The all so familiar golden rays of the sun were disappearing behind the Highstones, casting shadows of it's high peaks upon the land.
Even the sun was fading fast from sight, it didn't stop two travelling cats in their travels together. One of them was a tall black and white cat, his long tail signalled to his companion that it was safe to cross the dangerous thunderpath.
The brown tom looked uncertain at first, but then nodded. They swiftly raced across the thunderpath without stopping. Both of them were relieved that no monsters had come speeding by to crush them with their gigantic paws.
"Barkface," the black and white cat spoke up, "Are you alright? You've been awfully quiet since we left camp".
"I'm fine, Tallstar. But I should be asking you. Times have been tough for Windclan".
Tallstar nodded. "Yes, I admit I am worried for WindClan. ShadowClan's attacks have only been getting more relentless than ever. I fear that our younger apprentices will never get the chance to become warriors".
Both of them stopped to sit at the top of a hill to properly rest. Down below was a path that lead towards a tunnel that would lead them at last to the destination, Mothermouth.
"I know you're worried. I may not to all knowing of what is best for the clan's future, but I'm sure if anyone can answer, it will be StarClan".
Tallstar sighed and looked up at the sky.
"For once, Barkface, I hope you're right. WindClan will need the help of our ancestors if even I don't know what to do. I hate to admit it, but I fear for our clan's future".
Tallstar was quick to notice the moon had replaced the sun in the sky, blanketing the world in moonlight.
"We should get going if we want to make it there by moonhigh".
Barksong nodded and together they ran down the slope to follow the path to Mothermouth. Although the path was not very comfortable on his paws, it was worth it to have a chance to speak with to those of his ancestors that would listen to his plea for advice.
The two travelling cats finally stopped at the entrance of where the Mothermouth, they had finally arrived the sleeping tomb of the moonstone.
"Follow me, I'll lead the way," Barkface said, flicking his tail for Tallstar to follow.
Although Tallstar didn't always like being told what to do, he still respected his medicine cat. The two of them had been friends since they were young kits. There was even a part of him who longed for the days when times were not so harsh for his clan. Even if he didn't exactly have the best of fond memories that weren't associated with Barksong.
It didn't help much that the darkness of the tunnel always brought back memories of the old days, when his clan used to tunnel beneath the territory. More often then not, Tallstar tried his best not to think too much about it.
The tunnel eventually opened up to a small cave that was not fully lit by moonlight. Tallstar could barely make out anything. Had his vision already failing him when he wasn't even an elder yet?
"Are you sure that the moon will show tonight?" he finally asked Barksong.
Before Barksong could speak, moonlight abruptly shone down through the tiny hole in the clearing, lighting up the moonstone in a blue glow. Tallstar blinked a couple of times at the blinding light.
Great StarClan, I've always forgotten how bright it gets in here.
"Hopefully they'll listen to me now that the moonstone is ignited with moonlight. It has been a while since I've spoken to any of them. Do you really think that one of them would want to talk with me?"
Barksong nodded. "Ease your worries, Tallstar. I'm sure they will, after all, you are WindClan's leader," meowed Barkface.
With a sigh in an attempt to calm his nerves, Tallstar laid down and touched the surface of the Moonstone with his nose. It's cold exterior felt like ice. But soon, sleep came to close his eyes. He welcomed it and succumbed to a deep slumber.
Upon Tallstar opening his eyes, he realized that he was StarClan's territory. Tallstar knew that StarClan shared their hunting grounds with every cat no matter from which clan they came from before StarClan.
It would always be peaceful, a place where all cats could meet in peace. A faint breeze of heather on the wind caught his attention, the smell was a sign that someone he remembered from his past was very near.
"Greetings, Tallstar".
Tallstar turned around and was quick to recognize the pale ginger tom before him as his father, Sandgrose. Much like the other cats that hunted forever in Sliverpelt, their age never showed. His father looked happy to see him.
"I'm glad you decided to come. It has been a long time since I gave you one of your nine lives".
Tallstar felt so much like a kit again and was quick to greet his father with a soft smile. "I've missed you, it has been a while since I last visited you. I need to ask you for your advice".
"Oh? What sort of advice?" his father asked.
"I fear WindClan is in danger. Brokenstar is relentless and is using Shadowclan as a means to bring upon us endless amounts of suffering from raids and attacking hunting patrols. I fear that if I chose not to do anything about it soon, he'll destroy our clan. Please, what must I do?" Tallstar asked.
Sandgrose sighed. "I hear your pain, my son. But even in the darkest moments, a blazing wind will save the clan," he meowed.
Tallstar looked at his father confused by what he said. "But fire is feared by all the clans, how could it save WindClan?" asked Tallstar and then his father chuckled.
"Fire is something that you don't always have to fear. You will know what I mean sooner then you think," he said softly in his ears and then faded away from his sight.
It wasn't long before Tallstar walked out of the tunnel of the Moonstone with Barkface following behind him.
"So did you speak with StarClan?" Barkface asked.
Tallstar shook his head. "I did, but it doesn't make sense. I'm tried making sense of it, but nothing seems to help".
Barkface nudged Tallstar softly in the direction of the hill. "Let's head back to camp then, we can discuss it in your den when you finally figure it out".
Tallstar allowed Barksong once more to lead forward. He always appreciated the kindness of his dearest friend. But even with his wisdom and support, the mysterious answer his father had given him since lingered in his mind like a dangerous trap of a spider trapping it's annoying prey.
What did Sandgorse mean? How could fire save WindClan? Tallstar tried to think why, but nothing would pop up.
Then something reminded him of what his father had told, so many moons ago.
"I couldn't be more proud of you, Tallstar. Go well, lead strongly, and protect WindClan from the storms that lie ahead.
For they will come, no matter what StarClan does. And there will be a kit, kin of your dearest friend, who will need your help more than he knows.
Watch over him, guide his paws, for he is important to all the Clans.
I can say no more, but you will know this cat when you see him.
Just remember, there is no need to be afraid of every flame. Fire can bring life, warmth, new growth, as well as death".
He gasped as his heard Barkface calling his name in a panic get louder and louder.
"Tallstar-Oh! Great Starclan, are you alright? It almost looked like you blacked out, was it a sign from StarClan?"
The Windclan leader got his paws, reassuring Barksong that he could at least get up on his own.
"I think I know what was the message that StarClan has shared with me," he rasped and then looked at Barkface.
"The blazing wind will save the Clan".
