Warriors 03 - Forest of Secrets Read Online Free PDF Page B

about what Ravenpaw had told them. He was sure that his friend was telling the truth, but it would be hard to convince the rest of the Clan. Bluestar had already refused to believe Ravenpaw’s original story.
    Yet that was when Fireheart thought Redtail had killed Oakheart. Bluestar could not accept that Redtail would kill another warrior unnecessarily. Now Fireheart understood the real story, that Oakheart had died by accident…. But how could Fireheart accuse Tigerclaw again unless he had something to back up what Ravenpaw had told him?
    â€œThe RiverClan cats would know,” he realized aloud, pausing under a rocky outcrop on the moorland slope, where the snow was not so thick.
    â€œWhat?” meowed Graystripe, padding up to him to share the shelter. “Know what?”
    â€œHow Oakheart died,” Fireheart replied. “They must have seen Oakheart’s body. They would be able to tell us whetherhe died from a rockfall, and not a death blow from a warrior.”
    â€œYes, the marks on his body would prove it,” agreed Graystripe.
    â€œAnd they might know what Oakheart meant when he said that no ThunderClan cat should attack Stonefur,” Fireheart added. “We need to speak to a RiverClan warrior who took part in the battle, maybe Stonefur himself.”
    â€œBut you can’t just walk into the RiverClan camp and ask,” Graystripe protested. “Think of how tense it was at the Gathering—it’s too soon after the battle.”
    â€œI know one RiverClan warrior who would welcome you,” Fireheart murmured.
    â€œIf you mean Silverstream, yes, I could ask her,” Graystripe agreed. “Now, can we please get back to the camp before my paws freeze completely?”
    The two cats padded onward, more slowly now as weariness made their limbs heavy. They were within sight of Fourtrees when they spotted three other cats climbing the hillside. The breeze carried the scent of a WindClan patrol to Fireheart. Not wanting to explain their presence in WindClan territory, he looked swiftly around for cover, but the snow stretched smoothly on all sides, with no rocks or bushes nearby. And it was clear that the WindClan cats had already seen them, as they changed direction to meet them.
    Fireheart recognized the familiar uneven gait of the Clan deputy, Deadfoot, with the tabby warrior Tornear, and his apprentice, Runningpaw.
    â€œHello, Fireheart,” called Deadfoot, limping up with apuzzled look in his eyes. “You’re a long way from home.”
    â€œEr…yes,” Fireheart admitted, dipping his head respectfully. “We just…we picked up a ShadowClan scent trail, and it led us up here.”
    â€œShadowClan on our territory!” Deadfoot’s fur began to bristle.
    â€œI reckon it was an old scent,” Graystripe put in hastily. “Nothing to worry about. We’re sorry we crossed your border.”
    â€œYou’re welcome here,” meowed Tornear. “The other Clans would have destroyed us in the last battle if your Clan hadn’t helped. Now we’re sure they’ll keep away. They know they have ThunderClan to reckon with.”
    Fireheart felt embarrassed at Tornear’s praise. He and Graystripe had helped the WindClan cats in the past, but this time he was uncomfortable with the thought that any cats from WindClan had seen them on their territory. “We’d best be getting back,” he muttered. “Everything seems quiet enough up here.”
    â€œMay StarClan light your path,” meowed Deadfoot gratefully.
    The other WindClan cats wished Fireheart and Graystripe good hunting, and went on toward their own camp.
    â€œThat was bad luck,” Fireheart growled as he and Graystripe padded down to Fourtrees.
    â€œWhy?” asked Graystripe. “The WindClan cats didn’t mind us on their territory. We’re all friends now.”
    â€œUse your brains, Graystripe,” Fireheart