"Frostclaw! Get up, sleepyhead! You're on the dawn patrol!" Pinewhisker prodded me hard in the shoulder. "Everybody's waiting!" "Okay, okay! Pinewhisker, the sun has only been up for a few minutes!" Frostclaw said. "Exactly my point!" Pinewhisker exclaimed. We're supposed to leave before the sun comes up!" "Uh, we never had to do that before. And stop shouting, you're going to wake ThunderClan up, you're so loud." "Frostclaw, I'm not going to wake up lazy ThunderClan! And Fernstar made new rules for the dawn patrol, including going before the sun comes up! Come on, Blossompelt is gonna lose her mind!" "Okay Pinewhisker! I'm coming!" Frostclaw stepped out of the warrior's den,

her amber eyes glinting in the dim sunlight. She padded over with Stormberry to where Thornheart, a ginger and brown tabby tom was, and he was standing with Blossompelt, a ginger and white she-cat, Rabbitfur, a light brown tom, and Willowfoot, Frostclaw's sister, a gray tabby she-cat with one silver foot. Blossompelt was pacing around very quickly, and Stormberry was right, she did look like she was going to lose her mind. Thornheart and Rabbitfur were chatting, and Willowfoot was drawing in the dirt with her claws. "Hey guys! Frostclaw's awake now!" When Blossompelt heard that, she stopped pacing and jumped in excitement and Frostclaw thought maybe a bit of relief. "Frostclaw! You're awake!" She exclaimed.

Thornheart and Rabbitfur jerked their heads around to look at her and Frostclaw. Willowfoot stopped drawing, and pricked her ears and lifted her head. "I thought maybe you were sick or something, you slept so long!" Blossompelt said as relief filled her voice. "So should we start the patrol? I was thinking we could start at ShadowClan's border first." Okay." Stormberry shrugged. "And... Blossompelt, you're leading?" "Yup." Blossompelt answered. "In formation!" She ordered. Blossompelt went in front, Thornheart behind her. Stormberry went behind him, with Rabbitfur following, and Frostclaw at the rear. She sighed as guilt washed over her and thought about what had happened last

night. She wasn't sleepy because she was night hunting, and not because she was sick. It was because some nights when there were no Gatherings, Frostclaw and a WindClan warrior named Stonefang would meet at the abandoned Twoleg den close to WindClan territory. She met Stonefang there because she loved him. It was like the old story of Dovewing and Tigerstar. When Tigerstar was Tigerheart, and Dovewing was Dovepaw, they met at night in the same abandoned Twoleg den. And when Dovewing was a senior warrior, her and Tigerheart ran away from their Clans and became loners. They had kits together, and their names were Shadowsight, who became a medicine cat, and Pouncestep and Lightleap,

who were warriors. When they came back to the Clans, the ShadowClan leader Rowanstar died. And back then, ShadowClan was part of SkyClan and Leafstar was their leader, because Rowanstar believed he couldn't lead ShadowClan and became Rowanclaw again. And then he found out his deputy was evil, so there was no leader and they were SkyClan. And right when ShadowClan was going to become a real Clan again, Rowanclaw died and there was no ShadowClan. But then, Tigerheart and Dovewing came back with their kits and Tigerheart became Tigerstar. And Dovewing loved Tigerstar so much that she decided to join ShadowClan and take her kits with her. Plumwillow, a SkyClan elder, told Frostclaw

that story when she was a kit so many times that hearing someone else tell it sounded kind of weird to Frostclaw. Now that was just the intro to this book, so you knew Frostclaw loved Stonefang. Now we're gonna start from when she was a kit, to when she was a StarClan resident.

The kit could hear voices mumbling around her tiny ears. "Are they ever gonna open? What's her name? That kit already opened it's eyes!" When she heard the word eyes, she slowly opened hers. She could hear gasping. Once her eyes were wide open, she gazed around. She saw a gray she-cat kit with a silver foot and green eyes laying on one side of her, and on the other side was a kind of gingery gold tom with yellow eyes. Looking down on her was a white she-cat with green eyes, a ginger and white tom with yellow eyes, and a brown she-cat with a white chest and blue eyes. The white she-cat looked like she was thinking. "Ooh! I know good names for them!" She exclaimed, her tail bushing up in excitement. Then

she flicked her tail toward the gray kit with a silver foot and said, "That's Willowkit." Then the white kit was named Frostkit, and the gold kit was named Copperkit. "I am your mother, Berryflower," The white she-cat began, and flicked her tail toward the ginger and white tom and said, "That's your father, Dewleaf," Then she flicked her tail toward the brown and white she-cat and said, "That's the medicine cat, Brambletail." Frostkit looked above her. There was some brambles and vines making the roof of the den. Her mother, Berryflower, stepped out of the den with Dewleaf and murmured something in his ear. Dewleaf murmured something back. Then he padded away from the den, and Berryflower stepped

back inside and sat down beside the kits. "I think I should go now," Brambletail said. "Oakleaf will want to know about the kits!" "Okay. Thanks for your help, Brambletail," Berryflower said gratefully. Brambletail padded out of the den. Once Brambletail was out, Copperkit squeaked loudly. Berryflower let out a mrrow of laughter. "Are you kits cold?" She asked. Willowkit nodded. "Well come and cuddle with me!" Berryflower exclaimed. As the kits were cuddling, Frostkit let out a loud, happy squeak. Then all of a sudden, a gray cat stepped in. Willowkit and Copperkit squeaked again. Then Frostkit said, "Who is that, mama?" "Yeah, who is that?" Copperkit asked. "Oh, that's Poolheart."

Berryflower answered. "Can we play with her kits, mama?" Willowkit asked. "She doesn't have kits, dear." Berryflower explained. "But why is she here, then?" Willowkit snuggled in deeper. "She's expecting kits. Look at her belly." The kits all looked. "Ohhh." Frostkit said. "When she has kits, can we play with them?" "Once they're old enough yes." Berryflower answered. "But even you guys aren't old enough!" "Aww," Copperkit moaned. "We'll probably be old enough soon," Frostkit whispered to her brother. "Mama, can we go outside of the den and see papa?" She asked more loudly. "Frostkit, how about tomorrow?" Berryflower asked. "Oh, okay, mama," Frostkit agreed. "And this den is

called the nursery. It's where cats with kits and cats expecting kits live. And we live in SkyClan, where we are known for catching birds and climbing high in trees. Our leader is Ivystar, and our deputy is Stonefoot," Berryflower explained. Paw steps sounded at the entrance to the nursery. Poolheart peeked out of the nursery and said, "I think we have some visitors for you kits and your mama!" Frostkit was very excited to meet new cats. "Send them in!" Berryflower called. "But make sure one or two cats at a time only. I don't want to frighten the kits." "I'm not afraid of anything!" Copperkit announced, puffing out his chest. "Me too!" Willowkit said. "Me three!" Frostkit exclaimed. And then,

two cats stepped in. They were both toms, and too small to be warriors but too big to be kits. Frostkit guessed they were apprentices. There was a ginger and brown one, and a light brown one. "Hi!" Willowkit called. "What are your names?" The light brown tabby answered. "I'm Rabbitpaw, and this is Thornpaw!" The ginger and brown tom waved his tail in welcoming. "What are your names?" He asked. Willowkit opened her jaws to answer, but Copperkit interrupted her. "I'm Copperkit, this chatty one over here is Willowkit," "I'm not chatty!" Willowkit protested. Rabbitpaw laughed. Then Copperkit finished with, "That white kit is Frostkit." "Cool!" Rabbitpaw exclaimed. "How is Blossompaw?"

