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Chapter Text

THUNDERCLAN

Leader: Firestar- Man with orange hair and green eyes. He wears an orange cloak.

Deputy: Graystripe- Man with long black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Healer: Cinderpelt- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a dark gray cloak.
Apprentice- Leaf

Warriors: Mousefur- Small woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a dusky brown cloak.
Apprentice- Spider

Dustpelt- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown striped cloak.
Apprentice- Squirrel

Sandstorm- Woman with blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a yellow cloak.
Apprentice- Sorrel

Cloudtail- Man with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. He wears a white cloak.

Brackenfur- Man with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a golden brown striped cloak.
Apprentice- White

Thornclaw- Man with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a golden brown striped cloak.
Apprentice- Shrew

Brightheart- Woman with orange hair and blue eyes. She wears a white and orange cloak.

Brambleclaw- Young man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown striped cloak.

Ashfur- Young man with black hair and dark blue eyes. He wears a light gray cloak with black flecks.

Rainwhisker- Young man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Sootfur- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a light gray cloak.

Apprentices: Sorrel- Girl with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled and white cloak.

White- Girl with platinum blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Leaf- Girl with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown striped cloak.

Shrew- Small boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown cloak.

Squirrel- Girl with red hair and green eyes. She wears a red cloak.

Spider- Tall boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black and brown cloak.

Nursery Mothers: Ferncloud- Woman with black hair and green eyes. She wears a light gray cloak with black flecks. (Mother to Larch; girl with brown hair and brown eyes, Birch; boy with light brown hair and brown eyes, and Holly; girl with brown hair and brown eyes)

Elders: Dappletail- Woman with graying blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Speckletail- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a light striped cloak.

Goldenflower- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a yellow cloak.

Frostfur- Woman with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Longtail- Younger man with blonde hair and blind brown eyes. He wears a light cloak with black stripes.

SHADOWCLAN

Leader: Blackstar- Large man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black and white cloak.

Deputy: Russetfur- Woman with red hair and brown eyes. She wears a red cloak.

Healer: Littlecloud- Small man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Warriors: Oakfur- Small man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.
Apprentice- Smoke

Tawnypelt- Young woman with dirty blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Cedarheart- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Rowanclaw- Young warrior with red hair and brown eyes. They wear an orange cloak.
Apprentice- Talon

Toadfoot- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown striped cloak.

Applefur- Woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown cloak.

Apprentices: Smoke- Boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Talon- Boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a light gray cloak.

Nursery Mothers: Tallpoppy- Tall woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown striped cloak. (Mother to Marsh; boy with brown hair and brown eyes).

WINDCLAN

Leader: Tallstar- Elderly man with graying black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black and white cloak.

Deputy: Mudclaw- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown cloak.
Apprentice- Crow

Healer: Barkface- Man with brown hair and brown eyes.

Warriors: Onewhisker- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Webfoot- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray striped cloak.

Whitetail- Small woman with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Morningflower- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Ashfoot- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Apprentices: Crow- Boy with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

RIVERCLAN

Leader: Leopardstar- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a spotted gold cloak.

Deputy: Mistyfoot- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a blue cloak.

Healer: Mudfur- Man with long brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown cloak.
Apprentice- Mothwing

Warriors: Blackclaw- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Heavystep- Thickset man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Stormfur- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Feathertail- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a light gray cloak.

Hawkfrost- Young man with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He wears a brown and white cloak.

Apprentices: Mothwing- Young woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a yellow striped cloak.

Elders: Loudbelly- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

ROGUES, LONERS, AND TOWNSFOLK

Barley- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears on a farm close to the forest.

Raven- Small man with black hair and green eyes. He wears on a farm close to the forest.

Rueben- Elderly man with graying brown hair and brown eyes. He lives in a cabin by the sea.

Chapter Text

Night had fallen over the forest. There was no moon, but the sky was still lit by frosty stars. At the bottom of a rocky hollow, a pool reflected the shining light. The air was heavy with the scent of flowers and growth.

Wind hummed through the trees, ruffling the surface of the pool. At the top of the hollow, a woman came to stand. She was older, with black hair and blue eyes. She stepped delicately onto a rock, sliding to the water’s edge.

She sat down on the flat stone and looked into the pool. Then, she raised her head. As though it was a signal, more figures appeared, slipping into the hollow from every direction. They came to sit as close to the water as they could.

The woman rose to her feet. “I have seen the future!” she announced. “A doom will change everything.”

On the opposite side of the pool, an auburn haired man nodded. “I saw it, too. This will be a challenging time for our descendents.”

“Darkness, air, water, and sky will come together, and shake the forest to its root,” the woman went on. “Everything will change.”

“A great storm is coming,” called another voice. A thin, dark haired man stepped to the edge of the water. “But is there anything we can do to stop it?”

“No, there isn’t,” the woman replied. “But there’s time to warn our descendents.” She lifted her head and looked around the hollow. “We will each choose one person from our Clans to find a new home.”

“I will begin,” the auburn haired man said. He glanced sideways, meeting the gaze of a large man with a deformed face. “If I may speak for RiverClan, Stormstar.”

The man nodded in agreement. “Go on, Oakheart. I trust your decision.”

Oakheart turned back to the pool. “I have chosen Feathertail from RiverClan.”

“Are you sure?” the black haired woman asked.

Oakheart blinked, surprised. “I thought you’d be pleased by my choice, Bluestar.”

“I thought you’d choose Mistyfoot, that’s all.” The woman shrugged.

“No.” Oakheart shook his head. “Mistyfoot must stay with the Clan. She’s their deputy now. You know how important that is.” The two locked eyes for a moment, as though having a silent exchange. “Feathertail will do. Unless anyone else has a problem?”

A murmur swept through the crowd. No one objected.

The black haired man stepped forward next. “ShadowClan has chosen Tawnypelt.”

Bluestar’s mouth sat askew, but she didn’t protest. “She is strong and courageous.”

“But is she loyal, Nightstar?” another man stepped forward. He was covered in scars.

Nightstar whipped around. “Yes, she is, Raggedstar. Why wouldn’t she be?”

“She wasn’t born in ShadowClan,” Raggedstar argued. “How can we let her represent our Clan?”

“Maybe it’s a good thing she was born in another Clan,” Bluestar said. “The Clans need to work together right now. Her insight of two Clans will help with that.”

The other warriors of StarClan murmured in agreement.

Another man stood up. He limped forward, one of his ankles twisted at an odd angle. “WindClan has chosen Crow.”

“What?” Oakheart explained. “But he’s just an apprentice!”

“Of course you’d choose your own son, Hopfoot,” Nightstar growled.

“You shouldn’t be sending an apprentice into danger like this,” Bluestar chided.

“He may be an apprentice, but he has the courage and skill of any warrior. One day, he might even be leader of WindClan.”

“One day, but not today,” Bluestar said. “Please, rethink this choice, Hopfoot. I don’t think Crow is ready for something like this.”

Hopfoot turned on Bluestar, glaring. “I don’t need to rethink it. Crow is worthy.”

Murmurs of unease spread through the crowd. Hopfoot stared around, looking furious.

Bluestar sighed. “If you’re not going to reconsider, Hopfoot, then I suppose we have no choice. Crow will go for WindClan.”

The murmuring was silenced.

“Your turn, Bluestar,” Oakheart urged.

Bluestar nodded. “I have chosen Brambleclaw for ThunderClan.”

“Brambleclaw will do,” Stormstar spoke up. “After all, it’s not like we can send Firestar off again. I think he might be tired of doing StarClan’s bidding by now.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, some edged with amusement.

“So does everyone approve of my choice?” Bluestar asked. More agreements were thrown her way. “Then it’s settled. We’ve made our choices.” She sought out Oakheart, Nightstar and Hopfoot. “Go to those your chose, and tell them what they must do. This is all we can do to save our descendents.”

Chapter Text

The undergrowth rustled as the young man slid between two closely growing bushes. It was a warm night in summer and the forest was filled with the sounds of life. Movement twitched at the edge of his vision, but each time he turned his head, he could see nothing but thick ferns and brambles.

Suddenly, he found himself in a wide clearing, gazing around in confusion. He’d never been in this part of the forest before. Short grass, glowing sliver in the moonlight, stretched out to a round rock where a woman was sitting. Her blue eyes seemed to glow.

The young man blinked in surprise. “Bluestar?” He had just been made an apprentice by the time she had died, over ten years ago. He never thought he’d seen her again.

“Come here, Brambleclaw,” Bluestar said. “I need to talk to you.”

Brown eyes wide, Brambleclaw walked across the shining turf until he was standing beneath the boulder.

“The forest is in trouble,” Bluestar began immediately. “You have been chosen to meet with three other warriors at the new moon. Meet in Fourtrees, and we will give you more instructions.”

“What?” The young man felt a prickle of dread. “What’s happening to the forest?”

“Now is not the time,” Bluestar replied. “All will be clear at the new moon.”

Brambleclaw blinked awake to find himself in his own bed. Sunlight filtered through the entrance, although it was still early enough that most of the warriors were asleep. Graystripe was getting ready for the day, though, while Cloudtail was yawning. The blonde man stood up and headed out of the hut.

As Brambleclaw watched, more warriors were waking. Ashfur, who slept not far away, usually woke up early. He rose stiffly, stretched, then headed out of the hut. Brackenfur wasn’t far behind.

Realizing patrols were probably getting assigned, Brambleclaw stood up quickly, although his mind was still wandering. Had that dream been real? Why would StarClan choose him for something of any importance? There were far more worthy warriors in ThunderClan. Why hadn’t Bluestar gone to Cinderpelt or her apprentice Leaf? Or even Firestar himself?

Brambleclaw pushed the dream from his mind. Maybe he had just imagined it.

The sun was barely above the camp wall, but it was already warm. Sunlight covered the bare earth of the clearing. Sorrel, the oldest of the apprentices, was sitting in front of her hut, talking with Spider and Shrew.

Cloudtail headed straight for the firepit and was already gulping down leftovers from the previous night. Brambleclaw noticed they were running out of rations. He was about to join the other warriors when Sorrel came racing up to him.

“It’s today!” she announced excitedly.

Brambleclaw blinked. “What is?”

“My warrior ceremony!” Sorrel’s brown eyes gleamed with happiness. “Isn’t it great? I’ll finally be with you in the warrior’s hut!”

“That is great,” Brambleclaw commented. He and Sorrel had once been great friends as children. Sorrel was long overdue for her warrior name, with all her older siblings already receiving theirs. She had fallen while climbing The Great Sycamore about a year ago and broken her leg. The injury had healed, but it had taken many long months, putting her behind her brothers.

“I just took Ferncloud something to eat,” Sorrel went on. “Her new baby is beautiful. Have you met Holly yet?”

“No, I haven’t,” Brambleclaw replied. Ferncloud’s fifth child had been born only a few days ago.

“You should go now,” Sorrel urged. “You’ll have time before Graystripe sends the hunting patrols out.” She was already running in place, as though her energy demanded her somewhere else.

Brambleclaw set off for the nursery. He squeezed through the narrow entrance, snagging his cloak on a thorn. He had grown bigger than most men his age, although the rest of the Clan said that was an advantage. Inside, it was warm and quiet. Ferncloud was already awake, with Sootfur, her husband beside her. They were also the parents of Shrew and Spider, although those two were much older. Now, Larch, Birch and baby Holly were the only nursery children in the Clan.

“Hi, Brambleclaw,” Ferncloud greeted. “Come to meet the new baby?”

Sootfur was smiling. Despite being so young, the two already had a sizable family. Brambleclaw couldn’t fathom ever having that many children. He wasn’t even sure he wanted kids to begin with.

Ferncloud held a small baby in her arms. It was a girl, with brown hair and almond brown skin.

“She’s beautiful,” Brambleclaw commented.

“But I’m beautifuller! Right, daddy?” Larch, the eldest of the children, looked exactly like her younger sister.

Sootfur laughed. “You certainly are pretty, Larch. But I could never choose between the two of you.”

“Then I must be the winner!” Birch climbed into his father’s lap. He looked more like his mother.

Brambleclaw, feeling energized, left the children to their bickering. Brightheart was sitting beside the firepit, sorting through any rotten food the Clan no longer needed. She took her own share and sat down beside Cloudtail. Brambleclaw could hardly see the scarred side of her face. She had grown the bangs of her hair out, and began hiding them. Although Cloudtail chastised that she shouldn’t have to, it seemed Brightheart felt more confident with her scars hidden.

“Brambleclaw!” Graystripe’s voice sounded from the warrior’s hut. The ThunderClan deputy had emerged.

“Good morning, Graystripe,” Brambleclaw greeted. “Have you organized the patrols yet?”

“Yes,” Graystripe said. “I want you to take Squirrel out today. Dustpelt is busy building Cinderpelt’s new herb stash.”

Brambleclaw couldn’t help letting his shoulders sag. He knew it was important that Cinderpelt have sturdy and protected dips and shelves for her herbs, but did Brambleclaw have to be the one to watch Dustpelt’s apprentice? Although he’d already been made a warrior by the time Squirrel was apprenticed, she had never respected him. Looking toward the apprentice’s hut, he could see that she was already up. Her springy red hair bushed out from her head, making her look much bigger than she actually was. Freckles covered her face, looking black against her already dark skin.

“Find someone else to join you on a hunting patrol,” Graystripe went on. Then, he headed off to join Sandstorm and Sorrel.

“Where are we going?”

Brambleclaw nearly jumped out of his skin. He looked down to see Squirrel already at his side, her green eyes glittering as she stared at him.

“Uh...I was thinking Sunningrocks,” Brambleclaw began.

Squirrel frowned. “Sunningrocks? What a stupid idea. It’s so hot today, everything will be hiding in the trees.”

“It’s still early,” Brambleclaw replied, trying to keep his voice calm. “I’m sure something will be out.”

Squirrel sighed. “Whatever you say, Brambleclaw. You’d better hope my dad won’t be too upset if we come back empty handed.”

Brambleclaw stiffened. Did Squirrel have to throw around that she was Firestar’s daughter all the time? “Well, if you’re so smart, where do you think we should hurt?”

“Near Fourtrees, by the stream,” Squirrel replied, not having to think about it.

Brambleclaw was even more annoyed when he realized she was right. Although Spring had just started, this year was promising to be a hot one. Animals would be searching for sources of coolness and moisture. The stream was a perfect place to find game.

“Squirrel.” Sandstorm, Squirrel’s mother, appeared behind her. “Stop yanking Brambleclaw’s arm.” Her green gaze turned on Brambleclaw. “And you should know better than to stand here arguing with an apprentice. How can you hunt together if you can’t even get out of camp without squabbling?”

“Sorry,” Brambleclaw muttered, embarrassment sweeping over him. He glanced around, wondering if anyone had seen.

Cloudtail was grinning at him from across the clearing, amused. Brackenfur sent him a sympathetic look.

“Cloudtail!” Sandstorm called. “Why don’t you go hunting with Brambleclaw. As for you.” She turned on her daughter. “You can hunt with me and Sorrel. I’m sure Graystripe won’t mind. And you’ll do as your told, or you’ll deal with me.”

She grabbed Squirrel’s arm and pulled her toward the camp entrance. The apprentice glared at Brambleclaw as she passed.

Brambleclaw sighed. He hoped no one would ask him to handle her again. He looked around for Cloudtail, and saw him talking to his daughter, White.

“I want to go hunting with you,” White whined. “Please?”

Cloudtail shook his head. “Brackenfur is taking you out later. He’s your mentor, after all.”

“He told me he’s really proud of you,” Brightheart added.

White smiled. “I’ll go find him.”

Realizing Brightheart would be coming with them, too, Brambleclaw began to feel nervous. Was he able to be a third wheel?

Cloudtail turned toward Brambleclaw as he approached. “Let’s get going. Come on, Brightheart.”

He led the patrol out of camp.

Just before heading out, Brambleclaw glanced over his shoulder. Everyone looked well fed, healthy and happy. Bluestar’s warning echoed in his mind. How could the forest be in trouble when it was all so peaceful now?

Chapter Text

The sun was setting, turning the treetops red and casting long shadows across the clearing. Brambleclaw sighed with satisfaction. He was tired after a long day of hunting, but he felt content. All of the Clan had eaten, yet there was still plenty of leftovers.

The rest of the Clan began slipping into the clearing and gathering around the Highrock. Brambleclaw realized it must be time for Sorrel’s warrior ceremony. He moved closer to the Highrock and sat down beside Ashfur, who gave him a friendly nod. Graystripe was sitting at the base of the rock, looking proud. Sorrel was his youngest sibling, and the final child of Willowpelt and Whitestorm, who had both died before seeing their younger three children be made warriors.

Graystripe was joined by Cinderpelt, the healer, and her apprentice, Leaf, Squirrel’s older sister. She looked nothing like Squirrel; she was taller but thinner, and her hair was a light brown. She was paler, like her father.

Brambleclaw often wondered how Leaf managed to be so quiet and respectful when Squirrel could never stop talking.

At last, Firestar appeared from the other side of the Highrock. In recent years, he had grown a small orange beard. He paused to speak with Graystripe, then climbed onto the Highrock.

“People of ThunderClan!” he called. “Today, I will make a new warrior.”

Sorrel stepped forward. Her blonde hair had been brushed down. Her brown eyes gleamed with pride as she stepped toward the Highrock. Beside her, Sandstorm looked on proudly. She wasn’t just Sorrel’s mentor, but also her only sister.

Firestar began. “I, Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice.” The Clan was hushed by his words. “She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn.” He looked down at Sorrel. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

Sorrel’s whole body shook with anticipation. She spoke clearly. “I do.”

“Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Sorrel, from this moment forward you will be known as Sorreltail. StarClan honors your courage and your patience, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.”

“Sorreltail! Sorreltail!” The rest of the warriors gathered around her. Sootfur and Rainwhisker were the first to reach her. Graystripe and Sandstorm, looking on proudly, waited their turn.

Firestar waited until the noise died down. “Sorreltail, in accordance with tradition, you must keep a silent vigil tonight, and watch over camp.”

“So the rest of us can sleep,” Cloudtail called.

Firestar flashed his nephew a warning glance. The crowd parted so Sorreltail could take her place in the middle of the clearing. She sat down, turning her gaze to the darkening sky.

With the ceremony over, the rest of the warriors slipped away. Brambleclaw yawned, looking forward to getting some sleep. He hadn’t heard any talk of strange dreams, yet Bluestar had suggested three other people were involved in the prophecy. He shook his head, laughing to himself. How stupid he had been, thinking StarClan was sending him dreams?

“Brambleclaw.” Firestar sat down beside him. “I talked to Goldenflower today. She’s excited for the Gathering in a few days.”

Brambleclaw raised his head at the mention of his mother. Goldenflower had joined the elder’s hut not long ago. “She always is. It’s the only time she can see Tawnypelt.”

Firestar nodded. His eyes were trained across the clearing, at where Squirrel and Leaf sat together and ate. Squirrel was chattering on loudly, while Leaf nodded and smiled.

“Do you miss her, too?” he asked suddenly. “You two used to be close.”

“Yeah.” Brambleclaw didn’t feel the need to deny it. He hardly went a day without wondering what Tawnypelt was doing. “Don’t you miss your sister?”

“Of course,” Firestar replied. “But she’s not in an enemy Clan.”

“Enemy Clan or not, I know Tawnypelt’s happier there.”

“I do, too,” Firestar agreed. “And I’m glad you stayed loyal to ThunderClan. I think you’re nearly ready for an apprentice. Once Ferncloud and Sootfur’s children are old enough, I’d like you to mentor one of them.”

Brambleclaw’s heart swelled with warmth. He remembered a time when Firestar could hardly look at him, refusing to trust him simply because Tigerstar was his father. Now, Firestar was trusting him to train ThunderClan’s young.

He wondered if he should tell Firestar about his dream. The Clan leader had been very close with Bluestar, and had a deeper connection to StarClan than the other warriors. But Firestar was already standing, heading over to join Sandstorm and Graystripe under the Highrock.

Brambleclaw wanted to call for him, then thought against it. Why would StarClan be sending prophecies to one of ThunderClan’s youngest warriors? They would send it to the healers or Firestar himself. If neither of them had received the prophecy, it couldn’t be that big of a deal.

Chapter Text

The sun hadn’t even risen by the time Brambleclaw set out with the dawn patrol. The leaves were turning gold and the first chilly breezes of autumn had swept through the forest, but it hadn’t rained in over a month. Brambleclaw shivered, wrapping his heavy cloak around himself.

