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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 gray cloak.

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

Warriors: 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.

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

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.

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- Man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a light gray cloak with darker 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.

Sorreltail- Young woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Apprentices: 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.

Squirrel- Small 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 darker flecks. (Mother to Birch; boy with light brown hair and brown eyes)

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

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 green 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.

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: 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 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 mottled dark brown cloak.

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

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

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

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

Nightcloud- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black cloak.

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

Apprentices: Weasel- Boy with orange hair and green eyes. He wears an orange striped cloak.

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

Rushtail- Man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

RIVERCLAN

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

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

Healer: Mothwing- Young woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a golden cloak.

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.
Apprentice- Stone

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

Swallowtail- Young woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown striped cloak.

ROGUES, LONERS AND TOWNSFOLK

Hugh- Muscular man with black hair and brown eyes. He lives on a ranch near the lake.

Daisy- Woman with long, light brown hair and blue eyes. She lives on a ranch near the lake.

Berry- Young boy with blonde hair and brown eyes. He lives on a ranch near the lake.

Mickey- Newborn boy with black hair and brown eyes. He lives on a ranch near the lake.

Hazel- Newborn girl with black hair and brown eyes. She lives on a ranch near the lake.

Florentia- Small woman with black hair and brown eyes. She lives near the lake.

Jacques- Huge man with black hair and brown eyes. He lives near the lake.

Susan- Woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She lives near the lake.

Chapter Text

Moonlight washed over the hillside, casting heavy shadows over a thick wall of thornbushes. They surrounded a hollow with rocky sides that sloped into a round pool. A trickle of water bubbled up between two stones, glimmering like stars as it fell into the pool.

Two figures stepped over the bushes and began picking there way to the water’s edge. Their silhouettes were lit like stars and their footsteps left a frosty glitter behind them.

A young woman with blonde hair reached the pool first. She looked down at the water, her brown eyes glowing. “This is the place.”

“The ancients were right, Spottedleaf. The Clans have found a new home.” Her companion was taller, with broad shoulders and short black hair. “But adjusting won’t be easy.”

More starry figures joined them, clustering around the water until the hollow was lined with people.

“Our journey was hard, too,” one of them spoke up.

“It was hard leaving our sky,” someone else added.

“Now we must walk in a new sky,” Spottedleaf said confidently. She sat down on a rock near the stream. “We must guide our Clans to this new meeting place. We must show the healers where they can find us. Then, this will truly be their home.”

A murmur of agreement rose.

“They can fish in the lake,” someone said.

“And chase rabbits on the moor.”

“There’s plenty of deer and birds in the forest.”

The black haired woman seemed uneasy. “They have more to face then where to find food.”

A light haired man stepped forward. His jaw sat askew. “They’re not children, Bluestar. They know how to keep themselves safe.”

“I know that, Stormstar,” Bluestar snapped. “It’s not the bears and wolves I’m worried about. It’s our people themselves.”

“There have always been bad apples in the Clans,” Stormstar replied calmly. “But the Clans are not in danger. They can handle their own.”

“Enough,” Spottedleaf urged. “Our people have traveled far and suffered much. They kept going, even when they didn’t know which way to go. Now, they will divide into four Clans again. Pain is coming to those who traveled to the ocean, but not from each other.”

“They need to mark their land.” A man with auburn hair came to stand beside Stormstar. “They must separate before trouble arises.”

Bluestar sighed heavily. “We cannot stop the trouble from coming, Oakheart. And neither can they. But these future events must happen. It’s the only way to ensure the three will be born.”

Another man stepped forward, gazing into the starry water. “We must prepare to comfort our Clans when the trouble comes.”

“Nightstar is right,” Stormfur agreed. “The ancients have already given their instructions. The Clans must be settled to deal with the new danger.”

A booming voice sounded from the back of the crowd. Quickly and respectfully, those on the hollow’s edge separated to let a huge man step through. His hair was bright orange, his cloak the same color with white spots in each corner. His entire figure glowed, brighter than any of the others.

“Thunderstar!” Bluestar’s eyes widened in shock. Quickly, she bowed. “Why have you joined us?”

