurtled downslope.
Would Dappled Pelt know? Fear crawled beneath her fur. What if the RiverClan medicine cat couldn’t help? She could go to Cloud Spots. Or Acorn Fur. Her mind began to spin. What if none of them knew how to save Wind Runner?
I have to try. She pushed harder against the grass, the wind singing in her ears.
Orange-and-white fur showed at the top of the gorge. Moth Flight slowed, narrowing her eyes. Dappled Pelt! The tortoiseshell she-cat was padding toward her.
Moth Flight raced to meet her.
Dappled Pelt’s eyes shone with relief as Moth Flight skidded to a halt in front of her. “I smelled your scent beside the river.”
“I was coming to see you.” Moth Flight caught her breath.
“There’s been a fox hunting on our land,” Dappled Pelt told her. “I was worried it had hurt you.”
“I smelled it,” Moth Flight told her.
“River Ripple sent out patrols to chase it off.” Dappled Pelt flicked her tail. “Why did you want to see me?”
“Wind Runner’s sick,” Moth Flight told her. “I think it’s an infection in her neck wound. I’ve tried dock and horsetail, but the wound smells sour and she has a fever. Do you have any herbs I could try?”
Dappled Pelt frowned. “It sounds as though the infection’s gone too deep for poultices,” she meowed gravely. “I don’t know any herbs that can fight it from inside.”
Fur lifted along Moth Flight’s spine. “Then there’s nothing I can do?” She glanced toward the forest, not waiting for an answer. “Perhaps Cloud Spots will know.”
Dappled Pelt followed her gaze, her eyes dark. “Perhaps.” She didn’t sound convinced. “Wind Runner’s fate might be for StarClan to decide.”
“No!” What if nothing could save Wind Runner? Helplessness swamped Moth Flight, the ground seeming to shift beneath her paws. “There must be something I can do! I’m a healer!”
Dappled Pelt dropped her gaze. “Some wounds cannot be healed.”
Moth Flight’s thoughts spun. She stared desperately at Dappled Pelt, but the tortoiseshell was avoiding her gaze.
Suddenly, green wings fluttered at the edge of her vision.
She recognized them at once.
The moth! Turning sharply, she saw it—the beautiful, great moth that had led her to Highstones.
Why had it come back now? She stared at it, energy sparking in her paws. It circled her then flitted upslope, dancing on the breeze as it had all those moons ago, as though it was beckoning her.
Moth Flight glanced at Dappled Pelt. Had she seen it too?
The RiverClan medicine cat was gazing at the moth, her eyes glittering with curiosity.
The moth fluttered farther uphill, and paused again.
“It wants me to follow it,” Moth Flight breathed.
Dappled Pelt leaned forward, her pelt pricking. “Then follow it,” she murmured.
Hope flickering in her chest, Moth Flight raced after the moth.
Did it have the answer she’d been searching for?
Could the green moth show her how to save Wind Runner’s life?
CHAPTER 33
As Moth Flight followed the moth upslope, a chilly breeze lifted her fur. She glanced over her shoulder and saw clouds rolling in behind her, darkening the sky over the forest and marshes. Rain was coming.
She ran quicker, skirting the camp as the moth fluttered farther and farther ahead.
Wait for me! Moth Flight suddenly realized how tired she was. The days of tending to Wind Runner and the long run back and forth to the river had worn her out. But she had to keep going. The moth was showing her something.
But what? She paused as she reached the high moor, the ground sloping away ahead of her, rolling down into the valley toward Highstones.
The moth flitted on and Moth Flight followed it over the crest of the slope and raced downhill. It wants me to go to Highstones again! Her heart lifted. Perhaps StarClan was waiting there with advice. Were they going to tell her how to cure Wind Runner?
The moth stopped, hovering on the breeze. Then it ducked past Moth Flight, heading back toward the moor.
Moth Flight turned in surprise, skidding on the grass. “Where are you going?” She raced after it and watched it bob downslope toward the camp. It halted again and shivered in midair while she caught up.
Frustration surged beneath Moth Flight’s pelt. “Where do you want me to go?” she demanded.
The moth bobbed once more toward Highstones. Moth Flight turned to follow but, the moment she did, the moth headed back toward camp. There, it hung in the air, letting the wind toss it one way, then the other.
