Path of Stars by Erin Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

the moonlight.
    â€œThunder!” Joy flooded Clear Sky’s belly. He ignored the prick of resentment he felt at the fact that Gray Wing had persuaded his son to help him when he had failed. But how could he begrudge Gray Wing his influence? He had been more of a father to Thunder than Clear Sky ever had.
    Tall Shadow and River Ripple stopped beside Clear Sky and waited for Thunder to join them.
    â€œI can smell rogue scent,” Thunder growled.
    â€œIs it fresh?” Wind Runner asked.
    A voice rang from the great rock. “Of course it’s fresh.” There was amusement in the mew.
    Clear Sky spun and stared up at the rock. His breath caught in his throat. He’d waited a quarter moon for this moment. Dread spiked his pelt. He could smell rogue stench, and the scent of the other leaders, but something was missing.
    Slash stood on top. Six rogues flanked him. They watched, as unmoving as stone in the moonlight, their dull pelts clinging to their lean bodies. The gleam in their eyes betrayed menace behind their stillness.
    â€œI hoped you would come.” Slash padded to the edge of the rock and looked down, scorn flashing in his gaze.
    Clear Sky curled his lip as anger swept his fear away. “You gave us no choice.”
    Slash snorted. “I gave you no choice, Clear Sky.” His gaze flicked to the other leaders. “ They have no reason to be here. What do they care if you never see Star Flower or your kits again?”
    Clear Sky’s heart lurched. “Then why did you insist I bring them with me?”
    Amusement flickered through Slash’s whiskers. “I just wanted to see if you could persuade them.”
    Wind Runner flicked her tail angrily. “What if he hadn’t?”
    â€œI’d have dealt with Star Flower and found another way to make you share your prey,” Slash told her.
    Dealt with Star Flower? Clear Sky’s tail twitched with fear. What did he mean? He suddenly felt as helpless as a kit. Where was she? He opened his mouth, reaching for her scentand realizing with a jolt which scent had been missing. Hers!
    Thunder bristled. “How dare you threaten us!”
    Slash flicked his tail, his gaze flashing toward the other rogues. They moved forward, hissing, and stood at the edge of the rock. “Do you really want to argue with me, Thunder?” Slash asked.
    Thunder flattened his ears. “What makes you so sure we’ll agree to share our prey?”
    Slash’s gaze flicked over the leaders. “The same thing that made you come tonight. You don’t want to see Clear Sky lose his mate and his kits.”
    Clear Sky darted forward, snarling up at the great rock. “Where is Star Flower?” Panic quickened his thoughts. Terror hollowed his belly. “Is she okay?”
    Slash paused, his gaze burning into Clear Sky’s.
    Rage seized Clear Sky. The rogue was playing with him like prey, prolonging his suffering for his own warped enjoyment. “Where is she?” he repeated.
    Fur brushed his flank. He jerked around, bristling.
    River Ripple stopped beside him. “Don’t let him rile you,” the silver-furred tom murmured. “He wants to cloud your thoughts, but you need to keep a clear head.”
    Clear Sky took in River Ripple’s soothing gaze. He felt his breathing ease and his heart slow as the silver tom’s calmness seemed to seep into him. Steadying his paws, he turned back to Slash. “You promised to return Star Flower if I brought the other leaders here.”
    Slash tipped his head. “If I gave you Star Flower now, whatincentive would you have to honor the agreement we will make tonight?”
    Clear Sky dug his claws into the cold earth. “No one will agree to anything until Star Flower is safely returned.”
    Slash flattened his ears and peered over the edge of the rock. “I’m afraid that isn’t something you get to decide. If you want to see your mate or your