Thornclaw was in the lead. He glanced back at Brambleclaw and Ashfur. “Firestar wants us to check Snakerocks,” he said. “The adders should be asleep in this weather.”

Before they had gone far, Brambleclaw began to hear his footsteps being echoed. He paused, glancing behind him. Not far away, a thick clump of ferns quivered, though there was no breeze.

Brambleclaw sighed, recognizing the aura immediately. “Come out, Squirrel.”

There was a moment of silence. Then, the girl rose out from the undergrowth. Her green eyes glared at him defiantly.

“What’s going on?” Thornclaw had doubled back, Ashfur behind him.

Brambleclaw jabbed his thumb toward Squirrel. “I think we have ourselves a spy.”

“I’m not spying!” Squirrel protested hotly.

“Well, you’re not supposed to be here!” Brambleclaw retorted.

“You two sound like children,” Thornclaw growled. “Squirrel, what are you doing out here?”

Squirrel folded her arms behind her back, scuffling one foot in the dust. “I wanted to come with you. I haven’t been on patrol in forever.”

“Does Dustpelt know you’re out here?” Thornclaw asked.

“No,” Squirrel admitted. “He promised last time we’d do some training, but he’s still helping Cinderpelt.”

“You should head back to camp,” Ashfur said. “Your parents won’t be happy if they have to come looking for you.”

Squirrel frowned, her eyes lighting up with anger. “They trust me! I can take care of myself.”

Ashfur stiffened, so Thornclaw stepped into the lead again. “Go back to camp, Squirrel. That’s an order from a warrior.”

Squirrel hesitated a moment longer. “But I want to come with you. Please?”

She stared at Thornclaw for a long moment. The older warrior groaned in defeat. “Fine. But if Sandstorm rips my head off, I’m ripping yours off.”
Squirrel lost her pout, grinning. “Thanks, Thornclaw! Where are we going? ShadowClan’s border? Tallpines?”

“Snakerocks,” Thornclaw informed her. “But only if you’ll calm down and be quiet. I don’t want to hear a peep unless its life or death.”

Squirrel opened her mouth to reply, then shut it, instead nodding.

The patrol set off again. Brambleclaw was agitated by how easily Squirrel had gotten her own way. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d had been given the same treatment if his father had succeeded in becoming Clan leader. He quickly pushed the thought from his head. There probably wouldn’t be anyone left alive to spoil him if Tigerstar was leader.

The sun was up by the time the patrol emerged from the trees into the Snakerocks’ clearing. The smooth, round boulders sat in front of them. A dark hole gaped between some of them- the cave of Mathan Olc. Brambleclaw shuddered. His older brother, Swift, had died here.

Squirrel noticed his expression. “What’s the matter? Scared?” she taunted him.

Brambleclaw wanted to snap at her, but calmed himself down. Squirrel hadn’t been alive to know the terror of Mathan Olc. She couldn’t understand how much sorrow this place drummed up for him.

Suddenly, Squirrel rushed forward, peeking into the cracks of the boulders.

“Stop!” Thornclaw called. “There’s snakes here. Hasn’t Dustpelt told you not to go dashing off like that?”

Squirrel looked embarrassed. “Yeah.”

“Then act like you listen to him,” Thornclaw said sternly. “Now, can you sense anything?”

Squirrel raised her head and closed her eyes. “A deer passed by here, but it’s gone now. The Thunderpath isn’t far away...and something else. It’s musky.”

Brambleclaw raised his head, his heart skipping a beat. “Bear!”

Thornclaw nodded. “I think we’ve got another one in the cave.”

Ashfur scoffed. “Just our luck!”

“Are bears that dangerous?” Squirrel asked.

“They’re the worst!” Brambleclaw growled. “You’ve heard of Mathan Olc.”

“Of course I have!” Squirrel said.

Ashfur cautiously approached the dark cave. “It’s not home,” he reported. “Maybe we should roll that boulder in front of the cave again. Then it won’t come back.”

Suddenly, Brambleclaw heard undergrowth being trampled. He turned to see a brown face appear from behind a nearby trees, its huge paws crushing the grass.

“Bear!” he shouted, fear spiking through his heart. “Run!”

Ashfur dove over one of the boulders to hide, while Thornclaw raced for the trees. But Squirrel stayed where she was, staring at the huge creature.

“Squirrel!” Thornclaw called.

The apprentice hesitated. Thinking fast, Brambleclaw barreled into her, throwing her over his shoulder. “Let’s go!”

Squirrel yelped in surprise, struggling in his grasp. The bear had lumbered into the open, its beady eyes glittering. Brambleclaw reached the edge of the clearing and thrusted Squirrel into the nearest tree. She grabbed the lowest branch and swung herself up.

Brambleclaw followed. Below, the bear was blundering back and forth. It hadn’t seen the humans, but it had caught their scent.

“Why didn’t you run when I told you?” Brambleclaw whispered to Squirrel.

“I’ve never seen a bear before,” Squirrel replied in a low voice.

“Well, you can see it fine from up here. You could have been killed!” Brambleclaw didn’t take his eyes off the bear. He breathed a sigh of relief when it headed for its cave. It squeezed itself inside and thumped to the ground.

Thornclaw slid down from his tree. “That was a close one,” he said. “Where’s Ashfur?”

“Over here.” Ashfur popped up from behind a boulder.

“We need to get rid of that bear,” Squirrel said. “Should we go in there and kill it? There are four of us and only one of it.”

Thornclaw shook his head. “Never, and I mean never, go into a bear’s den. It’s too dark to see, and they’ll attack immediately.”

“But-”

“We need to tell Firestar about this. He’ll know what to do.” Thornclaw set off for camp, ignoring whatever Squirrel wanted to say.

Ashfur fell in behind him, but Squirrel paused at the edge of the clearing.

“We could have dealt with it,” she grumbled. “I could have lured it out, and then-”

“It would have killed you with one swipe, and we’d still have to go back and report it,” Brambleclaw growled. “Wouldn’t Firestar just love that? ‘Sorry, Firestar, but you’re daughter died because we let her throw herself into a bear’s cave.’ He’d skin us alive!.”

“Well, if he was out here, we wouldn’t leave a bear on our land without doing something.” Squirrel stuck her nose in the air and stomped off after Ashfur and Thornclaw.

Brambleclaw had to stop to compose himself. He raised his eyes to the sky. “Please, StarClan, take away my temptation to strangle a small child.”

He caught up with the others just as they were heading down the ravine and into the clearing. Dustpelt was the first to greet them, marching across the clearing.

“Where have you been?” he growled.

Squirrel met his gaze bravely. “I went on patrol.”

“Did someone tell you to go?”

“No. I went by myself.”

“You had me worried half to death! I told you we’d go training today. Mousefur and Brackenfur already took out their apprentices. I wanted to go with them, but I couldn’t find you. Your parents are out looking for you.”

Squirrel lowered her gaze, ashamed. “I’m sorry.”

“Firestar has better things to do that be chasing after disobedient apprentices,” Dustpelt went on. “And you should have known better, Thornclaw.”

“I’m sorry, Uncle Dustpelt,” Thornclaw apologized. “If I didn’t take her, she’d be wandering the forest alone. And it’s a good thing she wasn’t- a bear moved into Snakerocks.”

Dustpelt’s anger was replaced with concern. “Firestar should be back soon. Report to him immediately.” He turned on Squirrel. “You, however, can spend the rest of the day caring for the elders. Feed them and change their beds.”

Squirrel’s eyes widened in dismay. “But I hate looking after the elders. Speckletail is so mean.”

“Then maybe you’ll think twice about leaving camp without permission again. Now go!”

Squirrel scurried off quickly.

Chapter Text

“I think Squirrel’s upset,” Leaf remarked, peering out of the rock crag. She saw her sister disappearing into the elder’s hut.

“She deserves to be,” Cinderpelt said, not looking up from her juniper berries. “Bad things happen when apprentices wander off by themselves.” To make the point, she limped off toward her hut, one leg jutting at an odd angle.

“I know,” Leaf said. Cinderpelt had long gotten over her own sadness about her injury, and instead used it for warning the children of the Clan never to charge off alone.

“Squirrel will forget about this by tomorrow,” Cinderpelt reassured her.

“Tonight’s the Gathering, too,” Leaf went on. “I doubt Squirrel will be allowed to come.”

“Absolutely not!” Cinderpelt said, amused. “But you should come tonight.”

Leaf was still staring out of the rock crag, frowning. She’d never gone to a Gathering without Squirrel before.

“Leaf.” Cinderpelt’s voice was stern yet kind. “You have chosen a very different path from your sister. You’ll always be friends, but you can’t do everything together anymore.”

Leaf nodded. Was this how Cinderpelt felt when she’d become a healer, watching her siblings train to be warriors?

She leaned over her yarrow leaves again, sorting out those that had gone bad.

“You know, it’s strange anyone is surprised Squirrel became such a trouble maker,” Cinderpelt said suddenly. “Seeing who her father is.”

Leaf raised her head. “Dad’s not a trouble maker. He’s the noblest warrior in the whole Clan.”

“Oh, yes he is. He was one troublesome kid. I remember when him and Graystripe got in trouble for feeding RiverClan with game from our territory.”

“They did?” Leaf’s eyes widened.

“Uh huh. And that’s just scratching the surface. Even as deputy, Firestar once went behind Bluestar’s back to talk with Tallstar.” She turned to look at Leaf. “But he saved a lot of lives because of it. Bluestar wanted to attack WindClan, even though they had done nothing wrong. Firestar has broken the warrior code many times over, but never out of hatred or selfishness. He’s a good man, and his heart is always in the right place. I think Squirrel is the same.” Cinderpelt turned back to her berries. “As long as she stays on the right path, she could be one of the best warriors ThunderClan has ever seen.”

Chapter Text

The full moon was at its peak by the time Firestar led his people up the slope and into Fourtrees. Walking besdie Cinderpelt, Leaf shivered with anticipation.

Firestar paused at the top of the slope, gazing into the clearing. Leaf was near the back of the group and could only see the tops of the four great oak trees, but she could still hear voices of many people. It seemed ThunderClan was the last to arrive.

Leaf had only been to a Gathering twice before now. She was well acquainted with the other healers, but the warriors of the other Clans made her nervous. This time, she felt more confident. She was looking forward to properly meeting the other Clansfolk.

She kept her eyes on her father, waiting for the signal to move forward. Brambleclaw was standing just in front of her, along with Mousefur and Sorreltail. Leaf could see the young man’s shoulders were taunt, eager to get the Gathering started. Sorreltail’s whole body trembled with excitement. Farther ahead, Graystripe and Sandstorm were whispering while Cloudtail shifted impatiently.

Finally, Firestar raised one hand to signal for his people to move forward. Leaf stepped over the edge of the hollow, sliding down the slope just behind Brambleclaw.

The moonlight revealed a large crowd of people, some already seated around the Great Rock, others greeting the friends they hadn’t seen in a month.

Brambleclaw slipped into the crowd right away, head swiveling as though looking for someone. Cinderpelt went over to speak with Littlecloud, the ShadowClan healer. Leaf hesitated, finding the number of strangers daunting.

She noticed Graystripe with a group of RiverClan warriors. Leaf recognized a woman with dark hair and a blue cloak- Mistyfoot, the RiverClan deputy. The other two were younger. The taller one looked just like Graystripe, with a muscular body and dark brown eyes. The second was a slender, pretty woman with long black hair.

Leaf was just wondering if she could go greet them when Mistyfoot caught her eye. “Hi, Leaf. It’s good to see you.”

“You, too,” Leaf said. She had been introduced to Mistyfoot at her first gathering, as the RiverClan deputy was friends with her father. “How are you?”

“RiverClan is well,” Mistyfoot replied. “Have you met Stormfur and Feathertail?”

“They’re your cousins, you know,” Graystripe said proudly. “My children.”

Leaf nodded, already knowing that. She greeted her cousins.

“It’s good to see you again, Leaf,” Feathertail said. “Is Squirrel here tonight?”

Leaf shook her head. “She got in trouble this morning.”

“Sounds about right.” Stormfur’s voice was edged with fondness.

On the Great Rock, the leaders were already Gathering. Tallstar, leader of WindClan, easily recognizable by his lean body, stood beside Leopardstar, the RiverClan leader. She stared around impatiently, waiting for the others. As Leaf watched, Firestar climbed up beside her.

Blackstar, ShadowClan’s leader, heaved himself up on the other side. As soon as he was in place, Leopardstar shouted for the Clans to gather. At once, the chattering in the clearing died away and a hundred eyes turned to face the Great Rock. Feathertail sat down beside Leaf.

“Welcome, people of all Clans,” Tallstar began. He was the eldest of the leaders, and it showed. His black hair was almost completely gray. He glanced at the other leaders. “Who wants to start?”

“I will.” Firestar stepped forward. “ThunderClan is doing well, but another bear has moved into Snakerocks. We’re handling the situation, but I’d advise the rest of you to keep on guard, in case it wanders into your own territories.”

The news caused little stir.

Firestar stepped back to make way for Blackstar. “ShadowClan is strong and our resources our plentiful,” he announced. “Our water supplies are coming back now that it’s starting to cool off.”

Next was Tallstar. “Our water supplies has not recovered from the heat. It has been many nights since the last rain, and the moor streams have gone dry. We have no water.”

“But the river borders your land,” Russetfur, the ShadowClan deputy, called.

“The river runs through a deep gorge,” Tallstar countered. “None of us can get down there. Our children and elders are dehydrated, and I fear they will soon face death.”

“There must be some water left in the streams,” Dustpelt called.

Tallstar shook his head. “Not a drop.” He turned to Leopardstar. “WindClan is requesting that RiverClan lets us onto your land to gather water.”

Leopardstar stepped forward. “The river is low.”

“But it’s still more than you need,” tallstar responded, sounding desperate.

Leopardstar stared at him for a long moment. Then, she walked to the edge of the clearing. “Mistyfoot? What do you think?”

Mistyfoot rose to her feet, but another voice interrupted him. “We can’t trust them!” Blackclaw shouted. “They’ll take our game, too!”

Feathertail sighed, irritated. “Blackclaw needs to learn to hold his tongue.”

On Leaf’s other side, Stormfur nodded in agreement. “He’s always undermining Mistyfoot.”

Mistyfoot turned to glare at her husband. “RiverClan has asked the other Clans for assistance many times over.” She turned back to Leopardstar. “I say we should allow it. We have plenty of water.”

The clearing fell silent, waiting for Leopardstar to speak. “Very well, Tallstar,” she said at last. “Your Clan may enter our land to drink from the water just below the gorge. But you mustn’t come any farther, or hunt.”

Tallstar nodded, his voice filled with relief. “RiverClan has our thanks.”

“The drought won’t last forever. We will discuss this again at the next Gathering,” Leopardstar said.

“She’s gonna ask for something in return,” Graystripe muttered darkly. “She always does.”

“I don’t think so,” Feathertail replied. “Even though Leopardstar has the blessings of StarClan, Mistyfoot is our leader.”

Leaf was surprised by how easily Feathertail gossiped about the hierarchy of her Clan. But it wasn’t news. After TigerClan had been disbanded, over a decade ago, RiverClan had practically turned against Leopardstar. She was the face of the Clan, sure, but Mistyfoot was the one in charge.

Finally, Leopardstar stepped forward. “RiverClan is thriving, despite the rubbish the townsfolk keep throwing into our water. We are planning to make them stop, as the trash has started attracting pests to our land. We also have two new warriors. Hawkfrost and Mothwing!”

Leaf craned her neck, trying to see the warriors that had been named, but she couldn’t distinguish them among the crowd. The traditional welcoming murmur broke out, but it was mingled with shouts of hostility, some coming from RiverClan themselves.

Leopardstar glared down from the Great Rock. “Do I hear protests?” she growled.

“They’re the children of a rogue!” someone shouted.

“They don’t deserve warrior names!”

“Why are they even here?”

Leaf looked at Feathertail. “What are they talking about?”

“Hawkfrost and Mothwing weren’t born in the Clan,” Feathertail explained. “Not long after the battle with BloodClan, this woman, Sasha, brought them into the Clan. She was homeless, and needed a place to stay. She stayed in the Clan for a few months, but decided to leave. But Hawkfrost and Mothwing wanted to stay.”

“They’re good warriors,” Stormfur said. “But it’s just hard accepting outsiders.”

Leopardstar was still glaring into the crowd. “These two are strong and able,” she said loudly. “They have sworn the oath of a warrior, just like the rest of you.” She looked at Blackstar. “Many of ShadowClan’s warriors were once townsfolk and rogues.” Then she turned to Firestar. “Even you weren’t born in the forest.”

“She has a point,” Graystripe admitted.

Firestar nodded. “We all know this, Leopardstar. Hawkfrost and Mothwing are welcome among us.”

Leopardstar nodded curtly. “Although Mothwing trained as a warrior, she has decided to choose a new path. Mudfur, our healer, is growing old, and it’s time he took on an apprentice.”

Shouts of protest rose once again.

“You can’t be serious, Leopardstar,” Blackstar put in. “Rogues training to be warriors is all fine and well, but a healer? What do they know of StarClan?”

Voices echoed Blackstar’s question. At the base of the Great Rock, an old man heaved himself up.

“Mothwing is a talented warrior,” Mudfur rasped. “But I will wait for a sign from StarClan before I make her my apprentice.” He flopped back down.

The crowd had parted enough so Leaf could see the young girl beside him. She was startlingly beautiful, with chocolate brown eyes and sharp features. Her hair was long and golden, a stark contrast to her dark skin.

“That’s Mothwing?” Leaf whispered to Feathertail.

“Yes,” Feathertail said. “I can introduce you, if you want. She’s nice.”

Leaf nodded eagerly. She was sure Mudfur would soon receive a sign from StarClan. There were no other healer apprentices in the forest, and she was looking forward to making friends with one- especially someone so pretty.

The protests had died down after Mudfur’s announcement. With nothing else to discuss, the Gathering was over.

Feathertail stood up. “Come on, Leaf.”

As Leaf followed the RiverClan warrior across the clearing, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mothwing. Judging by the response of the others, she would certainly have a hard path ahead of her.

Meanwhile, the Gathering was drawing to a close. Brambleclaw was looking around for his sister, Tawnypelt. He hadn’t been able to find her before the meeting began. Ahead, he saw Firestar stop in front of a young man with dark brown hair.

“Congratulations, Hawkfrost,” Firestar said. “I’m sure you’ll make a fine warrior.”

Brambleclaw looked over Hawkfrost with interest. He certainly looked like the son of a rogue, with beige skin and brilliant blue eyes. But his shoulders were broad, like Brambleclaw’s own, although stiff with hostility.

“Thank you, Firestar,” Hawkfrost replied. “I’ll do my best to serve my Clan.”

“I’m sure you will.” Firestar gave him a friendly smile. “Don’t listen to the naysayers. You’ll be accepted in time.”

He walked on and Hawkfrost stared after him, unblinking.

“Creepy…” Brambleclaw murmured.

“Who’s creepy?”

Brambleclaw spun around to see Tawnypelt standing behind him. “There you are!” he exclaimed. “I’ve been looking for you.” To answer his question, he turned back around. “Hawkfrost is.”

Tawnypelt shrugged. “He looks normal to me. Just a bit...reserved, you could say. Can I talk to you about something?”

The last part was said with uncharacteristic urgency. Brambleclaw nodded for her to continue.

“I keep having this weird dream where I’m in a clearing. There’s a rock in the middle, and Nightstar is standing there. Do you remember him? He was ShadowClan’s leader when we were little.”

Brambleclaw’s eyes widened with shock. It sounded like the same dream he’d had not long ago. “Did he say anything to you?”

“He told me the forest was in danger and I was part of a prophecy. He told me to meet with three other people at the new moon.”

Brambleclaw stared at her, his skin crawling. “You won’t believe this..I had the same dream! B-but was Bluestar instead of Nightstar.”

Tawnypelt shuddered. “Have you told anyone else?”

Brambleclaw shook his head. “I wasn’t even sure it was real. Why would StarClan send prophecies to us instead of our leaders and healers?”

“I don’t know,” Tawnypelt said. “I told Rowanclaw about my dream, but they said they haven’t experienced anything like it. I don’t think anyone else from ShadowClan has, either.”

“Same with ThunderClan.” Brambleclaw glanced around the clearing. The Gathering was thinning out as the Clans readied to leave. RiverClan was already leaving, while Tallstar and Blackstar were calling for their warriors.

“What should we do?” Tawnypelt asked.

“If I had the dream, and so did you, I bet the other two people are from RiverClan and WindClan. One representative from each Clan,” Brambleclaw realized. “That narrows down who the other two people are.”

