Path of Stars by Erin Hunter Read Free Book Online

what will they do when we refuse—”
    Gray Wing interrupted her. “They won’t be able to do anything,” he told her. “I have a plan.”

C HAPTER 4

    Clear Sky’s pelt rippled along his spine. Above him, the half-moon shone in a crow-black sky. The last leaves of leaf-fall fluttered around him as a bone-deep chill gripped the forest. He pricked his ears, listening for the reassuring patter of prey or the call of an owl. But the forest had been silent since he’d left camp. It was as though everything was waiting for the outcome of tonight’s meeting.
    Who would come?
    Clear Sky quickened his pace as he neared the rim of the four trees hollow.
    Tall Shadow had promised she’d be there; Wind Runner, too. He knew River Ripple would be true to his word. The leader of the river cats was probably already waiting for him beneath the great oaks. But what about Thunder? Had Gray Wing managed to persuade him?
    Fear sparked through Clear Sky’s blood. The long quarter moon of sleepless nights had exhausted him. Fear was his only energy now. And hope. He longed to see Star Flower’s face. He hurried faster as he imagined her waiting beside Slash in the four trees hollow. Would she be okay? Had the roguestreated her well? He tried not to think what she might have suffered at their paws.
    What if she wasn’t there? What if Slash didn’t show up? It might be a trick. He tried to silence the echoing doubt that had nagged him day and night. What if calling the leaders to a meeting was part of a scheme to leave the camps vulnerable?
    Clear Sky narrowed his eyes. He’d made sure his campmates were prepared, assigning each cat to a position and warning them to be on their guard. Nettle and Thorn were stationed at the camp entrance. Birch and Alder stalked the woods for signs of intruders. Sparrow Fur and Blossom watched from the oak bough that overhung the clearing, while Acorn Fur and Quick Water hid in the shadows below. If any rogue tried to invade, they would meet fierce resistance. He hoped the other leaders had taken similar precautions.
    â€œClear Sky?”
    As he neared the top of the four trees hollow, a call echoed through the trees. He stopped, his heart quickening.
    The voice sounded again. “Is that you?”
    He recognized Tall Shadow’s mew. Tasting for her scent, he hurried forward, his apprehension easing as her familiar smell bathed his tongue.
    She slid out of the darkness, hardly more than a shadow herself. “River Ripple’s waiting at the other side of the hollow.” She led him from the cover of the forest and stopped at the top of the slope. Clear Sky padded after her and followed her gaze toward the shape at the hollow’s rim on the far side. It was River Ripple, a pale silhouette against the undergrowth.
    Tall Shadow plunged over the edge of the slope andthreaded her way through the bracken. Clear Sky followed, nosing through the fronds as he tracked her zigzagging route to the bottom.
    Grass swished on the far side as River Ripple hurried to meet them, his long silver fur rippling in the moonlight.
    Clear Sky broke from the bracken and padded into the clearing. Cold washed over his face. Chilly air had pooled at the bottom of the hollow, and he moved through it like a fish through icy water. Heat pulsed beneath his pelt as he struggled against fear. He scanned the clearing quickly, his heart beating so hard that he could hear his blood pulsing in his ears. At one end, the great rock rose in the moonlight like a massive curled claw. Beyond it he saw, with a surge of gratitude, Wind Runner’s wiry frame. She was heading toward him.
    He strained to see past her through the darkness. Had Gray Wing persuaded Thunder to come too?
    Bracken rustled on the forest slope behind him. Clear Sky jerked his head around and recognized his son’s broad shoulders as Thunder pushed his way into the clearing. His orange pelt glowed blue in