Thunderstar met her gaze- brown staring into blue. “Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red.”

As he spoke, the water began to change. A red stain spread across its surface, rippling outward like a flame.

His message rang out, silencing the crowd of StarClan warriors.

Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw stood at the top of the slope, gazing at the lake below. The Clans had finally found their new home, just as Midnight had promised. StarClan was waiting for them.

Around him, the warriors of all four Clans murmured to each other, staring into the dark, unfamiliar space.

“We should wait until the sun rises,” Brightheart said. “It’s too dark to see.”

“We’ve come this far,” Cloudtail replied. “I’m not waiting any longer. I want to see our new home.”

“Don’t come crying when you get your head ripped off,” Russetfur snapped. “You have no idea what’s down there.

“We’re all tired and weak,” Blackclaw said. “We should rest.”

“I’m too excited to rest!” Squirrel squeaked. “I want to see our new home!”

Brambleclaw couldn’t help but smile at the apprentice. She had hardly matured in the many years since they’d first left the Clans to find the ocean. She had hardly grown taller, but her frame was more filled out and strong. Her bouncy red hair was cut short, bouncing around her ears. Brambleclaw would dare to say she’d grown attractive.

“Can you believe it, Brambleclaw?” Squirrel asked. “We did it! We found our new home!” Her muscles bunched, ready to take off down the hill.

“Squirrel!” Firestar barked sharply. “Don’t you dare.” He came to join them. “We all need to stick together.

Squirrel nodded respectfully then stepped back. She shot a sideways glance at Brambleclaw, unable to hide her excitement.

Firestar walked over to join Blackstar and Leopardstar. “I suggest we send a patrol to scout,” he said.

“Good idea, but we can’t stay here while we wait,” Leopardstar said. “It’s too exposed.”

Blackstar nodded in agreement. “We should find shelter.”

“We need to rest first.” Mudclaw came up to join them. Tallstar was on his knees not far off, face to the sky, mouth open as he took in breath. “Tallstar can’t go much farther.”

“Then we’ll send out the patrol now,” Firestar said. “The rest of us will follow more slowly until we find shelter.”

Blackstar called for Russetfur, while Leopardstar signaled for Mistyfoot.

“Go as far as the lake, then come straight back,” Leopardstar ordered. “Survey the land.”

The two nodded, then turned to head down the slope. Within a few moments, they had vanished into the darkness.

Firestar watched them go before shouting for the others to join him. Mudclaw returned to Tallstar, helping the elderly leader to his feet. The Clans clustered together behind the leaders and followed them down the slope toward the lake.

Brambleclaw stared down at the lake. Squirrel noticed he wasn’t moving. “Is something wrong?”

“I want…” He glanced around and spotted his sister, Tawnypelt. He called her over. “I want us all to go down together. Everyone who traveled to the ocean.”

Four people remained from the original six who had gone to find Midnight. They had gained something precious during their time together. A strong friendship had been forged between them, stronger than the bonds of family or Clanship.

Brambleclaw wanted to travel with them one last time before they were separated forever.

Tawnypelt smiled, nodding in agreement. She also understood that they would soon be rivals again. The next time they met could be in battle. The pain of parting made Brambleclaw’s chest ache.

“Where’s Crowfeather?” Tawnypelt asked.

Brambleclaw looked up and spotted the young WindClan warrior not far off, walking beside Tallstar. The WindClan leader looked exhausted, trudging along like he was wading through water. He leaned heavily on Onewhisker’s shoulder. Barkface walked close behind, looking worried.

“Hey, Crowfeather!” Squirrel called.

The WindClan warrior came to join them. “What is it?”

“Walk down to the lake with us,” Brambleclaw urged. “I want us to finish the journey together.”

Crowfeather frowned. “There’s no point. We’re not together anymore. Stormfur is in the mountains and Feathertail is dead.”

“Feathertail will always be with us,” Squirrel insisted. “As long as we can see the stars, she can see us. And we’ll see Stormfur again. It’s only a few days’ walk to the mountains. We could visit.”

Crowfeather sighed. “Alright. Let’s go.”

