Ravenpaw's Farewell by Erin Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

bush on the riverbank, where they were disturbed by the sound of voles plopping into the river, Ravenpaw woke at dawn and managed to catch a fat young pigeon. Riley and Bella tucked in, Bella with her eyes narrowed as if she was making a point of showing Ravenpaw that she understood the rules about food.
    Watching the young cats eat, Ravenpaw felt a pang of compassion. They were so far from home, and they were being very brave considering they were barely out of kithood. Perhaps there was a way he could get the day off to a good start.
    â€œWould you like to learn a few battle moves before we set off?” I hope I can remember a few!
    Both cats’ eyes lit up. “Yes, please!” mewed Bella, jumping to her paws.
    â€œReal warrior moves?” Riley asked, and he purred when Ravenpaw nodded.
    The path was wide and flat enough to make a good training ground.
    â€œWe’ll start with the hunter’s crouch,” Ravenpaw explained.He dropped to his belly, keeping his hind paws tucked under him.
    â€œWe know about that already,” Riley meowed. “That’s what we do when we’re going to pounce on something.”
    Ravenpaw looked up at him. “That something doesn’t have to be prey, does it? It can be a useful way to attack an enemy, especially if you’re lying in wait. Find your balance, breathe out, then go!” He sprang forward and landed almost on top of Bella.
    â€œAwesome!” purred Riley.
    â€œNow you try,” Ravenpaw puffed, trying to ignore the stabbing pain in his belly.
    The young cats settled down onto their haunches and leaped forward one by one. Bella nearly fell over and Riley didn’t cover much distance, but it was a decent start. Ravenpaw dragged a stick out of the hedge.
    â€œPretend that this is your enemy,” he panted. “I want you to land with your front paws on the back of its neck, here.” He indicated a lump on the stick.
    Bella did well this time, dropping down with her paws lightly on her imaginary enemy’s neck. Riley stumbled as he took off and ended up breaking the stick in two.
    â€œWell, at least you wounded your enemy,” Ravenpaw commented, looking down at the splintered wood.
    â€œTeach us something else!” Bella pleaded.
    â€œJust one more; then we need to set off. Let’s try a front-paw blow.” Ravenpaw beckoned to Riley with the tip of his tail. “Imagine we’re face-to-face in battle. I’ll reach up withmy front paw like this, fast as I can, and bring it down straight on top of your head. If I can’t reach, I can rear up on my hind legs, but see how this leaves my belly exposed? You have to be quick for this move!”
    Bella took Ravenpaw’s place and lightly patted her brother’s head. “Too slow,” Ravenpaw warned. “He would have known exactly what you were going to do. Riley, you can use the duck-and-twist move to get out of Bella’s reach. Drop sideways, tuck your legs under you, and roll out of the way. Excellent!” he praised as Riley folded himself into a ball and tumbled to the edge of the path. “But don’t fall in the river,” Ravenpaw added.
    Riley and Bella took turns practicing the front-paw blow and duck-and-twist. Bella had good reach with her long legs, but Riley’s broad shoulders gave him more power, and he was surprisingly fast given his sturdy build.
    â€œWe’ll make warriors of you yet!” Ravenpaw exclaimed. “Good work!”
    Riley looked at him, his flanks heaving. “That was fun!”
    â€œI can’t wait for our first battle!” Bella mewed.
    Ravenpaw shook his head. “Never wish yourself into a fight,” he murmured. “It will come soon enough.” For a moment he thought of Violet, how terrified she would be to know that her kits were preparing for danger. It’s better to be prepared, Ravenpaw told himself. “Come on, you two. Let’s keep