Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

WINDCLAN

Leader: Heatherstar- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a pink cloak.

Deputy: Reedfeather- Man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a striped brown cloak.

Healer: Hawkheart- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and brown cloak.

Warriors: Redclaw- Man with red hair and brown eyes. He wears a red cloak.

Hareflight- Man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown cloak.

Aspenfall- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.
Apprentice- Doe

Cloudrunner- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a light gray cloak.
Apprentice- Stag

Dawnstripe- Woman with light blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a light gold cloak with pale stripes.

Larksplash- Woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.
Apprentice- Rye

Appledawn- Woman with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a rose colored cloak.

Sandgorse- Man with blonde hair and green eyes. He wears a light orange cloak.

Woollytail- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Hickorynose- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

Mistmouse- Woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown striped cloak.

Plumclaw- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark gray cloak.

Apprentices: Doe- Girl with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown cloak.

Stag- Boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown cloak.

Rye- Girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Nursery: Palebird- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black and white cloak. (Mother to Tall; boy with black hair and brown eyes.)

Brackenwing- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a yellow cloak. (Mother to Bark; boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and Shrew; boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes)

Meadowslip- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray cloak. (Mother to Hop; boy with black hair and brown eyes)

Elders: Whiteberry- Small man with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a white cloak.

Flamepelt- Man with red hair and brown eyes. He wears a red cloak.

Lilywhisker- Woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown cloak.

Flailfoot- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

SHADOWCLAN

Leader: Cedarstar- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak with a white patch.

Deputy: Stonetooth- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray striped cloak.

Healer: Sagewhisker- Woman with platinum blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Warriors: Crowtail- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black cloak.

Brackenfoot- Man with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a yellow and red cloak.

Archeye- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak with black stripes.
Apprentice- Frog

Hollyflower- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark gray and white cloak.

Mudclaw- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and brown cloak.

Toadskip- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak with white patches.
Apprentice- Ash

Nettlespot- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak with orange flecks.

Mousewing- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Deerleap- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black and white cloak.

Amberleaf- Woman with red hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark orange and brown cloak.

Finchflight- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black and white cloak.

Blizzardwing- Man with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a white cloak.

Lizardstripe- Woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown striped and white cloak.

Featherstorm- Woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark brown striped cloak.

Nursery: Brightflower- Woman with orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange striped cloak.

Poolcloud- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray and white cloak.

Elders: Littlebird- Small woman with orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange striped cloak.

Lizardfang- Man with light brown hair, brown eyes and a snaggle tooth. He wears a light brown striped cloak.

Silverflame- Woman with graying orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange and gray cloak.

THUNDERCLAN

Leader: Pinestar- Man with auburn hair and green eyes. He wears a reddish brown cloak.

Deputy: Sunfall- Man with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a bright orange cloak.

Healer: Goosefeather- Man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a gray cloak.
Apprentice- Feather

Warriors: Stormtail- Man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a blue cloak.

Dappletail- Woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Adderfang- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a mottled brown striped cloak.

Tawnyspots- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a light gray striped cloak.

Sparrowpelt- Big man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Smallear- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak.

Robinwing- Small woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown and orange cloak.

Fuzzypelt- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Windflight- Man with black hair and light green eyes. He wears a gray striped cloak.

Nursery: Moonflower- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Poppydawn- Woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark brown cloak.

Elders: Weedwhisker- Man with orange hair and brown eyes. He wears a light orange cloak.

Mumblefoot- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

Larksong- Woman with dirty blonde hair and light green eyes. She wears a dirty blonde cloak.

RIVERCLAN

Leader: Hailstar- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak.

Deputy: Shellheart- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dappled gray cloak.

Healer: Brambleberry- Woman with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a black and white cloak.

Warriors: Rippleclaw- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black and gray cloak.

Timberfur- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.
Apprentice- White

Mudfur- Man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown cloak.

Owlfur- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown and white cloak.

Ottersplash- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a light orange and white cloak.

Marshcloud- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Mudthorn- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown and black cloak.

Brightsky- Woman with orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange and white cloak.

Piketooth- Skinny man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Lakeshine- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray and white cloak.

Shimmerpelt- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a glossy black cloak.

Fallowtail- Woman with light brown hair and blue eyes. She wears a light brown cloak.
Apprentice- Soft

Nursery: Echomist- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Lilystem- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a light gray cloak.

Elders: Troutclaw- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray striped cloak.

Tanglefur- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Birdsong- Woman with graying brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown, white and ginger striped cloak.

THE VAGABONDS

Silvanus- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Menowin- Man with black hair and brown eyes.

Bessie- Woman with black hair and brown eyes.

Llewellyn- Man with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Roma- Girl with orange hair and brown eyes.

TOWNSFOLK

Jacob- Boy with orange hair and green eyes.

Quinn- Girl with black hair and brown eyes.

Meghan- Girl with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes.

Jaylyn- Elderly woman with black hair.

Melissa- Woman with platinum blonde hair.

Sheldon- Large man with orange hair and brown eyes.

Ruby- Girl with red hair and green eyes.

Chapter Text

“Careful, Tall!”

Tall paused when he heard his mother’s anxious call. “I’m fine!” he replied. He glanced back to the nursery.

Inside the tall wooden structure, Brackenwing was soothing her. “Bark and Shrew are watching him.”

Tall shivered with excitement. A light dusting of snow had turned the camp white, frosting the tussocks of grass and thick walls of camp. The freezing air made his face itch.

“You look like you’re turning to ice,” Bark said.

Tall swatted at him, laughing.

Shrew ran past him. “Let’s go to the Hunting Stones, Bark!”

Tall stared after the other boys. Shrew was older than him by three months, while Bark was ahead by a year. “I thought we were going to climb Tallrock,” he protested. “I can make it this time.” His eyes were stinging from the cold air.

He blinked up at the high slab of granite where Heatherstar would stand when addressing the Clan. It loomed over the camp, jagged and dark.

Tall gazed at the base. There, Heatherstar, Hawkheart and Reedfeather sat close together, talking in hushed tones.

Hawkheart looked up and caught Tall’s eye. “Exploring camp, boy?” he asked.

Tall shifted at the dark glint in the healer’s eyes. His mother, Palebird, had warned him Hawkheart didn’t have a lot of patience when it came to children.

“Remember to stay in camp,” Hawkheart said with narrowed eyes. “We don’t need you attracting eagles to camp.”

“Eagles?” Tall’s heart lurched.

“They love to carry off little kids like you.” Hawkheart warned. “And they can spot you all the way from Highstones.”

Reedfeather rolled his eyes. “Don’t scare the poor boy.”

“Come on,” Shrew called. “We’re going to see the Hunting Stones.”

Heatherstar raised her head. “Be careful, boys,” she said. “They’ll be icy.”

“If you break a leg I’m leaving you for the wolves,” Hawkheart called.

“Let’s go to my hut,” Heatherstar urged. “I’m getting cold out here.”

As Heatherstar stood, Hawkheart and Reedfeather followed, heads held high and shoulders shaking with the cold. They went into the leader’s hut at the edge of the clearing, constructed from sticks and gorse.

“Can we play by the Tallrock?” Bark asked.

“Well I wanna go to the Hunting Stones,” Shrew insisted. He scraped up a handful of snow and flung it at his brother. The wind snatched the powdery ball and tossed it back into his face.

Bark laughed. “Aren’t you scary?”

“I’ll show you!” Shrew jumped on his brother, rolling with him on the grass.

Tall backed away as they scuffed in the snow, watching with a sad smile. He wished he had a sibling to play with. His mother often spoke of his older sister, Finch, who had died before he was born.

Shrew jumped away from his brother. “I’m going to the Hunting Stones!” He charged off.

Bark raced after him. “What about the Tallrock?”

“It’s too slippery.” Shrew veered away from the Tallrock.

“You’re just afraid of heights.” Bark swerved after his younger brother, kicking up snow.

“No, I’m not!” Shrew called back.

Tall followed, not caring where they chose to play. It was just nice to be outside running.

“Watch out!”

Tall skidded to a halt at Cloudrunner’s voice. The dark haired man was crossing his path with Aspenfall. The warriors were heading to the firepit, each carrying dead rabbits. Their hair was ruffled from the moor wind, but they’d still brought food for the Clan. Tall gazed after them, impressed by their long legs and wiry shoulders. They were moor runners, meaning they served WindClan by hunting and patrolling the borders.

Woollytail poked his head out from the hut decorated with brittle bracken where the tunnelers slept. His hands were permanently stained dark with sand and dust from a life of digging out the cave system under the moor. He nodded in approval at the rabbits. “High moor?”

“Yep.” Cloudrunner set his catch on the pile of dead animals waiting to be skilled. “Good eye, Woollytail.”

Tall looked at Woollytail. “How did you know?”

Woollytail pointed at Cloudrunner’s legs. “It looks like he slipped in sand.”

Hickorynose followed him out of the hut. “You’ll only find sand on the high moor. And I doubt they were by the river. The gorse tunnel isn’t ready yet.”

Cloudrunner snorted. “Not until you find a way to stop the cave ins.”

Aspenfall dropped her catch. “The grit made it unstable. You shouldn’t be tunneling down there at all. It’s too dangerous.”

Woollytail narrowed his eyes. “Not if you know what you’re doing.”

Tall glanced between them, sensing the tension rise.

Heatherstar walked between them. “Will the new tunnel be ready before spring, Woollytail?”

Woollytail shrugged. “It’ll take awhile to stabilize the roof.”

Heatherstar nodded. “I know you can find a way.” She turned away.

Tall watched his leader with a cock of his head, wondering if she ever patrolled the underground. As leader, shouldn’t she know the ways of both running and tunneling?

“Come on, Tall!” Bark called.

Tall jerked his attention away and hurried after the other boys. Bark and Shrew were already at the Hunting Stones. The smooth, low rocks huddled in the grass near the elder’s hut. Sprigs of heather poked between them and moss clumped around the base. Shrew climbed onto the highest stone. “I’m leader!”

Bark followed. “I’m deputy!”

Tall reached the rocks and hoped over the moss at the bottom. He tried to find a spot to jump onto the rocks, but he couldn’t stand anywhere without pushing the other boys off.

“Hey, Worm!” Shrew called. “Why don’t you just tunnel underneath? You’ll never be a moor runner!”

Tall frowned. “My name isn’t Worm! You know that!”

“I bet Heatherstar will rename you when you become an apprentice,” Shrew taunted. “You’ll spend your life writhing underground like a worm. You don’t get to be on the stones.”

Tall glared at the older boy. Just because both of his parents were tunnelers didn’t mean he couldn’t play on a simple pile of stones.

Bark pushed against his brother. “There’s room, Tall. Come on.”

Tall climbed up beside the brothers. “Thanks!” The stones were cold underfoot.

He gazed across the camp. The sun was shining against a crisp blue sky, thawing the frosty tussocks. A face appeared in the entrance to the elder’s hut. “What is with kids getting up so early?” Whiteberry slid out into the open.

Lilywhisker limped after him. She was young for an elder, only in her forties. She’d been forced to retire early after a tunnel had collapsed and smashed one of her legs. “Do you want to go for a walk?” she asked Whiteberry.

The old man turned to her. “As long as you’re not gonna force me down any holes.”

“Not after last time,” Lilywhisker teased. “I can’t believe you let a little lost field mouse scare you.”

Whiteberry shrugged, blushing. “I thought it was a bear.”

“Then you’re losing your eyesight.” Lilywhisker limped toward the entrance, her lifeless leg leaving an uneven trail through the shallow snow.

Whiteberry followed. “The joy of getting old, huh?”

“I’ve still got plenty of life in me!” Lilywhisker called over her shoulder.

They disappeared through the camp entrance just as a blonde man was pushing past them. Tall raised his head as his father, Sandgorse, walked into the clearing.

The man’s yellow cloak was speckled with dirt. “I left a stack of logs at the tunnel entrance,” he called to Woollytail.

The other tunneler lifted his head. “Great!” he called. “We can start on the roof this afternoon.”

“I’ll meet you there later.” Sandgorse headed for the Hunting Stones. “Tall! I want to show you something.”

Tall smiled, excited. “What is it?” He hopped off the rock and scrambled over the grass.

Sandgorse reached forward to pick a sprig of gorse from Tall’s dark hair. “It’s time you learned how to tunnel.”

A stone of disappointment dropped into Tall’s stomach. He didn’t want to dig, he wanted to see the moor and run through the wind.

“Tall’s going worming!” Shrew jeered from the Hunting Stones.

Tall spun around. “Worms don’t dig!”

“Don’t be such a bully, Shrew!” Bark pushed his brother, making Shrew stumble off the rocks.

Sandgorse rolled his eyes. “That’s what happens when you’re raised by moor runners. Always afraid of getting sand in their eyes.” He headed for the tunnelers’ bracken hut. Tall hurried after him as he approached Woollytail. “Do you think the sticks we found will be strong enough to hold up the roof?”

Woollytail frowned. “They’ll have to do until we can find something stronger.”

“Perhaps we should take a different route to the gorse.”

Woollytail shook his head. “We’re not too far from the clay. It’ll be harder to dig, but they’ll be fewer cave ins.”

Sandgorse glanced toward the elder’s hut. “We could try digging out the old rabbit warrens higher up.”

“But we’ve already made so much progress,” Woollytail argued. “It’d be a shame to abandon it all and start again.” The man rolled his wide shoulders.

Tall glanced across the camp to Cloudrunner and Aspenfall. They were lanky and thin, bodies build for speed. Tall hoped he could be one of them. We didn’t want to be underground, crushed under layers of earth. He wanted to run over the moor with the wind in his face.

“Let’s go, Tall.” Sandgorse’s voice broke through his thoughts. His father was turning for the moor runner’s hut. Tall followed, slowing as they walked past the hut and behind the Tallrock.

“The earth is loose here,” Sandgorse explained. “This is where my father taught me to tunnel.”

Tall gazed down at the churned earth and wondered how many times it had been dug up then refilled. “Doesn’t digging ever get boring?”

“Being a tunneler isn’t just about digging,” Sandgorse retorted. “Hollowing out new caves is part of it, yes, but we also patrol them. Sometimes bats and other animals wander inside, and we can hunt them. Especially in the winter. Don’t forget, that’s why Shattered Ice first tunneled through the rabbit warrens.”

Tall already knew the story of Shattered Ice, one of the first supposed members of WindClan. One winter, when the moor had been gripped by a terrible cold, he had used the old rabbit warrens to outline the tunnels in search of warmth. Some of those caves were still used to this day.

“He cared more for his Clan than his own safety,” Sandgorse said. “And he didn’t have the kind of training we have now. All he had was courage and strength.”

Tall stifled a yawn. He’d heard this speech a thousand times over. Sandgorse worshipped Shattered Ice and other early tunnelers like they were the only members of StarClan.

“WindClan has tunneled ever since, leaning more with each generation.” Sandgorse raised his chin. “Without the tunnelers, WindClan would starve.”

Tall winced. Perhaps being a tunneler wouldn’t be so bad. One day, the Clan would depend on him. He should be proud to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Against the Tallrock stood a small bundle of shovels. WindClan was the only Clan that used them. They were just like spears, only the stone tip was wide and flat.

Sandgorse picked one of them up and stabbed the end into the ground, scooping out a lump of earth. He dropped it to one side, then went back for another. Within moments, he’d hollowed out a small pit of earth. He was strong and determined, muscles ripping.

“Can I try?” Tall reached for another shovel, although it was nearly as tall as him. He dug the end into the ground and gouged out a pile of crumbling earth.

Sandgorse sat back. Tall felt his father’s gaze on him, warmer than the sun. He dug harder, picking up piles of dirt and throwing them into a loose pile beside the hole. “I’m tunneling!” he squeaked with excitement as the hole got deeper. He could stand in it up to his ankles.

“Watch out!" Sandgorse warned as Tall took a step back. Although the hole was deep, it wasn’t wide, and Tall tripped back on the edge of it. He fell into his pile of soil. “You must always be aware of where you’re standing,” his father chided.

Tall frowned. Perhaps this was harder than he thought. Concentrating, he hopped back into the hole and hauled up another pile of soil, carefully setting it with the rest, eyes on his own feet. He went back for another, taking his time.

“Very good, Tall,” Sandgorse praised.

Tall smiled with delight and kept digging. The hole was getting deep enough to be up to his knees.

“Slow down,” Sandgorse warned.

“I’m-” Suddenly, the earth seemed to give way beneath him. His legs shot out from under him and, face first, he crashed against the side of the hole. Pain seared through him as he tried to twist out, face caked with soil.

Hands grabbed his shoulders, pulling him up. “The deeper you go, the less stable the ground is,” Sandgorsew explained, wiping the dirt from his son’s face. “Are you okay?”

“No!” Tall wailed, face flushed and burning. “I can’t do this! I hate digging! I don’t want to be a tunneler!” The soil stung his eyes and the hit made his cheeks ache. “Mama!” He heaved himself up and ran for the nursery.

Sandgorse followed him. “But you were doing so well.”

“No I wasn’t!’ Anger surged through Tall, bringing tears to his eyes. “I fell in and got hurt!”

“You’ll be fine.”

“You don’t know that!” Hazily, he spotted Palebird emerging from the nursery.

“Tall!” She hurried to meet him. “What happened?”

Tall flung himself into her arms. “I fell!”

“My poor baby.” She wiped away the soil from his eyes and face. “You’re okay. Why don’t you rest?”

“Tall!” Sandgorse stepped closer. “You can’t give up so easily!”

“Leave him be, Sandgorse,” Palebird murmured. “He’s frightened.”

Tall glanced over his shoulder. Sandgorse’s green eyes were round with worry. “I’ll try again later.” Even if he didn’t want to be a tunnel, he couldn’t bring himself to disappoint his father.

“We’ll see,” Palebird said, guiding him into the hut.

“He has to learn-”

Palebird hurried Tall inside before he could hear the rest of his father’s sentence. She guided him to their bed and sat down on the soft sheepswool. “Where’s Brackenwing and Mistmouse?”

“Brackenwing went to eat.” Palebird settled into bed. “Mistmouse went hunting.”

“Hunting?” Tall cocked his head.

Palebird sighed. “She misses being on the moor. Besides, Doe, Stag and Rye don’t need her anymore.”

The entrance to the nursery rustled as Brackenwing pushed in. “Who’s missing the moor?”

“Mistmouse,” Palebird said.

Brackenwing nodded in understand. “Can’t say I blame her.”

Tall leaned against Palebird. “Do you miss being underground?”

“Of course.”

Tall frowned, wondering why. Who’d want to spend all day in such a dark, enclosed space?

“You don’t have so long until you’ll be tunneling again, Palebird,” Brackenwing said. “Tall will be an apprentice soon. Think he’ll last longer than Finch?”

Tall blinked up at his mother. Bringing up her dead daughter had two ways of going; making Palebird depressed or giving her happy memories.

“How did Finch die?” Tall asked. It was the one thing no one would ever say about his sister.

Palebird sighed. “StarClan wanted her to join them.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” his mother said with a shrug. “It was just her time.”

“What did she look like?”

“Like your father. She had blonde hair, but it was darker than your father’s. She was tall, too, like you.” A look of sadness crossed into Palebird’s eyes. She gathered him close to her.

Tall snuggled closer. He’d never had a chance to know Finch. She’d died eleven years ago, just a few months before he’d been born.

A shadow darkened the nursery entrance. “Has he calmed down yet?” Sandgorse asked. “The sooner he starts digging, the better.”

“Leave him be,” Palebird objected. “He’s done enough for today.”

“Then we’ll practice another skill,” Sandgorse promised.

Tall moved out of his mother’s arms. “Are you sure it’s okay?” he asked. He didn’t want to leave his mother sad like this.

“It’s up to you, dear.” She looked away.

Tall frowned. Didn’t she want him to stay? No, she wanted him to train so he could be strong like Sandgorse. “See you later.” He followed his father out of the nursery.

Palebird had turned her back on them.

At least Sandgorse’s gaze was bright as they emerged into the snowy grass. “I knew one little trip wouldn’t put you off. Let’s practice moving stones. Tunnelers have to move rocks much heavier than ourselves. It’s a very important skill.” He nodded toward a pile of small boulders beside the elder’s hut. “Let’s try these.”

Tall stared at the stones. They were much bigger than him.

“Grab it here.” Sandgorse pointed with one finger. “Use your weight to roll it towards you.”

“What if it squashes me?”

“You’re a lot tougher than you think,” Sandgorse encouraged.

A small figure flashed at the corner of Tall’s gaze.

“I tagged you!”

“No you didn’t!’

“Yeah I did!”

Shrew and Bark were chasing each other over the Hunting Stones.

Sandgorse pushed a rock toward Tall. “Roll this one.”

Tall stared down at the rock.

“Why do I always have to be it?”

“Because you’re slow!”

Tall reached out to grab the rock. With a grunt, he heaved it toward himself, muscles screaming with protest. The stone didn’t move.

“How about a smaller one?” Sandgorse pushed another boulder closer.

As Tall reached for it, Flailfoot emerged from the elder’s hut. “He’s a bit young to be moving rocks.”

Sandgorse shrugged. “It’s never too early to learn.”

Flailfoot sat down to watch. “I didn’t start until I was an apprentice.”

Tall clenched his jaw, heaving the stone. His fingers slipped off and, with a gasp, he fell back and landed on his bottom.

“Nice, Worm!” Shrew called from the Hunting Stones.

Tall turned on him. “I’m learning!”

“Ignore him,” Sandgorse advised. “Shrew thinks like a moor runner. He doesn’t understand patience.”

Tall’s heart sank. Would he have to spend the whole day trying to move these rocks?

Heatherstar’s voice rang through the cold air. “Let all those old enough to hunt gather beneath the Tallrock.”

Tall jerked around to see the leader standing on the dark stone in the middle of the clearing.

“Wait here,” Sandgorse ordered. He walked across the camp to join the meeting.

Flailfoot stood. “Try a small stone,” he suggested, following Sandgorse.

Instead, Tall sat down on one of the larger boulders to watch as the warriors gathered around the Tallrock. Aspenfall and Cloudrunner hurried over into the circle, lithe and nimble. Redclaw and Dawnstripe followed. Meadowslip and Larksplash were already staring up at Heatherstar.

Sandgorse headed for the opposite end of the hollow where the tunnelers were gathering. He sat between Woollytail and Hickorynose. Flailfoot sat stiffly beside him. Reedfeather leaned against the foot of Tallrock, arms crossed.

Bark joined Tall. “Are you coming?” Shrew had already gone to join his father, Redclaw, with the other moor runners.

Tall blinked. “We’re not old enough to hunt.”

“Yes we are,” Bark said with a shrug. “We just don’t know how. Come on.”

Tall followed Bark just as the camp entrance shuddered. Lilywhisker and Whiteberry hurried in.

“Have they started?” Lilywhisker called, limping across the camp.

“Not yet.” Flailfoot walked to the edge of the hollow and helped steady Lilywhisker. She joined the tunnelers while WHiteberry headed for the moor runners on the far side of the hollow.

Mistmouse came to stand beside the Tallrock, along with her husband, Hareflight. The brown haired man stood stiffly. Their children, Rye, Stag and Doe, were standing with them.

“What are they doing?” Tall asked.

“I don’t know,” Bark said with a shrug as they came to join Shrew with Redclaw and Brackenwing.

“Hush!” Shrew growled. “I can’t hear.”

Heatherstar dropped down from the Tallrock and weaved past her Clanmates to reach the center of the crowd. Mistmouse was trying to smooth down Stag’s hair while Hareflight nudged Doe and Rye closer.

“Rye, Doe and Stag!” Heatherstar called. Meanwhile, Flamepelt stepped forward with three long cloaks.

Bark gasped. “It’s their apprentice ceremony!”

Tall leaned forward excitedly.

“I bet Woollytail will get one of them,” Shrew guessed.

“But Hareflight’s a moor runner,” Bark reminded him.

“So?” Shrew whispered. “Woollytail’s been complaining for ages that WindClan needs more tunnelers. And I’m sure Mistmouse will want at least one of her kids to follow in her footsteps.” He glanced at Tall. “I feel sorry for you. Being a tunneler must be awful.”

Tall scowled at him. “My dad says it’s the most noble life for a warrior.”

“Of course he did,” Shrew scoffed. “His brain is covered in sand!”

Tall narrowed his eyes. “That’s not true!”

“Hush, all of you!” Redclaw snapped.

Doe led her younger siblings forward. Rye, the youngest, slipped on the icy ground. Warm laughter rose around her.

“Rye,” Heatherstar began. “Your mentor will be Larksplash.” Rye smiled as Heatherstar threw a striped gray cloak over her shoulders. Larksplash stepped out from the moor runners to touch her forehead to Rye’s. “Larksplash, share your speed and sharp wit with Rye so that she can become a worthy warrior of WindClan.” Next, Heatherstar turned to Doe. “Your mentor will be Aspenfall.”

Aspenfall blinked, looking surprised.

Doe smiled with excitement. She puffed out her chest as Aspenfall crossed the hollow towards her. “Aspenfall,” Heatherstar said, throwing a brand new cloak over Doe’s shoulders. “Share your courage and strength with this apprentice.”

Behind them, Stag was gazing around, as though trying to guess who his mentor would be.

“I guess poor Stag gets Woollytail,” Shrew muttered.

“Stag,” Heatherstar called. “Your mentor will be Cloudrunner.”

Share gasped. “Cloudrunner?”

“But he’s not a tunneler,” Bark said.

Tall felt a flash of relief for the older boy. He knew Stag would have hated to train underground. But it was sad he’d never be the most noble of warriors.

Heatherstar went on. “Cloudrunner, share your hunting skill and agility with your apprentice so he may feed his Clans for many years to come.”

Shouts of approval rose from the moor runners.

“Stag!”

“Rye!”

“Doe!”

Mistmouse and Hareflight stood close together, eyes shining.

“What’s going on?” Woollytail called, confused.

Hickorynose narrowed his eyes. “Why weren’t any of them given to a tunneler?” he demanded.

Plumclaw turned on Mistmouse. “Don’t you want any of your children to follow in your footsteps?”

Mistmouse dropped her gaze. Hareflight pressed close to his wife. “We’ve decided we want all of them to be moor runners.”

“Tunneling is dangerous,” Mistmouse pointed out. “And our children are good runners, like their father. They’ll be better aboveground.”

Hickorynose took a step forward. “But we need more tunnelers.”

Behind him, Sandgorse crossed his arms. “At least we’ll have Tall in a year or two.”

Tall’s stomach tightened.

“Lucky little Worm,” Shred teased.

Tall glared at him. “Shut up!”

Heatherstar walked up to the tunnelers. “I know you’re disappointed, but Mistmouse and Hareflight asked me to make all their children moor runners.”

Hickorynose glared at her. “The Clan needs tunnelers.”

“I know,” Heatherstar answered softly. “But after what happened to Leafshine and Finch, Mistmouse was afraid for them.”

Tall snapped his head up. Leafshine and Finch? Who was Leafshine, and what did she have to do with his sister?

“I had to respect Mistmouse and Hareflight’s wishes,” the WindClan leader continued.

Hickorynose shrugged. “I guess.”

Heatherstar went on. “When spring comes, then tunnels will be a safer place for training.”

“Why didn’t you warn us we weren’t getting any apprentices?” Woollytail asked.

Reedfeather took a step forward. “Would you have accepted this more if we had?”

“We would have known that you still respect us!” Plumclaw growled.

Heatherstar lifted her chin. “Of course I respect you,” she insisted. “When winter brings its snow, your bring us the most food. I value your skills, and we want to help you keep them alive through future generations.”

Woollytail narrowed his eyes. “How, if you won’t give us apprentices to train?”

“You’ll have an apprentice soon,” Heatherstar replied. “For now, you’ll have to wait.” She turned to Cloudrunner. “Take the apprentices on a tour of the territory.”

Tall felt uneasy as Cloudrunner led Stag to the camp entrance. Larksplash, Aspenfall, Rye, and Doe hurried after them. He wondered how the tunnelers would get more apprentices. Shrew and Bark would surely be moor runners. Would Tall be the only tunneling apprentice?

“Sandgorse will make sure you become a tunneler,” Bark said.

“Yeah.” Tall smiled, trying to look enthusiastic.

“Redclaw, Appledawn, Hareflight!” Reedfeather called. “Go hunting.”

Redclaw nodded. “Of course, Reedfeather.”

Appledawn stood up and headed for the entrance. Hareflight followed. “We should hunt by the high outcrops.”

Tall watched Hareflight’s lean muscles ripple as he slid out of camp. He longed to race across the moor, to feel the pull of the wind and hunt rabbits under the blue sky. He couldn’t do any of that underground.

Chapter Text

Thick snow smothered the moor, but the camp was clear. The heather was tinged with green as spring approached. Tall chased Bark toward the Tallrock.

Tall leaped into the small hollow around the rock, skillfully landing while Bark charged ahead. Excitement pulsed through him as he gained on the older boy.

Tall jumped up the slope just as Bark dived to the side. He slowed to a halt. “Do I win?”

Bark was panting. He nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, you win.”

“What are you doing, Worm?” Shrew teased. “You’re not supposed to run, you’re supposed to dig!”

Tall glared at him. “Stop with that dumb name!”

“But it suits you/” Shrew’s eyes gleamed. “You’ll spend your life burrowing underground.”

“Just ignore him,” Bark said. “Let’s keep playing.”

Tall held Shrew’s gaze. “Why don’t you join us?”

“I’m too old for silly games.” Shrew crossed his arms.

“We’re the same age!” Tall growled.

“No we’re not! I’m older!”

“By three months!”

“Stop it, both of you,” Bark growled. “Shrew, you’re not even old enough to leave camp. Don’t act so high and mighty.”

Shrew shook his head. “I’m big enough, though! I’m as big as Doe. Besides, we should start our running training earlier. Being a moor runner is the most important job for a warrior.”

“That’s not true!” Tall growled. “Tunnelers do even more than moor runners.”

“Like dig?” Shrew sneered. “Rabbits dig. It’s not that hard.”

“Yes, it is!” Tall felt a sudden rush of fury. “My dad is helping to build a tunnel right down to the bottom of the gorge. No rabbit could do that- or even imagine it.”

“Tunnels are a waste of time,” Shrew scoffed.

“No, they’re not! The new tunnel will give us extra hunting grounds and a secret route in and out of the territory.”

“Real warriors don’t need secret routes. Real warriors fight in the open!”

“Tunnelers can fight underground!”

“Are you actually looking forward to spending your life underground?”

“I’m proud to follow in my father’s footsteps,” Tall said defensively.

Bark pushed between them. “I don’t know why you’re arguing. It’s okay to be different. If we all wanted to be moor runners, we’d be the same as any other Clan. Having tunnelers makes us unique.”

Tall nodded in agreement, swallowing back his frustration. WindClan was special because they used tunnels. Arguing about it was pointless. He turned and stomped off. Suddenly, sharp pain stabbed into the bottom of his foot. “Ow!”

Bark hurried over. “Is something wrong?”

“I stepped on something sharp.” Tall sat down and held out his foot.

Bark crouched and took his ankle. “It’s a gorse thorn,” he said.

Tall glanced nervously toward the healer’s hut. “Should I go to Hawkheart?”

“No need.” Leaning close, Bark hooked the small thorn between his nails, tugging at it. Slowly, Tall felt the pain melt away. Bark sat up, holding a long thorn. Blood glistened on the tip. “You should go to Hawkheart for a bandage, at least. So it doesn’t get infected.”

Tall blinked, amazed at how quickly the pain had gone away. “Thanks, Bark,” he said. “How did you know what to do?”

Bark shrugged. “It was obvious.”

Shrew rolled his eyes. “Nice work, Bark,” he scowled sarcastically. “That’ll really help catching rabbits and fighting invaders.”

Bark cocked his head. “There’s more to life than hunting and fighting.”

“Is there?” Shrew asked, surprised. “Don’t tell me you want to be a tunneler.”

“That’s not what I said,” Bark said.

“Great!’ Shrew turned his back on his brother. “That’s just what WindClan needs. More useless diggers.”

Bark watched his brother march away.

Tall narrowed his eyes, confused. “Don’t you want to be a moor runner, Bark?”

“No, I want to be a healer,” Bark confessed.

Tall stared at him. “What?”

“I’m going to ask Heatherstar if Hawkheart can be my mentor.”

“Hawkheart?” Tall echoed in astonishment. He’d rather train as a tunneler. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!” Bark’s eyes shone. “I can’t wait to learn about herbs, and how to treat different injuries.”

“I can’t imagine Hawkheart having an apprentice.”

“Do you think he’ll refuse to train me?” Bark’s eyes clouded with worry. “Maybe that’s why he’s never had an apprentice before.”

“No one’s ever been brave enough before,” Tall muttered with a smile. “He’ll probably be impressed by your courage.”

“Hawkheart’s fine.” Bark looked toward the healer’s hut. “He just doesn’t like stupid questions.”

“Then how will you learn anything?” Tall asked.

“I’ll watch what he does and only ask questions if it’s absolutely necessary.”

Tall was surprised by the determination in Bark’s voice. He must have been planning this for a while. He frowned. “We’ll never train together.”

“You’ll be training as a tunneler anyway,” Bark reminded him.

“But I’ll still learn to hunt and fight. You would have learned basic tunnel skills as a warrior apprentice.” Tall glanced at Shrew, who had joined his father by the firepit. “Now I’m stuck with him.”

“Just ignore him,” Bark urged. “If you don’t react, he’ll eventually get bored and stop.”

“I guess.” Tall wasn’t convinced. “Let’s go ask Lilywhisker to tell us a story.”

“I’ll go later,” Bark said. “I need to ask Heatherstar about becoming Hawkheart’s apprentice.”

As Bark headed for Heatherstar’s hut, Tall walked toward the thick gorse at the far end of the clearing. Flamepelt sat outside while Lilywhisker was weaving together a dark cloak.

Doe and Rye sat in front of them as Flamepelt spoke. “I took a right fork in the tunnel,” he rasped. “It was darker, but I could hear the rabbit. It was running fast, and I knew it was scared.”

“Isn’t tunnel hunting easy?” Doe interrupted. “There’s only one way for the animal to run.”

Flamepelt met her gaze. “You think it’s easy to run full speed through the pitch black?”

As Doe’s eyes widened, Whiteberry walked out from the hut. “You’ve only got your ears to guide you,” he explained. “One wrong steps and you could run face first into a wall.”

Flamepelt leaned forward. “A dead end gives a different echo from a passage. An experienced tunneler can hear whether an underpath will open out or get narrower just by the way the air ruffles their hair.”

Lilywhisker stopped her weaving. “I can hear a cavern halfway across the moor, just by the echo of my footsteps,” she boasted.

Whiteberry sat beside her. “I could sense movement through a few lengths of soil.”

Tall’s eyes widened. One day, he’d learn all these skills. He knew he should feel excited, but he could only picture darkness and mud. He shivered.

Flamepelt went back to his story. “The rabbit was well under ShadowClan territory.”

“And you followed it?” Rye gasped. “But it was on ShadowClan land!”

“It was under ShadowClan land. The tunnels are WindClan territory,” Flamepelt rasped.

Tall walked closer. “How did you know it was ShadowClan’s land if you were underground?”

“The soil was wetter and smelled like pinesap,” Flamepelt said briskly. “The rabbit kept running, but I was closing in on it. Then I heard footsteps from above. I knew I was close to the surface.”

“Could they tell you were there?” Doe asked.

Whiteberry huffed. “No other Clan can sense life through the earth.”

“But they could have heard my footsteps,” Flamepelt said in a low voice. “I couldn’t risk them discovering the tunnels, so I froze up. I could hear the rabbit racing away, and smelled fresh air down the tunnel. It was heading for the entrance. I just hoped the ShadowClan patrol wouldn’t spot it and chase it back underground.”

“Did they?” Rye asked breathlessly.

“The ShadowClan patrol suddenly broke into a run,” Flamepelt told her. “I knew they must have seen the rabbit. Earth showered down around me as they pounded overhead. I had to think fast. If they chased the rabbit into the tunnel, they might find me. I had to block it.”

“Block it?” Tall squeaked. “How?”

“I had to cause a cave in!” Flamepelt announced. “The soil was light and soft. If I could loosen enough to block the tunnel without bringing the whole roof down, I’d be safe.”

Tall’s heart pounded. Doe spoke up. “What if the whole roof collapsed?”

“I would have drowned in soil,” Flamepelt said.

“Did you?” Rye gasped.

Flamepelt stared at her for a long moment. “Look me in the eye and ask me that question again.”

Rye opened her mouth to reply, then stop, blushing as she realized her mistake.

Doe and Tall laughed under their breath.

“Now, I could hear voices at the end of the tunnel, then footsteps coming closer. The patrol was heading straight toward me.” Flamepelt reached up with one hand. “I started stabbing my shovel into the roof. I dug as hard and fast as I could. Another few moments and they’d be on me. Finally, I heard a groan come from the earth. I stabbed the shovel in one final time and the roof showered down. I jumped back just in time as the whole tunnel gave way in front of me. Beyond the wall of soil, I heard the rabbit squeak as the ShadowClan patrol caught up to it.

“Did they know you were there?” Doe asked.

“It was too dark,” Flamepelt said with a shrug. “As far as they were concerned, they’d chased the rabbit into a cave. I turned around and went back home.”

Lilywhisker sighed. “I miss being underground.”

Flamepelt nodded. “What I wouldn’t give to be in the tunnels again.”

“We used to have so many tunnelers, we could link hands and fill up every passage,” Whiteberry said.

“We kept the tunnels in great condition,” Flamepelt agreed. “These days, when there’s a cave-in, that just means one less tunnel to patrol.”

Doe narrowed her eyes. “Isn’t it a good thing we don’t send so many people underground? Remember Finch?”

“Doe!” Rye hissed, elbowing her sister. “You know we’re not supposed to talk about that.” He gestured toward Tall, who stared at them.

“What about Finch?” he asked, eyes narrowed. It was like saying his sister’s name was some sort of taboo. “How did she die?”

Flamepelt and Whiteberry exchanged a look. Lilywhisker had completely turned away, then stood up and walked off without a word.

“That’s a question for your parents, boy,” Flamepelt said curtly.

Chapter Text

The camp entrance swished as Sandgorse entered. Plumclaw and Mistmouse followed. His boots and pantlegs were smeared with mud and his shoulders snagged with exhaustion. Tall hurried to greet him.

“Hi, son!” Sandgorse said. “How’ve you been?”

“Fine,” Tall said. “I wanted to talk to you. About Finch.”

Sandgorse’s smile faltered. “Oh.”

Before he could go on, Heatherstar and Reedfeather crossed the clearing toward him. “Sandgorse! How’s the gorge tunnel going?”

“Well,” Sandgorse reported. “We’ve shored up the stretch beyond the peat ridge. It’s steep there, but we’ve pulled up clay from lower down and strengthened the tunnel walls.”

Reedfeather narrowed his eyes. “It seems like a lot of work.”

Plumclaw scratched her head. Grit and dirt fell from her hair. “It’ll be worth it.”

“When will you be done?” Heatherstar asked.

Mistmouse and Plumclaw exchanged a glance. “It’s hard to say,” she said. “We’ve never tunneled through this type of ground before. We don’t know what’s ahead.”

“Sounds dangerous,” Reedfeather said.

“It’s hard work.” Sandgorse puffed out his chest. “But it’s a learning experience. And once it’s done, we’ll have a new route right down to the river.”

“What about the gorge cluff?” Heatherstar asked. “You can’t tunnel through that.”

“There’s a seam of clay just as the river drops into the deepest part of the gorge. We can dig through it and meet the tunnel coming down.”

“Won’t RiverClan be able to see it?” Reedfeather asked.

“Where we plan to make the opening is covered by thorn bushes,” Sandgorse said. “It’ll be hidden.” He looked down at Tall. “I can’t wait to show you.”

Tall felt a rush of pride. Sandgorse was so skilled, not even Heatherstar could match up to him!

“You may become an apprentice in time to help finish it,” Sandgorse said with a smile.

Tall stiffened. He imagined himself at the bottom of a long tunnel, far from the sky, digging through dark, filthy clay. “Okay.”

“You should get some rest,” Heatherstar said to the tunnelers.

Sandgorse nodded. “Come on, Tall! Help we wash up.”

Tall scurred after him, pushing Finch from his thoughts. Sandgorse stopped and unclipped his cloak, dropping it in a heavy pile. Tall stepped back as mud splashed off it. “You’ll have to get used to that. The life of a tunneler is a dirty one!”

Tall shuddered.

“You’re getting him dirty!” Palebird called. Tall turned to see his mother hurrying toward them.

“He’s helping me get clean,” Sandgorse objected. “We wants to, don’t you, Tall?”

Tall looked up at his mud covered father.

“He’ll need to know how to anyway, for when he’s cleaning himself up.” Sandgorse’s eyes shone with pride. “All three of us, running through the tunnels together.”

“I suppose,” Palebird sighed.

Sandgorse glanced at her sharply. “What’s going on with you?” he whispered. “Aren’t you excited?”

Palebird looked away with a shrug. She opened her mouth to speak, then seemed to think better and turned toward the nursery. “I’m gonna lay down. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” She headed away.

“Go with her, Tall,” Sandgorse said. “She needs some cheering up.”

Tall nodded and hurried after his mother. Brackenwing sat up as they entered the nursery. “Where are Bark and Shrew?” she asked through a yawn. Her blonde hair was ruffled with sleep.

Tall wondered if she knew Bark wanted to be a healer. But it wasn’t his place to tell her. “Playing outside.” He sat in the bed beside Palebird. “Mama, I’m hungry.”

“I’ll make you something later, Tall,” Palebird said, laying down. She wrapped her cloak around herself, pulling her legs to her chest.

“But I’m hungry now.”

“Later, Tall.”

Brackenwing stood up. “I’ll get you something to eat. It’s time Shrew and Bark had lunch, too.”

Tall stared at Palebird as she closed his eyes. What had brought on this sudden behavior? Was it something he said? Or his father?

Brackenwing gently took his arm and lead him toward the entrance. Tall followed her. “Get some sleep, Palebird,” she said softly.

Outside, the grass was damp and a chilly wind rippled through the clearing. Brackenwing walked toward the firepit, where Plumclaw was turning a piked carcass. “Hey there, Tall,” she greeted. “This is rabbit meat. It’s nearly done.”

After a few moments, she lifted it away from the forked holders and sat it on a hardened clay plate beside her.

Tall took it and sat down to eat. He didn’t like rabbit that much, but it would have to do.

“You’ll be an apprentice soon,” Plumclaw told him. “Are you looking forward to hunting?”

Tall nodded out of instinct. He didn’t want to hunt in dark tunnels. “Did you like being an apprentice?” he asked.

“It was great.” Plumclaw took a plucked thrush and stabbed it onto the pike, then put it over the fire to cook.

Tall glanced at her. “Did you want to be a tunneler?”

“Of course! Both my parents were tunnelers, and I knew I’d be good at it because I’m small but strong.”

Tall looked at her hands. They were stained dark from mud. “Do you like being underground?” He tried to sound curious instead of anxious.

“I love it. The underground is a whole new world, and it’s all WindClan’s. Only the tunnelers know their way around.”

“Don’t you like being in the open and feeling the wind?”

“Not really,” Plumclaw said, sounding surprised. “It’s warm and snug underground. I feel safe.”

Tall swallowed. “Are you a mole?”

Plumclaw laughed.

Bark emerged from Heatherstar’s hut and bounded toward Tall. “Heatherstar said yes!” he cried with glee. “I’m gonna be Hawkheart’s apprentice!”

“I didn’t know you wanted to be a healer,” Plumclaw said with a smile. “Congratulations.”

“Yeah.” Tall nodded. “Congratulations.” He couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Bark knew what he wanted to do with his life, and he was on the exact path to getting that. Tall wish he had that same certainty.

“Is something wrong?” Bark asked with a frown.

Tall lifted his chin. “Of course not. I’m happy for you!” It wasn’t fair for him to take out his frustration on Bark.

Bark smiled. “Wanna play tag? I don’t know where Shrew went.”

Tall took another bite, then set down the plate and pushed it toward Plumclaw. “Here.”

“Thanks,” she said. “You sure?”

“I’m full.” Tall stood up. “I’ll be it.”

“Alright,” Bark said. “But don’t step on another thorn.”

Chapter Text

“Let all those old enough to hunt gather at Tallrock.”

The blue sky framed Heatherstar’s figure as she called out from the top of Tallrock. Behind her, the distant moor rolled wide and green, rippling in the wind.

A soft breeze tugged at Tall’s black hair from where he sat at the edge of the crowd. His Clanmates all moved forward. Spring had been warm and brought plenty of new life to the moor. As summer set in, the warriors were looking plump and healthy. Tall glanced at the tunnelers clustered at one end of the hollow. Woollytail’s eyes were bright while Hickorynose was tapping his foot impatiently. Plumclaw had a smile of excitement. Hawkheart and Reedfeather sat close to the Tallrock as the moor runners filled up the rest of the crowd.

“Stop fidgeting.” Cloudrunner beckoned Stag closer. Doe was already waiting with Aspenfall and Rye.

The elders clambered stiffly out of their hut. Flamepelt lead the way while Whiteberry helped Lilywhisker limp forward. Flailfoot followed. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”

Tall’s heart leaped.

Sandgorse stood beside him. “Ready?”

“Yes.” Tall glanced at Palebird, then frowned. His mother’s round eyes were dull with sadness and fear.

“You’ll do well,” she murmured to him.

The healer’s hut rustled as Bark emerged. The young apprentice joined Hawkheart beside the Tallrock.

Hawkheart shot him a reproachful look.

“Sorry, Hawkheart,” Bark said. “I was sorting comfrey leaves.”

Shrew caught Tall’s eye from where he sat beside his mentor, Hareflight. He had a smug look on his face.

Heatherstar jumped down from the Tallrock, accepting a black and white cloak that Flamepelt handed to her. “Tall!” she called.

Palebird urged him forward, Nearly slipping on the dry sand, Tall scrambled forward and stopped in front of Heatherstar.

He wondered if Finch was watching this ceremony from StarClan. Did she even care for him? He hadn’t even been born by the time she’d died.

“Tall,” Heatherstar began. “I have thought long and hard about who will mentor you.”

Tall heard murmurs of excitement from the tunnelers. “She’ll choose Woollytail surely?” Plumclaw whispered.

Heatherstar stared down at him. “Dawnstripe, come forward.”

Tall’s eyes widened in shock. Dawnstripe was a moor runner! He glanced at Sandgorse, whose mouth had fallen open in shock, eyes glittering with outrage.

Tall swallowed as Dawnstripe came toward him. At least he wouldn’t be underground. His entire body seemed to loosen, the tension he’d held for months over this very moment completely evaporating.

“Heatherstar!” Woollytail shouted sharply. “You promised us a tunneler!”

