The cats reached the boulder rock place; the main border between the two clans; soon. Barkstar stopped before the scent line and nodded to the three Hillsclan cats that had escorted them here. "Thank you, Hummingwing, Nightweed, Fawnshadow."
The cats gave a quick nod and padded back towards their camp. Ghostface gave Fawnshadow a quick glance as the three Grassclan cats crossed back into their territory. When they reached the other side of the massive rock Prairieheart said, "Well, that went well." The golden she-cat rolled her eyes.
Barkstar nodded unenthusiastically, "This hatred between the clans has to stop, or else I fear we will all be doomed, but Longstar seems stubborn. Several of their cats seemed to be showing signs of sickness."
"I noticed it too. But why wouldn't StarClan speak to all of the medicine cats, if it affected the whole forest?" Prairieheart said.
Barkstar shrugged. They continued on for a moment, and then Ghostface said, "Barkstar, I'm going to patrol from here to the Woodclan border just to see if the other cats have come back. And to make sure that HillsClan isn't going to spy on us."
The brown leader nodded. "Alright, return soon. We'll head back to camp."
Prairieheart flashed him an annoyed look, knowing what he was really planning.
When the two warriors were gone, Ghostface slipped back to the other side of the Boulder rock again. Fawnshadow appeared from behind a thick clump of vegetation.
"Ghostface. I told them I was going to patrol here to make sure you all didn't try to return. We should be safe." She said, rubbing up against him and purring loudly.
"Good." He allowed her sweet, love-laced scent to swirl around him as he shared tongues with her. Finally though, he remembered his duties. "Fawnshadow, you have to convince your clan to believe us."
Fawnshadow sat upright, avoiding his gaze. Slowly she said, "Ghostface, it's not as easy as it looks. You heard my clan, they are more willing to fight than to follow the word of another clan and their medicine cat's mysterious prophecy and even more curious meaning."
"I know, but StarClan has chosen us. We have also sent patrols to the other clans. One of our cats has fallen ill. Fawnshadow, you believe in the prophecy right?"
The ashen faced she-cat nodded and blinked. "Yes."
"I have faith in you, and all of StarClan has faith in you." Ghostface licked her shoulder and then stood up. "I have to go Fawnshadow."
"Alright, bye Ghostface." She touched her nose with his and then padded off. Ghostface turned and dashed back towards camp.
When he entered he could see that the Marshclan patrol still hadn't returned, but the Woodclan patrol had. Cats were busy and Mottledsong and Thunderhawk were returning with mouthfuls of herbs. Ghostface was about to head over to Shrubfoot's den to see what was going on, but Coldpelt stopped him. The senior warrior pointed towards Rosepaw who was heading towards the camp entrance. "Go with Rosepaw and collect some herbs for Shrubfoot."
Ghostface nodded and ran after the tri-colored apprentice. They went and collected various plants, cobwebs and clay for poultices. By the time the moon rose, he was paw sore and tired. Just as he was about to curl up in the warriors den though, Barkstar called a meeting. Ghostface wearily trotted over, tail dragging and head down, weighted down with tiredness and the knowledge of Starclan's prophecy and the troubles that seemed to loom over the whole forest.
"The Marshclan patrol still has not returned." Barkstar announced. The crowd of cats didn't move, they knew this already. The leader continued, "On my patrol, Hillsclan seemed… reluctant. I said we would return to see if they made their decision. Coldpelt has informed me that WoodClan has seemed slightly unsure also. But he said that many of their cats were sick, and that Gorsestar seemed more willing to work together than to see his clan die off." Barkstar paused from atop the deadtrunk, gazing at his clan. "Shrubfoot has also reported that Lichenfur is still sick. She has a rash on her that seems to be spreading and a cough that seems to be growing worse. Pray to StarClan that she will be alright."
The clan seemed disheartened at the news, and a sad wail rose up from some cats. Barkstar's voice was strong, but Ghostface could see his tail was stiff and his shoulders slightly hunched. Ghostface looked at the ground, questions once again floating to the top of his mind. Who would be next? How long would StarClan grant the cats to try to save the forest?
The cats dispersed and Ghostface went immediately to the warriors den. He curled up and was asleep almost immediately.