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thoughtful and focused. After the battle he had helped to take care of the wounded, showing infinite patience and the authority of a much older cat. Gray Wing had the feeling that the little tom’s paws might be small now, but the steps he was destined to take would be big.
    A surge of warmth swelled up inside Gray Wing’s chest and, for once, it was nothing to do with his breathing problems. I promise I’ll be a good father to all three of these kits. I’ll do my very best for them.
    â€œHave you had any more dreams?” he asked Pebble Heart.
    â€œNo . . .” Pebble Heart replied hesitantly.
    But Gray Wing felt certain that his adopted son wasn’t telling him everything. Sadness and anger mingled in his heart. Surely if there’s any cat he can trust, it’s me? But then he reminded himself that Pebble Heart would share his secrets when the time was right. Nothing would be gained by nagging him.
    Gray Wing comforted himself with the thought that he had allowed Thunder to find his own path. And look at him now — teaching the younger cats and the rogues. He’s every bit a leader!
    â€œOkay, keep practicing,” Thunder told the other cats, before breaking away and padding up to Gray Wing. “Did you see Clear Sky or any of the others while you were out?” he asked.
    â€œOnly River Ripple,” Gray Wing replied.
    Since the battle, the moorland cats had seen Clear Sky and his followers from time to time. They had shared a few polite words, and even prey, then gone their separate ways. It was a relief that the territory borders weren’t being jealously guarded, but Gray Wing couldn’t help feeling that things could be better. Stiff politeness was all very well, but it was a far cry from the close friendship they had felt for one another on their journey out of the mountains.
    â€œIt’s not long before the next meeting at the four trees,” Thunder went on. “Do you think the spirit-cats will appear again?”
    â€œI’m not sure.” Gray Wing thought for a moment, then added, “But we all agreed to meet there at the next full moon, to see how we’re getting on, so we need to do that, spirit-cats or no spirit-cats. Unite or die: That’s what we said we’d do.”

C HAPTER 4

    The icy glow of the full moon poured down upon the four oak trees. The leaves rustled in a gentle breeze, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the great rock.
    Beneath the trees, the clearing was alive with cats. Gray Wing spotted Acorn Fur bounding eagerly forward to nuzzle Lightning Tail, who covered her ears with affectionate licks. Nearby Dappled Pelt and Quick Water touched noses, then settled down for a long chat. Gray Wing caught a snatch of conversation between Shattered Ice and Petal.
    â€œ. . . you and the other rabbit-chasers,” the yellow tabby she-cat meowed good-humoredly. “Why don’t you learn to stalk?”
    â€œWhy don’t you learn to run?” Shattered Ice retorted, giving her a friendly nudge.
    Gray Wing watched with hope in his heart. “Most of these cats haven’t seen one another since last full moon, when we were fighting,” he murmured to Thunder and Tall Shadow, who were standing on either side of him. “And now look at them! Maybe the peace really will last.”
    Tall Shadow blinked, looking on with mild surprise as Cloud Spots and Leaf touched noses and settled down sideby side, their pelts brushing. “Perhaps the worst is behind us,” she agreed.
    â€œAnd we can start making plans for the future,” Thunder put in.
    Clear Sky padded over to join them. Relief flooded over Gray Wing to see his brother looking relaxed and friendly. For so long, all he cared about was protecting his territory. A few moons ago, he wouldn’t even share prey with me. But we all learned lessons when our friends died.
    â€œIt’s good to see you,” Clear Sky