“Oh, yeah, that narrows it down plenty,” Tawnypelt said scornfully. “We’ll just walk over and ask if anyone had a weird dream. They’ll all think we’re crazy!”

“Do you have any bright ideas, then?”

“Nightstar told me to come here at the new moon,” Tawnypelt said thoughtfully. “Did Bluestar tell you the same?”

Brambleclaw nodded.

“Then that’s what we’ll do. I bet StarClan gave the other two similar instructions.”

Brambleclaw nodded in agreement. “Hopefully they did.”

“Brambleclaw!” Firestar’s call sounded from the other side of the clearing. The warriors of ThunderClan were gathering around him. “It’s time go.”

“Coming!” Brambleclaw dropped his voice. “Meet here at the new moon, then. Don’t tell anyone else about this.”

Tawnypelt nodded before heading off to join the other ShadowClan warriors. Brambleclaw hurried over to Firestar, hoping his fear didn’t show. He had hoped his dream wasn’t real, but it seemed he couldn’t escape it now. The forest was in danger, and he had no idea what was coming.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw emerged from the warrior’s hut and glanced around the clearing. It still hadn’t rained, and the forest was hot, despite the approaching winter. The streams around camp had dried up, so the Clan had to travel all the way to the river for water.

Brambleclaw hadn’t slept well in a week. He woke each morning with a start, terrified that the camp would be destroyed in the night. But everything was just as peaceful as the day before. This morning, White and Shrew were practicing fighting moves outside the apprentice’s hut. Mousefur entered camp, followed by Spider and Rainwhisker. Firestar and Graystripe were talking at the base of the Highrock. Squirrel and Dustpelt stood nearby, listening.

Firestar beckoned Brambleclaw over. “Up for an extra patrol?” he asked. “I want to check the ShadowClan border.”

“What for?” Brambleclaw asked. “Blackstar didn’t seem hostile at the Gathering.”

Firestar nodded. “I noticed, but this drought keeps getting worse.”

“ShadowClan has been awfully quiet lately,” Graystripe growled. “Blackstar will be tempted onto our land, I’m sure.”

“But-” Brambleclaw stopped, realizing he was objecting his leader’s order. He blushed and lowered his head.

However, Firestar didn’t seem upset. “But, what?”

Brambleclaw took a deep breath. He couldn’t get out of this now. Squirrel was shooting daggers at him for daring to disagree with her father.

“I just think if anyone’s looking to cause trouble, it would be WindClan,” he said hesitantly. “Tallstar was desperate for a water source.”

“And RiverClan gave him one, idiot,” Squirrel growled. “If WindClan causes any trouble, it’ll be directed at RiverClan.”

“But that strip of RiverClan land is really narrow between the river and our border,” Brambleclaw retorted. “If WindClan decided to hunt on RiverClan’s land, they could easier trespass onto ours.”

“You think you’re so clever!” Squirrel growled. “When your leader gives you an order, you follow it!”

“Because you’re so obedient, aren’t you, Squirrel?” Dustpelt put in dryly.

Squirrel ignored her mentor. “ShadowClan has always caused trouble, but WindClan are our friends.”

Brambleclaw bit his tongue, hands clenching into fists. Of course he didn’t want to question Firestar’s loyalty- none of them would be alive and happy if Firestar hadn’t defeated Tigerstar over a decade ago. But Brambleclaw really believed ThunderClan should be watching out for a possible threat from WindClan. He would have liked to discuss it properly with Firestar and Graystripe, but that was impossible when Squirrel insisted on arguing with everything he did.

“You’re the who thinks she’s clever,” he snapped. “Could you shut up and listen to me for just one second?”

He dodged a swing from her fist. Although the blow didn’t hit, it dragged away the last of his self control. His hand flew to the dagger on his belt.

“Enough!” Firestar shouted, stepping between them.

Brambleclaw froze in dismay. He dropped his gaze to the ground. “Sorry, Firestar.”

Squirrel glared up at her father, who returned the stare just as hard. Finally, she looked down. “Sorry. But Brambleclaw’s being stupid.”

“Actually, I think he has a point,” Dustpelt said. “ShadowClan has been easier to deal with since Blackstar took over. But WindClan is desperate for resources.”

“I agree,” Firestar said. “Brambleclaw, you can take Dustpelt and Squirrel to the RiverClan border. Graystripe and I will still check on ShadowClan.” His eyes narrowed on Squirrel. “And you will behave yourself, understand? Unless you want me to find your mother. I’m sure she’d love to be pulled away from her hunting patrol just to babysit you.”

Squirrel shook her head. “No, dad. I can manage.”

“Sounds good!” Graystripe said cheerfully, as though Brambleclaw hadn’t nearly skinned his niece alive.

“Let’s get going,” Dustpelt said. He headed for the camp entrance, only to glance back at Squirrel, who hadn’t moved. “What?”

“I don’t want to patrol with him,” Squirrel growled.

Brambleclaw rolled his eyes, but didn’t speak. He didn’t want to look like an idiot, squabbling with a child.

“Then you shouldn’t have interrupted the warriors,” Dustpelt said. “Sooner or later, you must learn when its time to speak, and when it’s time to be silent.”

Squirrel sighed heavily. “It feels like it’s always time to be silent.”

“Exactly,” Dustpelt said, nodding curly. “Come on, now. All we have to do is check the border, then we can come back and eat.”

Squirrel trudged after the warriors, her arms crossed. Brambleclaw glanced back at her, feeling slightly sorry. He’d probably embarrassed her, proving her wrong in front of her father. But all the same, she shouldn’t have argued with him just for the sake of arguing. He hoped she’d learn to mature when she got older. If not, Brambleclaw might just join his sister in ShadowClan.

They were drawing close to Fourtrees and soon passed the town bridge. All three of them stopped to scan the slope. The breeze had dropped and the air was still.

“WindClan has been by here recently,” Dustpelt commented. “But not this far across. They must have just been getting water.”

“Ha!” Squirrel barked, satisfied in proving Brambleclaw wrong.

Brambleclaw wasn’t too upset. He’d rather be proven wrong than have trouble with a border skirmish.

Dustpelt was just moving off again when Brambleclaw heard voices nearly. He grabbed Dustpelt’s arm. The older warrior stopped to listen, then knelt to hide in the long grass.

Squirrel did the same, practically disappearing into the stocks. At first, the only sound was the murmuring river. Then, there was a rustling sound, and a large man with brown hair stepped into the open on ThunderClan’s side of the border. Brambleclaw recognized Mudclaw, the WindClan deputy. He was followed by Onewhisker and a young boy with black hair and blue eyes. Brambleclaw had seen the apprentice at Gatherings before, but didn’t recall his name. He held a rabbit in his arms.

Mudclaw stopped, then glanced at his patrol. “Go back. We can’t risk getting caught.”

“Yet you did,” Dustpelt growled, rising up from the grass. Brambleclaw and Squirrel followed. “What are you doing here?”

“We’re not stealing from you,” Mudclaw growled.

“Then what’s that?” Squirrel asked, pointing at the apprentice’s rabbit.

“It’s not a ThunderClan rabbit,” Onewhisker explained. “It ran over here from RiverClan’s land.”

“Then you’re stealing from RiverClan,” Brambleclaw pointed out. “Leopardstar allowed you to take water, but not game.”

“Mind our own business!” The apprentice dropped his rabbit and launched himself at Brambleclaw, barreling into the bigger man. Brambleclaw shouted in surprise as the apprentice’s fist hit his stomach. He drew his dagger, expecting a fight to break out, then the small weight was being dragged off him.

“Crow!” Onewhisker shouted angrily. He had grabbed the apprentice by his cloak. “Are you completely insane? Attacking a ThunderClan warrior when we’re the ones trespassing?”

Crow shot him a furious look. “He called us thieves!”

“And he’s right,” Onewhisker growled. He turned to Dustpelt. “I’m sorry, Dustpelt. We did steal from RiverClan, but we don’t have much of a choice. There’s hardly any game on our land.”

Dustpelt’s eyes were cold. “Go back to your own land,” he growled. “You’d better hope Leopardstar doesn’t hear about this. Although I’m sure she will. You did just admit to stealing in front of ThunderClan’s noisiest apprentice.”

“Yeah!” Squirrel shouted triumphantly. “Wait, was that a compliment?”

Mudclaw grabbed the rabbit off the ground and spun around, heading back to the moor. Brambleclaw noticed he didn’t apologize as Onewhisker had.

As soon as they were gone, Squirrel groaned, turning to Brambleclaw. “Fine, you were right. And all it costs you was getting beaten up by an apprentice.” Her voice was edged with amusement.

“Don’t even start,” Brambleclaw growled.

Squirrel, smirking, turned and stalked back into the trees. Brambleclaw sighed. He wished Squirrel could have some humility, but he even more wished he’d never had that dream. The Clans were getting desperate for water and food, and even Onewhisker- a long time ally to ThunderClan- was tempted to trespass, steal, and lie. Heat lay over the forest like a thick blanket and it seemed like everyone was a branch waiting to snap. Was this the trouble StarClan had foretold?

Chapter Text

Over the next few nights, the moon began to wan until it was just a tick in the sky. Brambleclaw thought over what might happen at Fourtrees. Would the other Clans come? What else would StarClan tell them to do?

Finally, the new moon arrived. Brambleclaw silently climbed the ravine. Leaves rustled as he brushed by bushes and thickets, trying to be as quiet as possible. He didn’t know if anyone was still awake, and didn’t want to explain what he was doing. He hadn’t told anyone about his dream, and doubted Firestar would approve of him planning to meet other Clans without permission.

The air was cool, but still dusty. Plants were drooping and withering. The whole forest was being slaughtered by this drought. If rain didn’t come soon, WindClan wouldn’t be the only ones desperate for water.

When Brambleclaw reached Fourtrees, he found it empty. The Great Rock glimmered like a star, and the leaves of the four oak trees rustled gently overhead. A few leaves were torn from their branches and came fluttering down to litter the ground with hues of red and orange. Brambleclaw shivered. This place was creepy when it wasn’t filled with people.

He walked across the clearing and sat down in the shadow of the Great Rock. His nerves were shot and he kept looking around, desperate to see movement. Who would the other people be? Why wasn’t Tawnypelt here yet? Had she changed her mind?

Finally, he saw the bushes rustling at the top of the slope. He tensed, wondering if it was the RiverClan or WindClan warrior.

He followed the rustling bushes as the figure moved down the slope. The fronds waved for a moment, then a small girl stepped int the clearing.

Brambleclaw froze. “Squirrel!” He jumped up. “What are you doing here?”

Squirrel’s eyes glittered with excitement. “I was gonna ask you the same thing. I saw you leaving and I wanted to see if I could stalk you without you realizing. I did great!”

Despite his annoyance, Brambleclaw had to agree. But now wasn’t the time to praise her. “You shouldn’t be out here.”

“Why not?” She narrowed her eyes. “Why did you sneak out of camp?”

“I didn’t sneak,” Brambleclaw protested. “I just left.”

“Why?” Squirrel asked.

“None of your business!” His voice was growing desperate Why couldn’t she just leave? “Go home.”

“No.” Squirrel crossed her arms and sat down, glaring at Brambleclaw. “Tell me what you’re doing.”

Brambleclaw opened his mouth to scold her when a familiar voice sounded behind him. “What’s she doing here?” Tawnypelt had arrived, slipping out from behind the Great Rock. “You didn't tell her about the dream, did you?”

Brambleclaw shook his head. “Of course not! She followed me out of camp.”

“And it’s a good thing I did.” Squirrel had drawn her sword. “You crept out to meet with a ShadowClan warrior! My father will hear of this.”

Brambleclaw’s stomach lurched. Maybe he should have told Firestar about his dream once he figured out it wasn’t just a hallucination. “Look, Tawnypelt is my sister. I’m just coming to visit her.”

“Then why be so secret about it?” Squirrel demanded. “Dad wouldn’t care if you came to visit her.”

Brambleclaw was trying to think of an excuse when Tawnypelt gasped. “Someone else is coming.”

Brambleclaw noticed two figures coming down the slope. Feathertail and Stormfur had arrived, glancing around warily. As soon as she saw the others, Feathertail jogged across the clearing to meet them.

“I was right!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide. “Did you all have the dream as well? Are we the four?”

“Tawnypelt and I are part of it,” Brambleclaw replied.

“What dream?” Squirrel asked.

“The dream from StarClan.” Feathertail sounded uncertain. “About the danger in the forest.”

“Did you both have the dream?” Brambleclaw asked, turning to Stormfur.

Stormfur shook his head. “I didn’t. Feathertail did.”

“I had to tell him,” Feathertail confessed. “I could hardly sleep thinking about it. He agreed to come with me tonight.” She smiled fondly at her brother. “He didn’t want me to be in danger. But it looks like everything’s fine.”

“Is it?” Stormfur asked. “If Mistyfoot finds out we’re meeting with the other Clans in secret, she’ll have our heads.”

“But StarClan told us to come here,” Tawnypelt pointed out. “Bluestar visited Brambleclaw, and Nightstar visited me.”

“I met Oakheart,” Feathertail said. “He said the forest was in trouble, and I had to meet three other people here at the new moon.”

“Nightstar said the same,” Tawnypelt confirmed. “He said StarClan would have further instructions for me.”

Squirrel’s eyes widened. “StarClan summoned you all here? But why?”

“We don’t know yet,” Feathertail replied. Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt nodded in agreement.

Stormfur’s eyes narrowed. “If you haven’t had the dream, why are you here?”

“You didn’t have it either.” Squirrel wasn’t afraid to stand up to her cousin.

“But he was invited,” Brambleclaw growled.

“Then she needs to go home,” Tawnypelt said.

Brambleclaw shook her head. “And she’ll go right to Firestar. She already knows everything. We might as well let her stay.”

Squirrel nodded and sat back down.

“How did you let an apprentice track you all the way here?” Tawnypelt growled to her brother.

“What’s going on?” A new voice came from behind them, high and young. “This can’t be right. My father said there was only four.”

Brambleclaw turned around. His eyes narrowed when he recognized Crow. “Oh, not you!”

“Yes, me,” the apprentice retorted.

Tawnypelt looked him up and down. “StarClan sent an apprentice from WindClan? Are there no worthy warriors?”

“You had the dream too?” Feathertail asked, courage returning to her voice. She seemed relieved that the dream had been shared, as promised.

Crow nodded. “I spoke with Hopfoot, my father. He told me to meet three other people at Fourtrees under the new moon.”

“Well, that’s one person from each Clan,” Feathertail said. “We’re all here.”

“But why?” Crow asked.

“That’s what I want to know,” Squirrel said. “Why would StarClan choose you four and not older warriors? Or even our leaders. It doesn’t make sense.”

Crow glared at her. “Two people from ThunderClan?”

“No,” Tawnypelt said. “Only Brambleclaw. Squirrel is his plus one.”

“Why?” Crow growled.

“Because I’m likeable,” Squirrel shot at him.

Brambleclaw scoffed, but didn’t comment.

“Don’t fight,” Feathertail began, but the apprentices ignored her.

Brambleclaw quickly stepped between them. “Enough.” Why had StarClan chosen Crow of all people to represent WindClan? Not only was he an apprentice, he was rude and cruel.

Crow frowned, but argued no further.

“Don’t fight my battles for me!” Squirrel growled.

Brambleclaw rolled his eyes. “We have more important things to be doing than watching kids rassle. StarClan wants the Clans to work together, not skin each other.”

He glanced around the clearing, wishing StarClan would hurry up and share a sign. But the stars shone on, unwavering.

“The sun will be up soon,” Tawnypelt said.

Feathertail’s blue eyes were wide with anxiety. “But StarClan hasn't come yet!”

“Nothing’s happening,” Tawnypelt said. “We did everything they told us to do, but nothing is happening.”

“This was stupid.” Crow glared around at them all. “There’s no prophecy, and there’s no danger. Even if there was, what can we do about it?” He turned and stalked back across the clearing. “I’m going home.”

“He’s got a point,” Stormfur said. “Come on, Feathertail. Let’s go.”

“Hang on,” Brambleclaw said. “Maybe StarClan was angry because we were arguing. We all had that dream, and it must mean something.”

“But we don’t know what,” Tawnypelt said. “If this really is so important, StarClan would try harder to give us instructions.”

“Maybe they just wanted us to be aware of each other,” Feathertail said thoughtfully. “Maybe they’ll send up another dream.”

Stormfur frowned, unconvinced.

“Let’s all meet at the next Gathering,” Brambleclaw suggested.

“Crow won’t meet us,” Feathertail murmured.

“Good,” Stormfur remarked. “He doesn’t seem pleasant.”

Brambleclaw sighed. He wasn’t fond of Crow, either, but if the apprentice had really been chosen by StarClan, he deserved to be part of the meeting. “If any of us see him by the border, we should tell him the plan.”

“Fine by me,” Tawnpelt said.

“But what will we tell our Clans?” Stormfur asked. “We shouldn’t hide things from them.”

“That’s true,” Tawnypelt put in. “And Nightstar didn’t say anything about keeping this secret.”

“But will our Clans understand?” Feathertail asked. “They’ll think we’re crazy.”

Brambleclaw agreed with his sister. Firestar and Cinderpelt should know about his dream. Perhaps they could help him interpret it better. But he also shared Feathertail’s instinct of keeping quiet.

“No one mention this,” he said. “What if our leaders forbid us from meeting again? Let’s just wait until the next Gathering and see what happens.”

Feathertail nodded in agreement. Stormfur sighed in defeat.

“If we don’t find out more before the next Gathering, I’m telling Blackstar about this,” Tawnypelt said. She yawned. “I’m leaving. It’s time we all went home. I’ll see you all at the next Gathering.” She turned and headed across the clearing.

Brambleclaw turned to Squirrel. “Come on.” He walked back toward the trees, hearing her footsteps behind him.

Clouds were massing in the sky, cutting off the starlight. The forest was silent and the air was heavy with humidity. Brambleclaw prayed rain would come soon.

“That was so exciting!” Squirrel squeaked once they were away from Fourtrees. “Dustpelt better let me come to the next Gathering. You’ll make sure he does, right?”

“No,” Brambleclaw bluntly. “You’re not apart of this, Squirrel.”

“But I already know about it. If StarClan didn’t want me to get involved, they would have kept me away from the meeting.” Squirrel jogged ahead to step in front of him, making him stop. Her eyes were wide and pleading. “I can help. And I’ll do everything you tell me.”

Brambleclaw barked a laugh. “Yeah, right.”

“I will! I promise. And I won’t tell anyone about it. You can trust me.”

Brambleclaw stared down at her. He couldn’t risk getting on her bad side, lest she tell Firestar about this. “Fine,” he agreed. “You can come to the meeting, but you have to promise you won’t tell anyone about this. Not even Leaf.”
Squirrel’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Brambleclaw!”

Brambleclaw sighed, following Squirrel into the shadows of the trees, feeling a shiver of fear at what might happen within the next month.

Chapter Text

Leaf was awoken by the crash of thunder. Outside the healer’s cave, rain was beating the ground like a drum.

Shaken by the sudden noise, she stood up and poked her head from the cave. Cinderpelt was sleeping soundly in the bed next to hers, and didn’t move when Leaf walked out.

Past the rock crag, the trees were outlined with black. The sky was growing gray with the first lights of dawn. She was glad to see rain returning to the forest.

But it was already starting to ease, and the clouds were turned yellow as the sun shone on with. The ground was squishy with mud. Spider, Shrew, and White were up, too, eyes wide as they discovered the new wet world. Ferncloud’s children were creeping out from the nursery. Larch shouted in delight and stomped into a puddle, splashing her brother.

Movement came from the entrance tunnel. Leaf turned. It was rather early for any patrols to be returning.

A lean, short man stepped into camp. He had the complexion of Clansfolk, but dressed like someone from town. His hair was black and cut short, and his eyes shone like emeralds.

Leaf recognized Raven, an old friend of her father’s. She had met him a few times during the halfmoon meetings on the way to Highstones.

Raven stepped carefully around the many puddles littering the game. “Hello, Leaf,” he greeted. “What a storm!”

“Hello,” Leaf said politely.

“Raven!” White was racing across the clearing, closely followed by Shrew and Spider. He was a great uncle to all of them.

Larch and Birch had abandoned their puddle to come racing over as well. “Intruder!” Birch cried.

“No, this is Raven,” Shrew said to his younger siblings. “He lives on a farm across he moor.”

Larch’s eyes widened. “Grandma’s brother? But he’s so young!”

“Can we go to the farm?” Birch asked.

“Then you’re bigger,” Ferncloud promised, coming up to join them. “It’s good to see you, Uncle Raven. You haven’t met the new baby yet, have you?”

