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

going.” He flicked his tail, and the two cats fell in behind him.
    Farther along the river, they reached an abandoned Twoleg den made from crumbling red stones. There was no traceof Twoleg scent in the air, and the den was completely silent. Ravenpaw glanced at his companions.
    â€œWant to explore?” he suggested.
    â€œYes, please!” Riley meowed.
    Ravenpaw followed them inside. The floor was strewn with broken stones and dotted with large Twoleg relics. A jagged wooden slope led up to another level, and above that Ravenpaw could see glimpses of sky through holes in the roof.
    â€œWatch this!” yowled Riley. He sprang onto the nearest Twoleg relic, then bounced onto the wooden slope. It creaked under his weight, so he leaped down onto the floor, sending up a puff of dust. “That was fun!” he gasped.
    â€œI’ll chase you!” Bella mewed, bounding toward him. Riley skidded around and set off at a sprint, hurtling past Ravenpaw so fast that his fur was flattened.
    Ravenpaw started to worry that something would overhear them. He opened his mouth to warn them to be quiet, when a shadow filled the doorway behind him. Ravenpaw whirled around, claws out, ready to fight. He stared in astonishment.
    â€œBarley!”
    Ravenpaw’s first thought was to fling himself at his old friend and cover him with joyous licks. But he held back, remembering their bitter words the last time they had seen each other.
    Barley spoke first. “I’m so sorry,” he blurted out. “I should never have tried to stop you from helping Violet’s kits. You are brave, and generous, and I don’t deserve you. . . .”
    Ravenpaw bounded forward and pressed his muzzle againstBarley’s cheek. “Don’t be such a mouse-brain. You were right to be concerned. It’s been hard, but we’re okay.” He felt a lump in his throat. “Even better now that you’re here.”
    Barley nuzzled the top of his head. “I left not long after you did. I thought that the barn was my home, but my home is wherever you are.” He took a step back and blinked at Ravenpaw. “I . . . I thought you were leaving because you didn’t want to be with me anymore.”
    â€œThat will never happen!” Ravenpaw meowed. “I’m sorry I left without you. I’ve missed you every step of the way.”
    â€œWhoa! It’s Barley!” Bella came tearing down the wooden slope. Her brother’s paw steps thudded overhead, and Ravenpaw glanced nervously at the trembling ceiling.
    With a clatter, Riley rushed down to join them. “Are you going to come with us to SkyClan?”
    Barley nodded. “I couldn’t let you have this great adventure without me, could I?”
    â€œIt’s been amazing!” Bella mewed, to Ravenpaw’s surprise. “There was this really fierce dog, and we had to hide in the hedge!”
    Barley looked alarmed.
    â€œIt’s okay,” Riley put in. “We stayed super quiet until the dog went away. Ravenpaw made sure we didn’t come out till it was safe.”
    â€œAnd he’s taught us great battle moves!” Bella exclaimed. “We can do the hunter’s crouch, the front-paw blow, and the duck-and-twist!”
    Barley glanced at Ravenpaw. “I’m glad to hear he’s beenlooking after you,” he purred.
    Bella nodded. “Yes, but he’s really bossy,” she added.
    â€œAs he should be!” Barley meowed. “He knows all about living in a Clan, so you must listen to everything he says.” He looked around the abandoned den. “Now, are you planning to make a camp here, or should we keep going?”
    â€œLet’s go!” yowled Riley, racing out the door with Bella on his heels.
    Ravenpaw blinked affectionately at Barley. “You certainly know how to motivate them!”
    The black-and-white tom ran his tail over Ravenpaw’s flank. “I’m so proud of