Smokefoot shot an astonished glance at Ivytail, who shrugged. Littlecloud was leaning forward, as if he were finding it hard to hear—or finding it hard to believe what he was hearing.

Or perhaps he was simply waiting for Sol’s answer.

Hollypaw’s heart began to race. Were ShadowClan about to reject StarClan? And the warrior code?

“Change is not necessarily a bad thing,” Sol murmured.

Yes, it is! She dug her claws deep into the ground, desperate to root herself in something solid.

Sol’s voice chanted on, soft, yet loud enough to reach to the edges of the clearing. “Especially if we anticipate what’s coming and prepare for it.”

Blackstar was nodding as Sol continued. “There is more than one path to tread in this life.”

“There must be an easier one than this,” Blackstar agreed. “Life here is so hard. There is great hunger in leaf-bare, and in greenleaf the Twolegs drive us farther and farther from our hunting grounds.”

Sol closed his eyes as Blackstar went on, as if he were picturing Blackstar’s description of life in ShadowClan’s new home.

“We are plagued by battle after battle, and even the moonhigh trek to the Gatherings is longer and harder than in the forest.”

“You are greatly troubled,” Sol sympathized without opening his eyes.

“My troubles are endless,” Blackstar told him.

Tawnypelt stepped forward. “Night is falling,” she meowed briskly. “The ThunderClan apprentices should be on their way home.” She flashed a knowing look at Hollypaw. “Their Clanmates will be wondering where they are.”

She’s guessed we shouldn’t be out of camp. Hollypaw stared at her paws, feeling hot and guilty. And she doesn’t want us to hear what Blackstar is saying.

Blackstar turned from Sol, blinking as if he were surprised to find them still there. “Of course.” He beckoned Smokefoot and Ivytail with his tail. “Take them to the border.”

Lionpaw tipped his head to one side. “What about Sol?”

“I must stay here.” Sol’s answer was soft but firm. He gazed at the ShadowClan leader. “That is, if Blackstar will have me.”

Blackstar did not hesitate. “Of course!”

Hollypaw stared at him. “But he was coming with us!” They had so much to learn from him. He was going to be their mentor, not Blackstar’s. Why did a Clan leader need a mentor? Outrage shot through her. Sol knew about the prophecy!

He promised he’d come with us!

Jaypaw stepped forward. “You promised—”

Lionpaw cut him off. “Let’s go, before we get into more trouble,” he hissed into Jaypaw’s ear.

“Kits!” Tawnypelt called to the nursery and Flamekit, Dawnkit, and Tigerkit charged out. “I promised you could say good-bye.”

Dawnkit held her muzzle up to Hollypaw, purring when Hollypaw ran her cheek along the top of her head. “Good-bye.”

Tigerkit arched his back and bounced toward Lionpaw. “Next time we meet, I’ll be even bigger!”