Free Path of Stars by Erin Hunter Page B

trying to guess the fastest route from the four trees hollow to the carrion place. He must be heading through the pines. Wheezing,Gray Wing zigzagged, covering as much ground as he could, ears pricked for the sound of paw steps. The tightness in his chest hardened, but he pressed on. As he reached the bottom of the slope that led to the border between Clear Sky’s land and Tall Shadow’s, he heard voices.
    â€œWe should have rescued her as soon as we knew where she was!”
    It was Clear Sky.
    Gray Wing stopped. Clear Sky stood at the top of the rise. Wind Runner was beside him, while River Ripple, Tall Shadow, and Thunder crowded behind.
    â€œClear Sky!” Gray Wing puffed.
    Clear Sky’s eyes widened. He bounded down the slope. “Did you rescue her? Is she safe?”
    â€œWe got her away from the rogues,” Gray Wing told him. “But the kits are coming.”
    Clear Sky’s pelt bushed. “Already?”
    â€œIt’s too soon!” Tall Shadow raced to join them.
    â€œWhere is she?” Clear Sky demanded.
    â€œWe took her to Tall Shadow’s camp,” Gray Wing told him. “Pebble Heart and Reed are with her.”
    Tall Shadow frowned. “Have they had kits? Have they even seen a kitting?”
    â€œHolly’s with her too,” Gray Wing reassured her. “ She’s had kits.”
    â€œSo have I.” Wind Runner scrambled down the slope. “I know what to do.”
    She darted past Gray Wing and headed for the camp, TallShadow close on her heels. Clear Sky blinked at Gray Wing, then followed the two she-cats.
    River Ripple hesitated at the top of the slope. “Too many paws at a kitting will just get in the way. Please send word that Star Flower and the kits are all right.”
    Thunder padded closer. “Are Lighting Tail and Leaf okay?”
    Gray Wing nodded. “They helped carry Star Flower to Tall Shadow’s camp. They’re there now.”
    Thunder flicked his tail, looking relieved. “Send them home when they’re ready. I must go. Their campmates will be worried.” His gaze fixed on Gray Wing, earnest in the moonlight. “I hope Star Flower’s okay.”
    Gray Wing blinked at the tom. “Thanks for agreeing to meet with Slash tonight,” he meowed. “It gave us the time we needed to rescue Star Flower.”
    â€œIt was a good plan, Gray Wing,” Thunder answered. “I’m glad I got the chance to help.”
    River Ripple dipped his head. “Let’s hope the stars are on our side,” he meowed solemnly. “Early kits rarely survive.”
    Gray Wing’s belly tightened. He glanced meaningfully toward Thunder. “Clear Sky’s kits are strong,” he murmured. “This litter will be fine.”
    He headed after his brother, quickening his pace as he neared the camp. Nosing through the bramble entrance, he scanned the clearing. Mouse Ear and Mud Paws paced the far end nervously. Jagged Peak sat and watched, his pelt prickling along his spine.
    Shapes were huddled at the edge of the camp, beneath adome of woven brambles. He hurried toward them, tensing as he scented blood.
    Blinking through the darkness, he saw Pebble Heart hanging back beside Reed and Tall Shadow. Lightning Tail shifted from one paw to another, watching as Wind Runner and Holly moved around Star Flower. He could hear the desperate panting of the queen.
    Clear Sky crouched by her head. “It’s okay, my love,” he murmured. “Everything will be okay.”
    Gray Wing slowed to a stop beside Pebble Heart. “Isn’t there anything you can do?” Pebble Heart had always had a natural skill for healing.
    The young tom shook his head. “They know far more than me about kitting. But I’ll learn all I can.” He didn’t take his eyes from the she-cats as Wind Runner ran her paw over Star Flower’s belly, while Holly lapped at the queen’s