In her arms, she held a small bundle of blankets. Raven peered inside, eyes shining. He adored the youth of ThunderClan, as he would most likely never have children of his own. “She’s gorgeous. Does she have a name?”

“Her name is Holly,” Ferncloud introduced, her eyes shining with pride. “And these two are Larch and Birch.”

“You and Sootfur have been busy, I see,” Raven teased.

Ferncloud laughed. “Yes, I suppose so. Come on, you two. Time to go back inside before the rain starts again. Say goodbye to Raven.”

The children said their goodbyes then hurried after their mother.

“What are you doing here, Raven?” White asked curiously.

“I need to talk to Firestar,” Raven replied. “Is he up yet?”

“He’s still in his hut,” Shrew said. “I can take you there.”

“Let me,” Leaf said. As she looked over the apprentices, sudden anxiety washed over her. Where was Squirrel?

Just then, the entrance tunnel rustled and Squirrel stepped inside, holding a rabbit.

“Hi, Squirrel,” Raven called. He looked down at Leaf. “You should help your sister. I know where Firestar is.”

Leaf nodded and headed for her sister. Squirrel stopped, smiling. “Look what I caught! I can cook it for you and Cinderpelt.”

“You went out early.” Leaf frowned. Squirrel wasn’t supposed to leave camp on her own, and it wasn’t like her to get up so early. “Why?”

“This is good weather to hunt,” Squirrel said. “Everything will be out looking for water to drink.” She pushed past Leaf and headed for the firepit.

Cinderpelt had awoken, looking for her apprentice. Her eyes landed on the rabbit. “Well done, Squirrel! That’s a great catch.”

Squirrel beamed proudly, her eyes glowing.

“While you cook that, I need Leaf to take this to Dappletail,” Cinderpelt said. She held a small packet in her hand. “It’s poppy seeds to help her sleep. She’s got a toothache.”

“Okay, Cinderpelt.” Leaf took the packet and hurried across the clearing.

Chapter Text

“Help! Help! I can’t swim!” Brambleclaw shouted, choking on salty water. It dragged at his body, pulling him under the waves. His limps flailed frantically as he struggled above the surface. He craned his neck, straining to see reeds to indicate a bank, but all he could see was endless blue waves. On the horizon, he could see the sun sinking into the waves, turning the water red.

Brambleclaw was thrust beneath the water again. Cold salt water flooded into his lungs.

He was going to drown.

His head broke the surface and a strong current spun around him. He was gasping for air, and found himself staring up a sheer wall of yellow rock. Had he been swept all the way into the gorge? But these cliffs seemed too high. At their base, the waves sucked at a dark hole, edged by jagged rocks that made it look like a gaping, fanged mouth. The waves drove him straight toward the rocks.

“Help!” he screamed in terror.

He kicked and thrashed, but the water didn’t yield. The waves drove him onward, crashing against the rocks. The black mouth looked over him, spitting salty foam.

Brambleclaw blinked and found leaves above his head. He was sleeping on a stuffing filled bed, trembling with relief as he realized it was just a dream. Water was dripping through a leak in the warrior’s hut. Rain must have come at last.

His throat was sore and his mouth was dry, as though he’d swallowed pure salt.

Brambleclaw sat up. Nearby, Dustpelt groaned, irritated. “You’ve been rolling around all night. What’s wrong with you?”

“Sorry,” Brambleclaw said. His heart was still thudding against his chest. He felt exhausted.

The slowly strengthening light told him the sun was rising. He heaved himself up and poked his head out of the entrance.

A fresh breeze was driving the clouds away. The clearing was filled with pale yellow light, reflecting in puddles on the ground and water drops hanging off every branch and fern. The whole forest seemed to be drinking in the water, the trees lifting their crackling leaves for reach drop.

“Thank StarClan!” Mousefur said, pushing past Brambleclaw.

Brambleclaw staggered across the clearing to a puddle at the base of the Highrock. He got on his knees and cupped the water in his hands to drink, trying to wash the taste of salt form his mouth. He’d never imagined water could taste so awful.

Soon, the sticky feel of salt was gone from Brambleclaw’s throat. Raising his head, he noticed Firestar emerging from his hut, murmuring with a visitor.
Brambleclaw blinked in surprise. Why was Raven here?

“It’s sounds like an expansion,” Firestar was saying. “Thank you for telling me. I’ll see if the town on our side of the forest is up to the same thing.”

Raven looked uneasy. “Barley says it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s so alarming to see. The monsters they bring to the road are huge, and have giant arms that rip up the earth.”

“Construction equipment,” Firestar said. “But we haven’t seen any in the forest. I’ll tell the patrols to keep an eye out, just in case. Maybe you should warn WindClan as well, in case they start moving onto the moor.”

Raven nodded. “Okay, FIrestar.”

“Oh! Let me walk with you to Fourtrees.” Firestar’s eyes glittered with excitement. “I’ll get Graystripe and Sandstorm. Why don’t you go see Longtail and Frostfur in the elder’s hut? They’ll want to see you.”

When the Clan leader was gone, Raven caught sight of Brambleclaw. For a moment, his eyes were wide with alarm, then he relaxed. “Hi, there,” he said. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, Raven. It’s good to see you.” Brambleclaw glanced awkwardly around. Raven had been one of the biggest victims of his father, Tigerstar. He knew the farmer had gotten a lot stronger and confidence since those days, but even the thought of Tigerstar was enough to spook him. Brambleclaw felt strangely sorry for him, as though he needed to apologize for what his father did. Should he?

Raven was frowning. “Are you sure?”

Brambleclaw pushed away the feeling. Tigerstar’s actions were not his fault. Firestar and Goldenflower had told him that a thousands times. He needed to change the subject, but still needed a good excuse. “I just had a weird dream.”

“Wanna talk about it?” Raven asked, his voice soft with sympathy. “That always helps me when I’ve got something bothersome on my mind.”

“It was nothing, really,” Brambleclaw murmured. “I was drowning in this huge lake of salty water. There was a cliff instead of a shore, and a cave on the side of it. It was all so surreal.”

Raven’s brow furrowed in confusion. “That sounds like the ocean. That’s quite far from here- past town and over the mountains. I’ve never been there before, but Barley has.”

“It’s real?” Brambleclaw’s eyes widened.

“Oh, yes. The sun sets beyond it. Barley says its huge, and there’s more land beyond the water, where more people live. Sometimes people get into huge boats and sail to it. He said there’s no reason for us to go there. The water is too salty to have any use for us, and the travel would be a hassle.”

Brambleclaw shivered. “That sounds exactly like my dream. Do you know of the cave? It’s dark inside, and there’s jagged rocks around it like teeth.”

Raven shook his head. “Never heard of it. But there’s no possible way you could have seen the ocean without knowing what it was. I have a feeling this was an omen from StarClan.”

Brambleclaw knew that was logical. “But why? Do you think StarClan is telling me to go there?”

“Why would they?”

“I don’t know.” Brambleclaw paused for a moment. “I had another dream awhile ago. I met Bluestar, and she told me the forest is in danger. She said I’d been chosen to save my Clan.” He didn’t mention the other three chosen ones. “But I just don’t know why.”

Raven’s green eyes were solemn. “Firestar once had a prophecy about him. StarClan promised that fire would save the Clan, though they never said how. He never understood it until the battle with BloodClan.”

Brambleclaw didn’t know what to say. Everyone knew of the fire prophecy, but he’d never thought Firestar could be confused by it.

“Firestar was once a young warrior like you,” Raven went on. “He doubted himself a lot, and always wondered if he was doing the right thing. Everyone sees him as a hero who saved the forest, but he’s changed the elders’ bedding like anyone else. If StarClan is speaking to you, I suggest you listen.”

He glanced over when Firestar returned with Graystripe and Sandstorm. Brambleclaw said his goodbyes, then watched as the friends headed across the clearing and through the entrance tunnel.

If his dreams were real, then a huge task lay in front of him. If the sun set beyond the ocean, then he’d just have to follow it. But how far would it be? How many months would it take just to get there?

Had Feathertail, Tawnypelt, and Crow dreamt of the ocean as well?

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw emerged from the trees above the riverbank. RiverClan had recently renewed their markers. Hoping the patrols were done for the day, Brambleclaw slipped down to the bank.

Brown water churned past him. More rain had fallen that morning, though the clouds were thinning to let sunshine through, making the air humid. The river was swollen, lapping over the stepping stones. Brambleclaw braced himself to jump onto the first one.

He needed to visit Feathertail. He couldn’t stop thinking about his ocean dream, and was more convinced than ever that the four must travel there. If there was danger in the forest, then they’d need to leave at once. The next Gathering was a few weeks away.

He hadn’t told Squirrel about the second dream. If he did, she might want to come with him, and he just didn’t know what to do about it.

Water lapped at his ankles when he landed on the first stone. Before he could step to the next, he scanned the far bank. Although peace lay between the Clans, he doubted RiverClan would welcome his trespassing. He needed to find Feathertail before anyone else realized he was here.

The shivering water splashed onto his skin as he stepped across the stones. The last one was completely submerged, the water rippling over it. Keeping his gaze fixed on the stone, he jumped forward. But he missed the stone and one leg plummeted into the river. He yelped with pain as the rest of his body slammed into the side of the stone, and his mouth was filled with water.

Terror surged over him as he was plunged into darkness. He clawed his way back to the surface and could see reeds across the river. The brown water washed around him, carrying him gently to the opposite bank. He hissed when his knee slammed into the sloping shore. A moment later, he floundered out of the river.

“Trying to turn into a fish, are you?”

Brambleclaw stiffened when a voice sounded from above him. He raised his head.

Feathertail and Stormfur stood over him.

“I fell off the stepping stones,” Brambleclaw gasped. He didn’t have time for small talk. “Feathertail, I need to talk to you.”

“Are you alright?” Her voice was edged with worry.

“Yes, I’m fine. Have you had anymore strange dreams? Nightmares, even?” Feathertail looked puzzled. “No.”

“I have.” Brambleclaw picked himself up, shivering. “I was in this huge lake- called an ocean. There was a cave that looked like a bear’s mouth. I think it was a message from StarClan. I think they want us all to go there.”

Feathertail’s blue eyes were wide. Then, she began to nod. “I think you’re right.”

“What?” Stormfur snapped his attention to his sister. “Are you insane? You don’t even know where this ocean is.”

“Raven said it’s past town,” Brambleclaw said. “The sun sets beyond it. We just have to follow the sun.”

Feathertail turned on her brother. “I think Brambleclaw is right.”

Stormfur looked uncertain. “How do we know he’s right? It could have just been a weird dream.”

“Of a place I didn’t even know existed?” Brambleclaw put in.

“Alright, fine,” Stormfur growled, then turned to Feathertail. “But I’m coming, too. I know I haven’t had any dreams myself, but I can’t let you put yourself in danger like this.”

“...Okay,” Brambleclaw agreed. At least Stormfur was on their side. Besides, extra help couldn’t hurt.

“When do you plan to leave?” Stormfur asked.

“As soon as we’ve gathered the others,” Brambleclaw suggested.

The sun was going down, turning the clouds red. A breeze made Brambleclaw trembling.

“I know Tawnypelt will come if I ask her,” he said. “But what about Crow? He made it pretty clear he doesn’t want anything to do with us. But if we don’t take him, we might fail the prophecy.”

“I’m sure he’ll understand,” Feathertail said.

“We need to persuade him,” Stormfur said. “He comes to the river to drink like the rest of WindClan. If you come by tomorrow, Brambleclaw, we might be able to talk to him.”

“Sounds good.” Brambleclaw’s heart fluttered with relief. The prophecy seemed less heavy when he could share it with someone. “Provide WindClan keeps using the river.”

“If we need to think of another plan, we will,” Feathertail said, sounding determined. “But this is all we have.”

Chapter Text

More rain fell overnight. WindClan’s streams would surely be flowing now, making Brambleclaw anxious about the meeting. He was restless all day. Cloudtail teased him throughout the morning.

Once he’d hunted, Brambleclaw managed to slip out of camp undetected. He especially wanted to avoid Squirrel.

The sun was sinking by the time he reached the RiverClan border. This time, he used the bridge to cross. It wasn’t long before he saw the twins climbing up the bank, their heads low. Stormfur beckoned Brambleclaw closer, and he raced down the slope.

“Stay hidden,” Stormfur said. “We don’t know how many WindClan warriors will show up.”

Brambleclaw nodded. The three ducked behind a large thornbush near the bank where the WindClan warriors came to collect water. Just below their hiding place, the river raced by swiftly.

Not long after, a small mass of people appeared from the moor. Tallstar was in the front, followed by Onewhisker, Mudclaw and Crow.

The WindClan patrol headed down to the river, then crouched to start scooping up water in clay pots. Crow stayed close to the group.

“I might be able to go get him,” Feathertail murmured. She slipped out from behind the bush and headed for the river.

She greeted the WindClan patrol, exchanging a polite but unfriendly conversation with Tallstar. Brambleclaw wondered how long the Clans’ uneasy alliance over the water would last. Surely WindClan no longer needed the river?

Soon, Feathertail was standing beside Crow at the edge of the water. She leaned close to him for only a second, then stood up and walked back to thee thornbush. Crow didn’t follow.

“What happened?” Brambleclaw whispered once Feathertail was in earshot.

“He’ll be over in a moment,” Feathertail replied. “He has to distract the others.”

As she spoke, Crow backed away from the river and walked upstream toward the bush. His Clanmates were still gathering water. He glanced back, then casually knelt behind the bush. No one had noticed.

“What now?” Crow growled.

Brambleclaw and Feathertail exchanged a glance. “I had another dream,” he said.

“So?” Crow’s voice was cold. “I haven’t. This is your problem.”

“Just listen,” Brambleclaw replied. “I dreamt of a far away placed called the ocean. It’s like a giant lake. A local farmer told me it’s past town and past the mountains. It’s far away, but reachable. I...I think StarClan wants us to go there. And we should go soon.”

Crow’s eyes were wide. “You want me to leave my Clan and trek across the entire continent just because of a nonsense dream? Are you insane?”

Brambleclaw found it hard to meet his eyes. Crow had a rather good point. “I know what I saw.”

“I’m going,” Feathertail said. “So is Stormfur.”

“Then you’re all idiots,” Crow retorted. “I’m not going.”

“But-”

“No! I’m not going. This is insane.”

“If these dreams are serious, you’ll be a hero,” Stormfur said. “Think, Crow! If trouble really is coming, then it’s up to us to stop it. Our Clans will soon understand just how important this is.”

“You weren’t even chosen!” Crow pointed out. “Why do you care? Why do you even believe any of this?”

“Because best case scenario, we go for a walk then come right back,” Stormfur said. “Worst case scenario, we all end up dead because of a tragedy we could have stopped.”

“Please, Crow!” Feathertail said. “You were chosen for a reason. We need you.”

Crow hesitated, looking into her eyes. The red light of the sun was fading, leaving behind a dark sky. They didn’t have much time before the WindClan patrol took off.

“Fine,” Crow said. “I’ll come.” His eyes narrowed. “But I’m not going to let any of you treat me like a little kid. If I was chosen, I’m just as important as you guys!”

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw had to crouch to get into the tunnel under the Thunderpath, trying to avoid the scattered puddles in the stony walk way. Darkness surrounded him.

He hoped he could find Tawnypelt alone, although it might prove difficult. He didn’t know when she would next be on patrol. Emerging on the other side of the Thunderpath, he glanced around for signs of life.

Low to the ground, he crept across the open space and into the pine trees. The ground was choked with brambles and nettles, separated by shallow pools of water. Brambleclaw was either sinking into the earth or being slashed by thorns.

How could ShadowClan stand this? Just another reason Brambleclaw was glad he hadn’t followed his sister to the pine forest.

He had a vague idea of where Tawnypelt might be. She often spoke of a huge chestnut tree beside a stream near the Thunderpath. It was a good place to relax or find deer. With any luck, she might be there now.

Brambleclaw was able to locate the stream and follow it, splashing through the shallows. It was only a short walk before he could himself at a chestnut tree. Its roots twisted around it, stretching toward the stream.

“Tawnypelt?” Brambleclaw called. “Are you here?”

“Brambleclaw!” His sister’s voice sounded on the other side of the tree. A moment later, Tawnypelt stepped into view, her eyes wide with alarm. “What are you doing here? Blackstar will skin you alive if he finds you on our land!”

“I had another dream,” Brambleclaw explained quickly. “I think it’s a message from StarClan. I think they want us to go over the mountains to a place called the ocean.”

“What?” Tawnypelt said. “Could they be any less specific? Why would they want us to go there?”

Brambleclaw frowned. “I don’t know, but I have faith in them. Will you go?”

“Of course, idiot.” Tawnypelt crossed her arms, irritated. “But will the others?”

“I already talked to them,” Brambleclaw assured her. “Feathertail and Crow agreed to go. Stormfur wants to go, too.”

“Why? StarClan didn’t choose him.”

Brambleclaw sighed. “Anywhere Feathertail goes, he’ll go. Besides, we might need his help. We don’t know what will happen out there.”

“I guess so,” Tawnypelt said. “When do you want to leave?”

“Now that I’ve got everyone, as soon as possible. I was thinking at the next new moon. We can meet at Fourtrees.”

Tawnypelt nodded. “Sounds good to me. Now, I’d better get you out of here. StarClan might have chosen you, but ShadowClan doesn’t know that yet.”

Chapter Text

“Snakerocks is the best place for finding chervil,” Cinderpelt explained, limping up the fern flanked path. “But we should stay clear of it, with that bear in the forest.”

“It’s still there?” Leaf asked. The healers were collecting herbs. The sun shone brightly in a clear sky, and the rain had revived the forest plants.

“Firestar has a plan to get rid of it,” Cinderpelt replied. “He’s sending- Oh!”

She swerved off the path and up a sandy slope, where several clumps of flowers were growing. Leaf recognized it as chervil.

“Do you remember what we use it for?” Cinderpelt prompted. She gripped the plants by the base of their stems and pulled, trying to get the whole plant up.

Leaf thought for a moment. “The juice in the leaves can stop infection,” she said. “And eating the roots is good for stomach aches.”

“Exactly,” Cinderpelt said. “Now help me dig up these roots. Not too many though, or they won’t grow back.”

Leaf knelt down to start uncovering the roots. The chervil smelled sweet. Yet, suddenly, it was covered up by another scent. It reminded Leaf was mealtime back at camp, when the firepit was lit and smoking. But this was stronger…

“Cinderpelt, look!” Leaf pointed toward a thin thread of smoke rising from a clump of dead bracken down the slope.

The healer froze, eyes wide. “Fire!” she gasped. Something shiny was sticking out of the ground- a spike of trash from town. The sun was hitting it at such an angle that the light bounced off and hit a clump of bracken, lighting it on fire.

Cinderpelt stared at the fire, seemingly frozen. Leaf stood up, but her mentor didn’t follow. She noticed Cinderpelt’s eyes were wide with wonder, not fear. Her blue eyes glowed, as though filled with stars.

She was receiving a message from StarClan.

The fire began to die- the surrounding plants were too wet for it to use. Leaf sighed in relief as the flames sank into embers, then began to wink out. The bracken was left blackened.

Cinderpelt stood up, standing awkwardly for a moment, as though she’d forgotten her injured leg. “Did you see that?” she gasped.

“See what?”

“There was a tiger in the flames! It was going to leap at us.” The healer’s voice was hoarse. “It was an omen from StarClan. A tiger inside a fire. What could it mean?”

Leaf shook her head. “I don’t know,” she confessed. She hadn’t seen the tiger.

“We need to get back to camp,” Cinderpelt said. She didn’t wait for Leaf to agree, instead limping toward the trail. “Firestar must hear of this.”

Leaf glanced at the small pile of chervil they had gathered. Cinderpelt had forgotten about it, but was too set in getting back to camp to care. Leaf followed. They’d have to come back for it later.

Cinderpelt didn’t stop until they reached camp, heading right for the leader’s hut under the Highrock.

“Firestar!” she called outside the vine curtain. “I need to talk to you.”

“Come in,” Firestar replied.

Leaf followed her mentor into her parents’ hut. Firestar was sitting on his bed at the far wall. He yawned and stood up to stretch.

“Is something wrong?” Firestar asked.

“StarClan sent me an omen,” Cinderpelt began. “While we were out gathering herbs, a clump of bracken caught fire. In the flames, I saw a tiger. Fire and tiger together, destroying a clump of bracken.”

Firestar’s gaze hardened, understanding the severity of the situation. “What do you think it means?”

