Surprisingly enough, the journey back was quicker than the one there, four sunrises to the original quarter-moon.
By sunhigh of the fourth day, dark clouds gathered once more and the first drops of rain were beginning to fall. The ground began to slope upward, and when Fireheart pushed his way through a hedge, he recognized the red dirt track that led away from Twoleg territory and into WindClan's hunting grounds. His spirits soared, and he met Runningwind's gaze with a look of triumph.
Nearly there!
The muffled tramp of pawsteps sounded behind them. Fireheart spun around and darted back into the field. The rest had caught up with them and Deadfoot was at the head of the group. He looked startled by Fireheart's sudden appearance.
"This way," The ginger tom meowed, showing him the gap through the dripping leaves.
He was eager to see WindClan's reaction when they glimpsed the uplands on the other side. With Deadfoot leading, the cats began to file slowly through. Fireheart followed close behind the last cat, but Deadfoot and two warriors had already leaped the ditch and crossed the track, and were pushing into the hedgerow on the other side.
Their pace had quickened—they clearly knew where they were. The non-WindClan cats had to sprint to catch up. Fireheart kept up with them as they bounded toward the long slope that led to the uplands, and their home. At the foot of the slope, Deadfoot and his warriors paused to wait for the rest of the Clan. They closed their eyes against the rain but held their heads high. Fireheart could see their chests rising and falling as they breathed in the familiar scents sweeping from the uplands.
Fireheart ran back toward the rest of the Clan, looking for Morningflower. He spotted her walking beside a tabby warrior who held her kit in his mouth. Every few steps the tortoiseshell queen stretched her head to sniff the wet little bundle. It would not be long now before she could settle her kit into the WindClan nursery. Fireheart fell into step beside Greenflower at the rear. They glanced happily at each other but didn't speak, too caught up in WindClan's excitement at coming home. Even the elders were moving swiftly now, keeping their bodies low and their eyes narrowed against the rain. As the Clan joined Deadfoot at the foot of the slope, the deputy got to his paws and Tallstar took the lead. Without pausing, Tallstar began to follow a narrow sheep trail through the rough grass and heather.
As the Clan neared the top, some of the warriors raced ahead again. At the brow of the hill, they made proud silhouettes against the stormy sky, while the wind sent ripples through their fur. Ahead stretched their old hunting grounds. Suddenly two apprentices charged past Silverstream and bounded away into the familiar heather.
"Wait!" Tallstar ordered. "Warriors will go in first. We left in such a hurry that we'll know not what remains of our camp."
As soon as they heard him, the apprentices skidded to a halt and pelted back to join the Clan, their eyes still bright with exhilaration. From a rock-strewn ridge Fireheart saw the dip in the ground that concealed WindClan's camp. With a purr of delight Morningflower took her kit from the mouth of the tabby warrior and hurried toward the hollow. Tallstar flicked his tail and three warriors raced forward to escort her as she disappeared over the edge and down into the camp. The WindClan leader paused while the rest of his Clan rushed into the sheltering bushes below. He turned to the outside patrol, his eyes shining.
"My Clan is grateful for your help," he meowed. "You have all proven yourselves worthy of StarClan. WindClan has come home, and it is time for you to return to yours."
Fireheart felt a pang of disappointment. He'd wanted to see Morningflower settled in the nursery with her kit. But Tallstar was right: there was no need for them to stay here any longer. Tallstar spoke again.
"Some of our warriors shall escort you all to Fourtrees.
Tallstar called to his warriors and gave them their orders. Then he turned his tired eyes once more to Fireheart.
"You have served us well. Tell your leaders that WindClan will not forget that the Clans were so willing to uphold the Code by bringing them home."
He bent to face Oakpaw, who stared at him.
"It was an honor to have traveled with you, Tallstar. I hope ShadowClan can restore your trust and I look forward to seeing you again. And the kit." Oakpaw added hastily. He was doing his best to hide his trembling, but he looked exactly like he did when Fireheart first saw him at the Gathering.
"The honor is mine, young one. You will make a warrior beyond your Clan's wildest hopes, and I look forward to hearing about your ceremony. I believe ShadowClan will be far more than alright in your capable paws."
Oakpaw squeaked and turned to Wetfoot, eyes brimming with excitement.
"The WindClan leader called me a warrior, Wetfoot, did you hear him? You all heard him, right?!" The little brown tom was over the moon with joy, hopping around excitedly. "Fireheart, you have to tell my friends exactly what he said, word for word! They'll never believe I got praise from a Clan leader!"
"I'll make sure of it." Fireheart promised.