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When they reached StarClan's Peninsula the following night, the upper edge of the crescent moon peeked out over the eastern horizon. Captivated by her awe, Larkwing stood on the shore and soaked up this special moment.
The cold waves lapped at her legs and each time her paws sank a little deeper into the pebbly ground, but she barely noticed.
Her first time at Long Lake — and probably the only time she had the privilege of standing here. She had never expected it to be so vast. The forest on the other side seemed almost tiny, and if she turned her head to either side, she couldn't make out the shores.
No wonder it's called 'Long Lake', Larkwing realised. I've never seen so much water in my life.
"Keep an eye on the moon." Fruittail's voice sounded somewhat unexpectedly. "Until it is fully visible, we must not enter the peninsula."
Larkwing glanced at StarClan's Peninsula, an almost perfectly semi-circular piece of land that jutted out into the water. The edge was lined with tall reeds and bulrushes, growing so close together that it was impossible to see inside.
Even now, Larkwing felt a special power emanating from this place. The thought of coming face to face with StarClan sent a shiver down her spine. Surely she would be less nervous if she knew what to expect.
With her heart pounding so hard she could feel it, Larkwing trotted back to the higher ground. Again and again she cast a scrutinising glance at the crescent moon, which was moving very slowly. Larkwing slid back and forth impatiently. Hurry up!
She had the impression that half the night had already passed by the time the moon was fully visible. Unusually large and bright orange-red, as if it were on fire, it hung in the black sky.
Larkwing's ears flattened in uncertainty. "I hope this isn't another vision," she meowed, addressing Fruittail. "Like that cat in the lightning."
With ruffled fur, Fruittail jumped to her side and let her gaze wander across the sky in concentration. Then her posture relaxed again. "No need to worry," she purred, unmistakably amused. "You never see the moonrise in the forest because of the trees. But I can assure you that it always looks this red after the immediate appearance. Besides, it's actually impossible for you to recognise visions."
Larkwing allowed herself a soft sigh of relief. I mustn't see danger in everything. She turned to Amberhaze. "Look at that!"
To her disappointment, Amberhaze lifted her head briefly, only to turn back to her paws.
"She's probably too nervous," Fruittail said with an apologetic flick of her tail. "It's time to start. Follow me."
On shaky paws, Larkwing padded after Fruittail and Amberhaze. They slipped through a narrow gap in the reed wall and entered the island — which, to Larkwing's surprise and disappointment, was completely bare except for the grass.
