Path of Stars

Path of Stars is the sixth book of the Dawn of the Clans arc.

The Blurb

 * A new era dawns in the forest....


 * After moons of deliberation and strife, the forest cats have settled into five camps, following the spirit cats' advice to spread out like the petals of the Blazing Star. But now the dangerous rogue Slash has kidnapped Star Flower and made demands for prey that the forest cats cannot afford to meet.


 * Clear Sky is desperate to save his mate and the kits she carries, but he cannot do it alone. To have any hope of defeating Slash, Clear Sky must join with the other groups, led by Tall Shadow, Wind Runner, Thunder, and River Ripple. The other leaders are reluctant to risk helping Clear Sky, but as Slash's rogues grow more brazen and their attacks more vicious, all five groups will have to work together if their new way of life is to survive.

Detailed Plot Summary

 * Gray Wing is sitting on the edge of the moor with Turtle Tail, relishing the perfect moment with his former mate. Turtle Tail reveals to him that his life has already changed, and Gray Wing is reminded of Slate. Gray Wing confesses that he misses her, and Turtle Tail tells him that she misses him too, although he shouldn't be alone, for he has Slate. Turtle Tail tells Gray Wing that she loves him very much, and it comforts her to see him happy. She thanks him for being a father to her kits. She says that "he will be remembered, even after he--" and is unable to finish her sentence. Gray Wing wakes up, and Slate asks him if he is alright. Gray Wing replies that he was dreaming, and when she asks what, Gray Wing responds with about how lucky he was. He tells Slate to go back to sleep.


 * Clear Sky is fretting about his mate, Star Flower. She had been taken by a blood-thirsty rogue called Slash. He recalls the skirmish that he had gotten into, and how Quick Water, his former Tribemate, didn't lift a claw to help. He composes a plan to bring a patrol to talk to River Ripple, Wind Runner, Tall Shadow, and Thunder, hoping that they will agree to meet Slash. He goes back to his camp, seeing all of his campmates in silence. He glances at Quick Water, asking what she said. Quick Water replies that she told him the truth, and Clear Sky is outraged, reminding her that she was kidnapped. Sparrow Fur points out that Quick Water said one of the rogues used to be Star Flower's mate, and Nettle says that Quick Water had told them that she had gone with them freely. Acorn Fur asks if the rogues took her against her will, and Clear Sky confirms it, hopeful that someone finally believes him. Clear Sky explains that in order to get Star Flower back, they have to share half of their prey with Slash's group. He tells his cats that they'll do this until Star Flower comes back, and then the rogues will have to hunt for their own prey. Acorn Fur tells Clear Sky that she'll go with him to retrieve Star Flower, but Clear Sky's campmates are afraid that it is a trap. Alder and Sparrow Fur side with Clear Sky. Clear Sky is anxious about Thunder's opinion, wondering if he'll side with him for Thunder originally loved Star Flower prior to Star Flower choosing Clear Sky as a mate.


 * Thunder is in his own forest camp, hunting with Lightning Tail and remembering the other day - Quiet Rain's death, and Gray Wing's decision to move to Wind Runner's group on the moor. When Thunder's cats smell Clear Sky, Lightning Tail wonders if Clear Sky is starting another fight. Pink Eyes says that there's nothing to fight about, but Lightning Tail comments that Clear Sky will always find something to fight about. Thunder suggests that he's just bringing news. Clear Sky explains to Thunder how Star Flower was taken hostage, and asks for his help. Thunder says that they need to help her, but he refuses to help, saying that he can't give Slash prey, and that he must think of his campmates before Clear Sky's. Clear Sky is outraged, asking him what kind of son he is. Clear Sky snarls at him, asking how long he's going to resent him for taking Star Flower as his mate, and says that if his kits die, he'll never forgive him. Thunder meows that he's punishing no one, repeating that he can't sacrifice his campmates to save Star Flower, and that Clear Sky must solve this problem himself. Clear Sky turns away, and Sparrow Fur tells him that River Ripple will know what to do, as he'll be happy to share some of his prey. Clear Sky realizes that the other cats need to help, and he leaves Thunder's camp. Thunder instantly feels guilty, wondering if he should've agreed to help. He wonders if his refusal to aid Clear Sky would lead into another Great Battle.