They fell to the back of the slow moving group. Mothwing walked in front of them, along with a gaggle of apprentices from all the Clans. On the far side, Tallpoppy was helping her young son, Marsh, down the steep slope. Cloudtail and Brightheart hurried over to help. Farther down the slope, Cedarheart and Rowanclaw flanked the group, keeping lookout.

It was impossible to tell one Clan from the other. They walked side by side, helping one another. Brambleclaw wondered if they even could divide again, and how painful it would be for those who had made friends in different Clans.

“Come on, Brambleclaw!” Squirrel urged. She grabbed his wrist, trying to pull him down the slope. He followed, wanting to move slow. He realized he didn’t want to split up again. How could he say goodbye?

Suddenly, he heard Tawnypelt groan. She was looking at a shining fence. A few other warriors had stopped to stare at it as well.

“That means there’s other people here already,” Squirrel said. “Are we meant to live alongside them?”

“It’s a ranch,” Crowfeather said. “There’s a horse over there.”

He pointed to a large, dark shape standing under a tree by the fence.

“I’ve never seen a horse before,” White said. “My grandma told me when she was really little, instead of monsters, townsfolk road in huge wooden boxes pulled by horses.”

“That’s right,” Mudclaw agreed. “But they won’t bother us from here.”

We saw some when we went to the ocean,” Brambleclaw said. “They didn’t even look at us.”

“I don’t see any houses,” Tawnypelt said. “Maybe it’s just the ranch.”

“Let’s hope so,” Brambleclaw said. He’d never had a problem living close to couthies until they’d destroyed the forest. Now, he was worried the same thing might happen to their new home.

“We should still stay away from them,” Squirrel said.

They followed the others along the fence. Suddenly, the entire group stopped, nearly bumping into each other.”

“What’s going on?” Squirrel called.

Cinderpelt answered. “Russetfur and Mistyfoot are back.”

The leaders, along with Mudclaw, stood around a tree stump. Mistyfoot and Russefur were giving them their report. The others sunk down on the springy grass to rest.

Brambleclaw stepped carefully around them to join the leaders.

“The ground around the lake is boggy,” Mistyfoot reported. “It would be dangerous to go farther in the dark.”

“Then we should stop here for the night,” Firestar said. “We all need sleep, and the lake doesn’t sound very comfortable.”

Leopardstar murmured her agreement, and Blackstar nodded. Mudclaw urged Tallstar to respond, but the WindClan leader looked like he was too exhausted to move.

“He’s on his last blessing,” Brambleclaw said. “I don’t think he’ll last much longer.”

“Tallstar is old,” Crowfeather said. “He just needs rest.” He sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

Blackstar stood on top of the tree stump. “We have reached the place StarClan wanted us to find!” His booming voice carried over all of the Clans. “We will stay here and rest for the night. Tomorrow, we find our new camps.”

“Can’t we eat?” someone called.

“We’ll wait until morning,” Blackstar replied. “It’s too dangerous to hunt in the dark.”

“We should post guards to keep watch,” Firestar added. “Deputies, assign a few warriors to stay awake for a while longer.”

The meeting broke up and the Clans settled down to sleep. Barkface nudged Tallstar into the long grass, where the frail leader collapsed.

“I should help,” Crowfeather said, joining the other WindClan warriors.

“I’d better check in with Russetfur,” Tawnypelt murmured. “Bye, Brambleclaw.” She headed for where her Clanmates were clustering around the ShadowClan deputy.

Brambleclaw wondered if he should volunteer to keep watch. Sootfur and Ferncloud stood in the shadows, along with their youngest son, Birch. Dustpelt was helping Longtail sit down in the grass. As Brambleclaw looked at ThunderClan’s only remaining elder, his heart ached terribly. His mother, Goldenflower had stayed behind in the old territory, not wanting to make the journey.

Squirrel hurried over to help. Bramblclaw noticed a dip in the ground beyond a clump of trees. Grass grew thickly and a few bushes surrounded it.

“The elders can shelter there,” Brambleclaw suggested.