Berryflower asked. "Oh, she's fine," Thornpaw answered. "Actually, she's right here! Blossompaw! Come in the nursery!" The two toms padded out and a white she-cat, about the same size as the toms, stepped inside. Frostkit guessed the three apprentices she just saw were all siblings. The kits met Blossompaw, and the leader Ivystar, and the deputy Stonefoot, some warriors, and the elders, Plumwillow and Sparrowpelt. The kits grew older, and they learned cool kit games, and explored the camp, and Poolheart even had her kits! They were called Wrenkit and Flykit. And soon, it was time to become apprentices! One early morning, the kits were waking up. As soon as they opened their eyes, they

were covered with fierce licks from Berryflower and Dewleaf. "Mama," Copperkit managed to get out, "What are you and papa doing?" They stopped licking. The kits' pelts were shiny and glossy. "Kits," Dewleaf began, "Today is your apprentice ceremony!" The family's eyes all lit up. A call sounded from outside the nursery. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath the Tallstump for a Clan meeting!" It was Ivystar! Frostkit thought she was going to burst with excitement! The kits raced out of the nursery and went right beneath the Tallstump, which was what Ivystar was standing on. More cats began to appear. Brambletail and Oakleaf, the medicine cats, Plumwillow and Sparrowpelt,

some warriors, and the apprentices, who looked even more excited then the kits. Then Frostkit realized that they were becoming warriors! Frostkit looked up at Ivystar, and saw happiness in her eyes. Wait, was that a flash of sadness in those eyes, or are mine just tricking me? Frostkit shrugged. Once everyone was there, the meeting started. "I have some good news and some bad news." Ivystar began. The cats around her looked confused. Then some dark gray fur caught her eye. Stonefoot. He had his head down and tail and whiskers drooping. Frostkit wanted to ask what was wrong, but Ivystar kept talking. "I'll start with the good news. We have new apprentices and warriors! Blossompaw,

Rabbitpaw, Thornpaw, step forward." The cats padded up to Ivystar. " I, Ivystar, leader of SkyClan, call upon StarClan to look down on these warriors. Do you cats promise to follow the warrior code, stay loyal to SkyClan, and defend it with your lives?" "I do." "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Blossompaw, you first. Blossompaw, you will now be known as Blossompelt. SkyClan honours your kindness and skills in hunting. We welcome you as a full warrior." Then Rabbitpaw was named Rabbitfur, and Thornpaw Thornheart. "Blossompelt! Rabbitfur! Thornheart!" Frostkit listened to her Clanmates cheer and joined in. Now it was her and her littermates' turn! "Frostkit,

Willowkit, Copperkit, step forward. I, Ivystar, leader of SkyClan, call upon StarClan to look down on these new apprentices. Frostkit, until you get your warrior name, you will now be known as Frostpaw. Your mentor will be Gingerstorm." And then Willowkit to Willowpaw, and her mentor was Brackenblaze, and Copperkit to Copperpaw, and his mentor was Bluefoot. "Frostpaw! Willowpaw! Copperpaw!" Frostpaw padded up to Gingerstorm and touched noses with her. She heard Gingerstorm whisper, "I'm really excited to be your mentor!" "Me too!" Frostpaw whispered happily. But then she remembered there was bad news, and exchanged glances with Copperpaw. "Now for the bad news," Ivystar said, her

tail drooping and happiness fading from her eyes. Do the warriors know about this? Ivystar kept talking. "Stonefoot, our deputy, has decided to retire and take a position as an elder, with Plumwillow and Sparrowpelt." Gasps sounded around the camp. "I will do the ceremony at moonhigh, right before our new warriors sit vigil. Blossompelt, Thornheart, Rabbitfur, go get some rest." The warriors dipped their heads and padded to their dens. "Hey Frostpaw, do you want to explore the territory today, or go get some rest and make your nest in the apprentice's den?" Gingerstorm asked. "Uh, I think I'm gonna get some rest. I woke up really early." Frostpaw explained. "Okay," Gingerstorm answered.

Frostpaw padded to her den and stepped inside. It looked like there were three already comfortable nests. Frostpaw padded slowly over to one, sniffed it, and lay down with her tail drooping over her nose. When she woke up, Willowpaw and Copperpaw were stirring beside her. Newleaf sunlight poked through the gap that made the entrance. She squeezed out and padded over to the fresh-kill pile, where Gingerstorm, Brackenblaze, and Bluefoot were standing. Other cats were beginning to wake up for their patrols. Then Fernblaze padded out of the warriors den and pounced onto the Tallstump. It was then, when Frostpaw realized she had missed the deputy ceremony! Brackenblaze padded up to her. "Hey

Frostpaw, you missed the ceremony! Fernblaze is the deputy! Do you know if Willowpaw and Copperpaw are awake?" "Um,-" "Hi!" A voice sounded behind Frostpaw. She jumped around to see Copperpaw and Willowpaw standing behind her. "There you are!" Bluefoot exclaimed, just as Fernblaze started to organize the daily patrols. "We're going out to explore the forest today!" Willowpaw jumped joyfully. The six cats ran through the gorse tunnel exit and into the wood. Once they were in, Gingerstorm skidded to a halt. Since she was in front, everybody crashed into her. "Sorry!" She exclaimed. "I just had an idea of what we could do out here! Mentors with apprentices, each group goes one way, and once we

your group catches two pieces of prey, bring it back here and we'll bury it. Then we can explore the forest and see other territories!" "Good idea, Gingerstorm!" Brackenblaze exclaimed. "So, which ways are we going?" "Bluefoot and Copperpaw, the left of me, Brackenblaze and Willowpaw, the right of me, and me and Frostpaw will go the way I'm facing right now. Go!" Frostpaw and Gingerstorm raced deep into the forest, their mouths open as they searched for prey scents. Frostpaw had smelled them on the fresh-kill pile, so she thought it would be easy. Then a familiar mouthwatering tang touched her nose. Rabbit! "Gingerstorm, I smell rabbit!" "Good job, Frostpaw! Remember, a rabbit will smell you

before it sees you. Tips to hunting are a rabbit will smell you first, a mouse or a vole will feel your pawsteps first, and a bird will see you coming, so when your catching birds, creep up when it's busy. Okay?" "Got it." "Good! I think I smelled a thrush, so I'm gonna get it. So go!" Frostpaw made sure to follow the right scent trail, and once the rabbit was in sight, she crept up on it, making sure the wind wasn't blowing her scent towards it. Then she remembered the crouch Gingerstorm had done when she saw a bird. Frostpaw dropped into it and pounced! There was a little squeal, but it was cut off as Frostpaw did the killing bite. Her first piece of prey! She carried it back to the spot where she and Gingerstorm

