Chapter 2
Hollystripe pulled vines over the medicine cat's den entrance so no one could see in. The only sign of life that come from her patient was the slight rise and fall of her thick golden-brown fur. If it had not been for the newly wet earth beneath her, Goldenpaw would surely be dead. The grey medicine cat felt the younger cat's ribs to be sure none were broken. The tenderness of the Goldenpaw's muscles made the apprentice unsheath her claws. Hollystripe forced herself to keep feeling for broken bones. Sure as Starclan, one of the lower ribs was splintered and a hip bone was out of place. The golden cat was luckier than most who fell off the edge of the camp's protective bowl. Thistlestar had lost a life falling off it. Starclan was surely protecting the small apprentice. Hollystripe treated the cat's wounds as best she could and sat outside the den, looking up at silverpelt. Past Warriors twinkled and gave light to the dark sky. Starclan was with her tonight. Then there was something else. Four new stars dance in synchronization, as if they were trying to out shine the moon. A terrible thought hit Hollystripe. She immediately went to check on the injured apprentice. She heaved a breath of relief. This cat had not joined the ranks of Starclan yet. But then what were the new stars that danced in the night. Hollystripe had to speak to Starclan.
The pool glistened in the moonlight, it's calm blue water soothing all the worries that burdened Hollystripe. She touched her nose to the water's cool surface and closed her eyes.
The summer forest that surrounded Thunderclan's medicine cat was calming and peaceful, Starclan Warriors chased after lazy prey, their keen eyes fixated on the animal's furry form. Then Jayfeather was in front of her, beside Leafpool and Graytail, Hollystripe's mentor. She dipped her head in respect and the starry cats returned the gesture. Firestar caught up to the medicine cats in a less majestic manner, a limp rabbit hanging from his mouth, but was treated with the same respect. "I know you have sensed new stars in Silverpelt and you know that they are not newly dead Warriors." Jayfeather stated. "I have come to meet the cats that have created the new stars in the sky." Replied Hollystripe. Leafpool shook her head. "Not cats." Before Hollystripe could question this, she noticed a Giantfur lumbering towards them. The medicine cat tensed, but then the beast smiled. "Hello." It rumbled.