Warriors: Dawn of the Clans #1: The Sun Trail Read Online Free PDF

cats who wanted to leave. The group was larger than before.
    Their heads turned toward Gray Wing as he padded over to join them; there was surprise in their eyes.
    “You’ve changed your mind?” Clear Sky asked, blinking hopefully.
    Gray Wing dipped his head. “I’m thinking about it,” he responded reluctantly.
    Turtle Tail came to sit by his side. “I’m so pleased you’re coming with us,” she purred, her eyes shining.
    “It’s not long now before we leave,” Shaded Moss meowed, his gaze traveling over each cat in turn. “All of you should rest up and eat as much as you can.”
    “Lying around while others hunt for us?” Dappled Pelt objected. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
    Shaded Moss flicked his tail impatiently. “It’s only for a day or two,” he pointed out. “And once we leave, the others will have enough prey to go around. But if we don’t have our full strength before we set out—”
    A screech from the other side of the cave interrupted him. Gray Wing looked around to see Dewy Leaf charging toward them across the cavern. The tortoiseshell queen halted in front of Moon Shadow, her legs stiff with fury and her neck fur bristling.
    “What are you doing, skulking around over here?” she demanded. “I’m going to have your kits! You promised that you’d stay with me!”
    “Uh-oh . . . trouble,” Turtle Tail breathed into Gray Wing’s ear.
    Moon Shadow flinched backward. “There isn’t enough food,” he explained awkwardly. “Our kits will be better off if there are fewer mouths to feed.”
    Dewy Leaf bared her teeth in a snarl. “And who’s going to catch prey while I’m still nursing them?”
    Hearing her complaints, other cats hurried over to find out what was going on.
    “She has a point,” Twisted Branch meowed, glaring at Moon Shadow. “Cats with responsibilities should stay here.”
    “Are you saying we’re irresponsible to leave?” Tall Shadow snapped back at him.
    “Yeah.” Shattered Ice sprang to his paws to stand beside the black she-cat, his green eyes narrowed. “We’re going off into the unknown, into danger , to make a better home for you and the other cats who stay here. You don’t have to do anything!”
    Sharp Hail thrust himself forward, his tail lashing. “No—just sit here and starve!”
    In the midst of the commotion, Gray Wing noticed Bright Stream hanging back, not part of either group and not joining in the argument.
    Has she really made up her mind to leave with Clear Sky? he asked himself. She doesn’t look as if she knows what she wants . His heart ached for her, and for Fluttering Bird, and for all his Tribemates who seemed ready to fight with claws and teeth over the future.
    “Enough!” The voice came from the back of the cave, not loud, but with such authority that it cut through all the wrangling. The cats fell silent, parting as Stoneteller limped into the center of the group. “I can’t bear to see you squabbling like this,” she continued. “My vision promised something better for those cats willing to go in search of it. But I could be wrong.” She shook her head, clearly wracked with uncertainty. “Perhaps we should forget about finding somewhere else to live. . . .”
    As she was speaking, Lion’s Roar came up behind her and stood close to her side. Bending his head, he spoke into her ear; though his voice was low, Gray Wing managed to make out the words.
    “Don’t lose faith in what you saw.” Addressing all the cats, he went on, “My mother told me that before she and the others left the lake, they held a vote to decide their shared future. Why don’t we vote again now?” he suggested. “If most cats want us to stay here and take a chance with the rest of the cold season, then Shaded Moss won’t leave. What do you think, Stoneteller?”
    The old white she-cat blinked thoughtfully, then turned to Shaded Moss. “Would you accept the result of a vote?” she asked.
    Shaded Moss nodded. “I don’t