had been before. Gingerstorm was sitting there, a plump thrush in her jaws. It was then when Frostpaw realized how big her rabbit was! It giant, and very heavy. She dropped it in the grass and sat down beside Gingerstorm. Thank you StarClan, for this prey. Gingerstorm saw her rabbit and said, "Wow, Frostpaw! That's probably the biggest rabbit I've ever seen. Our Clan won't go hungry tonight!" Frostpaw smiled. "Should we go to where we were going to bury our prey now?" Frostpaw asked. "Okay." Gingerstorm answered. They stood up and picked their prey and carried it back. When they got there, Willowpaw and Brackenblaze were there, and Willowpaw had a mouse and Brackenblaze

had a rabbit. "Wow! Look at that rabbit!" Willowpaw exclaimed. Brackenblaze looked over and said, "Wow Frostpaw! That is big!" "Thanks." Happiness bubbled up in Frostpaw's chest. "Bluefoot and Copperpaw still haven't finished their hunting, eh?" Gingerstorm asked. "Nope," Willowpaw flicked her tail impatiently. "I hope they come soon." "Willowpaw, be patient." Brackenblaze shook out his fur. "We've got to give them time." "I know, I know," Willowpaw reassured. The cats waited for a long time. Then Frostpaw heard a voice ringing through the forest. "Copperpaw! Copperpaw! Copperpaw, where are you?!" It was Bluefoot's voice! The cats exchanged worried glances as paws started

thundering towards them. Gingerstorm curled her lip and unsheathed her claws. Brackenblaze, Willowpaw, and Frostpaw did the same. As the cat started to get closer, Frostpaw smelled a familiar scent. It looked like Willowpaw did too, because she sheathed her claws and glanced at Frostpaw. Frostpaw tried the mouth the name "Bluefoot", and when she did, Willowpaw nodded like she understood. "Brackenblaze! Gingerstorm! Sheathe your claws! It's just Bluefoot coming back! Use your nose!" Willowpaw exclaimed. Gingerstorm and Brackenblaze's nostrils twitched. Then Bluefoot came bounding up to them. "Copperpaw! Have you seen him?" He panted, breathing fast. His tail was bushed up

and he was bristling. His eyes were wide with fear. "You look like you've been attacked by a fox!" Brackenblaze looked confused, his eyes narrowed. "What's wrong? We haven't seen Copperpaw. Wait, don't tell me he's gone missing!" "He has!" Bluefoot started to pace. "You need to help me find him! I was just climbing a tree to get a blackbird, and then, and then-" Bluefoot collapsed, his eyes closed. "We have to get him to Brambletail and Oakleaf now!" Gingerstorm exclaimed. Her and Brackenblaze hauled Bluefoot onto their backs and and started to run. Frostpaw raced, her paws skidding the forest floor. When they got there, she raced to the medicine den. "Brambletail! Oakleaf! It's an

emergency!" Oakleaf came running, Brambletail following. Their eyes were wide. "What's wrong?" Brambletail asked, her voice high-pitched with fear. "Come with me!" Frostpaw said. She bounded over to where Brackenblaze and Gingerstorm were carrying Bluefoot on their backs, the Clan crowded around them. She could feel Oakleaf's breath warm on her tail. Oakleaf started to bristle, and Brambletail's eyes widened even more. "What happened?" She asked. "We were in the forest, waiting for Copperpaw and Bluefoot. Then Bluefoot came running back. He explained how Copperpaw had went missing, and then he just, collapsed." Frostpaw explained. She started to tremble.

Oakleaf laid his tail across her shoulders. Frostpaw took a deep, long breath. "Frostpaw," Brambletail began. "Once Fernblaze is done talking with Ivystar, ask him to send a search party for Copperpaw immediately," She ordered. "Oakleaf, fetch-" "Thyme leaves," Oakleaf interrupted. Brambletail nodded somberly. She padded over to Bluefoot. She saw Fernblaze squeeze out of Ivystar's den. His eyes were filled with worry. He bounded away from the Tallstump and into the medicine den, where Oakleaf was collecting herbs. When they came out, they looked like they were running as fast as they could. They looked really scared. Their tails were bushed up, they were bristling, and their eyes were really

wide. They raced up to Brambletail and whispered something to her. Brambletail raced to the Tallstump and squeezed into the hole in there that made the Leader's den. She could here loud, rasping coughs coming from the den. Fernblaze poked his head out of it and announced his eyes wide, his voice very high-pitched with fear, he announced, "Ivystar is very sick! We don't know what type of sickness it is, but do not go near her, whatever you do. We will have to let her die," He said, his voice turning into a sob. "She is on her last life." He raced to the warriors den. Frostpaw heard a thud beside her. Oakleaf ran out and ran over to where the thud had sounded. Frostpaw glanced over and saw

Gingerstorm lying on the ground. Oakleaf was pressing on his chest, but nothing was happening. Then she saw Brackenblaze looking down at a blue-gray body. It was Bluefoot! And he was dead. Now Bluefoot, Gingerstorm, and Ivystar were dead. Oakleaf bounded into the Leader's den. When he squeezed out he called, "Brambletail is also dead! She caught the sickness." His voice bubbled with grief. Now they would sit vigil for 4 cats! "I will travel to the Moonpool with Fernblaze. Fernblaze, who will be on guard?" "Whitefur and Dewleaf," Fernblaze called out of the warrior's den sadly. He squeezed out and padded over to Oakleaf, who was pulling Ivystar and Brambletail's bodies out of the

leader's den with Plumwillow, Stonefoot, and Sparrowpelt's help. Once they were done, they laid the bodies in the middle of the camp, along with Gingerstorm and Bluefoot. The cats around them sat down and Whitefur and Dewleaf went to the entrance to guard. Oakleaf bounded into the medicine den and squeezed out with a bunch of herbs in his mouth. Frostpaw guessed they were traveling herbs. Oakleaf laid some down beside Fernblaze and lapped up his own. When Fernblaze lapped his up, he narrowed his eyes, and Frostpaw thought she heard him mumble the word "Bitter". Oakleaf called, "We're going now," And him and Fernblaze padded out of camp. Frostpaw sat in the circle

around Ivystar, Brambletail, Gingerstorm, and Bluefoot, and sighed. Then she remembered Copperpaw was missing! She couldn't go to look for him now, since she was sitting vigil. But she really hoped Oakleaf and Fernblaze would find him! Then she realized tonight was also the Gathering! Now she couldn't go to her first one! She shifted closer to Berryflower and Willowpaw. When Oakleaf and Fernblaze- no, Fernstar, were back, they had Copperpaw with them! Fernstar was stroking Copperpaw with his tail. "I didn't mean to kill Bluefoot!" He sobbed. "I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" He dragged his paws. Berryflower ran over to Copperpaw and nuzzled his cheek. "What happened?" She asked. "Why did you