“Last time we got a prophecy about fire, the fire was you,” Cinderpelt said.

Firestar blinked. “You think it’s about me again? Then what’s the tiger? Tigerstar is dead.”

“But he still has a son,” Cinderpelt pointed out, lowering her voice.

“Brambleclaw?” Firestar exclaimed. “Come on, Cinderpelt, he’s as loyal as anyone else. He wouldn’t hurt the Clan.”

“I didn’t say he would,” Cinderpelt said. “But what else could be the tiger? And if the tiger is Tigerstar’s son...then I think the fire is your Squirrel. You’ve seen how those two fight. What if they somehow divide the Clan?”

Leaf flinched in surprise. She felt like she should defend her sister, but held her tongue.

“Squirrel wouldn’t do that,” Firestar said, although he sounded trouble. “Neither would Brambleclaw.”

Cinderpelt shook her head. “Maybe not on purpose. But accidents happen, and so does misunderstandings. Fire and tiger will destroy the forest.” She turned her gaze on Leaf. “Don’t mention this to anyone else. We don’t want to start a panic.”

“Not even Squirrel?” Leaf asked nervously.

“Especially not to Squirrel.”

“I’m telling Graystripe and Sandstorm,” Firestar decided. “They should know about this.”

Cinderpelt nodded. “Good idea.”

“In the meantime, we need to keep Brambleclaw and Squirrel separated,” Firestar said. “It shouldn’t be too hard. They already don’t like each other. Hopefully StarClan will send another sign to tell us more.”

“Maybe,” Cinderpelt said dryly. “If they do, you’ll be the first to know.” She turned to leave the hut. Leaf gave her father an anxious look, then followed her.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw sat down to eat. It was just after noon and the clearing was filled with the people of ThunderClan. Brambleclaw noticed Leaf heading for the elder’s hut with a small bundle of herbs. He was surprised to see her frowning deeply, her head down. Had she gotten in trouble? Was something wrong?

Beside the nettle patch, Firestar was eating with Graystripe and Sandstorm. As Brambleclaw began to eat, the leader raised his head and fixed him with a hard glare. Brambleclaw’s mind swirled. Had he done something wrong? Surely Firestar hadn’t found out he was meeting with members of other Clans?

Squirrel had just returned with Dustpelt and grabbed her own rations. She came over to join Brambleclaw. “Training was hard today!” she began, then lowered her voice. “Anymore messages from StarClan?”

“Hush!” Brambleclaw hissed. He still hadn't decided whether or not to tell Squirrel about the ocean. He had promised to tell her everything in return for her silence, but how could he tell her he was going on a journey? She’d want to come with, he was sure. He took a bite and chewed slowly, stalling.

Relief washed through him when Firestar called to his younger daughter. “Squirrel, you should go with Thornclaw today. He’s taking Shrew hunting near Fourtrees.”

“Do I have to?” Squirrel whined. “I just got back from training.”

Firestar narrowed his eyes. “Yes, you do. This is an order.”

Squirrel rolled her eyes and stood up. “But I’m eating.”

“You can eat when you get back,” Firestar said. “Thornclaw is waiting.”

“But I’ve been working all day,” Squirrel argued. “I had to feed the elders, then Dustpelt took me out for training.”

“You’re supposed to work all day!” Firestar said sharply. “You’re an apprentice. Now stop complaining.”

“I’m not complaining!” Squirrel countered. “Why do you always have to nag me? You don’t bother Leaf like this.”

“Because Leaf does what she’s told!”

Squirrel held her father’s gaze for a long moment, then turned to stomp toward the camp entrance.

Firestar watched her go grimly. He turned and headed back to Sandstorm and Graystripe.

“You shouldn’t talk to her like that,” Sandstorm said loud enough for Brambleclaw to hear. “Ordering her around doesn’t teach her anything. It just makes her more stubborn.”

Firestar sighed and murmured something. Then, the three stood up and walked over to the Highrock.

Confused and flustered, Brambleclaw went on with his meal. Whatever was going on, it was none of his business. He needed to be thinking about the journey ahead. Perhaps he should ask Cinderpelt about traveling herbs. He could collect them himself, if he knew what they were.

For now, he needed to build up his strength. Finishing his plate, he headed back to the firepit.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Mousefur’s voice sounded from behind him. “You already ate.”

Embarrassment flooded through Brambleclaw. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

Cloudtail had overheard, and came over while laughing. “You’ll be as big as Graystripe if you eat like that,” he teased. Brambleclaw looked Cloudtail up and down, wondering if he had any right to speak. “Why don’t you come hunting with Brightheart and I? You can eat again when we get back.”

“Okay,” Brambleclaw said.

“Let me find her.” Cloudtail headed for the warrior’s hut. Mousefur shot Brambleclaw a glare before following.

Chapter Text

The next few days were...strange. Brambleclaw hardly caught sight of Squirrel. She was either out hunting or training. And in the few cases she was in camp, Brambleclaw was being sent on patrol. He had to say, he didn’t entirely hate it. At least it kept her off her back. But it almost felt purposeful. He kept catching Firestar staring at him, and everytime he sat down, Graystripe was ordering him out again.

He pushed his way out of the warrior’s hut. Tonight, he’d leave on his journey.

The sky was gray with dawn light and the wind was chilly. Orange leaves laid in clumps around the clearing.

“Good morning, Brambleclaw.” Mousefur emerged behind him. “I’m taking Spider hunting with me. Want to come, too?”

Brambleclaw didn’t feel like he had the energy for hunting. He’d be leaving tonight, and needed to save his strength. But refusing may seem suspicious, or even rude.

“Alright,” he agreed.

After Mousefur had gathered Spider from the apprentice’s hut, they made their way out of camp. They didn’t hunt too far away, finding a sunny clearing where deer often came to graze.

Brambleclaw was hoping for a relaxing day, but it seemed that wouldn’t happen. Spider was a poor hunter, constantly getting distracted or wanting to stop and admire caterpillars and beetles.

“Come on, Spider!” Mousefur sighed. “You have to focus.”

“Sorry,” Spider said.

He made more of an effort after that. When the patrol came upon a rabbit grazing in the middle of the clearing, Spider knelt down to stalk it. His legs were long, which gave him some range, but it seemed he hadn’t fully grown into his body, as the extra length made it hard to balance. He wobbled for a moment and had to put a hand on the ground to stop from falling over.

Sensing the movement, the rabbit dashed off.

“Bad luck,” Brambleclaw said, feeling sympathetic. It wasn’t Spider’s fault he was growing so fast.

“Why don’t we work on your stalk for a moment?” Mousefur suggested. She nodded to Brambleclaw, then joined Spider in the clearing.

Left to his own devices, Brambleclaw listened for the sound of game. There was a faint rustling near a tree. He noticed the same rabbit Spider had tried to catch and knelt down. He crept up on it, trying to keep his steps light. Then, he threw his dagger and killed the rabbit in a single hit.

He stood up to listen for more game, wanting to get in a good hunt before he left. He heard something big rustling among the bushes not far off. Brambleclaw headed for it, hearing the rustling grow louder.

When he stepped around the bramble thicket, he stopped dead.

Squirrel was bent at an odd angle, her face close to the thorn bush. She was pulling wildly at it, grimacing in pain. Her springy red hair was tangled in the thorns.

Brambleclaw stifled a laugh. “Having fun?”

Squirrel whipped around to face him, then winced as it pulled her hair. “Oh, laugh it up, jerk!” she snapped. “And while you’re at it, you could try helping me.”

“How did you even do this?” Brambleclaw walked over to start delicately untangling Squirrel from the bush. He wondered if it was wise for her to keep her hair short instead of letting it grow so long and unruly. This was bound to happen again.

“I was hunting,” Squirrel said. “Dappletail wanted a rabbit, so I figured I could catch one. It ran under here and I tried to follow it.”

“You can’t follow game under bushes,” Brambleclaw said.

“I know! Now…”

“Keep still.” Brambleclaw gently plucked at the red strands, trying not to pull too hard.

“Okay,” Squirrel murmured. “I think I’m good.”

Brambleclaw moved out of the way as the apprentice was able to stand up. She put her hands on her head. No doubt it must have hurt terribly.

“Thanks, Brambleclaw,” she said.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “You should probably see Cinderpelt-”

“Squirrel!” Firestar’s voice rose from nearby. A moment later, he appeared from the trees. His eyes were narrowed and cold. “You’re supposed to be hunting.” He turned on Brambleclaw. “And so are you!”

Brambleclaw was surprised by Firestar’s accusatory tone. “Sorry, Firestar,” he said. “Squirrel got her hair stuck in a bush. I was trying to help.”

“You should be with Mousefur and Spider,” Firestar growled. “Where are they?”

“Mousefur is helping Spider with his hunting crouch,” Brambleclaw explained, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice. It wasn’t like Firestar to be so snappy.

“Why does it matter so much?” Squirrel was glaring at her father. “Brambleclaw just helped me. You should be thanking him.”

“He shouldn’t even be over here,” Firestar argued.

“He was helping me!”

“That’s enough, Squirrel,” Firestar rasped.

“Firestar?” Graystripe had entered the clearing. “What’s going on?”

Firestar turned to his deputy, eyes narrowed.

Graystripe looked at Firestar, then Squirrel, then Brambleclaw, then back to Firestar. “Oh, yeah.” His eyes glowed with understanding. “Come on, Firestar. They’re not doing anything wrong.”

“But they’re not doing anything right, either,” Firestar retorted. “Squirrel, continue your hunt and feed the elders. Brambleclaw, you go find Mousefur. Now.”

He whipped around and stalked off into the trees.

Graystripe paused before following. “He’s got a lot on his mind right now,” he said apologetically. “Don’t take it too personally.” He turned and headed into the trees.

Squirrel stared after them, frowning. She turned on Brambleclaw. “I don’t know what’s going on lately. Dad has been breathing down my neck for days now. Did I do something wrong?”

Brambleclaw couldn’t answer. His confusion was turning to anger. Neither of them had done anything to deserve this treatment. He was more determined than ever to set off on his journey. He wouldn’t stay here and be mistreated by his Clan for no reason. He would find out what danger the forest was in, and save his Clan.

“Here.” He handed Squirrel the rabbit he’d caught. “Take that to the elders.” He took a deep breath. “And tell the Clan I’m leaving.”

Squirrel’s eyes widened. “Over one scolding?”

“It’s not that,” Brambleclaw said. “And I won’t be gone forever. Listen, a few weeks ago, I had another dream. I was in this huge body of water called the ocean, and there was a cave that looked like a mouth. I think it was a sign from StarClan, telling me to go there. I’m going to leave with Feathertail, Stormfur, Tawnypelt and Crow to figure out what StarClan wants.”

Squirrel stared at him, but said nothing.

“I’m leaving with them tonight,” Brambleclaw said.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Squirrel’s eyes shone with hurt. “You promised!”

“I know,” Brambleclaw said, feeling guilty. “But I didn’t want you telling Firestar. And I haven’t seen you in days. Now that you know, I want you to tell the Clan.”

Squirrel’s expression brightened. Brambleclaw knew what she was going to say.

“I can’t tell them, because I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re not,” Brambleclaw growled. “You weren’t chosen by StarClan, and you’re not even a warrior.”

“Crow isn’t a warrior,” Squirrel flashed back. “And you’re letting Stormfur come. So why leave me out? I could help! Leaf taught me some stuff about healing herbs. How can you make such a big journey without a healer?”

Brambleclaw knew she had a point. He knew next to nothing about herbs, and he didn’t have time to learn.

“It’s too dangerous,” he decided. “We need to focus on the prophecy. We can’t be distracted looking out for you.”

“You won’t have to!” Squirrel’s eyes blazed. “I’m coming and that’s that. If you don’t let me, I’ll follow you.” She looked down at the ground. “I’m tired of getting yelled at every day. I want to do something, be something. I want to show everyone here I'm not just some troublesome little kid. Please let me come.”

Brambleclaw stared at her, realizing they shared the same thoughts. He supposed having her on the journey wouldn’t be entirely terrible, as long as she kept quiet and did what he said.

He sighed heavily. “Okay, Squirrel. You can come.”

Squirrel’s anger evaporated. When Brambleclaw turned to walk toward Fourtrees, she followed.

“We’re meeting the others at midnight,” Brambleclaw explained. “We can travel across the moor and find somewhere to stay until the sun comes up.”

Darkness had fallen as he led the way through the forest. Clouds massed overhead, covering the sky. With the moon in its darkest phase, it didn’t make much of a difference. A cold breeze whispered in the grass.

By the time they made it to Fourtrees, Squirrel had broken into a run, following the slope into the hollow. Brambleclaw caught up to her just as the clouds began to slide away, making the clearing shine with starlight.

While Squirrel bounced along easily, Brambleclaw stayed alert for danger. Suddenly, he heard rustling from the bushes and stopped.

Squirrel had heard it to a whirled around, staring toward the sound, her green eyes wide. At the same moment, Brambleclaw noticed the undergrowth quiver before Leaf appeared.

The sisters stared at each other, gazes locked. Then, Leaf held out her hand, offering a small pouch to Squirrel.

“Traveling herbs,” she murmured. “You’ll need them.”

Brambleclaw stared at her, then turned to Squirrel angrily. “You promised not to tell anyone!”

“I didn’t tell her!” Squirrel retorted, looking just as confused.

“She didn’t tell me,” Leaf confirmed. “But I heard you talking after dad yelled at you.”

“Did you know about my dreams?” Brambleclaw asked.

Leaf turned to him, looking unhappy. “No,” she admitted. “But Cinderpelt received a message from StarClan and...I think she misread it. She believes you two are someone capable of destroying the forest.”

“Is that why dad has been so prickly?” Squirrel asked.

Leaf nodded. “But I don’t think Cinderpelt is right. I think you two are going to prevent something bad from happening.” She turned back to her sister. “I don’t know where you’re going, or why, but I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Squirrel was separating the herbs in the pouch, handing half to Brambleclaw, then eating her own.

“Stay safe,” Leaf said. “Do you remember the herbs I taught you? Marigold for wounds, tansy for coughs, juniper berries for stomach aches. Borage leaves work good with fever, but if you can’t find any try garlic or feverfew.”

“Okay, okay,” Squirrel said. “We need to go, Leaf.”

“Okay,” Leaf said. “Just stay safe. StarClan will guide you.”

Chapter Text

When Leaf squeezed out from the rock crag the next morning, she saw Mousefur standing in the middle of the clearing, frowning.

“Has anyone seen Brambleclaw?” she asked. “I wanted to take him hunting.”

“I’ll wake him,” Brightheart offered. “He’s probably still asleep.”

Leaf’s stomach felt cold. What would ThunderClan think when they discovered Brambleclaw and Squirrel missing? At that moment, Dustpelt approached her.

“Have you seen Squirrel?” he asked.

Leaf shook her head.

Dustpelt frowned. “Odd. White and Shrew said they don’t remember her going to bed last night. Where could she be?”

Brightheart pushed out of the warrior’s hut. “He’s not here.”

“Then where is he?” Mousefur asked, eyes wide.

Brightheart shrugged. “Maybe he went hunting on his own. Cloudtail and I can go out with you.”

“Alright.” Once Cloudtail had joined them, yawning, Mousefur led the way out of camp.

“If you see your sister, send her my way,” Dustpelt growled, walking off. “How am I suppose to train an apprentice who wanders off every other minute?”

Leaf watched him go, then headed back through the rock crag. She didn’t want to have to answer any more questions. As the Clan noticed Brambleclaw and Squirrel’s disappearance, they would surely come to her.

By midday, gossip was flying around camp. On her way to the firepit, Leaf overhead Firestar ordering out search patrols.

“So Brambleclaw is pining after Squirrel?” Cloudtail growled.

“He wouldn’t do that,” Brightheart said. “She’s too young.”

“But if he is, I’ll gut him myself,” Cloudtail went on.

“I doubt that’s the situation,” Firestar said, although his eyes were dark with worry. “But something is wrong.”

“Graystripe told me you yelled at them last night,” Sandstorm said. “Maybe that’s when they left. They’ll come back, I’m sure. They just needed to step away for a moment.”

“Was I that harsh?” Firestar turned to Graystripe, eyes wide. “What if they left forever?”

Graystripe shook his head. “Both of them can take a hit.”

“But you won’t get anywhere with Squirrel by criticizing her,” Sandstorm huffed. “She’ll do the opposite of what you tell her just out of spite.”

“I know.” Firestar sighed.

Leaf walked straight past them, trying not to glance up. She felt guilty and wondered if she should tell them about what Squirrel had told her. But would they understand? They all believed Squirrel and Brambleclaw would bring destruction to the Clan. Leaf had her own speculation, but she couldn’t expect grown adults to listen to a teenage apprentice.

“We need to find them,” Firestar continued. “And I should apologize.”

“Let’s go out together,” Sandstorm said.

Firestar led his wife and friend out of the camp.

After collecting rations for herself and Cinderpelt, Leaf hurried back to the healer’s hut.

Immediately, Cinderpelt set her to work sorting through their herb stock. Now that it had rained, they could afford to throw out the shriveled plants and collect new ones.

When the sun started going down, Firestar pushed through the rock crag. “We didn’t find them anywhere,” he reported, sounding distressed. “I couldn’t even find a trail to follow. Where could they have gone? This is all my fault.”

“Enough, Firestar,” Cinderpelt’s voice was brisk but sympathetic. “You can’t blame yourself. I remember a certain someone who was prone to sneaking off. And he turned out fine.”

“That was different. Squirrel-”

“Is with a strong and capable warrior. She’ll be fine.”

Firestar hung his head, his shoulders slouched with defeat. Leaf had never seen him so miserable.

“I shouldn’t have scolded them.” Firestar’s voice shook. “If they don’t come back, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“They’ll come back,” Cinderpelt assured him.

Firestar closed his eyes and turned to exit the healer’s clearing.

Cinderpelt watched him go. “Leaf,” she said, not turning to look at her. “Do you know where your sister is?”

Leaf continued to stare at the mushy juniper berries in her hand. It had been many hours since Squirrel had set out. She must be across the moor by now. “I don’t know.”

Cinderpelt didn’t look away, her blue eyes dark with thought. “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you? A healer’s loyalties lie with StarClan and the good of the whole Clan.”

Leaf nodded, relieved as her mentor turned away to examine marigold leaves.

Leaf hadn’t lied. She really didn’t know where Squirrel was by now. But she could have said something about Brambleclaw’s dreams or her interpretation of StarClan’s message.

Why did she let Squirrel leave?

Chapter Text

The sun was half way over the horizon when Brambleclaw and Squirrel reach the topmost slope of Fourtrees.

Brambleclaw paused, putting an arm out to keep Squirrel from dashing into the clearing. Tawnypelt, Feathertail and Stormfur were already there. Crow had just arrived, walking over to join the warriors.

“There you are!” Tawnypelt called. “We were starting to get worried.”

“What’s she doing here?” Crow glared at Squirrel.

Squirrel returned the luck. “I’m coming with you.”

“What?” Tawnypelt joined her brother. “Why? Brambleclaw, you can’t bring an apprentice. It’s too dangerous. She doesn’t need to be here.”

“He’s an apprentice!” Squirrel pointed at Crow.

“I was chosen by StarClan,” Crow pointed out.

“He wasn’t,” Squirrel protested, turning to Stormfur.

Stormfur held her gaze, but didn’t reply.

“She’s coming,” Brambleclaw said calmly. “None of us can talk her out of it, and if we don’t let her travel with us, she’ll just follow anyway. Now, we need to get going.”

“Typical ThunderClan,” Crow snapped. “Thinking they’re in charge.”

“He does have a point,” Tawnypelt said. “We should get moving before our Clans realize we’re gone.”

Crow scoffed, but argued no further.

Feathertail’s expression was determined. “I’m sure we’ll all feel better once we get moving.”

Squirrel separated from Brambleclaw to walk with her twin cousins. Her and Feathertail murmured in friendly conversation.

Brambleclaw was relieved. At least Squirrel wouldn’t be on his back the entire journey.

The group set off toward WindClan’s land. Brambleclaw’s heart pounded. Would they be discovered by a WindClan patrol? What if their journey was ended before they could even get out of Clan territory?

Deep in his heart, Brambleclaw almost wanted it to happen. He could go back to his Clan and sleep in his own bed. He would visit his mother every day, and hunt with his friends, and maybe help deal with that wretched bear.

But another part of him knew it wouldn’t be like that. As long as Firestar was glaring at him, as long as Sandstorm and Graystripe were murmuring behind his back, as long as he shared this secret with Squirrel, he could never feel comfortable in camp.

They made it across the moor without an issue. It was too early for patrols to be out.