 * After a sloppy hunting mission with Wind Runner, Gorse Fur, Moth Flight, and Slate, Gray Wing sees Clear Sky and Tall Shadow rushing into their camp. Clear Sky explains that Slash has taken Star Flower, and Gray Wing remembers that Slash had been using Fern to spy on Tall Shadow's group. Tall Shadow tells Gray Wing that Fern had left her group after Gray Wing. When Gray Wing asks why, Tall Shadow replies that she couldn't settle and she seemed frightened. Gray Wing wonders why Fern hadn't felt safe with Tall Shadow's group, and he realizes that Slash was more dangerous than imagined. Clear Sky asks why they are talking about Fern, and Gray Wing tells him that Fern was being used by Slash. Tall Shadow is shocked, and Clear Sky asks for help from Wind Runner. Clear Sky explains Slash's proposition - how he wants them to share their prey, and Wind Runner is uncertain. Clear Sky begs her to help, but Wind Runner says that she doesn't have to do anything for him. Clear Sky says that if they had been holding Gorse Fur hostage, he'd help her, but Wind Runner comments that he doesn't help anyone but himself. Gray Wing says that isn't true, reminding Wind Runner that Clear Sky had rescued Holly's kits when they had gone missing. Gray Wing thinks they should help, but Slate is uncertain, saying that the rogues are dangerous. Gray Wing looks at Slate, saying that if it was Slate's unborn kits in danger, he would want every cat he knows to help. Wind Runner realizes that there are kits involved, and she tells Clear Sky that they will meet with the rogues. Wind Runner asks if they should come up with a plan before they leave, but Clear Sky says that they need to ask River Ripple first. He reports that Thunder had refused to help, and Gray Wing assures him that he'll talk to Thunder for him. When Tall Shadow and Clear Sky leave, Wind Runner frowns at Gray Wing, asking if it was a good idea to meet with the rogues and promise them their prey. Gray Wing points out that they only promised to meet the rogues, not their prey. Wind Runner asks what they do if they refuse, and Gray Wing says they won't be able to do anything, for he has a plan.


 * At the four trees, Clear Sky waits for the other leaders. He knows that Tall Shadow, Wind Runner, and River Ripple would come, but he is unsure about Thunder, wondering if Gray Wing had been able to talk to him. To his relief, Thunder does appear, along with the other leaders. Slash himself makes an appearence, asking if the others care if Clear Sky never saw Star Flower again. Slash tells him that he just wanted to see if he was able to persuade the other leaders, and when Wind Runner asks if Clear Sky hadn't been able to bring them due to Slash's demands, Slash says that he would've dealt with Star Flower and found another way to make them share their prey. Thunder is furious, asking how dare he threatens them. Slash asks him if he really wants to argue with him, and Thunder asks him what makes him so sure that they will share their prey. Slash replies with telling him that he doesn't want to see Clear Sky lose his mate and kits. Clear Sky starts to panic, asking if Star Flower is okay. Slash doesn't answer, and Clear Sky's panic turns to rage. River Ripple tells Clear Sky not to let Slash rile him, and that he needs to keep a clear head. Clear Sky reminds Slash that he had promised to return Star Flower if he brought the other leaders with him. Slash tips his head, saying that if he were to give him Star Flower, then he wouldn't be able to honor the agreement that had brought him there. Slash tells Clear Sky that he won't be able to decide if anything is agreed, and if he wants to see his kits and mate alive, he will meet Slash's demands. Slash tells them that for every five pieces of prey that the cats catch, they will give Slash one. Wind Runner is shocked, pointing ot that they'll starve. They start to argue over land and hunger, and River Ripple asks why Slash can't go and hunt elsewhere. Slash wonders why they would need to, if they can ask for prey from them, and that if they don't share their prey, Star Flower will die. Clear Sky suggests that they share one piece of prey in every ten, but when Slash refuses that, he changes it to one in seven. Slash doesn't answer, and River Ripple tells him simply that their campmates will not go hungry to feed him. Clear Sky is outraged, reminding them that they promised to help him, and begs Slash to give him a chance to persuade the other leaders. Slash scowls telling Clear Sky that his friends don't care if Star Flower dies. He tells him not to worry, for he won't be the only one to pay. He tells the leaders that his savage rogues outnumber them, and that they can refuse him if they value their prey more than they value the lives of their kits and campmates. However, the cats still refuse to give them their prey, and Slash leaves,. Clear Sky is distraught, realizing that Slash will kill Star Flower and his kits. He tells the leaders that he never wants to see them again, and Wind Runner hisses at him, telling him to stop acting like a kit. Clear Sky pleads for them to understand, reminding them that Star Flower will die. Wind Runner calls him a fool, asking if he thinks that they have no hearts. Clear Sky is perplexed, and Tall Shadow tells him to come with them, as they have something to show him.