“You’ve made a mistake, Heatherstar,” Sandgorse growled, just barely keeping his temper down.

Heatherstar blinked in surprise. “No, I haven’t.”

“But I’m a tunneler, and so is Palebird. We wanted Tall to follow in our footsteps.”

Heatherstar shook her head. “That’s not what Palebird told me,” she explained. “She said she wanted Tall to be a moor runner.”

Sandgorse spun around to face his wife, eyes wide. Palebird practically shrunk under his gaze. “What?”

“I’m sorry!” Palebird blurted. “I couldn’t let him become a tunneler. Not after what happened to Finch!”

Sandgorse closed his eyes for a moment, trying to relax. “I told you I’d never let that happen again. I told you I’d keep him safe.”

“Look at Lilywhisker,” Palebird snapped, gestured to the crippled warrior. “She lost her leg in that cave in. The Clan lost Leafshine and I lost my daughter.” She straightened up, eyes filled with determination. “I will not let the tunnels claim my son as well.”

Sandgorse was still for a long moment, then stepped forward to take his wife into an embrace. Sadness reflected in his eyes. “Okay.”

Tall stared at them in disbelief. He looked at Lilywhisker. The same cave in that had forced her to retire had also killed his sister? Was this why everyone spoke of Finch in such hushed voices? WindClan’s greatest pride had destroyed their greatest treasure.

“Dawnstripe,” Heatherstar went on, now that the crowd had gone silent. “You are one of WindClan’s fastest runners and never back down from a fight. Pass this on to your apprentice.”

Tall’s heart beat against his chest like a trapped bird. He stopped himself from trembling as Dawnstripe touched her forehead to his. He winced. The Clan was still silent behind him. He glanced around and noticed that Sandgorse had turned his back on the ceremony, arms crossed. The tunnelers glared at him.

“Tall!” Cloudrunner was the first to fall his name.

Hareflight joined in, elbowing Shrew. “Tall!”

Gradually, the other moor runners joined in. As the chanting properly began, Dawnstripe nudged Tall toward Stag and Doe. “Come on. Greet the other apprentices.”

“Tall! Tall!” Rye shouted.

Stag’s eyes shone. “Congratulations.”

Tall’s tongue felt dry. Stag was the same age as him and Shrew, but had never spoken to him as an equal before.

As the chanting died away, Rye and Doe surrounded him. “You’ll love the moor.”

“It’s so big!” Rye said.

Bark came to meet Tall. “Congratulations!” he said. Tall nodded gratefully to his friend. He wasn’t sure how to feel about this. He wanted to be a moor runner, but not if it made his father this angry.

“You may think you’re walking a smooth path,” a gruff voice sounded from behind Tall. He turned to see Hawkheart staring at him with narrowed eyes. “But this path will lead you away from your family. Be careful not to lose your way.”

Tall shook his head. “I won’t!”

Bark puffed out his chest. “Tall’s smart. He’ll be fine.”

“Heatherstar must be crazy,” Shrew teased, coming to stand beside his brother. “You should be underground, Worm!”

Tall glared at him. “I’m not a worm. I’m going to be a moor runner, just like you.”

Larksplash came to stand beside Rye, her apprentice. “It’ll be good to have a new apprentice. A certain someone isn’t too good at being on time for dawn patrol.”

Aspenfall laughed. “If you’re anything like your father, Tall, you rise with the sun.”

Tall’s heart twisted at the mention of his father. “Thanks,” he mumbled. “Maybe I should go talk to him.” He pushed past Dawnstripe and Stag, and climbed out of the hollow. Following the rim, he found where Sandgorse was sitting. “Dad?”

The tunneler’s eyes were dull. He didn’t answer.

Tall stepped closer. “I can ask Heatherstar to make me a tunneler.”

Sandgorse lifted his gaze. “But do you want to?”

Tall swallowed.

Sandgorse’s eyes narrowed. “Do you want to?”

Tall shifted anxiously. “No,” he said quietly.

“Then don’t,” Sandgorse snapped.

“I’m sorry,” Tall said. “If Heatherstar had made me a tunneler, I would have trained just as hard. I promise.”

“I know.” Sandgorse’s gaze drifted to the nursery, where Palebird had gone off to hide.

“I’m sorry.” Tall tried to ignore the guilt in his heart, then quickly shook it off. This wasn’t all his fault. Palebird had specifically asked Heatherstar to make him a moor runner. “I’ll be the best warrior WindClan has ever seen. I promise.”

“You were born to be a tunneler.” Sandgorse flashed an angry glance at Heatherstar, who sat with Reedfeather in front of the Tallrock. “You can’t change that, no matter what they say.” He stood and marched away.

Tall watched him go, throat tight. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

A presence appeared at his shoulder. “There’s nothing you can do,” Dawnstripe said. “Leave him be. He’ll just have to deal with this.”

Tall looked up at him hopefully. “This was my mother’s decision. But why didn’t she talk to him about it?”

Dawnstripe’s gaze was filled with sympathy. “When your sister died, it shook Palebird to her very core. She can’t suffer another lose like that.”

Tall glanced at her. “Finch died in a cave in, didn't she? The same one that killed Leafshine and injuried Lilywhisker.”

“Yes,” Dawnstripe sighed. “Leafshine was Finch’s mentor. It was her first day out as an apprentice, and they were giving her a tour of the tunnels. But one of them was unstable, and they were all crushed.”

Grief flooded through Tall for the sister he never got to meet.

“Come on,” Dawnstripe said, offering him a kind smile. “Let’s take a tour of the moor. I’m sure you’re excited to see our land.” She guided him toward the camp entrance.

Tall let her go through first, watching her disappear through the narrow gap in the wall. For the first time, Tall was going to see the outside world.

He pushed his way out. Heather lined a small path in front of the entrance, swept by the wind. Tall stared out at the wide world that opened up in front of him.

Gray clouds massed on the horizon just beyond a sea of heather. The moor rolled away all around him, sloping up beyond the camp and dropping back down. Gorse sprouted in patches on the ground, yellow and bright. The camp itself was nestled in a natural hollow, surrounded by thick wooden structures that served as its walls.

“What do you think?” Dawnstripe was standing of a grassy hillock a few lengths away.

“It’s huge!” Tall gasped. He winced against the buffeting wind, feeling an urge to charge across the moor as fast as he could. But fear rooted him to the spot. What if he got lost? Or ran into trouble”

“Look!” Dawnstripe pointed to the slope on the far side of camp. Birds were swooping close to the heather. “Lapwings defending their young. There must be a weasel nearby.”

“Weasel?” Tall repeated. “Do we eat them?”

“No, they’re too small,” Dawnstripe said. “And they carry disease. Not that they taste great, anyway.”

Shrew burst out of the tunnel and stared at Tall. “Looking for a rabbit hole?”

Stag shoved him forward. “Stop blocking the way.”

Shrew stumbled forward as Doe, Hareflight, Rye, Aspenfall, Larksplash and Cloudrunner streamed out behind him.

Cloudrunner stopped beside Dawntripe. “Congratulations on getting an apprentice,” he said. "Where are you talking him first?”

Stag butted in before the blonde man could answer. “We’re practicing battle moves.”

Cloudrunner glanced sternly at his apprentice. “Once we’ve finished practicing respect.”

“Sorry.” Stag dropped his gaze.

Dawnstripe laughed. “He’s just excited there’s a new apprentice.” She glanced at Tall. “Are you ready?”

Tall nodded. Behind Dawnstripe the moor swept down toward a copse of dark green trees. “Is that where ThunderClan lives?” he asked.

“Yes,” Dawnstripe said. “We’ll stay away from the border for now.”

Larksplash walked across the grass. “I’m taking Rye to the RiverClan border. We can travel together.”

Dawnstripe nodded in agreement. She slide down the grassy hillock and hopped over a patch of heather. Tall hurried after her, going around. He noticed the grass underfoot was worn with a track.

Rye waked beside him. “You’ll love Outlook Rock. You can see the whole world from there!” she said.

Tall followed the trail as it swerved through the heather meadow. The trail widened and clumps of black dirt littered the path like dark berries. Tall stepped around them carefully.

“Sheep droppings,” Rye explained.

Tall blinked in alarm. Were there sheep here? “Have you ever seen one up close?”

“Of course,” Rye said. “Don’t worry, they’re harmless. You can jump on their backs and they wouldn’t notice. They just eat grass and make waste.”

The ground slopped down and the heather gave way to wind flattened grass. It felt soft and damp beneath Tall’s feet. Ahead of Dawnstripe, the moor rolled onward, like a green giant sleeping beneath the blue sky.

“Tall!”

Tall felt a rough hand yank him back. He twisted in surprise as Dawnstripe dragged him back.

“Watch out!” she growled, eyes wide.

Tall stared at his mentor in confusion, then turned forward. The grass ended abruptly just a length away. There was a narrow strip of rock before the ground fell away into a sheer drop.

Rye’s eyes were wide. “You nearly fell into the gorge!”

Larksplash stopped beside her apprentice. “It’s been a while since we’ve lost an apprentice to the gorse.” Her eyes sparkled with humor.

“This is serious,” Dawnstripe snapped.

“I know,” Larksplash said softly. “But Tall has had enough fright for one day.”

Tall’s heart pounded in his ears. Trembling, he peered over the edge of the cliff. At the bottom, water roared, churning between sheer rocks and foaming like angry clouds.

“Stay back,” Dawnstripe warned. “The grass is slippery.”

Tall backed away carefully.

Rye grabbed his shoulder. “I should have warned you,” she said. “I forgot you’ve never seen the gorge before.”

A distant roar sounded from somewhere downriver.

Tall raised his head. “Was that a bear?”

“It came from RiverClan territory,” Rye said. “Not our problem.”

“Let’s check the border,” Larksplash said. “If that bear has wandered near the border, Heatherstar will want to know.”

The pair walked off down the slope. Tall turned to Dawnstripe. “Are there a lot of bears on the moor?”

Dawnstripe shook her head. “More wolves then bears, but even that is a rarity.”

“Do they ever come near camp?” Tall asked.

“They never make it that far. A patrol stops them before they can.” Dawnstripe didn’t sound concerned. “Their claws are no match for our spears. Now, do you see where the land turns flat and marshy?” she pointed ahead.

Tall squinted against the flashing sun. Farther away, the river emerged from the gorge and grew into a fat and sluggish stream beside low meadows.

“That’s RiverClan territory,” Dawnstripe nodded to the forest on the opposite side of the river. “And that’s ThunderClan territory.

Tall wondered what it was like to live away from the sky. Didn’t ThunderClan want to feel the wind in their hair and the sun on their skin?

Dawnstripe headed away from the gorge and across the slope, following the edge of earth topped with heather. It curved in a spiral, wrapping around the moor like tentacles. Tall’s feet ached by the time they halted at the top of a steep descent. The smooth grass swept down into a line of dense trees.

“That’s the way to Fourtrees,” Dawnstripe told him.

Tall stared at the canopy of green leaves trembling in the breeze. “Where’s the Great Rock?” He’d heard his Clanmates describing the clearing of Fourtrees, where a Gathering between all four Clans happened every full moon.

“You’ll get to see it soon enough,” Dawnstripe said.

Tall’s heart leaped. Now that he was an apprentice, he’d be allowed to attend Gatherings. Suddenly excited, he followed Dawnstripe along the edge of the moor.

“That’s ShadowClan territory,” she said, pointing with one finger.

Tall saw a swathe of pine trees that differed sharply from the bright green of ThunderClan’s land. A bare, dirt tan strip separated the two forests, cutting between them. A faint trotting sound caught Tall’s attention and he watched a shape move along the strip, pulled by giant hooved creatures. “Is that the Thunderpath?”

“Yes,” Dawnstripe said. “You’ll learn to cross them when we go to Highstones.”

Ahead of them, the grass sloped steeply. Soon, they were trekking through deep gorse once more. “This is the high moor,” Dawnstripe explained. “And the edge of Clan territory.”

She veered onto another trail, flanked by heather fronds. Tall followed her, feeling uneasy as they neared the edge of the territory. The air was still and silent.

The grass sloped down to the Thunderpath, pale and flat against the soft landscape. It was closer now and Tall flinched as a carriage was pulled past. Beyond the Thunderpath, squares of grass marked out by thin rows of bushes surrounded a cluster of dark houses. On the horizon, tall cliffs marked jagged peaks. “Is that Highstones?” Tall asked.

“Highstones are the cliffs.” Dawnstripe stood beside him. “You’ll travel there one day, once you’re a little older.”

Tall shivered as the wind lifted his new cloak. Every apprentice eventually went to visit the Moonstone before receiving their warrior name. He shifted uneasy, trying to ignore how much his feet hurt. After the long walk, he was sore. How would he ever make it to Highstones?

“Look out!” A voice echoed from behind them. “Mud hole!”

Tall whipped around. “What was that?”

Dawnstripe walked over to a large hole half hidden by bushes. “There’s a tunneling patrol down there,” she explained.

Another voice echoed out form the darkness. “We can hold it up with rocks.”

“I shifted some back at the double fork.”

“Go get them.”

Tall crept forward. “Do you think they need help?” he asked warily. He didn’t want to go down into the cave, but he also didn’t want to leave his Clanmates on their own.

“They know what they’re doing,” Dawnstripe said. “They won’t want us getting in the way.” She headed away from the hole.

Tall hurried after her. “Shouldn’t we at least check on them?”

“I’m a moor runner. Even if I did go down there, I couldn’t help. One of the tunnelers will take you down and teach you basic hunting and patrolling skills.”

Tall’s chest tightened. He didn’t want to go underground at all. He turned toward the distant horizon, relaxing with the wind through his dark hair. He lifted his chin. If Shrew could survive basic tunnel training, so could he. As Dawnstripe headed over a gorse patch, Tall raced to catch up. He was relieved to feel the ground smooth underfoot, well trod by sheep and other livestock. His feet burned with each step. ‘Where are we going now?”

“Back to camp,” Dawnstripe said, glancing at him. “You must be tired.”

“No way,” Tall lied. “I can stay out here for days.”

Dawnstripe laughed. “I take it you like the moor?”

Tall nodded enthusiastically. “I didn’t think our territory was so big.”

“We guard the edge of the world,” Dawnstripe told him. “The other Clans sit cozy in their marshes and woods, fed by the river and sheltered by their trees. They never know the true wind or first snow. There’s no Clan faster or more nimble than WindClan. And no Clan closer to our warrior ancestors.” She glanced at the sky, high and huge above their heads.

Finally, the hollow came into view. He broke into a run, overtaking Dawnstripe and racing for the entrance. He skidded to a halt and turned to burst into the clearing.

Bark called from outside the healer’s hut. “You’re back!” He raced across the tussocks to meet him. “What did you see?”

“Everything! Fourtrees, the territory of the other Clans. Even Highstones.” Tall shuddered. “And the gorge.”

“Rye said you nearly fell in.” Bark wiped something green off his hands.

“She’s back already?” Tall scanned the camp and noticed her eating with Shrew and Stag outside the apprentice’s hut. “Wanna get something to eat?” he asked, stomach rumbling.

Bark glanced back at his hut. “I’ll ask Hawkheart.”

“I’ll make you something.” Tall headed across the grass. His feet stung and he nearly tripped.

“Are you okay?” Bark asked.

“I’m just sore from walking.”

“I was the same after Hawkheart took me around the territory for the first time. You’ll get used to it.”

“Checking for sores, Worm?” Shrew marched up to them.

“Stop calling me that!” Tall snapped. “I’m a moor runner.”

“A real moor runner wouldn’t get so tired,” Shrew snorted. “You were born to be a tunneler. Stick to digging, Worm, and leaving running for those of us with tough legs.

Chapter Text

"Wake up."

Tall felt a hand shaking him. He jerked his head up. Sunshine streamed through the gorse walls, flooding the hut. It silhouetted Dawnstripe beside him.

“I didn’t think anyone could sleep longer than Shrew,” Dawnstripoe said. “But he’s been up and ready since sunrise.”

“He’s just showing off,” Tall growled under his breath. He sat up. His muscles still ached from the tour yesterday. Why hadn’t Shrew woken him? They were supposed to train together.

“Hurry up.” Dawnstripe turned and exited the hut.

Irritated, Tall heaved himself out of bed. It wasn’t as soft as his bed in the nursery, or as warm. The roof of the hut was thin, hardly keeping out the wind that swirled directly over his bed. By winter it would be freezing. Stag, Doe and Rye had made their beds at the back of the hut, pressed against a smooth boulder. Tall eyed their beds jealously and decided to collect more bedding as soon as he got a chance. He’d made his bed so big and comfy there was no way he could be cold.

“Tall!” Hareflight called. “Let’s go!”

Shrew was standing beside his mentor while Dawnstripe spoke with Cloudrunner. Stag and Doe were at the firepit, slowly turning a few cuts of meat, while Rye was hauling a sack of sheeps wool toward the elder’s hut.

Everyone was already awake.

Tall shuddered then hurried toward Dawntrioe. “My legs hurt,” he complained, aching.

“They just need training.”

“But-”

“You’ll be okay,” Dawnstripe said.

Tall frowned. Palebird would have fussed over him. Sandgorse would have told him it was growing pains. He had always been lanky and tall, towering over the other kids. His limbs often hurt as they grew too quickly, but never like this.

Tall scanned the clearing, wondering where his parents were. He wondered if Palebird had returned to her warrior duties yet.

“There you are, Worm,” Shrew scoffed.

Dawnstripe spun around. “Don’t be so immature, Shrew,” she snapped. “Now, we’re meeting with the older apprentices later to help with their assessment.”

“How?” Tall asked nervously.

“They need a lure for their tracking exercise,” Dawnstripe told him.

“I get to help, too, right?” Shrew asked.

Cloudrunner nodded. “Asl Hareflight.” He turned to Dawnstripe. “Let’s meet at Outlook Rock.”

“Sounds good,” Dawnstripe tagged. “Tall needs to warm up first.”

“I’m already warm,” Tall told her. The summer sun was hot on his skin, although it was barely over the horizon.

“I meant stretch your muscles,” Dawnstripe said. “You can’t be stiff if you want to help the other apprentices.”

Tall blushed with embarrassment, feeling Shrew glaring at him.

A figure slid past him. He lifted his head.

“Hi, Hickorynose,” Tall said.

The tunneler walked past him nothing but a glance, pushing through the camp entrance. Sandgorse followed.

“Dad!” Tall called.

Sandgorse ignored him, ducking out of camp.

Dawnstripe put a hand on his shoulder. “He’s focused on the new tunnel,” she murmured. “Mistmouse says they’re at a very tricky seam of gravel.”

“I guess.” Tall stared sadly at the camp entrance. He’d always been friends with the tunnelers, since his parents were among their ranks. Was he exempt from nice treatment just because he was a moor runner? What was the point of these titles if it divided the Clan like this?

Hareflight marched past Shrew. “Let’s go.”

Dawnstripe followed him. “Come on, Tall. Running will make you less stiff.” She ducked out of camp. Shrew pushed after her. Tal followed, wondering how running would make his legs feel less sore.

A light breeze lifted his black and white cloak as he emerged into the smooth grass. He scanned the moor for any sign of Sandgorse, but his father had disappeared. Dawnstripe was taking one of the trails. Tall followed her, zigzagging along the trail. He wondered if he’d ever know these paths perfectly. He felt awkward, jerking around the corners, tripping on roots, trying to keep up with the warriors.

The trail led into an open clearing on the hillside. Dawnstripe stopped. “This is where you’ll train.” she nodded to the wide sweep of grass. Boulders clustered at the far end of the space.

Hareflight and Shrew arrived behind them. Hareflight crossed his arms. “Three laps,” he ordered Shrew.

Shrew tore off, following the line of bushes around the edge of the clearing. He sped over the grass, fast as a hare.

“Me too?” Tall asked.

“Just one,” she said.

Tall followed Shrew as fast as he could. He didn’t want to lag behind.

“Take it easy!” Dawnstripe called. “It’s just a warm up.”

Tall’s lungs ached. A cramp stabbed into his side. Shrew was already halfway done. At this rate, the older boy would lap him y the time he reached Dawnstripe. Tall forced himself to keep going. The grass flashed beneath him as he fought for breath. Shrew made it past Hareflight and Dawnstripe. Tall began to gain ground. Dragging in another breath, he hurtled the last few lengths and skidded to a halt beside Dawnstripe.

He collapsed to his knees, chest heaving. “Wasn’t I fast?” he gasped, pleased with his effort.

“It’s not a race,” Dawnstripe said. “The best warrior are those who can still fight at the end of the battle. You can’t use up all your strength so soon.”

Tall panted, nodding.

“Come on, Shrew!” Hareflight called to his apprentice. “Longer strides!”

“Watch him,” Dawnstripe ordered. “See how long his strides are? Watch how he stretches his legs. Speed is vital, but you need to be able to control it.” She helped him to his feet. “You’re fast, but you run like you’re being chased, not like you’re chasing.”

Hareflight kept his eyes on Shrew. “Good,” he called as Shrew swept past. Tall felt wind on his face.

He watched how Shrew kicked his legs back with each stride, stretching them forward and nearly doing splits in the air. “Can I try again?” he asked Dawnstripe.

“Yes.”

“Don’t worry about speed,” Dawnstripe warned. “Focus on your form.”

Tall nodded and walked off. He broke into a run, not pushing hard at first but gaining rhythm and speed as he crossed the clearing. He focused on each step, kicking his legs back like Shrew did. He pushed harder with every stride until he was aware of nothing but the steady thrumming of his footsteps. He tried to time each breath with when his foot hit the ground. He was suddenly moving with ease, as though the wind were carrying him while the grass slid beneath him like air under a bird’s wing.

“Good!” Dawnstripe called, surprising him. He’d completed a circuit of the training ground already, so focused that he hadn’t seen her. He pulled up, slowing to a trot before turning and walking to her side.

Hareflight nodded. “Nice work, Tall.”

“You learn quickly,” Dawnstripe said.

Shrew skid to a halt. “Not bad for a worm.”

Tall glared at him.

Hareflight glanced up the hillside. “We should meet the others.”

Tall followed his gaze. “Is Outlook Rock over there?” He squinted across the heather but couldn’t seen anything but the blue sky.

Dawnstripe headed up the slope. “I’ll show you.”

She lead the way out of the training area.

Outlook Rock stuck out form the moor like a beak. Below it, the land dropped away, the valley so steep Tall couldn’t tell if the white dots in the meadow were sheep or dandelions. He walked gingerly over the stone, feeling the wind tug at his cloak as he peered over the edge. The while world rolled out behind him, fading against the clouds on the distant horizon. Dizzy, Tall stepped back. He felt like a small gust might blow him off. The granite was smooth and hard to stand on.

“Look ahead, not down,” Dawnstripe warned from behind him.

Tall fixed his gaze on the horizon. Highstones gleamed palely in the sunshine. Beyond them, mountains nudged at the sky. Movement flickered at the corner of his vision and he found himself flinching, his gaze flitting from a tree in the distance to a carriage trotting along the Thunderpath. A buzzard swooped in the distance, making him turn his gaze to the sky.

“They’re coming!’ Shrew called.

Cloudrunner, Aspenfall and Larksplash were leading their apprentices up the slope. Dawnstripe beckoned Tall over and hurried up to meet Stag, Rye and Doe. The older apprentices leaped onto Outlook Rock. They looked somber and focused as they lined up.

“What are they doing?” Tall asked Dawnstripe.

“They’re being tested on their observation skills,” Dawnstripe said. “Keep quiet so you don’t disturb them.”

Cloudrunner stood beside Stag. “What do you see?”

“A carriage on the Thunderpath. A lapwing diving for insects. Someone- looks like a couthy- crossing the Thunderpath.” Stag leaned forward and squinted. “The wolf pack emerging from the pine forest.”

“Are they crossing into our territory?’ Cloudrunner prompted.

“They’re getting close. But we should be able to assemble a patrol in time to stop them.”

“Good.” Cloudrunner glanced over his shoulder. “Doe’s turn.”

Doe stepped forward to scan the landscape. “Couthy kids playing near their house. Rogue crossing the Thunderpath.”

Tall watched her, his attention being caught by one movement after another, and his neck ached from jerking his head around. Doe seemed to be directing her attention to each place in turn.

Rye was even better. “That farmer is tending to his crops. There’s a heron fishing in the stream beside Long Wall.”

Dawnstripe leaned down to Tall. “Rye has the best eyesight in WindClan,” she whispered.

Tall glanced up as a buzzard swooped through the sky. Rye’s gaze remained trained on the land stretching below her. “How come they don’t get distracted?” he asked.

“They’ve trained,” Dawnstripe breathed.

Larksplash hopped onto the rock. “Nice work,” she said to Rye. “Now let’s test your hunting skills.”

Tall felt Dawnstripe pressed against him. “This is where you help. You’ll be the rabbit, while the apprentices hunt you.”

“They’ll catch Tall easily,” Shrew scoffed. “I should be the rabbit.”

Hareflight narrowed his eyes. “You’re good at running in the open, Shrew. But in the heather, Tall will have the advantage.”

“How?” Shrew growled.

“He’s smaller and more nimble,” Hareflight explained.

Tall’s heart pounded. He was going to be hunted? He leaned closer to Dawnstripe. “They won’t hurt me, will they?”

Dawnstripe laughed. “No, they’re just practicing their stalking,” she whispered. “They need to work together to track you down. Aspenfall and Cloudrunner will be watching to see how they manage to stay out of sight while still giving one another signals.”

“So I just have to run and not get caught?” Tall asked.

Cloudrunner nodded. “Head for that boulder.”

Tall narrowed his eyes. Beyond a vast stretch of heather and gorse he could just make out a tall stone standing against the sky.

“Try to reach it without getting caught.” Cloudrunner crossed the grass. “Switch course a few times. Include a double back. Make it as hard as you can for them to run you down.”

Tall nodded, feeling overwhelmed. Yesterday, he’d been a child in his mother’s arm. This was his first ever training sessions, and he was already being hunted by the older apprentices.

How would he outwit three apprentices who had already been training for months?

“You’ll be fine,” Dawnstripe murmured. “Just keep moving, and be clever.”

Tall stepped into the nearest bank of heather. Quietly, he headed off, hoping to find a rabbit trail. The heather opened soon, but ended in a thick gorse thicket. Tall’s head quickened. The apprentices were going to find him right away. Shrew would laugh at him for the rest of the day- for the rest of their lives, probably. Tall turned and pushed through the thick heather branches, wincing as he forced his way past. He struggled onward until he could an open patch.

A rabbit trail! It led him through the long heather. He crouched low, trying to be sneaky.

He couldn’t see the rock from here, but if he stretched up enough the others would spot him.

Tall pushed on, listening for sounds of pursuit. Footsteps thrummed behind him. Tall swerved, taking a trail that sloped upward. More footsteps sounded from behind him. The apprentices would catch him shortly.

The path sloped steeply, growing rocky, which forced Tall to slow down so he didn’t trip. His pursuers would have to slow down, too. After a frantic scrambling over a boulder, the trail emerged form the heather onto a grassy hillside. Tall ran faster, making his strides long. The grass blurred beneath him, Snatching a breath, he glanced over his shoulder.

Stag jumped over the boulder. Rye and Doe went on either side of it. Tall saw Stag nod one way, then the other. They were planning to surround him! He swerved sideways, skidding on the grass as he switched direction. Cutting across the apprentice’s path, he blocked their attempt to trap him on both sides.

Wind streamed through his hair and exhilaration pulsed in his stomach. He was running as fast as he could, but the apprentices were gaining on him.

But he was nimble. He slowed gradually at first, so they’d think they were outrunning him. Tall glanced over his shoulder and saw Rye looking triumphant. She was in the lead now, with Stag and Doe at her sides. Doe veered away, separating.

Tall knew she was going to try to block his path. Suddenly, he skidded to a halt and spun around, kicking up dirt, then charged straight toward the apprentices. Their eyes widened with astonishment.

Tall raced down the slope through the gap between Stag and Doe. He sprinted down the hillside. The rock flashed at the edge of his vision. He’d have to change course to reach it. Stag, Rye and Doe were still trying to turn, slithering clumsily on the grass. Tall needed to make a break for the rock before they found their footing. He darted sideways, but his legs slipped out from under him. His stomach hit the ground, knocking the wind out of him. He scrambled back up and kept running. Stag was pulling closer. Rye and Doe followed him. He was closing in on the rock. If he could just keep running, he’d make it. Excitement thrilled through him.

Then a hand grasped his arm. A push at his side sent him flying. The world spun as Tall tumbled over the grass, rolling on his side.

“Nice!” Stag said, leaning over him.

“Are you okay?” Doe pushed past her brother, helping Tall to his feet. Rye stood behind them, trying to catch her breath.

“I’m fine.” Tall was struggling to catch his own breath.

“Good work!’ Cloudrunner joined them, Dawnstripe following.

“You nearly made it!” Dawnstripe’s eyes were shining.

Stag punched his shoulder playfully. “I thought you were gonna beat us for a moment.”

Aspenfall, Larksplash and Hareflight pounced across the grass with Shrew following, shoulders slouched.

Hareflight reached them first. “Impressive.”

Shrew glared at Tall. “I would have made it to the rock.”

Doe rolled her eyes. “I doubt it.”

Tall laughed breathlessly.

Cloudrunner pointed to Fourtrees. “Let’s test your hunting skills.”

Stag led the way down the slope, trying to look strong, as though he wasn’t completely winded. As the apprentices disappeared down the hill, Dawnstripe raised her head. “They’ll find good hunting there.”

“I’m hungry,” Shrew said. “Can we hunt too?”

“Battle moves first,” Hareflight told him.

“With Tall?” Shrew frowned. “He doesn’t know anything.”

Hareflight glared at him. “Then teach him some.”

Shrew stomped across the grass and stood a length away.

“He’ll need to learn defensive moves first,” Dawnstripe said. “Shrew, attack him, but don’t hurt him. Tall, the simplest defense is to put your hands up. Don’t jab wildly. Focus on protecting your muzzle and pushing your attacker away.”

Tall nodded, trying to stay focused. He could still feel his heart pounding.

Shrew’s eyes glittered. “Ready?”

Tall nodded. Letting out a battle cry, Shrew flew at him. Tall gasped and put up his hands, but he was too slow. A fist landed squarely on his jaw. With a yelp, Tall lurched to the side, tripping over his long cloak and falling into the grass.

“Shrew!” Hareflight snapped. “This is Tall’s first time. We told you to take it easy.”

Shrew rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe I got stuck training with a little kid.”

Tall turned on him, face stinging. “We’re the same age! Just do it again.”

Shrew crouched. Tall watched him. As Shrew jumped at him again, he put his hands up quickly. Shrew hit him easily and Tall found that moving away from him was simple. Then he tripped over Shrew’s swinging leg.

“Nice try,” Shrew scoffed.

Tall narrowed his eyes, standing up again.

“Try again,” Dawnstripe encouraged. “This time, focus on your surroundings. You must always know what your opponent is doing.”

Tall nodded and faced Shrew again. He knew the older boy didn’t take him seriously as a moor runner, but he’d prove him wrong.

Shrew sprang at him again. Tall froze for a moment, then ducked down. He grabbed the boy’s leg and tugged. Shrew yelped as Tall threw him onto his back. Tall turned to hold him down.

Shrew stared up at him, shocked.

“How was that?” Tall asked Dawnstripe.

Dawnstripe blinked. “Unexpected.”

“It was excellent,” Hareflight said with a smile. “You’re quite clever, Tall.”

Shrew clambered to his feet, scowling. “He was supposed to be practicing defense moves.”

Tall rolled his eyes. “I was defending himself.”

“You cheated.” Shrew walked past him. “Can we eat now?”

Dawnstripe and Hareflight exchanged a glance before Hareflight nodded and led the way toward camp.

“Well done, Tall.” Dawnstripe fell in beside him as they followed the others along a narrow trail.

“Thanks,” Tall said warmly, satisfied.

“Don’t worry about Shrew,” Dawnstripe reassured him. “He’s used to training with older apprentices. Hareflight will have a word with him.”

“A tiger can’t change his stripes,” Tall huffed. Shrew had always been a pain to deal with. Not even a scolding from Hareflight would help that.

Chapter Text

“Want to share a meal?” Bark called from beside the Hunting Stones as Tall ducked into camp. The scent of freshly cooked meat reached Tall’s nose. He bounded over the tussocks and stopped in the patch of sunshine where Bark had sorted rabbit meat. Suddenly realizing how tired he was, Tall flopped down beside his friend.

“Here.” Bark handed Tall a plate.

“Thanks.” Tall sat down to start eating.

“How was training?” Bark asked.

Tall glanced at Shrew, who was sitting beside the firepit waiting for Hareflight to finish cooking. He wished he could tell Bark how awful Shrew had been, but they were brothers. And a good warrior didn’t complain about his Clanmates like that. “It was great.” He remembered the thrill of being chased by the older apprentices, and how he’d knocked Shrew off his feet.

Bark took another bite. “I learned to make a dressing for scratches today,” he said. “It draws infection out of wounds.”

Tall’s throat tightened. “That’s...interesting.” He was glad he was training as a warrior.

“I made it for Whiteberry.” Bark took another bite. “He has an infected mosquito bite. I added juniper sap to draw out the venom. It’s so swollen I thought it would explode.”

Tall stared at him, the smell of freshly roasted rabbit suddenly making him queasy. “How’s Hawkheart?” he asked, changing the subject.

“He’s a great teacher,” Bark said. “I have so much to learn.”

Tall noticed Shrew coming towards them. Trying to pretend he was okay, he took a bite and swallowed. “How’s Whiteberry?” he asked Bark.

Bark swallowed his mouthful. “I won’t know until tomorrow.”

Tall took another bite. Bark glanced uneasily between them. “How do you like training with each other?”

Tall met Shrew’s gaze.

Shrew shrugged. “It’s fine.”

Tall blinked, surprised. “Yeah,” he agreed. There was no reason to stress Bark out with their bickering.

He ate until he was full, then stood. “I’m going for a walk,” he told Bark. He nodded to Shrew, then headed across camp.

Palebird sat outside the warrior’s hut. Meadowslip sat beside her. The woman’s stomach was swollen with her’s and Hickorynose’s second child. There first, a little boy named Hop, was off playing near Hunting Stones. He was too young to have ever played with Tall.

Palebird gazed blankly across the camp. Tall frowned. He wondered if Sandgorse was still upset with her, too.

“I’m going for a walk,” Tall told her. “Want to come with her?”

“What was that, dear?” Palebird looked up at him.

“You should come walk with me.”

Brackenwing hurried over from the firepit. “Leave your mother alone,” she warned. “She needs rest.”

Tall scowled. Palebird had moved back to the warrior’s hut, but she hardly left the camp. Reedfeather didn’t even make her go on patrols.

“She hasn’t been sleeping well,” Meadowslip explained.

Tall sighed and slouched off. He glanced up at Bark and Shrew, who were chattering happily.

He heard Meadowslip’s voice form behind him. “Do you think the band will visit this summer?”

Tall stopped. They were talking about the travelling Vagabonds who visited every year.

“Of course,” Brackenwing answered. “They’ve never missed a year.”

“I hope Esmeralda comes,” Brackenwing went on. “She was so frail last year.”

“Whiteberry will be disappointed if she doesn't come,” Meadowslip commented.

Brackenwing laughed. “Those two swap stories from dawn to dusk. I heard she once asked Heatherstar if she could join WindClan.”

“Join WindClan?” Meadowslip echoed in shock. “How would we explain her to the other Clans?”

“It wouldn’t be the first time WindClan has taken in an outsider,” Brackenwing pointed out.

“But we’re the only Clan that welcomes the band every summer,” Meadowslip replied. “What would the other Clans say? What if they thought we were training rogues to attack them?”

“Who cares what the other Clans say?” Brackenwing huffed. “We can do what we want.”

Tall suddenly couldn’t wait for spring to be over. He hoped the band would visit them again. He couldn’t wait to hear where they’d traveled to next!

Chapter Text

Tall paced beside the camp entrance. The sun was just lifting over the horizon. Its rays spilled over the heather, making the purple flowers glow. Tall had been the first person in camp to wake, eager for the dawn patrol.

The long grass rustled as Dawnstripe slid out from her hut. She yawned, stretching her arms to the sky. “Good morning, Tall.”

“Hi, Dawnstripe,” Tall greeted. “Are we going to check all the borders?” This was his first dawn patrol.

Dawnstripe shook her head. “That’ll take too long. Stag, Rye and Larksplash will patrol the moor edge and gorge with us. Hareflight, Shrew, Doe and Appledawn will re mark the borders near Fourtrees and ShadowClan.”

Shrew walked out of the apprentice’s hut, yawning. “Can we eat first?”

Tall glanced across the clearing. There wasn’t much left in the food storage. “We can hunt on the patrol?”

“No hunting until we’ve checked the borders,” Dawnstripe chided.

Shrew sighed.

“Reedfeather will send out the hunting patrols soon.” Dawnstripe said sympathetically. “Lunch will be ready by the time we get back.”

“I’m not hungry anyway,” Tall said. He was too excited to eat.

Shrew rolled his eyes. “New apprentices are always so eager to please.”

“We are the same age!” Tall growled. “And I’ve been an apprentice for over a year now.” He turned to Dawnstripe. “What if we see an intruder? Do we get to attack them?”

“Larksplash is leading the patrol,” Dawnstripe said. “Ask her.”

Larksplash was already heading toward them, a sheath of border markers slung over her shoulder. Tall raced to meet her. “If we spot an intruder, can we attack them?”

“Depends.” Larksplash walked past him.

Tall followed her. “On what?”

“On what it is.” Larksplash stopped beside Dawnstripe. “If it’s a threat to the Clan, we’ll attack them. Bears, rogues, invading patrols. But if it’s just a sheep, we’ll leave it alone. Now, where's Rye and Stag?” Larksplash answered.

The older apprentices finally emerged from the hut, bedraggled. He’d hardly trained with them since that first day, but he hoped they’d get to train together again soon. He wanted to show them what all he’d learned.

“Rye!” Larksplash called.

“Coming!” Rye hurried toward the patrol with Stag following.

Stag’s eyes were bright. “Is Tall coming with us?”

“Yep!” Tall said, puffing out his chest.

“Want to race?” Stag asked.

“Yeah!”

Larksplash shook her head. “We’re patrolling, not racing. You’re attention must be on the borders.”

Tall looked at the ground.

Stag smiled, amused. “Sorry, Larksplash.” He straightened up respectfully. “I forgot we’re not supposed to have fun on patrol.”

Tall swallowed back a laugh.

Huffing, Larksplash turned away, heading through the entrance.

Rye came to stand beside Tall. “She doesn’t mean to be shrewd. She’s just not a morning person.”

“I know how she feels.” Shrew yawned, following the rest of his patrol.

“You’ll feel better when the sun comes up,” Rye promised, following Dawnstripe.

Outside, the air was sweet. The sun was climbing higher into the sky. Tall narrowed his eyes against the bright glare. He could make out swirling mist in the dips and hollows of the moor. Heat would burn them away soon.

Tall felt the breeze in his hair. “Which way?” he asked Larksplash.

She was already heading toward the high-moor. “We’ll reset the markers along the Thunderpath first.”

“But there’s no Clan beyond there,” Tall said. “Why do we have to mark it?”

“We share that border with townsfolks and farmers,” Larksplash reminded him. “They don’t always recognize where are land starts. It’s best to remind them.”

Stag caught up with them. “I know you said no racing, but I bet we’d get there faster if we ran.”

Larksplash rolled her eyes. “Fine. But stop before you get to the Thunderpath.”

Stag caught Tall’s eye. “Ready?”

“Ready!” Tall tensed, suddenly energized.

“Go!” Rye crashed away.

Stag chose a wider course, skirting the bushes and charging for the stretch of grass beyond. Tall raced after him, skidding on the dew. Rye exploded from the bushes beside him as he veered onto Stag’s trail. She whisked past him.

The ground sloped ahead of them. Rye pounded over the grass, but she couldn’t match her brother’s strength. Stag streaked higher. Taking long strides, Tall found his rhythm until he was skimming the ground, hardly touching between each step. Wind streamed through his black hair as he raced past Rye. Stag was only a length ahead of him now. The top of the moor loomed above him, the blue sky stretching out endlessly.

As Tall drew closer, Stag crested the rise and began charging down the other side. Tall glanced over his shoulder. Rye was lagging behind, but put on a spurt of energy to join them on the crest. The slope had given Stag an extra burst of speed.

Tall lengthened his stride, but Stag was too far ahead. As the slope flattened out, the apprentice slowed to a halt, eyes glittering with victory.

“Nice!” Stag puffed as Tall reached him. “You’re fast.”

“I’ll beat you one day,” Tall panted.

Rye pulled up beside him, gasping. “I’m hopeless on grass!”

“You’re better with the twist and turns of the footpaths,” Stag agreed. “Next time we’ll race to the gorge.”

The Thunderpath ran a few lengths away. Tall looked it up and down as he caught his breath. It was empty, for now.

Rye glanced over her shoulder. “We’re across the border.”

“Let’s get back,” Stag said, walking back toward the hill. They hadn’t gone too far over, but the warriors wouldn’t be happy finding them so close to the Thunderpath.

As Tall followed, he spotted Dawnstripe farther up the slope, eyes narrowed. “Careful!” she snapped. “You shouldn’t get so close to the Thunderpath.”

Tall stared at her, surprised by her anger. “But it’s empty.”

“Carriages can move fast and without warning. Horses are bigger than you think.” Dawnstripe glared at him.

“But-”

“Do not argue with me.”

Tall’s throat was tight with anger. Quietly, he fell in behind her and watched as Larksplash, Rye and Stag remarked the borders. They took the sticks from Larksplash’s sheath and began jabbing them into the earth beside the Thunderpath. They were marked with swirling lines, etched into the wood.

By noon, Tall was bored.

He watched as Larksplash once again strayed from the border, following a trail of footprints.

“Just a townsfolk,” she said. “They’re gone now.”

Tall sighed. His legs itched with the need to run. Dawnstripe had been apparent about not letting them have another race. They could hardly chat without the warriors shooting daggers at them.

In the distance he could hear running water. They were nearing the gorge. After that, they could head back to camp and get something to eat. He followed Larksplash around a patch of heather. The path they took wound through hummocks with spiky twigs on either side, Tall sneezed, inhaling pollen. He was relieved when they got out of the flower patch.

Larksplash, Rye and Dawnstripe fanned out to check the border markers along the gorge. Tall crept forward and peered over the edge. Summer had calmed the water. It flowed smoothly below, winding between the cliffs. “Do you think it’s deep?” he asked Stag.

“Why don’t you jump in and see for yourself?” Stag teased.

Tall scanned the sheer rock face and noticed a narrow ledge at the water’s edge. It ran the whole length of the gorge, opening out at the end. “Have you ever been to the river?”

“Only during the summer,” Stag said. “It’s icy during winter, and the snowmelt covers it in the spring.”

“But it’s a good route to get to the bridge without being seen by RiverClan,” Tall said.

“I’ll remember that for when I plan on invading RiverClan,” Stag huffed.

Suddenly, Tall felt a shudder from the ground. “What was that?”

Before Stag could answer, shouts echoed behind them. Tall spun around and scanned the moor. He could see nothing but birds swooping across the heather. Larksplash raised her head as the shouting got louder.

Rye’s eyes widened. “What’s that?”

Tall peered over the gorge. It sounded like a muffled voice was calling from the bottom.

“Over here!” Dawnstripe pulled back a large structure built from narrow logs and vines, covered in foliage. The cover of a tunnel.

Sandgorse burst out from the entrance a moment later. His eyes were wide, blonde hair spiked with mud. Mistmouse followed. “Are you okay?” he asked her.

“I’m fine,” she panted.

Sandgorse leaned back into the tunnel and shouted for the others, then straightened back up. “They’re fine.” Finally, he turned to notice Larksplash. “Just a cave in. Everyone’s okay. Hickorynose and Woollytail know what they’re doing. They can exit through the lower half.”

Tall rushed over to his father. “What happened?”

Sandgorse ruffled his hair. “The sunshine made the soil shrink,” he explained. “The rocks dropped and caused a cave in.” He looked at the wide, blue sky. “I wouldn’t mind a rain storm.”

Tall winced. What if his father had been caught in that cave in? He hadn’t been as close to his parents since becoming an apprentice. Sandgorse spoke to him, but not as often, and with little warmth.

Sandgorse walked away. “Patrolling the borders?” he asked Dawnstripe.

“We’re nearly finished,” Dawnstripe told him. “No sign of intruders.”

The tunneler gazed across the heather. “We’ve been digging all night.”

Rye nodded. “You must be tired.”

Sandgorse shook his head, eyes shining. “We’re nearly through the gorge. I won’t rest until it’s finished.”

Mistmouse peered down the tunnel. “What about the cave in?”

“We’ll have it cleared by tonight.” Sandgorse headed back toward the tunnel. “The soil’s light.” He raised his head. “This is the perfect time to give Tall some tunneling experience.”

Tall flinched. “But we’re patrolling the borders.”

Sandgorse looked at Dawnstripe. “You must be nearly done, if you’ve come this far.”

Dawnstripe glanced at Tall. “All apprentices are required to spend at least a day underground.”
Sandgorse nodded. “Moor runners will never learn to appreciate the tunnels until they go underground.”

“Of course.” Dawnstripe didn’t sound so sure.

Tall practically shrank back. He didn’t want to go underground! Especially so suddenly.

“Come on, Tall.” Sandgorse beckoned to him.

“Go on,” Dawnstripe said. “Once you’re finished, come back to camp.”

Tall followed his father. The tunnel entrance loomed in front of him like a black mouth.

Sandgorse laughed. “I’m glad I can finally show you the tunnels.” His eyes were filled with pride.

Tall gritted his teeth, not wanting to let his father down. “This’ll be fun,” he forced himself to say. He hoped being underground would help him understand why his father loved it so much.

“You first, Mistmouse.” Sandgorse stood back to let her go. “Now you.”

Tall crept forward. The earth was loose underfoot and he found himself sliding on the mud. Blackness wrapped around him like a blanket as the entrance faded away. Tall strained to see the walls of the tunnel. He could hear his father’s footsteps behind him. Although it was hot outside, down here, it was like winter.

“This is gonna be great,” Sandgorse said, a smile in his words. “Listen.” He paused. Tall stood still. “Wait, Mistmouse!” Sandgorse called. “Can you hear it?”

Tall strained to listen. “Hear what?”

“Keep listening.”

Tall closed his eyes and concentrated. Muffled footstep sounded at the edge of his hearing.

“That’s your patrol, heading along the gorge,” Sandgorse said softly.

“How do you know?” Tall whispered.

“Four sets of footsteps, heading away from us.”

Tall was impressed. “How did you know it wasn’t rabbits?”

“They’re lighter, and they thump.”

“Can you tell if it’s sheep?”