“We should stay the night at Raven’s farmhouse,” Brambleclaw suggested once they were over the border. “Barley knows more about the ocean. He could tell us how to get there.”

“And we could get something to eat,” Tawnypelt said.

“Or we could keep going and make it to Highstones,” Crow pointed out. “We shouldn’t waste time.”

“And collapse from exhaustion?” Brambleclaw argued. “We can get to Highstones tomorrow morning and get a good start.”

“If we rest today, we can travel with light tomorrow. If we keep going, we’ll have to stop in the dark and sleep on the cold ground,” Stormfur reasoned. “I’d rather stay the night with Barley and Raven.”

“Me too!” Squirrel said.

“You don’t get a vote,” Crow retorted.

Squirrel ignored him, green eyes gleaming. “Let’s go!”

“Calm down,” Feathertail cooed. “We need to be careful out here.”

“Oh.” Squirrel quieted down.

Squirrel hadn’t taken her journey to Highstones yet. Brambleclaw realized this was probably the first time she’d been so far beyond Fourtrees.

Brambleclaw was in the lead, heading past the farm lands and toward the large white house Barley owned. Crow at his shoulder, determined not to let Brambleclaw name himself leader.

The farmhouse was isolated from the town, surrounded by fields of corn and wheat. Brambleclaw was the one to climb the steps of the porch and rap on the door. Instead, he could smell something sweet.

A moment later, the door opened. Raven stood there, looking drowsy. He must have just woken up. But he stood straight when he recognized the visitor. “Brambleclaw?” Then, he glanced over the larger man’s shoulder to the small group. His green eyes shone with understanding. “Oh. So you’re really going?”

Brambleclaw shrugged. “I took your advice.” He stepped out of the way, allowing Raven onto the porch. “This is Feathertail and Stormfur.”

Raven’s eyes lit up. “Graystripe’s kids. We’ve met before.”

“And this is Tawnypelt, my sister. And Crow.”

Raven looked between each of the newcomers. For a moment, he seemed afraid, surprised by so many new people. “But I thought you said only four people had been chosen. There’s six of you.”

“Stormfur wanted to come with Feathertail,” Brambleclaw explained. “And Squirrel insisted on coming.”

Raven smiled, amused. “Like father, like daughter, it seems. Couldn’t stay out of the action, huh?”

Squirrel beamed, taking it as a compliment.

“Does Firestar know you’re out here?” Raven asked Brambleclaw. “I’m surprised he let Squirrel come.”

Brambleclaw and Squirrel exchanged an uneasy glance. “Not quite...We didn’t tell him anything.”

Raven’s eyes widened. He crossed his arms. “Like father, like daughter…” he repeated. “Why don’t you step inside for the night? It’ll be cold.”

“Yes, please!” Squirrel exclaimed.

Slowly, the small group filed inside the huge house. Despite its size, Brambleclaw doubted the farmhouse had ever held so many people at once.

“We’ll be gone by tomorrow morning,” Brambleclaw promised Raven. “We just wanted to stop for the night.”

Raven nodded. “Stay as long as you need. I can walk you to Highstones tomorrow. There’s been a lot of activity around here lately. Barley says the town is expanding its land and there’s a lot of machinery everywhere.”

Crow shuddered. “Is that why there’s giant monsters on the moor?”

Raven nodded. “They know the Clans live in the forest. They shouldn’t disturb you too much.”

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw gasped in the wind, turning away. He put an arm up to halt the harsh breeze. He stood on the summit of Highstones, gazing out at a land he didn’t know.

They had set out at the first sign of light and reached the stony slopes before noon. Raven had led them there, now standing beside Brambleclaw.

“Avoid the highway,” Raven said, pointing to a gray smudge in the landscape. “The cars move fast and townsfolk don’t like it when people walk on the side.”

“I know that place!” Squirrel squeaked. “My dad told me about it. He said he and Uncle Graystripe went past it when they brought WindClan home.”

Raven nodded. “But it’s best to avoid it now. There’s a big city past the highway, which you should also avoid. The people there have hardly heard about Clansfolk.”

Squirrel suddenly looked nervous. “Is there no forest out there?”

“None I know of.”

“Don’t worry,” Brambleclaw said. “We don’t need the trees to feel safe.”

Squirrel glared at him. “Don’t treat me like a baby!”

“Don’t yell at warriors,” Tawnypelt said calmly. “Brambleclaw was only trying to help.”

“Can we please get on with this?” Crow groaned. “The sooner we get going, the sooner we can be done with each other.”

Brambleclaw turned to Raven. “Thanks for everything,” he said. “Especially understanding why we’re doing this.”

Raven nodded. “Good luck. May StarClan light your path.”

He stepped back, watching as the six Clansfolk picked their way down the sharp hill. The rising sun was casting long shadows in front of them, as though pointing in the direction they needed to go.

They hit a meadow soon after, making Brambleclaw sigh in relief. He was much more use to terrain like this. It was easy to find a dirt path to follow, the path winding through fields divided by shining fences. Sheep stared at the travelers as they passed.

“They look so soft!” Squirrel said. She veered away, leaning over the fence. Brambleclaw followed on instinct. He’d never seen sheep before either, and he wasn’t sure if they’d be hostile.

“I wonder why StarClan is sending us to the ocean,” Feathertail, eyeing the sheep uneasily. “Couldn’t they have told us back in the forest?”

Crow scoffed. “Maybe Brambleclaw can tell us.” He narrowed his eyes at the warrior. “He’s the only one whose seen it.”

Brambleclaw returned the boy’s glare. “We just have to trust in StarClan.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Crow retorted. “How do we know your dream even meant anything?”

“Leave him alone!” Squirrel darted back to the group, standing right in front of Crow. She was shorter than him by two heads. “StarClan chose Brambleclaw, and you can’t do anything about it.”

“What do you know?” Crow growled. “In WindClan, apprentices know when to keep their mouths shut.”

“Oh, so you’ll keep quiet from now on?” Squirrel smirked. “Good.”

Crow stepped forward, towering over the younger girl.

Brambleclaw grabbed Squirrel’s arm and pulled her to his other side. He glanced around, wondering if anyone else would tell Crow off. But not even Tawnypelt would spare them a glance. He wondered if the others doubted his dream as well. A sense of responsibility settled on Brambleclaw’s shoulders. He was the one who’d dragged them out here. If any of them were got injured, or even killed, it would be his fault. What if his dream really was just a dream?

Soon, they came to their first Thunderpath. It was narrower than the one in the forest, and curved so they couldn’t see approaching monsters. On the opposite side, the road was flanked by bushes.

Crow approached cautiously. The edge of the Thunderpath was littered with shiny fabric and smashed styrofoam. “Why can’t townsfolk keep their paths clean?” Crow growled.

“They do,” Stormfur said, pointing to the middle of the Thunderpath. “No rubbish out there. They put it out here.”

“Well, that’s still stupid,” Crow said.

Stormfur shrugged. “So are townsfolk.”

“They’re not stupid,” Squirrel growled. “They just see nature differently than we do. That’s what my dad says.”

“Of course he would,” Crow scoffed. “Couthy.”

Squirrel’s eyes narrowed with anger. Before the two could start fighting, Tawnypelt shoved between them. “We need to keep moving,” she growled. “I’ll give the signal when it’s safe to cross.”

Brambleclaw looked up and down the road. In the distance, he heard the loud honk of a monster. A moment later, it lurched around the bend.

Another monster followed close behind. Then, the road fell quiet again.

“Now!” Tawnypelt shouted.

Brambleclaw sprang forward with his sister, always aware of where Squirrel was. She ran on his right side, while Feathertail was on his left. When he reached the other side, he leaped over the small bushes.

On the other side, fields stretched out in all directions. There were a few small buildings littering the land, but otherside it seemed uninhabited.

“I’m starving,” Squirrel whined. “Can we stop to hunt?”

“Is that a good idea?” Feathertail fretted. “This isn’t our land.”

“Nothing out here is our land!” Crow growled. “Do you want us to fast until we get home?”

“And do you plan to argue with everyone until we get home?” Brambleclaw snapped. “There’s no one out here. We’ll hunt.”

Chapter Text

Leaf peaked out of the healer’s cave. The half moon would be rising into the sky soon, which meant she and Cinderpelt needed to get going to meet the other healers. She shuddered with excitement. The Moonstone was always a sight to behold, no matter how many times she’d seen it before.

Cinderpelt was squeezing through the rock crag. “No sign of rain,” she reported. “Tonight is a great night to travel.”

She turned and led the way out of camp. Leaf followed, casting a regretful glance toward the firepit. They weren’t allowed to eat, as they’d be sharing dreams with StarClan tonight.

Ashfur, who was on guard beside the camp entrance, nodded to them in greeting. “Travel safely,” he said.

Leaf murmured her thanks, not looking at him. Ashfur always made her strangely uncomforted. He always seemed to stare, and his voice was often blank. Perhaps Leaf was just overthinking it. He’d never done anything to warrant her prejudice against him.

Shadows covered the ravine as Cinderpelt led the way through the trees. Faint rustlings in the undergrowth told them animals were stirring. Every now and then, a bird called an alarm as the two passed.

As they climbed the slope that led to Fourtrees, Leaf was aware of a heartbeat not far away. “Littlecloud’s here.”

Cinderpelt nodded. “He likes travelling with us.” She and Littlecloud had grown into good friends over the years, after Cinderpelt had helped him recover from a terrible illness.

When they reached the top of the hollow, Leaf saw the ShadowClan healer sitting at the base of the Great Rock. He was short and scrawny, and stood as soon as he saw them. At the same moment, the bushes on the far side rustled. Mudfur stepped out, closely followed by Mothwing.

Leaf’s heart swelled with excitement. Mudfur must have been sent a sign! “It’s good you see you,” Leaf greeted, eyes shining as she looked over the beautiful young woman.

Mothwing nodded “You, too.” She spoke with maturity and calmness, but didn’t answer Leaf’s question.

Leaf blushed. It seemed she wasn’t in the mood for talking. As they set off toward WindClan territory, Leaf fell in between Cinderpelt and Mothwing.

“Have you been to the Moonstone yet?” Leaf asked timidly.

Mothwing shook her head.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll like it. It’s really big, and gorgeous. When the moon shines on it, it glows.”

“Mhm.” Mothwing hummed in acknowledgement, although she didn’t seem to actually be listening. She stared at the ground, eyes narrowed.

“Are you nervous?” Leaf asked.

Mothwing glanced at her. “A little.”

“Why?”

“I’ve never met StarClan before,” Mothwing said, sounding anxious. “I didn’t even see the sign when it came. Mudfur’s the one who noticed it. He found a moth’s wing outside his hut.”

“Well, of course Mudfur would have seen it. He’s been trained to.”

“Hush, you two!” Mudfur called ahead. “Hurry up, or you’ll get left behind.”
Mothwing and Leaf exchanged a glance, then jogged to catch up with the others.

Near the edge of the moor, they met up with Barkface. He greeted Mudfur first, falling in beside the older man. Leaf wondered if Barkface would get his own apprentice soon. He was only a year older than Mudfur, and slowing down just as fast. Between the elderly men and Cinderpelt’s bad leg, the group had to slow.

“Have you met all the other healers?” Leaf whispered to Mothwing.

“Only you and Cinderpelt,” Mothwing replied.

Leaf nodded. “That’s Barkface, from WindClan. He can be grumpy sometimes, but he’s kind and fair. And that’s Littlecloud. He’s shy, so he probably won’t talk much.”

Mothwing nodded. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Will you quiz me on herbs? I know marigold is for infection and yarrow helps get rid of poison, but what’s good for stomachaches?”

“Juniper berries or chervil root,” Leaf replied. “Why do you need a quiz? Mudfur can tell you if you don’t remember all of them.”

“He can’t help me when I meet StarClan!” Mothwing said. “I have to show them I’m worthy of being a healer.”

Leaf laughed. “It won’t be like that.”

“Are you sure?” Mothwing sounded anxious. Her eyes were wide with fear.

Leaf glanced at her, looking into her brown eyes. She wondered if Mothwing knew she was so pretty.

“I’m sure. You know, my father wasn’t born in the Clan, but he’s Clan leader now. I know StarClan will accept you.”

The sun was setting by the time the healers arrived at Highstones. The rough grass gave way to bare soil. Rocks poked out from it, getting larger as they approached the cave.

Barkface paused on a flat rock just outside the cave. “We can wait here until the moon rises.”

“Have you been here before?” Leaf asked. She knew apprentices had to make a journey to Highstones as least once before being made warriors.

Mothwing nodded. “But I didn’t go inside.”

“It’s really dark,” Leaf warned her. “But it’s not scary once you get used to it.”

Mothwing stood up taller. “I’m not afraid.” She sat down on the flat rock, staring at the moon as it peaked up over the horizon.

Once the moon was nearly at its peak, Mudfur was the first to stand. “It’s time,” he rasped.

Leaf joined Cinderpelt and ducked under the stone archway. It was cold in the cave, the air damp. She heard Mothwing following just behind her.

The tunnel sloped down, winding back and forth, stealing Leaf’s sense of direction. The air was thick with moisture. She couldn’t see anything but could hear footsteps all around her.

Finally, the air grew cool and fresh. Leaf shuddered with excitement as they arrived in the main cavern. Stars shone though a hole in the roof. The floor was smooth with well worn stone. In the center of the cave stood a rock as tall as three people.

Mothwing stepped in beside her. “What is this place?” she whispered.

“This is the cavern of the Moonstone,” Barkface said, walking up to the large rock before sitting down.

Leaf took her place beside the Moonstone, Mothwing nearby. Time seemed to stretch out for hours. Then, within a split second, brilliant white light flashed into the cave as the moon appeared through the hole in the roof. Mothwing gasped as the Moonstone awoke, shimmering with stars.

Mudfur rose to his feet, limping over to stand in front of the others. “Mothwing, is it your wish to join us as a healer?”

Mothwing hesitated, swallowing before she replied. “I do.”

“Then come forward.”

Mothwing rose and followed her mentor across the cavern, standing close to the Moonstone. In its light, Leaf thought Mothwing looked like an otherworldly angel, her blonde hair glowing gold and her eyes shining with starlight.

“Warriors of StarClan,” Mudfur continued, “I present to you this apprentice. She has chosen the path of a healer. Grant her your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her Clan in accordance with your will.” He nodded to Mothwing. “Sit against the Moonstone.”

Mothwing obeyed. Once she was settled, all of the healers took their places, leaning against the Moonstone.

Leaf closed her eyes, shuddering as she touched the cold stone. At once, the cold spread through her body, but the stone disappeared.

When she opened her eyes, she was in Fourtrees. The great trees were bare, only a few ragged brown leaves clinging to their branches. One of the trees was shaking, as though rocked by a violent wind. Leaf blinked, and she was standing at the edge of the Thunderpath. All around her, people were trekking through the stone. Cinderpelt was limping beside her, shuddering in the cold. All around them was their Clanmates, but the group was so large it couldn’t just be ThunderClan. There were no trees here, which meant it couldn’t be the Thunder-Shadow border.

When Leaf blinked again, she was standing in front of Squirrel. She sighed in relief upon seeing her sister. But it hardly lasted a moment before Leaf was in the Moonstone cavern again. She blinked a few times, making sure she was really awake, then stood.

The other healers were awaking too, ready to return home. Mothwing stood, her eyes wide with triumph and wonder. Leaf knew StarClan must have accepted her.

Mudfur led the way out of the cavern. Leaf tell to the back this time, walking along the twisting tunnel, back toward the surface.

As soon as they reached the outside, Mothwing shoved out of the cave, pumping her fists into the air. “I’m a healer! StarClan welcomed me!”

Mudfur smiled fondly. “Well done. How does it feel?”

“Awesome!” Mothwing replied. “I saw-”

“Don’t,” Mudfur said quickly. “We do not share our dreams with StarClan unless they are very important.”

Leaf joined Mothwing’s side. “Congratulations,” she said.

“Thanks,” Mothwing said. “I feel much better. Now that RiverClan knows I have StarClan’s approval, I’m sure they’ll accept me.”

Leaf’s heart swelled with happiness for her friend. It banished any unease she had over her own visions.

Chapter Text

Twilight was gathering as the small group trekked through the fields. The ground here was rough and filled with boggy patches. A few heaps of stones were scattered around the meadow. They seemed to be buildings that had fallen into ruin.

It was dark by the time they came across a stretch of broken wall. Ferns and grass were rooted in the cracks.

“Let’s stop here,” Stormfur said. “It’s getting dark.”

“Thank StarClan!” Squirrel agreed. “We’ve been walking all day.”

“I think we should keep going,” Crow objected stubbornly.

Brambleclaw repressed a sigh, knowing the apprentice was only arguing for the sake of it. “We’ve gone far enough for today,” Brambleclaw said. “And we’ve been lucky to stay out of trouble. I’m not risking running into something in the dark.”

The others agreed, although Crow was glaring at him. Squirrel began looking up and down the wall. Noticing she was wandering, Brambleclaw set off after her, but stopped not soon after.

“This place is great!” she announced. “There’s a stream nearby.”

“Where?” Tawnypelt asked. “I need a drink.”

Squirrel led Tawnypelt down the wall, where a small stream came out from a crack. But when Tawnypelt knelt to cup some water, she gasped and spluttered, spitting it back out. “Squirrel, you shrew!”

Squirrel looked bewildered. “What’s wrong?”

“That’s disgusting!” Tawnypelt growled. “It tastes like salt.”

“No, it doesn’t!” Squirrel protested. “I thought it tasted fine.”

Tawnypelt stood up and stalked back to the group. Squirrel was still at the stream, looking genuinely upset. Before Brambleclaw could act, Stormfur went to join his cousin. He knelt down to drink from the stream.

“It tastes fine to me,” he said.

“All I tasted was salt,” Tawnypelt growled.

Brambleclaw shuddered. “What if...what if it’s a sign from StarClan?” He gazed around at the others. “Maybe they’re telling us we’re going in the right direction. When I dreamt of the ocean, it was filled with salt.”

Feathertail’s eyes glowed with awe, although Stormfur looked on with apprehension.

“That means StarClan is still guiding us, even though we’re not in the forest!” Feathertail said joyfully.

“But Tawnypelt was hurt by the sign,” Stormfur reasoned. “Isn’t that a bad thing?”

“No one likes salt water,” Brambleclaw said. “I had to have a nightmare to even know about the ocean. I’m sure StarClan is showing us the way.”

The group settled down. Brambleclaw wished they could hunt again, but they didn’t know the land, and it was dark. He could eat first thing in the morning.

Stars were blinking into the sky above his head. Brambleclaw laid on his back, watching the sky. He hoped StarClan would continue to show them the way. He had faith in his warrior ancestors to watch after them.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw was woken by a finger jabbing into his side.

“Feathertail and Crow are gone!” Squirrel squeaked urgently.

Brambleclaw jumped up. Tawnypelt was already awake while Stormfur had been rosed by Squirrel’s urgent voice. There was no sign of Feathertail or Crow.

The sun was already above the horizon, shining in a bright blue sky. A stiff breeze was blowing clouds toward them, rippling the grass in the field. Brambleclaw briefly wondered if they’d gone home, which was incredibly likely for Crow. But Feathertail had been confident about this mission just yesterday, and she wouldn’t leave without Stormfur.

“Maybe they’re drinking from the stream,” Brambleclaw suggested to Squirrel. “Or they went hunting.” He needed to think logically.

“I checked already,” Squirrel said.

Brambleclaw glanced around, his anxiety growing. Finally, he caught sight of two figures approaching from across the field. “Over there!” he exclaimed.

Feathertail and Crow looked satisfied, their arms filled with game.

“Where have you been?” Brambleclaw demanded. “We were worried sick.”

“What does it look like?” Crow snapped. “We went hunting.”

“This place is very bountiful,” Feathertail said. “I don’t think hunters come here.”

Crow unceremoniously dropped what he had to the ground. “We hunted, so you can cook.”

Brambleclaw ignored the apprentice’s disrespectful handling of the animals. “Well done. We’ll get started.”

Crow plopped down, arms crossed. “Don’t talk to me like you’re my mentor,” he growled.

Knowing the apprentice was determined to be difficult, Brambleclaw turned away to start skinning the game. In spite of Crow’s bad temper, he was feeling optimistic. They had made it a long way, travelling for a few days now. Even Highstones had disappeared under the horizon. But Tawnypelt’s sign showed they were still going the right way. Now, they were even having a good meal.

Their journey was going to be a success.