go missing?" She flicked her tail. "W-when I was hunting, B-bluefoot had gone in a different direction then me." His voice turned to a sob again. "I was e-exploring, and then I g-got lost. I st-stayed where I w-was for a l-long time, and th-then I started t-to travel. Then I s-saw Oakleaf and F-fernstar, and I ran t-towards them. They told me w-what had happened h-here, and I waited w-while they were a-at the Moonpool, and then c-came back h-here." Copperpaw closed his eyes as his legs buckled beneath him. Oakleaf raced to the medicine den and came back out holding leaves. He ran over to Copperpaw and tried to force open his jaws, and once he did, he stuffed the leaves into Copperpaw's mouth. He

rubbed Copperpaw's throat to make sure he would swallow the herbs. "Carry Copperpaw to the medicine den, Berryflower and Brackenblaze." Oakleaf ordered. They hauled Copperpaw onto their backs and carried him to the medicine den. Fernstar jumped up onto the Tallstump and called out. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey will join here beneath the Tallstump for a Clan meeting." SkyClan formed a ragged semicircle around the Tallstump. "Tonight, I, Fernstar, leader of SkyClan, call upon my StarClan ancestors to look down on me, my Clan, and my new deputy. Stormberry, step forward." Stormberry's tail fluffed up as he padded to the Tallstump. "Stormberry, you will be the new deputy

of SkyClan. StarClan and SkyClan honours your courage and kindness, and we hope you will serve your Clan as deputy for many moons." "Stormberry! Stormberry! Stormberry!" Frostpaw joined in the chant. As the chants died away, Fernstar started to name who Frostpaw and Copperpaw's new mentors were. "Now I will say the names of Frostpaw and Copperpaw's new mentors. I will do Copperpaw first. Oakleaf has had a sign from StarClan, telling him that Copperpaw will be his apprentice. Oakleaf, do you wish for Copperpaw to be your apprentice?" Oakleaf nodded. "Copperpaw, you will now be a medicine cat." Frostpaw realized he was sticking head out of the medicine den. He caught her

gaze and grinned. Fernstar went on. "Frostpaw, it is your turn to get a new mentor. Brightear, you will be Frostpaw's new mentor." Frostpaw padded over to Brightear to touch noses with the dark gray she-cat. Then she saw that Brightear had one white ear! So that was why she was called Brightear. "Tomorrow we'll explore our territory and see the other Clans' territory too." Brightear explained. "Cool!" Frostpaw exclaimed. She jumped like a kit. Stormberry started to organize the dawn patrol. "Honeyheart, Leafpelt, Brightear, and Frostpaw, you'll be on the dawn patrol." "We should get some rest," Brightear said. Frostpaw nodded and padded to the apprentice's den. She curled up and fell

into a deep sleep. She felt a paw poking her in the side. She blinked open her eyes and yawned. Gray fur caught her eye. Brightear! It must be time for the dawn patrol! "I'm coming, Brightear!" Frostpaw called. "Good!" Brightear answered. "Honeyheart and Leafpelt are getting up now." Frostpaw shook out her fur and blinked the rest of the sleep from her eyes. The air was cool. She guessed that leaf-fall was about to begin. She wished it could always be new-leaf. Frostpaw squeezed out of her den and saw Brightear standing by the Tallstump. There were some other warriors helping the elders carry the cat's bodies laying in the middle of the camp. As Frostpaw remembered the night before, she shivered.

Then Honeyheart and Leafpelt stepped out of the warrior's den and padded over to Frostpaw and Brightear. "We're ready to go," Honeyheart announced. Brightear shook out her fur. "You're leading, right?" She asked Honeyheart. "Yup," Honeyheart answered. Honeyheart went in front, then Brightear behind her, Frostpaw behind Brightear, and Leafpelt at the rear. They went to the ThunderClan border first, and then to ShadowClan. When they came back to camp, Stormberry was organizing hunting patrols. "Fireclaw, Dewleaf, Whitefur and Silverpool for the first hunting patrol, Grayfur, Thornheart, Thistlewhisker, and Tigertail for the second, and Beeheart, Blossompelt, Larkfoot, and

Pinewhisker for the third. For the ThunderClan border patrol, Russetclaw, Blackpelt, Smallheart, and Twigbreeze, and for the ShadowClan border patrol, Rabbitfur, Berryflower, Cloudsky, and Waterfang." "Okay! Time for training!" Brightear said. "We're learning battle moves! Lets go to the training hollow! We're practicing with Brackenblaze and Willowpaw." "Great!" Frostpaw exclaimed. Brackenblaze and Willowpaw were already at the training hollow. "Hey guys!" Willowpaw exclaimed. "Brackenblaze told me we're learning this cool battle move called the Sky-Crusher!" "Cool!" Frostpaw was excited. Brackenblaze padded beside a tree. "For the first step, you climb up a

tree, and make sure to be quiet." Brackenblaze dug his claws into the tree and pulled himself up silently. "Then balance on a thin branch, and keep silent." He stepped onto a branch above Frostpaw and Willowpaw. "Now, apprentices, please step back." Frostpaw took a few steps backward, her sister doing the same. Brackenblaze crouched down. "Now Brightear is going to be my enemy." Brightear nodded. "When the enemy walks under your branch," Brackenblaze said, "Drop down on them, claws unsheathed. But for training, we are going to keep our claws sheathed." Willowpaw nodded. Brightear walked close to the tree Brackenblaze was on. Once she was under his branch, Brackenblaze dropped

down, landing squarely on top of Brightear. Her legs buckled and she fell to the ground. Brackenblaze jumped off of her and padded over to the apprentices. "That was cool, right?" He asked enthusiastically. "Yeah, it was really cool!" Willowpaw exclaimed. "Can I go next?" "Sure!" Brackenblaze replied. "Climb up the same tree I was on." Willowpaw raced over and started to scramble up loudly. "Make sure to be silent!" Brackenblaze called over his shoulder. "Sorry!" Willowpaw called back. Brightear walked over to Frostpaw and shook out her fur. "I see Willowpaw's going next!" She said. "Yup," Frostpaw replied. "Is there something wrong, Frostpaw? You know you can talk to me about it." Brightear said.

"Well, I wonder if Gingerstorm would have done this with me just like you did." Frostpaw explained. Sadness washed over her. "Oh, Frostpaw. I bet you Gingerstorm would have done this, just maybe at a different time. I promise, he would have been a very good mentor." Brightear had an edge to her voice, which Frostpaw recognized as grief. "Lets go do the battle moves, and if we have time, we can go hunting after." The grief was replaced by happiness. Frostpaw nodded. "Should we go and practice the Sky-Crusher now?" She asked. "Sure," Brightear replied. They raced side by side to the tree where they were practicing, and Willowpaw went first. She dropped squarely on top of Frostpaw, and when

she went, the white she-cat also dropped squarely onto Willowpaw. After, they went hunting, and brought back two mice, a blackbird, a sparrow, two plumps squirrels, a crow, and a big, plump, rabbit. When they got back to camp, Frostpaw brought the rabbit to the elders and one of the squirrels to Poolheart. Then she picked a mouse from the pile and settled down to eat. She looked around. Poolheart and Twigbreeze were sharing tongues by the nursery, while Flykit was begging Copperpaw for a badger ride. Wrenkit and Willowpaw were listening to the elders stories while sharing the rabbit with them. Pinewhisker and Leafpelt were sharing tongues drowsily with a half eaten squirrel beside them, and Oakleaf and