“Good idea,” Dustpelt said. “Come on, Longtail, it’s almost over.”

“This had better be the right place,” Longtail growled. “I’m not moving another inch until I’m heading directly for my new bed.”

Brambleclaw and Dustpelt exchanged an amused glance. A few other elders came to join them, sliding into the hollow.

“You two find somewhere to sleep,” Dustpelt ordered once Longtail was settled. “You’ll need your strength for tomorrow.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Squirrel was nearly cut off by a yawn.

“Over there looks good.” Brambleclaw led the way to where a gorse bush grew against the fence. He sat down. The grass was soft.

Squirrel followed and immediately flopped into the grass, wrapping her cloak around herself. “Good night,” she murmured.

Brambleclaw laid down beside her. He realized how much he was dreading finding a new camp. They’d be separated, even in their own camp. He’d sleep in the warrior’s hut, while she’d return to the other apprentices.

Chapter Text

“Wake up, Brambleclaw!”

Brambleclaw groaned, feeling Squirrel digging a finger into his side. Watery yellow daylight coated the land.

“The sun’s up,” Squirrel said. “And I want to hunt. Come with me.”

Blinking sleep from his eyes, Brambleclaw stood up. A cold breeze blew over the surface of the lake and rattled the reeds on the shore. The shining gray water stretched out in front of them. Above the hills on one side, the sky was starting to glow. Back the way they had come, the land sloped up into bare moorland. The fence stretched across it. In the growing light, Brambleclaw could make out a few houses on the horizon. On the far side of the lake was a gray green-mist. Brambleclaw realized it was leafless trees, stretching along the shore. His heart lifted. Soon, he’d be back under the trees.

The glow on the horizon grew brighter as the sun edged over it. The last stars faded, turning the sky a clear, pale blue.

“We’ll need breakfast,” Brambleclaw said to Squirrel.

Firestar had woken up, meeting with Leopardstar, Blackstar and Mudclaw. They had emerged from a small dip in the ground where they must have slept. Tallstar wasn’t among them.

“Do you think Tallstar will die?” Brambleclaw murmured.

Squirrel shook her head. “I believe Crowfeather. He just needs rest.”

Brambleclaw hoped she was right, but knew she probably wasn’t. Firestar had climbed onto the tree stump. He shouted for the Clans to join together. As they grew closer, Brambleclaw spotted Tallstar laying in a separate dip from where the rest of the leaders had slept. Barkface was beside him.

“People of all Clans,” Firestar announced. “Today, we have decisions to make and tasks to carry out-”

“Hunting patrols will be sent out right away,” Mudclaw interrupted. “WindClan will take the hills and RiverClan can fish in the lake. ThunderClan-”

“Mudclaw, let Firestar finish!” Onewhisker growled angrily. “You don’t get to command all the Clans. You’re not even leader yet.”
Brambleclaw winced at his choice of words. “Yet” implied it was going to happen soon.

“Well, someone has to take charge,” Mudclaw went on. “Someone should decide the territories, so everyone gets a fair amount of land.”

Barks of laughter sounded from the crowd. Mudclaw stared around furiously, realizing no one trusted him to do the job.

“Alright, enough.” Firestar raised his hands, asking for silence. “Now, if I could finish…I would like to start ThunderCan’s life here by honoring a new warrior. Squirrel, come here.”

“What?” Astonished, Squirrel sprang up.

“Go.” Brambleclaw nudged her forward.

Firestar’s eyes shone with love as his daughter approached. “ThunderClan owes you more than I can say for journeying to the ocean and helping to lead the Clans to their new home. Dustpelt and I agree it’s time you earned your warrior name.”

Too shocked to speak, Squirrel approached the tree stump. Sandstorm and Leaf came to flank Firestar on either side, eyes shining with pride.

Firestar stepped down from the stump. “This will be the first time anyone has said these words in our new home,” he began. “I, Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Squirrel, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

Squirrel’s voice was loud and clear. “I do.”

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

Firestar leaned down to press his forehead against Squirrelflight’s. She stood up tall to meet him. Brambleclaw’s heart swelled with second-hand joy. The day he and Squirrelflight had left for the ocean, she’d gotten into a big fight with her father. The two had often argued. Firestar’s calm intelligence clashed with Squirrelflight’s stubborn recklessness.