Chapter Text

For many days, the group travelled through farms and fields. This entire stretch of land seemed to be farmland, covered in crops and fenced in meadows. Every now and then, they were able to find sheltered spaces to sleep, although most nights were spent under the stars. Brambleclaw was longing for his comfortable bed back in ThunderClan’s camp, but he was also shuddering with excitement. Everytime the sun set, it was right in front of them. They were lucky with the weather as well. It seemed as though StarClan itself was keeping clouds away.

One day, they came across a corn field, the stalks too high for even Brambleclaw to see over. In the distant, a monster roared.

Squirrel jumped straight up, trying to see over the stalks. “The monster’s in the field!”

“What?” Brambleclaw stood up as tall as he could. He gave a small hop. To his amazement, Squirrel was right. A huge red monster, bigger than any he’d seen before, was rumbling through the field, churning up yellow dust behind it.

“We’d better get out of here,” Stormfur said.

“Why is there a monster in the middle of a field?” Feathertail complained.

“We need to go around the field,” Crow said. “If we go through, the monster might hit us.” He glared around, expecting the others to contradict him, but no one did. Feathertail was nodding in agreement.

Brambleclaw knew Crow was smart. He just wished the apprentice wouldn’t have such a bad attitude all the time.

Crow led the way around the edge of the field. There was a narrow, grassy patch just beside it. On the other side was a huge meadow. Around it was another fence, made of shiny mesh. It was short enough for them to climb over. Brambleclaw went first, but wished he hadn’t. He had trouble getting over the fence. His clothes kept catching on the sharp top and he nearly toppled to the ground. When he looked back, Crow and Squirrel were stifling laughter.
Tawnypelt came next, a bit more graceful. Then the others.

Squirrel was the last. But just as she was able to drop down from the top of the fence, she yelped, falling forward. She hit the other side of the fence and was left hanging upside down. The end of her cloak was stuck on the meshy top of the fence, along with one of her pant legs.

“Help!” Squirrel cried.

Brambleclaw sighed and approached the fence. He knelt down to lift Squirrel up, holding her under her arms while Stormfur untangled her clothes. Once she was free, Brambleclaw was able to catch her from following.

“Be more careful,” Brambleclaw chided. “I’m not gonna keep freeing you every time you get stuck on something.”

Squirrel squirmed out of his arms. “I didn’t mean to!”

Just as Brambleclaw turned to continue on their way, his heart sank. Dark clouds were gathering in the sky. He hoped they hadn’t changed direction while climbing the fence. If they couldn’t see the sun, they wouldn’t be able to tell which way to go.

The air was damp. Rain was coming soon. In the distance was a line of trees, and the walls of another town. Brambleclaw hoped they could head for the trees. He might feel less anxious in the familiar setting.

Even though they couldn’t see the sun, they still needed to keep moving. There was still plenty of daylight to be used, although some of them were getting tired. Squirrel lagged behind, exhausted after her scare with the fence. Stormfur dropped back to walk with her.

Suddenly, Brambleclaw was aware of Feathertail at his side. “I wanted to talk to you,” she whispered.

Anxiety spiked into Brambleclaw’s heart. Her voice was urgent. “Is something wrong?”

“Not at all! I had by saltwater sign last night, but I didn’t want the others knowing yet.” She sounded delighted. “I dreamed I was walking along a flooded grassland. When a bent down to drink, the water was salty. I didn’t mention it this morning because I didn’t want Crow to be jealous.”

Brambleclaw eyed her.

“He’s the only one who hasn’t had his sign yet,” Feathertail said. “He’ll think we’re all messing with him.” Her voice was low. “He doesn’t feel comfortable around us. It was hard for him to leave the forest when he’s so close to being made a warrior. I think he’s lonely- I have Stormfur, you have Tawnypelt and Squirrel. We all knew each other before this mission. Crow is by himself.”

Brambleclaw hadn’t thought of it like that. He knew Feathertail must be right. Squirrel, Feathertail, and Stormfur were all cousins. Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt were siblings. Brambleclaw was friends with Feathertail and Stormfur. Feathertail, Tawnypelt, and Squirrel naturally got along. They were all intertwined with one another.

“We’ll tell him another time,” Brambleclaw decided. “You’re good with people, Feathertail. You’re a lot nicer than Stormfur or I can be. I think you should talk to him.”

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw raced through the trees, panic threatening to overwhelm him. Behind him, he could hear the bear roaring in anger. It had lumbered out of the woods just as his companions had reached the forest. Glancing back, he could see the huge brown shape crashing through the trees.

“StarClan help us!” Feathertail gasped beside him.

They had fallen behind the others, though Brambleclaw heard a scream of terror ahead.

The bear roared again, this time farther away. Brambleclaw slowed, unable to hear the trampling beast anymore. It must have given up.

Then, he heard a grumble, and the bear’s snout poked out from behind a large tree. For a moment, Brambleclaw froze, accepting his fate. Then, he realized the bear hadn’t noticed it was so close to its prey yet, and darted into the trees.

He remembered Mathan Olc, the giant bear that Firestar and Bluestar had led over the gorge to drown. But Brambleclaw didn’t know of any gorges around here.

Fear made his running erratic. He nearly tripped several times, not focusing on where he was going. He was remembering Swift's broken body, stiff and limp after being mauled to death by a bear. Was one of his companions about to find themselves like that?

“In here- quick!” He heard Tawnypelt’s voice ahead. Brambleclaw skidded to a halt beside a huge metal cylinder on its side. Confused but too scared to think, Brambleclaw darted inside, passing Tawnypelt, who stood at the entrance. As soon as he was in, Tawnypelt pulled the door of the cylinder- a metal mesh- closed. It snapped into place, locking them in.

Some sort of huge cage.

Stormfur was also in here. Crow and Squirrel, too, although the apprentices both looked terrified.

“Where’s Feathertail?” Stormfur gasped. “I thought she was with you!”

The bear was mulling around the clearing, at the edge of the trees. At one point, it lashed out at the cage, making the people inside scream, throwing them to the floor.

Beyond it, through the cage door, Feathertail was crouching in the bushes, blue eyes wide with terror. If she tried to run for the cage, the bear would cut her off. But how long could she hide before the bear scented her?

Suddenly, Crow stood up. “Enough of this.” Before anyone could react, Crow reached a hand out to tear at the lock of the cage, then hurled the door open, hitting the bear in the side. The bear spun around to give chase as Crow raced off into the trees. While it was distracted, Feathertail bolted into the clearing and dived into the long cave.

“Crow!” Brambleclaw shouted.

The apprentice had vanished into the bushes. Brambleclaw could hear the bear crashing through the trees, then it roared. A moment later, Crow appeared again, running so fast his legs looked like a blur beneath him. The bear was panting behind him. Crow dove into the cage and Tawnypelt slammed the door shut behind him.

Exhausted and outsmarted, the bear seemed to give up. He snorted at the cage, then turned and lumbered back into the trees.

“Thank you, Crow!” Feathertail gasped, wrapping her arms around the apprentice and pulling him into a hug. “You saved my life!”

Crow pushed away, face flush with embarrassment. “That bear was stupid, anyway. It kept tripping over itself.”

“Stupid or not, it would have found me if you didn’t distract it,” Feathertail said.
Brambleclaw’s fear was ebbing away. However, a voice from outside made him jump.

“What are you lot doing in there?” An old, plump man appeared at the door of the cage. His hair was completely gray and thin. “That’s a culvert cage, don’t you know?”

“We don’t, actually,” Tawnypelt said. “We’re not from here.”

“Don’t get snippy with me, lass. But now you do know. So why don’t you get out of there?” The man reached forward and fiddled with the hook of the cage, then let the large door swing open.

“Not that we need to know,” Stormfur said. “We’re just passing through.”

“You shouldn’t be out here,” Brambleclaw said to the old man. “We were hiding from a bear.”

The man scoffed. “I know. I don’t live far from here. I could hear it calling. Why don’t you lot stay a while and rest? That must have been quite a scare.”

“Does that bear live here?” Squirrel asked, sounding nervous. “Why hasn’t someone chased if off yet.”

“The bears have lived here longer than the people,” the man said. “As long as no one wanders too close to their dens, they don’t mind us.”

As the man turned to leave, Brambleclaw followed. The others clustered behind him, looking uneasy.

“Who are you?” Stormfur asked. “Are you a townsfolk?”

“I don’t live in no town. I like my cabin just fine.”

“Are you a farmer?” Squirrel asked.

“No, lass. My bones are too old for farming. I go into town when I need the food. I don’t work no more. No one wants to hire an old bag of bones like me.”

“Speaking of food, we should hunt,” Crow said.

“Hunt?” The man looked over his shoulder, peering at Crow. “No need for that, lad. I’ve got food at home.”

“We wouldn’t want to intrude,” Brambleclaw said. They couldn’t take food from this elderly man, especially with so many of them. He couldn’t possibly be able to feed six people.

“Don’t worry yourself,” the man replied. “I’ve got plenty to share. But there certainly are a lot of you, and you don’t look like anyone from town. Where did you come from?”

“We’re from the warrior Clans,” Brambleclaw explained. “I’m Brambleclaw. This is my sister, Tawnypelt. Those are the twins, Feathertail and Stormfur. And this is Squirrel and Crow.”

“Strange names,” the man said. “But I think I’ve heard of Clans before, though there’s none around here. You’re a long way from home.”

Brambleclaw didn’t bother explaining his dreams or the mission from StarClan. He doubted the man would understand. “What’s your name?”

“Rueben Murphy,” the man introduced himself. “But everyone around here calls me Rusty.”

“Then we will, too,” Brambleclaw said. He let Rusty go farther ahead, falling back with his companions. “What do you think? Should we trust him?”

“Of course not!” Crow growled. “He’s a couthy. We can’t trust couthies.”

Tawnypelt murmured agreement, while Squirrel glared at Crow. Feathertail spoke up. “We’re all hungry, and we don’t know this place. We should let him help us.”

“I agree,” Stormfur said. “Look, I don’t like it either, but we need some help here. There’s no harm in staying a while.”

“Then we’ll stay,” Brambleclaw decided.

He led the way, jogging to catch up with the old man, who was ambling ahead, not caring whether they followed or not. Rusty led them right to the edge of the forest. On the horizon was what looked like a huge city, some of the buildings reaching into the sky with pointed tops. But Rusty was heading for a small log cabin that sat alone.

“Why doesn’t he live in town?” Crow murmured. “Don’t townsfolk take care of their elders?”

“My dad says town elders are taken care of by their families,” Squirrel replied. “Maybe he doesn’t have any family.”

Feathertail frowned. “That’s so sad.”

Rusty didn’t hear them, or at least pretended not to. He walked right up to the cabin and slowly climbed the small set of stairs onto the front porch. It was painful to watch him shuffle onto the porch and over to the door, pulling it open.

The inside was dark. Rusty ambled over to a candle sitting on a table near the front door. He took up a box of small sticks and struck one against the side of the box. Brambleclaw gasped as the top of the stick was lit aflame. Rusty didn’t even bat an eye at it, holding it over the candle until it took flame.

“Youngsters in the city have started on this new power grid do-hickey. But I don’t mind my candles and real sunshine,” Rusty said.

“Is this a fish?” Feathertail asked. On the same table sat a glass bowl, filled with water and colorful pebbles. Inside, a small golden fish darted back and forth.

“Doesn’t look like any fish I’ve ever seen,” Stormfur said.

“Do you eat it?” Tawnypelt asked Rusty.

“Oh, no,” Rusty said, sounding surprised. “Too small to make a good meal, anyway. I just keep it around for some company.”

Feathertail leaned close to Stormfur’s ear. “This is sadder than I thought.”

Rusty was ambling into another room. “I’ll cook you something. What do you fancy?”

“Anything’s fine,” Brambleclaw said. He’d heard that townsfolk had more eccentric meals than the Clans, mastering many different ways to prepare meats and vegetables.

“We shouldn’t stay long,” Crow said. “We need to get going. The sooner we get to the ocean, the sooner we can go home.”

“It’s better if we rest first,” Feathertail said gently. “A nice meal and some shelter will make us all feel better.”

As she was talking, Rusty had returned. “Dinner might take a moment, but I figured you lot might be thirsty.” He was holding many glass cylinders in his arms, carefully setting them down on the table.

Brambleclaw peered at the glass. They were filled with water. Realizing it was an offering, he took one and drank. It tasted strange, but not bad, and was refreshingly cold.

“Thanks!” Squirrel took her own and downed it. Gradually, the others fell in line.

But as Crow took a sip of his own, he choked and spat it out. “What is this? It tastes like salt?”

“No it doesn’t,” Stormfur said, sounding surprised.

Brambleclaw and Feathertail exchanged a gleeful look. “It’s your sign!” Feathertail said. “You finally had it!”

Crow opened his mouth to snap at her, then froze. “You’re sure?”

“Of course!” Feathetail said. “We all thought it was fine, but you tasted salt. It’s StarClan’s sign that we’re still going the right way.”

Crow relaxed, the anger in his blue eyes replaced with relief.

“What’s all this about signs and salt water?” Rusty asked.

“We’re on a mission for StarClan!” Squirrel squeaked.

“StarClan…?”

Brambleclaw sighed. It seemed they’d be explaining everything to Rusty afterall. Maybe he deserved to know, as thanks for everything he’d done.

“StarClan sent us on a journey to the ocean. We don’t know what will be there, but we know it’s important,” Brambleclaw said.

“What’s StarClan?”

“Our warrior ancestors,” Squirrel chimed in, looking shocked. “Do you not know of them?”

Rusty shook his head. “Never heard of them. But I have heard of the ocean. That city over yonder sits on the shore.”

“Really?” Squirrel’s eyes widened.

“Yep. Only take a few hours to get there,” Rusty replied. “Why don’t I show you the way?”

Brambleclaw was trying to think of how to politely decline when Crow spoke up. “No way. You’ll just slow us down.”

Tawnypelt shot the apprentice a stern glare. “You’ve done enough for us, Rusty.”

“But it would be nice to know the way,” Stormfur said. “I think we should let him come.”

“He can take us through the city,” Feathertail agreed.

Brambleclaw knew that was true. If Rusty really could take them to the ocean, it would be a big help. Even if he slowed them down, it would be safer than getting lost.

“Let him come,” he said. “He can help.”

Chapter Text

First thing in the morning, Rusty led them to the edge of the forest. Brambleclaw was still struggling with his doubt toward the elderly man. Crow and Tawnypelt were both unhappy about Rusty serving as their guide, but he’d done nothing to prove their assumptions true yet. Besides, the sky was still covered with clouds. They had no idea which way to go.

“We should stop to eat soon,” Brambleclaw said to Rusty, leaving the trees behind and crossing a meadow filled with colorful flowers.

“I’ve got some change on me,” Rusty replied. “We can stop at a stand and eat.”

“No way,” Crow growled. “I don’t want anymore townsfolk food. Let’s hunt.”
Rusty shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

Crow immediately broke away from the group and headed across the meadow. “I’ll go with him,” Feathertail said, following.

“We’ll wait for them,” Tawnypelt decided. “They can manage on their own.”

It was hardly five minutes before the two were returning, both carrying a rabbit.

“That was the easiest hunt ever!” Crow announced. “The rabbits here are fat and slow.”

After eating, they trekked on. All day, Rusty led them along roads and tree lines. By the time the sun was at its peak, Brambleclaw was exhausted. The others were, too. Squirrel kept having to break into a jog to keep up with the others, having shorter legs than anyone, while Crow hung his head.

“We should rest,” Brambleclaw decided. “Rusty, do you know of any shelter nearby?”

Rusty nodded. “Just ahead.”

“How far?” Tawnypelt growled.

“Not far.” Rusty was just as tired as them, but seemed determined to keep going. “Half an hour at most.”

As they headed off again, a reddish gleam fell over the ground. Brambleclaw whipped around in horror. The clouds were clearing, showing the sun setting behind them.

They were going the wrong way!

“Rusty!” Brambleclaw shouted. “Look!”

Rusty turned to look at the red sky. “Fine weather tomorrow.”

“Fine weather!” Crow growled. “You went the wrong way!”

Squirrel sank to her knees. “I’m so tired!” she whined.

“We’re supposed to be following the sunset,” Brambleclaw said. “Are you sure you know the way to the ocean?”

“Of course I do,” Rusty said defensively. “But this is a big city. I must have gotten turned around somewhere.”

“He doesn’t know the way.” Tawnypelt threw up her hands, exasperated.

“I knew it!” Crow scoffed. “I knew we shouldn’t have followed this loon. Let’s just turn around.”

“Not until Rusty takes us out of town,” Stormfur said. “We don’t know the way.”

Feathertail nodded in agreement, although she was frowning.

Brambleclaw knew they were right, forcing down his frustration. “Rusty, show us to the shelter. We’ll continue in the morning.”

By the time they reached the shelter- a rundown, abandoned shed, the sky was dark, but their path was lit by the harsh glare of streetlights.

Rusty slipped into the shed. It was dusty and filled with cobwebs. “This thing has been for sale since before I was born,” the old man said. “But no one wants it. No one needs it.”

Squirrel and Crow immediately sank to the ground, happy to get some sleep, even if it was on a cold floor.

The others settled down, too. Brambleclaw sat beside Tawnypelt, closing his eyes. He kept telling himself this was a small set back. They’d be fine in the morning.

Chapter Text

The next day they struggled on after Rusty. Brambleclaw felt like they’d been walking for days, along brick walls and hedges. By now, he was convinced the old man was ambling on randomly, not caring which way was right or wrong. But the Clansfolk had no hope of getting out of the city without local help. Clouds were covering the sky again and rain was drizzling down.

“We’re gonna die here,” Tawnypelt groaned.

“Stop complaining,” Stormfur retorted. “There’s nothing we can do.”

Brambleclaw was surprised to hear such a hostile response from the easygoing RiverClan warrior. But they were all tired and hungry, their hope trickling away.

“How much farther until we get out of town?” Brambleclaw asked Rusty.

“Oh, not far now,” Rusty said, sounding amused. “Be patient, sonny.”

“No, you need to hurry up!” Crow growled.

“We’ll get where we need to go in the time it takes,” Rusty said, ignoring the boy’s bad temper. “This way.”

“He has no clue what he’s doing,” Crow growled, but followed anyway. Not even Stormfur still had faith that Rusty knew where to go, but they didn’t have a choice at this point.

As the light began to fade, they found themselves at a fence. Brambleclaw thought he was going to collapse from exhaustion, longing for a cold drink or a good night’s sleep.

“Ow!” Tawnypelt suddenly yelped. Brambleclaw whipped around. Tawnypelt had been the closest to the fence, and was hugging her arm against her side. He could see blood glistening from between her fingers. Directly beside her, part of the metal fence had been sticking out, now streaked with blood.

“Did you catch yourself?” Brambleclaw joined his sister’s side. She hissed in pain when he examined the wound. It wasn’t deep, but it had still drawn a lot of blood.

“Better clean that up,” Rusty said. “Before it gets infected. This fence isn’t exactly clean.”

Brambleclaw’s eyes widened. They couldn’t afford infection on this journey, especially from something as small as a fence. “Rusty, do you know where herbs grow around here?”

Rusty shrugged. “Don’t know nothing about plants. We can go to the doctor’s. His house is somewhere near here. Or is it across town…?”

“Nevermind,” Brambleclaw said quickly, turning to his companions. “We need to get out of here, now. Does anyone know what herbs to use against infection?”

“Oh!” Squirrel squeaked. “Leaf told me once. It’s…it’s…oh, I can’t remember!” She had gotten so excited about her knowledge, it had slipped away from her.

“It’s alright, Squirrel,” Tawnypelt said. Her arm must be stinging- she was wincing with pain. “I’ll be fine. Let’s just get out of this stupid town.”

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw was staring at the full moon. It was already sliding toward the horizon. He wondered how the Gathering was going back home. The thought of the huge crowd and peaceful greetings made his heart ache. He wished he could be there for it.

They had struggled through town all day once more, along Thunderpaths and fences and alleyways. They were nearing the other side of the city, where the roads were flanked with grass and gardens surrounded the houses.

But he still had no idea if this was the right way. Rusty was confident no matter which way he was facing.

Even worse, Tawnypelt’s cut was looking bad. It had stopped bleeding, but the skin was swollen and red. The cut was edged with something yellow. Brambleclaw knew it must be infected.

“Going to sleep, Brambleclaw?” Stormfur was laying beside him. The older warrior rolled over to face him.

“Probably not,” Brambleclaw admitted.

“You should,” Stormfur advised. “You need your strength.”

“I know.” Brambleclaw sighed. “I miss the forest.”

“We all do. But we won’t be away forever. I bet we’ll be home in time for the next Gathering.”