Fernstar were chatting outside the leader's den. Stormberry was announcing the moonhigh patrol, and Featherbird was sitting beside Copperpaw, who had gotten Flykit onto his back and was stomping around like a badger. Frostpaw laughed, and picked up her mouse and padded over to sit with Flykit, Featherbird, and her brother. "Frostpaw!" He exclaimed. "I have a secret to tell you." Featherbird winked at him happily. He nodded back. "What is it?" Frostpaw asked curiously. "Featherbird's expecting kits with Brackenblaze!" He exclaimed. Featherbird's eyes lit up. "It's true!" She said triumphantly. "Copperpaw and Oakleaf told me to move to the nursery in three days. And Brackenblaze already

knows." She glanced at Flykit. "Hey Flykit, when my kits are born, will you be friends with them?" She asked. "Okay, Featherbird!" Flykit agreed. She pounced off Copperpaw's back. "I'm becoming an apprentice soon, so I'll be able to give them badger rides!" Frostpaw flicked her tail. "Hey, do you guys want to share this mouse? It's pretty big." "Sure." Copperpaw shrugged. Frostpaw laid the mouse on the ground. The cats huddled around it and started to rip flesh off the carcass. "Hey Copperpaw, how many kits do you think Featherbird will have?" Frostpaw asked while chewing. Featherbird glanced at the brown tom eagerly. "Probably two or three," Copperpaw answered. "Yay!"

Flykit exclaimed. "I'll have lots of new friends!" Once they were done eating the mouse, Frostpaw rose to her feet. "I'm going to sit with Willowpaw," She explained. "Okay!" Featherbird called. Frostpaw waved her tail and padded to her sister, who was sitting with Wrenkit outside the elder's den. Stonefoot was telling stories, while Plumwillow and Sparrowpelt were dozing in the dim leaf-fall sunlight. "Hi Willowpaw, Wrenkit, and Stonefoot!" Frostpaw exclaimed as she sat down beside them. "Have you guys had something to eat? The fresh-kill pile is overflowing." We had a big squirrel!" Wrenkit exclaimed, her tail flicking happily. Willowpaw smiled. "Stonefoot was telling us the story of how the Clans

came to the lake." Stonefoot waved his tail and his eyes filled with memories. "SkyClan and me weren't there, but I've heard the story." Frostpaw got comfortable. She had a feeling this was going to be a long story. Stonefoot started. "There were six cats, and their names were Brambleclaw, Squirrelpaw, Feathertail, Stormfur, Crowpaw, and Tawnypelt. Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw were from ThunderClan, Feathertail and Stormfur from RiverClan, Crowpaw from WindClan, and Tawnypelt from ShadowClan. Brambleclaw, Feathertail, Crowpaw, and Tawnypelt all had the same dream. One of their dead ancestors came to them and gave them each a prophecy: You will journey a long way. Listen to what

Midnight tells you. The four cats met at night and talked about it. Squirrelpaw and Stormfur followed them curiously. The six cats decided to leave on a journey to find midnight and see what it tells them. They did it the next day, in secret. But before that, Brambleclaw had another dream. He was in salty water, trying to swim. The current took him to shore, and he was relieved. But then the sun started to come down into the water, and the sky turned bright red. Brambleclaw was sucked into the water again, but then he woke up. He knew he had to go to the place in his dream. So when the cats were journeying, they stopped at a barn where two kind loners lived, named Ravenpaw and Barley.

Ravenpaw and Barley shared their food with the six cats, and at night, Brambleclaw told Ravenpaw about his dream. Ravenpaw said he knew where the place was and it was called the sun-drown place. The cats would have to follow the sun to get to it. So in the morning the cats left and Brambleclaw told them about his dream. While they were journeying, each cat got a sign from StarClan telling them they had to go to the sun-drown place." Frostpaw yawned. Stonefoot arched his back. "Frostpaw, you should get to your nest. The dusk patrol is going to be out soon." Frostpaw nodded. "G'night, guys." Wrenkit jumped to her paws. "Nighty night, Frostpaw!" She squeaked. Willowpaw dipped her head, and

Frostpaw padded into the apprentice's den. She curled up in her nest with her paw over her nose. She gently closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed as she sank into sleep.

"Let all cats join here beneath the Tallstump for a Clan meeting!" Fernstar's call rang across the camp. A moon had passed since Stonefoot had told Frostpaw, Willowpaw, and Wrenkit the lake story, and now it was time for Frostpaw and Willowpaw to become full warriors! The two sisters sat bolt upright in their nests, pelts glossy from so much grooming. Frostpaw peeked her head out of her den and saw only a few cats standing by Tallstump. Berryflower, Dewleaf, Wrenkit, Flykit, Poolheart, Twigbreeze, Brightear, Brackenblaze, Featherbird, and their kits, Bushkit, Leafkit, and Tulipkit. As Frostpaw and Willowpaw stepped out of the apprentice's den, a cool breeze swept through their fur.

Willowpaw flicked her tail excitedly and raced over to Berryflower. Frostpaw did the same, and they waited there for more cats to come. Once everyone was there, the ceremony started. Fernstar started to talk. "Today is a very special day for SkyClan, because we have the making of new warriors and apprentices. Frostpaw, Willowpaw, step forward, please." Frostpaw stepped toward Tallstump with her sister, her heart beating super fast. Fernstar went on. "Do you cats promise to be loyal to the warrior code and your Clan, and defend us at the cost of your life?" Frostpaw said it first. "I do." Willowpaw echoed her. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Frostpaw, you will now be

known as Frostclaw, and Willowpaw, you will now be known as Willowfoot. StarClan and SkyClan honour you very much." Frostclaw's heart felt like it was going to burst as she heard her Clanmates calling her and Willowfoot's new names. "Frostclaw! Willowfoot!" Frostclaw dipped her head and padded over to her brother, Copperpaw. "I'm sorry you didn't get your medicine cat name yet. But you probably will soon!" Copperpaw's eyes brightened and he nuzzled Frostclaw's shoulder. "Thanks, Frostclaw. You're the best sister ever." Frostclaw's heart filled up even more. She was overflowing with happiness. "I'm telling Willowfoot you said that." The amusement in her chest reflected in

