It felt strange to be following in the paw steps of his brother and son, but he knew that was the way it had to be now. Not only because of the promises they had made to the spirit-cats, but because of his deep sense of his own humiliation. How can I lead any cat, when One Eye has so utterly defeated me? Just before they reached Holly’s den, Thunder paused beside a gorse bush where Sparrow Fur was sitting, while Cloud Spots checked over her injuries. Owl Eyes and Pebble Heart crouched a fox-length away, their worried gazes burning into her pelt. “Sparrow Fur, you’re back,” Thunder mewed, his voice full of relief. “Are you okay?” Cloud Spots answered for the kit as he stroked a clump of fur back into place. “Her wounds are healing well. She’ll do.” Turning to Clear Sky, he dipped his head stiffly and continued, “Thank you for taking care of her while she was in the forest.” Clear Sky returned the nod politely, though he suspected that the black-and-white tom’s thanks were not entirely sincere.