 * During the meeting at the four trees, Gray Wing, Lightning Tail, Reed, and Leaf are all embarking on a mission to the marshland to rescue Star Flower from Slash's cruelty. They see Fern, who had promised to help Gray Wing retrieve Star Flower. Gray Wing remembers when Fern had told him that she hadn't known where Slash held Star Flower captive, but she would find out and Gray Wing would meet her. The time had come, and Fern leads the cats to Star Flower's hostage place. She tells them that she can't help them anymore, as Slash would kill her if he knew that she had told them where Star Flower was. Gray Wing asks if they remember what to do, and they do, setting their plan into motion. Lightning Tail distracts one of the guards, telling them he was a loner who was looking for prey. The guard hisses at him to go elsewhere, and as he asks where the best place to hunt is, two more cats stalk towards them. Lightning Tail apologizes for bothering all three of them, and backs away. Leaf lets out a fake, anguished wail, and the guards are confused. As both guards are distracted, Gray Wing and Reed move in, finding Star Flower in a shocking state - half starved. Star Flower tells them that there are two more guards coming, and Gray Wing realizes that's all more of the reason to hurry up. They start to run with Star Flower, but they are ambushed. One of the guards attempt to leap at Star Flower, but Gray Wing dodges his blow, urging Star Flower to hurry up. Reed goes with Star Flower, and Lightning Tail is able to throw off his attackers. Gray Wing is minutes away from killing one of the guards, but asks her if she promises to leave Star Flower alone had Gray Wing let her go. The tortoiseshell says yes, and Gray Wing drives her away. Gray Wing tussles with another tom, telling him that he's wasting his time and he won't let him get to Star Flower. He hears another wail, and recognizes it as Star Flower. Gray Wing finds Reed crouching over Star Flower, thinking she might've gotten hint by a monster. But Reed reveals that Star Flower is having her kits.