Copperpaw's eyes. "You are not!" "Oh, yes I am! Haha!" Frostclaw raced around the clearing, Copperpaw hard on her paws. When Frostclaw stopped to take a breath, Willowfoot padded over. "What in StarClan are you two doing, playing kit games?" She shook her head. Frostclaw's amusement turned to embarrasment. "Speaking of kits," Copperpaw said, "I think Wrenkit and Flykit are being made apprentices!" Frostclaw glanced over her shoulder at Tallstump and saw Wrenkit and Flykit, with sleek, glossy fur, and big, bright eyes. Frostclaw bounded over to them. "Are you guys going to be apprentices today?" She asked. Wrenkit jumped to her paws. "Yes!" She exclaimed. "Who do you think our

our mentors will be?" Flykit asked. Frostclaw glanced around, examining the warriors closely. "Hmm." She noticed Blossompelt had bright eyes and a bushed out tail, but she couldn't figure out the other mentor. "It looks like maybe Blossompelt could be one. She looks pretty excited. But I don't know who the other one could be." Wrenkit whipped around to see Blossompelt. "I would like to have Blossompelt as a mentor!" She exclaimed. Flykit jumped around in circles. "I would like her, too!" Wrenkit pounced on Flykit and they started to wrestle. As they did that, Frostclaw thought of Gingerstorm. He was her old mentor who had died of shock when she was a newly made apprentice. She

wondered if Gingerstorm was watching this from StarClan. I really hope he's watching. Fernstar called out across the clearing again. "Everybody, please gather around the Tallstump again. I have another announcement to make." Frostclaw sat down beside Wrenkit and Flykit, who stopped playing and gazed up at Fernstar, their fur bristling in excitement. Poolheart and Twigbreeze padded over to sit beside their kits. Fernstar started. "Today we are making new apprentices. Wrenkit, Flykit, please step forward. Kits, do you promise you will listen to your mentor, and in battle, defend SkyClan even at the cost of your life?" "I do." "Then by the powers of StarClan, I make you apprentices. Flypaw,

your mentor will be Blossompelt, and Wrenpaw, I've thought long and hard about your mentor, and I've decided on Frostclaw." Yowls of protest rang around camp. Frostclaw was bewildered. She was just a brand new warrior. She exchanged a shocked glance with Wrenpaw. Fernstar went on. "I know Frostclaw is a new warrior, but remember she fought against that big fox by herself and she's still alive. She didn't even have any major wounds! And she had a long apprenticeship. Wrenpaw, your mentor will be Frostclaw." Frostclaw bent down to touch noses with Wrenpaw. The brown tabby smiled. Frostclaw smiled, too. "Do you want to go explore SkyClan territory?" She asked. Wrenpaw's eyes

lit up even more. "Okay! I'm just going to see Poolheart and Twigbreeze first." Wrenpaw padded over to her parents. Featherbird and Brackenblaze padded over, their kits tumbling around behind. "Congratulations, Frostclaw! You're a new warrior and you already have an apprentice!" Featherbird looked pretty happy. She added more softly, "I hope you or Willowfoot will mentor one of them." She flicked her tail in Tulipkit and Bushkit's direction. They were wrestling. Their sister, Leafkit, was standing beside her father. Featherbird went on. "Tulipkit and Bushkit are really wild. Leafkit's calmer, though. You or Willowfoot would be able to calm down Tulipkit and Bushkit." When the two kits had stopped

fighting, Bushkit's brown fur was ruffled, and Tulipkit's silver fur, the same colour as her mother's, was bristling in excitement. Leafkit's tortoiseshell fur, however, was very sleek and glossy. Frostclaw turned around, tail swishing on the ground. "I'd better go see Wrenpaw now," She called. "She'll want to do training." "Bye!" Featherbird called. Frostclaw padded to the slope that led into the forest, where Blossompelt, Flypaw, and Wrenpaw were standing. The two apprentices were bristling in excitement, and Blossompelt's eyes shone. Frostclaw flicked her tail. "Are we going to explore our territory?" Frostclaw asked. "Sure." Blossompelt shrugged. "Okay. Wrenpaw, Flypaw, we're going to

explore SkyClan territory. Make sure to stick with your mentors, and don't cross borders. Got it?" "Okay!" The apprentices agreed, and padded up the slope. Flypaw stayed behind with Blossompelt, while Wrenpaw went in the front with Frostclaw. First they went to the lake. When they got there, the cat's eyes shone as the water reflected off them. It was greenleaf, so the sun made the water sparkle. "Wow," Flypaw said, her jaws gaping in awe. Wrenpaw padded closer to the lake and looked down at her reflection. "Don't fall in!" Blossompelt joked. "I won't!" Wrenpaw called. "Hey, Wrenpaw," Frostclaw called, padding up to her apprentice, "Do you see the marshland and the moorland over there?"

Wrenpaw narrowed her eyes and peered across the shimmery water. "I see it! It's just two smudges though." Blossompelt padded up to Flypaw and tapped her on the shoulder with her tail. Flypaw jumped and stopped staring at the lake. Blossompelt's eyes lit up with laughter. "Flypaw, do you see the other territories? That moorland is WindClan territory, and the marshland is RiverClan territory. We'll see ShadowClan and ThunderClan soon. And tonight is a gathering, so we'll see cats from all the Clans at that island in the middle of the lake!" Wrenpaw looked puzzled. "How are we gonna get there? We can't swim like RiverClan." Blossompelt answered. "On the other side of the lake, over by

WindClan, there's a tree-bridge that we can use." Flypaw shook her head. "So we have to go on WindClan territory?" Blossompelt nodded. "We're allowed to at the full moon." Understanding filled Flypaw and Wrenpaw's eyes. Frostclaw padded over. "Should we go and see ShadowClan territory?" She asked. Blossompelt nodded, then glanced at the apprentices. They nodded too. "Let's go!" Frostclaw declared. The four cats padded away from the lake, and over to ShadowClan's border. As they got there, the yucky scent of the border hit Frostclaw's nostrils. Wrenpaw padded over and wrinkled her nose. "What's that smell?" She asked, sounding disgusted. "That's ShadowClan scent. Their border's right here,"

The white she-cat answered. "ShadowClan lives under pine trees and catches weird things to eat, like frogs and geckos." Wrenpaw looked very digusted. "Ew! They smell bad and they eat weird, slimy food!" Frostclaw snorted in laughter. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze falling on Flypaw and Blossompelt. The ginger and white she-cat was murmuring something to her apprentice. Frostclaw turned her head back around. Wrenpaw gazed up at her. "Can we go to the ThunderClan border now?" She asked with curious eyes. Frostclaw nodded. "As long as your sister and Blossompelt are ready to go. You should go ask them." "Okay!" Wrenpaw answered, and padded towards her

sister. Wrenpaw came back to Frostclaw with happy eyes. "They said they're ready!" Frostclaw nodded and whipped around to face the ThunderClan border. "After this, Wrenpaw, I'll ask Fernstar who's having first pick from the fresh-kill pile tonight. I bet you it will be us!" Wrenpaw waved her tail happily. "Okay!" Flypaw and Blossompelt joined them and they padded towards the ThunderClan border.

