Since Val was now spending a lot of his time in HawkClan, he wanted the opportunity to broaden his horizons even more. And, thus would also give him the opportunity to see John as well. While Valemon had trouble understanding his family's convoluted relationships, he saw John as a brother, almost like Ekkreth was back. He probably wouldn't end up with a duel-alliance here - he was stretched as it was - but he'd meet plenty of new friends other than John, too.
On the journey to the unfamiliar place, Val was guided mostly by River. He wasn't sure whether his hawk had some super bird sense he didn't know about. Or maybe she'd asked some of her bird friends where WindClan was. The cub could also pick up faint scents along the way he recognized as being the same as when John had visited RiverClan. Even though he was beginning to learn that some Clans had distinct smells, he still wasn't sure why.
He stopped on the border as River let out a sharp squawk, setting down the basket he had carried. It was filled with various fruits and sweets an NPC had donated. And, Val had been sure to add plants and leaves he assumed to be herbs. He hoped John would appreciate them.