 * Star Flower's kits are coming too early, and Gray Wing and Reed try to transport her somewhere safer. Gray Wing tries to get help, and he runs upon Jagged Peak, and asks for his help. Jagged Peak orders Mouse Ear, Sun Shadow, and Holly to go and find Star Flower, but Pebble Heart asks to come as well, saying that he could help. The patrol is delayed, as they went the wrong way, but they manage to successfully find her. The cats manage to carry her into camp, and Leaf asks about Clear Sky. Gray Wing is shocked, wondering how he didn't think about Clear Sky at first. Gray Wing tries to find them, but Clear Sky runs into him first, with Tall Shadow, Wind Runner, Thunder, and River Ripple. Gray Wing tells him that they rescued her, but the kits are coming. Clear Sky is shocked, and Tall Shadow points out that it is too early. Gray Wing reports that they had taken her to Tall Shadow's camp, and that Pebble Heart and Reed are with her. Tall Shadow frowns, asking if they've ever seen a kitting or even know what to do. Gray Wing informs her that Holly was there, and she knew what to do. Wind Runner points out that she's had kits and she also knows what to do, and rushes towards the camp with Tall Shadow. River Ripple is reluctant to join them, saying that too many paws at a kitting will get into the way, and asks them to send word as soon as they find out that Star Flower and her kits are okay. Thunder tells Gray Wing that his plan was good, and River Ripple hopes that stars are on their side, as early kits rarely survive. Gray Wing says that Clear Sky's kits are strong, and this litter will survive. Back at camp, Wind Runner aids Star Flower in delivering her kits, and Clear Sky comforts Star Flower with loving words. Star Flower successfully delivers her kits - two she-kits and one tom. Clear Sky is escatic, saying that they're perfect. Wind Runner says that they're perfectly healthy, but small, and Pebble Heart asks Tall Shadow if they can stay a while. Tall Shadow accepts, and Pebble Heart asks if Clear Sky will let them stay. Clear Sky says yes, and thanks Wind Runner and Holly. Clear Sky then turns to talk to Gray Wing, thanking him for rescuing Star Flower. Gray Wing replies that it was the right thing to do, and Clear Sky asks why they kept his plan secret from him. Gray Wing tells him that if he knew where she was, nothing would've kept him from finding her, and that Slash needed a distraction. Clear Sky grunts, pointing out that he was the distraction. Gray Wing tells him that he had to be convincing, as it was the only way to get her back safely. Clear Sky says that he will always be grateful, and Gray Wing tells him it's nothing, as he would do the same for him. He sees doubt flash in Clear Sky's eyes, but it disappears and Clear Sky presses himself against Gray Wing. Gray Wing congratulates him, and Clear Sky thanks him, telling him he will never forget this.


 * Thunder visits his father, Clear Sky, who is stangely cheerful to see him. Thunder asks about Star Flower, and Clear Sky replies that she's alright but the kits will stay next to Star Flower until they are a big stronger. Thunder is envious of Clear Sky's behavior towards his new kits, and wonders why he wasn't this way to him when he was a kit, realizing that he only was saved because of Gray Wing. He thinks his life would be very different if it had been Clear Sky coming to rescue him. Thunder tells Clear Sky that he heard he was sending out more patrols, and Clear Sky tells him he wants to be viligant. Thunder asks if he plans on causing any troubles with the rogues, and Clear Sky says that Slash deserves to suffer, but he will not bother as Star Flower is still recovering from her ordeal. Thunder promises to visit him again, and as he leaves camp, he becomes sure that Slash will stir up more trouble, but he doesn't know when. Thunder returns to his camp, and his campmates report of being attacked by five rogues next to a sycamore. Lightning Tail explains that they attacked them to take their prey, only because they could. Thunder wonders if these are Slash's rogues, and Lightning Tail proposes an idea to train. He states that they must practice fighting moves and that they must learn new skills so that they are always prepared. Owl Eyes suggests that they start training at once, and Cloud Spots says that he has a few moves he can share. Lightning Tail declares that they must all train, and Thunder realizes that if anything were to happen to him, Lightning Tail should be the next leader. Thunder tells Lightning Tail that he is putting him in charge of training, and he scans the camp, seeing determination in his campmates' eyes, knowing that they were no longer angry or afraid - they were ready to fight.



Trivia

 * As of August 2014, this book did not have a title. The title was later revealed in December 2014, having been named Path of Stars.
 * On the HarperCollins website, the updated cover is shown as a Hardcover, while the old cover is shown as a Library edition.

Publication History

 * Path of Stars (EN), HarperCollins (Hardcover), 1 September 2015
 * Path of Stars (EN), HarperCollins (eBook), 1 September 2015
 * Path of Stars (EN), HarperCollins (Library Binding), 1 September 2015