*

When they got back to camp, Flypaw flopped down beside the fresh-kill pile. "I'm exhausted," She panted, laying her head on the sandy floor of the hollow. Blossompelt padded over and looked down at her. "You

should get to your nest," Blossompelt said, flicking her tail toward the apprentice's den. "I'll wake you up when the hunting patrols come back." Frostclaw settled down beside the medicine den with Copperpaw. "Hi Frostclaw! How's Wrenpaw doing?" He asked. "Pretty good, though she is very silly." Copperpaw laughed. "She's basically still a kit, I guess." Copperpaw's eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh, I just remembered! Frostclaw, I have a secret to tell you!" Copperpaw leaned close to Frostclaw, his breath warm on her ear. "I'm getting my full medicine cat name at the next half moon!" He whispered happily. "Cool!" Frostclaw flicked her tail happily. "What do you think your name will be?" Copperpaw hesitated. "Hmm. Ooh,

maybe Copperclaw, like yours. Or Coppertooth! Ooh, what about Copperfang? I like Copperblaze, too! I think I would like Copperfang the most, though." Frostclaw nodded. "I like Copperfang, too." Oakleaf peeked his head out of the medicine den and glanced at the two littermates. "Copperpaw, I need help sorting the marigold and the thyme." Copperpaw glanced Frostclaw. "Okay, Oakleaf. I'm coming!" Copperpaw waved his tail in farewell at Frostclaw, then squeezed inside the medicine den. Frostclaw rose to her paws and padded over to Wrenpaw, who was sitting with her family, Flypaw, Poolheart, and Twigbreeze. Frostclaw flicked her tail. "Can I sit with you guys?" Wrenpaw jumped up.

"Okay, Frostclaw! We're waiting for the hunting patrols to get back." As she said that, three hunting patrols marched right into camp. In one patrol, Pinewhisker, Leafpelt, and Lilyfur were carrying a giant hawk! "Wow." Flypaw's jaws looked like they were flooding. The hunting patrols set their prey in the fresh-kill pile, and then the giant hawk went on top. That was definitely big enough to feed the whole Clan! Frostclaw realized Lilyfur's eyes were shining with pride. She must have caught it! Flypaw padded over to Lilyfur. "Wow! How did you catch that?" Lilyfur sat down and gave her chest fur a couple of embarrassed licks. "Well, Pinewhisker and Leafpelt had gone in a different direction for hunting, so 

I went to the ThunderClan border. I smelled a very strong scent of squirrel once I got close, so I guessed there was a nest up somewhere in a tree. I followed the scent up a tree, and found the nest. I crept towards it, and just as I was about to pounce, another scent hit me. It was the hawk! I was about to race back down the tree, but it picked me up with it's talons and flew away. I started to screech Pinewhisker and Leafpelt's names. They heard me and raced over. The hawk didn't see them, and it brought me to it's nest. Pinewhisker and Leafpelt climbed up the tree, and pounced on the hawk once it had dropped me. Pinewhisker brought the hawk down, and Leafpelt rescued me. Pinewhisker almost

killed the hawk, but it got away. We decided to create a plan. Pinewhisker and Leafpelt would pretend to be hurt, and I would kill the hawk when it swooped down to get them. So Pinewhisker and Leafpelt started to limp around and breath heavily. Then they collapsed, and closed their eyes. They kept breathing heavily, and very fast and shallow. The hawk swooped down, and before it could get them, I pounced and killed the hawk." Frostclaw was amazed. Then she noticed the bloody wound on Lilyfur's shoulder. "You should get to Oakleaf. You don't want that wound to get infected." Lilyfur glanced at her shoulder and nodded. She padded over to the medicine den. Wrenpaw's gaze was fixed intently on

the hawk. "Let's dig in!" Frostclaw let out a big purr as Wrenpaw tore apart the hawk and started to chew. "Mmm..." Wrenpaw gulped her piece down fast. The Clan gathered around the hawk, and they started to gulp it down. When Lilyfur's wound was treated, she joined too. Soon it was time for Fernstar to announce who was going to the gathering. "Will the warriors please gather beneath the Tallstump?" He asked jumping onto the old stump. Frostclaw padded over and sat down beside Willowfoot, Berryflower, and Dewleaf. She gazed up at Fernstar. He waved his tail. "Frostclaw, Willowfoot, Berryflower, Twigbreeze, Honeyheart, Fireclaw, Silverpool, Grayfur, Thistlewhisker, Beeheart, Larkfoot,

Russetclaw, Smallheart, Rabbitfur, Cloudsky, Waterfang, Thornheart, and Blossompelt, and of course, Flypaw and Wrenpaw. Those are the cats coming to the gathering. And as always, Me, Stormberry, Copperpaw, and Oakleaf will be coming. Okay, goodbye!" The cats padded out to the forest. But as they got close to the slope, Fernstar halted. "Wait, who is the gathering medicine cat again?" Fernstar asked. "Me, Fernstar!" Tigertail piped up. Fernstar dipped his head. "Thanks, Tigertail." The gathering medicine cat was a tom that would always stay at camp for gatherings and fill in as a medicine cat. But if they became leader, deputy, an elder, or an actual medicine cat, the position would be replaced. Frostclaw

padded behind Russetclaw with Waterfang behind her. When they got to the tree-bridge that goes over the water and to the island, WindClan was in the middle of crossing. RiverClan was just swimming to the island. Frostclaw shuddered as she imagined jumping into the cold water. Gorsestar, the WindClan leader, greeted Fernstar respectfully. "Hello, Fernstar." He dipped his head. "How are you and your cats doing?" He asked. Fernstar glanced back at SkyClan. "We have two new warriors, Willowfoot and Frostclaw, and two new apprentices, Wrenpaw and Flypaw." Gorsestar nodded. "And who are Wrenpaw and Flypaw's mentors?" He asked. Fernstar shifted his paws nervously. "Well, 

Flypaw's mentor is Blossompelt, and Wrenpaw's is, um... Frostclaw." He said honestly. Gorsestar's eyes widened. "But she's just a new warrior!" He protested. Frostclaw backed away as Fernstar's fur started to bristle. "She had a long apprenticeship, and she-" Fernstar was cut off by Stormberry. "Stop! We aren't supposed to fight. You cannot break the truce!" Fernstar's fur stopped bristling, but it was still ruffled. Fernstar glared at Gorsestar and turned away. The WindClan leader whipped around to face the tree-bridge and started to cross. As the SkyClan cats stared at Fernstar, his eyes filled with embarrassment. He gave his fur a few rapid licks. "Come on," He mumbled. "Let's go." He and  

Stormberry took the lead and padded across the tree-bridge. Blossompelt and Flypaw went next. Then Cloudsky and Smallheart. Then Waterfang and Thornheart. Then Rabbitfur and Russetclaw. Then Willowfoot and Berryflower. Then Twigbreeze and Honeyheart. Then Fireclaw and Beeheart. Then Silverpool and Thistlewhisker. Then Larkfoot and Grayfur. Then, the last, Frostclaw and Wrenpaw. When they got to the island, Fernstar, Gorsestar, Oakstar, leader of ThunderClan, Sharpstar, leader of ShadowClan, and Swiftstar, leader of RiverClan, were each on a branch of the big maple tree at the edge of the island. The medicine cats were at the bottom of the tree, sitting on

roots beside the deputies. In WindClan, the deputy was Softpelt, and the medicine cat Mallownose. In ShadowClan, the deputy was Spiderfang, and the medicine cat Hawkfeather. In ThunderClan, the deputy was Stickyfur, and the medicine cats Bluejay and Birchbark. And in RiverClan, the deputy was Lakeshine, and the medicine cats Butterflywing and Snowbreeze. Frostclaw sat down beside Wrenpaw and gazed up at the leaders. Oakstar cleared his throat. "Let the gathering begin!" The tabby dipped his head to Sharpstar, telling him to talk first. The gray cat stood up on his branch. "Prey is well in ShadowClan. Cloverpelt is expecting kits with Emberdash." Murmurs of congratulations came 

from the cats below. "Hawkfeather has a new apprentice, Alderpaw." For the first time, Frostclaw realized there was a little ginger tom standing beside Hawkheart at the roots of the big maple. Sharpstar finished talking and dipped his head to Oakstar and sat down. Oakstar stood up. "Prey is very well in ThunderClan. Yesterday the fresh-kill pile was overflowing! And also, there was a badger on our territory. Watch out for her, because she killed Shimmerpelt." Oakstar's tail drooped sadly. Sympathetic murmurs came from the cats down below. Oakstar sadly dipped his head to Swiftstar and sat down. Swiftstar rose up. "We have two newborn kits," She announced.  

