Riverstar's Home by Erin Hunter
Author:Erin Hunter [Hunter, Erin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2023-06-29T00:00:00+00:00
Chapter 17
âDonât let him rile you.â River Ripple brushed against Clear Sky.
The half-moon sat in a star-specked sky. Leaf-bareâwhat the mountain cats called the cold moonsâhad set in fast, and icy air pooled at the bottom of the four trees hollow. River Ripple faced Slash. Tall Shadow and Thunder stood beside him while Clear Sky pleaded.
River Rippleâs pelt ruffled angrily. Slash had been one of One Eyeâs rogues. Heâd been hanging around the forest ever since One Eye died. Heâd snatched Star Flower and had been holding her hostage for a quarter moon. And now he was standing on top of the great rock, flanked by six skinny, mean-eyed rogues, glaring down at them, his lip curled with malice. Heâd promised to return Star Flower tonight, but she was nowhere in sight.
Clear Sky had taken in the treacherous she-cat and made her his mate. River Ripple could still hardly believe it. After sheâd lied to everyone! And hadnât it been Thunder whoâd loved her, not Clear Sky? The young ginger tom must have turned his back on Star Flower after sheâd betrayed the mountain cats to One Eye. It was likely that he still had a lingering affection for her, which should have been respected. But then, when did Clear Sky ever show respect for another cat? And Clear Sky was Thunderâs father. What kind of father stole their sonâs almost-mate? And now she was carrying Clear Skyâs kits. Perhaps that was why Thunder had left Clear Skyâs group and started his own in another part of the forest.
But Clear Sky must love her. Why else would he be pleading with a rogue like Slash? And Slash was playing with him as though playing with prey before he killed it. River Ripple flexed his claws. No cat would die here tonight. âHe wants to cloud your thoughts,â he whispered to Clear Sky. âBut you need to keep a clear head,â
Clear Sky seemed to take hold of himself and steadied his voice. He glared at Slash. âYou promised to return Star Flower if I brought the other leaders here.â
Slash tipped his head. âIf I gave you Star Flower now, what incentive would you have to honor the agreement we will make here tonight?â
Clear Sky lifted his chin. âNo one will agree to anything until Star Flower is safely returned.â
Slash peered over the edge of the rock nastily. âIâm afraid that isnât something you get to decide. If you want to see your mate or your kits alive, you will meet my demands.â
Thunder stepped forward. âWhat are your demands, exactly?â
âFor every five pieces of prey you catch, I want one,â Slash told him. âMy rogues will visit you each day to collect our share.â
River Ripple narrowed his eyes. He hadnât expected Slash to bring Star Flower. The rogue was too much like One Eyeâdevious and a liar. The other leaders had also guessed he would hold on to Star Flower. Thatâs why theyâd come up with a way to save her. But they hadnât shared it with Clear Sky.
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