“Of course. Their steps are hard. A bear’s is heavy and shakes the earth.”

Mistmouse moved ahead of them. “Your father can tell ThunderClan apart from WindClan,” she said.

“ThunderClan marches,” he growled. “They always walk with confidence, no matter whose land they’re on.”

“Typical ThunderClan,” Mistmouse huffed. “They think they’re above everyone.”

“They don’t even know we can track them from underground,” Sandgorse huffed. “We know exactly when they arrive and when they leave.”

“We’d even know if they hunted,” Mistmouse added.

Tall felt a nudge on his back. “Let’s keeping going,” Sandgorse said. “Hickorynose and Woollytail must have dug through the cave in by now. They’ll want our help to make sure it’s stable.”

Tall blinked, wishing his eyes would adjust to the darkness. But without a spark of light, he realized he was as blind as a mole. Mismouse’s footsteps scurred ahead and Tall followed, pressing back the sickness in his stomach. Sandgorse wouldn’t let anything happen to him, right?

A sudden blast of cold air surprised him, and he realized there was an opening to his right.

“That tunnel leads to the high moor,” Sandgorse explained.

“How do you know where you are?” Tall asked, amazed. He felt helpless and lost.

“Every tunneler has the moor memorized,” Sandgorse said. “We can get to any part of our territory, and even across the borders.”

Tall’s thoughts quickened. The tunnels allowed WindClan to outwit any enemy. No wonder the tunnelers were so proud of their skills. “Has Heatherstar been in the tunnels?” he asked.

“She patrols occasionally,” Sandgorse replied. “She was a moor runner. She could never understand.”

“I hear something.” Mistmouse slowed.

Tall nearly ran into her. He stopped, hearing muffled voices ahead.

Sandgorse gently pushed him against the wall, squeezing past him. “They’re still digging through it,” he said. “We should start work on this side and meet them in the middle.”

Tall heard the crisp hiss of a shovel hitting soil and realized Mismouse had started digging. The tunnel was wide here and Tall was relieved when he stretched out his arms and met with open air. There was even enough room for Sandgorse and Mistmouse to work side by side.

“We always work in groups,” Sandgorse told Tall, dumping a heap of dirt beside him. “If there’s a cave in, you’ll want someone there to help dig you out. The most important rule of tunneling is to never go underground alone.”

“Take the extra dirt and spread it out,” Mistmouse instructed. “As thin as you can. If there’s no room, take it back up and out of the tunnel.”

Tall was still pushing the loose soil around by the time he heard stones scraping. He could feel its hardness. “How do I get rid of stones?” he asked.

“Find a crevice and shove it in,” Sandgorse said. “But keep it close. Stones can be useful as stabilizers.”

Tall grabbed the stone. It was bigger than his hand. He felt along the wall for a dent. Once he found it, he pushed the rock in, then returned to keep hauling soil away.

His hands felt dusty with grit and he could feel soil in his hair. Fighting the instinct to run to the river, he kept hauling out dirt, spreading it over the tunnel. Each time he hurried back for another load, he trampled the loose earth into the floor. As he reached another pile, he suddenly realized he had forgotten he was working in the dark, and he didn’t feel as cold.

“We’re getting close!” Sandgorse called excitedly. “Can you hear them, Tall?”

Tall listened. He heard Woollytail growl something, along with Hickorynose’s gruff voice answering.

“Won’t it collapse if we clear away the blockage?” Tall asked.

“Everything that needed to fall has fallen,” Sandgorse reassured him.

“Listen.” Sandgorse heaved out another pile of dirt. “Can you hear loose dirt or falling stones?”

“No.” Tall sighed with relief.

“And there’s no creaking,” Mistmouse added. “The earth will hold.” As she spoke, Tall felt fresh air hit his face.

“Sandgorse!” Woollytail called in delight.

“Is Hickorynose alright?” Mistmouse asked.

“I’m fine!” Hickorynose called from farther down the tunnel.

“Great,” Sandgorse said. “Now we can get back to work.”

Tall took in a deep breath, smelling heather blossoms. “Are we close to the surface?”

“Not quite,” Sandgorse said. “But there’s an airhole ahead.”

Tall strained his eyes and saw a small sliver of light above.

“Let’s head for the river,” Mistmouse urged.

“Are you still trying to get through the clay seam?” Tall asked. It had been over a year since then.

“Yep.” Sandgorse nudged him forward. “Yesterday we hit clay.”

Tall glanced up as he passed the airhole, feeling reassured by the light. “You found the seam?”

“That’s what we’ve been digging through.” Sandgorse’s voice was warm. “We should break through it soon. I’m so glad you’re here to see it! The first ever tunnel from the high moor to the river!”

Tall felt the air grow damp as the soil thickened into mud. He was sharply aware of the airhole fading away behind him, along with the light. He followed the sound of footsteps, staying close to Mismouse. As the tunnel twisted and turned, he quickly began to recognize the thickness of the air as a warning for a turn. But his chest was tight and he found himself snatching at each breath.

“Dad?” he called nervously.

“Nearly there.”

“Da-” A thick wall of mud hit Tall in the face. He yelped and stumbled back in surprise.

“To the right!” Sandgorse said, righting him. “Concentrate.”

Tall sighed, focusing on the space ahead. The air seemed to tremble, the earth throbbing around him.

“What’s that?” He froze.

“Just the river,” Woollytail called. “We’re nearly at the end. Another night of digging and we’ll hit the gorge.”

Tall relaxed at the promise of fresh air.

Sandgorse squeezed past him. “Wait here.”

Tall heard a shovel stab into dirt.

“The clay’s wetter here!” Hickorynose sounded jubilant. “We’re getting close.”

Tall hung back, listening as the river hummed by. The tunnelers bunched together, clay squelching beneath them. Tall could hear their labored breath as they worked. “Should I help?” He wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.

A hunk of clay splatted in front of him.

“Pack the clay into the walls,” Mistmouse ordered.

Tall scooped up a handful of slippery earth and smeared it against the wall. He felt the earth tremble again.

Another lump of clay landed beside him, then another. The splatting sound echoed off the walls.

The tunnelers were tossing clods so fast Tall’s arms ached as he tried to keep up. He snatched up another ball and slapped it against the wall. Working as fast as he could, he gathered handful after handful of clay, spreading it along the passage. He paused for breath, muscles aching. He felt sticky with mud.

“Tall?” His father’s voice was dreamy.

“Huh?” he replied.

“I’ve always dreamed of this,” Sandgorse said softly. “Working beside my son, digging a new tunnel together, a tunnel that would change WindClan forever.”

Tall stiffened. Had Sandgorse brought him down here in hopes of changing his mind about being a moor runner? Another glob of clay splatted in the passage beside Tall and his father darted back to the others.

“Are we done yet?” Tall called above the rumbling of the river. It had gotten louder.

“We’ll hit the surface any moment!” Sandgorse sounded as excited as an apprentice receiving their warrior name.

“Wait!" Mistmouse snapped.

“What is it?” Woollytail asked.

The tunnelers paused. A long creak echoed along the passage. It sounded like a stone moving, along with the deep suck of mud gradually releasing its grip on the earth.

“StarClan, help us,” Hickorynose murmured.

“What’s happening?” Tall squeaked.

“Run!”

Footsteps scrambled in the darkness. Tal fell shapes moving around him.

“Tall!” Sandgorse shouted. “Run!”

Shock pulsed adrenaline through his veins. Tall spun around and raced back up the tunnel.

“Faster, Tall!” Sandgorse urged, panic edging his voice.

Behind them, an earsplitting roar shook the earth as water exploded into the tunnel. Tall slid on the mud, flailing through the darkness and skidding against the twisting walls.

“Let me lead.” Sandgorse barged past him, grabbing his arm and practically dragging him up the tunnel.

Tall couldn’t run properly in here. The mud was too slippery to gain solid footing. Terror pulsed through him, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Water roared behind them, charging like a bull.

Tall’s chest heaved. There was no air down here! He couldn’t breathe. Panic flared inside him, but he kept running until light flashed ahead. It got brighter and brighter until they burst out from the tunnel.

Tall collapsed on the grass, closing his eyes against the dazzling light. He squinted to see Hickorynose barge out of the tunnel, followed by Woollytail and Mistmouse. They had all made it.

Footsteps paced around him. “I can’t believe we got it wrong.”

Sandgorse sounded more annoyed than afraid.

Hickorynose grunted. “I’ve been counting the lengths. I thought we had two more to go before we reached the river.”

“We didn’t take enough notice of the easy digging last winter,” Woollytail huffed angrily. “We reached the water faster than we expected.”

Tall opened his eyes.

Mistmouse was peering down the tunnel. “At least now we know where the river is.”

Tall sat up. “We nearly drowned! You can’t go back in there!”

“We’re fine,” Sandgorse pointed out. “And we’ve learned more to help us next time.”

“Next time?” Tall blinked in disbelief. “You’re going to continue?”

“Of course.” Mistmouse looked over her shoulder. “We’ll make a new tunnel, this one higher. We can used the flooded one as a reference.”

“I’ll get Plumclaw,” Hickorynose said. “She’ll want to help.”

“We’ll get to the gorge by midnight,” Woollytail said excitedly.

“But it’s dangerous!” Tall’s heart jumped into his throat.

“Not if you know what you’re doing.” Sandgorse’s eyes were bright. “You can head back to camp, Tall. Rest and clean up, then you can come help us.” Before Tall could protest, Sandgorse turned away, smiling. “We can break through the gorge together. Your mother will be so proud!”

Tall backed away. “No.” His throat was dry. “I can’t.”

Shock made Sandgorse whip around. “Didn’t you have fun? It’s exciting! It’s dangerous! How could you want to return to the safe heather when you can have this?” He gestured toward the flooded tunnel, quickly filling with water.

“It’s not fun!” Tall snapped. “Why don’t you understand this? Just because you love tunneling doesn’t mean I do! I’m not you! I thought we were all going to die. That’s not fun.”

Sandgorse blinked at him. “Finch loved the tunnels.”

“Finch died in the tunnels!”

Tall swerved on his heel and ran.

Chapter Text

“When can we start using the new tunnel?” Cloudrunner asked Hickorynose.

Tall raised his head. The tunnels had dug through to the gorge a month ago, but it wasn’t stable enough to be properly used. Everyone around him shifted to hear the answer. Above, the full moon turned their silhouettes silver as they waited to leave for the Gathering. Larksplash and Appledawn sat beside Reedfeather. Stag was plucking up tufts of grass while Doespring gazed at the stars. Hareflight and Shrew were practicing battle moves a few lengths away. Tall quivered with anticipation, although he tried to hide it. This was his first Gathering.

“We need to stabilize the roof before it’s safe,” Hickorynose warned.

“You really think this tunnel will be useful?” Cloudrunner asked.

“It’s a good route to the gorge,” Heatherstar reminded him.

Reedfeather’s eyes flashed. “And a quicker way to RiverClan territory.”

“What for?” Cloudrunner asked.

“There could be a war between us.” Reedfeather shrugged. “Or if we need to visit for some reason.”

Tall dug his foot into the dirt, feeling nervous. He and Sandgorse hadn’t spoken since the day of the flood. He wished he knew why his father was so obsessed with being a tunneler. How could he enjoy his apprentice training if it made him feel like a traitor?

Bark hurried out from the healer’s hut. “Hawkheart says I can come.” He glanced over his shoulder at the healer, who was crossing the clearing toward him.

Tall nodded in greeting. “Is Shrew coming?”

“Did Shrew not tell you?” Bark looked surprised.

“I don’t talk to Shrew.” Tall had given up being friends with the older boy.

“Why should I?” Shrew paused his battle moves. “You’re wasting your time as Dawnstripe’s apprentice. You’re a tunneler.”

“No, I’m not!” Tall snapped.

“You will be.” Shrew glanced meaningfully toward the bracken hut. “Your dad will make sure of that.”

“My father respects what I want.” Tall’s heart twisted with the lie.

“Sure he does,” Shrew sneered.

“We all decide our own destinies,” Hawkheart’s deep voice sounded. The healer stalked past them to join Heatherstar’s side.

Cloudrunner was still bickering with Hickorynose. “I don’t see why we even need a tunnel to the gorge.”

“You’ll appreciate it soon enough.” Hickorynose sounded weary.

Heatherstar had spent most of the day trying to persuade at least one of the tunnelers to stop working and come to the Gathering. Hickorynose had finally sacrificed himself to stop her squawking.

“The gorge tunnel will be as steep as the cliff,” Cloudrunner fretted. “You won’t catch me down there.”

Stag shrugged. “Tall said it’s not that steep.”

“He says it’s long and shallow,” Doe added.

“Yeah, it’s not too bad,” Tall put in.

Cloudrunner turned to start at Tall. “You’ve been down it?”

“He helped dig some of it out,” Stag announced.

Tall shifted uncomfortably, remembering how terrified he’d been when the river had chased him up the tunnel. And Sandgorse still wanted him to be a tunneler. When hedgehogs fly!

“Ready?” Dawnstripe’s voice surprised him.

Heatherstar was heading out of camp.

“Ready!’ Tall glanced at the bracken hut. Would Sandgorse see him off? He spotted movement from the shadows and perked up when his mother emerged instead.

Palebird raised a hand to wave. “Have fun, Tall.”

“Have fun, Tall,” Shrew mimicked in a mocking tone.

“Stop that!” Bark growled at his younger brother.

“Poor Worm has to go without his mommy.”

Tall glared at Shrew.

“Let’s go.” Dawnstripe nudged her apprentice away.

Tall turned to follow Stag through the heather. Doe met him on the grass clearing outside camp, along with Rye. “Are you excited?” Her brown eyes were bright.

Tall shrugged. “I guess.”

“You guess?” Rye followed Cloudrunner and Hareflight. “It’ll be great!”

Hawkheart shadowed Whiteberry and Flamepelt, gazing sharply at the elders. “You should be resting, Whiteberry,” he muttered.

“I won’t let a few aches keep me from the Gathering,” Whiteberry rasped.

“I gave him the heather blossom we gathered,” Bark assured his mentor.

Hawkheart narrowed his eyes. “How much?”

“Half a handful, soaked in water.”

Hawkheart nodded. “Good.” He looked at Whiteberry. “Has it helped?”

“Don’t waste your herbs on me, Hawkheart,” Whiteberry grunted.

“Poor Bark.” Shrew stopped beside Doe. “Imagine spending your life listening to people complain.”

“He’s had plenty of practice, growing up with you,” Doe said sharply. Shrew scowled and hurried to catch up with Bark.

“Come on, Tall!” Stag called. Beyond him, the heather rippled like water.

“What’s Fourtrees like?” Tall asked.

“Strange.”

“How?”

“You’ll see.”

Doe came to walk beside him. “Want to race?”

“No thanks.” Tall wasn’t in the mood for a race.

Stag glanced back. “I’ll race you.”

Doe passed by him, breaking into a run. Tall followed slowly, watching them disappear into the darkness.

Footsteps sounded behind him. “I thought you liked racing,” Dawnstripe said.

“I just don’t feel like it,” Tall murmured.

Dawnstripe paused for a moment. “Is something wrong?”

“No.”

“You’ve been in a bad mood since you went tunneling,” she said. “You’ve hardly paid attention in training and it seems like Shrew has been getting to you a lot. What’s wrong?”

“Maybe I’m not meant to be a moor runner.” Tall sighed, gloomy.

“Nonsense!” Dawnstripe said briskly. “You’re the best runner I’ve ever seen. What happened in the tunnel that upset you?”

Tall sighed. “My dad’s mad at me. I told him I don’t like tunneling.”

“Sandgorse wanted his children to follow in his footsteps,” Dawnstripe said. “It’ll take some time for him to accept you as a moor runner.”

“Doesn’t he want what’s best for me?” Tall asked crossly.

“Of course,” Dawnstripe said. “But he thinks being a tunneler is best for you.”

“What if he’s right?” Tall felt a knot growing in his stomach.

“Do you want to be a tunneler?” Dawnstripe prompted.

“No. Never! I hate the dark and I hate being dirty.”

“Then that settles it. You’ll just have to put up with Sandgorse’s disappointment. If he wants to be cross, he can go right ahead. His feelings are not your responsibilities.”

Tall followed her along the trail. Moonlight illuminated their way.

Footsteps drummed ahead of them. “Come on!” Stag slowed to a halt. “I’ve already beaten Doe to the top of the hollow.”

Doe charged up to join him. “No, you didn’t!”

“Fine,” Stag conceded. “You one by a hair.” He looked at Tall. “Heatherstar is waiting for us. Hawkheart’s getting restless.”

“Come on, Tall,” Dawnstripe said cheerfully. “It’s your first Gathering. Enjoy it!” She quickened her pace.

Tall hurried after her. He caught up to his Clanmates at the top of a steep slope. Ahead, treetops swished in the moonlight. The air was thick with earth and foliage.

“You took your time,” Hawkheart growled.

“Sorry.” Tall peered into the trees as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. The ground sloped steeply away through the gaps between the trunks.

“Let’s go.” Heatherstar raised her hand and the warriors of WindClan streamed down the slope.

Tall raced after them, feeling soft grass give way to crumply earth. Ferns swished at his sides and brambles trailed over the ground. As he reached the foot of the slope, he stopped. Four gigantic oak trees stood around the hollow, their trunks thicker than a man. Above his head, the branches creaked and swayed in the wind. The bark glowed silver, the canopy of leaves blocking out the sky.

“We’re the first!” Doe stopped beside him.

A stone loomed out from the pale shadows, bigger than any boulder on the moor. Moonlight dappled the great Rock.

“Someone’s coming!” Stag said.

“ThunderClan.” Doe turned toward the dense forest.

As she spoke, dark shapes slid down the far slope. Their footsteps made the earth shake. Tall backed away. He’d never seen such huge people, wide shouldered and muscular.

“Greetings, Heatherstar,” said a man with auburn hair, his face crisscrossed with scars.

“It’s good to see you, Pinestar,” Heatherstar responded politely, her eyes glittering in the moonlight.

“Hawkheart! Any news?” A ragged man with black hair shambled toward the WindClan healer.

“That’s Goosefeather,” Doe whispered to Tall. “He’s the ThunderClan healer.”

Stag laughed. “The ThunderClan apprentices say Goosefeather talks to himself. He walks through the forest and chats with the trees.”

Doe giggled.

“Hello, Goosefeather,” Hawkheart greeted. “Killed anyone recently, you old bear?”

Goosefeather huffed in amusement. “Not on purpose.”

Tall’s eyes widened as the ThunderClan warriors weaved among WindClan, exchanging greetings like old friends. “Can we talk to the other Clans?”

“As long as the moon isn’t covered with clouds,” Doe said.

“Be careful how much you say,” Stag added. “Too much, and you could give up our secrets. Too little, and they’ll think you’re being hostile.”

Tall swallowed nervously.

“Just be polite,” Doe advised. “But don’t share battle moves, and don’t mention anything about the tunnels.”

“Here comes ShadowClan!” Stag called.

The bushes on the slope were silent as shadows moved between them. Figures slunk into the hollow, silent and resigned.

“That’s Cedarstar.” Stag pointed at a dark haired man. He joined Heatherstar and Pinestar at the foot of the Great Rock.

Tall watched another man approach Reedfeather. “Is that Stonetooth?” he asked.

“Yeah. He’s been ShadowClan’s deputy since Cedarstar first became leader,” Doe said. “Flailfoot says he’ll retire to the elder’s hut soon.”

“And that’s Sunfall.” Stag nodded to a small blonde man. ThunderClan’s deputy was walking around the clearing, nodding to the warriors, sharing brief words before moving on.

Whiteberry limped across the clearing and embraced a small ginger woman. “Littlebird. I haven’t seen you in months. Come to gossip?”

“What else is a Gathering for?” the woman chided, smiling.

A graying ThunderClan man came to join them. “How’s hunting?” he asked.

“Not bad, Mumblefoot,” Whiteberry rasped. “Though with such scatterbrained apprentices, it takes a while for meals to get made.”

Littlebird giggled. “Why don’t you just go hunt for yourself?”

“Not me,” Whiteberry sighed. “I’m too slow now.”

“But your aim is just as good,” Littlebird countered.

Shrew’s voice sounded from below one of the oak trees. “I’m the fastest apprentice.” Three younger apprentices were gathered around the dark haired boy. “And there’s no one faster than a member of WindClan.”

One of the ShadowClan apprentices rolled his eyes. “Anyone can run fast on the moor. You’ve got the wind at your back and no trees to get in your way.”

“You think it’s easy living on the moor, Scorch?” Shrew growled.

A blonde girl stared at him. “WindClan thinks they’re so special.”

“Because we are,” Shrew said.
“You’re no more special than the dumb sheep on your dumb moor,” the girl countered.

“Dapple.” A lanky ThunderClan man hurried over to her. “We’re at a truce. Be nice.”

“But Shrew’s being a show off!” Dapple protested.

Hawkheart turned toward the squabble. “Stormtail!” he called to the man. “Can’t ThunderClan keep their apprentices under control?”

Dapple’s gaze flashed toward the WindClan healer. “Don’t worry,” she growled. “I won’t break the truce.” She stalked off, Stormtail trailing after her.

Tall suddenly felt his heart racing. The rustling leaves and babbling voices made his ears ring. Words were tossed back and forth like a ball. How would he ever learn the names of all the other Clansfolk? Would he ever know what to say?

“Look, Doe!” Stag shouted. “There’s Newt.” He pointed to a ShadowClan woman. “Let’s find out if she passed her assessment!”

Tall stared as they raced across the clearing. He glanced around, feeling exposed. Should he follow them? Or join Shrew with the other apprentices? He watched the Clans blend together, hazy, moving in a single unit. Where was RiverClan?

“Sorry we’re late!’ A huge man slide down the brambles and crossed the clearing to Heatherstar- Hailstar, the RiverClan leader. His Clanmates streamed into the hollow behind him. They moved among the other Clans easily, until the clearing seemed overfilled with people. Tall glanced up, wishing he could see the open sky. But the Great Oaks blocked out the stars.

It was like being underground.

A hand rested on his shoulder. “You’ll get used to it.” Cloudrunner had approached “Next time will be easier.”

Tall straighted up. “How can anyone stand living under the trees?”

Cloudrunner shrugged. “You were born on the moor, and they were born in the forest.”

Movement caught his eye from the Highrock. Heatherstar, Cedarstar, Pinestar and Hailstar were climbing onto the rock.

“Follow me.” Cloudrunner headed into the crowd.

Tall kept close to the man, politely pushing past the crowd. Cloudrunner stopped beside Stag and Doe.

Stag scooted over. “You can sit here, Tall.”

Doe leaned around her brother. “Can you see?”

“I’m fine.” Tall stretched to peer over the heads of Hareflight, Shrew and Appledawn who were lined up in front of him. Larksplash, Rye and Dawnstripe flanked them while Hickorynose was just sitting down.

Cedarstar stepped forward. “ShadowClan is doing well,” he declared, brown eyes glinting. “Our nursery is filling up. Poolcloud has just given birth to a son. Meanwhile, food is plentiful and the summer months have been kind.” He stepped back and nodded to Pinestar.

As the ThunderClan leader began to speak, his Clanmates shifted, raising their heads. They seemed pleased with themselves.

“Summer has been kind to ThunderClan as well,” Pinestar said. “The forest is filled with new life. StarClan has blessed us.” His gaze darkened. “We spotted a bear on our territory, but our patrols drove it back toward the Wild Forest. ShadowClan should keep a lookout.”

The ShadowClan members turned to each other, murmuring anxiously.

Hailstar stepped forward. “The rains have fed the river, bringing more fish than we can even eat.”

“Do the other Clans ever go hungry?” Tall whispered.

“If they do, they wouldn’t let you know,” Cloudrunner muttered. “No Clan admits their weakness.” He nodded toward two burly ThunderClan warriors. “Look at the scars on their faces. They’ve hardly had time to heal.”

Tall peered through the half light. Cloudrunner was right. The men had cuts on their faces that looked fresh.

“It looks like that bear put up a fight,” Cloudrunner commented. “Pinestar didn’t mention that.”

Heatherstar stepped forward. “We are well fed on the moor. And we have a new apprentice.” Tall froze as she locked her gaze with his. “Tall!”

“Tall!”

“Tall!”

“Tall!”

The crowd around him raised their voices, calling his name. Tall shrank back. No one had warned him about this! Glowing eyes fixed warmly on him. Tall sat up straight, forcing himself to look proud.

He sagged with relief once silence fell and Heatherstar continued. “The nursery is filling up. Meadowslip is expecting her third child in just a few months.”

Tall leaned forward, waiting for her to announce the tunnel. But the WindClan leader simply stepped back.

The crowd began to disperse.

“That’s it?” Tall said. “Isn’t Heatherstar going to tell them about the tunnel?”

Stag stared at him. “Why would she? The other Clans don’t understand our tunnels.”

“We never tell them about our tunnels,” Rye said.

Doe stood up. “They don’t need to know our secrets.”

Tall narrowed his eyes. Wouldn’t news of the tunnel secure the fact that WindClan was the strongest Clan? Why keep it a secret?

Cloudrunner brushed past him. “The tunnels give us an advantage. They make us special. The other Clans don’t need to know about them.”

“Come on.” Stag took Tall’s arm. “Meet Shimmer.”

“Shimmer?”

Doe rolled her eyes. “She’s a RiverClan apprentice. Stagleap’s got a huge crush on her.”

“But I thought that was forbidden,” Tall gasped.

“It’s forbidden to have romantic relations with someone from a different Clan,” Stag said dismissively. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them.” He walked away, Doe following.

Tall stayed back, gazing around the clearing. He was surprised to see everyone at ease, chatting as though they were family. Heatherstar and Pinestar talked in low murmurs, heads close. Dawnstripe and Appledawn laughed as two ThunderClan men joked with them. At the edge of the clearing, Reedfeather sat close to a RiverClan woman, their hands intertwined.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe’s voice caught his attention.

He turned to see his mentor at the far side of the clearing, beckoning him closer. He hurried over to meet a dark haired boy. “This is Frog from ShadowClan.” She glanced past him. “His sisters are over there.” Tall followed her gaze and noticed Newt, along with another dark haired girl.

“Their names are Newtspeck and Ash,” Frog said.

“I thought you might like to meet some other apprentices,” Dawnstripe told him.

Tall nodded. “Sure.”

“How long have you been training?” Frog asked.

“About a year.” Tall didn’t like the way the young boy eyed him- like a hunter.

“Who’s this?” Newtspeck asked.

“He’s a WindClan apprentice.” Ash came closer. “You must be Tall.”

“WindClan!” Heatherstar called from the slope. “We should return to camp now.”

Tall sighed with relief. He wouldn’t have to talk to these strangers.

“Why did you introduce me to them?” he hissed at Dawnstripe as they turned to leave. Around him, the rest of WindClan was heading up the slope.

“Know your enemy,” Dawnstripe told him. “If you meet them in battle, you’ll better know how to defeat them.”

“I will?” Tall wasn’t convinced. He’d learned nothing from talking to them.

“What did you think of Frog?” Dawnstripe pressed.

“He looked like he was sizing me up.”

“And Ash?”

“She’s not shy.” Tall felt a prickle of irritation. “Nor is Newtspeck.”

“You have an idea of their personalities.” Dawnstripe stepped over a fern patch.

Tall followed. “I guess.”

“When battle comes, it will help.”

Tall didn’t answer. The ShadowClan members were pushy and rude- how would that help him in a fight? Suddenly he felt tired, his bones aching. By the time they reached the top of the slope, his feet ached. He was usually fast asleep by now. He followed Dawnstripe across the grass, comforted by the familiar feel of peat and heather. He glanced at the sky, relieved to see the stars. Moonlight shone over the patrol.

By the time they reached camp, he was yawning. “I’m tired.

“Hush,” Dawnstripe cautioned. “The Clan will be sleeping.”

“Aren’t they lucky?” he muttered.

Suddenly, Dawnstripe stopped, eyes wide.

“What’s wrong?” tall asked.

Dawnstripe was staring at the camp. Heatherstar frozen just outside the entrance, her Clanmates pressing around her.

Voices came form inside.

“They’re here!” Larksplash was the first to dart forward. “The Vagabonds has arrived!”

Tall raced into camp after Dawnstripe. The whole Clan was awake, circling the clearing. Along with them, Tall recognized some of the strangers who visited every summer. There was Bessie, a woman with long black hair, who stood beside Menowin, a man with black hair. They wore strange clothing, colorful dresses and tunics decorated with jewels and sparkling things.

Near the Tallrock stood two men, one much larger than the other. Tall recognized them as Silvanus and Algernon. They spoke in hushed tones to each other. Under Algernon’s arm was a girl just a few years older than Tall. Her name was Roma. She had orange hair and brilliant eyes like her mother, Bessie.

Their aura carried mustiness of the Thunderpath, along with the smoky feeling of town.

“They’re finally here!” Bark’s eyes were wide.

Shrew pushed his way among his Clanmates, staring at the newcomers.

Redclaw grabbed his arm. “Remember to be polite,” he told his son. “Be respectful.”

Heatherstar weaved between her Clanmates and stopped in front of Bessie. “It’s good to see you again.” She looked over the other members of the band. “Where’s Esmeralda?”

Bessie shook her head. “She didn’t make it through the winter,” she said softly. “But she died warm and surrounded by her family.”

Heatherstar frowned. “She’ll be missed.”

Whiteberry hurried over, eyes cloudy. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Whiteberry!” Algernon raised his hand to the elder. “It’s great to see you again, friend.” Algernon was Esmeralda’s son. Tall vaguely remembered the frail old lady with frizzled hair, who lumbered along with the elders. She had been nice.

“Roma!” Larksplash hurried across the clearing to the preteen. “You’re getting so big!”

Roma blushed, nearly hiding under her frizzy hair. “Only a few inches.”

Meadowslip and Brackenwing hurried to join Larksplash. “How was winter?” Meadowslip asked.

“Did you stay warm?” Brackenwing asked.

“We were cozy,” Roma reassured them. She looked at Larksplash. “How’s Rye?”

Rye came forward. “I’m great! It’s so nice to see you again, Roma.”

Silvanus and Menowin had wandered toward the Hunting Stones. They watched the Clan in silence.

Aspenfall approached. “Silvanus,” he said to the brown haired man.

“Aspenfall.” Silvanus matched Aspenfall’s respectful tone.

Menowin raised his head. “I hope winter was kind to the Clan.”

“It was a long winter,” Aspenfall said. “But food was plentiful and we kept ourselves warm.”

“Bessie!” Cloudrunner hurried across the clearing to embrace the dark haired woman.

Tall felt a presence at his shoulder. He turned to see Palebird. “It’s good to see old friends,” she murmured.

“How long have you known them all?” Tall asked.

“Esmeralda came here with her family since before I was born. I grew up with Algie, Mennie and Sil. Algie is Esmeralda’s son, but Mennie and Sil are the sons of her brother. Agie married Bessie before you were born, and they had Roma.”

“Is that Palebird?” Bessie turned her head. “You look thin.” She walked over, eyes round. Roma followed her.

“I haven’t been well.” Palebird sighed.

Bessie looked down at Tall. “Hey there, Tall! You’re getting so much bigger.”

“He is, isn’t he?” Pride warmed Palebird’s voice.

“Has he been apprenticed yet? Last time we were here we was still in the nursery,” Bessie said with a smile.

“Yes.” Palebird frowned. “He’s training to be a moor runner.”

Bessie and Roma exchanged a glance. “But you and Sandgorse are…”

Palebird nodded in agreement. “Yes. But I think Tall will do better on the moor. He doesn’t like the tunnels anyway.”

Tall glanced at his mother. He knew the real reason she had made him a moor runner, but he didn’t voice it.

Across the clearing, the elders were crowding around Algernon. Sandgorse laughed. “Tell us more, Algie,” he urged.

Mistmouse stood at the edge of the clearing, never taking her eyes off the vagabonds. Hickorynose and Woollytail sat close together, murmuring. It seemed not everyone was excited for the visitors to arrive.

“You must be a thoughtful one, Tall.” Bessie’s voice jerked his attention back.

“I was just watching the Clan,” he said quickly.

Bessie glanced over her shoulder. “It’ll take them a while to get used to us again,” she said. “Once we’ve proven we can hold our own, they’ll be less hostile.”

Heatherstar lifted her head. “It’s late. We should rest. Who will share their hut with our friends?”

“Bessie can stay in the nursery,” Meadowslip called.

“Menowin, you can sleep with us,” Flamepelt suggested. “The elder’s hut is the warmest in the camp.”

Menowin nodded. “You’re very kind.”

Redclaw pointed to the moor runner’s hut. “We have spare beds for Algie and Silvanus.”

“Thanks, RedClaw.” Algernon headed for the moor runner’s hut.

Silvanus narrowed his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, following his cousin.

“Can Roma stay in the apprentice’s hut with us?” Rye called, standing beside her friend.

“Thanks,” Roma said with a smile.

Rye turned to lead her into the hut.

Roma had already picked out a bed by the time Tall and Shrew got into the hut. She had moved it right beside Rye’s.

Shrew glared at her. “Shouldn’t she sleep with her family?”

“As far as I’m concerned, Roma is family,” Rye growled.

Tall smiled and laid down in his own bed. He didn’t mind sleeping beside Roma. She had always been friendly to them.

Chapter Text

“Rabbit!” Dawnstripe dropped down behind the bush, gaze fixed on a brown shape bobbing up the slope. Tall got down beside her, glancing at Roma.

She was already crouching. “I see it,” she whispered. “What now Tall?”

Roma had joined Tall for his training session while the older apprentices helped out in the elder’s hut. They were still dusty from a morning of practicing hunting skills. Now they had a chance to test them out.

“Should I stalk from behind while you get either side?” Roma had proven to be a skilled tracker, although she didn’t have the speed of WindClan.

Dawnstripe narrowed her eyes. “Can you move in without alarming it, Roma?” She glanced at Tall. “We’ll need to cut off its escape routes.” She pointed toward a cluster of sandy dips in the grass beside the grazing rabbit. “If it gets to its warren, we’ll lose it.”

“I can do it,” Roma promised. “And Tall’s fast enough to catch it.”

Tall smiled with pleasure. Training with Roma was much more pleasant than training with Shrew. Dawnstripe nodded for him to go on the wind side of the rabbit. She trusted him to gauge his own scent drift. Tall felt for the breeze, raising his hand. He could probably get halfway to the rabbit. Dawnstripe began stalking over the grass, keeping low.

Tall nodded to Roma. “Good luck,” he whispered, creeping slowly uphill.

The rabbit bobbed farther along the holl, nibbling at grass shoots. Dawnstripe moved in steadily. Tall walked over the soft grass without ruffling it. He paused as he neared the rabbit. Any closer and it would smell him. He glanced across the slope at Dawnstripe. She was close to the warren. He waited until she’d slid into place and blocked the rabbit’s to safety.

Roma was moving in from behind, shiny clothes bright against the grass. But she was creeping slowly with movement so tiny, the rabbit wouldn’t notice. The rabbit hopped a few more steps. Tall sped up. He saw Dawnstripe nod and broke into a run, racing for the rabbit. Roma surged forward. Dawnstripe jumped up. The rabbit bolted, kicking up dirt in its wake as it fled up the hill.

Tall plunged into a sprint, Roma on his heels. Dawnstripe closed in from one side. The rabbit was just a length away. Tall readied an arrow in his bow and took the shot.

The arrow soared over the rabbit and stabbed into the ground.

The rabbit disappeared.

Roma and Tall scrambled to a halt. “It found a hole,” Roma whined, pointing at an opening in the ground.

Dawnstripe sighed. “It’s a tunnel entrance. The tunnelers will find it soon.” As she spoke, footsteps echoed from inside. Fur exploded from it as the terrified rabbit hurtled back out.

Tall didn’t even think. He readied another arrow and stabbed it into the rabbit’s spine.

Movement flashed at the edgy of his vision as Woollytail climbed out from the cave.

“Nice teamwork,” Woollytail said with a smile. “I was just fixing a crumbly roof when that rabbit ran right into my leg. It turned tail and ran right back up.”

Dawnastripe nodded. “We were lucky you were down there.”

“Is anyone down there with you?” Tall asked.

“Sandgorse and Plumclaw are working on the gorge tunnel,” Woollytail explained. “I was on my way back to camp when I noticed the roof was falling in. So I stopped to fix it.”

Dawnstripe looked confused. “They’re still working on the gorge tunnel? It’s been years!”

Woollytail narrowed his eyes. “These things take time. Besides, we’re making extra tunnels. The river is so unpredictable, there’s no telling when one tunnel might flood.”

Dawnstripe shook her head. “The gorge tunnel is one we can do without. You all spend so much time on it, only for it to flood again.”

“Why even tunnel at all?” Roma asked, eyes round.

“We always have,” Woollytail said.

Roma peered into the tunnel. “What do you do down there?”

“Mostly hunt and dig,” Woollytail said.

“My mother said Palebird and Sandgorse are tunnelers,” Roma said, turning on Tall. “Why aren’t you?”

Tall dropped his gaze, blushing. He didn’t want to talk about Finch with someone outside the Clan. “Heatherstar thought I’d do better as a moor runner.”

Woollytail rolled his eyes. “We have too many runners as it is.”

“Hey, Worm!”

Tall turned to see Shrew walking toward him, along with Hareflight. Tall sighed. This is not what he needed right now.

“We’re going to Outlook Rock.” Shrew stopped beside him, glancing at Roma. “Wanna come?”

“They look busy,” Hareflight warned.

“Actually, I think we should return to camp,” Dawnstripe said. “We’ve caught our rabbit. Why don’t you take Tall?”

Hareflight nodded. “Sure.”

“Can I come?” Roma asked.

Shrew looked at Hareflight. “Can she?”

“She doesn’t need to know everything about being a WindClan apprentice.” Hareflight looked at Dawnstripe. “You can take her back to camp.”

Roma frowned. “I won’t cause trouble. I promise.”

“Bessie will miss you.” Dawnstripe put a hand on Roma’s shoulder. “Let’s go.” She took the rabbit from Tall and walked away, followed by Woollytail.

“Let’s go then, you two!” Hareflight broke into a run, heading uphill.

Shrew darted after him. Tall followed.

Clouds were gathering on the horizon as they reached Outlook Rock. Hareflight stood on the grass where the stone jutted over the slope. “Shrew, you first. See what you can see.”

Shrew walked to the edge and peered down into the meadows. “Carriage on the Thunderpath. Dog outside a house. Buzzards circling Highstones…”

Tall moved closer, trying to spot everything Shrew listed. “Can I try?” he asked Hareflight.

“Go ahead.”

Shrew turned and pushed past Tall, who lurched to the side. Carefully, he took Shrew’s place, scanning the landscape. On the treetops beyond town, he recognized the dark feathers of a bird. “A buzzard teaching its fledglings to fly.”

“How can you see that?” Shrew asked.

“There!” He pointed to the tree.

“That’s not a buzzard,” Shrew scoffed.

Tall glanced at Hareflight. “It’s the right color.”

“How can you see fledglings?” Shrew challenged.

“Why else would a buzzard be sitting like that on the edge of its nest?” Tall retorted.

“Nice deduction, Tall,” Hareflight praised.

“Are we just practicing guessing games?” Shrew sneered. He turned and stomped back to Hareflight’s side. “I thought we were practicing observation skills.”

Tall rolled his eyes. Training with Roma had been much more fun.

“Let’s get back to camp,” Hareflight said, leading them away.

The sun was sliding toward Highstones as they reached camp. Tall’s stomach rumbled with hunger. As he followed Hareflight, Shrew and Dawnstripe toward the entrance, he could sense Sandgorse and Plumclaw. The tunnelers must have returned early. He pushed into camp, heart quickening as he saw Sandgorse, Plumclaw, Woollytail, Hickernose and Mistmouse gathering around the Tallrock. Heatherstar and Reedfeather faced them, looking stiff.

Hareflight stopped. “It seems there’s news about the gorge tunnel.”

“Who cares?” Shrew huffed. “Let’s eat.”

Hareflight nodded. “Go on. Both of you.”

“Thanks.” Tall crossed the clearing, gaze lingering on the Tallrock.

“Tall!” Roma’s voice made him turn around.

The girl was settled in a patch of sunshine near the elder’s hut, a plate in her lap.

“Come eat with me,” she offered. “I don’t want any of this to go to waste.”

Gratefully, Tall hurried over. “What happened to the rabbit we caught?”

“Dawnstripe gave it to the elders.”

Whiteberry stuck his head out of his hut. “And it was delicious.” His gaze moved toward the Tallrock. “Roma said the tunnelers helped catch it.”

Tall sat down and plucked a chuck off the plate. “Woollytail chased it back out of a hole,” he said.

“Perhaps Heatherstar’s giving the other tunnelers hunting tips,” Whiteberry said. “They’ve been talking for nearly an hour.”

From the glares the tunnelers were shooting at Heatherstar, Tall guessed it was something else. Besides, the tunnelers were just as good at hunting as the moor runners.

“This is great,” he told Roma. “Did you catch it?”

Roma laughed. “I’m not the best hunter,” she said. “We get our food from the marketplaces in the towns we pass through. We give people these little cuts of silver and in return they give us the meat they already caught and cooked themselves.”

Tall blinked. He’d always wondered how town folks got their food. He knew some of them grew vegetables and fruit on their farms, but he hardly ever saw them hunt. Not on the moor at least.

He stiffened as Heatherstar and Reedfeather walked away from the Tallrock. He searched the tunneler’s face as they moved for the firepit. What had they been discussing? Tall swallowed his mouthful as his father veered toward him.

Behind him, the gorge rattled as Whiteberry ducked back inside his hut. Roma shifted, suddenly uncomfortable.

Sandgorse’s look could cut down a tree.

“Hi, dad.” An ominous feeling sat like a stone in Tall’s stomach.

Sandgorse stopped in front of him, eyes blazing. “Did you tell Heatherstar about the flood?”

“What?”

“Did you tell Heatherstar about the flood?” Sandgorse’s voice was poisonous. “The flood from when you came into the tunnels that one time.”

“No.” Tall had figured the tunnelers would have told her themselves. The only person he’d told had been Palebird, when she’d asked about his day.

“Coward!” Sandgorse snapped. “All of us agreed she didn’t need to know about it. You told her!”

“No, I didn’t!”

“It’s bad enough you don’t want to be a tunneler, but now you had to ruin it for the rest of us,” Sandgorse growled.

Tall’s eyes widened with hurt. What had Heatherstar told them? And how had she even found out?

“Heatherstar has ordered us to close off the gorge tunnel.” Sandgorse leaned close. “You had one fright, and now we must abandon a project we’ve spent years on.”

Tall shrank back from his father. “I-I didn’t tell her!”

“I did.”

Both of them spun around at the sound of Palebird’s voice. Tall’s mother stood a few lengths away, chin high and eyes narrowed.

“You?” Sandgorse gasped. “But why?”

“Because it’s too dangerous, Sandgorse,” Palebird said. Her voice had lost its strength. It seemed she hadn’t realized the full weight of Sandgorse’s anger. “Tall could have died. Or someone else. The river is too unpredictable and one day there might be a flood you can’t escape. It was time Heatherstar knew.”

“Traitor!” Sandgorse snarled in outrage. “How could you do this? That tunnel was my life’s work! It’s all I had.”

“Nonsense,” Palebird said. “You have us.”

Sandgorse shook his head. “No. My daughter is dead, my son is a coward and my wife has betrayed me. I’m done with you, Palebird. I have no wife and I have no son.”

Chapter Text

Tall rolled onto his back, peering out of the hut through a tiny gap in the sticks. The clearing was empty, illuminated by the waning moon. Tall blinked up at the stars, wondering if Finch was watching him. Would Sandgorse have disown her? Could she have made Palebird happy?

Shrew, Roma and the other apprentices were sleeping peacefully. Loneliness hollowed out a hole in Tall’s chest. He got out of bed and slipped out of camp. Beyond the walls, a soft breeze tugged his dark hair. The moor stretched before him, drenched in moonlight. Tall broke into a run, relishing the wind in his hair, lengthening his strides until he felt like a bird. He headed for the high moor, skirting the heather until he made it to Outlook Rock.

Up here the wind pushed hard enough to make him walk warily across the stone, taking care of his footing. He stopped at the edge and narrowed his eyes. Beyond the meadows, an owl screeched, its wings fluttering at the top of a distant oak. It lifted and circled into the black sky.

Tall imagined what it would be like to take off from Outlook Rock and spiral toward the stars. He’d always loved the feel of the wind in his hair, but what would it be like to fly over the wind?

Footsteps sounded form behind him.

He spun around. “Who’s there?”

“Silvanus.” The man’s voice was soft. “And you’re Tall.”

“That’s right.” Tall nodded.

“Are you supposed to be out here by yourself?”

“No.” Tall turned back toward the meadow.

“Can I join you?” Silvanus climbed onto the stone. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Do you ever wonder what it’s like to fly?” Tall murmured. He gazed at the owl swooping over a meadow.

“Hard.” Silvanus sniffed. “If you stop flapping your wings, you fall. I’d rather feel the earth beneath me.”

Tall glanced at him. “Do you like being a rogue?”

Silvanus’ eyes glinted. “A rogue?”

“It’s our word for someone who doesn’t live in a Clan or in town.”

“Ah.”

“Why do you and your family come here?” Tall asked.
“We always have,” Silvanus said. “Since my great grandfather was alive, my family has journeyed this path every year.”

“What do you do when you’re not here?”

“We’re Vagabonds. We travel the land and collect rare items, then we trade them for more rare items.” Silvanus paused. “Why are you out here?”

Tall blinked. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Something bothering you?”

Anger and sadness welled up, closing Tall’s throat. “My father hates me. He wants me to be a tunneler, but I hate tunneling. I tried going underground but the river broke through and nearly drowned us. My mother told Heatherstar and she banned them from working on the tunnel. Now my father is mad at me and mom.” He took a deep breath, realizing he’d been rambling. “He called me a coward.”

Silvanus’ gaze turned to the horizon. “Are you a coward?”

“No!”

“Then your father is wrong,” Silvanus said.

“But the flood did scare me,” Tall confessed.

“Being scared doesn’t make you a coward, it makes you sensible,” Silvanus said. “No sane man wants to drown.”

“My father wasn’t scared.”

“Your father has been facing floods for years.”

“Maybe I should be a tunneler then.” Tall sighed. “If I faced floods for years, I wouldn’t be scared.”

Silvanus glanced at him. “Do you want to be a tunneler?”

“It’s what my dad wants.”

“But is it what you want?”

“No.” Tall’s skin crawled with frustration. “But he doesn’t care about that.”

“But you do,” Silvanus observed. “You shouldn’t care what he wants. This is your life- he can’t control it. If he wanted a son to follow his lead like a puppet, he shouldn’t have taught you how to have cognitive thoughts.”

“What’s a puppet?”