Brambleclaw laid down on his back, still staring at the moon. He didn’t share his friend’s hope.

Just as he was drifting off to sleep, a gasp made him jump to his feet.

Squirrel was sitting straight up, her green eyes wide. “Burdock root!” she exclaimed. “I remember what to use for infection. It’s burdock root!”

Crow groaned, pulling up the hood of his cloak, as though it would muffle their voices. “That doesn’t help us. There’s no herbs in the city.”

“But we’re nearly out.” Brambleclaw was too energized to try sleeping now. He turned and jabbed at Rusty’s ribs with his foot. “Get up! We’re getting an early start today.”

Rusty grumbled, but awoke. He stood stiffly, looking at he sky. “If you say so…”

Feathertail and Tawnypelt had been woken by the commotion. Feathertail helped Tawnypelt to her feet, although the ShadowClan warrior looked miserable. Her eyes were glazed with pain and sickness.

Brambleclaw hurried the others on, letting Rusty take the lead before dropping back to help Tawnypelt along. They were led through more neighborhoods and onto a narrow road bordered on one side by a wooden fence. Suddenly, it bent sharply to one side.

Feathertail suddenly halted. “No!” she wailed. “That’s the wrong way!”

Brambleclaw hurried to the front to see what had set her off. His heart sank when he saw that the road ended abruptly at a red stoned wall. They couldn’t keep going.

Rusty stopped, looking hurt. “There’s no reason to act like that, young lady.”

“You have no idea where we’re going!” Feathertail growled. “Tawnypelt needs burdock root, which means we need to get out of this stony forest.”

“Let’s just lose this old fool,” Crow growled, coming up beside Feathertail. “We can get out of here ourselves.”

Feathertail shook her head. “How? We don’t know the way!”

Somewhere far off, a dog began to bark. For a moment, everyone stood frozen with fear, alerted by the sound too similar to a wolf. But it was far off, trapped behind several fences. It wouldn’t get to them.

When Brambleclaw turned back toward the stone wall, Rusty was gone. “Where’d he go?” He couldn’t have gotten past all of them and out of the alleyway so quickly.

“Who cares?” Crow growled.

Then, Rusty appeared through the wall. Brambleclaw was shocked to see him standing there. Had he phased through it? Looking closer, Brambleclaw realized there was an opening in the wall, but the shadows falling over it made it look like part of the wall itself.

Rusty drew himself back into the passage. Brambleclaw followed to the other side of the wall. He was ready to see more houses and storefronts. Instead, the sight in front of him made him gasp. Across a narrow, dusty track was a grass covered slope dotted with flowers. Beyond that lay a line of trees.

“A forest!” Brambleclaw announced, the others filing after him. “It’s a real forest! We made it out!”

Rusty was grinning. “Satisfied, now? I told you I knew the way out.”

“Thanks, Rusty.” Brambleclaw had a feeling Rusty hadn’t actually known the way out, he’d just gotten lucky finding that passage.

“Not such an old fool now, eh?” Rusty asked, giving a meaningful look to Crow.

Crow scoffed in disbelief. Brambleclaw had a feeling he also had doubts about Rusty’s knowledge.

It didn’t matter. They needed to find the ocean.

They crossed the trail and headed up the slope. Brambleclaw sighed in relief. The air out here was so much fresher and cleaner. He hadn’t felt so relaxed since first setting off.

“This is so much better!” Stormfur said. “I think we should rest here for the night.”

“And find some burdock root,” Brambleclaw added. The others murmured in agreement.

They moved deeper into the forest, clustered together, alert for danger as they looked for a shelter. Squirrel kept her eyes trained on the ground, examining every clump of plants and ferns.

Before long, they found a spot where the ground fell away toward a thin stream. A clearing sat nearby, surrounded by dense hawthorn bushes.

“It’s perfect,” Crow said. “There’s water and shelter. We’ll be safe here.”

Tawnypelt immediately collapsed to her knees. Her green eyes were clouded with pain and exhaustion. Feathertail sat beside her, examining her cut. Rusty flopped down on her other side. As soon as he was laying down, he fell into sleep.

“You three stay here,” Crow said. “The rest of us will hunt.”

Brambleclaw glanced at Crow, but said nothing. He didn’t mind not being in charge, but it was strange, being ordered around by an apprentice. “Squirrel, while we hunt, you look for burdock root.”

Squirrel nodded in agreement. She followed Brambleclaw up the stream. They were hardly out of sight from their camp when a small doe bounded out from the brush. It froze when it spotted them, but Brambleclaw already had his dagger drawn. He threw it as hard as he could, and the doe let out a squeak when stabbed through her neck. Once it had crumpled to the ground, Brambleclaw retrieved his dagger.

They went on. This place was rich with game animals, and it seemed like they’d never encountered a hunter before. It was the easiest hunt Brambleclaw had ever experienced.

Squirrel wasn’t having as much luck. She kept perking up each time she spotted a slightly interesting looking plant, then frowned when she realized it wasn’t the burdock they needed.

Brambleclaw was stalking close to a rabbit when she suddenly gasped. “That’s it! Over there!”

The rabbit shot away.

Squirrel had darted toward the stream, where clumps of tall, dark green leaves were growing. As Brambleclaw stared, she began digging around the base of the stems.

“That’s the burdock?” he asked, trying not to sound hopeful. Squirrel had thought every other plant in the forest might be burdock.

“Yes! I’m sure of it!” Squirrel exclaimed. “It’s exactly as Leaf said.”

Brambleclaw hesitated. Squirrel seemed confident enough. Worst case scenario, it didn’t have any effect, right?

Praying that was the case, Brambleclaw knelt to help her scrape away from the dirt.

Once they had dug up a few roots, Squirrel dipped them into the water to wash away the dirt, then headed back for camp. Brambleclaw followed more slowly, finding it hard to carry his huge haul of game.

By the time he reached their resting place, Squirrel had already mashed up some of the root and was gently pressing the pulp to Tawnypelt’s cut. The ShadowClan warrior remained still, watching with a relaxed expression.

“That feels much better,” she said. “It’s numb.”

“Well done, Squirrel,” Brambleclaw praised.

“You should consider being a healer like your sister,” Tawnypelt said.

Squirrel shook her head. “No way! I want to be a warrior. Leaf has things under control. It’s a miracle I even remembered how to do this.”

Stormfur and Crow had returned with their own game. For the first time in several days, they ate as much as they wanted.

Chapter Text

By the time Brambleclaw woke, the clouds had vanished and sunlight was filtering through the trees. He stood and followed the stream to a gap in the trees so he could see the sun.

Brambleclaw wanted to race toward it, desperate for StarClan’s instructions. But he needed to wait for the others. Taking note of the direction they needed to travel, he headed back to the camp.

Tawnypelt was tearing into the leftovers they’d had from the previous night. “Squirrel’s herb is doing wonders! My arm feels much better.”

Squirrel was sitting at the edge of the clearing, mashing up burdock root between two rocks. Once it was ready, she dabbed it onto Tawnypelt’s cut.

By the time they set out, Tawnypelt was looking normal again. Her arm swung loosely at her side, unbothered.

Before noon, they were at the edge of the forest. Ahead of them was an open field. The ground rose and fell gently. Wind rippled over short, springy grass.

“It looks just like the moor,” Crow murmured.

Which made Brambleclaw uneasy. He had enjoyed the trees and shade. The shelter of the canopy had comforted him. But the good meal and rest had given him strength.

As they exited the trees, Rusty stayed behind. “I’ve wandered too far from home,” he confessed. “I should be going back. Besides, you don’t need me anymore.”

“Thanks for everything,” Brambleclaw said. ‘It was nice to meet you.”

“Was it?” Crow murmured under his breath.

“Visit me on your way back,” Rusty said. “I want to hear what happens.”

Saying their final goodbyes, the group set off across the field.

By the time the sun was starting to sink, they were feeling tired. The heat had drained their energy, and with no water or shelter, Brambleclaw’s mouth was starting to feel like sand. Tawnypelt’s eyes had glazed over and her cut was swelling again. They needed to find burdock root.

In front of them, the sun was sinking in a blaze of fire.

“At least we know we’re going the right way,” Feathertail murmured.

“But how much farther is it?” Brambleclaw asked anxiously. “The ocean could still be another month’s walk away.”

“I knew this was a bad idea,” Crow remarked, sounding tired.

“We can’t give up now. We’ve already come so far,” Stormfur said. “If we don’t give up now, we have to keep going.”

Gradually, the group slowed to a halt, pondering Stormfur’s words. There was no point in going farther if they were just going to turn around anyway. But could they really ignore the will of StarClan and go home?

Suddenly, Squirrel spun to face him. “I can hear waves!”

The warriors fell silent, listening. It took a moment for Brambleclaw to detect the distant crashing sound. Somewhere far off, waves were breaking.

“We must be close!” Brambleclaw said. “Come on.”

He headed off again, setting a brisk pace. The sun dazzled his eyes. A swift glance behind showed the others following. Even Tawnypelt was keeping up. Brambleclaw felt new strength surge through him. He thought he might be able to run forever.

That was short lived as he skidded to a halt at the edge of a huge cliff. Steep, sandy slopes fell away in front of him. Waves crashed at the bottom, and blue-green water stretched out as far as he could see. The sun was sinking into it on the horizon, its flames so bright Brambleclaw had to turn away. It turned the water orange like fire.

For a moment, none of them could do anything but stare. Then, Brambleclaw turned away. “We need to find the cave mouth before it gets dark.” He glanced around, but couldn’t see any sign of the cave. Choosing a random direction, he led the way along the cliff top. From time to time, he stopped to peer over the edge and look for the cave. He stayed away from the edge, the distance from the water making him feel dizzy.

Gradually, the land sloped down until the water was just a few lengths away from them. The cliff top jutted out, deeply scored with ancient runnels of rain. As the cliff grew less steep, the warriors were able to scrabble down and make their way closer to the water. Clefts split the rock and grass frequently gave way to hollows where a few twisted shrubs clung to the scarce soil.

“We should stop for the night,” Stormfur said. “We can find the cave in the morning.”

Brambleclaw was beginning to think he was right. The sun was sinking beneath the water and the air had turned cold. Tawnypelt had started to fall behind. Brambleclaw turned to help her, skirting the edge of he cleft, when his foot slipped and he found himself sliding into a hollow. He grabbed at the loose soil but it crumbled in his fingers.

“Brambleclaw!” Stormfur slide down after him, grabbing Brambleclaw’s wrist, but the younger warrior felt more soil give way beneath him.

“Get back!” he ordered, just as the shifting soil vanished beneath him. He felt, screaming, for a few terrifying seconds, then landed with a thump on damp pebbles.

For a moment, he couldn’t move. A booming echo thundered over him, and he felt like his whole world was spinning. He opened his eyes and gasped in horror to see a massive, gaping mouth closing in on him, outlined against the red evening sky. He tried to scramble away, but a sudden rush of water swept over him. He shouted in terror, cut off as water flooded his mouth.

Brambleclaw grabbed at the pebbles, trying not to get dragged out to sea. The wave hurled him back toward the teeth, then pulled him away. Each time he tried to stand, more water overtook him.

He was helpless, stuck in the breaking waves. Suddenly, a hand was gripping his cloak, pulling him away from the shore. He looked up to see Squirrel.

“Get back!” he gasped.

Squirrel didn’t listen, helping him get away from the waves before the next one came. Another figure appeared, and Brambleclaw recognized Stormfur.

Brambleclaw scrambled to his feet, slipping on the pebbles. Squirrel pulled at him until he could collapse on solid rock.

“Are you alright?” Squirrel panted.

Brambleclaw opened his mouth, but all that came out was water. He was soaking and cold, too exhausted to even move.

Once he’d thrown up enough water, he replied. “I’m fine.”

“Thank StarClan! I thought you were going to drown!” Squirrel’s eyes were wide with distress.

“Well, I didn’t. Thanks to you.” He couldn’t find the strength to stand up, instead content with being on his hands and knees.

“She took a huge risk,” Stormfur said. “But it was very brave.”

“And stupid.” Tawnypelt’s voice sounded from not far away. The others must have found a way down the slope to the shore. “What if you’d both drowned?”

“Well, we didn’t,” Squirrel snapped.

Brambleclaw ignored their argument, his attention turning to the cave. They were inside it, the cave from his dream. The gaping mouth with its ring of teeth was at one end. Water washed through it in a ceaseless rhythm, crashing in with a roar before hissing back out. The rock walls were smooth and round. The ground sloped upward to the back of the cave, which was covered in shadows. The only light came from the opening.

“Is everyone okay?” Feathertail peered into the cave, followed by Crow.

“We’re fine,” Brambleclaw said, standing. “I think we found the cave.”

“Is this where StarClan will meet us?” Squirrel asked, her voice echoing off the walls.

“It must-” Brambleclaw began, then stopped.

From the darkness, at the back of the cave came a thumping sound. A dark brown shadow lumbered toward them.

Brambleclaw’s heart stopped.

A bear!

They wouldn’t be able to run. The water blocked their way, and climbing back up the cliffs would be harder than sliding down them. Guilt crashed over him. His vision had led them all to their death! Why had StarClan sent them here just to be slaughtered?

Crow had backed out of the cave, but knew there was no where to run. Stormfur was edging around the bear to attack from the side. Despairingly, Brambleclaw knew they wouldn’t be able to win. They were all weak and hungry, worn out by the journey and the struggle in the water.

However, when the bear came into the light, Brambleclaw realized there was something wrong. It didn’t move like any normal bear. It stood upright, its back fur trailing along the ground. Its eyes shone like green gems, although it didn’t look at any of them, as though it couldn’t see. It’s limps seemed to come from beneath it, although they were hairless and thin.

Brambleclaw realized it wasn’t a bear, but a person wearing the skin of one.

“Hello,” the woman greeted. “My name is Midnight. I must speak to you.”

“It’s just some old lady!” Crow growled, slowing edging back into the cave.

The woman laughed. “Mind your tongue, boy. StarClan sent you here to listen to me, not berate me.”

Brambleclaw exchanged nervous glances with the others. Clansfolk rarely made their cloaks from bear pelt, and only if they could find it. He’d never seen someone keep the head attached and wear it like a hood. He took a good look at the woman. She wore beautifully colorful bracelets that rung around her wrists and forearms. A necklace hung around her neck, seemingly made from pebbles. A charm hung from it in the shape of a bear’s head, carved from wood.

“Sit down, children,” Midnight rasped. “We have much to discuss.”

Squirrel sat down eagerly, while the older warriors were hesitate. Midnight was just an elder, and she seemed kind enough. If she wanted to harm them, she would have done so already.

“You said StarClan sent us hear to speak with you?” Brambleclaw asked, sitting down and crossing his legs.

The woman nodded. “Yes…however, I thought I’d only be meeting with four of you. Not six.”

“We brought extra help,” Brambleclaw explained. “Our home is over a month’s travel from here.”

Midnight slowly turned toward Tawnypelt as the ShadowClan warrior sat down. “You’re injured. What caused it?”

“I got cut on a metal fence,” Tawnypelt replied.

Midnight nodded. “It looks bad. Wait here.” She turned and vanished into the shadows at the back of the cave. A moment later, she returned with a small clay bowl filled with pulp.

“Burdock root!” Squirrel exclaimed. “You use it, too?”

“I know much about herbs,” Midnight said. She knelt beside Tawnypelt and began rubbing the pulp into the wound. “Burdock root is good for infection and keeping wounds clean.”

Brambleclaw found himself trembling with excitement. They’d reached the end of their journey! Now, all they had to do was listen to what Midnight had to say. “How do you know about StarClan? Are you from the Clans?”

“My mother used to visit the Clans with the rest of her family,” Midnight explained. “But they stopped before I was born. She taught me a lot about your customs and your beliefs, along with other cultures on this continent. So, tell me, how was your journey?”

“Hard,” Squirrel admitted before anyone else could respond. “We got lost in the city for a while.”

“All that matters is we got here,” Brambleclaw said. “So what is StarClan’s message?”

“And why did we have to come all the way here for it?” Crow added. “Why couldn’t StarClan tell us in the forest?”

His tone was hostile, though Midnight ignored it. “Think over your journey, child. When you began, you were six. Now, you are one.” Her voice was deep with foreboding. “All of your Clans must become one if they are to survive.”

Brambleclaw shuddered. “Why?”

Midnight hesitated. “You must leave the forest. All of you.”

“What?” Stormfur growled. “That’s insane! The forest is our home, and it has been for six hundred years.”

“You must find a new home,” Midnight said, although her voice was sad.

“Why?” Feathertail asked.

“The townsfolk near your home are greedy. They will no longer be happy with the peace. They will bring machines to your homes and tear up the earth. Your homes will be destroyed. If you stay, you will be killed.”

Silence filled the moonlit cave. Brambleclaw couldn’t believe what Midnight was saying. He imagined townsfolk coming with their monsters, roaring through camp. He could almost hear the screams of his Clanmates as they fled.

“How do you know this?” Stormfur asked.

“Townsfolk do not like those who live in different ways,” Midnight explained. “My family was split apart when several of them were captured and imprisoned. They took our land and all that belonged to us. They will do the same to you.”

“They’ll destroy Sunningrocks,” Squirrel squeaked, sounding scared. “And our camp. And Fourtrees!”

Midnight nodded. “I’m sorry, child. I cannot control what they do. I can only warn you.”

“But why would the town do this?” Brambleclaw demanded. “We’ve always left each other alone.”

“They do it to expand their own territory,” Midnight replied. “They will build new roads and buildings.”

“I won’t let them,” Crow growled. “StarClan will stop them.”

“StarClan is just as helpless as you.”

Crow opened his mouth to protest, but nothing came out.

“Then why did we come here?” Tawnypelt growled. “Are we supposed to go home now and watch our Clans be destroyed?”

“No,” Midnight said. “I have given you the warning. You must now lead your Clans away from the forest and find a new home.”

“Oh, yes, because it’s so simple,” Crow growled. “‘Sorry, Tallstar, but we all need to leave the home we’ve known all our lives. Why? Because some crazy bear lady in a cave hundreds of miles from here said so.’ He’d die laughing!”

“By the time you return home, your leaders will listen,” Midnight said.

Terror seized Brambleclaw. Was the forest already being destroyed? He stood up. “We have to go!”

“Not yet.” Midnight shook her head. The bear’s fake eyes flashed in the changing light. “You must rest for tonight.”

“Do you know where our new home will be?” Feathertail asked, troubled.

“I do not. You will find it, far from any town. There will be a moor, and forests, and running streams.”

“But how can we find it?” Brambleclaw asked. “Will you come with us?”

“No,” Midnight rasped. “I am too old to travel so far. My cave is enough for me. But StarClan will be there to help. A dying warrior will show the way.”

Brambleclaw’s fear was worsening. “Someone is going to die?”

“I cannot say.” She shrugged helplessly. “Even I cannot predict what the future holds. I only know what the stars show me.”

Brambleclaw glanced at Stormfur, then Tawnypelt. There was nothing else they could do. “Okay. Thank you, Midnight.”

Chapter Text

Firestar pushed through the brush at the edge of the Thunderpath. The weak autumn sun shone over him. Graystripe followed him into the open.

“There’s smoke in the sky,” the deputy observed. “Coming form town.”

Cloudtail and Sandstorm soon joined them. “This place is so dirty,” Cloudtail whined. “What have the townsfolk been doing lately?”

Firestar glanced up and down the Thunderpath. “No monsters today.”

“I hear something,” Sandstorm said, turning toward the Thunderpath.

The wind carried a distant roaring sound. It was faint, but growing louder.

“What is that?” Cloudtail asked, puzzled. “I’ve never-” he was cut off by his own gasp.

Over a rise in the Thunderpath came a huge monster, bigger than any of them had ever seen. Sunlight dazzled off its gleaming body, and its shape rippled in the heat rising from the surface of the Thunderpath.

It was slow, followed by more of its kind. Shouting came from the interiors, although the commands were drowning out by the roar of the monsters.

The leading monster was drawing closer to the patrol. Suddenly, it swerved, crunching over the narrow strip of grass at the edge of the Thunderpath and heading straight for them.

“Run!” Graystripe shouted.

Firestar dove for the trees while his deputy fled deeper into the forest. Cloudtail shot up the nearest tree and Sandstorm was hiding in a narrow gully. The monster barreled forward on huge black tires that crushed everything beneath it. As the four watched, frozen with horror, it rammed its shoulder into the old ash tree. The tree shook under the impact then, shrieking, its roots came out from the earth and it toppled to the ground. As the dead tree crashed down, the monster rolled over it.

The forest was being destroyed!