A Dangerous Path by Erin Hunter Read Free Book Online Page B

It’s not his fault that he looks exactly like Tigerstar. But other cats look at him like that too.” Thoughtfully she licked her paw and drew it over her ear. “I want my kits to grow up happy, not feeling guilty because of something that happened before they were born. Maybe there’s more hope of that now, if Tigerstar becomes a great leader. Maybe they’ll even be proud of him in the end.”
    Fireheart twitched his ears uncomfortably, unable to share her optimism.
    â€œThey both respect you, you know,” Goldenflower went on. “Especially since you saved Bramblekit from the fire.”
    For a moment Fireheart didn’t know what to say. He felt guiltier than ever about his hostile feelings toward Bramblekit, yet however hard he tried he could not help seeing the murderous father in the young kit.
    â€œI think you should tell them about Tigerstar,” Goldenflower meowed, turning an intense gaze on him. “You’re the deputy, after all. They would take it well from you—and I know you would tell them the truth.”
    â€œYou…you think I should tell them now?” Fireheart stammered. The way Goldenflower spoke made it sound like a challenge.
    â€œNo, not now,” replied Goldenflower calmly. “Not until you’re ready. And when you think they’re ready,” she added. “But don’t leave it for too long.”
    Fireheart dipped his head. “I will, Goldenflower,” he promised. “And I’ll make it as easy for them as I can.”
    Before Goldenflower could reply, Bramblekit came skiddingup to his mother with Tawnykit just behind him. “Can we go and see the elders?” he asked, eyes shining. “One-eye promised to tell us some great stories!”
    Goldenflower let out an indulgent purr. “Yes, of course,” she meowed. “Take her something from the pile of fresh-kill—that’s good manners. And mind that you’re back here by sunset.”
    â€œWe will!” meowed Tawnykit. She dashed off across the camp, calling over her shoulder, “I’m going to fetch a mouse for One-eye!”
    â€œNo, you’re not, I am!” Bramblekit yowled, scampering after her.
    â€œWell,” Goldenflower meowed, turning back to Fireheart, “if you can see anything wrong with those kits, tell me what it is, because I can’t.”
    She got up, obviously not needing an answer, and shook each paw in turn before retreating into the nursery. Fireheart watched her go. Somehow he had managed to make himself unpopular with both Speckletail and Goldenflower; even though Goldenflower trusted him, she clearly found it hard to forgive him for his conflicting feelings about Bramblekit—and he was no nearer to sorting them out.
    Sighing, he got to his paws, realizing it was time he sent out the evening patrol. As he turned away from the nursery he caught sight of Brackenfur, who was hovering nearby as if he wanted to speak to him.
    â€œIs there a problem?” he asked the young warrior.
    â€œI don’t know,” Brackenfur replied. “It’s just that I sawwhat happened there, with Speckletail’s kit, and—”
    â€œYou’re not going to tell me I was too hard on Bramblekit, are you?”
    â€œNo, Fireheart, of course not. But…well, I think there might be something wrong with Snowkit.”
    Fireheart knew that the golden brown tom wouldn’t make a fuss about nothing. “Go on,” he urged.
    â€œI’ve been keeping an eye on him,” Brackenfur explained. He scuffed the ground with his forepaws, an embarrassed look on his face. “I…I sort of hoped Bluestar might choose me to mentor him, and I wanted to get to know him. And I think there’s something the matter with him. He doesn’t play like the others. He doesn’t seem to respond when any cat talks to him. You know kits, Fireheart—noses into everything—but