Silvanus sighed, amused. “Nevermind. The point is, Sandgorse doesn’t get to choose your path. Your brain pilots your own feet, and you can walk yourself.”

“You’re right!” Tall exclaimed, staring at Silvanus. “It’s my life, and I’m not a little kid anymore. I know what’s best for me.”

Silvanus nodded, then turned toward the moor.

“Where are you going?” Tall asked.

“I’m going to hunt,” Silvanus said. “The elders will want a hot breakfast.”

“You hunt?”

Silvanus scoffed. “Of course I do! I'm just not good at it."

He walked off, disappearing into the shadows of the moor. Tall turned back to the valley, gaze fixed on the stars. His heart felt free and light.

If Sandgorse to do or say whatever he wanted, then Tall could do the same.

Chapter Text

“Did you sleep last night?” Dawnstripe nudged Tall forward as he dragged his feet toward the entrance. He felt numb and his mouth was dry. He’d sat on Outlook Rock until the horizon had began to glow. Only then did he return to bed. He’d managed to snatch a short nap before the sun rose. Now he had to go on patrol with Aspenfall, Dawnstripe and Stag.

“Bring back something to eat!” Lilywhisker called from the elder’s hut. “Flailfoot’s starving!”

Tall frowned. It seemed Silvanus hadn’t managed to bring back anything from his hunt.

“Reedfeather’s patrol will be back soon,” Dawnstripe called back. The WindClan deputy had already taken out Doe and Appledawn.

Menowin emerged from the hut and stopped beside Lilywhisker. “Three...two...one…” Once he’d finished, the entrance shivered and Silvanus walked into camp, holding a plump rabbit.

Lilywhisker’s eyes lit up. “Hey! You’re pretty good at sensing.”

Menowin shrugged. “I’ve picked up a thing or two.”

Dawnstripe laughed. “Nice timing, Sil.” She nodded toward the elder’s hut. Silvanus carried his catch across camp.

Tall’s stomach rumbled at the sight of food. He stumbled drowsily after the rest of his patrol.

“Excuse me.” Hickorynose shouldered past, followed by Mistmouse, Plumclaw, Woollytail and Sandgorse.

“You could have waited,” Aspenfall grumbled, halting to let the tunnelers through the camp entrance.

Tall snapped his head up, trying to catch Sandgorse’s eye. Before he pushed his way through the heather, his father shot him a glare so threatening it stabbed through Tall’s heart.

Dawnstripe put a hand on Tall’s shoulder. “Take a run to the first marker,” she suggested. “It’ll help wake you up.”

“Okay.” Running wouldn’t make Sandgorse’s anger hurt less, but Tall was grateful for the warm up. As he raced through the grass, he saw Sandgorse disappeared under a bush- the entrance to a tunnel.

Why couldn’t he have a normal family? One who was proud of him? He found himself jealous of Bark and Shrew’s father, Redclaw. The man was strict and had a mean temper, yes, but he still gave his boys head pats and words of praise.

Scowling, Tall rounded the edge of the camp and raced for the first marker. As he neared the border with Fourtrees, he began to pick up the auras of the forest. Something was different. There was something ominous among the bright yellow gorge flowers and tiny, purple blooms on heather.

Not a bear.

Not a wolf.

It was certainly human. Could it be Silvanus? Tall didn’t think so, but it was familiar. Concentrating, Tall sifted through his memories of the auras he’d learned at the gathering. Not pine...not water…

ThunderClan!

Tall scanned the heather. It was fresh. Someone from ThunderClan had passed through here recently. He had to tell Dawnstripe. He whirled around and raced for camp.

Dawnstripe, Aspenfall and Stag were walking across a grassy clearing toward the border.

“There’s an invader!” Tall skidded to a halt.

Aspenfall’s eyes widened. “Where?”

He scanned the hillside and saw figures bobbing past a patch of bracken. “They’re invading!” He hurtled himself forward.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe called.

He glanced back, seeing her wide eyed. Why wasn’t she following? Tall pounded up the slope and crashed over the crest, pursuing the ThunderClan patrol through feathery fronds. The patrol considered of four people. The first two were broad shoulders warriors, one a tall man with black hair and the other a dark haired woman. They led along two apprentices, the first a boy with black hair and the other he recognized from the Gathering- Dapple.

They’d already made it to the high moor, nearly at the heart of WindClan territory. “Trespassers!” Tall shouted, leaping at them.

The ThunderClan patrol whirled around, eyes wide.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe called again.

Tall leaped for the man. “Get off our land!”

“Tall!” Hands grabbed his arm and dragged him back. “Stop!”

Tall yelped as Dawnstripe twisted his arm back. “What are you doing?”

She glared at him. “They’re allowed to be here. They’re going to Highstones.”

Tall’s face lit up red. How could he be so foolish? He turned to face the ThunderClan warriors. “Sorry.”

Dawnstripe nodded. “It seems Dapple and Thrush are going to the Moonstone. Am I correct, Moonflower?”

The woman nodded. “Yep! If they don’t get gutted on the way there.”

“What a scary young warrior.” The man laughed heartily. “He’ll make a good fighter once he learns some common sense.”

“Thank you, Windflight,” Dawnstripe said, her voice too polite. “And sorry if we spooked you. Apprentices can be so eager.”

Thrush peered around Dawnstripe at Tall. “I thought he was a wolf.”

“Wolves must look strange in the forest,” Tall said.

Dapple sniffed. “Not as strange as you.”

“We won’t keep you,” Dawnstripe said. “Go on your way. And good luck you two.”

“Thank you, Dawnstripe,” Windflight said, leading his patrol back onto the path toward Highstones.

Aspenfall and Stag caught up.

“Did you stop the war?” Aspenfall’s eyes flashed.

“Barely,” Dawnstripe muttered.

“You’re getting fast, Tall!” Stag laughed.

“I can’t believe I forgot about the route to Highstones.” Tall shuddered. If he’d managed to really hurt one of the ThunderClansfolk, there could have been a war between the Clans- and it would have been over nothing but a stupid misunderstanding.

“Come on.” Stag took his arm. “Let’s check the borders.” He headed down the slope, stepping over the bracken patches.

Tall followed, breaking into a run when he reached a flat stretch of grass. He chased after Stag, the wind streaming against his face. He pushed hard with each stride and realized how easily he was gaining on the other apprentice. He kicked his legs back, stretching them further. Within moments he was right at Stag’s shoulder. He relaxed his pace to match Stag’s.

Stag glanced sideways at him as the moor sloped toward Fourtress. “You’re getting tall, Tall.:

“And you’ve gone stagnant, Stag,” Tall teased.

Stag laughed. “I don’t think that’s what that word means.”

“I couldn’t think of a better pun!”

Stag pulled up as they reached the border, and Tall scrambled to a halt a moment later, sliding nearly half a length over the border before running back. Through the trees, he could just make out the tops of the oaks of Fourtrees.

“This way.” Stag led him along the trees toward a thicket of brambles that spilled out from the trees of ShadowClan territory. Tall stepped to avoid the tangle of thorns, glad the moor had few bushes like it. He’d hate to be trapped and scratched by their claws.

They were only a few lengths from the border and the piney aura of ShadowClan was overwhelming.

Stag veered away from Fourtrees and heading for the ShadowClan border line as it sloped toward the Thunderpath. Tall knew that the ShadowClan camp was on the far side of the Thunderpath, but they hammered in their markers on this side, too, all the way to Fourtrees. Not that WindClan objected; they had no use for the trees, and if ShadowClan wanted to cross the Thunderpath just to mark borders they could go right ahead.

Tall caught up to Stag. “Something feels off,” he said. “I can sense ShadowClan.”

“A patrol probably came by not long ago,” Stag said as Aspenfall and Dawnstripe appeared at the crest of the hill.

“How’s everything?” Dawnstripe asked.

“Fine for now,” Stag called, walking down the slope. Tall followed, then stopped after just a few steps. Far away, along the Thunderpath, he could see the ThunderClan patrol, hardly more than specks now. Tall winced as he imagined the story they’d spread through their Clan about the stupid apprentice who’d attacked them. Would Pinestar be mad? Would he be punished at the next Gathering?

He suddenly noticed that Stag had slowed and knelt down, staring at the grass.

“Is something wrong?” Aspenfall asked.

“Look.” Stag pointed to a dent in the grass. “Footprints. And they’re fresh.”

Aspenfall came over to inspect. “There haven’t been any patrols but us out here today.”

Dawnstripe looked around. “I can sense ShadowClan,” she growled. “They must have crossed the border.”

“But why?” Aspenfall asked.

Tall glanced up the slope toward the brambles. “I sensed them up there, too.”

Aspenfall broke into a run, bounding up the slope. Dawnstripe and Stag raced after him. Tall followed, heart pounding. He caught up just as his Clanmates were investigating the bramble thicket.

Aspenfall dodged back and forth. “There’s a dozen of them!”

Stag followed a line of trampled grass across the moor. “They went this way.”

“Toward camp!” Aspenfall charged past Stag and plunged into the heather.

Dawnstripe launched herself forward. “Come on, Tall!”

Tall bolted after her, Stag racing at his side. Tall ran as fast as he could. Stag fell behind as Tall pelted past, hearing nothing but the blood roaring in his ears. Aspenfall and Dawnstripe were just a few paces ahead of him, swerving along a trail through the dense bushes before bursting into camp.

The camp seethed with battle. Blades swung, fists flew. At the center Stonetooth, the ShadowClan deputy, was shouting orders.

“Spare no one!” he shouted, slamming into Hareflight, who jumped away.

Tall looked around, frozen in fear.

“Stag, Tall, go protect the elders and children,” Dawnstripe ordered. “Aspenfall, you go find the other border patrol.”

As Aspenfall raced out of camp, Dawnstripe dived into the fray.

Algernon and Bessie were outside the nursery, guarding it from the attackers. Meadowslip was nowhere to be seen, so Tall figured they must be inside. Roma stood in the entrance, swiping at anyone who tried to get close.

Shrew and Hareflight wrestled a ShadowClan man at the entrance to the healer’s hut. Hareflight grasped him and dragged him backward. Unbalanced, the ShadowClan warrior kicked out. Quick as a bird, Shrew swooped and stabbed at the man’s leg.

“Nice, Shrew!” Brackenwing called to her son from across the clearing. She ducked and swept out her leg, knocking a ShadowClan woman off her feet.

Silvanus stood at the entrance to the elder’s hut, arms raised in defense. Redclaw was braced at his side as two ShadowClan men approached.

“You need rogues to defend you?” one of the warriors sneered.

Silvanus let his fist fly, landing a square hit to the man’s jaw. Redclaw lunged and sent the other man stumbling.

Heart pounding, Tall crept forward. It seemed the elders and nursery were well protected. He recognized Frog from the Gathering. The ShadowClan apprentice was sneaking up on Rye, who was grappling with Ash. Rye thrashed, trying to find her balance. Frog bunched his muscles, ready to attack.

Tall raced toward him with a shout of fury. The ShadowClan apprentice straightened, eyes wide. Tall slammed into him. Frog staggered back, eyes flashing. He punched at Tall’s nose. Pain scorched through Tall, but rage kept him going. He narrowed his eyes and delivered his own hit.

Rye rolled past him, throwing Ash to the side. “You good?” she asked.

Tall dodged another blow from Frog, hooking a foot around the apprentice’s ankle and bringing him to the ground. “I’m great!”

As Frog hit the ground, Tall grabbed the ShadowClan apprentice’s shoulders.

Suddenly, something sharp pierced his flank. Tall yelped, struggling away.

“Get off my brother!” Newtspeck growled. She threw him to the ground.

Gasping, he tried to roll away, but Frog was up and pummeling Tall’s face with a flurry of vicious punches. Tall’s thoughts spiraled into panic as he felt his nose crack. He flailed desperately, trying to break free, but the two had him pinned.

Suddenly, Frog’s weight disappeared. Blinding through his daze, Tall saw Menowin picking him up and throwing the apprentice aside. Tall kicked free of Newtspeck and jumped up, flying at her. Newtspeck’s eyes were wide with shock.

Tall kept swinging. He kicked off and tackled the ShadowClan warrior. She rolled beneath him as he drew an arrow and stabbed it into her shoulder. She screamed with pain and threw him off, racing for the entrance. Ash was ahead of her, fleeing.

Aspenfall was chasing a man across the clearing. Redclaw shouted as he fled while Hareflight and Dawnstripe herded a gaggle of ShadowClan warriors toward the entrance. Tall felt a rough of triumph, which was immediately drained as he heard a scream from the Tallrock.

In the shadows of the rock, Heatherstar was grappling with Stonetooth. She slammed her fists into his back. Blood dripped from a cut over her eye. “Why did you attack us?”

“We can hunt on the moor just as well as you,” Stonetooth growled, eyes shining with hatred. “But you refused to give us any land.”

Heatherstar’s eyes flashed. “The moors have always belonged to WindClan.” She dragged Stonetooth to his feet. “Run and never come back! Or my warriors will gut you like the rotten animals you are.”

Stonetooth limped off, blood dripping behind him. “We’ve seen your weakness, maggots!” he shouted. “Next time, we will win.” He limped out of camp.

Heatherstar turned to Hawkheart. “Check the injured.” She wipe blood out of her eye. As Hawkheart moved toward her, she stepped back. “I’ll be fine. Take care of the others, first.”

Hawkheart turned to scan the clearing. “Bark!”

Tall jerked around to see Bark scurrying over from the elder’s hut. “The elders are safe!” he called to his mentor.

As he spoke, Reedfeather crashed through the entrance. “Appledawn and Doe are chasing those heathens back to their territory.”

“Hawkheart!” A panicked cry rose from the runner’s hut. Redclaw was leaning over Brackenwing. His wife was sprawled in the long grass, unmoving. “She won’t wake up!”

“Bark,” Hawkheart ordered, “get bandages and thyme leaves.” He raced across the camp and skidded to his knees beside Brackenwing. He rolled the woman onto her back. Blood seeped from a long slash along her stomach.

Tall crept closer, wincing as he saw just how much blood there was. Brackenwing groaned, eyes rolling in pain.

Redclaw brought her head into his lap. “You’ll be fine, my love. Hawkheart will fix you.”

Hareflight and Cloudrunner crowded at the edge of the bracken. Palebird pushed past Algernon and Bessie. “Brackenwing?”

“Will she be okay?” Meadowslip asked. Her two children followed her out of the nursery, clinging to her arms.

Lilywhisker and Flailfoot watched, trembling. “It looks bad,” Flailfoot whispered.

Tall stumbled to his mother’s side. “Hawkheart can save her, right?”

Bark raced out of the hut with a roll of bandages and handful of leaves. He dropped them beside Hawkheart, staring at his mother. “Mom?”

The woman’s eyes were closed. Redclaw looked at Hawkheart, eyes wide. “You have to do something!”

Hawkheart reached out for the bandages, then stopped. “It won’t do any good. She’s lost too much blood.”

“Mama!” Shrew shoved past Aspenfall. “Get up! We won!” He stared at his mother, then at Bark. “Do something!”

Bark met his gaze, eyes glistening with tears. He shook his head as Brackenwing heaved one last shuddering breath before going still.

“Brackenwing…” Redclaw groaned with sorrow, leaning down to rest his head against his wife’s.

“Mom?” Panic edged Shrew’s voice.

Hareflight stepped closer to his apprentice. “She’s dead, Shrew.”

Tall backed away, vision spinning with shock. How could she be dead? They won the battle! They weren’t supposed to lose something.

Guilt hit him in the gut like a stone.

“This is all my fault!” he wailed. He should have reported his feelings about ShadowClan sooner. He should have mentioned it immediately.

“No, Tall,” Dawnstripe said. “ShadowClan did this.”

Tall could hardly hear her. He’d killed Brackenwing! All around him, his Clanmates were staring at him with look of concerns and shock.

Heatherstar narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about, Tall?”

Tall struggled to find his voice. “Stag and I sensed ShadowClan earlier near Fourtrees, but we didn’t mention it until later.”

“You killed her!” Shrew flew at him. Tall gasped as the other apprentice tackled him to the ground. Pain seared his face as punches battered it. Tall lifted his hands, trying to push Shrew off.

“Enough!” Hareflight dragged Shrew off. Tall stumbled to stand.

“You killed my mother!” Shrew screamed. “How could you?”

Bark put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry,” Tall choked out. Bark didn’t answer. He made Shrew sit, holding onto his brother with comfort.

“Tall?” Roma’s voice sounded from behind Heatherstar. She crossed the clearing. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Roma, come here!” Bessie called. “This is Clan business. We are not to get involved.”

Heatherstar nodded. “You made a mistake, Tall,” she said. “But this is not your fault. ShadowClan killed Brackenwing, not you. Now, it is time we sit vigil for our fallen sister.”

Tall retreated to the wall of camp while Aspenfall, Cloudrunner and Hareflight took Brackenwing’s body into the center of the clearing. As they laid her down, Hawkheart brought out herbs from the healer’s hut while Aspenfall rolled Brackenwing onto her back and folded her hands against her chest. Hawkheart began weaving the sweet smelling flowers into her hair. She looked like she was sleeping. Redclaw and Bark settled beside her, but Shrew kept back.

“You were my best friend,” Palebird murmured as she came to sit with them. “You were there for me when Finch died. I couldn’t have asked for a better companion.”

Tall wished there was some way he could comfort his mother, but he’d never been able to. His chest tightened. He’d killed his mother’s best friend.

Hawkheart moved between the crowd, checking wounds while Bark went to collect more herbs. Aspenfall and Rye collected the tattered sticks of the nursery and began threading them back into the walls.

Meadowslip poked her head out. “Make sure they’re thick.”

“We’ll make sure you’re safe and warm,” Aspenfall promised, weaving a stick through the branches that were still in tact.

Stag helped Whiteberry, Flamepelt and Flailfoot hook back the torn covers that dangled across the entrance to the elder’s hut. Lilywhisker sat back, giving them directions.

“Tall?” Hawkheart’s voice surprised him.

“Yeah?”

“I need to look at your wounds. Stand up.”

“I’m fine.” Tall stared at the ground. His muscles throbbed with cuts and bruises, but they were nothing compared to his broken nose. He sniffed, then winced in pain. If his nose hadn’t been broken before, Shrew had definitely finished the job. “The others deserve your attention more than I do.”

“Don’t be stupid.” Hawkheart knelt down to stand at his height.

“But it’s my fault Brackenwing died.”

“You’ve been an apprentice only a year. The safety of the Clan doesn’t rest in your hands,” Hawkheart said sharply. “You weren’t the only one on that patrol. No one else is blaming themselves, are they?”

Tall glanced across the camp to where Stag was sifting through their food storage. He’d detected ShadowClan as well, but hadn’t said anything.

Hawkheart took Tall’s face, examining his nose. “Bark!” he called. “Bring me dock and marigold.”

Bark’s eyes flashed as he looked at Tall, who winced at his dark gaze. He wondered if they could still be friends.

Hawkheart was brisk, setting Tall’s nose straight before stuffing his nostrils with sour smelling herbs and cotton. Palebird and Redclaw still sat beside Brackenwing’s body. Shrew stood at the wall of the camp, arms crossed and head down while the rest of the Clan waited. Tall noticed the sun dipping toward the horizon.

He stiffened as the camp entrance trembling. Hickorynose marched into camp, followed by Sandgorse, Mistmouse, Woollytail and Plumclaw. Their eyes stretched wide as they saw the torn gorse and shredded grass, all covered with red.

Plumclaw gasped. “Brackenwing!” She dived to the ground, staring at the dead warrior. “What happened?”

Aspenfall emerged from the nursery. “ShadowClan.”

Heatherstar emerged from her hut, along with Reedfeather. “You’re back.” Her voice was flat.

“What happened?” Sandgorse asked.

“Tall killed my mother!” Shrew jumped up from his stop in the shadows, eyes blazing.

Sandgorse blinked. “What? Is that true?” He turned to face Tall, eyes dark. Tall shrank away from his father.

“Shrew.” Reedfeather stepped forward. “It is not Tall’s fault ShadowClan attacked.”

“But-”

Heatherstar cut him off. “This is not Tall’s fault.”

Tall swallowed. He wished he could believe her words.

“Meadowslip!” Hickorynose hurried toward the nursery.

Meadowslip emerged and ran to meet her husband.

“Are you hurt?” Hickorynose fussed.

“I’m fine,” Meadowslip promised.

“And the boys?”

“They’re safe. Bessie, Algie and Roma defended the nursery.” He nodded gratefully to where the Vagabonds were clearing away scraps of bloody bedding.

“I should have been here to protect you,” Hickorynose fretted.

Hareflight walked past Brackenwing’s body. “You all should have,” he growled. “The tunnelers weren’t here when we needed them.”

Reedfeather stepped forward. “Don’t blame them for this.”

Woollytail’s eyes narrowed. “This wasn’t our fault.”

Cloudrunner lifted his head. “Where were you while we were fighting for our lives?”

“We were digging tunnels so you can eat in the winter!” Plumclaw snapped.

Aspenfall crossed his arms. “What good are your tunnels if ShadowClan forces us from our home?”

Sandgorse stepped forward. “We could defend our home with tunnels!”

“How?” Aspenfall growled.

“It gives us escape routes!” Sandgorse yelled.

“To where? Off our own land?” Aspenfall challenged.

Sandgorse narrowed his eyes. “We could have sheltered in a tunnel. They’re big enough for the whole Clan.”

“You want us to abandon our camp and hide underground?” Cloudrunner stepped forward. “We’re not rabbits.”

Heatherstar pushed between Cloudrunner and Sandgorse. “Don’t let this tragedy divide us,” she said. “We are WindClan. We are strong.” She nodded to Bessie and Algernon. “And we are safe because of our visitors. If they hadn’t been here, we would have lost our home. They added back the numbers we’d lost while the tunnelers were away.”

“What are you trying to say?” Hickorynose growled.

Heatherstar met his gaze. “When the Vagabonds leave and the tunnelers go back to tunneling, we will be vulnerable. What will happen if ShadowClan attacks then?”

Plumclaw’s eyes stretched wide. “Are you saying we have to stop tunneling?”

“No,” Heatherstar said. “But we should send out smaller patrols, and give you more training in aboveground battle skills.”

“Our skills are enough to protect the Clan,” Sandgorse growled.

“Which is why you must share them.” Heatherstar gazed at Brackenwing. “This is a discussion for tomorrow. Today, we grieve our fallen Clanmate.” She sat down beside Brackenwing’s head.

Reedfeather joined her. As the Clan gathered around, Tall crossed the clearing. He sat down just behind Palebird.

“Mother?” he whispered.

Palebird didn’t answer.

Tall’s heart ached. He dropped his head.

“I haven’t got to speak to you yet,” he heard Silvanus say from the shadows. “How is the gorge tunnel going?”

Sandgorse answered him. “We had to abandon it.”

“Why?”

“One of the apprentices was scared by a little flood.”

Tall flinched. Was he nothing but another apprentice now?

“Why did you build a tunnel there anyway?” Silvanus pressed.

“For a secret route to the river.”

“Hush!” Larksplash snapped. “We’re sitting vigil!”

The grass behind Tall swished as Sandgorse joined his Clanmates.

As the sky began to darken, the elders came to take Brackenwing’s body away.

Palebird stood up. “Can I help with the burial?”

“Of course,” Flamepelt puffed as Whiteberry moved Brackenwing onto his back.

Tall stood up as well, wincing in pain. His legs were stiff and his wounds stung. Redclaw and Cloudrunner stepped in front of him to help the elders.

Heatherstar nodded as they passed. “May StarClan cherish her as we did,” she murmured.

The Vagabonds kept to the walls of the camp, looking mournful and somber.

“You should rest,” Dawnstripe whispered from behind him. “You must be tired.”

“I’m fine,” he lied.

“Then let’s train. The vigil is over, and life will return to normal. The sooner the better.” She headed for the entrance and Tall followed.

They passed by Silvanus and Sandgorse. The men were talking in hushed voices. Sandgorse was smiling.

“Heatherstar really forbade you from going down there?” Silvanus asked.

“Yes,” Sandgorse whispered.

Tall halted, scratching at his leg.

“What a waste,” Silvanus went on.

Sandgorse nodded. “All that work for nothing.”

“And you were so proud of it.”

“I know it better than anyone,” Sandgorse declared.

“Can’t you go down there?” Silvanus reasoned. “It must be safe if you know your way around.”

“Of course!” Sandgorse said. “I built every turn with my own hands.”

Tall straightened again. Did Sandgorse think of nothing but the tunnels? How could he think he was special just because he could dig? Rabbits could dig. Worms could dig. It didn’t make him special.

Tall ducked out of camp and followed Dawnstripe, thoughts whirling. Perhaps Heatherstar was right. The Clan needed fighters, not diggers.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Dawnstripe?” Tall asked. A day had passed since the battle with ShadowClan, and life had returned to normal, just as Dawnstripe said it would. The Clan was quiet, but they still did their duties. Although Bark still hadn’t spoken to him.

“What?” She was doing leg stretches before their training session.

“Why do we have tunnelers?”

Dawnstripe hesitated. “It’s part of our tradition,” she said. “There’s a lot of skill involved. Skills that only WindClan have.”

“So it makes us special?” Tall pressed.

“Yes.”

“Is that the only reason we have them?” Tall asked bluntly. “To make us feel special? I mean, what other use do we have for them?”

“Let Heatherstar worry about that,” Dawnstripe said. “We’re here to train. Now take a lap.”

As Tall took off, he felt a prickle of frustration. She hadn’t answered his question.

As he rounded the far end, a figure appeared at the edge of his vision. He saw it was Algernon approaching.

“Is everything okay?” He skidded to a halt in front of Dawnstripe.

“Of course,” Algernon rumbled. “I just wanted to see what you were doing. I hope you don’t mind.”

Tall shrugged. “Of course not.” He peered past the rogue, wondering if Roma was with him. “Where are the others?”

“The girls went on a hunting patrol,” Algernon said. “Menowin likes to hunt alone.”

“What about Silvanus?”

“He’s been going on about some tunnel by the river,” Algernon said. “He finally convinced Sandgorse to take him down there.”

Tall felt a rush of sympathy for the young man. Sandgorse could talk someone to death about tunnels. He hoped Silvanus knew what he had gotten himself into.

“Can we practice hunting today?” he asked.

But Dawnstripe wasn’t listening. She had turned to Algernon. “What’s it like in town?”

“Depends on which town,” Algernon told him. “Some people like us more than others.”

“Dawnstripe!” Tall said. “Can we hunt?”

“Go ahead,” Dawnstripe said. “We’ll catch up. Try by the gorge.”

“Alright.” Tall turned and walked down a trail through the heather. The land sloped down past a swath of gorge before flattening onto the edge of the gorge. Tall could make out dimples in the ground where the rabbits burrowed.

There was a large pile of stones and logs nearby, where the gorge tunnel entrance used to be. Heatherstar had ordered it to be closed up.

He drew closer to the gorge, stepping carefully so he didn’t scare any rabbits nearby. He wondered if he was on top of the gorge tunnel. Could Sandgorse hear him? He paused as he felt the ground tremble beneath him.

He could hear rumbling.

Then he heard rocks falling and whirled around to see the tunnel block falling apart. A hand shot out from under a log, muddy, scratching at the grass.

Tall raced over and began throwing off the stones and logs. Finally, Silvanus’ head burst out. The man gasped for breath, sputtering up water. Tall helped drag him the rest of the way out of the hole.

“Silvanus!” Tall exclaimed. The man was drenched in mud, almost unrecognizable. He moved to push more of the rocks out of the way. “Where’s my dad? I thought he went with you.”

Silvanus glanced back down the hole. “He was right behind me. I must have lost him.”

“You lost him?”

“There was so much mud,” Silvanus panted.

“You can’t leave someone underground!’

There was a flash of movement on the horizon. Dawnstripe and Algernon were heading toward them.

“Silvanus!” Algernon called. “Are you okay?”

“Dad!” Tall plunged into the hole. Immediately, darkness engulfed him. The sour smell of river water and soil flooded his senses. He raced forward, hurtling down the tunnel. He crashed against wall after wall, flying blind.

“Dad!" His shout echoed through the darkness. The soil underfoot was so loose he could hardly walk. The tunnel began to narrow and Tall tripped over a pile of dirt. “Dad!” Each turn brought him to another wall of mud. “Dad!” He hauled himself forward, scrambling on. A thunderous rumble swept toward him and the floor heaved. Mud and water filled his mouth.

Just as panic began to set in, he felt a hand grasp his hair. It heaved him upward and he struggled against it. He felt as though his scalp were being ripped off, but the hand only tightened its grip.

Finally, he felt a sudden rush of fresh air enter his lungs. He gulped in a sweet breath.

“I have to find my dad!” His thoughts were spinning as he blinked into the sunlight.

“You have to calm down,” Dawnstripe said. “Are you hurt?”

Tall’s head hurt where he’d been pulled out from his hair. “I’m fine.”

Woollytail appeared in his vision, smeared with mud. “You’d better have Hawkheart take a look anyway.”

Hazily, he noticed Algernon and Silvanus sitting a few lengths away. He had stripped off his shirt, which now lay muddy and ruined on the grass.

Mistmouse emerged from the tunnel entrance. “You got him out?”

Woollytail nodded. “Yeah. Any luck on your end?”

Mistmouse shook her head.

“Did you find my father?” Tall asked. “Is he alright?”

Woollytail frowned ominously. He turned as Plumclaw followed Mistmouse out of the tunnel. “Did you clear it?”

Plumclaw shook her head. “We hit rock. Hickorynose is trying to break through, but I don’t think we can recover the deeper half of the tunnel.”

Tall’s heart was about to pound out of his chest. “You have to save my father!"

Plumclaw crossed the grass to kneel in front of him. “We tried, Tall, but the entire tunnel collapsed. The only thing on the other side of the cave in is water.”

Tall stiffened. “You’re saying he drowned?”

“We haven’t found him, but there’s no way he could have survived this long,” Plumclaw said, standing up.

“No!” Tall cried out.

“There’s nothing more we can do,” Woollytail said.

“We’ve tried everything to get to him,” Mistmouse said. “If he’s still alive, it won’t be for long.”

“Silvanus!” Tall turned to the visitor. “Where did you last see him? Can you lead us there?”

“The tunnel is blocked,” Woollytail reminded him.

“But you can dig through it,” Tall persisted. “I’ll dig through myself if I have to.”

Dawnstripe put a hand on his shoulder. “Tall,” she murmured softly. “If Woollytail can’t reach him, no one can. Sandgorse is with StarClan now.”

Anger surged through Tall’s chest. He glared at Silvanus. “Why did you leave him? You shouldn’t have left him! You never leave someone alone underground.”

Silvanus stood up. “I’m not a tunneler. I don’t know the rules. I was lucky to make it out myself, and I’m grateful to be alive. Sandgorse promised it was safe. He should have known it was dangerous.”

Tall’s breath caught in his throat. Was Silvanus blaming Sandgorse for this? He looked at the other tunnelers, willing them to defend their friend.

“Woollytail?” Tall croaked.

Woollytail looked down. “Sandgorse paid for his recklessness,” he muttered. “You should go see Hawkheart now.”

Dawnstripe began guiding him away. Algernon darted over, flanking him. As they climbed the slope, he felt strength seeping back into his limps, through his breath was still short. He stopped to cough up more muddy water, then moved on, thankful for Algernon and Dawnstripe’s help. He could hear footsteps behind and glanced over his shoulder to see Woollytail helping Silvanus back to camp. He narrowed his eyes. Woollytail had been friends with Sandgorse, and now he was helping the man who had killed him.

He staggered wearily into camp. Palebird was pacing at the entrance. She stopped and rushed over. “Did you find him?”

Tall dropped his gaze.

“No,” Dawnstripe answered for him.

“Sandgorse…” Palebird whimpered. She dropped her face into her hands, sobbing. Meadowslip hurried to her side.

Tall closed his eyes. “He’s dead.” His legs crumpled beneath him as he choked up more mud. He could feel the suffocating weight of earth and water, and didn’t want to imagine what terrible fate his father had succumb to.

“Tall?” Hawkheart leaned over him. “Swallow these leaves.”

Tall opened his mouth, letting Hawkheart press leaves to his tongue.

“Bring me more thyme, Bark,” Hawkheart called. “And some poultice.”

“Are you alright, Silvanus?” Bessie’s anxious voice sounded nearby. Tall turned to see the woman coming to stand in front of the man. Roma stayed back.

“I’m fine.” Silvanus wiped mud off his face.

“He just needs to wash off,” Hawkheart called. “Take him to the river.” He turned back to Tall. “You’ll be fine, too. Just a few bruises.”

“Is he okay?” Bark emerged from the hut, carrying an armful of herbs.

“Yes,” Hawkheart said, rubbing a leave over a cut on Tall’s arm. Tall winced at the pain. “Go get me a wet cloth,” the healer said to his apprentice. “Make it as wet as you can. We need to get Tall clean.”

The healer’s voice faded into buzzing and darkness clouded Tall’s vision. Hawkheart slapped him on the face. “Stay awake. You’ve gone into shock. If you sleep now, you might not wake up.” He began pressing more herbs firmly against Tall’s wounds. The pain jerked Tall back into consciousness.

“You’ll heal in no time,” Hawkheart promised. “We just need to get you clean. Eat this.” He pushed more pungent thyme into Tall’s hand.

Tall threw the leaves into his mouth, chewing. His thoughts began to clear. By the time Bark returned and began wiping him down with the rag, he was able to turn and watch.

“I’m sorry about your dad,” Bark murmured.

“I’m sorry about your mom,” Tall said.

Bark kept running the rag over Tall’s body, clearing away the mud.

At one point, he stood up to go wash out the rag. Roma decided to come closer. “Do you want something to eat?” she asked. “You haven’t eaten yet today.”

Tall shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”

“Do you want some company?”

Tall shook his head again. He didn’t want anyone around him. The pain outside was nothing compared to his heart. He could see Palebird sitting outside the tunneler’s hut, staring into space, eyes red and glazed. “I’d rather be alone.”

“You sure?” Roma leaned closer.

“I’m sure.”

Tall watched her walk away to the Hunting Stones, where the other Vagabonds were waiting.

Bessie was wrapping a strange, soft looking fabric around Silvanu’s shoulder. “Is that better?”

Silvanus sighed. “Much better. Thank you.”

Tall narrowed his eyes, letting anger overtake him. It was better than grief. He watched the sun sink below the heather. It glowed as Dawnstripe approached him, a plate of food in her hands. She stopped beside him. “You need to eat,” she said.

“I’m not hungry,” Tall muttered.

“You’ll feel better if you eat,” Dawnstripe promised.

Tall glared at her. “No, I won’t!” he snapped. “I’ll never be happy again. StarClan doesn’t want me to be. They killed my sister, they made my mom sad and my dad hate me, and now he’s dead! Maybe he wouldn’t have if FInch was still here.”

Dawnstripe stiffened. “Don’t say something like that.”

“I can’t do anything right,” Tall whimpered, feeling tears rise into his eyes. “If I’d been a tunneling apprentice, Sandgorse would have been in the tunnel with me, not Silvanus. And I wouldn’t have left him behind.”

“Tall.” Dawnstripe knelt down in front of him. “Your grief is clouding your judgement. You should get some rest.” She walked away, joining Cloudrunner and Appledawn.

Appledawn’s voice sounded. “Sandgorse shouldn’t have taken Silvanus into those tunnels.”

Tall sat up.

“Heatherstar said they were dangerous,” Cloudrunner agreed.

Tall glared at the man. “Silvanus made him go down there!” he snapped. “That nosy jerk wouldn’t stop pestering him about the tunnels. And then he left my father down there to die!” Rage pulsed through him, striking him like lightning.

On the other side of the clearing, Silvanus sat up, “I’m sorry your father died, Tall, but he told me the tunnels were safe. I’m not a tunneler, and I trusted him enough to believe him. When the river burst through, I didn’t know what to do. All I could do was run.”

“You saved yourself, you could have saved my father,” Tall snapped. “You left him to die!”

“That’s enough!’ Heatherstar marched across the clearing. “The Clan has seen too much grief these past few days. Go to your hut, Tall. Arguing won’t bring Sandgorse back.”

Tall met her gaze, trembling with fury.

“Go,” Heatherstar repeated.

Tall glanced around. His Clanmates were staring at him in shock. Cloudrunner’s mouth hung open and Lilwhisker’s eyes were round. Stag, Rye and Doe stared at him like birds. Shrew narrowed his eyes while Bark was frozen in the entrance to the healer’s hut.

Whipping around, Tall stalked into his hut. He climbed into bed and buried his face in the bedding.

Not even in sleep could he escape his sorrow. His dreams were filled with darkness, mud, and the sound of Sandgorse screaming.

Chapter Text

Tall blinked open his eyes in the pale light of dawn, surprised he’d actually gotten some decent sleep. He peered out from the hut and saw Reedfeather calling together the patrols for the day.

“Aspenfall, Cloudrunner and Doe,” the deputy ordered. “Take Menowin hunting with you. Hareflight, Stag and Shrew, check the ShadowClan border. Dawnstripe and Redclaw, you’ve got the rest of the territory.”

Tall watched his Clanmates leave camp while Roma and Bessie headed for the elder’s hut. “We can help clean out your hut,” Bessie called.

Lilywhisker emerged, yawning. “You’ll have to wake the others. Flamepelt’s snoring like a bear.”

Tall hauled himself up, wincing.

“Stay in bed.” Hawkheart’s stern grown surprised him. The healer had slid into the hut. Tall sat back down as Hawkheart began looking over his wounds. “There’s infection in your arm. I can see it. I’ll have to dress the wound again. For now, don’t use it. You’re confined to your bed until you’re healed.”

“I can’t stay here,” Tall argued. “It’s boring, and I don’t want to sleep.”

“You don’t have a choice.” Hawkheart dabbed fresh herbs onto Tall’s wounds. “You have to get well. There’s been too much loss. First Brackenwing, and now your father.”

“But-”

Hawkheart glared at him, making him clamp his mouth shut.

Tall lay back in his bed as the healer left. The low roof seemed to press down on him. His breath quickened in the stale air. Tall longed to be out on the moor. He needed the wind in his hair and lungs. Fear churned through his stomach. How long would he have to stay here? Days? Weeks? As his mind spiraled into panic, Silvanus walked past the hut.

Tall sat up. The man hardly had a scratch on him. He’d probably fled at the first drop of water. The coward!

“Silvanus!” Hickorynose called. “Do you want something to eat?”

“Thanks,” Silvanus replied. “I’m starving.”

The young rogue came to join the tunnelers by the fire pit to eat.

Tall’s stomach rumbled. Was no one going to get him food? He was their Clanmate, and he was hurt worse. It was like they didn’t even care about him.

He’d killed Brackenwing. They all knew that. But had they forgotten what Silvanus had done to Sandgorse? As far as they were concerned, Sandgorse had been foolish enough to get himself killed. But Tall knew the truth.

Silvanus had killed his father.

Chapter Text

Tall was roused by the sound of footsteps in the clearing. He peeked through the entrance to see Hawkheart heading for the nursery. Meadowslip must be giving birth. It would be her third child. Tall wondered if it would be another boy.

Palebird emerged from the nursery. “It’s coming,” she whispered. The healer pushed her back into the hut.

Tall laid back down in bed. Being stuck in camp had made him feel tired instead of rested. He didn’t think he would ever run again. Every time he imaged training with Dawnstripe, or running across the moor, guilt made his throughts dark. He could see Sandgorse watching him from StarClan, eyes dark with a frown of disappointment.

The Clan was starting to cluster around the nursery. Lilywhisker and Whiteberry pushed their way to the front. Larksplash and Appledawn crowded around Palebird as she emerged from the nursery.

“Is Meadowslip okay?”

“Is it a boy or a girl?”

“Has Hickoyrnose seen it yet?”

Palebird’s eyes were bright. “It’s a girl,” she announced. “She has black hair. Hickoynose has named her Sorrel. Hop and Pigeon are delighted to have a little sister.” Palebird sat back, smiling. “She’s beautiful!”

Heatherstar smiled. “WindClan has a new warrior.”

Plumclaw eyed her sharply. “Let’s hope Hickorynose will want her to be tunneler.”

“Let’s hope they grow up healthy and strong,” Heatherstar said politely.

Bessie pushed between them, along with Roma. They seemed just as excited as the warriors. Silvanus watched from the Hunting Rocks, staring at the nursery while Hareflight and Redclaw flanked him.

“This is the best thing to happen to WindClan in months,” Hareflight enthused.

“It’s like you guys are lucky,” Redclaw gushed.

Tall flinched at his words. How could the Vagabonds be lucky? More bad things had happened than good since they’d arrived.

“Tall!” Roma emerged from the crowd. “Isn’t it wonderful? A baby in camp! I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Why do you care?” Tall huffed. “They’re not your family.”

Roma stopped, looking hurt. “Why wouldn’t I care?” she asked. “A baby is a baby, no matter where it came from. It is to be cherished.”

“Don’t act like you care about us,” Tall growled. “If you hadn’t come here, my father would still be alive.”

Roma gasped. “We helped fight off ShadowClan!”

“Silvanus let my father die!”

Silvanus turned his head at the sound of his name. He eyed Tall wearily, looking curious.

“It’s not Silvanus’ fault Sandgorse died,” Roma argued. “Your father knew those tunnels were unsafe, but he went down there anyway. Silvanus could have died, too!”

“But he didn’t,” Tall said coldly. He glared at Silvanus, but the man had turned away again. “Now he’s got more friends here than I do.”

“Why are you being so mean, Tall?” Roma whined. “That’s why you don’t have any friends. Whenever someone comes toward you, they’re afraid of you.”

“So?” Tall growled. “At least I wouldn’t kill them.”

“That right there is the problem,” Roma said, eyes hard. “I’ll talk to you once you learn to be nice again.” She turned and stomped off.

“Hey, Roma!” Shrew called, joining her. Together, they disappeared into the crowd around the nursery.

Tall headed for the camp entrance. They could all fawn over the new baby. He didn’t care.

“Wait for me.” Flailfoot’s rasped from behind him.

“I’m just going for a walk,” Tall muttered. “Don’t try to stop me.”

“I wasn’t going to.” Flailfoot fell in beside him. “Is this your first time out?”

“Since Sandgorse was killed?” Tall asked.

Flailfoot followed. “Sure.”

“Yeah, it is.” Outside camp, the wind snatched at Tall’s black and white cloak, making him shiver. He took one of the trails that led to the grassy slopes below the moor. The blossoms were beginning to fall, but as they dropped from the bushes they gave off a sweet scent. Tall breathed it in.

Flailfoot walked beside them. “You must have missed being outside.”

“I guess so.”

They weaved on in silence. As they broke out of the heather and onto the slope, Tall felt wind tug at his dark hair. He’d also forgotten how it could spark excitement. Suddenly, he wanted to run until his legs fell off. He glanced at Flailfoot.

The old man’s eyes glittered. “Go ahead,” he urged. “Run. I know you want to.”

Tall plunged forward. His legs felt stiff at first, but loosened as he raced across the grass. He ran as hard and as far as he could, screwing up his eyes against the wind. Flailfoot was a speck on the horizon. Tall whirled around to run back.

“Feeling better?” Flailfoot asked as Tall slowed to a halt in front of him.

“Yeah.” The restlessness that had suffocated Tall in camp had disappeared.

Flailfoot headed up the slope. Tall followed, catching his breath. “The sun’s always hotter on the moor.”

Flailfoot chuckled. “There’s no better feeling than the sun on your skin.”

Tall stared at the old tunneler. “You like it?”

“Of course.” Flailfoot kept walking. “The sky, the wind, the open moor- it’s all in the blood of everyone in WindClan. Even tunnelers.”

“I thought tunnelers liked being underground.”

“No one likes it at first,” Flailfoot said. “But we get used to the dark. And the challenge of building tunnels safely makes it interesting. But it always feel good to come out here.”

Tall looked up. Gray clouds were drifting in from the mountains, swallowing up the blue sky. “I love being out here more than anything in the world,” he confessed. “My father never understood that.”

“I think he did,” Flailfoot murmured. “In his own way.”

“No, he didn’t.” Tall stiffened. “I was a disappointment to him because I didn’t want to be a tunneler.”

“Every tunneler dreams of passing on their skills to their children. Of working side by side with their family.”

“Mistmouse didn’t,” Tall reminded him. “She’s glad Doe, Stag and Rye are moor runners.”

Flailfoot stopped. “Sandgorse wanted you to be happy.”

“He had a strange way of showing it.” Tall remembered the furious glare his father had given him after the gorge tunnel had been shut down.

“He didn’t know he was going to die,” Flailfoot rasped. “If he had more time, he would have forgiven you.”

Tall’s throat tightened. Even if he was a moor runner, would Sandgorse have been proud when he became a warrior?”

“Sandgorse loved you, Tall.” Flailfoot headed downhill, back toward camp.

Tall stayed where he was, looking at the sky. He wondered if Sandgorse was watching him. He sprinted down the slope, catching up with Flailfoot. “Can you tell me a story. About my father in the tunnels?”

“He was a great planner,” Flailfoot told him. “He could pick any route overground, then dig it exactly. He knew the tunnels better than any of us. But he hated worms.”

“Worms?”

“Yes.” The old man laughed. “Every time we hit soil with worms, he’d send someone else to clear it. He hated them.”

Tall laughed, amused that his father was apparently squeamish. Then sorrow took over. Why didn’t he know that before?

They were nearing the hollow and Tall could see the walls of camp silhouetted in the early morning light. He glanced at Flailfoot. The old man was completely relaxed in the sun. He wondered if tunnelers really did love the open moor. Tall had never imagined they enjoyed being aboveground. He thought they tunneled because they loved the dark, small space.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe called to him. “I have great news! Hawkheart says you can start training again.”

Tall halted. “Really?”

“Congratulations!” Flailfoot said.

Plumclaw and Woollytail looked up from where they sat outside their hut. “There you are, Flailfoot!” Plumclaw called.

“Tall?” Dawnstripe leaned closer. “Did you hear what I said? Aren’t you happy?”

Tall lifted his head. “I want to train as a tunneler.”

Woollytail jumped to his feet. “Did I hear that right?” He ran across the clearing.

Plumclaw followed. “What’s wonderful!”

Dawnstripe blinked in surprise. “But you wanted to be a moor runner.”

“I changed my mind,” Tall said slowly, trying to sound confident. “I want to continue my father’s work. I want to learn his skills and pass them on to my own children.”

“But you’re a great moor runner,” Dawnstripe argued. “And you’ve learned so much already.”

“I know,” Tall said. “But my father’s death has changed everything.”

Dawnstripe shifted. “I suppose I can talk to Heatherstar.”

“Thank you.” Tall wrapped his arms around her torso. “I’ll miss training with you, but I have to do this. For my father.”

Dawnstripe backed away. “Okay.” She turned and headed for Heatherstar’s hut.