“Make up your mind!” Moth Flight froze, her anger melting. Around her the wind grew stronger, sharp with the scent of rain. Her dreams of the Moonstone flashed in her mind. The cats she’d seen there had all been accompanied by a Clanmate. And when they arrived, StarClan had given them something. Moth Flight plucked impatiently at the grass, thinking hard. She knew it must mean something. Something that mattered now! That’s why StarClan had sent the moth to fetch her.
Not just me! Moth Flight understood. As the first drops fell from the darkening clouds, she blinked at the moth. “You want me to bring Wind Runner!” The moth fluttered closer to the camp, as though agreeing. Moth Flight hurried after it. “You want me to lead her to the Moonstone!”
As she yowled into the wind, the moth fluttered higher, its green wings bright against the gray sky. Deep in her belly, Moth Flight knew she was right. StarClan was waiting to give Wind Runner the same gift they’d given the other cats in her dreams. Would it save her life?
She had to try. Narrowing her eyes against the thickening rain, Moth Flight raced for camp.
Spotted Fur, Fern Leaf, and Dust Muzzle were carrying fresh prey toward the prey pile. They stared in surprise as she passed them. Swift Minnow was nosing Slate toward the shelter of the camp wall, while Reed Tail slid into Rocky’s den, a wad of comfrey in his jaws.
Black Ear sat proudly beneath the tall rock, ignoring the rain battering his muzzle. A freshly killed rabbit lay beside him. Honey Pelt, Bubbling Stream, and Spider Paw crowded around him, their pelts soaked. “Look what I caught!” he called to Moth Flight as she bounded past.
She slowed, glancing at the rabbit.
Bubbling Stream was sniffing it, her ears twitching with excitement. “I’m going to catch a rabbit soon,” she mewed.
Moth Flight paused. “Go and shelter with Slate and Swift Minnow,” she told them distractedly. Her attention was fixed on her den. How was she going to explain her plan to Gorse Fur? Could Wind Runner even make it to Highstones? She has to!
Bubbling Stream scrambled out of the hollow. “Moth Flight!” Hurt edged her mew as her mother headed away.
“Not now!” Moth Flight called. “I’m busy!”
Spider Paw jumped out of the hollow and blinked at her. “You promised you’d play with us!”
“Shouldn’t you be taking care of your kits?” Jagged Peak padded from the shelter of the gorse, his eyes narrow with interest, while Holly watched from the shadows behind.
Moth Flight ignored him. She slid into her den. “I’ve had a sign from StarClan,” she told Gorse Fur.
Her father was crouched beside Wind Runner. He jerked around, his pelt pricking n
ervously. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I have to take her to the Moonstone.” Moth Flight tried to catch her breath.
“Highstones!” Gorse Fur leaped up, eyes blazing. “She can’t travel!” He swung his nose toward Wind Runner. She lay sprawled on the bed of heather, her comfrey-wrapped leg jutting awkwardly. Her eyes were half closed, whites showing through the slits.
Moth Flight stiffened, fear stabbing her heart. Was Wind Runner dead? She ducked down beside the WindClan leader, relieved to feel her mother’s flanks tremble. Her breath was fast. Heat pulsed from her pelt.
“I’ll mix her some herbs to give her strength for the journey.” Moth Flight hurried to her store, plucking leaves from between the gorse stems.
“No!” Gorse Fur growled. “You’re not taking her anywhere.”
Moth Flight shredded a pawful of feverfew and ripped nettle, catmint, and coltsfoot onto the pile. She sprinkled poppy seeds over it, hoping they’d ease her mother’s pain without making her sleepy. She had to do everything she could to get Wind Runner to the Moonstone.
Gorse Fur’s breath billowed over her ears. “Did you hear me?”
Moth Flight looked at him. “I can’t sit and watch her die.”
“You can’t take her out there to die!” Gorse Fur’s pelt spiked with fury. “If she’s going to die, she should be with her Clan.”
“If I can get her to the Moonstone, she won’t die!” Moth Flight glared at her father. “StarClan is guiding me. I know it!” A shadow moved at the den entrance. Jagged Peak slid in, his pelt wet with rain. “Have you spoken with StarClan?”
