Duststar blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?" he asked in an astonished voice. "Who are you?" The tom took a deep breath. "I am Earthstar, First leader of EarthClan." Every cat gasped, and kneeled to Earthstar. That is, everyone but Siltkit, who stood and stared on with an astonished gaze. "Rise," Earthstar boomed in his loud voice. "I did not come here to watch you grovel." As all the cats rose, Duststar stepped forward. "Then, why did you come here, great Earthstar?" Earthstar sighed. "I wish this was not my duty, but it is." He once again pointed a massive foot at Siltkit. "I came to stop her apprentice ceremony." "But... why?" Duststar asked. Earthstar shook his head. "I cannot tell you. It is not the will of StarClan." Earthstar seemed genuinely sorry. "Now, it is my time to leave. Farewell." With that last word, Earthstar bounded back up into StarClan, and the sky cleared. Siltkit shook. "A-are you still going to make me an apprentice?" Duststar shook his head. "I'm afraid not Siltkit." Peatpaw stood up. "Well, if Siltkit can't be an apprentice, neither will I!" Duststar shook his head again. "No, Peatpaw. You will continue to train as a warrior. And Soilpelt, you must return to your warrior duties. Siltkit, I'm sorry, but you will have to stay a kit a little longer."