Woollytail stopped beside him. “You shouldn’t do this just for your father’s sake. Sandgorse wouldn’t want that. I know he was tough on you, but that’s how all the tunnelers are. It doesn’t mean he wanted you to be unhappy. He was proud to see you fight for what you wanted, even if it wasn’t something he wanted. He’d have been proud to see you as a moor runner.”

“Oh, hush!” Plumclaw pushed past him. “Sandgorse would be delighted! And we need more hands underground. Tall will be a great tunneler.”

Chapter Text

“Is it true?” Bark lifted his head. “You’re becoming a tunneler?”

Tall walked down the slope and stopped beside him. “Dawnstripe asked Heatherstar about it yesterday. We’re finding out today.”

He crouched at the stream, cupping his hands in the water to drink. He’d been surprised to find Bark here. Tall had grown used to the healer apprentice avoiding him. They’d hardly spoken since Brackenwing had died.

Bark pulled a pot of water from the stream. “You don’t have to, you know.”

“I want to.” Tall sipped at the water in his hands.

Bark sat down. “Why?”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“But you loved being a moor runner.” Bark cocked his head.

“I’ll learn to love tunneling,” Tall said.

“Even Shrew was impressed by your hunting skills.” Bark didn’t seem to be listening to him.

“It’s just something I have to do.” Tall dipped his hands for another sip. “For my father.”

“Sandgorse wouldn’t want this. You’re throwing away your life just because he’s dead.”

“No, I’m not,” Tall growled.

Bark’s eyes burned. “Following his wishes won’t make you feel any better.”

Tall looked away. “The Clan needs tunnelers. It’s my duty.”

“Your duty is to be a good warrior,” Bark argued. “You could have been the best moor runner in the Clan.”

“I can be the best tunneler.” Tall stood up and walked back up the bank.

“This won’t bring your father back!” Bark called after him.

“This isn’t about him!” Tall stomped back to camp. He’d expected Bark to at least support him.

“Hey, Worm!’ Shrew was outside the camp entrance. “I hear you’re going to train as a tunneler. About time.”

Tall shrugged. “Relieved you don’t have anymore competition, Weasel?”

Roma pushed out of the camp. “Don’t be mean, Tall.”

“He started it!”

Shrew glanced at Roma. “Tall argues with his reflection,” he teased. “I can’t wait to train without him.”

Tall glared at him.

“Let all those old enough to hunt gather beneath Tallrock.” Heatherstar’s call was barely audible from outside the camp. The three pushed into camp, Tall excited. Was he getting his new mentor? He hoped it was Woollytail. Sandgorse has always wanted his friend to train his son. Tall raced for the Tallrock, his Clanmates joining him. Tall watched Dawnstripe sit down across the clearing, eyes round.

Tall hoped she wasn’t too upset. He hoped she’d understand.

“WindClan,” Heatherstar began, “you have known for a long time that I’ve had some doubts about our tunnels.”

“What’s she talking about?” Plumclaw whispered.

Hickorynose hushed her, staring at their leader.

“Tall has asked to train as a tunneler,” Heatherstar went on. “I admire his loyalty to his father and his courage to take on tunneling.”

Tall walked forward.

“However, I have made a decision,” Heatherstar said sharply. “And I’ve decided that there will be no more tunneling.”

Tall halted.

Reedfeather nodded solemnly. Aspenfall and Cloudrunner exchanged looks of approval.

“We don’t need the tunnels,” Heatherstar explained. “Our game runs aboveground, even in the winter. Our hunting tactics have evolved to catch even the most stubborn of animals. WindClan’s tunneling skills have served us for countless centuries, but this is a new dawn. Our moor skills are more important. We fight our enemies above ground. We must meet them there. We cannot hide in tunnels and hope they go away. We must train hard to be equal to the other Clans. It may take time and effort, but this will make WindClan stronger. Soon, the other Clans will learn to fear us.”

“They already fear us!” Plumclaw shouted.

“ShadowClan doesn’t,” Heatherstar said, gaze fixed on the tunneler. “Stonetooth spoke of us as though we were nothing but insects.”

“They think we’re worms!” Redclaw growled.

“We must prove we are warriors!” Aspenfall shouted.

“What about the tunnels?” Woollytail growled.

“We will never forget them,” Heatherstar promised. “But the tunnelers will be retrained as moor runners. We must block all the tunnels.”

“Block the tunnels?” Plumclaw gasped. “But we put in so much hard work to dig them!”

“I will not lose anyone else to the tunnels,” Heatherstar insisted. “And no more children will be trained as tunnelers. Ever.”

Rage surged through Tall. “My father died for nothing!”

Hickorynose put a hand on Tall’s shoulders. “That’s not true, Tall. His death was the final step we needed to close the tunnels.”

Tall stared at him. “Do you want to stop tunneling?”

Hickorynose glanced at the nursery. “I don’t want any of my children to die like Sandgorse. Or Leafshine. Or Finch. But I’ll tell them stories of my days in the tunnels and make sure they always remember all that WindClan has achieved.”

Mistmouse nodded. “This is the exact reason I requested for all my children to be moor runners. The tunnels are obsolete and dangerous.”

“Our days of hiding are over,” Cloudrunner declared.

“Hiding?” Disbelief filled Woollytail’s gaze.

“What Cloudrunner means to say is that its time we held our heads high.” Larksplash came to join them. “Once everyone in WindClan can fight, we’ll be the strongest Clan of all.” She glanced at the sky. “We live closest to StarClan. The tunnels block us from them.”

“WindClan!” Shrew cheered.”

“WindClan!” Aspenfall joined him.

“WindClan!”

“WindClan!”

Tall stared around in shock as his Clanmates cheered for the end of the tunnels. Woollytail backed away. From the rim of the hollow, the Vagabonds watched, murmuring in surprise. Silvanus looked away.

“Tall.” Palebird’s voice startled him. He jerked around to meet her gaze. “I’m glad you won’t be a tunneler.”

“But it’s what dad wanted!”

“He wouldn’t want you to die like he or Finch.” Palebird pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I couldn’t bear to lose you, too.”

Tall stared at his mother, confused. Heatherstar had snatched away the only chance he’d had to make his father proud. And everyone was cheering. Had the whole Clan lost their minds? He backed away from his mother and raced out of camp, crashing through the tunnel. No one could stop him from being a tunneler. He raced upslope to the high moor tunnel. Sheep were grazing in the distant. The rising wind ripped at his face, rain stinging. It hardened as he climbed the slope.

He’d teach himself to tunnel. Just like Shattered Ice.
Tall stopped at the tunnel entrance and stared into the darkness, suddenly afraid. His breath quickened as he remembered the suffocating closeness of the walls and the roar of the river chasing him.

He dove into the tunnel.

“Don’t even think about it!”

Hands gripped his cloak, throwing him backward. Dawnstripe dragged him out of the tunnel, eyes blazing.

“The tunnels are forbidden now!” she snapped.

“I don’t care!”

“You’re going to be a moor runner!” Dawnstripe shouted over the wind. “And I’ll be your mentor until you become a warrior.”

Tall noticed two figures coming toward them. “Is he okay?” Hareflight called through the rain. Shrew, walking beside his mentor, met them first.

“Poor Tall,” he said mockingly. “Heatherstar won’t let you be Worm. You should go in the tunnel anyway. You were born to live underground.”

“Shrew!” Dawnstripe glared at the apprentice. “That’s enough!”

Hareflight joined him. “Stop teasing him, Shrew.”

“This has gone far beyond teasing!” Dawnstripe snapped. “If Shrew were my apprentice, I would have slapped his head off.”

Shrew glared at Dawnstripe. “Why are you siding with a tunneler?”

Hareflight came to stand beside Tall. “You shouldn’t have run out in the middle of a Clan meeting,” he fretted. “You worried everyone.”

“No one’s worried about me,” Tall growled. “I killed Brackenwing, remember?”

Shrew narrowed his eyes.

“The Vagabonds will think we can’t control our apprentices,” Hareflight went on.

Tall turned on him. “Who cares what a bunch of rogues think?” he growled. “If they had any sense of honor, they’d have left after they killed my father.”

Dawnstripe scoffed. “No one killed your father!”

“You’re an idiot!” Shrew growled. “You’re an embarrassment to WindClan. No one even likes you. Go live underground like the worm you are. We won’t miss you.”

Tall threw himself at Shrew, grabbing his shoulders and tackling him to the wet grass. Shrew shouted, trying to push him off. Tall punched at his face, not stopping until he felt Shrew’s nose crack under his fist. Hands closed around his shoulders, pulling him back. As Shrew stood up to attack, Hareflight grabbed his arms, pulling them behind his back.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe’s eyes were wide with shock. “You never attack your Clanmate!” She pointed toward the sheep. “Go work off your anger and collect wool.”

Tall stomped off, blinking through the rain. Shrew’s words stung his brain.

Maybe we was right. No one liked him anymore. They wouldn’t care if he was gone.

Chapter Text

Tall shivered against the wind. It whipped at the moor, carrying the chill of Autumn. While the Clan moved restlessly around him, he stared across the valley toward Highstones. Below him, the trees had turned mottled with orange and red hues.

“Won’t you say good bye?” Dawnstripe called.

Tall looked past her to the Vagabonds, lined up along the ridge. They were finally leaving. He had hardly even looked at them since the tunnels have been closed down. How could his Clanmates continue treating them as friends?

“Come on,” Dawnstripe urged. “Heatherstar expects WindClan apprentices to show courtesy to our guests.”

“Fine,” Tall growled. He followed Dawnstripe across the grass.

The elders were saying farewell to the Vagabonds. Lilywhisker hugged Bessie. “Take care,” she rasped. “I hope winter treats you well.”

“Bye, Silvanus,” Flamepelt said. “Thanks for hunting for us.”

Menowin raised his head. “Thanks for sharing your hut with us.”

Lilywhisker’s eyes were teary. “I’ll miss you.”

Shrew pushed past Tall and stopped in front of Roma. “I had fun with you.”

Roma’s eyes glowed. “So you don’t mind me after all?”

Shrew dropped his gaze, blushing. “Sorry if I was hostile at first.”

Roma winked. “I forgive you.”

Shrew hurried back to Hareflight’s side.

Heatherstar walked forward with Reedfeather. “WindClan wishes you well. Until next year, my friends.”

Silvanus nodded. “Indeed.”

Algernon stepped forward. “Thanks for your hospitality.”

“Let’s hope winter is easy on us all,” Bessie said. She turned and began heading down the slope. The others followed. Roma ran to catch up with her.

Lilywhisker sighed. “I’ll miss Silvanus. He was a great hunter. He always made sure we were fed.

“We’ll keep you fed,” Tall growled, watching the Vagabondd move over the moor. He wondered where they were heading. By the looks of it, they’d need to cross the Thunderpath.

Tall hoped a carriage hit them.

Silvanus was dark against the grass. Rage surged through Tall. How could he just leave? He was just walking away- no remorse, no punishment. Meanwhile, Tall had lost his father and his friends.

It was because of Silvanus that the tunnels have been closed. It was because of Silvanus that Tall could never fulfill his father’s dreams.

“Tall?” Doe’s voice surprised him.

“What?” He snapped his attention to her.

“We’re heading back to camp.” Doe turned toward the others. The Clan was moving steadily across the moor, Heatherstar and Reedfeather at the front. Redclaw walked close to Palebird, their hands intertwined. Tall narrowed his eyes. The two had grown close since losing their spouses, sharing their grief.

“Come on!’ Doe led him away.

Tall jogged to catch up with his Clanmates. He’d be a warrior soon, then a senior warrior. He might even live long enough to become an elder and share stories with the new children of the Clan. Above the vast sky stretched toward the distant horizon, the Clan seemed smaller and fragile. Was this really it? His life was laid out for him.

Tall’s chest tightened. He suddenly felt trapped.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe called. “Let’s hunt.” She veered away from her Clanmates. “Let’s try by Outlook rock.”

Tall followed, glad to stay on the moor. He hoped the sound of the wind would drown out his anxious thoughts.

Chapter Text

Tall plunged through the camp entrance, skidding to a halt. Chest heaving, he glanced over his shoulder as Shrew followed.

“Ha!” Tall barked. “I beat you.”

“I tripped over a rabbit hole,” Shrew panted.

“Should have looked where you were going,” Tall said, heading for the firepit. He’d been training all day and his stomach was growling.

Dawnstripe and Hareflight followed them into camp.

“Tall.” Dawnstripe headed toward him. “Your battle moves were lazy today. Is something wrong?”

Tall stared at her. “No.”

“Are you sure?” Dawnstripe narrowed her eyes. “You seem out of it. I know it’s that time of year again.”

The Vagabonds had left once more, and autumn was approaching. This was the exact time five years ago that Sandgorse had died. Every year, Tall tried to distance himself as much as possible.

“Your final assessment is coming up. You need to concentrate.”

Tall didn’t see why it mattered anymore. He didn’t need to become a great warrior. Sandgorse had been a great warrior, and his Clan had forgotten him all the same.

“What do you think?”

Tall suddenly realized Dawnstripe had been speaking to him. “What was that?”

“The Moonstone,” she said. “Aren’t you excited?”

Tall blinked. “We’re going?”

“That’s what I just said! We’ll leave tonight. Get something to eat then go to Hawkheart for traveling herbs.”

Tall nodded, feeling a sudden spark of excitement. Perhaps he could see Sandgorse in StarClan.
In the healer’s hut, his stomach full, he peered around the cave. The screen of vines on the open side made it look dark and the jumped aroma of flowers and leaves made Tall sneeze. How could Bark live like this?

“Over here!”

Hawkheart’s voice made him jump. He hadn’t noticed the healer in the shadows. Hawkheart walked across the sandy floor, nodding toward leaves heaped beside a smooth, wide stone at the side of the cave. There were two piles.

“Do I eat them both?” Tall asked.

“If you want,” Hawkheart grunted. “But I wouldn’t. They don’t taste too good, and Shrew won’t be happy about you eating his share.”

Tall’s heart sank as Shrew slid into the hut. He spotted Tall and rolled his eyes. “You’re coming, too?”

Tall took a step toward him. “Yeah, I am. Deal with it.”

Hawkheart stepped between them. “One day you two will need to learn some companionship.”

Tall scowled. Shrew was the one who insisted on being a jerk.

Hawkheart pushed a pile of herbs toward him, and pushed the other heap to Shrew. “Eat these,” he muttered, walking away.

Shrew wrinkled his nose in disgust. “They smell terrible.”

Tall held a leaf to his tongue. The bitter flavor made him wince, but he wanted to outdo Shrew. He swallowed them quickly, trying not to let his disgust show. “Don’t be a baby,” he said, heading for the entrance. “They’re not that bad.”

Bark met him outside. “Did you swallow them?” His eyes were round.

Tall nodded.

“Once the taste has gone you’ll be thankful,” Bark promised. “It’s a long journey, and they’ll give you energy.”

Dawnstripe and Hareflight were waiting by the entrance.

“I have to go,” Tall said.

“Try to remember everything,” Bark warned. “StarClan will want to give you wisdom. It’ll be important.”

“I’ll try.” Tall hurried across the clearing to Dawnstripe. “How long will it take to get there?”

Dawnstripe glanced at the sun. It was dipping toward the horizon. “We have until midnight to reach the Moonstone.” She glanced at the healer’s hut to see Shrew approaching. “Ready?”

Tall nodded. As the bitter taste of the herbs subsided, he felt excitement race through his blood. He was leaving Clan territory to speak with StarClan!

Once outside of camp, Dawnstripe stopped. “We’ll have to cross the Thunderpath,” she warned. “Behave and be careful.” She caught Shrew’s eye. “And no bickering. You will both be mature like warriors.” She turned and headed upslope.

On the high moor, a cold wind sliced through Tall’s bones. He shivered, watching the sun slide down the sky to touch Highstones, setting their peaks ablaze.

“Come on.” Hareflight pointed to the moon, already showing in the pale sky. The full moon had been a few days ago, and was still round and dazzlingly. Once the sun had set it would be a brilliant light. “We need to hurry.”

Tall quickened his pace. They passed the border markers at the bottom of a slope, sending a thrill through Tall’s body. He was outside Clan territory! He scrambled to a halt before he crashed into the others. Dawnstripe had stopped while Hareflight and Shrew warily approached the dirt path.

A carriage trotted past, pulled by two black horses. Two more followed soon after, traveling in the other direction. For the most part, the coachmen ignored them. One sent a glance their way, then a nod of recognition.

“I thought townsfolk didn’t like us,” Tall said, staring after the man as he whipped the reigns.

“Some of them don’t,” Dawnstripe explained, jogging out into the path. “Others don’t mind us.”

Tall followed quickly. Just as they got across, the sound of a wooden carriage tottering could be heard in the distance.

“It should be quieter on the way back,” Dawnstripe said. “They don’t travel as much at night.” She led the way along a line of bushes, turning as the path led them upslope. They trekked through meadows of long, wet grass. The land sloped up and down, making Tall’s legs ache.

The stars were shining in the black sky by the time the lush fields gave way to tough grass. The land steepened and the grass turned to stones beneath their feet. Hareflight wrapped his cloak around him. Dawnstripe paused to gaze across the rocky terrain. Heather dogged the slope, clinging to the stones with spindly roots.

Tall looked up. Highstones rose above them, so tall they blocked the mountains behind. Moonlight washed over the rocks. He could hear Shrew panting and glanced over his shoulder. The young boy’s eyes were clouded with exhaustion, his shoulders drooping. For a moment, Tall felt a flash of sympathy. “We’re nearly there,” eh said.

Dawnstripe stared up the slope at a large, square hole. “There’s Mothermouth,” she said.

Tall approached the hole, forgetting his exhaustion in exchange for excitement. Stones cracked behind him as the others followed. Tall looked over his shoulder at the valley that stretched back toward the moor. WindClan territory seemed so small from up here.

“Let’s go, Tall.” Dawnstripe was climbing past him onto a smooth ledge. She was sitting on the threshold of Mouthermouth. Hareflight and Shrew followed her. Tall joined them.

The ledge was smooth and icy beneath him. But the inside of the cave seemed wet and frozen. Tall walked into the shadows, heart pounding as the tunnel swallowed him.

“Let me lead.” Dawnstripe’s footsteps echoed through the darkness.

Tall was happy to fall in behind her, staying close. He could hear Shrew and Hareflight following. Tall’s heart fluttered like a trapped bird. This tunnel was much bigger than the WindClan tunnels, but it was just as far from light and fresh air. Tell felt the immense darkness pressing in around him. His throat tightened as the air seemed to grow thicker.

As Dawnstripe took the lead, Tall sped up, frightened by the darkness and still air. Suddenly, the air turned cold, piercing through his skin to grip his bones. Ahead, he could hear the distant echo of watching dripping onto the stone floor. He wondered how deep underground the Moonstone would be. Steadying his breath, he focused on his own footsteps, latching on to the sound. If there was an echo, that meant the space was open.

“You seem nervous. Aren’t you at home down here, Worm?” Shrew harped.

“Hush, Shrew!” Hareflight scolded.

Tall’s mind whirled as he tried to fight back panic. Every footsteps took him further underground. What if he had to travel here one day alone? Was StarClan watching him, disgusted by his fear?

A stream of warm air slapped Tall in the face. He halted, hearing Dawnstripe’s footsteps stop.

“We’re here,” she announced softly. “This is the cavern on the Moonstone.”

Shrew shoved past Tall. “Where is it?”

“I think a cloud is covering the moon,” Hareflight said. “Be patience.”

Tall took in a deep, refreshing breath. There was fresh air, which meant there must be some opening to the surface in the cavern. Suddenly, a beam of silver light sliced down through the dark. Tall squirted as it cast a glow over a huge stone.

The surface of the rock glittered like sunshine on water, sending light rippling across the dark walls. Tall backed away.

“Don’t be afraid.” Dawnstripe stepped forward and crouched in front of the stone. “Come lay against it. You too, Shrew.”

“Do we have to touch it?” Shrew asked, coming closer.

Hareflight joined Dawnstripe. “It’s the only way to meet with StarClan.”

Shrew approached the Moonstone warily. He sat down with his back to his, then slowly leaned back to rest against it. He closed his eyes. Immediately, his chest fell nearly still, body falling limp as sleep overtook him.

“Your turn, Tall.” Dawnstripe beckoned for him to come closer. “StarClan wants to see you.”

Tall moved closer, heart swelling. Would he get to see Sandgorse? Or Brackenwing? He sat down beside the rock and took a deep breath.

As soon as his back hit the rock, he was plunged into darkness. He snapped his eyes open to find himself standing. He was sinking into mud, rain lashing his face. A churned field stretched out in front of him, with a line of bushes on the other. They rattled in the cold wind.

Tall saw several figures ahead, silhouetted in the rain. He immediately recognized them as the Vagabonds, trudging through the storm. One by one, they disappeared behind a lightning struck tree. Tall followed, ducking under the low branches. He halted beside the charred tree as they found a trail to follow.

He blinked and the vision was gone. Settings flashed through his head, so quickly he could hardly recognize them in time. Town, a dense forest, a chattering river sparkling in the sunlight. Tall blinked again, desperate to find someone from StarClan.

The Moonstone glowed behind him. He was back in the cavern. But why hadn’t StarClan visited him? Fear wormed into his stomach. They hadn’t even spoken to him! He stood up and backed away, noticing Shrew was still resting peacefully.

He wondered if StarClan was ignoring him because he’d killed Brackenwing. Or perhaps because he hadn’t been able to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Tall’s heart twisted with sorrow.

Dawnstripe raised her head. She and Hareflight sat at the edge of the cavern. “How did it go?”

Before he could answer, Shrew jumped up. “I met StarClan! They-”

“Don’t!” Hareflight stood up. “Do not share your dreams of StarClan with anyone. They were meant for only you.”

Dawnstripe nodded. “Unless you’re a healer, or StarClan specifically tells you to tell someone.”

“Let’s get back,” Hareflight said. “I’ll lead.”

Hareflight turned and led the way out of the cavern. Shrew and Dawnstripe followed with Tall in the rear. He glanced over his shoulder at the Moonstone as he headed out of the cavern. The huge rock glittered frostily in the moonlight. He wondered why StarClan hadn’t shared anything with him. Cold air washed over him as he stepped into the darkness, then numbness filled with limbs.

The journey out of the tunnel seemed shorter than before. Tall blinked in the moonlight, seeing Hareflight and Shrew sliding down the rocky slope.

“Took you long enough,” Dawnstripe murmured. She waited for Tall to join her at the bottom of the ledge. Tall walked in silence. As they reached the meadows, he could hardly feel the wet grass slapping at his ankles. He felt exhausted.

The sky turned pale as they neared the WindClan border. The THunderpath was quiet.

Dawnstripe watched Tall as they walked up the slope to the moor. “Are you okay?” she prompted.

“I’m fine.” Tall quickened his pace. “Just tired.” He glanced up the slope, then back toward Highstones. They were catching the fire of the rising sun, turning yellow in the light sky. The jagged peaks loomed over the valley, piercing through the clouds. WindClan territory suddenly seemed small. It was hemmed by the forest, crushed by the sky and cut short by the river.

But it was home.

Eager to get some sleep, Tall sprinted down the hillside toward camp. The Clan was already stirring. Lilywhisker and Whiteberry were yawning at the entrance to their hut. There was a crowd at the Tallrock, where the Clan waited for Reedfeather to dish out the patrols.

“Tall!” Hop scrambled across the clearing, stumbling. He’d been born with a slightly kinked foot that made it hard from him to walk and run. ‘Did you see the Moonstone?”

“Yeah.” Tall smiled at the young boy. He was the oldest of Meadowslip’s children, and would be an apprentice soon.

Sorrel, the youngest, raced after her brother. She skidded to a halt in front of Tall. “Did you see the Moonstone?”

“Yeah.”

Her eyes stretched wide. “Was it big?”

“Bigger than Tallrock. And the color of the stars.”

“Did you touch it?” Pigeon, the middle child of the group, joined him.

“You’ll find out when you’re an apprentice.” Tall was too tired for questions. “Why aren’t you with your mother?”

Pigeon puffed out his chest. “She says we’re old enough to play without her watching.”

“Yeah!” Sorrel squeaked.

“Do you want to play with us?” Hop asked hopefully.

Tall stifled a yawn. “Later. Right now, I need a nap.”

Chapter Text

Bright sunshine turned the trees golden. Tall took a step forward, standing at the very edge of Outlook Rock. Under the sweeping blue sky, he spotted a dog herding its sheep, along with a carriage teetering down the Thunderpath and a group of children from town playing near a stream.

“There’s a dog chasing sheep in the meadow,” Tall reported.

Dawnstripe nodded from behind him, her arms crossed. “Anything else?”

“A grouse near the willow copse. Someone has lit a fire in town, but it’s not big.” He could see smoke rising from one of the houses. He knew the townsfolk often lit fires inside their houses to cook food and keep warm. Feathers flashed through the sunshine and Tall turned his attention to a hawk diving toward the meadow. “There’s a hawk hunting a rabbit.”

“Impressive. You didn’t miss a thing,” Dawnstripe said. “Let’s move on to the battle part of your assessment.”

Tall turned away from the edge to follow Dawnstripe to the training ground. He thought about that hawk, probably sitting in a treetop, feasting on its catch. He wondered what it was like to only hunt for one’s self. No elders and children to feed, no patrols to take- just freedom to do what you wanted when you wanted.

“Tall?” Dawnstripe’s voice jerked him back to reality. “Are you ready”

Shrew was waiting in the middle of the clearing with Hareflight. “How did it go?” the warrior asked.

“He passed the assessment easily,” Dawnstripe replied.

“Good.” Hareflight nodded. “Shrew did the same.”

“They’re doing fantastic.” Dawnstripe gestured for Tall to join the other apprentice. “Now, let’s test their battle skills. If they perform well here, they’ll have passed everything.”

Tall crossed the grass to join Shrew, who was eyeing him belligerently. Tall sighed, wishing the older boy wasn’t so competitive. They could pass this assessment easily if they gave each other the chance to show off their own skills. He crouched down, relaxing his muscles. He needed to move easily for this. They wouldn’t draw their weapons for this, which meant they needed their might and wits.

“Ready when you are,” he said to Shrew.

Shrew narrowed his eyes. “You go first.”

“Fine.” Tall wouldn’t let Shrew get to him. Not today. He focused on Shrew’s left shoulder, then leaped for his right. The feint worked. Unbalanced, Shrew staggered to the side.

Shrew’s eyes blazed. “You cheated!”

“You shouldn’t have let yourself be tricked so easily.”

Shrew lunged at Tall. Grasping Tall’s shoulder, he slammed his knee into his stomach. Tall was impressed, letting Shrew throw him to the side. Shrew wrapped his fingers around Tall’s throat tightly. “You won’t fool me twice, Worm.”

Tall flinched. “Easy! We’re not supposed to hurt each other.”

“Warriors always hurt each other!”

Tall threw Shrew off. Pain sliced through his throat. He could feel bruises blossoming. Shrew turned to face him, eyes gleaming. Tall took a step back. If Shrew was going to play rough, Tall would do the same.

Shrew attacked. Tall dodged to the side. Shrew twisted to reach for him and Tall ducked, sweeping his leg out and catching Shrew in the shin. The older boy crashed to the ground.

“Ow!” Shrew shouted as he landed on his back. “You said not to hurt each other!”

“Warriors always hurt each other. Remember, Weasel?” Tall sneered.

He lunged at Shrew, kicking and sending Shrew sprawling on the ground. But Shrew recovered quickly and jumped at him. Tall yelped as Shrew’s fist met with his stomach. He collapsed to his knees.

Pain flashed through Tall’s spine as Shrew drove his elbow into the back of his neck. He twisted to grab Shrew’s arm, but was too slow. Shrew moved out of the way.

The older boy laughed, backing off. “You fight like a child! Only an idiot would have gone for my arm instead of my leg. No wonder you couldn’t save Sandgorse.”

Fury roared through Tall, turning his blood to fire. Without a second thought, he drew his spear and jab it at Shrew’s leg. Shrew couldn’t move in time and screamed as it stabbed into his flesh. Tall twisted the blade, throwing Shrew to the ground. He jumped on the older boy, punching at him with blow after blow.

“Tall!” Dawnstripe’s shout finally made him halt. She grabbed Tall’s shoulder, throwing him back.

Hareflight jumped in front of him, shielding Shrew. “What are you doing?” His eyes were wide with horror.

Tall blinked. Shrew lay on the ground, trembling and bloody.

Dawnstripe glared at Tall. “You never draw your blade against a Clanmate!”

Tall stared at her, heat pulsing through him. “I’m sorry!”

Beside him, Hareflight checked Shrew’s wounds. Shrew moved away. “I’m fine,” he insisted.

But Tall could see that wasn’t true. His leg was bleeding badly, and it looked like a tooth had been punched in. His entire face was bruised and bloody. How much worse would it be in Dawnstripe hadn’t stopped her apprentice?

“It wasn’t all your fault,” Dawnstripe said, gripping his shoulders. She glared at Shrew. “He should know not to say something so cruel.”

“Yes,” Hareflight agreed, eyes narrowed. “But Tall should also know not to attack a Clanmate.”

“It won’t happen again,” Tall promised, but panic stabbed at his heart. Would he fail his assessment? He could have killed Shrew!

Dawnstripe headed for the heather path. “Let’s get back to camp.”

Tall followed, dreading what Dawnstripe would tell Heatherstar. Doespring and Stagleap were just leaving camp as they reached the entrance.

Stagleap smiled. “How did it go”

Doespring’s eyes widened at Shrew’s bloody lips. “What happened?”

Hareflight answered. “Tall lost his temper.”

Stagleap blinked in surprise as Tall stared at the ground, face turning red.

Shrew shrugged. “I was heckling him. You know I can’t resist.”

Hareflight swiftly slapped his apprentice on the back of the head.

“Go see Hawkheart,” he growled. “Dawnstripe and I will speak with Heatherstar.”

Stagleap shot Tall a questioning look, but Tall looked away. “I’m thirsty,” he muttered, following the trail around camp to the spring. As he rounded the corner, he slowed. He could hear voices up ahead.

“Are you sure?” Tall recognized Redclaw’s raspy voice.

Palebird answered him. “Yes. Six months. I want Tall to be the first to know.”

“Of course,” Redclaw said. “I’ll tell my boys, too. I’m sure they’ll be pleased. Maybe they’ll stop fighting.”

Tall cocked his head.

Palebird lowered her voice. “I’d like to tell him by myself.”

Tall turned the corner. “Tell me what?”

“Tall!” Palebird’s eyes were bright. “I have good news.”

She turned to face Redclaw, who reached out to hold her hand. He nodded, although he seemed worried.

“Redclaw and I are getting married,” she said. “Because we’re expecting a child.”

Tall felt as though the ground had lurched beneath him. “A child with...him?” He glared at the moor runner.

Redclaw nodded. “Yes.”

“B-but what about dad?” Tall said. “You can’t just leave him like this.”

“Your father is gone, Tall,” Palebird said with a sad smile. “It’s time I move on. Redclaw has been there for me. More than Sandgorse ever was.”

“After both losing our loved ones, we learned to share each other’s grief,” Redclaw explained. “Sometime during all that, we fell in love. I don’t mean to intrude on your family, Tall. I’ll never be the father Sandgorse was, but I’ll love your mother just as much.”

Tall backed away, staring at her mother. She was betraying his father...with a moor runner, no less! Sandgorse wouldn’t want this.

And, worst of all, this meant he and Shrew were brothers now!

Tall looked between them. Redclaw’s smile was gentle, begging him to understand. Meanwhile, Palebird seemed completely oblivious to his pain. “Whatever makes you happy,” he growled, turning away. He marched back into camp.

A crowd surrounded the Tallrock. Cloudrunner looked toward him. “Come on, Tall!”

Aspenfall and Larksplash settled near the edge of the hollow. Mistmouse and Appledawn were discussing something in hushed voices while Plumclaw, Hickorynose and Meadowslip sat close together. For the first time, tunnelers and moor runners were sitting together.

Hop, Pigeon and Sorrel approached the crowd. “We want to sit here,” Hop said.

Meadowslip shooed them away. “Go sit beside the nursery. You can see just fine from there. We don’t need you getting under everyone’s feet.”

Tall spotted Heatherstar standing in the middle of the hollow. Reedfeather stood a few feet behind her while Hareflight and Dawnstripe flanked him. Shrew raced over to meet Redclaw as he entered camp, although his gaze fell upon seeing Palebird as well. Redclaw ruffled his son’s hair, shooing him off.

Shrew turned away, looking up at the sky.

Dawnstripe caught Tall’s eyes, beckoning him forward. Did this mean he’d passed? Her eyes shone and she nodded to him. Tall stared at her in surprise.

He looked at his mother, expecting to see a proud smile. But instead, she was gazing fondly at Redclaw.

She had found a new family to replace the one she’d lost. Her new child wasn’t even here yet, but she’d already forgotten her other.

“Come on, Tall.” Dawnstripe called.

“It’s your naming ceremony!” Palebird finally approached him. “What a wonderful day!”

Tall narrowed his eyes. “Yeah,” he said flatly. He hoped her new child would make her happy, because it seemed he never would.

Heatherstar nodded. “Winter is on its way, but we will face it with two new warriors.” She looked at Shrew. “Your warrior name will be Shrewclaw, in honor of your hunting and fighting skills. You have trained well and are worthy of your warrior name.”

Shrewclaw puffed out his chest, smirking.

“Tall.” Heatherstar’s eyes glowed as she turned to face him. “On the day you were born, your father picked out your warrior name. He wanted you to be called Talltail. With his blessing from StarClan, I will grant his wish. From this day forward, you will be known as Talltail. Sandgorse would be proud.”

Talltail stared at his leader. He wanted to feel excited, or happy, but he just felt numb. A thorny cage was wrapping around his heart. Heatherstar gazed at him, smile faltering.

Around him, his Clanmates began to cheer.

“Talltail!”

“Shrewclaw!”

They lifted their voices to the sky, celebrating the newest warriors.

Tall glanced at Palebird. She was pressed against Redclaw, eyes bright. Talltail swallowed back the sadness welling in his throat. Was she proud of him, or happy about her new family?

At that moment, with his Clanmates cheering his name, he’d never felt so alone.

Chapter Text

The stars shimmered in the black sky. Sitting at the edge of Outlook Rock, Talltail gazed beyond the mountain peaks that scored the horizon like jagged teeth. What lay beyond? Had anyone ever traveled that far? His breath billowed in front of him, and the stone was cold beneath him. The chilly autumn night carried frost over the moor.

He was sitting vigil with Shrewclaw. A wolf howled below, an owl landed on a tree in the distant. Talltail strained to hear the flapping of its wings. A light appeared in town, catching Talltail’s eyes. He wondered if the townsfolk went to sleep at this time, same as the Clan. He wondered exactly what each of them were doing right now. How many lives were being lived, far from his view?

Talltail’s thoughts drifted to the Vagabonds. Had they passed town? Would they take shelter there for the winter? Maybe they lived in town during the cold season and just pretended to be rogues to impress the Clan. He shifted, trying to bring life back into his freezing legs.

“Too cold?” Shrewclaw whispered. “You could find a tunnel to warm up in. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Sure you wouldn’t.” Tall glared at him. He thought once they became warriors, Shrewclaw would have the maturity to let him be. “Don’t you ever get bored of me?”

“I could never, brother.”

The word was more of a spit than a title. Redclaw had told his sons about his relationship with Palebird. Barkface was reserved about it, just as Talltail was. Both of them wanted their parent to be happy, they just hadn’t expected this. Shrewclaw, on the other hand, was appalled.

“We’re not supposed to be talking.” Talltail’s eyes followed a cloud wisping over the moon. “StarClan won’t approve.”

“They don’t approve anyway,” Shrew growled. “You shouldn’t have your warrior name after what you did today.”

“If you wouldn’t have been such a jerk, I wouldn’t have attacked you.”

“I was just messing around,” Shrewclaw snapped.
Talltail snapped his attention to the older boy. “Disgracing me and my father is not messing around, you halfwit demon.”

“It certainly is not.”

Heatherstar’s voice made Talltail jump. He turned and saw her violet gaze in the shadows. She walked onto the rock.

“You know you’re not supposed to speak doing the vigil, right?” Her eyes were narrowed.

“Sorry, Heatherstar,” Talltail said, lowering his head.

“Talltail started it,” Shrewclaw muttered.

Heatherstar glared at him. “I wanted to check on my newest warriors. How is everything?”

“Cold,” Shrewclaw said.

Talltail looked out over the valley. “The world is so big,” he said. “I wish I could see it all.”

Heatherstar turned away. “No more talking,” she reminded them, walking off.

It was the last incident of the night. The new warriors stayed silent, both fighting off sleep until the sun began to rise. Talltail stifled a yawn, glad to see the sky beyond the forest beginning to glow.

He reached over to rap his knuckles against Shrewclaw’s chest. “It’s dawn.”

Shrewclaw grunted, jerking. He’d been half asleep. “What?”

“It’s morning, idiot.”

“I knew that.”

Talltail stared out from the rock, watching the valley stir. Carriages emerged from town, teetering down the Thunderpath. A wolf howled once more before quieting down. The meadows stirred to life as dawn turned the leaves green. Finally, the sun lifted its head over the forest.

Talltail heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Reedfeather.

“You’re still awake.” The deputy seemed pleased.

Talltail stood up, stretching. Beside him, Shrewclaw yawned. “I feel bad for any apprentice who becomes a warrior in winter.”

“Hunting will warm you up,” Reedfeather offered.

Shrewclaw blinked. “Right now.”

“Sounds good to me.” Talltail hopped off the rock. He was eager to stretch his legs.

Down the path, he could see Doespring and Aspenfall approaching.

“They’re awake!” Aspenfall called.

“Of course!” Shrewclaw jumped off the slab and landed beside Talltail.

“You must be freezing,” Doespring said. “And tired.”

“Not tired enough to skip out on a hunt,” Reedfeather said. “They can join our patrol.”

Talltail raised his head. “Where are we hunting?”

Reedfeather nodded toward a patch of heather on the hillside. He moved toward it, Aspenfall at his side. Shrewclaw ran to catch up while Doespring fell in beside Talltail.

“Did you hear about Palebird and Redclaw?” she asked. “Isn’t it exciting?”

Talltail scoffed. “Sure.”

Doespring stared at him. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy for them?”

“Sure.”

“When did you get so selfish, Talltail?” Doespring growled. “Your mother has lost so much. This is her chance to start over.”

“And leave me behind.” Talltail stopped dead in his tracks. “She should have stayed faithful to my father. She’s disgracing his memory by marrying some moor runner.”

“You always think about yourself, but never your Clanmates,” Doespring said. “Palebird is finally happy again, and so is Redclaw. It’s great to have a new baby soon. You should be just as happy as everyone else, but you won’t let yourself be."

Before he could reply, she broke into a run, racing ahead.

Shrewclaw veered away. “I see a rabbit!”

Doespring whipped around and gave chase, Aspenfall and Reedfeather on her heels. Talltail watched as they leaped over the bushes. He didn’t want to follow. He’d rather hunt alone, where no one could tell him what to do or how to do it. He headed up the moor top.

He stepped lightly over the grass. Low lumps covered the ridge and Talltail recognized them as burrows. He dropped into a crouch and began to stalk, spear drawn. Something moved at the edge of his vision. He turned to see a pair of long, brown ears sticking out above the grass.

Tall held his breath. The rabbit kept its head low, grazing. Talltail moved closer, keeping low. He could hear the rabbit munching on the grass stalks. In the distance, he could hear his Clanmates crashing through the heather.

Talltail leaped.

The rabbit raced away. Talltail gave chase. Now the small animal was less than a length away.

Suddenly, its white bobbing tail disappeared. Talltail skidded to a halt. “What the…?” He whirled around and noticed he’d jumped right over the covered entrance to a tunnel. The rabbit had plunged through it and disappeared underground.

Talltail threw the mesh aside and plunged into the darkness. He could hear tiny paws scrabbling a length ahead of him. He stabbed forward. The rabbit squealed as the blade jabbed into its back.

“What do you think you’re doing?” came a disbelieving voice from above. Aspenfall was standing in the entrance to the tunnel.

Talltail bent to pick up the rabbit, then emerged from the darkness. “Hunting.”

“We don’t hunt underground anymore.” Aspenfall’s eyes were wide with concern. “Heatherstar said it wasn’t safe.”

“I chased it down here,” Talltail explained, pointing to the ridge.

“The tunnels are forbidden now,” Aspenfall said.

Shrewclaw appeared over the ridge. “Has Wormtail been digging in the tunnels?”

Anger surged through Talltail. He threw the rabbit at Shrewclaw. “No. I was hunting.”

Aspenfall stepped between them. “Calm down, Talltail. It’s going to be hard for all of us to remember that we don’t have the tunnels to hunt in. Come on, let’s get back to camp.”

Talltail grunted as Shrewclaw threw the rabbit back at his chest. He gripped it hard, trying to keep his temper under control.

He was a warrior now, but the only thing that hadn’t changed was Shrewclaw. His mother was remarrying, his father was dead, and the tunnels had been shut down forever.

What had WindClan come to?

Chapter Text

Talltail sat stiffly in his bed. His breath billowed as he peered out of the moor runner’s hut. Even with the tunnels shut down, the warriors still slept in two separate huts. Talltail wondered how long that would last.

He strained to hear the noises from the nursery. Stagleap was fast asleep in the bed beside him. Cloudrunner and Appledawn laid close together. Larshplash and Dawnstripe were sitting up, listening to the moans rising from the nursery. Outside, Redclaw was pacing back and forth.

“She’ll be fine,” Plumclaw reassured the father.

“Hawkheart’s with her,” Mistmouse soothed. “He’s done this a million times.”

Hop scrambled out of the elder’s hut, where he and his family were waiting while Palebird gave birth. “Is the baby here yet?”

Sorrel pushed past her older brother. “Of course not! If it was, Hawkheart would have told us.”

Talltail stood up from his bed. There was no way he could get back to sleep. Palebird sounded like she was in terrible agony, moans growing into screams. Talltail walked toward the elder’s hut. “These things take time,” he told the children.

Pigeon emerged. “I don’t remember mama making so much noise when Sorrel was born.”

“You don’t even remember when Sorrel was born,” Hop said. “You weren’t old enough.”

Another agonized wail echoed through the camp. “I think so,” Talltail lied. Meadowslip had been a lot quieter than this. He wondered if something was wrong.

Meadowslip nudged Pigeon out of the way and walked out of the hut. “She’s tough. She can do this.”

Talltail nodded, looking up at the sky. He prayed StarClan wouldn’t let Palebird lose this child. It would just be too cruel.

Lilywhisker followed Meadowslip, brown eyes gleaming. “It’s always hard for a laboring mother.”

Talltail watched the nursery as Pigeon, Sorrel and Hop began to chatter.

“I won’t be the youngest anymore!” Sorrel said.

“I can’t wait to show the baby around camp,” Pigeon declared.

“It’ll stay in the nursery for a long while,” Meadowslip warned him.

“We’ll teach it how to play tag,” Hop said. “And how to climb the Hunting Stones.” He limped over to the smooth rocks and scrambled onto the highest one.

Talltail remembered when he had been Hop’s age, when Sandgorse had taught him how to dig. The memory made him shiver. If only he hadn’t fallen into that hole, he might have chosen to be a tunneler. Everything would be different.

Silvanus would have still came. He still would have persuaded Sandgorse to risk his life in the tunnels.

The dark anger that lurked in the pit of his stomach swam into his throat.

Pigeon was staring at him. “Are you okay?”

Tall blinked. “I’ve had a long day,” he lied.

Barkface squeezed out of the nursery, heading toward the healer’s hut.

Talltail intercepted him. “How is she?”

“Tired.” Barface’s eyes were dark.

Talltail’s stomach turned. “Will she be okay?”

“I can’t promise anything.” Barkface met his gaze. “Hawkheart knows what he’s doing. She’s in good hands.” He hurried toward the healer’s hut. Talltail turned toward the nursery, feeling anxious.

Doespring emerged from the moor runner’s hut. “You were born on a clear night like this, Talltail.”

“How do you know? You were hardly a year old.”

“I have the best memory in the Clan. You were such a loud baby! Stagleap once shoved you out of the nursery one night so he could get some sleep.” She giggled. “Sandgorse heard you crying and took you back inside.”

Barkface emerged from the healer’s hut with a handful of leaves.

“Palebird’s lucky to have two healers looking after her,” Doespring said. “She’ll be fine, Talltail.”

As Barkface pushed back into the nursery, a shrill wail sounded from the hut. Doespring’s eyes lit up. “It’s here.”

Hawkheart stuck his head out. “Come on, Redclaw. It’s time to meet your daughter.”

Redclaw stared at the healer for a long moment. Cloudrunner nudged him forward. “Thank StarClan, it’s a girl! I don’t think I can handle another son of yours.”

Redclaw nodded and squeezed into the nursery. A few minutes of silence passed, then he reemerged, eyes glittering.

Talltail raced to him. “Is my mother okay?”

“She’s great.” Redclaw met Talltail’s gaze. “Come meet your sister.”

Weak with relief, Talltail followed Redclaw into the nursery. Barkface moved aside.

Hawkheart lifted his head. “She’s very tired,” he warned them.

Just enough moonlight filtered through the structure for Talltail to make out his mother laying in her bed, hair ruffled and face sweaty, her eyes glazed. A tiny shape laid in her arms. Talltail moved closer.

Hawkheart stepped back. “She’ll be fine after a day of rest,” he said. “Just a few minutes, gentlemen.”

Palebird stared at him. “Will I have enough milk? How will I keep her warm?”

“You’ll be fine, Palebird,” Hawkheart said. “Come on, Barkface. You should find Shrewclaw.”

Palebird gazed up at Redclaw anxiously. “You’ll help me, right?”

“Of course.” Redclaw knelt beside her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “You’re a wonderful mother. Right, Talltail?”

Talltail forced himself to smile. “The best.” He looked down at the baby girl. “Have you named her yet?”

“Not yet,” Redclaw said. “We will when Palebird has her strength back.”

Talltail looked closer at his little sister. She had a tiny tuft of brown hair on her head and darker skin like Palebird.

“She looks like Finch,” Redclaw murmured fondly.

Palebird nodded, her eyes glistening with happy sorrow.

Talltail pushed back outside. Barkface was waiting. “She’s perfectly healthy,” he said.

“Good.” Talltail headed for the entrance to camp.

“Where are you going?”

Talltail glanced at his friend. “I’m going for a run.” He fixed his eyes on the entrance. “Do you want to come with me?”

The moon was sinking, which meant dawn would break soon.

“Sure.” Barkface jogged to catch up with him.

Talltail lead the way out of camp, climbing the slope. “Is my mother really okay?” Talltail asked.

“She’s just fine.”

“She seemed tired.”

“It was a rough birth.”

“Will the baby survive?” Talltail didn’t think his mother could take another lose.