Moth Flight met his gaze. “In my dreams, yes!”
“And they told you to take Wind Runner to the Moonstone?” Jagged Peak tipped his head.
“Not exactly,” Moth Flight snapped. “But I know that’s what they meant.”
Jagged Peak narrowed his eyes. “You think that’s what they meant.”
Moth Flight growled. “I know it.”
Gorse Fur padded to Wind Runner’s side and gazed down at her. “She’s in no state to travel.”
“She will be.” Moth Flight grabbed a mouthful of shredded leaves and pushed past him. She spat the scraps onto the heather beside Wind Runner’s muzzle. “Wind Runner, can you swallow these?”
Wind Runner moaned softly, but didn’t open her eyes.
Panic flashed in Moth Flight’s belly.
“Leave her in peace!”
Moth Flight felt her father’s claws drag her backward. She turned on him, hissing. “You have to trust me! You have to trust StarClan! When Half Moon made me a medicine cat, she told me that the Clans’ destiny would one day depend on me.”
Jagged Peak leaned forward, ears flat. “What has this got to do with the Clans’ destiny?”
“I don’t know!” Moth Flight trembled with rage. “But you have to let me find out.”
Fur brushed the heather at the den entrance. A gentle mew sounded behind Jagged Peak. “Trust her, Gorse Fur.”
Dust Muzzle! Gratitude swept Moth Flight as she saw her brother’s solemn gaze. He padded past Jagged Peak and stopped in front of his father. “Has she ever been wrong?”
Gorse Fur hesitated, his eyes glittering with fear. He glanced at Wind Runner, then at Moth Flight. Finally, he dropped his gaze. “No.”
“Then let her take Wind Runner,” Dust Muzzle murmured.
Gorse Fur began to tremble. “But she’ll die.”
“Don’t be frightened, Gorse Fur.” Wind Runner’s parched mew sounded from the heather.
Moth Flight jerked around to see her mother blinking up at them.
Gorse Fur turned beside her.
Wind Runner went on. “Every cat must die. But I won’t go without a fight. I am WindClan’s leader and I must show I have courage. It will give my Clan courage. I will go to the Moonstone with Moth Flight.”
Moth Flight’s heart leaped. She trusts me!
Jagged Peak stared at the WindClan leader, his eyes round with surprise. “But you’re too weak!”
“I’ll find the strength.” Wind Runner’s eyes were clouded with pain.
“Eat these.” Moth Flight nosed the shredded leaves closer and Wind Runner turned her head to lap them from the heather.
She swallowed and gazed into Moth Flight’s eyes. “I am proud of you, Moth Flight. You are ready to fight for what you believe in.”
Joy washed through Moth Flight’s pelt. Wind Runner struggled onto her three good paws, grunting with pain as her broken leg trailed on the ground, held stiff by the swaths of comfrey. At once, Moth Flight ducked down beside her and eased the wrappings enough for her to tuck her hind paw beneath her.
Limping on three legs, Wind Runner headed past Jagged Peak.
Gorse Fur hurried after her. “I’m coming with you!”
Wind Runner swung her head around. “No.”
Gorse Fur blinked at her, clearly shocked. “But—”
She cut him off. “If I don’t make it back, WindClan will need you.” She glanced at Jagged Peak. “Gorse Fur will be the next leader.” Limping out of the den, she left Gorse Fur gazing after her.
Moth Flight’s paws trembled as she saw the helpless grief on her father’s face.
“I’ll make sure she comes home,” she promised desperately. Please, StarClan. Save her!
She followed her mother into the clearing. Rain battered her face. It pounded the clearing and pooled among the tussocks. The wide, dark sky glowered over the camp. She felt fur brush her flank as Dust Muzzle stopped beside her.
“We’re coming with you.” He beckoned Spotted Fur with a flick of his tail.
Spotted Fur looked up from the mouse he was eating beside the drenched prey pile. His eyes rounded, questioningly.
“We’re taking Wind Runner to the Moonstone,” Dust Muzzle called.
Spotted Fur leaped to his paws and hurried to join them. “Can she walk that far?” His gaze followed Wind Runner. She was padding clumsily through the tussocks.
