A flicker of nervous energy entered Goldenwillow's eyes. "Fine," she muttered.
"What was that?" Mistlestar asked.
"Yes. I will duel you." Goldenwillow said a bit more boldly then she looked.
A skinny pale gray cat slipped out of the medicine den. Relief flooded through Mistlestar to see Silver up and about. Silver looked up at her and mouthed "You got this,"
"I hope so," thought Mistlestar. She tore her gaze away from her young friend and looked into the cold eyes of her opponent. "Let's do this,"
Ravenfoot stepped forward, hope and worry clashing in his golden-amber eyes. "Do this for the Clan," he whispered to Mistlestar as he passed by her. He took his place in the center of the Pebble Hill. Goldenwillow and Mistlestar jumped down to the flat ground. StreamClan backed away to make a large space for the two to fight it out. "StreamClan!" he roared. It wasn't necessary to call their attention. All the cats were already gazing up intently, ears perked to catch his every word. "We have two cats claiming they are the true leader of this Clan. Mistleheart-or, um-Mistlestar, and Goldenwillow-I mean,-Goldenstar." He stumbled over the jumbled names.
"Is it a fight to the death?" a kit called hopefully. Ravenfoot shot Jaykit a sharp glare.
"No." he responded unhappily.
"Let's just do this," Mistlestar muttered.
"Do you both swear by StarClan to give up leadership if you are defeated?" Ravenfoot said.
"I do," said Goldenwillow coldly.
"Ya, I do," Mistlestar said hesitantly. It would be very bad if she lost this thing. For her, Rowanpaw, Featherpaw, and Twistpaw, but also for the entire Clan.
"Oh, StarClan," mumbled Ravenfoot. "Well, let it begin."