“She’s a fighter, just like you,” Barkface said with a smile.

They walked in silence for a while. Talltail veered toward Outlook Rock. “I love this place,” he said, stepping onto the stone.

Barkface peered over the edge. “Why?”

Talltail sat down, swinging his legs over the edge of the slab. “Just wait.”

“For what?”

The sky was growing pale as the sun pushed over the horizon behind them. Glancing over his shoulder, Talltail saw weak rays seeping through the ThunderClan forest. “Just a moment,” he told Barkface. As he spoke, the sun lifted above the trees. Sunlight swept the moor, setting it aflame with a dazzling light.

Barkface gasped. “I’ve never seen that before!”

“Can you see the mountains?”

Barkface narrowed his eyes. “Mountains?”

“And there’s more land beyond them, I bet,” Talltail said. “Places no Clansfolk has ever seen.”

“Or will ever see,” Barkface commented.

Talltail turned on him. “Why not?”

“Why would anyone journey that far from home?”

“To explore!”

Barkface shrugged. “The Moonstone is as far as I’ll ever need to go. There’s plenty to see on the moor. I still haven’t learned every herb that grows here.”

“Don’t you want to discover new herbs, growing in places no one has ever gone?”

Barkface stared across the valley. “I could never leave. My Clan needs me.”

Talltail sighed. “I wish my Clan needed me.”

“Of course we do!”

Talltail shrugged. “I thought I could replace my father as a tunneler,” he murmured. “I thought I could be useful then. But Heatherstar said we don’t need tunnelers anymore. Now my mother has a new husband and a new baby to love. She doesn’t need me.”

“Yes, she does!” Barkface exclaimed. “And so will the baby.”

Talltail shook his head. “It’s not just that. I...I think I need to find Silvanus.”

“What? Why?” Barkface’s eyes widened.

“He killed my father,” Talltail searched his friend’s gaze, hoping for understanding or sympathy.

“But Sandgorse’s death was an accident,” Barkface said. “It wasn’t Silvanus’ fault.”

Talltail’s anger swelled in his throat, choking him. Why couldn’t anyone see how Silvanus had killed his father and walked away without injury? He glowered at the valley, wondering where Silvanus was now.

Barkface followed his gaze. “Everyone has their own path to follow,” he murmured. “And only StarClan knows where it will lead.”

“What if it leads beyond the Clans?” talltail growled.

“Beyond the Clan?”

“What if my destiny is out there?” Talltail swept his hand forward.

“On our own?”

“Yes.” Talltail glared at the distant fields, scanning for movement.

“Do you want to be a rogue?” Barkface demanded, shocked.

“Of course not! Can I only be a warrior in a Clan?” He turned to look at Barkface. “The warrior code must reach beyond the borders, right? Courage, honor and loyalty don’t end at Highstones.”

“You’re just feeling unsettled because of the new baby.” Barkface climbed to his feet. “Once you’ve gotten used to it, you’ll feel better.”

“Sure.” Talltail watched as Barkface walked onto the grass, doubting his words.

“I’d better get back,” Barkface called. “Hawkheart will be looking for me.”

Talltail turned his gaze back toward the valley, wondering where his path led. He glanced at the sky. Would StarClan send him a sign? His heart sank when there was nothing but silence. His warrior ancestors hadn’t even shared with him at the Moonstone.

He was on his own.

A bird called from the valley. Another answered it. Talltail listened. Those birds weren’t troubled by dead birds watching them, making decisions of their behalf. He didn’t care what StarClan thought.

He would choose his own path.

Chapter Text

Talltail climbed out of his bed, ready for the dawn patrol. Stagleap and Shrewclaw were still asleep, so he tip toed past their beds. They must have returned late from the previous night’s Gathering. Talltail had been asleep by the time they’d returned.

Freezing fog filled the camp. Dawn light seeped through the mist. The only thing left in the food storage was a single crow leg. He picked it up and took it to the nursery, sliding inside and putting it down. It would be thawed by the time Palebird, Meadowslip and the kids woke up.

It had been a few days since Palebird had given birth to Wren. Talltail was proud of his younger sister. Palebird often laid her in the clearing so she could get some sun. She always seemed to be happy, cooing and giggling as she reached up toward the sky.

Palebird lifted her head, yawning. “Talltail?”

“Do you need something?” Talltail asked.

“Go away,” Palebird grunted. “You’ll wake up the kids. They kept us up all night asking about the Gathering.”

Talltail ducked out of the hut, heart stabbed from Palebird’s words. Appledawn was stretching near the warrior’s hut. Hareflight was yawning near the Tallrock while Cloudrunner had his arms crossed, staring at the food storage.

Cloudrunner lifted his head. “We could go hunting,” he said.

“I’ll go,” Talltail said.

Appledawn headed for the entrance, Hareflight at her side. Cloudrunner joined them, leading the way out of camp. Talltail shuddered, following them over the icy earth. “Why way?”

“Let’s try by Fourtrees,” Cloudrunner decided. “Anywhere close to the forest, when it’s cold like this.” Instead of taking the path, he crushed the frost bitten heather. Talltail veered around the bushes, running to meet them on the other side. “Why don’t you hunt near the RiverClan border?” Cloudrunner asked. “Hareflight and I will search around here.” He glanced at Hareflight.

Appledawn camp up beside him. “I can do that.”

Cloudrunner nodded. “You can hunt with Talltail.” He pointed toward the scrubby hillside that linked the woods above Fourtrees to the river. Suddenly the warrior’s eyes narrowed.

Two dark figures were weaving between the bushes just below RiverClan’s border.

“The River must be frozen,” Hareflight said. “That must be why they’re hunting on land.”

“They never mentioned it at the Gathering,” Cloudrunner growled.

Talltail rolled his eyes. “Why would they? No Clan likes to admit they’re starving.”

Cloudrunner glared at him. “Just keep your guard up. Hungry Clans cross the borders.”

Talltail though that was common sense. If Clans didn’t break the borders, they’d starve. Talltail turned to head downhill. Appledawn hurried to keep up. “I hope we find a rabbit,” she said. “I’m starving.”

“If we could use the tunnels, there’d be plenty,” Talltail muttered. Bushes dotted the slope as it flattened toward the river. The soil was crumply, sandy enough to resist the freeze. This area was populated by rabbits in the cold season, since the ground was easy to dig through.

“We might as well check the border while we’re here.” Appledawn walked toward a bramble that spilled over the grass. She brushed its branches back to step over it.

Talltail headed for a clump of ferns. Suddenly, the earth seemed to tremble. Footsteps were heading this way. Talltail raised his head. Something was running at him, not even slowing as it crossed the border. The ferns swished and a rabbit hared out. A woman exploded after it, a man on her heels.

He recognized Nightsky of RiverClan as she streaked after the rabbit. Piketooth followed, eyes wide. Talltail watched, rooted to the spot with shock. The rabbit veered across the slope and Piketooth chased it, picking up speed as he hit the open grass of WindClan territory. He outflanked the rabbit and drove it toward Nightsky. She pulled back her arm and threw her spear. It stabbed right into the rabbit.

“What are you doing?” Appledawn shouted. “You're on our territory!”

Talltail ran ahead of her. He slowed as he neared the RiverClan warriors. They spun around, eyes wide. Nightsky picked up her catch, holding it to her chest protectively. Piketooth drew his sickle. Talltail skidded to a halt. They looked leaned and hungry, their skin ashy and eyes dull.

“Quick,” Talltail whispered. “Get out of here.”

They stared at him.

“Hurry!” He could hear Appledawn approaching.

Nightsky darted back toward the border. Piketooth tore after her, nodding to Talltail as they passed.

“What are you doing?” Appledawn gasped, skidding to a halt beside him.

“I tried to stop them!” Talltail panted. “But they were so fast. They must be really desperate.”

“They stole from us!” Appledawn snapped.

Movement flashed in Talltail’s peripheral. Hareflight and Cloudrunner were running down the slope. On the other side of the border, Talltail saw Nightsky and Piketooth disappear into the ferns.

Cloudrunner stopped. “What happened?”

“Talltail let RiverClan steal our food!” Appledawn growled.

Talltail glared at her. “They chased it across the border from their territory. Technically, it was theirs.”

Appledawn shook her head. “Once it crosses the border, it belongs to us.”

Cloudrunner faced Talltail. “You let them get away?”

“I didn’t let them do anyway,” Talltail said, chin high. “They ran off before I could stop them.”

“You let them kill it,” Appledawn put in.

“They killed that rabbit before I had even reached them. Besides, didn’t you seem them? They looked half starved. I think they could use it more than we can.” Talltail didn’t understand why his Clanmates were being so cruel. “Do you want the other Clans to die?”

Hareflight took a step forward. “We take care of our own Clan first.” He glanced up the slope toward camp. “We have people to feed, too.”

“Then let’s hunt,” Talltail said.

Chapter Text

“Your Clanmates aren’t happy.” Heatherstar sat at the back of her hut, legs crossed and back straight.

Talltail sat in front of her. Why was everyone making such a big deal of that stupid rabbit? “It was originally on RiverClan territory.”

“So you say.” Heatherstar sighed. “But we must feed our own Clan first.”

“They were already chasing it,” Talltail reasoned. “It wouldn’t have run onto our territory if they hadn’t chased it.”

Heatherstar leaned forward. “What’s the matter with you, Talltail” Her eyes were round.

“There’s nothing the matter,” Talltail said.

“I know you’ve been having a hard time accepting our mother’s new family.” Heatherstar’s voice was sympathetic. “Losing Sandgorse did a number on you as well. I’m sorry you couldn’t be a tunneler, but I had to do what was best for the Clan.” She took a deep breath. “If there’s ever anything you want to talk about, I want you to know you can come to me. Or Dawnstripe.” She frowned. “I worry that you hold back from your Clanmates. You keep to yourself. Being part of a Clan means sharing your burdens. You have friends here, Talltail. They are here for you.”

Talltail nodded, feeling uncomfortable. “Can I go now?”

Heatherstar nodded. “Of course. Just remember what we talked about.”

“Thanks.” Talltail jumped up and left the hut.

Bakface was waiting for him in the clearing. “I need to talk to you,” he said urgently.

“About what?”

“Come on!” Barekface led him outside camp to the spring. The water bubbled past, lapping over the rim. “Do you remember what you said at Outlook Rock a few days ago?” He turned to face Talltail. “You asked what would happen if your destiny laid beyond Clan territory.”

Talltail nodded. “What about it?”

“You said it was possible to be a warrior beyond Clan territory.”

“Yeah.”

Barkface went on. “You wanted to find out what was out here.”

Talltail narrowed his eyes, getting irritated. “I know, Barkface, I’m the one who said all that. Is there a point to this?”

“I went out on the moor this morning,” Barkface said. “I was gathering sheep wool and I found this.”

He held up his fist and opened it. Out sprang a tuft of wool colored black and white.

Talltail stared at him. “Cool.” He said flatly.

“Look at your cloak. It’s the same pattern.”

Talltail looked back at his cloak, wondering if he’d somehow lost a tuft of it. But it was all there- no rips or tears. “Okay. So?”

n

“It’s a sign!”

“A sign?” Talltail was still confused. “A sign of what?”

“Look what else it does.” He held it up in the air and let go. The tuft flew into the air, yet there was no breeze. It was whisked away over the moor. “See? It just flies. No wind or anything. You think your destiny lays beyond the Clan, and I think StarClan agrees.”

“You think StarClan wants me to leave?” Talltail felt cold. Were they banishing him from the Clan? “Do you think I should?”

“No!’ Barkface shook his head. “Of course you don’t have to. But if you truly believe your destiny lies beyond our borders, I think StarClan wants you to follow it.”

Talltail saw his friend’s eyes glowing with conviction. Slowly, he nodded. “Okay, Barkface.” he climbed up the bank. “I’ll think about it.”

“Trust your instincts, Talltail,” Barkface called after him.

Talltail lifted his gaze toward the moor. He wondered what was out there, beyond the mountains. He knew the moor like the back of his hand. He could picture it like a mental map.

Suddenly, excitement surged through him. He belonged out there, and StarClan agreed. His destiny was to leave his territory and seek revenge on the man who had killed his father. He could see it all clearly now. His Clanmates didn't think Silvanus had anything to do with it, but StarClan understood.

He would leave the moor.

Talltail ran back to camp. He had to tell Heatherstar. He needed to leave as soon as he could.

“Talltail!”

As he entered camp, Palebird raised her arm and called to him. “Can you come here, dear? I need you to watch Wren for a few minutes.”

“Not now, mom,” he said briskly. “I need to speak with Heatherstar.”

Palebird started at him. “But you just spoke to her. Besides, she’s busy.” She nodded to where Heatherstar and Reedfeather were sitting in front of the Tallrock, talking in hushed voices.

“She won’t be too busy for this.” Talltail tried to move toward them, but Palebird stood up to block his path. She thrusted a bundle into his arms- Wren, wrapped up in a soft blanket.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She smiled at him, then whisked away.

“Mom!” Talltail sighed. He looked down at Wren. The baby girl was staring up at him, a smile on her lips. She reached her grubby hands up to grasp at him. He couldn’t help but smile. “Hey, there. Mama left you again, huh? It’s okay, she’ll be back.”

Suddenly, he felt a pang in his heart. He’d never know his half sister’s warrior name. He’d never see her grow up.

“I’m kind of busy right now,” he told Wren, knowing the newborn wouldn’t be able to understand him. “Why don’t you spend some time with Lilywhisker? She loves to babysit.”

“Don’t volunteer me like that!” Lilywhisker called from the elder’s hut, her tone humorous. Nonetheless, she limped over to take Wren.

“Lilywhisker,” he said softly. “Thank you for always being kind to me.”

She blinked in surprise. “Um...no problem, Talltail.”

Talltail backed away before she could question him. “I have to speak with Heatherstar,” he said. He turned toward the Tallrock. “Heatherstar. I need to speak with you.”

She looked up, her eyes dark. Then she turned to Reedfeather. “We’ll finish this later,” she murmured. “Alright, Talltail. Come with me.”

He followed her into her hut. “I have to leave WindClan,” he blurted out before Heatherstar had even sat down.

“Leave WindClan?” She repeated absentmindedly. She turned to face him. “What for?”

“Silvanus killed my father,” he said bluntly. “He has to be punished. And I think StarClan wants me to find him.”

“Tailtail, when are you going to let that go?” Heatherstar said. “It was over five years ago. If you have a bone to pick with Silvanus, wait until the summer.”

Talltail shifted. “It’s more than that,” he admitted. “I want to see the world. I want to know what’s beyond the Clans.”

Heatherstar frowned, gaze drifting. “Okay.”

“My Clanmates don’t understand. I don’t even think they like me.”

“They respect you,” Heatherstar said. “But you have a short temper and bad attitude. It makes them uneasy.”

“That’s why I have to go,” Talltail confessed. “I feel trapped here. I want to see the world.”

“This is your home.” Heatherstar cocked her head. “The world is the same out there as it is here. We are all trapped between the sky and the earth. Out there, you’ll still need food to eat and water to drink and air to breathe. Those wants and needs don’t go away just because you leave. And it’s even worse out there. You’ll have no Clan to protect you. No one to help you hunt, no healers to look after you if you get hurt.”

Talltail nodded. “I’ll be free.”

“You’ll be free,” Heatherstar repeated.

Talltail leaned closer. “Barkface had a sign from StarClan.”

“Barkface is talented with herbs.” Heatherstar’s eyes sparked. “But Hawkheart is the one who reads signs from StarClan.”

“The sign said I should leave.”

“You must choose your own path.”

“I thought we had to do what StarClan tells us.”

Heatherstar laughed. “Our ancestors were once alive like us. They know we shape our own destinies.”

Talltail nodded. “If I leave, will you try to stop me?”

Heatherstar sighed. “No, I won’t. Even if I try, you’ll find a way to sneak off. But you should say goodbye to your Clanmates first.”

“Do I have to?” Talltail swallowed. They’d ask questions. More questions than Heatherstar had asked. Some of them would be harder to answer.

Nonetheless, he followed Heatherstar out of the hut.

“WindClan!” Heatherstar called her Clan together. “Talltail has something to say.”

Aspenfall put out the fire with a pot of water before joining them. Cloudrunner got to his feet and crossed the clearing. Hareflight and Shrewclaw fell in beside him. Mistmouse and Hickorynose emerged from their hut. Redclaw handed Wren to Palebird before coming over as well.

“What’s going on?” Palebird called.

Lilywhisker, Flailfoot and Flamepelt emerged from the elder’s hut. Hawkheart ducked out of the healer’s hut.

“Do you know what this is about?” he asked Barkface, who came out behind him. Barkface looked down.

Dawnstripe pushed to the front of the crowd. “What’s going on?”

Talltail took a deep breath, surprised by the concern in his Clanmate’s eyes. Did they care about him after all? “I’m leaving WindClan,” he announced.

“Leaving?” Dawnstripe’s eyes were wide. “Why?”

“I have to.” Talltail nodded. “I’m sorry, Dawnstripe. My destiny lies beyond the Clan.”

“Don’t be stupid.” Woollytail stared at him. “This is your home.”

Talltail didn’t want to argue with them. He pressed on. “Redclaw, look after my mother.” He glanced at Palebird. She hadn’t joined the meeting, instead sitting outside the nursery and cooing over Wren.

“Palebird,” Meadowslip called. “Your son is leaving WindClan.”

Palebird snapped her head up. “What?”

Talltail glanced at Heatherstar. “It’s just something I have to do.”

Heatherstar took a step forward. “Being part of a Clan is a choice, even when you’re born into one. If Talltail wants to leave, he’s free to do so. Our hearts and thoughts will always be with him.”

The Clan stared at their leader in astonishment. They couldn’t believe Heatherstar was letting him do this.

Talltail couldn’t either.

It was almost like she wanted him to leave.

Hareflight came forward and laid his hand on Talltail’s shoulder. “May StarClan light your path.” he sounded baffled.

“May StarClan light your path,” Cloudrunner murmured.

“When will you be back?” Palebird stood up, eyes wide.

Talltail scanned the clearing. “Never,” he said.

“You can’t let him do this.” Dawnstripe turned on Heatherstar.

“I can’t stop him,” Heatherstar reasoned.

Before anyone else could argue, Talltail pushed past the crowd.

“Talltail!" Doespring gasped. “I’ll miss you.”

“Me too,” Stagleap called.

“How can you just leave?” Shrewclaw growled. “The Clan needs strong, young warriors. You can’t do this!”

Talltail blinked in surprise. He thought Shrewclaw would have been glad to see him go. “The Clan survived before I was born, and it’ll survive long after I’m gone.”

“Is this because of me?” Shrewclaw murmured. “I’m sorry for bullying you all these years. It was just a joke.”

“Jokes can be hurtful,” Talltail commented. “But it has nothing to do with you. There’s something I have to do.”

“Good luck.” Lilywhisker’s rasping voice sounded behind him. He turned to face her.

“Thank you, Lilywhisker.” He turned for the camp entrance, refusing to look back. If he did, he might have second thoughts.

He couldn’t believe he was actually leaving.

It had been so easy, it was like StarClan was willing him to go. Fear and excitement surged through him.

“Talltail!” Barkface followed him out of camp. “Can I walk with you? Just to the edge of the territory.”

Talltail slowed. “Sure.”

Barkface fell in beside him as they skirted the heather and began climbing the slope to the moor.

“You used to be happy here,” Barkface said.

“I used to.” Talltail’s heart swelled as he remembered his first day of training, when he’d outran Stagleap. And all the times he’d raced his friends across the moor, fast as a bird, wind streaming over him. His first catch, his first Gathering, his first time at the Moonstone. “But I won’t be again until Silvanus pays for killing my father.”

Barkface let his hand brush over Talltail’s arm. “Do you really think that will change anything?”

“Of course!” Fury stirred in Talltail’s stomach. He wanted Silvanus to suffer, just as Sandgorse had.

“Will you come home afterwards?” Barkface murmured.

They reached the peak of the moor. Talltail looked out across the valley, the wind lifting his cloak. “Good-bye, Barkface.” He turned to face his best friend. “You’re a fantastic healer.”

Barkface bit his lip, sorrow and longing filling his eyes. “What if I came with you?”

Talltail shook his head. “Your place is here, taking care of the Clan. I’ll miss you, Barkface.”

Before Barkface could get out another word, Talltail turned and sprinted down the slope. He didn’t look back.

Barkface was not in his future. His future lay ahead of him.

Chapter Text

Talltail halted at the Thunderpath, nodding to the coachmen teetering a carriage past. He waited for it to pass, then walked across. Somewhere out here was Silvanus. That heartless rogue would pay for killing Sandgorse.

He stepped over the bushes on the far side, wondering which way the Vagabonds went. He scanned the landscape. A muddy field stretched ahead of him, bordered by brown hedges. Overhead a buzzard circled, its wings outstretched to catch the wind. Talltail crept along the side of the field, keeping close to the hedges as the ground sloped upward. A wide, muddy track formed the far edge of the field, uneven and specked with stones. Ditches ran on either side. Talltail hesitated, wondering whether to keep to the hedge and trek through the long grass, or leap the ditch and follow the stony track.

Instincts told him to keep close to the hedge, but the grass whipped his legs, soaking them and making his skin itch. Nettles grew thickly among the roots, turning green. Talltail sighed, backtracked and leaped the ditch.

Everything was so different. Ever noise was strange. He hoped he was going the right way. Talltail lifted his chin. He needed to be faster. The Vagabonds would travel fast, comfortable with their usual paths.

He glanced at the sky. The sun was sliding toward Highstones. Was this the way to Mothermouth?

There was a barbed fence nearby, looming in the distance. Talltail, legs long enough to manuver over it, stepped over and onto the white stone. The clearing was wide, walled by stone on either side.

He knew this must be the small cluster of houses that sat between the Thunderpath and Highstones, sheltered among the curving fields. The tall, wooden wall must be part of a house. He remembered its roof was wide and square. Lights had shone from the smaller houses, but he’d never remembered seeing movement in this one.

Keeping low, Talltail crept toward it, stomach growling. He hadn’t eaten yet today. He scanned the wall, searching for gaps in the wood. A dark barked, growing louder. He spun around to see two black and white dogs hurtle toward him, eyes blazing with anger.

Talltail ran, skidding on the smooth stone. The dogs tumbled after him, jaws snapping. They must be guarding this place. The wooden wall loomed ahead. He veered, heading for the corner. A stone wall blocked his way. He leaped, gripping the top and pulling himself up. He knelt at the top, staring down as the dogs tried and failed to jump after him.

He panted and looked around. The wall was between two houses. He might be able to jump onto the roof of one. Slowly, he crawled across the top of the wall and stood up. He jumped up, gripping the shingles of the house’s roof and pulling himself up.

The roof was mostly flat. Below, the ground was so far away he thought he might be able to fly. His stomach growled, but he didn’t want to climb down just yet. Shadows swallowed the space beyond the grass, growing deeper as the sun set. He might as well sleep here for the night. The roof was flat enough no one would be able to see him.

He threw his cloak over himself and curled up. For the first time in his life, he was all alone.

And he couldn’t be happier.

Chapter Text

Talltail woke with a start, heart racing. The sky was pale above him, and his bed felt stony.

The roof of the house.

He sighed and peered over the edge. The dogs had gone. He scrambled onto the wooden wall, then to the ground.

No dawn patrol. No hunting for the elders. Someone else would have to help Flailfoot with his bedding and Meadowslip babysit the kids. Excitement surged through him.

He was free.

A dog barked in the distance. Talltail stiffened. He needed to move on, and fast. Besides, he needed to hunt, and there was nothing to hunt in town.

He walked around the base of the house, scanning the wooden wall. The cluster of houses seemed bigger in the bright light.

Talltail broke into a run, racing away from the cluster of houses. Out here, the land sloped upward. To one side he could see past the line of trees to the distant Highstones. Would the Vagabonds had traveled past there? Talltail narrowed his eyes. Why would they? Didn’t they prefer to mooch over other people? They wouldn’t be able to hunt up there.

He looked the other way and spotted a smooth, grass path at the edge of the tree line. That was the sort of route he thought they might like. He trekked along it, glancing into the shadowy woods. Would they have gone in? The trees would give shelter. He should check it out.

He shuddered. The trees and their leaves shut out the sky. Taking a deep breath, he headed into the forest.

His heart quickened as the wind died down. It made the branches rattle, but hardly touched him. As he passed a slender ash, he heard it creak ominously. Talltail darted forward, fear flaring. Would the trees fall down? Would they crush him? The dark gray sky glowered above, but didn't give enough light to create shadows. Instead, the trunks of the trees were swallowed up by the gloom, filled with brambles to trip unwary feet and holes to make him stumble.

A rabbit scurried out of his path. Birds sang in the trees. His stomach grumbled, but it was still too dark to hunt properly. He’d have to wait to get out of the trees.

The ground sloped upward, but Talltail leaped easily up the rise and scrambled onto rocky overhangs until he reached the crest. He was still in the forest, but the light shone more evenly up here, the trees spaced farther apart. He breathed in the damp air, wondering what he was heading for. Along the ridge or down the side?

A sudden aura hit him. A man, but not from any Clan. It reminded him of town, carrying something smoky and artificial. Could it be Silvanus?

Had his journey already come to an end? Perhaps the gypsies had stopped in this forest for during the winter. He looked down to see footprints in the mud. He followed them. They lined up with the aura trail, which headed down the slope and around some brambles.

Talltail’s thoughts whirled. He was going to find Silvanus! He knew it. He imagined finding the traveller and creeping up on him. He imagined stabbing his spear through the man’s throat. He nearly squeaked with excitement as he hurried forward, leaping over muddy puddles.

A figure darted ahead of him. Triumph surged through him. He broke into a run, skidding around the bush. Then he leaped, tackling the man. “I found you!”

He froze, eyes wide.

The shocked old man stared back at him. His hair had once been black, but was now graying at the roots. “What in God’s name are you doing?”

Talltail jumped off. “Sorry! I-I thought you were someone else.”

The man stood, dusting himself off. He was older- much to old to be Silvanus. And shorter. “Who did you think I was?”

“Someone else,” Talltail repeated.

“Not a friend, I suppose.”

“Not really. Just someone I used to know.”

The man eyed him up and down. “You must be from one of the Clans,” he grunted. “I hope there aren’t more of you out here. The last thing we need is you croodies causing trouble.”

“There aren’t,” Talltail said. “I’m on my own. I’ll get out of your hair if you answer a few questions.”

The old man snorted.

“I’m looking for a group of nomads. They called themselves Vagabonds. They come to the moor in the summer, but travel the countryside any other time.”

“I know a group of folks like that,” the man said.

“Their leader is this big guy with orange hair. His wife is short and kind of fat with black hair. They have a daughter.”

“Slow down, boy,” the man muttered. “These old ears need time to process.”

Talltail took a deep breath. “Have you seen them recently?”

“Perhaps.”

“When?”

The man thought for a moment. “Few weeks ago, actually. They were staying at Jacob’s house.”

“Where’s Jacob’s house?” Talltail had seen countless houses and he didn’t know anyone named Jacob.

“Head east back toward town. Big gray stone house on the edge of town. Weathervane on top.”

East? Weathervane? Talltail didn’t know what any of that meant. But he hadn’t seen a lot of big gray stone houses on his journey. That description was good enough.

“They might have moved on by now,” the man warned. “But Jacob will know where they went.”

Talltail nodded. “Thanks for your help.”

He turned and headed back through the trees. He was going to find Silvanus. He wondered if the Vagabond was ready for him.

Chapter Text

Talltail plunged down the hillside, skidding as the slope steepened. Bracken whisked past his ankles, dragging at his pant legs. He pushed on, relieved when the slope flattened out. He paused at the bottom. Ahead, the trees were thinning, light showing beyond them. Talltail hurried forward, relaxing as he finally reached the edge of the woods and walked out. The drizzle had turned to rain, making him narrow his eyes against it. Keeping low, he crossed the grass, ignoring how his clothes clung to his body.

He was nearing a Thunderpath.

He slowed. He’d have to cross it. Luckily, it was empty. It seemed like it hadn’t been used in awhile. He glanced both ways, then walked across.

Brambles, nettles and ferns spilled across his path. This side of the forest was so dark he could hardly see. He wondered if he was anywhere near the Wild Forest that lay beyond ShadowClan territory.

He walked beneath the trees. Eventually, the trees thinned again, replaced by rough shrubbery and shriveled bushes that rattled in the wind. A smaller Thunderpath appeared ahead of him, leading away from the moor and curving around the forest. Talltail followed the Thunderpath.

He walked faster, wanting to find shelter from the rain.

Above him, there was a small patch of blue sky. The clouds were starting to thin. Glowing at one edge was the golden pink sun. Talltail sighed as it hit his skin, warding off some of the cold rain. Ignoring his rumbling stomach, he pushed through the trees.

Birds tweeted in the branches, making his stomach growl more. He had to find food. He needed to be strong when he caught up with Silvanus. He paused for a moment and noticed a dark shape hopping near a bush.

A raven.

He dropped into a crouch, drawing his spear off the sheath on his back. After a moment, he leaped at it. The raven raised its head and gave flight, but Talltail was faster. He stabbed at it. The raven gave a dying caw as its heart was punctured, then fell limp and dropped to the ground.

Talltail got to work making a fire. He went back into the forest where it was densest, trying to find dry enough sticks. StarClan must have been watching over him, because he was able to find a sizable bundle from a try thorn bush. Going back to his catch, he set about making a fire.

Tonight was the first night he’d had a decent meal since leaving the Clan. He relished the flavor of the raven, eating as much as he could. It felt amazing to have a full stomach again.

Just as he was taking one of the last bites, a growl rumbled behind him.

He whipped his head around. A massive gray wolf loomed over him, teeth glistening, eyes sparking with rage. The smell of the cooked meat much have caught its attention.

It lunged, In the same instant, Talltail rolled away. Jaws snapped near his shoulder, nipping him. Screaming in pain, Talltail stood up and raced out of the forest.

A Thunderpath lay in front of him, but it was empty. On the other side lay a town. He fled across it and ducked between two houses. Swerving onto a stone path, he kept running, Shapes blurred around him as he ran. People on the street turned to look at him with wide eyes.

Eventually, chest heaving, Talltail stopped. He glanced over his shoulder. The wolf hadn’t followed him. Red stone walls loomed over him on three sides. Blood welled on his shoulder were the wolf had managed to catch him.

Sunshine sliced between the walls, striping the middle of the passage. Talltail trembled, dazed and sore. Panic swirled in his stomach. How would he ever find his way out of town? He wished he’d taken Barkface with him now. He could use a healer.

No, he could do this himself. He’d chosen to go out on his own.

“Are you okay?”

The voice made him snap his head up.

A figure stood at the entrance to the alleyway. It was a short, stout man, around Talltail’s age. He had orange hair and wore a button up shirt.

“I’m fine,” Talltail growled.

“You’re bleeding.”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Why was a couthy worried about him? He thought the townsfolk didn’t about the Clans.

“What’s your name?” the man asked. “I’m Jacob Chamberlain the second. But you can call me Jake.”

“Jacob?” Talltail repeated. “I’m looking for someone named Jacob.”

“You must be looking for my father then. He helps folks who pass through here. Now what’s your name?”

Talltail hesitated for a moment. “I’m Talltail. Your father- can you take me to you?”

“Talltail,” Jake repeated. “You must be from one of the Clans. I’ve never meant one of your kind before.”

“Can you take me to your father?” Talltail growled. Why was this man so keen on small talk? Were all townsfolk this absentminded?

“Oh, right.” Jake turned on his heel. “This way, Talltail.”

Talltail followed Jake through the town. Now that he was taking time to look around, he realized the town wasn’t as much of a maze as he thought it was. It was laid out like a grid. There were even strange markings on flat metal and wood that marked the streets.

They were nearing the edge of town. Talltail could see the forest beyond the Thunderpath. He shuddered, wondering if that wolf was still waiting for him. He didn’t dare voice his thoughts to a couthy.

“Home sweet home!” Jake called as they neared a huge house. It was made from gray bricks. On the top, a piece of metal shaped like a bird whipped back and forth in the wind. “Come on, Talltail. My dad will love meeting you.”

Jake followed a small path to the front of the house. The door was wooden, a stark contrast from the gray of the house. He put his hand on a round knob and twisted it before pushing the door open.

Talltail followed him into the shadows of the house.

“Dad!” Jake called. “Dad? He must be out.”

“Out?”

“He’ll be back soon,” Jake reassured him. “Want something to eat?”

Before Talltail answered, Jake led him deeper into the house. After a moment, Talltail followed. The ceiling was high, but not as high as the sky. Hardly any natural light flooded through the windows. It was like being in a cage.

It was like being in the tunnels.

“How can you stand living here?” Talltail asked. “Everything is so...closed off.”

“I think its cozy,” Jake said. He went over to a wooden structure fixed to the wall. There was a small door on it. He opened it and pulled out a sack. “What’s it like living in a Clan? Where do you live? I know there’s more than one Clan.”

“Yes,” Talltail said as Jake began gathering more things. He took them over a hole in the wall where a pile of sticks lay. Did townsfolk cook their meals and make their fires inside their houses? Weren’t they afraid of burning it down? “Mine is called WindClan. We live on the moor.”

“Do you get along with the other Clans?” Jake got a huge black pot from one of the compartments. He placed it on a spit over the stick pile.

“Not always,” Talltail said. “Sometimes we fight. For the most part, we leave each other alone.” He decided not to mention the Gatherings. The last thing the Clans needed was townsfolk knowing all their secrets.

“What are you doing here?” Jake turned to stare at Talltail, his green eyes glowing.

Talltail looked around. “I’m looking for someone. It’s like a sacred mission.”

Jake blinked, eyes glittering. “Wow. It sounds important.”

“It is,” Talltail said. “To me.”

Chapter Text

Pale dawn light filtered through the clear square windows on the wall. Talltail lifted his head, blinking in the dark room. He stretched, feeling better. Jake had made him a delicious meal. It was nothing like he’d ever tasted, but it was still great.

Carefully, Talltail climbed out of the bed. Townsfolk slept on big, soft slabs of stringy material. He’d shared a bed with Jake last night.

His stomach growled, but he wanted to take a walk before he ate. He went to the window and saw the grass was frosty from the cold night. A smooth, wooden fence surrounded the yard. Trees crowded the far side, sunlight flashing between the branches.

Talltail’s heart ached. Jake’s father hadn’t come back yet.

“What are you doing?” Jake called from the bed. He was sitting up, orange hair ruffled from sleep.

“Is your dad home yet?” Talltail asked.

“He should be,” Jake said. “But he’ll be asleep. You’d better wait.”

Talltail groaned, irritated. How long would he have to wait? “How long?” He turned to face Jake. “I’m looking for someone, and I need to find him before he gets to far away.” Talltail looked into Jake’s eager green eyes. How could he explain? “His name is Silvanus. He’s part of a a group called the Vagabonds that travel the country.” Anger curled in his stomach. “He killed my father.”

Jake’s eyes widened. “I know who you’re talking about. Silvanus and his family will often pass through here. But he’d never kill someone!”

“My father was the best tunneler in WindClan,” Talltail explained. “Silvanus made him take him into an unsafe tunnel. It collapsed, and he left my father to die.”

“So you want revenge?”

Talltail blinked in surprise. Jake understood? “I have to catch up with Silvanus before he gets too far away.”

“So you really need to get going?”

“Yes!”

Jake thought for a moment. “I know which way they travel this time of year. I’ll help you find them, but on one condition.”

Talltail narrowed his eyes. “What is it?”

“You let me come with you.”

“But you’re a couthy!” Talltail glanced out the window. “You wouldn’t last out there.”

“Not for long,” Jake said. “But I’m not going to join a Clan or stay out there forever. I just want to help you.”

Talltail cocked his head. “Why?”

“You need me.”

“No, I don’t!”

Jake took a few steps toward him. He was a lot shorter than Talltail, having to tilt his head back. “You don’t know your way around here like I do. I can help you.”

“It’ll be dangerous,” Talltail said. “You’d be risking your life.”

Jake puffed out his chest. “I know, and that’s why I want to do it. I’ve lived my whole life here- safe and comfortable. I want to know what it’s like out there. Hunting your own food, fighting your own battles.”

“Really?” Talltail blinked. He’d always wondered the same thing. “Do you know how to get to the other side of town?”

Jake eyed him suspiciously. “Can I go with you?”

“As far as the city limits.”

“Fine.” Jake crossed his arms. “It’s a deal.”

Talltail looked him up and down. Jake was short and pudgy. Nothing like a warrior. Yet, there was something charming about him. “Now, get me out of here.”

Chapter Text

Talltail scoffed as Jake slung the huge bag over his shoulder. The sun was high in the sky and Jake had spent hours getting ready to leave. Talltail wasn’t sure how long Jake expected to take getting to the other side of town, but he certainly wouldn’t need so much gear. Blankets, kindling, packs of food…

Maybe townsfolks were even softer than he’d previously thought.

Finally, they had left the house, heading down the winding roads of town.

“Hello, Jake!” A soft voice made Talltail stiffen. A young woman with black hair was staring at them from the porch of another house.

“Hey there, Quinn,” Jake greeted warmly.

Quinn’s eyes landed on Talltail. “Who’s this?”

Jake hesitated. “This is Talltail.”

“Talltail?” Quinn hopped down the steps of the porch. “What a strange name.”

“I’m from WindClan,” Talltail said, puffing out his chest.

“Really?” Quinn’s eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”

“He’s on a mission,” Jake said. “I’m helping him. We’re going to find the man who killed his father.”

Quinn put one hand on her hip, eyeing him up and down. “Uh huh. Okay.”

Talltail took a few steps back. “We’d better get going.” He didn’t want another townsfolk trying to come along.

Jake nodded. “Yeah. Bye, Quinn. I’ll see you when I get back.”

She watched Jake for a long moment. “How long will you be gone?”

“Not long.” Talltail quickened his pace.

“There’s an alleyway at the end of this street,” Jake said. “Right here.” He raced past Talltail as they reached the last yard and squeezed into a passageway lined with red stone.

Talltail followed. “You know where we’re going, right?”

“Of course.” Jake quickened his pace. “This way.” He veered left as the alleyway ended, following another path out into the open and onto a wide stretch of stone.

Jake moved fast, clearly confident in his route.

Dusk was falling by the time they reached the edge of town. Maybe this place was bigger than Talltail had thought. Still, the extra gear Jake carried was unneeded.

“Here we go,” Jake said, veering down another road. “This way.”

“What?” Talltail followed. “I thought we were just going to the edge of town.”

“I’m taking you to someone who will know if the Vagabonds came this way,” Jake explained. “She lives on this side of town.”

Stars began to dot the darkening sky by the time they reached the furthest house. The soil here was stony and gritty. Grass poked out in clumps. Smashed glass was strewn everywhere. He stopped when Jake halted at the largest house.

“You wait here.” Jake gestured for Talltail to stay back as he approached the house. He climbed the small steps up the porch and to the front door. Without pausing, he held up a hand and rapped his knuckles against door.

All was silent for a long while. But just as Jake was raising his arm to repeat the motion, the door creaked open.

“You’re one of Jacob’s,” the man who answered observed. He was surrounded by the shadows of the house. “What do you want?”

“I need to talk to your mother,” Jake said. “It’s about the Vagabonds.”

The man scoffed. “She’s eating.”

“Please, Sheldon,” Jake begged. “It’s really important.”

Jake glanced behind him at Talltail. A moment later, the man finally stepped out. He was tall and muscular with tanned skin and red hair. He looked more like part of a Clan than town.

“Fine,” Sheldon growled. “Let’s go.” He threw the door the rest of the way open and walked back into the shadows. Jake caught the door before it could slam shut. He glanced back at Talltail again, eyes glittering with triumph.

Talltail, feeling uneasy, joined him on the porch. Jake led the way into the dark house.

“Why are you bothering me?” The voice sounded as soon as they entered the house. The first room was large and branched off into separate spaces. The voice had come from the right, where an old woman with dark graying hair was sitting at a wooden table, eating from a bowl.

“Jaylyn,” Jake greeted.

“Go away,” Jaylyn growled grumpily. “I’m trying to eat.”

“They want to ask you some questions,” Sheldon said. “Are you up for it, mother?”

Talltail saw movement at the edge of his vision. He turned to see two small heads peering around the corner, eyes wide with curiosity.

The smaller one, a girl with frizzy red hair, emerged from the shadows first. “What’s going on?” she asked.

“Don’t ask me, Ruby,” Jaylyn said with a shrug. “Sheldon’s the one who brought them in.”

“He’s not from town.” Ruby pointed at Talltail. “He doesn’t look like us.”

“He’s from WindClan,” Jake said.

Ruby narrowed her eyes. “Why’s he here?”

“He’s with me,” Jake said. “We came to ask your grandmother some questions.”

Talltail nudged him with his elbow. “Hush!”

Jake looked at him. “Relax. She’s just a curious kid.”

Talltail sighed. Let Jake deal with the kids. He needed to talk to Jaylyn. “I’m sorry to bother you,” he said to the old lady. “But Jake said you’d know about the gypsies who pass through here.”

“Why do you want to know about them?” Jaylyn rasped.

Talltrail shrugged, trying not to seem too eager. “Just looking for them”

Sheldon crossed his arms. “Why?”

“Maybe he wants to join them,” Ruby suggested.

Talltail ignored her. “One of them is named Silvanus. He’s lean but kind of short with brown hair.”

Jaylyn sniffed. “And what’s Jacob doing here?”

“I’m interested in the Clans,” Jake explained.

“Interested in the Clans?” Jaylyn’s eyes clouded. “I had a son who was interested in the Clans. Last I heard he knocked one of their girls up, got himself in a lot of trouble. Nothing good ever comes from being interested in the Clans.”

Talltail blinked. He didn’t care what Jaylyn thought of him and his people. All that mattered was she answered his questions.

“The group I’m looking for call themselves the Vagabonds,” Talltail explained. “They might have come this way.”

Jaylyn swallowed. “Lots of groups travel this route of the market. You got names?”

“Their leader’s name is Algernon,” Talltail said slowly. “He travels with people named Bessie, Silvanus, Menowin and Roma.”

Jaylyn took another sip from her bowl. “Roma. I know that name. Isn’t she one of your friends, Ruby?”

“Yes.” Ruby stepped forward. “She left a while ago.”

“They’ve moved on, now,” Jaylyn said. “If you want to catch up, you’d better get moving.”

“Alright. Do you know which way they went?”

Jaylyn thought for a moment. “West, toward the river. That’s the route they usually take, anyway.”

“Thank you.” Talltail sighed in relief. Exactly what he’d been looking for! He nudged Jake. “Let’s get going.” He steered him back toward the front of the house, aware of Sheldon following them out.

“I told you she’d help,” Jake said with a smile.

“Yeah, yeah, now let’s go.” Talltail paused in the front doorway. “Thanks for your help, Jake.”

Talltail was relieved to finally be out of the house and on the front porch again. The house had been shadowed and cluttered- a small, dark space.

Beyond this part of town were rolling fields. He walked toward them. He needed to find a river. That would lead him to the gypsies.

“We should hunt,” Talltail murmured to himself. He began to walk along a line of bushes. There must be some birds around. He followed the bushes into the tall grass. The stems swished as he wadded through him.

When Jake moved to follow, Talltail threw out his hand.

“Stay back,” he said. “I don’t need you in my way.”

Ahead, the grass rustled. Straining to see, Talltail spotted a small shape moving beneath a holly bush. He crouched down.

The shape hopped a few lengths, then stopped. It was a blackbird. Talltail could make out its rounded beak as it pecked at the leaf litter. He crept forward, keeping low and trying not to sway the yellow grass. Once he was a length away, he threw his spear.

The blackbird cawed once before falling limp. Talltail quickly ran to retrieve his catch. He stood up and walked back onto the path.

Jake was waiting, eyes wide with admiration. “You really caught it!”

“Yeah. All warriors hunt.

“We just buy our meat in the market. My family has never hunted for ourselves.” Jake glanced back toward the town. “Can you teach me?”

“Shouldn’t you be heading home?” Talltail asked.

Jake raised his gaze to the moon. “In the morning. For now, I’ll help you find somewhere to sleep.” he gazed across the grass at a small, wooden house. “There’s a shed over there. It’ll do for the night.”

Talltail glanced over his shoulder. It would be just as dark and closed in as the other houses. “No thanks. I’d rather sleep under the stars.”

“On the ground?” Jake sounded surprised.

“The field will be fine,” Talltail said. “You’ve got plenty of blankets in that sack. Make yourself a bed.”

He didn’t care if Jake played pretend for a night or two. He’d go running back to his soft life in town eventually. He led Jake into the field. The quiet darkness felt soothing after the glaring noises of the town. Talltail moved swiftly through the grass, hopping a small ditch. A thick hedge edged the other side and he climbed over it. Here, the earth was dry.

“This is good.” He sat down and unclipped his cloak, wrapping it around himself.

Jake watched him. “I’ve always heard that Clansfolk use those cloaks. I thought it was just for fashion.”

Talltail shook his head. “They’re very important to us. The elders weave them, and all the Clans have their own ways of making them. WindClan uses fabric we make from heather. We use them as camouflage and to keep us warm at night.”

Jake let his bag thump to the ground, then began digging around in it. He dug out a blanket and wrapped himself up in it. “Doesn’t it get dirty?”

“All the time,” Talltail admitted. “We take very good care of our cloaks. As I said, they’re important to us. And they’re often hard to make. If a warrior destroys their cloak, they can’t get another one.”

“I didn’t know an article of clothing could be so important,” Jake said.

Talltail shrugged. “From what I’ve heard, you and I don’t share a lot of beliefs.”

Jake smiled at him in the moonlight. “Well, I’m excited to learn.”

Chapter Text

Talltail was woken by sunlight beaming in his eyes. He squirted as the rays sliced through the grass that swished above him. He stood up and stretched. A sharp frost had hardened the earth. Ahead, the land sloped to a rugged hilltop where the sun squatted on the horizon, spilling light over the silver grass.

“It’s a good day for a walk.” Jake’s voice was thick with sleep as he sat up. He yawned, looking toward the hill. “Is that where you’re going?”

“I think so.” The hill was a good place to start. From there, he could see all the possible routes the Vagabonds might have taken. It looked rocky and exposed, the slope steeper and more rugged than WindClan territory. Anxiety made him itchy. Had anyone from the Clans ever traveled this far?

“You don’t sound certain.” Jake came to stand beside him.

“The Vagabonds could have gone anywhere,” Talltail pointed out. He gazed across the open stretch of grass.

“You might as well start here,” Jake said.

“But where?” Talltail frowned. This was strange land, but the Vagabonds had probably walked it a hundred times.

“Let’s climb the hill and take a look around,” Jake suggested.

“Let’s?” Talltail blinked. “As in let us? I thought you were going home.”

“Eventually.” Jake held his gaze. “But there’s no harm in sticking around a bit longer.”