Holly darted out from the shelter of the gorse. “She’s too ill to leave camp!”
Swift Minnow stared after her leader. “Wind Runner! Come back!”
“Where’s she going?” Storm Pelt stopped, Spider Paw clinging to his broad shoulders. Honey Pelt and Bubbling Stream stood beside him, their ears pricked.
Moth Flight blinked at Storm Pelt. “I’m taking her to the Moonstone.”
“You’ve only just got back!” Honey Pelt mewed.
Spider Paw shook the rain from his pelt. “Stay with us!”
Moth Flight avoided their gaze. I can’t, my loves. I have to save Wind Runner. Her heart seemed to crack inside her chest.
Gorse Fur padded from the medicine den. His gaze swept the watching cats. “This is something Wind Runner must do.” He nodded to Moth Flight. “StarClan has called her and she must go.”
Moth Flight raced back to her father and pressed her cheek against his. “I’ll take care of her,” she whispered before pulling away and heading after Wind Runner.
“Moth Flight!” Blue Whisker’s mew sounded beside the heather wall. Moth Flight turned to see her kit, cowering from the rain. Her wet pelt clung to her tiny frame. She stared at her mother anxiously. “Are you leaving again?”
Moth Flight hurried to her kit and snatched her up by her scruff. Bounding across the tussocks, she dropped her at the entrance to Rocky’s den and nosed her inside. “Keep her warm and dry while I’m gone!” Her mew echoed into the heather cave.
Reed Tail stuck his head out.
“I’m taking Wind Runner to the Moonstone,” Moth Flight told him. “Take care of the Clan. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Moth Flight!” Blue Whisker’s plaintive mew sounded from the shadows.
Rocky’s rumbling purr answered her. “She’ll be back soon.”
Moth Flight turned away, sorrow weighing like a stone in her belly. Raindrops streamed from her whiskers. I’m sorry, kits. I have to do this.
Spotted
Fur and Dust Muzzle had already reached Wind Runner. They walked on either side, pressing their shoulders against hers to support her. Moth Flight hurried after them, catching up as they reached the camp entrance.
Outside, the rain streaked the moorside, whipped by the wind. Wind Runner’s face was stiff with pain, her eyes firmly fixed ahead. Moth Flight slid into the lead, choosing the easiest path to the moortop.
She reached the crest first and looked back, stiffening as she realized how far behind Wind Runner had fallen, even with Spotted Fur and Dust Muzzle supporting her. She glanced at the sky, wishing the clouds would clear. She’d been rabbit-brained to hope for rain! Where’s the sun? Was it slipping toward Highstones yet? They must get there before the moon rose. In her dreams, the Moonstone had blazed with moonlight when the other cats had met StarClan. Wind Runner must be there when it did.
What if the clouds didn’t clear? What if moonlight couldn’t touch the stone? Her pelt spiked. She pushed away the thought. Just get her there! She beckoned Dust Muzzle to hurry, flicking her tail urgently. He gazed at her pleadingly. She knew he was doing his best. They couldn’t risk pushing Wind Runner too hard. But they had to get there tonight. Moth Flight guessed that her mother couldn’t survive another day’s raging fever.
She gazed through the rain to the Thunderpath below. Monsters roared, thundering in both directions, their eyes lit up, spraying walls of water in their wake.
How would they get Wind Runner across?
She hurried down the slope, leaving Dust Muzzle and Spotted Fur to follow with Wind Runner. As she neared the bottom, where the Thunderpath cut through the grass, she slowed. Monster stench stung her eyes and burned her throat. The ground trembled beneath her paws. She watched the gaps between monsters, trying to judge whether there would be enough time to get Wind Runner between them.
When she glanced back, her heart sank. Spotted Fur and Dust Muzzle were still near the top of the slope. She’ll never be fast enough! Heart racing, she pelted toward them, circling as she reached them. Wind Runner hardly seemed to focus her gaze. Moth Flight thrust her muzzle close, smelling the rank stench of infection in her mother’s breath. Then she saw blood seeping from the wound in her neck. Rain dripped from her fur, reddened by her blood. I should have brought cobwebs! Moth Flight cursed herself for being so dumb.