The tension in StreamClan that had been steadily building, stretched to its limits and snapped. All the cats that had voted for Mistlestar yowled in rage and protest. Goldenwillow ignored them. "Good bye, then," she said. "You must go to the other side of the lake. Or farther-for that matter."
"But-" Rowanpaw began.
"Leave," she said strictly, "or face the consequences,"
The three struggled to their feet and trudged out the camp tunnel in a silent storm of violent hate. "Good riddance!" Goldenwillow grunted, and she disappeared into the leader's den.
"Flamewhisker, I don't know what to do!" Mistlestar whispered. It was the dead of night, the cold moon dousing the two cats with pale moonlight.
The orange tabby warrior scuffed her paws in the dirt. "I'm not sure, either," she admitted quietly.
Mistlestar gave a long look to an ant scuttling on the grass blades. "Is that the only way?" she asked worriedly.
"I think so," sighed Flamewhisker.
Mistlestar got up. "Alright. I'll do it."
"Tomorrow at sundown?" her friend inquired.
"Yes," she confirmed.
The two cats left for their dens.
The next day, Mistlestar couldn't focus on anything. She let five easy catches get away, and gave Crowleaf parsley instead of watermint. All that filled her mind were thoughts of the stranded trio of young cats, and the anticipation of what was to happen tonight.
Mistlestar was still so worried she didn't notice when Amberspark approached. "Hey,
Mistleheart," she said.
Mistlestar! Thought Mistlestar.
"You know…" Amberspark swallowed hard. "I think I might have been-um-wrong, you know, about Goldenstar…" she stammered.
Goldenwillow! She exclaimed in her head.
"Oh, right. Thanks." she responded.
"And, I thought I would tell you," Amberspark said mysteriously. "I'm expecting kits!"
"What?" Mistlestar jumped to her paws. "Wow, that's great! Crowleaf?"
Amberspark nodded. "They're due in a moon!"
The sun was setting behind the trees on the horizon. Mistlestar worked up courage with each step towards the Pebble Hill. Some cats began to turn their heads suspiciously, and Flamewhisker mouthed encouragement. She scrambled up to the top and let her voice ring out across the clearing. Making sure that it reached the one she was aiming at most.
"Goldenwillow!" she declared, "I challenge you to a duel."