Talltail paused. Thinking about it, he actually wouldn’t mind the company. Suddenly, the looming hills seemed less daunting. “Alright.”

The wind whipped at his hair as he walked up the slope. Jake followed a few paces behind, looking back and forth. Sharp gray rocks jutted out from the grass and Talltail had to wait for him to catch up.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Jake was breathing heavily, wheezing with the effort of the climb. “I’m okay. I’m just out of shape.”

“Well, you better get in shape quick.” They had a long way to go. If Jake couldn’t make it without having a coughing fit, he’d have to turn back. And Talltail didn’t want to waste time making sure he got home safely.

But he also didn’t want him to go home yet. He could use a companion on this long trip.

Talltail reached the hilltop first, and a cold blast of air snatched his breath away. He narrowed his eyes against the icy wind.

Focusing, he surveyed the land sloping ahead. It was like being on Outlook Rock. The view was different, but it still gave him a perfect eye to scan the valley. The land rose and fell gently on one side. On the other, it was steep and barren, topped by craggy peaks. A river sparkled between, streaming along the valley bottom, and in the hollow between two low hills, a dense wood was nestled like an egg in a bird’s nest.

“They’ll go that way.” Jake’s wheezy voice took him by surprise. Talltail followed the man’s gaze toward the wooded hollow.

Just as Talltail was nodding in agreement, a howl echoed through the valley. Jake froze. “Was that a wolf?” His eyes widened in fear.

Talltail studied the hillside. He could hear barking close by. A gray pelt scurried across the grass below them.

“We need to hide.” Jake looking around.

“Just stay still and stay calm,” Talltail ordered. “If it smells your fear, it’ll think you’re a meal.”

“Can’t it see us?” Jake’s voice was edged with panic. “We need to hide!”

Talltail noticed that the long grass worked its way up the hillside, stretched all the way to the bottom of the valley. They could cross the entire hillside hidden among the yellow stems. Trees and bushed lined the river where it ended. “Crouch down and move slowly,” he said. “The wind will blow away our scent.”

“The wind?” Jake blinked at him.

“It’s blowing this way,” Talltail explained. “The wolf won’t be able to detect us.”

Jake was already heading for the long grass. Talltail followed, crouching down among the stems./p>

“We can fight if off if we need to,” Talltail said.

Jake slowed. “Fight it off?”

Talltail fell in beside him. Together, they crouched in the tall grass. “I can teach you some battle moves.” The ground sloped steeply as they neared the river.

“Battle moves?” Jake yelped.

“They call us warriors for a reason.”

“Who do you fight?” Jake had to stand straighter to slide down the hill, scrambling to a halt at the muddy bottom.

“Other Clans mostly,” Talltail replied. “Sometimes wolves and bears. I’ve heard RiverClan and ThunderClan have their fair share of disagreements with the villagers nearby.”

Hawthorns crowded the riverbank. Beyond the budding branches, sun sparkled on the rippling water. Overhead, the blue sky stretched between the hilltops. Talltail raised his head. He couldn’t see the wolf, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t nearby. Talltail stood up and slowly moved away from the grass. Jake followed.

“I’m hungry,” Jake admitted.

“Let’s hunt,” Talltail suggested. “I’ll show you how.”

He led the way around the hawthorn bushes. Beyond them, water lapped against the dark brown earth, deeply pitted by the hooves of animals. Talltail walked along the edge of the river, keeping an eye on the surface. Finally, he dropped into a crouch, gesturing for Jake to do the same. He moved forward, footsteps as light as falling snow, and rounded a bush. Stopping, he peered through and caught sight of a duck. It was padding into the water. Talltail held still. He noticed Jake moving closer on the far side of the bush and hoped he had the sense to remain still.

The duck quacked, paddling further into the water. Another few steps and Talltail would be close enough to strike at it. The duck was moving further into the water.

Talltail jumped up and let his spear fly. It was a perfect hit- the duck quacked as the spear pierced its head, pinning it into the shallow water. Spinning ripples of blood stained the water.

Jake gasped. “Whoa. You’re good!”

Talltail padded into the water to retrieve his catch. “The next step is to make a fire. Go gather some kindling. It has to be dry, though.”

“We cook our food, too,” Jake said, heading to where he’d dropped his bag. “I have a log, stone and a flint.”

Talltail blinked in surprise. “Yeah, that’s exactly what we needed.” He’d always seen smoke rising from the town as he gazed from Outlook Rock. For some reason, he’d never realized it had been from the townsfolk roasting their meals.

Talltail was quick. They found somewhere safe to sit and eat. He showed Jake how to strike the flint and stone, and how to perfectly catch the sparks for the fire. Then, together, they collected a few sticks to make a spit. Talltail taught Jake how to pluck the duck, discarding the feathers.

“Sometimes, we weave the feathers into our clothes and cloaks,” Talltail explained.

“Why don’t you keep them now?” Jake asked.

Talltail blushed as he pushed the duck onto the spit. “I don’t know how to weave. The elders usually do it.”

He’d expected ridicule or laughter, but Jake just smiled. “Well, when you’re old enough to be considered an elder, I’m sure someone will teach you.”

As they sat waiting for their meal to cook, Talltail stood up to pace. He excused it as just keeping watch for any animals that might get lured in by the smell of meat. The truth, however, was that Talltail needed to some time to process this. He hadn’t expected to get along so well with a couthy. But Jake was slowly becoming a good friend.

“Talltail!” Jake’s voice made him jump. “It’s done!”

Talltail rushed back to the small camp they’d made so they could eat. Talltail took it from the spit and began slicing it with the tip of his spear. Thinking about it, he probably should have brought more equipment and gear, like Jake had. It would certainly make carving up a meal less awkward. He hoped Jake didn’t notice his struggling.

“You eat first,” Talltail offered.

“But you caught it,” Jake countered. “You should have the first share.”

Talltail smiled humorously. “In the Clan, children eat first.”

Jake snorted, amused. “Alright, alright. Just...with my hands?”

Talltail blinked. “How else would you eat?”

“Oh, right.” Jake picked up a slab of meat and popped it into his mouth. He chewed for a moment, then his eyes lit up. “This is pretty good.”

“You thought it wouldn’t be?”

“Well, I’ve had duck before,” Jake said, swallowing. “But never cooked like this. I didn’t expect it to be so juicy.”

Talltail looked across the stretch of meadows toward the woods. Jake liked his cooking. “We should keep going.” They needed to reach the trees before it got dark. He stood up. “Do you have a bowl or pot?”

Jake shook his head.

Talltail looked down at the fire and sighed. He unclipped his cloak and let it fall over the fire, stomping it out. Then, he wrapped it around himself again. “Let’s get going.”

Together, they headed across the grass.

By the time they reached the trees, Talltail was yawning. He wrapped his cloak around himself, feeling cold.

Jake moved closer to him. “You look exhausted.”

Talltail shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“We should rest.” Jake glanced at the setting sun. “We’ve traveled enough for one day.”

“We need to catch up with the Vagabonds.”

“They won’t be too far ahead,” Jake said confidently. “They usually stop through all the towns. Why such a hurry?”

Talltail was too weary to argue. He let Jake lead him toward the trees.

The branches rattled in the wind. Trunks crowded around them, spaced between bushes and shadows. Jake stared up in awe at the soaring canopies. Talltail didn’t dare raise his eyes.

“We should find shelter for the night,” Jake said. He nodded toward a space between two oak trees. “That looks good.” He grabbed Talltail’s hand and pulled him over the small hollow.

Talltail sat down, glad to be off his feet. He frowned when Jake turned to leave. “Where are you going?” “I’ll be back,” Jake called. “You need to rest.”

Talltail settled into the hollow. It was deep, mossy and slightly damp, but Talltail was too tired to care. He closed his eyes for just a moment, then heard footsteps approaching. He tensed and raised his head.

Jake was moving through the trees, carrying a wad of leaves and wool. “There’s a farm on the other side of the woods,” he said. “I gathered some sheepswool stuck on the fence. We can sleep on it. And I found something else you might like.”

He dropped the wad into the hollow.

Talltail struggled up, fighting off his exhaustion. The rest had felt so small. “I’m coming.” He hauled himself up and followed Jake into the forest.

Jake moved briskly through the trees, weaving past brambles, hopping over rotting logs. Talltail tripped after him, feeling drowsy. “What is it?”

“Look!” Jake stopped beside a beech trunk and pointed to the ground. “Footprints! Do you think it could be the Vagabonds?”

Talltail stared down at the tracks, frozen in the dried mud. He saw why Jake might think it was the Vagabonds. It seemed like several people had passed through her, their prints layered on top of one another.

But when Talltail took a moment to read the aura trails, he felt the hairs on his arms stand on end.

Smoky, like townsfolk, but not so artificial. Auras made of a thousand different lands.

“These tracks were made a long while ago,” he said. “But we’re certainly on the right trail.”

Chapter Text

Talltail woke in the soft hollow between the oak trees. He could feel Jake beside him, skin warm and comforting. He lifted his head. The air was warmer, but damp.

“Jake.” Talltail poked the townsfolk. They needed to get moving.

Jake blinked awake. “Huh?” He yawned.

“It’s morning,” Talltail said. “We should be on our way.”

Jake stood up and stretched his arms to the sky. “Let’s find something to eat.”

Talltail shook his head. “Later.” He wanted to find the footprints and see if there was a trail he could follow. The aura was so stale, it might as well not even be there.

Jake jogged after him. “Are you going to track the Vagabonds?”

Talltail nodded, breaking into a run. Every so often, he could see more footprints in the small puddles of mud on the forest floor. Talltail skidded to a halt beside some flattened leaves where they must have slept one night. In the pale dawn light he noticed used up kindling in a pile.

Jake spotted beside him, panting. “You’re fast!”

“It’s them.” Talltail peered around the area. Silvanus had been through here. So had Roma and Bessie. He remembered how he’d always welcome them when they’d visit as a child. How could he have been so swayed by their charm? He should have known they were troublesome and selfish. Why didn’t his Clanmates understand that they were a threat? He wondered how many other warriors they’d killed, with no one batting an eye.

“Talltail?” Jake was staring at him, putting a hand on his arm. “Are you alright?”

Talltail realized he’d tightened his hands into fists. “I’m fine,” he muttered. “I just want to find them.”

Jake nodded. “We’ll fine them,” he promised.

Talltail walked around the shelter until he found another set of footprints leading into the trees. They were mostly filled in by now, but he could still follow them.

“Where are we going?” Jake called.

“We’re following the footprints.”

Jake caught up. “Oh. I didn’t even notice these ones.”

“I’ve been trained to find them,” Talltail said, glancing at Jake. “Shouldn’t you be heading back home now?”

Jake blinked. “But we’ve just found the trail. I can’t let you face them alone.”

“But this is my mission. I’m...it’s dangerous. You shouldn’t come.” He didn’t want Jake to leave.

“I want to!” Jake jumped in front of him, green eyes hard. “If you don’t mind, of course.”

Talltail glanced at the ground, blushing. “I don’t mind,” he murmured. “I enjoy the company.”

“Then it’s settled.” Jake marched off. “But I know it’s your mission. Just tell me if I overstep any boundaries.”

Talltail laughed. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, Jake. And that’s the wrong way.”

Jake stopped and turned back. “Oh. You know what, I think you should lead.”

Smiling, Talltail headed along the ridge, occasionally slipping on the decaying leaves. He was used to grass and firm turf. Jake followed, more at ease with the slippery trail.

Talltail scanned the woods. The trail was heading through a patch of bracken, crisscrossed with rotting logs.

“Come on.” Talltail walked around a thornbush. He hopped over a fallen log and pushed through a wall of vines. Broken stems showed that the Vagabonds had taken this path. A decaying tree lay across the path and he climbed over it, getting his hands wet on the slimy moss. On the other side, the ground turned boggy. Talltail slowed as the sucking mud dragged at his feet.

The trees were younger and thicker here, branches jutting out close to the ground. Talltail kept low, ducking under branches. He heard wood crack and splitter as Jake blundered after him, preferring to whack the branches out of the way.

Suddenly, a howl split the air.

Talltail whipped around. A dark shape was pelting at them.

Jake dove to the side as the wolf lunged at them, showing sharp, yellow teeth. It turned and snapped at the men. Quickly, Talltail shot forward, drawing his spear and slicing at its neck. The wolf yelped, eyes sparkling with rage. Talltail jumped on its back, tackling in the ground. Jake had jumped back up.

The wolf snapped at them each in turn. Talltail stabbed at it and felt blood splatter on his cheek. The wolf yelped, eyes narrow. Talltail’s heart lurched. All they were doing was making it angry. He glanced at Jake, who had his fists up in defense.

“Punch at it!” Talltail called. “It can’t take us both!”

Jake nodded and began lashing out at the wolf’s flank. Talltail went to its other side, doing the same. The wolf yelped, unable to catch both of them at once. It threw its head, nearly knocking Jake to the ground, and fled.

‘Did it hurt you?” Jake was panting.

“Just a scratch.” Talltail wiped blood from a cut on his cheek. “We can treat it with dock.”

“What’s dock?” Jake asked. “I can probably find some.”

“The leaves are green and wavy. It grows in a clump, all sprouting out from the middle.”

“I think I’ve seen something like that before.” Jake whisked off through the trees. He came back a few moments later with a wad of dock leaves.

Talltail picked up one of the leaves and crushed it in his hand, then rubbed the juice on his cut. “Are you okay?” he asked Jake.

“I’m fine,” he said.

“Thanks for having my back.”

Jake cocked his head. “It was no problem.” He was watching Talltail rub the juice over his cut. “Does that really work?”

“It’ll stop it from getting infected,” Talltail said.

Jake waited until Talltail was done. “Can you walk?”

Talltail’s wound stung and his leg ached where he must have strained it, but they needed to keep moving before it rained. The water would fill up the footprints. “I’m fine,” he insisted. He limped across the clearing, finding the trail again. He followed the trail around a hawthorn bush and past a gorse thicket, stumbling as leaves slid beneath his feet. Jake darted to his side.

“You can lean on me,” he said.

“I’m okay.” Still, Talltail rested some of his weight on Jake, wrapping an arm around the man’s wide shoulder. They walked on through the forest, Talltail watching the ground for the footprints, while Jake watched it for twigs and holes. Talltail slowed as the trees began to thin. They were nearing the edge of the forest.

Jake stiffened. “Do you hear that?”

Talltail stopped to listen. In the distance, he could hear large thuds. “What is it?” There was a Thunderpath nearby, but it was empty.

“I think someone’s chopping down a tree,” Jake told him.

Talltail blinked at him. “What for?”

“In town, we chop down trees to use their wood. We burn them in our fires and build houses.”

Talltail looked around as they moved between the trunks. “We just find sticks and fallen logs to use.” He could feel the ground trembling with each distance hit.

“Let’s stick to the woods,” Jake suggested. “We don’t want to bother them.”

Talltail felt the ground tremble again. “Let’s just go back into the forest,” he said. “We don’t know if they’re friendly.”

“As long as we don’t head directly toward them, they won’t bother us,” Jake said. “They must be townsfolk.”

Talltail shook his head. He didn’t want to meet anymore strangers. Yet, the footprints were leading in the direction of the thumping. If they wanted to keep on the trail, they’d have to travel that way.

Talltail sighed, defeated. “Alright, fine. But we’re past them briskly.”

Jake nodded in agreement. “No problem.”

They turned in the direction of the thudding. Each time the tree was struck, it made the ground tremble. Talltail didn’t understand why the townsfolk would want to cut down a tree. How would they ever use it again if it was gone? If they needed its wood, they could gather its sticks and limbs, and strip its bark.

“Look out!”

A voice called from ahead. It was vaguely familiar, although Talltail couldn’t place it. As they crested a slope, he spotted two figures racing toward them and immediately recognized Algernon and Roma.

“Run!” Algernon shouted at them. Behind him, a tall tree was leaning dangerously toward them.

Talltail and Jake exchanged a glance, then turned around to lead the way from the tree. They had hardly taken a few steps when a huge crash sounded from behind them. Talltail glanced over his shoulder to see the tree settled on its side, top branches just inches away from them.

Algernon was panting. “That was close!” He gazed at the two, then his eyes widened. “Tall?”

Roma pushed past her father. “Tall! What are you doing here? Is WindClan okay?”

Talltail blinked at her in shock. He’d found the Vagabonds! He could hardly believe it. He opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out.

Jake saved him. “We were looking for you.”

Talltail flashed him a warning look. They couldn’t reveal everything. If Algernon knew Talltail was here to kill his cousin, they’d be sent away.

“Do you need help?” Roma’s eyes were wide. “Did Heatherstar send you?”

“Everything’s fine,” Talltail said. “I came on my own.”

“We should get back to the others,” Algernon butted in. “We’re staying at the bottom of the slope for now.”

Talltail and Jake turned for the trees.

“Jake!” Roma said, as though noticing the man for the first time. “Isn’t your village on the other side of the forest? What are you doing here?”

“He helped me get through town,” Talltail explained.

Algernon was walking away, leading them into the forest. Brambles clustered between the trees, fighting hawthorn bushes. Talltail kept his eyes on Algernon.

“Dad, what about the tree?” Roma asked.

“We can come cut it up later,” Algernon said. “For now, we need to get these two somewhere safe.”

A stream cut through the trees, its bank steep. Algernon stepped over it carefully. Talltail, with some effort, made it over as well. His leg was still aching from their encounter with a wolf.

“So, why did you come here?” Roma asked.

“Roma, hush,” Algernon chided. “These two look exhausted. We can talk in the clearing.”

Algernon led them along a trail that cut through a patch of thorn bushes. Inside the ring of thorns was a small clearing. Menowin sat under an elm, arranging a bunch of shiny disc. He lifted his head as Talltail followed Algernon from the brambles. “What’s going on?”

“What?” Bessie stood up from behind a holly bush. Her eyes were wide. “Tall? What are you doing here?”

“I’m Talltail now.”

“You’re a warrior!” Roma said in surprise. “Congratulations!”

Bessie looked at Roma. “Where did you find them?”

“We were cutting down a tree for fire wood,” Roma told her.

Jake stopped beside Talltail. “What now?” he whispered.

“Be friendly,” Talltail murmured. He turned to Bessie. “I’m glad I could find you.” He tried to sound calm and kind, mind racing. He hadn’t thought of a cover story for why he’d come here.”

“Is there trouble in WindClan?” Bessie asked.

“No.” Talltail crossed his arms. “Everything’s fine. But I realized there was more to life than just being in a Clan. I want to see the world.” He began to relax, knowing it was true. “I was hoping I could join your group.”

Algernon’s eyes landed on Jake. “What about him?”

The bushes swayed on the other side of the clearing and Silvanus appeared. “Tall?”

Talltail met the man’s impassive gaze. “Hello, Silvanus. It’s Talltail now.” He swallowed his rage.

“What are you doing here?” Silvanus asked.

Bessie faced him. “He wants to travel with us.”

“What about WindClan?” Silvanus asked.

“I’m tired of following rules and having duties,” Talltail said. “I wanted to live free, like you.”

“What about that one?” Silvanus pointed to Jake. “Doesn’t he live on the other side of the forest?”

“He helped me find you,” Talltail explained. “He’ll head home now.”

“Why don’t you rest here for a while?” Bessie offered to Jake. “You look dirty and exhausted. You can both stay for the night. Roma, go find our guests somewhere to sleep.”

Talltail stepped forward. “Thanks, but we can make our own beds,” he told her. “I didn’t come here to be a burden.” Before anyone could argue, he walked across the clearing and stepped out of the thorn bushes.

Jake followed. “What are we doing now?”

“You’re going home,” Talltail whispered.

Jake’s eyes flashed with hurt. “And you’re going to live here who the man who killed your father?”

“Of course not,” Talltail snapped. “I just need to wait for the opportunity.”

“Then what?” Jake leaned closer. “Silvanus looks tough. What are you going to do?”

Dread hollowed Talltail’s stomach. He’d planned to kill Silvanus, but he’d only ever been in a real battle once. “I’ll get him to admit he killed my father.”

“Then what?” Jake asked.

“You promised not to cross boundaries.”

Jake pushed in front of him, making him stop. “He looks dangerous, Talltail.”

“I can take him.”

“Come home with me,” Jake pleaded. “It’s not safe here.”

“No way.” Talltail shook his head. “I left my Clan to get this far, and I’m not turning back now.”

“Can’t you go back WindClan?”

“I’m never going back.”

“Never?” Jake took a step closer, his chest brushing Talltail’s. “But you’re a warrior.”

“Not all warriors have to be in a Clan.” The words felt empty. Was that even true?

“But what are you going to do once Silvanus is dead?” Jake demanded.

“Be a rogue,” Talltail said. “Live my life free and on the road.” He tried to walk away, but Jake stepped in front of him.

“If you’re staying, then so am I,” Jake muttered.

Talltail looked down at the man. “This is my mission.”

Jake’s green gaze was dark. “Now it’s our mission.”

Talltail didn’t argue. If he was being honest with himself, he would have missed Jake. “Fine.”

Chapter Text

Talltail was awoken in the early hours of the morning. He and Jake had made a makeshift bed at the edge of the clearing out of the gear in Jake’s bed. It hadn’t been as nice as his bed back home, or Jake’s mattress in the house, but it was something.

He didn’t get up immediately. There were voices nearby.

“I don’t like this,” Algernon was saying.

“We can’t turn them away,” Bessie said firmly. “They’re tired and hurt.”

“But we’re running low on food,” Menowin growled.

“There’s enough if we’re careful about rations,” Roma argued.

Algernon huffed. “I knew we should have kept moving. We need to reach the next town and restock.”

“There’s a town not far from here down the river,” Roma pointed out.

“I saw a corn field about a mile back,” Silvanus said confidently. “I’m sure the local farmers won’t mind sharing.”

“If you don’t mind taking some lead in the chest,” Menowin said.

Bessie laughed. “We know how to be careful. Besides, with two extra mouths to feed, it’ll be worth it.”

Talltail yawned and sat up. All of them stopped and turned to stare at him. Before he raised his head, Silvanus and Menowin practically jumped away, obviously trying to act natural. Algernon began having a slightly hushed conversation with Bessie while Roma looked to the sky with a fond smile.

Talltail stood up and stretched. “I’m gonna go hunt,” he told them.

Algernon spun to face him. “You will?”

With a satisfied smile, Talltail nodded. “Of course. I’m a warrior, afterall. Jake can come, too.”

Roma lowered her head. “He can hunt?”

“I’ve been teaching him.”

Jake grumbled, awoken by the sound of his name. He raised his head. “Huh?”

“We’re going hunting,” Talltail said.

“Please, don’t trouble yourself,” Bessie said. “We already have food. It just needs warmed up.” She glanced at her husband. “And if you're around, Talltail, we won’t have to worry about it running out. You could just hunt us more.”

Talltail kept his smile. He didn’t want to hunt for a whole group of people, but he’d just have to until they reached the next town.

Roma was staring at him. “You seem different, Talltail.”

“I do?”

“Less angry,” Roma said. “You always seemed so distance when we visited WindClan.”

Talltail winced. He wasn’t different, he was just hiding it better. He needed the Vagabonds to accept him into their ranks. But perhaps he should have been nicer to the others. His vendetta was with Silvanus, not Roma. “I...It took me awhile to...forgive Silvanus for my father’s death,” he said. “I’m sorry if I was mean to you.”

Roma glanced at him. “Apology accepted. And I understand. I’d feel the same if either of my parents died.”

Talltail shot her a look. She needed to be convinced he had no grudge against Silvanus. “It wasn’t Silvanus’ fault,” he said through gritted teeth. “He was lucky to get out. My father wasn’t. That’s the end of the story.”

Bessie crossed the clearing with a plate in her hands. “Here,” she said. “You and Jake can share this.”

Talltail looked down at the plate. It contained a loaf of bread and a small chunk of cheese and meat. He’d seen the Vagabonds make it before from things like wheat and milk. “I can’t take your food.”

“Yes, you can,” Silvanus called. “WindClan always feeds us in the summer. So we can feed you now.”

“I’m not part of WIndClan anymore,” Talltail said.

Algernon shook his head. “Nonsense. You were born in a Clan. You’ll be in a Clan until the day you die.”

Roma was carrying more plates of food to the others. “Breakfast time!”

Talltail sat back down. Jake had sat up to eat as well, still groggy with sleep.

He was aware of Silvanus watching them eat and lowered his head. Did he know why he was really here?

“How’s your mother?” Bessie asked. Her eyes were bright.

“My mother?” Talltail echoed. He’d hardly thought of WindClan since he’d left.

“And Whiteberry?” Roma asked.

Talltail’s mind whirled. “My mother is married again- to Redclaw. They have a daughter.”

“That’s wonderful!” Bessie cheered.

“It’s great,” Talltail lied.

Roma swallowed a mouthful. “How old is she?”

“Three months.” He pictured Wren in his arms, cooing and reaching up to grab him. He closed his eyes, surprised by the pang of grief in his heart.

“I can’t wait to meet her in the summer,” Roma said.

“She’ll love you,” he said.

Roma got up to clean herself up after eating. Talltail leaned back in the makeshift bed, appreciating feeling Jake beside him. He watched as Silvanus went back to his area in a shadowy corner of the clearing.

Silvanus had killed his father. Now, Talltail would kill Silvanus.

Chapter Text

“How does it feel hunting in the forest?” Roma called over her shoulder.

Talltail stumbled over a rock. He blinked in surprise as Jake overtook him, chasing after the deer they were on the tail of. “How’d you get so good at this?” talltail puffed, dodging under a branch.

“I used to play in the forest near my village when I was a child,” Jake called, disappearing through a wall of vines.

Talltail pushed through the vines. Milky sunshine seeped through gray clouds. He’d lost sight of Roma.

“Crap!”

He broke from the forest to see Roma and Jake halting at a wide stream. The deer must have leaped over, leaving them in the dust.

Jake frowned, disappointed. “Can you follow it?”

“It’ll be long gone by the time we cross the water,” Roma said.

Talltail stopped beside them, chest heaving. “Why don’t we try the field?” He headed past the trees, downstream. He was tired of struggling through woodland. A run through the field would help stretch his muscles and clear his mind. He’d spent most of the night wondering how and where to kill Silvanus. One plan replaced another until he’d given himself a headache. None of them seemed right. All he could do was gain Silvanus’ trust to get him alone.

He wondered if the man trusted him already. He and Jake had been here for two days, but all the Vagabonds treated them fairly.

“I see the field!” he called to Roma and Jake.

The pale dawn brightened the trees ahead. Talltail veered around a thorn bush, skidding on the moist leaves. The slope stretched ahead. Looking up the hillside, he could see the field not far away, just across the Thunderpath.

“Wait for us!’ Roma caught up first, Jake puffing behind him. Although it had only been a few days, he was starting to lose weight, muscles showing.

“I want to catch a rabbit,” Talltail said. “Come on.” He led the way across the grass.

Roma purred. “It’s great hanging out with people my age again.” She caught Talltail’s eye. “And I’m glad you’ve stopped being so moody.”

Jake fell in beside her. “Talltail isn't moody.”

Talltail glanced at his friend uncertainly.

“Whenever we visited WindClan, we all avoided him,” Roma recalled. “He’d always bite our heads off!”

“We’re here to chase a rabbit, remember?” Talltail muttered.

“See?” Roma teased. “Moody.”

“He’s not moody around me.” Jake moved closer to Talltail, putting a hand on his arm.

Roma shrugged. “Any sign of a rabbit?” she asked.

“They must be asleep.” The sun was just lifting over the horizon.

“We should wake them up,” Jake sighed. “I’m hungry.”

“Do you miss home?” Roma asked.

“A bit,” Jake conceded. “Hunting is hard.”

“It’s even harder when you have a whole Clan to feed,” Talltail murmured. He wondered how WindClan was doing. Were they hunting well? Although it was Spring, the weather was still cold, and without the tunnels, food was scarce.

But it was their problem, not his. Talltail had himself to worry about.

And Jake.

He looked down at his friend, wondering how much longer it would be before he returned home. A sharp pain stabbed his heart at the thought. He didn’t want to be without Jake.

“How can you stand staying in one place for so long?” Roma asked Jake.

“What do you mean?” He cocked his head.

“Isn’t it suffocating?” Roma asked. “I could never stay in one place all my life. I’d get bored.”

“I was born in town,” Jake said. “That’s how I’ve always lived.” He stared across the field. “Besides, if everyone was always traveling like you, how would we ever build friendships or community?” He suddenly pointed to a distant tussock. “I think I saw something move.”

Talltail followed his gaze. “I do, too.” He could see rabbit ears twitching in the grass.

“What now?” Jake asked.

Talltail pointed up slope. “You two head that way and circle around it. I’ll stalk in from here. Whichever way it runs, someone will be there to intercept it.”

As Roma and Jake headed uphill, Talltail dropped into a crouch, moving quickly. As he neared the rabbit he stopped to watch, spear at the ready. It was munching on the grass, lifting its head every so often to peer around nervously. Talltail glanced upslope. Roma was pushing Jake into a crouch until they were both stalking low, circling around the rabbit and halting just past it.

Talltail lifted his head to catch Jake’s eye. Jake stared at him. Talltail nodded, and he and Roma stalked forward. Talltail closed in. The rabbit was halfway between them, head down and ears flat. Talltail’s stomach rumbled as he imaged what a good meal it would make. He moved closer, gaze fixed on the brown rabbit. He glimpsed Roma and Jake moving closer. Another few lengths and they’d be able to attack. He quickened his step, wanting to reach it before Roma. If he caught it and brought it back to the Vagabonds, he’d be in their good graces.

And if he cooked it himself, he could get Silvanus to choke on it.

Rage stirred and he lost his concentration, foot shifting forward and rustling the grass. The rabbit lifted its head, eyes sparking with panic. Quickly, Talltail leaped up. The rabbit shot away, eyes wide in terror as it spotted Jake and Roma lunging at it from the other side. It headed downhill.

Talltail chased after it, the wind howling past him. The field sloped steeper. He narrowed his eyes, gaze focused on the rabbit.

“Talltail!” Roma shouted.

He could hardly hear her over the roar of the wind. It felt great to be in the open again, racing over the ground. No branches to trip over, no trees to swerve around. Just the blue sky. He was gaining on the rabbit easily. As long as it didn’t dive into a burrow, he’d have it. With a rush of adrenaline, Talltail threw his spear, nailing the rabbit through the spine.

“Talltail!” Roma’s terrified screamed sounded through the wind as he skidded down the slope, overturning the lose dirt. He grabbed the rabbit and turned.

Roma was racing toward him, Jake just behind her.

“Don’t move!” Roma shouted.

“Why?” Talltail stared at Roma as she stopped a few lengths from him.

“Just walk toward me,” Roma ordered. “Slowly.”

Bewildered, Talltail walked toward her. She got behind him, pushing him further up the slope.

“What’s wrong?” Talltail asked.

“You nearly went over the edge,” Roma said.

“The edge?” Talltail glanced behind him.

“That’s a cliff.” Once they were far enough way, Roma turned him around. Talltail peered over the edge of a steep, sandy cliff. Below was a large town.

“That was close,” Jake said, staring down. “You would have been killed if you fell.”

Talltail swallowed. He could have died! The cliff was so steep, he hadn’t even seen it. He was lucky he’d caught the rabbit when he did. Another length and he’d be a goner.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind. He trembled with excitement. This was how he could do it! He could lure Silvanus here. One small nudge and the traveler would be no more.

Talltail’s heart pounded. He wondered if Sandgorse was watching him from StarClan. He wondered if his father would see him avenge his death.

Chapter Text

“Talltail?” He felt a finger poking his shoulder. Talltail blinked over his eyes to see Jake looming over him.

Talltail sat up. “Is it morning?” He hadn’t slept well last night. His dreams had been filled with mud, darkness, and the screaming voice of his father.

“Not yet,” Jake soothed. “You were talking in your sleep. I was worried.”

“It was a bad dream.” Talltail looked into Jake’s steady gaze, comforted by his friend.

Jake laid down beside him. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Go back to sleep.”

Talltail rolled onto his side, throwing his arm over Jake’s chest and closing his eyes. But he couldn’t find sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, his father’s mud soaked face flashed through his mind.

There was rustling across the clearing. Talltail raised his head to see a shadow moving from Silvanus’ area. Where was he going? Holding his breath, Talltail strained to see Silvanus walk out of the thorn camp.

Now was his chance.

Careful not to disturb Jake, Talltail jumped up.

“Talltail?” Roma had been roused. “Where are you going?”

Talltail froze. “I’m gonna hunt before the sun rises,” he whispered. “So we can eat early.”

“I’ll go with you,” Roma said, stretching.

Talltail shook his head. “We can go later.” She stared at him as he settled back into bed, curling up next to Jake.

It was dawn by the time Silvanus came back. Weak daylight was filtering through the branches. Thick clouds hid the sun. Talltail stretched and yawned, then stood.

Silvanus was carrying a fat chicken. “Good morning,” he greeted.

“Morning,” Talltail exchanged, glancing at Silvanus’ catch. “Another chicken?” Silvanus had been going out to hunt every morning, always coming back with a chicken.

“There’s a farm on the other side of the field,” Silvanus said. “They leave their coop unguarded.”

“You’re stealing from farmers?” Talltail asked, surprised. Was there no end to Silvanus’ treachery?

Silvanus shrugged. “They have more livestock than they know what to do with. They won’t miss a chicken or two.”

“Where’s the farm?”

“Near that cliff overlooking the city.”

Talltail’s thoughts quickened. Maybe he could convince Silvanus to take him there.

“Chicken!’ Bessie called, delighted. She climbed out of her bed and took the chicken from Silvanus. Roma hurried after her while Menowin stretched in his bed. Jake was still sleeping.

“Can you take me there?” Talltail asked Silvanus.

“Where?” Silvanus cocked his head.

“The coop.”

Silvanus shrugged. “Sure. Let me eat first.”

As Silvanus walked away. Talltail went back to his bed. “Jake, wake up. Let’s practice hunting.”

“Hunting?” Jake yawned and sat up. “Can’t we eat first?”

“Later.” Talltail stared at him, trying to look eager. He needed to talk to his friend. Finally, Jake stood up and stretched. “We might catch something while we’re practicing.” Talltail went on. He led the way into the forest.

“Where should we hunt?” Jake asked.

Talltail turned to face him once they were far from the camp. “Did you hear what Silvanus said?”

“About what?”

“The cliff! Silvanus is taking me to the cliff later.”

Jake stiffened. “Are you going to…?”

“Yep!” Talltail said, excited. “It’s perfect. No fighting, no monologing. I just need one little push.”

Jake’s eyes widened in horror. “You’re really going to kill him?”

“Of course! He’ll pay for what he did to my father.”

“Don’t do this, Talltail.”

Talltail narrowed his eyes. “You said you would help me.”

“Do you really want to kill someone?”

“If I’d stayed in WindClan, I probably would have killed someone in battle by now.”

“In battle,” Jake pointed out. “That’s different. That would be self defense. But this is premeditated murder.”

“He needs to suffer like my father did.” Talltail’s hands clenched into fists.

“Just ask him about it. Make him understand what he did. Tell him how your father’s death hurt you and how he’s responsible for it.”

Talltail glared at him. “You think I haven’t tried already? When I told him what he did all those years ago, he just shrugged it off. He doesn’t care. So I’ll make him care.”

“By killing him?” Jake grabbed Talltail’s shoulders. “You’re not a killer, Talltail.”

“He has to pay!” Talltail grabbed Jake’s wrists. What was the point of this argument? This was what he’d come all the way here to do. “It’s not fair to my father if Silvanus lives.”

“Life isn’t fair!” Jake’s eyes were wide. “Don’t do this, Talltail. Please.”

“I have to!” Talltail shouted. “Just go home, Jake. You’re no used to me anymore.” Angry, he stomped away, walking straight through a hawthorn. He was too angry to feel the thorns scrape his legs. Even Jake had betrayed him! Why had Talltail even thought to trust a couthy? Why had he trusted anyone? He could only rely on himself.

He’d come here for revenge, and he was going to get it.

Chapter Text

The wind was growing stronger. Shivering and hungry, Talltail headed back to camp. “Show me the coop,” he said to Silvanus.

Silvanus looked up. “Let’s not bother the farmers again. If more than one chicken goes missing at a time, they’ll get suspicious.”

Frustrated, Talltail began walking the edge of camp.

“Let’s go hunting now.” Roma offered.

But the woodland hunting had only made Talltail more restless. They’d caught a whole deer, but Talltail could hardly eat. His stomach was in a knot, and he kept having to avoid Jake’s gaze. The man watched him silently. As dusk darkened into night, they ate dinner, then Talltail went to bed.

“You’re already tired?” Roma called. “I thought we could go for a walk.”

“It’s too cold,” he grunted.

“I’ll go with you, Roma,” Jake offered.

Roma shook her head. “No, thanks. Talltail’s right. It’s getting cold.”

Jake glanced around, then climbed into bed. Noticeably, he didn’t press up against Talltail as he had during the previous nights.

Talltail’s eyes stayed on Silvanus. The man was calmly folding dirty clothes next to his bed.

Tomorrow, he’d be dead.

Talltail’s heart was racing too fast for him to sleep. Fury throbbed in his throat and he longed to stab at something. Above the trees, he watched the sky clearing, the moon showing as dawn pushed away the night. As soon as milky light showed over the horizon, Talltail climbed out of bed. He crossed the camp and leaned down to nudge Silvanus. “Show me the coop.”

Silvanus lifted his head. “Now?” He glanced at the dark sky. “The sun’s not even up.”

“I thought you liked hunting early.” Talltail stepped back. “The chickens won’t even be awake. If we get there, we can take on easily.”

“You must miss morning patrols,” Silvanus said with narrowed eyes.

Talltail returned the look. “Not at all. I’m hunting by my own wishes.”

Silvanus yawned and stood up. “Let’s go, then.” He headed into the forest.

Talltail followed him through the dark forest, keeping close. His heart was pounding so hard he was sure Silvanus must be able to hear it. Images flashed through his mind. He imagined Sandgorse struggling to escape the collapsing tunnel, pinned beneath the earth, mud filling his lungs as he tried to scream for help. Ahead, Silvanus disappeared around a wide tree trunk. Was Silvanus’s back the last thing he’d ever seen? Talltail followed, hands clenching into fists.

As they reached the field, Silvanus slowed. “The farm is this way.” He pointed downslope toward a smooth stretch of grass.

Talltail headed toward the cliff. “We’ll have a better view upslope.”

“Why?” Silvanus fell in beside him. “We don’t need a better view. I already know the way around the farm.”

“Well, I want to see it better.”

“Come on.” Silvanus stopped. “Let’s just go straight there.”

“I want to see it from the cliff.” Talltail struggled to keep his voice even.

“Fine.” Silvanus shrugged.

Talltail turned to head for the cliff. He could see where the sky lengthened, swallowed up the ground. He slowed as he reached the edge.

“Can you see it?” Silvanus asked, peering over the edge. “I can’t.”

Talltail lifted his hands, ready to push Silvanus’ back. This was it. He was going to avenge his father’s death. He wondered if Sandgorse was watching.

“What do you think, Talltail?” Silvanus looked over his shoulder.

Talltail straightened. “Take a good look at me, Silvanus. I’m the last person you’re ever going to see. I’m going to kill you.”

“Kill me?” Silvanus’ eyes widened. He spun around. “Why?”

Talltail felt cold. ‘Don’t you know?”

Silvanus cocked his head. “Tell me.”

“You killed my father.”

“Sandgorse?”

“You made him go into that tunnel!” Talltail shouted. “You left him there to die.”

Silvanus blinked. “That’s not how it happened.”

“You ran out of that tunnel! You left him behind!”

“I’m not a tunneler.” Silvanus glanced at the cliff. “I don’t have any training, and your father knew that. He gave his life so I could escape. He held up the roof so I could run.” He stared to strafe away from the cliff. “He died a hero, Talltail.”

“Why should I believe you?” Rage washed over Talltail.

“Sandgorse gave his life to save me.”

Talltail knew it was a lie. Silvanus was just trying to gain his sympathy. He’d waited too long for this. Silvanus wouldn’t get away.

“What does killing me do?” Silvanus growled. “It won’t bring back your father. It won’t change what’s been done.”

“It’ll let my father rest in peace.”

“Your father died to save me. He rests easy knowing he was a hero.”

Talltail’s breath caught in his throat. Sandgorse had been brave. He would have given his life to safe another man.

“Killing me doesn’t bring back your father,” Silvanus pressed.

Jake didn’t believe he was a killer. He’d always been taught all life was precious. What if Silvanus was telling the truth? Alarm ripped through his chest. He couldn’t kill him!

As he backed away from Silvanus, the ground trembled beneath him. There was a massive groan, like a tunnel collapsing, then creaking as the cliff gave way.

Talltail flung out a hand to grab at Silvanus, but it was too late. Silvanus was falling.

Talltail got on his stomach and peered over the edge. Silvanus was sliding down the cliff face, showering grit as he fought to hold on. “Talltail!” he shouted as he landed on a small ledge. “Help!” The ledge was starting to crack with his weight.

Talltail reached his hand down to grab for Silvanus. Their fingers brushed, but he wasn’t able to get a grip. The ledge was starting to give way, pebbles leaping down the cliff face.

Silvanus looked down at the ledge, then back at Talltail. His brown eyes were wide with terror as the ledge groaned.

“No!” Talltail grabbed his spear from his back and threw it out in front of him. Silvanus grabbed on and Talltail stood up just as the ledge gave out. Immediately, Talltail’s arms began to strain as he held onto to all of Silvanus’ weight, the man's face pressed into the cliff face. He got his feet under himself and began climbing up the cliff.

Talltail didn’t stop pulling until they were both well away from the cliff and back on solid ground.

“Thanks.” Silvanus was panted, resting on his hands and knees.

Talltail felt numb. He’d just saved Silvanus from falling off the cliff. This was nothing like his plan.

Silvanus raised his head. “I’m sorry about your father. It was an accident. Sandgorse saved my life, and I’m in debt to him.”

Of course Sandgorse had saved him. Talltail should have known sooner. His father may have been harsh sometimes, but he was brave and courageous, just like Shattered Ice.

“Why didn’t you tell me what really happened?” Talltail asked.

“You wouldn’t listen to me,” Silvanus said. “You were so angry, and I couldn’t even talk to you without you biting my head off.”

Talltail didn’t argue. He’d been so cold and empty these past years.

They walked silently across the field until they reached the trees. Silvanus led the way back to camp, hopping over logs and ditches. A figure was waiting in the entrance to camp.

“Jake!” Talltail pushed past Silvanus to reach him first.

Jake’s eyes were wide, his arms crossed. “What did you do?”

Talltail glanced at Silvanus as the man followed.

Jake blinked in surprise. “You didn’t do it!” He sighed in relief.

Talltail nodded. “No, I didn’t.”

“Why?”

“My father saved him.”

Jake cocked his head. “What?”

“It’s what he would have done.” Talltail wondered how he’d ever thought differently. All his grief had clouded his judgement.

“I knew you wouldn’t do it!” Jake jumped at him, pulling him into a tight embrace and burying his face in his chest.

Talltail was still shaking. What if he hadn’t let Silvanus explain? What if he’d pushed him over the edge without an explanation. “I let anger fuel me,” he said. “I won’t ever let that happen again.”

Jake looked up, green eyes soft. “I’m proud of you, Talltail.”

Talltail smiled. “But what now? Revenge was all I’ve thought about for five years. I can’t stay here. Silvanus knows I tried to kill him, and he’ll certainly tell the others. I doubt they’ll want me around.”

He couldn’t stay here, but he couldn’t go home. Jake wouldn’t be there.

“The mission is over,” Jake said. “We can go home.”

Talltail nodded, feeling numb. He’d walk Jake home. But then what? “I’ll say bye first. If we wander off without saying anything, they’ll think something is wrong. Wait here.” He pushed around Jake and into camp. Silvanus was on the far side.

“Talltail!” Bessie approached first. “Silvanus said you saved him from the cliff!”

Roma ran to meet him. “Are you okay?”

Algernon said up. “Silvanus said it was a close one.”

Menowin looked Talltail up and down. “You’re covered in dirt.”

Talltail looked down at himself. His clothes were streaked with mud where’d he’d laid down to reached Silvanus. “I’m fine.”

Silvanus was staring at him.

“It’s time Jake and I were on our way.”

“Now?” Bessie sounders surprised.

“You can’t go!” Roma whined.

Silvanus stepped up. “Let them go. It’s time they headed home.”

Algernon looked over his shoulder at his cousin.

Talltail shifted. “Jake needs to go home,” he explained.

“What about you?” Roma asked. “Are you going back to WindClan?”

“I’ll walk Jake home,” Talltail said. He wasn’t sure what to do after that.

“I’ll go with you,” Roma offered. “I know the way to Jake’s village.”

“We do, too,” Talltail said. He wanted to be alone with Jake.

“Leave them be, Roma,” Bessie chided, sympathy in her voice.

Talltail looked into Roma’s eyes and noticed the hurt there. She was going to miss him more than any of the Vagabonds. He wondered if she’d hoped they could have been more than friends. But Talltail knew that would never do.

He looked down at Jake, knowing he had his eyes on someone else.

“Good-bye, Roma.” He hoped she would have a good life, and find a better husband. But Talltail could never love her. “I’ll miss you.”

She hesitated a moment, then hugged him. “I’ll miss you, too.”

“We’ll see you in the summer,” Algernon said.

Silvanus got to his feet. “No, I don’t think we will.”

Algernon turned to him, eyes wide. “What do you mean?”

Silvanus met his cousin’s gaze. “It’s time we find a new path to travel, and stop bothering WindClan every summer. They have their own business, and we should stay out of it.” He met Talltail’s gaze steadily.

Stunned, Talltail could only nod. He couldn’t blame Silvanus for wanting to distance himself and his family from anything to do with the Clans.

Silvanus sat back down. “Give our regards to Heatherstar,” he said.

“Bye, then,” Talltail croaked.

“Take care, Talltail,” Menowin rasped.

“I will.” Turning, Talltail walked out of camp.

What would the Clan think when the travelers didn’t show up in a few months? Would they think something terrible had happened? He didn’t know if he was going back to WindClan yet. If he did, the Clan would surely worry.

Jake hurried to meet him. “How’d it go?”

Talltail gazed at him sadly, then headed into the trees.

Jake fell in beside him. “Did your father really save Silvanus?”

Fresh grief made Talltail’s throat tighten. “Yeah,” he said thickly.

Jake took his hand gently. “Your father was a hero,” he murmured.

Talltail’s vision grew hazy with tears.

They walked through the forest, heading upslope until they reached the oak trees they’d sheltered in their first night together. The hollow was still lined with wool and Talltail sat down gratefully.

Jake sat beside him. “Are you going back to WindClan?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’m sure they’d welcome you back.”