"Nightkit and Icekit. They are Glowpelt's and Blackclaw's kits. And two days ago, Wetfoot and Otterfang caught a giant pike." She dipped her head to Fernstar. He announced Flypaw, Wrenpaw, Frostclaw, and Willowfoot, then announced the big hawk. And after him, Gorsestar announced a new warrior, Stonefang. "Stonefang! Stonefang!" The cats chanted. Swiftstar stood up. "Now we can share tongues." Frostclaw got up and looked around for Stonefang, the new WindClan warrior. A gray cat with broad shoulders and big paws padded up to her. "Hello." He greeted her. "Are you Frostclaw?" The white she cat nodded. "Yes. Who are you?" She asked. "I'm Stonefang. Would you like to share tongues?" 

He asked. Frostclaw felt a rush of warmness go through her body. She quivered happily. "Um, uh, sure," She stammered. Warmness also flooded into Stonefang's eyes. They sat down and started to groom each other. Frostclaw felt a feeling tugging her towards Stonefang, like she couldn't leave him. And the warmness stayed inside her. This was a feeling she had never felt before, and she couldn't explain it. Frostclaw guessed Stonefang felt it too, with the warmth in his eyes and the gentle rasping of his tongue against her flank. Frostclaw got drowsy. Her eyelids started to droop. She almost fell asleep, but Sharpstar's call knocked her out of it. She sat up and Stonefang sat beside her, the warmth of his fur

against her flank. "Cats of all Clans, it is time to go back to camp," Sharpstar called out. Noooo, Thought Frostclaw. I want to stay with Stonefang! Stonefang glanced at Frostclaw and shifted his big paws. "Frostclaw, meet me here tomorrow night, okay?" He asked. Frostclaw's happiness level went up again. "Sure." She licked his cheek and padded up to the SkyClan group. She stood beside Willowfoot. "Excited to sleep in the warrior's den?" She asked. Willowfoot's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah! Make sure your nest is beside mine." Frostclaw nodded. "Got it!" I want my nest to be touching Stonefang's. Frostclaw sighed quietly so no one could hear her. Fernstar jumped down from the 

maple and bounded to the front of the SkyClan group. "SkyClan, we are going back to camp!"

                                                  *

When the cats got back to camp, Tigertail hurried towards them. "Help! It's Dewleaf! He went out into the forest to practice climbing with Whitefur but he fell from the tree! He broke his leg and all the herbs are dried up so I can't use them! I went hunting for more, but everything on our territory is dried up!" Tigertail started panicking. "It's okay," Oakleaf soothed. "Me and Copperpaw will help Dewleaf." He got more serious. "Where is he?" Tigertail took deep breaths. "Medicine den." Oakleaf and Copperpaw raced to the medicine 

den. Frostclaw heard a gasp as they went inside. She and her sister raced over. Berryflower was hard on their paws. As they squeezed in, Frostclaw found her father lying on the ground with one of his legs twisted. Copperpaw and Oakleaf were digging through their herb stores, throwing out shriveled leaves and stem. "There's nothing!" Copperpaw exclaimed, raking the dirt with his claws. "Oakleaf, what are we going to do?!" Copperpaw looked very panicked. Oakleaf sat down beside Dewleaf, who was unconscious. "The best thing to do is not panic. We can't use herbs, so we'll have to use something else." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Frostclaw, Willowfoot, Berryflower, fetch sticks and leaves." 

Frostclaw nodded and raced out of camp with her mother and sister. "Let's split up," Berryflower suggested. Willowfoot nodded and they all ran off in a different direction. Frostclaw went toward the WindClan border and found a giant birch tree. She went under it and picked up bunches of sticks and leaves. Then she ran back to camp and into Oakleaf and Copperpaw's den. She dropped the sticks and leaves on the ground. "Is there anything else I can do to help?" Oakleaf shook his head. "I'll use this stuff for a splint." He looked at the sticks and leaves. "But you can help keep Dewleaf calm." Frostclaw sat beside her father and started to lick him. His eyes started to open, and he tried to sit up. 

Frostclaw shook her head rapidly. "Dewleaf, no-" The gray tom moved his broken leg, and let out an ear-splitting screech. "OWWW!!" Dewleaf started to breathe fast in pain. "Oakleaf's eyes darkened. "That's a badly broken leg." Copperpaw stuck a paw into one of the herb stores and pulled out a seed. It wasn't rotten yet. "Oakleaf, can I give my father this?" Oakleaf nodded. Copperpaw gave Dewleaf the seed, and he started to fall back asleep. Willowfoot and Berryflower came back to the den with sticks and leaves. Flypaw and Wrenpaw were close behind. They also had warriors behind them. "Is Dewleaf okay?" Twigbreeze asked anxiously. Copperpaw went to the entrance. "Dewleaf is fine," He 

lied. "Get back to your nests." Twigbreeze still looked anxious, but he didn't argue. Copperpaw came back inside. Frostclaw sat beside Dewleaf and started to lick him as Oakleaf made the splint. "Okay, we should get some sleep." Frostclaw yawned. She curled up beside her father on the cold ground, but she couldn't sleep. I wish Stonefang were here. He would make me feel better. All of a sudden, Dewleaf twitched. His eyes opened. Frostclaw jumped to her paws. Dewleaf twitched again, harder this time. Copperpaw just stared. His mouth opened, and froth started forming around his lips. He started to twitch very hard. "He's having a seizure!" Berryflower shouted. She slunk closer to her mate. 

Dewleaf stopped twitching, and lay still. His chest heaved. His eyes closed again, but then they opened. His breathing was fast and shallow. Frostclaw snuggled into him. He started to talk. "I have to go," He rasped. "Goodbye SkyClan, hello StarClan." He took one last heaving breath, then fell still. Sadness swept over Frostclaw. "Dewleaf, no," She gasped. Berryflower let out a loud wail. Copperpaw let out a quiet wail and dug his muzzle into Dewleaf's fur. Willowfoot fell to the ground beside him and let out a whine. Oakleaf sat down and dipped his head. "We will sit vigil tomorrow." Frostclaw curled up beside her father's body, and fell into, a light, dreamless sleep.