“Maybe I’ll keep traveling for awhile.” Talltail muttered, looking up at the sky. He didn’t really want to, not if Jake wasn’t going to be there. Emotion welled up in his chest as he thought of having to leave the man behind and go off on his own. Jake had already offered to house him. Perhaps he could live in town. But would he ever be happy there? He’d seen enough of the world to be satisfied, and he’d completed his mission of finding Silvanus.

He didn’t know what to do.

“Whatever you do, it’s your decision,” Jake said with a smile. “You can at least be happy with that.”

Talltail shook his head. “No, Jake. It’s your choice.”

Just as Jake was opening his mouth to question him, Talltail grabbed his hand and smashed their faces together, catching Jake in a messy kiss. At first, the man tensed, then relaxed, cupping Talltail’s cheek with one hand.

Talltail pulled away, just enough to gaze into Jake’s emerald eyes.

“I love you, Jake.” He took Jake’s hands. “I’ve never been closer to anyone but you. I’ve never let anyone get to know me like you have. You choose. You know what will make me happy.”

Jake stared at him for a long moment, hands squeezing Talltail’s “I love you, too.” He frowned. “But this is not my decision to make. You have to let your heart guide you. What do you want, Talltail?”

Talltail wanted Jake. He wanted to be happy. He wanted a loving husband and a safe home and no rules to follow.

But that wasn’t something he could have. Jake wouldn’t want to live as a rogue forever. Eventually, he’d want to go back to his village. And Talltail couldn’t live there, he just couldn’t. Their rules were even stricter than the Clans’.

With a deep, sad sigh, Talltail finally answered.

“I want to go home.”

Chapter Text

In the morning, they hunted. Jake caught his first rabbit. Talltail was impressed. He’d been the one to chase it, but jake had veered to cut it off and used a hunting knife from his bag to slay it. The man looked thrilled, eyes gleaming as he carried it back to Talltail.

“I can’t believe I caught it!”

After eating, they climbed the summit of the hill to look over the valley. Clouds covered the sky, blocking out the bright sun. The breeze had lost its icy chill, but it was still damp, making Jake’s orange hair puff up.

As they reached the top, Jake sat down and gazed into the valley. “What can you see?”

Talltail squinted, feeling like he was back on Outlook Rock. “Fields.” He recognized the meadow they’d crossed before. More meadows stretched around it, surrounding a dark mass of walls and houses. “And your town.”

“What’s beyond?” Jake promoted.

“ThunderClan territory,” Talltail said, seeing the smudge of a forest.

“Beyond that?”

Talltail narrowed his eyes. He could see swathes of purple heather on short grass. His heart ached as he thought about his old home.

“If we cut through town, we’ll reach Clan territory,” Jake said.

“Do we have to go so soon?” Talltail pointed at a field that swept away. “We could travel the world, just for a little bit. Discover new places neither of us have ever been.” He turned and took Jake’s hands. “Together.”

Jake smiled sadly. “I’ve never explored Clan territory before.”

Talltail felt a prickle of unease, but he couldn’t deny Jake’s request. “Just one look,” he muttered.

Hands intertwined, they walked around the rocks to the smooth grass below. They veered around the hedge, staying on the outskirts of town.

Jake took the lead as they entered the town’s land, squeezing Talltail’s hand. Neither of them wanted to let go.

Jake walked the path easily, as though he’d known it his whole life. They passed by garden after garden. Talltail noticed trees growing close to the houses, some of their branches unnaturally cut as not to hit the roofs.

They neared the forest, close to the ThunderClan border. Talltail kept an eye out for markers. He knew they were close to the Thunderpath at the edge of town that cut them off from ThunderClan territory.

Jake’s eyes were wide with excitement. “Are we close to the moor?”

“Close enough.” Above, then branches clattered in the wind.

“Come on, then,” Jake said.

“It’s dangerous,” Talltail told him. “We’ll have to walk along ThunderClan territory.”

“We’ve fought off a wolf before,” Jake teased. “And I want to see WindClan territory.”

Talltail didn’t want to argue. He was starting to miss the moor. He’d spent so long in the forest, the open moor would feel amazing. He could visit home, just to see his mother and sister. He could visit Barkface and Dawnstripe, then be on his way again. He could see the mountains.

He followed Jake, thoughts jumbled with the familiar scenery. Memories crowded his mind. Chasing rabbits, sitting on Outlook Rock, following the other warriors through the heather, racing with his friends. He pictured Wren in her bundle of blankets and Hop bombarding him with questions about the moor. His heart twisted with homesickness.

“Which way?” Jake asked.

Talltail knew they were close to the Thunderpath. He could sense the horses that trotted down the dirt road. He glanced along the line of thick bushes at the edge of the forest. “This way.” The bushes would give them somewhere to hide if they came across a Thunderpath patrol.

He led Jake over the leaf covered forest floor, through withered brambles and bushes. All his senses strained as he kept watch for ThunderClan. The clouds began to clear, driven toward the horizon by the brisk wind. Before long, the sun was shining on the branches. As it slid behind them, Talltail recognized more familiar things. He could see the zigzag marked border stakes of ThunderClan. Beyond, he could sense the pine forest of ShadowClan, then the sweetness of heather. The earthy aura of rabbit rolled over him. Without thinking, Talltail quickened his pace, veering away from the Thunderpath and trekking through the thick forest. The ground steeped and soon he was nearly out of breath, blindly following the thinnest parts of the brambles.

“Almost there.” At last they broke out of the trees. A deep hollow yawned ahead of them, surrounded by four tall, ancient oak trees.

“Fourtrees!” His heart soared as he followed the slope. “This is no-man’s land.” He felt at ease, relaxed in the familiar area. He raced into the clearing, staring in delight at the towering oaks.

“They’re huge!” Jake stood in the center of the hollow, staring around at the branches. “Which way is WindClan territory?”

Talltail turned toward the far slope and raced for it, past the clumps of ferns.

Once at the top, Jake stopped, gazing across the moor. “Why did you ever want to leave?” he whispered. The heather rocked in the wind, wide swathes of grass streaming around it.

The border was just a length away. He’d left because he’d felt out of place here. But, as he heard the wind and smelled the heather, he felt a sudden sense of belonging. He could sense aura trails. Cloudrunner and Dawnstripe. Larksplash, too. Talltail’s heart was racing.

“I can’t go home!” He stared at Jake. “They won’t want me! I broke the warrior code by leaving my Clan.”

“You won’t know unless you go back.” Jake’s eyes were soft, although Talltail could see longing as well. Did he really want him to leave?

Neither of them wanted to separate, but they couldn’t truly be happy together. Jake wanted to go home, and Talltail could never stay in town. Jake couldn’t live in the Clan or travel with Talltail. And, if Talltail went home, he might not want to leave again.

Talltail closed his eyes. He felt as though the wind was pulling him toward the moor. His heart ached to see the camp again. And his mother. He’d hardly been gone a week, but he wondered if anything had changed. Was Wren any bigger?

“This is your home, Talltail.” Jake leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek, green eyes glistening with tears. “You belong here.”

“I know,” Talltail whispered. He pressed his forehead to Jake’s, closing his eyes and just letting their skin touch. “You could come with me. You could meet my family.”

Jake was silent and still for a long moment, then he stepped back. “I don’t belong here. My home is in my village. I’m sure my family misses me, just like yours does.”

“You belong with me,” Talltail whined desperately.

“We belong together,” Jake admitted. “But we could never settle.”

Talltail’s throat tightened. “Will I ever see you again?”

Jake turned away. “I hope so. Maybe you could come visit.”

Hope flared in Talltail’s chest. “Come to my Clan. You don’t have to stay, but you could visit. When I tell them how you hunt, and how you fought off that wolf, they’ll accept you!”

Jake shook his head. “No, Talltail. You wouldn’t be happy in town, and I wouldn’t be happy here.” His voice cracked. He turned around and wrapped his arms around Talltail’s torso. “I’ll never forget you.”

“I love you,” Talltail said.

“I love you, too, Talltail,” Jake said. He pressed a kiss to Talltail’s lips. “I always will.”

Chapter Text

Talltail had stayed the night at Jake’s house. He’d left before Jake had even woken up. If he’d stayed, he wouldn’t have been able to say goodbye.

Now, he stood on the edge of the moor, terrified of stepping foot in his old home. He tried to picture all his Clanmates. His step-father, Redclaw. His friends, Barkface, Doespring, Ryestalk and Stagleap. His mother and younger sister. His mentor, Dawnstripe. He wondered if Shrewclaw would be happy to see him.

He gazed across the swathe of dark heather, seeing clumps of gorse and sticks where the camp sat.

His heart pounded. Wind blustered over the moor. Far away, a buzzard’s wings beat the air. As he drew closer, he could hear the laughter of children.

Happiness flashed through Talltail.

“Pigeon, come on!”

“I’m coming!”

Talltail paused. Were the children outside of camp? He crept forward, crouching.

Hop was kneeling over the entrance to a rabbit burrow. “I bet we’re small enough to go in.”

Pigeon shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s so dark.”

“We can sense our way around like the warriors do!”

Talltail felt uneasy. The brothers knew nothing about tunneling, and rabbit burrows weren’t meant to accommodate humans.

A shadow flitted across the grass. Wings beat the air overhead. Talltail looked up. An eagle circled low over the children, watching them. They were small enough to be carried off, if the eagle was desperate enough for a warm meal. Talltail opened his mouth to warn them just as the eagle tucked its wings and dived.

“Hop! Pigeon!” Talltail jumped forward. “Look out!”

Hop raised his head, eyes wide with shock. Pigeon jumped up.

Talltail dived at the two boys, shielding them. He cried out as the eagle’s talons raked at his back, shredding the fur of his cloak. It screeched, stuttering in its flight.

Talltail whipped around and drew his spear, thrusting it into the eagle’s stomach before it could get too far away. It dropped to the ground, feathers spiraling down.

“You caught it!” Hop squeaked.

Pigeon was trembling. “Talltail? I thought you left.”

“He came home!” Hop’s eyes lit up. “I knew he would! And he saved us!”

“I’ve never seen anyone catch an eagle before!” Pigeon stared down at the dead bird.

“Whiteberry certainly has,” Talltail chuckled. “Now, let’s get you two home.”

Pigeon looked crestfallen. “We were going to sneak back through the wasteplace tunnel,” he said. “We’re not supposed to be out of camp.”

“You most certainly are not!” Larksplash’s stern voice sounded upslope. She was marching toward them.

Talltail stepped away. The woman’s eyes were fixed on the boys.

“Meadowslip was worried sick-” Larksplash halted. “Talltail?” Her eyes were wide with disbelief. “You’re back.”

“Yeah.” Talltail picked up the eagle by its leg. “And I brought some dinner.”

“He saved us!” Hop squeaked. “The eagle was diving at us but Talltail jumped in and killed it.”

Uncertainty showed in Larksplash’s eyes.

“I can leave, if you want me to,” Talltail said. He almost hoped she would. If the Clan wouldn’t welcome him, he could always go back to Jake.

“But I want to hear about his adventure,” Hop whined.

“You’ll have to speak with Heatherstar,” Larksplash murmured.

“I know.” Talltail followed her back to camp, the boys skipping around him in delight. When he reached the outside of camp, another figure slid out of the structure.

“There you are!” Palebird stared angrily at the boys. “Your mother was worried sick! Heatherstar was about to send a search party.”

“Talltail’s home!” Hop said.

“He saved us from an eagle!” Pigeon ran up to Palebird.

“Talltail?” Palebird raised her eyes, as though seeing him for the first time. She frowned and stepped forward. “You should have brought them straight home, not played with them!”

Talltail blinked in surprise. She was acting as though he’d never left. “I was just about to,” he said. “Tell Meadowslip to keep a better eye on them.”

Larksplash nodded. “He’s right,” she said. “If Talltail hadn’t been there, they would have been taken.”

Hop gazed at them. “He caught the eagle.”

Palebird’s eyes darted to Talltail’s hands. “Yes, he did.”

“It’s good to see you, too, mom,” he muttered. Pushing past her, he headed into camp.

“Talltail?” Barkface was carrying a pot of water to the elder’s hut. It slipped out of his fingers, smashing on the ground below. “You’re back!” He smiled and rushed to meet him.

Talltail embraced his old friend. “Yeah.”

Hickorynose, who was sitting outside his hut, stood. “Plumclaw, come see this.”

Whiteberry peered out of the elder’s hut. “Did you really just drop our…” His voice trailed off as he spotted Talltail.

Lilywhisker pushed past him. “Talltail! You’re back!”

“Who’s back?” Shrewclaw emerged from the warrior’s hut, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Ryestalk followed him out. “Is that Talltail?”

“Talltail?” Stagleap stood up from the shadow of the Tallrock. He raced past Aspenfall and Cloudrunner.

“Did you find him?” Barkface whispered. “Did you kill Silvanus?”

“I found him,” Talltail said. “But I let him live.”

Barkface smiled. “I’m glad.”

“My father died to save him,” Talltail went him. “I couldn’t kill him.”

“Talltail!” Stagleap practically shoved Barkface out of the way. “It’s good to see you!”

Shrewclaw caught up to him. “Wormtail,” he greeted, crossing his arms and looking Talltail up and down. “I thought you were gone for good.” His tone was humorous.

“Well, I came back.” Talltail glanced around camp. “If Heatherstar will let me.”

“She’s leading a hunting patrol,” Stagleap explained. “She’ll be back soon.”

“It’s good to see you, Talltail,” Ryestalk greeted.

“You, too.” Talltail nodded to her. Ryestalk stood close to Shrewclaw, their hands intertwined. He’d hardly been gone a week and they were together?

“Talltail!” Dawnstripe called from the Tallrock. “You came back!” Her eyes were bright with delight.

Talltail opened his arms to welcome her into a hug. “I couldn’t stay away.”

Behind him, Meadowslip was rushing for Hop and Pigeon. “I can’t look away for a single minute!”

Sorrel followed her. "Where did you go?” she demanded. “Why didn’t you take me?”

Hop pushed past his younger sister. “Who cares? Talltail’s back!”

Larksplash walked into camp. “We would have lost you two if he wasn;t.” She flashed a stern look at Meadowslip.

Ryestalk cocked her head. “Did something happen?”

“Talltail saved them from an eagle.” Larksplash nodded to the eagle in Talltail’s hand.

“Impressive!” Stagleap took the eagle, wincing with effort. It was heavy.

“Isn’t this a surprise?” Heatherstar’s voice made Talltail spin around. The WindClan leader was walking into the camp, followed by Reedfeather, Redclaw and Hareflight.

Reedfeather halted. “You came back,” he muttered.

Talltail kept his gaze on Heatherstar. Would she let him back into the Clan?

Shrewclaw stepped closer. “Why did you come back, Talltail? Was the world too scary for you?” There was affection in his voice. He was happy to see him.

“No, but it taught me where I belong,” Talltail said.

Heatherstar nodded. “Walk with me, Talltail.” She turned. “Reedfeather, organize the dusk patrols while we’re gone.”

She led the way out of camp and upslope, weaving around bushes and down an old trail. Talltrail followed, relaxed in the familiar setting. As he emerged onto the moor, the wind buffeted his face. It promised rain. Gray clouds dragged over the peaks of Highstones, hiding the mountains beyond. Heatherstar kept moving, heading for the high moor.

To Outlook Rock.

The familiar crop of stones jutted out of the moor, pale against the dark gray sky. Talltail walked onto the ledge, the smooth stone cold beneath his feet. He’d spent so much time here, dreaming about the land beyond. Now, he’d been beyond the horizon that had once trapped him. Yet, he’d come back.

Heatherstar sat on the edge of the rock, legs overhanging the cliff. “Are you glad to be home?”

Talltail halted behind her. He’d traveled further than anyone he’d ever know, but was walking on WindClan land once more. His ancestors had walked this moor since before the Clans. Sandgorse and countless others had tunneled beneath it. This was his home. He belonged here.

“Yeah, I am,” he murmured.

“Good.” Heatherstar kept her eyes on the distant peaks. “You always loved it here.”

“I did.” Talltail always felt free when he was sitting on this rock.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Heatherstar asked.

“No.”

“So you didn’t find Silvanus?”

“I found him,” Talltail replied. “But he told me my father had given his life to save him in the tunnels. I couldn’t kill him.”

“So the journey was pointless?”

“No,” Talltail growled. “I didn’t leave just for revenge. I felt trapped here, like I didn’t belong.”

“Sometimes we must leave to find where our heart truly lies,” Heatherstar whispered.

Relief swamped through him. “I learned a lot.” He’d learned about loyalty, about love, and about life. “Will you let me back into the Clan?”

Heatherstar turned to look at him. “I always knew you were different, Talltail,” she said.

Talltail stiffened. “What do you mean?” He sat down beside her.

“I watched you when you were little,” Heatherstar said. “You acted differently from the other kids. You questioned things, you thought deeper about how the Clans work and what you wanted to do with your life. You hated tunnels and didn’t understand the importance of borders. I knew you had to leave the Clans, to see the world beyond, so you could understand deeper bonds.”

Grief stabbed through Talltail’s chest. Jake was the deepest bond he’d ever known, and Talltail had let him walk away. “I made a...friend,” he said. “He convinced me to come home.”

Heatherstar nodded. “He sounds nice,” she murmured. “You must have been close, if he knew what to tell you.”

Talltail looked away, heart aching.

“You are welcome back in the Clan, Talltail,” Heatherstar said. “But you’ll still have to earn the trust of your Clanmates.”

Talltail nodded. “I know.”

“You must prove your loyalty to them,” Heatherstar said.

“I’ll try,” Talltail promised.

She finally turned to him with a smile. “I’m glad you came back.”

Talltail let his hands rest on the smooth rock. “So am I.”

Chapter Text

Steadily falling water turned the hills gray. It had rained every day since Talltail had returned, and the familiar trails of the moor ran with streams of water. In the open, sand washed around Talltail’s ankles as he trekked toward the gorge.

Reedfeather trudged beside him. “Summer’s on its way. It’s always like this at the end of spring.”

Talltail glanced at the heavy sky. “I hope it doesn’t last long. We don’t need a flood.”

Reedfeather wiped rain from his eyes. “I prefer the snow, honestly,” he grumbled. “It doesn’t drench me.” The WindClan deputy was limping. He’d sprained his ankle a month ago and it wasn’t healing well.

“Do you want to rest?” Talltail asked. “I can hunt alone.”

“If I can’t hunt for my Clan, I’m useless.” Reedfeather shot him a warning look.

Talltail eyed the stretch of grass head. A rabbit was grazing in the soggy grass. “Look,” he said.

Reedfeather paused. “Good eye.”

“Go around and come up behind it,” Talltail whispered. “Send it toward me. I’ll finish it off.”

Reedfeather headed away, keeping low, dark hair dripping with rain. Talltail waited. The rabbit had torn off a stock of long grass and was munching on it. As Reedfeather closed in, Talltail stalked forward. He kept glancing at the deputy. The injured warrior would have to make the first move.

The rabbit didn’t notice them until Reedfeather darted at it. With a flinch, it raced away from the WindClan deputy. Talltail sprang at it, spear at the ready. He stabbed it quickly.

Reedfeather hobbled over to meet him. “Nice plan,” he grunted.

The rain was easing by the time they reached camp. Reedfeather led the way, nodding to Talltail before carrying the rabbit to the food storage. Talltail scanned the camp. Water dripped into a puddle near the apprentice’s hut. With no apprentices, the gorse hadn’t been patched. Meadowslip was sitting outside the nursery with Palebird, who held Wren in her arms. Lilywhisker was dragging old bedding out of the elder’s hut. Heatherstar, Aspenfall and Doespring sheltered under the Tallrock. Hop, Pigeon and Sorrel were bickering near the Hunting Stones.

“It’s my turn!” Sorrel whined.

“You had the highest spot last time,” Hop argued.

“I never get to sit on top,” Pigeon complained.

Talltail walked toward the moor runner’s hut, wanting to shelter from the rain. At that moment, Hop caught sight of him and scampered over.

“Talltail!” he called. He was nimble, even with a lame foot. “Will you help me practice my hunting crouch?”

Talltail glanced at the sky. The clouds were tearing apart, showing patches of blue. “Alright.”

The dark haired boy smiled.

“We can practice by the Tallrock,” Talltail said, heading for the stone. Days of rain had washed the sand from the hollow and stones that had been hidden for years sparkled on the surface.

Hop followed, crouching.

“Spread your legs farther apart,” Talltail advised. “It’ll give you more balance.” He put his hands on Hop’s shoulders, pressing him down. “Keep your head low. And remember, push with your legs.” He walked around the young boy, examining him. “Try to keep yourself straight.”

Hop was leaning to one side where he couldn’t put his weight on his lame foot. He sat up. “I can’t do it.” He stared angrily at his odd foot.

“It’s alright,” Talltail soothed. “You’ll only fall if one foot is stronger than the other.”

Hop frowned. “But one is stronger than the other.”

Talltail shrugged. “Then use the stronger more lightly.”

Hop nodded. “Okay.” He crouched again, adjusting his stance until he was steady.

“That’s perfect.” Talltail was impressed. Although Hop had a disadvantage, he was willing to learn and train. “Now, try to jump. Don’t forget to keep your eyes forward. Look where you want to go.”

Hop narrowed his eyes, the muscles bunching in his legs. Then he darted forward.

“Good!” Talltail praised.

But as Hop landed, he stumbled, then drew himself up sharply.

“Are you alright?” Talltail noticed scarlet drops dripping onto the ground.

Hop sat down with a huff. “There’s a sharp rock!” His lame foot was bleeding on the bottom. Talltail noticed the sharp edge of flint sticking out of the ground.

“Let’s get you to the healer’s hut,” Talltail said quickly.

Blood was welling on Hop’s foot. Talltail picked Hop up and carried him toward the healer’s hut.

Barkface looked up from his herbs. “What happened?”

“He landed on a sharp stone,” Talltail said.

Barkface examined the cut. “It’s deep. As long as it doesn’t get infected, he should be okay.” He darted across the hut and reached through a gap in the branches, hauling out a roll of bandages and wad of leaves. “He’ll have to stay off it for awhile. You said he landed on a sharp stone?”

“By the Tallrock,” Talltail explained. He glanced out of the hut entrance to see Shrewclaw passing by. He ducked outside. “Shrewclaw?”

Shrewclaw and Ryestalk were walking across the clearing. He stopped. “What is it?”

“There are sharp stones near the Tallrock. The rain must have dug them up,” he explained. “Hop just cut himself on one.”

Ryestalk frowned. “That’s not good.”

“Can you get some warriors together and dig them all out?”

Shrewclaw narrowed his eyes. “Can’t you do it?”

“I want to keep an eye on Hop.”

Ryestalk touched Shrewclaw’s arm. “Talltail’s right. We need to make sure no one else gets hurt.” She hurried across the grass to where Stagleap and Appledawn were sharing a meal.

Shrewclaw followed. “I’ll ask Hickorynose and Mistmouse to help,” he said. “They know how to dig.”

As Talltail turned back to the healer’s hut, footsteps sounded from beyond the camp wall. Plumclaw bursted into camp, followed by Woollytail, Larksplash and Cloudrunner.
“ShadowClan!” Plumclaw gasped.

Heatherstar poked her head out of her hut. “What happened?”

Woollytail lifted his chin. “They moved the border!"

Shrewclaw whipped around. “We should send a patrol to move them back. Across their border.”

Ryestalk nodded. “I’ll go.”

“No,” Heatherstar said sternly. “No one will cross the border,” she ordered. “We’ll move their markers to the appropriate position.”

“They’re trying to scare us,” Cloudrunner growled. “We need to show them we’re not afraid.”

“We’ll carry on as normal,” Heatherstar said. “We move the markers back, and nothing else. We won’t dignify them with a violent response.”

Talltai glanced around uneasily. If ShadowClan wanted to start something, they’d go as far as they needed to do it. They’d crossed the border before. They’d even attacked camp. But Talltail had only been back a week and didn’t feel comfortable questioning his leader’s wisdom. Besides, perhaps she was right. Why rush into a battle when they had time to think?

He turned for the healer’s hut. “Hop?”

Hop was sitting in a makeshift bed. “What happened?”

“Sit still,” Barkface ordered, wrapping bandages around Hop’s wound.

Hop narrowed his eyes. “I heard Woollytail say ShadowClan crossed the border!”

“Yes, they have,” Talltail told him.

“Is Heatherstar organizing a battle patrol?” Hop asked, leaning forward.

“Keep still!” Barkface grunted.

“No. Not yet,” Talltail said.

Hop frowned. “I wish I were an apprentice,” he grumbled. “I’d teach ShadowClan to keep off our borders!”

Barkface looked up, smiling. “If you don’t stop squirming, you won’t even make it to the border.”

Talltail nodded. “Let Barkface take care of you. Hop. Your Clanmates need you fit.”

Hop sat up straight. “Of course!”

Chapter Text

“There’s a grouse nearby.” Dawnstripe looked over the heather. It shimmered, tipped with frost in the early autumn sunshine.

Aspenfall nodded. “There’s feathers over here.”

Plumclaw smiled. “It’ll make a great meal for the elders.”

Talltail was impressed by how easily the tunnelers had slipped into the roles of moor runners. Their underground duties gave them strength that they used when hunting aboveground.

Dawnstripe led the way across the grass. “Perhaps the kids will have some as well.”

Hop had easily recovered from the cut, although he was limping worse than ever.

“Dawnstripe,” Talltail called. “May I go off? I think I see rabbit tracks.”

Dawnstripe blinked. “What about the grouse?”

“Go without me. It doesn’t take four warriors to catch one grouse.”

Dawnstripe shrugged, then took off down the trail. Talltail followed a set of rabbit tracks along the slope where it dipped toward the Thunderpath. He’d never hunted here before. Rabbits rarely strayed this far from their burrows. Halfway down the slope, he paused.

He could sense many heartbeats. Perhaps there was more than one rabbit. Had they dug a new burrow on the slope? He scanned the grass, looking for holes, but it was smooth and unbroken. Why had so many rabbits passed this way?

The Thunderpath ran along the bottom of the slope. Talltail tried to focus on the aura trails of the rabbit. He suddenly noticed the spots of scarlet that lined the trail. The rabbit had been killed! He walked down the slope.

The blood grew more apparent. Perhaps rabbits often got hit by the carriages on the Thunderpath. Talltail scanned the dirt road. There was no sign of roadkill. He followed the blood trail along the edge, then slowed. He was nearing the tunnel that passed underneath the Thunderpath and joined WindClan and ShadowClan territory. He hadn’t been here since he was an apprentice. Dawnstripe had showed it to him once, but WindClan didn’t often worry about it. There wasn’t much to hunt here, and ShadowClan only ever used the tunnel to get to the Gathering.

Talltail slid down the ditch at the edge of the Thunderpath and wadded through the long grass choking the tunnel entrance. Blood streaked the stems and a few drops branched off into the muddy water at the bottom. Many rabbits had been killed and taken through here, and just recently.

He turned and raced back up the slope. Pushing hard against the rough grass, he pelted toward the heather. “Dawnstripe!” he called.

A grouse fluttered up from the bushes.

“What in the name of StarClan are you doing?” Dawnstripe jumped in front of him, eyes narrowed.

Talltail skidded to a halt. “ShadowClan has been stealing rabbits and taking them through the tunnel!”

Dawnstripe’s eyes widened. “Have you seen them?”

“I saw blood trails.”

Plumclaw stormed after Dawnstripe. “You scared off the grouse!”

Aspenfall barged past her. “We almost had it!”

Talltail raised his head. “ShadowClan is using the tunnel under the Thunderpath to steal rabbits from the moor.” He glared at Aspenfall. “Go tell Heatherstar. Bring warriors. We need to re-mark the border.”

Aspenfall nodded and turned to leave.

“Come on.” Talltail beckoned Dawnstripe to follow and headed back for the tunnel. He led her down the slope, Plumclaw close behind. “This way.” He walked to the tunnel, pushing through the grass.

“I sense ShadowClan,” Plumclaw growled.

“How long have they been doing this?” Dawnstripe asked.

“It must have been a while,” Talltail growled. “We’ll have to start patrolling here day and night. ShadowClan needs to learn they can’t push us around.”

“How dare they-” Plumclaw began.

“Hush!” Talltail silenced her. Footsteps were drumming through the tunnel, echoing off the walls.

“Attack!” A scream ripped through the air as ShadowClan warriors streamed from the tunnel.

Talltail drew his spear. “It’s an invasion!”

“ShadowClan, attack!” Cedarstar shouted as he charged up the slope. He raced at Dawnstripe. Talltail hurled himself in front of her.

“I don’t need your help!” she growled, dodging around him to meet the ShadowClan leader head-on.

A fist slammed into Talltail’s side. Blizzardwing had knocked him off his feet and lunged at him. Talltail rolled and Blizzardwing’s sword came down beside his face. Talltail stood up and slammed into the man. Plumclaw was wrestling in the mud downslope, locked in battle with Brightflower. Did the tunneler have the battle skills to fight her off? Dawnstripe screamed in pain. Talltail whipped around. Newtspeck had joined Cedarstar, battering at Dawnstripe’s face while Cedarstar jabbed at her legs.

Talltaill threw Blizzardwing to the ground. He leaped on him, clinging to his shoulders to deliver blow after blow to his stomach. He dodged as Blizzardwing tried to hit back, jumping back.

Plumclaw screamed as Raggedpelt joined Brightflower’s attack. The tunneler was beating them off with a flurry of blows, but they were driving her further up the slope toward the Thunderpath. Cedarstar wrestled with Dawnstripe, who he had pinned to the ground.

Talltail tried to get to her, but Blizzardwing dragged him back. He glanced desperately up the slope, hoping Aspenfall would hurry up. Dawnstripe shrieked.

If help didn’t come soon, they’d all be dead.

Talltail turned and chopped at Blizzardwing’s throat.

With a grunt, the man staggered back.

Talltail lunged at him. Blizzardwing put his arms up to meet the blow. Talltail noticed him teeter, unbalanced on the slope. He swept a leg out, kicking the man’s legs out from under him. Blizzardwing shouted with rage as he fell.

Cedarstar was looming over Dawnstripe. Newtspeck had her held down now, pulling one arm behind her back.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded from the moor. Familiar figures streaked down the slope toward them. Reedfeather met them first, tackling Newtspeck off of Dawnstripe. Hareflight, Cloudrunner, Redclaw and Shrewclaw raced after him. Blizzardwing’s eyes widened as Redclaw smashed into him. Cloudrunner went for Cedarstar while Reedfeather and Hareflight raced to Plumclaw’s side.

Shrewclaw glared at Cedarstar, then jumped at him. “You killed my mother!” he shouted. Cedarstar tried to throw him off, but Shewclaw lashed out at the leader’s face. Shrew drew his spear, ready to strike.

Talltail was shocked by the savagery of the attack. This was what revenge meant. Shrewclaw’s rage wasn’t cold or calculated- it was all heat and fire.

Heart pounding, Talltail fell in beside him, pummeling Cedarstar as the leader tried to break free.

“This is for Brackenwing!” he shouted.

“Cedarstar!” Newtspeck rushed to help her leader. She dove in front of Shrewclaw, slicing at his shoulder with her sword, driving him back. Shrewclaw thrashed at her, trying to get to Cedarstar.

“Retreat!” Cedarstar shouted, fleeing for the tunnel.

His warriors followed. Talltail and Shrewclaw stood side by side, panting, watching the last figure retreat. Then suddenly, Talltail felt a great weight fall onto his shoulder. He turned, catching Shrewclaw just as the other man collapsed.

Shrewclaw’s shoulder was bleeding badly, the cut snaking up his neck. It stained both of their clothes red.

“Someone get Hawkheart!” Talltail cried.

Dawnstripe was the one to dash away.

Talltail fell to his knees, taking Shrewclaw with him. “Hang on, brother.”

Redclaw knelt beside him. “Please, not like this,” he murmured. He took his son from Talltail. “Not like Brackenwing.”

“He won’t die!” Talltail growled. “He’s strong.”

Shrewclaw shuddered, a groan escaping his lips. Desperately, Talltail pressed his hands over the wound, but his palms were quickly soaked with blood.

“I can’t get it to stop!”

With a gasp, Shrewclaw raised his hand to grip Talltail’s arm. “Talltail,” he rasped weakly. “Avenge my mother.”

“You can avenge her yourself!” Talltail gasped. “You can’t die, Shrewclaw.”

Shrewclaw’s head fell, his body going limp.

“No,” Redclaw sobbed, voice cracking. He cradled his son close. “Shrewclaw.”

Hareflight approached, head low. “He was a wonderful apprentice,” he murmured. “And a great warrior. WindClan will honor him.”

Talltail turned away, his gaze blurry with tears. Shrewclaw had died over a few stupid rabbits, just because ShadowClan wanted to start a fight.

Talltail wished being a warrior meant a more noble death.

Chapter Text

Talltail was enjoying the warmth of the spring sun. Beside him, the heather was bright with green buds. Overhead, the blue sky stretched endlessly, cloudless.

He could hear Hop, Pigeon and Sorrel playing outside the healer’s hut. They were outside every chance they got, with the nursery so full. Palebird was busy with Wren, and enjoyed the quiet of an empty hut. Meanwhile, Ryestalk was there with her two sons, Torn and Mud.

Shrewclaw’s sons.

It had been six months since the battle with ShadowClan and tensions had slowly eased. It seemed ShadowClan had realized they couldn’t mess with WindClan so easily. However, not everything had gone back to normal.

Talltail stood up as Barkface was walking across the clearing. “How’s Reedfeather?”

Barkface sighed. “No better,” he said. “His leg is getting worse, and I don’t think it’ll ever heal.”

Reedfeather had once again wrenched his leg during the fight with ShadowClan. All through winter, he’d been in and out of the healer’s hut, groaning in aching pain.

Talltail gazed across the clearing to where the WindClan deputy sat beside Heatherstar, sharing a meal. Reedfeather’s brown hair was unkept, with roots graying with age. Talltail felt a pang of pity for the old man. He’d served his Clan well for many years. He deserved to be leader one day, but Heatherstar was younger and still had the majority of her blessings from StarClan.

The heather shivered as Palebird walked into camp, carrying a pigeon. She must have left Wren with Meadowslip.

Talltail lifted his head. “Hi, mom,” he greeted. “Good hunting?”

Palebird nodded with a smile. “Very good.”

Now that Wren no longer needed her milk, Palebird had started to slowly return to her warrior duties. Surprisingly, she’d grown restless, stuck in the nursery with a newborn for a year. She especially enjoyed going out with Redclaw, helping the man through his grief for his son.

Redclaw had followed her into camp. “I could have caught it myself,” he said begrudgingly.

Palebird scoffed. “Oh, please. An old bear like you needs the nimbleness of a young damsel such as myself.” Her tone was fond.

Redclaw laughed. “Old bear? You’ve got a decade on me!”

Talltail smiled. He was starting to get used to his mother’s new husband. Redclaw wasn’t so bad. He had been a loving father to Barkface and Shrewclaw, and treated his mother with the love and respect she deserved.

“How’s Ryestalk doing?” Talltail asked when Redclaw walked off to store the pigeon. “Without Shrewclaw, I mean?”

Palebird sighed, putting her hands on her hips. “She’s a resilient girl, but it’s still hard being such a young single mother.”

Guilt made Talltail flinch. “I should have fought harder,” he said. “Maybe then Shrewclaw could have met his son.”

Ryestalk had already been in the nursery with Torn when Shrewclaw had died. At the time of the battle, she hadn’t even known she was pregnant with a second child.

Palebird’s gaze softened. “You can’t save everyone, Talltail.”

Outside the healer’s hut, Hop was limping after his siblings, trying to reach a ball before they did. Talltail straightened. There was a reason he hadn’t gone hunting yet today. He tried toward the Tallrock. “Heatherstar.” He approached her. “May I speak with you?”

Reedfeather struggled to his feet. “Should I go?”

“No, it’s fine,” Talltail said.

“What is it?” Heatherstar stood up.

“I’d like to be Hop’s mentor,” Talltail announced.

Heatherstar and Reedfeather exchanged a glance. “Do you think he’s fit enough to train?” Heatherstar looked past Talltail to where Hop was limping after the ball, hobbling awkwardly.

Talltail looked over his shoulder. “He’s learning to work around his disability,” he said.

Reedfeather nodded. “He’s agile.”

“He can play,” Heatherstar conceded. “But can he hunt or fight? Could he handle a battle?”

“We won’t know until he starts training,” Talltail said. “Look at Pigeon. He’s short for a boy his age. And Sorrel isn’t nearly as fast as her brothers. All children have flaws that they eventually learn to work around, even when they’re small.”

He thought of Jake, who’d learned to hunt and fight, despite his chubby size and soft life.

“I think he can do it,” Talltail said.

Hop chased after the ball, undeterred, even when Pigeon kicked it further away.

Reedfeather nodded. “He’s Clanborn,” he said. “It would be cruel to confine him to the nursery all his life. He doesn't have to be the greatest warrior the Clan has ever seen. A warrior is a warrior.”

Heatherstar thought for a moment, then nodded. “Very well.” She turned and climbed onto the Tallrock. “Let all those old enough to hunt gather beneath the Tallrock.”

Hickorynose and Woollytail emerged from their hut. “What’s going on?” Woollytail asked.

“I think I know!” Hickorynose said with a smile, hurrying toward the nursery just as Meadowslip squeezed out.

She met Hickorynose’s gaze. “You think…?”

He glanced past her. “Of course. Where are they?”

As he spoke, Pigeon and Sorrel scrambled over to meet him. “Is it time?” Pigeon squeaked.

“Yes, I think it is,” Hickorynose said.

Hop followed them slowly, frowning with anxiety. The idea of his apprenticeship had been tossed around for a while now. His parents had often spoken about it in hushed voices, but neither of them were sure what to do.

Talltail would show them what a fantastic warrior Hop could become.

Heatherstar climbed down from the Tallrock just as Lilywhisker limped over to hand her a bundle of cloaks. “Sorrel, Pigeon, Hop!”

Sorrel and Pigeon hurried toward her. Hop stared in surprise, then limped after his younger siblings.

“Today, WindClan will have three new apprentices,” Heatherstar began. “Pigeon, your mentor will be Doespring.”

Doespring stepped forward, looking proud, and touched her forehead to Pigeon’s, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

“This is your first apprentice, but I know you will train him well. Share your spirit and your speed with him,” Heatherstar said before turning. “Sorrel, your mentor will be Stagleap.”

Sorrel’s eyes widened as the broad shouldered man walked forward to greet her.

“Don’t worry, Sorrel,” Stagleap whispered. “You’ll be a great apprentice.”

“May you pass on your boldness and loyalty,” Heatherstar said, her eyes shining. “Hop.”

Hop stared at her, then approached.

“Hop, your mentor will be Talltail.” Heatherstar beckoned Talltail forward. “Share your sense of adventure and courage with this young apprentice.”

Hop stood up tall to touch Talltail’s forehead. “I’m so glad it’s you!”

“Hop!”

“Pigeon!”

“Sorrel!”

The Clan lifted their voices, calling the names of the new apprentices.

“I’ll make you the best warrior WindClan has ever seen,” Talltail whispered to Hop. He couldn’t believe he’d been a rogue six months ago. Now he was helping make WindClan stronger. Hop depended on him to learn how to hunt and fight. He’d show the Clan that even on one foot, Hop could outwit and outfight the stronger warrior!

Talltail raised his head, looking out across the heather and the rolling moor. He wished Jake were here to see this. His lover would be proud.

Chapter Text

“Are you ready?” Barkface’s eyes glowed in the starlight as he paused at the entrance to the tunnel. Mothermouth loomed in front of them, gaping like a black mouth.

Talltail nodded. “I’m ready.”

The journey across the valley had been sullen. He’d once walked these fields and felt trapped. Now, these boundaries were his to protect and honor. If StarClan accepted him, he could become WindClan’s leader.

Grief wrenched his heart. Heatherstar’s last moments had been cruel. Greencough had wracked her body, choking her into an agonizing death.

Talltail shivered from the cold. All his life, he’d seen tunnels as a terrible force that took lives. Now, this one would guide him to becoming WindClan’s leader. He glanced at the sky, wondering if his family was watching him.

Palebird had joined Sandgorse in StarClan a few years ago. She’d lived just long enough to meet the grandchildren Wrenflight had given her. Talltail wondered if his parents had made up among the stars. Had Redclaw gone back to Brackenwing?

Light glowed ahead. The moon was already shining on the Moonstone. As Talltail turned the corner, it blinded him. Fear flashed through him. Last time he’d been here, StarClan hadn’t even spoken to him. Would they reject him again?

As he hesitated, Barkface joined him. “It’s time,” he said, voice echoing off the walls of the cavern.

Talltail went forward to settled against the sparkling stone. Closing he eyes, he leaned on the Moonstone.

When he blinked his eyes open, he was on the moor.

Stars spiraled down toward him, sparking like silver flames until they took the shape of people. Talltail stared in awe as countless starry figures appeared around him.

Menowin stepped forward. “Welcome, Talltail.”

Talltail gasped in disbelief. “You’re in StarClan! But you weren’t a warrior.” A pang of sorrow touched him. Last time they’d met, over twenty years ago, Menowin hadn’t been so old. He’d died young.

“I believed in StarClan,” Menowin explained. “And they believed in me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Talltail didn’t understand. “Why didn’t you join WindClan?”

“I couldn’t abandon my family,” Menowin said. He leaned forward and touched his forehead to Talltail’s.

Energy surged through him, more powerful than anything he’d ever felt. He rocked his with feet.

“I give you the blessing of courage,” Menowin said.

Stillness enfolded him like a shadow. When Talltail opened his eyes, Menowin was gone.

“Hello, dear.”

Talltail’s recognized his mother as she stepped forward. She glowed with warm light, standing up tall to touch their foreheads together.

“I give you the blessing of love,” she whispered.

Talltail’s heart swelled as warmth surged through him. Suddenly, he felt Palebird’s love for him more strongly than ever before- a burning certainty that knew no doubt. He felt weak when she stepped away.

“Talltail?” A young girl came forward. She had blonde hair and light skin for a Clansfolk. She looked strikingly like Sandgorse.

“Who are you?” Tallstar stared at her.

“My name is Finch,” she said. “I have been watching you. I wish I could have known you in my life.”

“I’m so sorry about what happened to you,” Talltail said, sudden grief washing over him. This was the sister he’d never gotten to meet. “I’m sorry I never got to know you.”

“One day, we will be reunited,” she said with a smile. Talltail had to lean down so they could press their foreheads together. “I give you the blessing of strength.”

Excitement surged through Talltail, so strong he was shocked. When Finch pulled away, he gasped. “Thank you!” The words caught in his throat as Finch walked away to join Palebird.

A woman appeared in front of him, her sparkling figure hardly more than a shimmer.

“My name is Moth Flight,” she said. “I was the first healer of WindClan.” Her eyes shone brightly. “You did well, Talltail, and StarClan is proud of you. Although the journey was rough, we are glad you chose to come home.” She smiled sympathetically. “We know what you had to give up. You are not the only person in history to sacrifice their love for the good of their Clan.”

Talltail’s body was wracked with pain as Moth Flight leaned toward him.

“I give you the blessing of adventure,” she said.

He struggled to stay standing as another starry figure approached. He recognized Heatherstar immediately, his heart leaping. She looked young and strong, her eyes bright.

“I’m proud of you,” she said. “I give you the blessing of wisdom. You above all others know how to see through the clouds that trouble the Clans, and I know you will always chose the best path.” A feeling of great joy and confidence surged through Talltail, his mind clearing.

As Heatherstar vanished, Talltail was greeted by Redclaw.

“It’s good to see you, Talltail,” Redclaw said. “I know you didn’t always appreciate me, but I’m glad you gave me a chance. I give you the blessing of compassion. Always give others the chance to prove themselves.”

Talltail felt a spark at his touch. The heaviness pulled him down. He struggled to keep still at first, but soon strength returned.

As Redclaw pulled away, Talltail relished the weight vanishing. It soon turned to joy as Dawnstripe stepped forward.

“I’m so proud of you, Talltail,” she said. “I always knew you’d be a great warrior. You were right to train as a moor runner.” She touched her forehead to his. “I give you the blessing of patience. Training the young takes kindness and forgiveness. They are small gifts, but they will be rewarded many times.” Talltail felt calm wash over him.

“Thank you,” he murmured. “For always being patient with me.”

Dawnstripe’s eyes sparkled as she turned away. Shrewclaw took her place.

Talltail stepped back in surprise. “You’re here to bless me?” His old rival was the last person he’d expected to see.

Shrewclaw lifted his head. “We were never friends, Wormtail.”

“I’ll be Wormstar soon,” Talltail teased.

Shrewclaw smiled. “But loyalty goes deeper than friendship. It’s stronger than that. It comes from being born and raised under the same sky, walking the same path and sharing the same code.” He pressed against Talltail. “I give you the blessing of law and order, and to trust the warrior code against whatever challenges you may face. This is the wisdom of our ancestors, all our traditions distilled. Trust the code to take you down the right path.”

Stars swirled through Talltail’s mind as the life pulsed through him. He and Shrewclaw were one. Not friends, but fighting side by side in battle.

Shrewclaw drew away, nodding with respect.

A broad shouldered blonde man appeared, his brown eyes glowing with stars. Talltail’s eyes widened as he recognized his father.

“I knew you’d make a great warrior, Talltail.” Sandgorse’s voice was thick with emotion. “I’m glad you decided not to kill Silvanus.”

“Was it true?” Talltail leaned forward. “You saved him?”

Sandgorse nodded. “Yes, I did.”

Talltail’s chest suddenly felt lighter, as though something had been set right. As Sandgorse touched their foreheads together, stars swept around him,

“I give you the blessing of forgiveness,” Sandgorse said. “No death should ever need avenged. Forgiveness brings peace, while revenge only causes more suffering.”

Talltail felt suddenly calm, his breath steady.

“I’m sorry I ever doubted you, Tallstar,” Sandgorse said. “My own wants clouded my judgement. You showed me that a father’s pride is in his child’s happiness.”

Tallstar opened his eyes as the ranks of StarClan glowed and shimmered against the wind-stirred heather. Tallstar looked at each of them in turn. “I will lead WindClan with the fierce devotion of a father and the pure love of a mother. Nothing matters more than making WindClan stronger and preserving it for future generations.”

Sandgorse smiled in approval. “I’m so proud of you, Tallstar,” he said. “Go and be strong. Protect WindClan.” He took a step back, his eyes filled with love. “One day, you will reunited with your love. Not in death, but in the form of his own child. When this child comes, guide him, as he is important to all the Clans.”

Tallstar’s eyes widened. Did he mean Jake? Did Jake have a son? He lifted his chin, certain in the knowledge that if Jake’s family ever came to the Clans, he would protect the child with his very life.

“I will always love Jake,” Tallstar said. “And in that, I will love his child just the same.”