Once Firestar stepped away, Leaf was the first to raise her voice. “Squirrelflight! Squirrelflight!”

Others joined her. Squirrelflight looked around, green eyes shining. All four Clans shared equal excitement. Brambleclaw gently pushed through the crowd to join her, flanked by Tawnypelt and Crowfeather. Although all of the Clans had seen Squirrelflight’s value, only those who had journeyed to the ocean truly knew her.

“Congratulations,” Tawnypelt said. Crowfeather put a hand on Squirrelflight’s shoulder and nodded.

“Well done, Squirrelflight,” Brambleclaw said. “But don’t forget, you’re the newest warrior. You still have to listen to your seniors.”

Squirrelflight smirked. “You can’t order me around!”

“Warrior or not, she’ll be just as headstrong,” Dustpelt put in.

Squirrelflight laughed. “Just like you!”

The voices died down as Blackstar stepped onto the tree stump. “With that out of the way, it’s time we established our land claims. We’re going to send a patrol of one person from each Clan to explore the lake. Tawnypelt will represent ShadowClan.”

“Brambleclaw will go for ThunderClan,” Firestar announced.

“And Crowfeather for WindClan,” Mudclaw called.

Excitement thrilled through Brambleclaw. They’d chosen those who’d gone to the ocean.

“Wow,” Tawnypelt cooed. “This is the first time Blackstar’s ever let me represent ShadowClan.”

“Mistyfoot will represent RiverClan,” Leopardstar said.

“Can’t I go, too?” Squirrelflight protested. “I went on the journey, too. I want to go on the patrol.”

“We only need one person from each Clan,” Blackstar said logically. Too bad for him, Brambleclaw knew logic wouldn’t stop Squirrelflight when she made up her mind.

“You think only four people are enough for scouting an entire lake?” Squirrelflight objected. “What if they run into danger?”

“She does have a point,” Firestar said calmly. “We’ll consider it her warrior’s task. She can’t sit vigil like usual, since we don’t have a camp.”

Blackstar glanced at Leopardstar, who just shrugged. Mudclaw had his arms crossed. “I guess so.”

“Alright,” Blackstar growled. “Squirrelflight can go.”

Squirreflight grinned.

“Go all way the around the lake, and explore the surrounding land as much as you can,” Firestar instructed. “We need to know the land, and who should get what. ThunderClan wants forest, ShadowClan will want swamps and pine trees, WindClan needs open space, and RiverClan will need, well, a river. Keep a lookout for places that would make good camps. And take note of nearby settlements.”

“Anything else?” Crowfeather muttered.

“Take as long as you need,” Firestar went on. “But if you’re not back in two days, we’ll send someone after you.”

“Yes, Firestar,” Mistyfoot said.

“Good luck,” Leopardstar called.

By now, the sun had risen above the hill. Brambleclaw nodded to the leaders before turning to head for the lake. He walked beside Mistyfoot for a few steps, then stopped quickly. The others had gone behind them, glancing around nervously. On the journey, they’d walked side by side, one taking control whenever their specific skills were needed. Quickly, Brambleclaw dropped back to walk by the others. Mistyfoot was older than all of them, and Clan deputy. She should probably lead the patrol.

Mistyfoot glanced over her shoulder, her gaze cool, then continued toward the lake.

Squirrelflight was stifling her laughter.

Soon, they could hear waves lapping at the shore. The gray water was flooded with rainbow colors as the sun rose higher over the hills. It stretched so far away that the trees on the other side looked like a green blur. The water was still, silence hanging over it. Brambleclaw wondered how deep it went. Even Mistyfoot looked daunted by the amount of water.

She shook herself. “Let’s see what StarClan has given us.”

Chapter Text

Leaf watched as her sister and the rest of the patrol made their way to the lake. She walked between Brambleclaw and Crowfeather. For a moment, Leaf felt envious of their close friendship. She had friends among all the Clans now, but she’d never be as close as those who had journeyed to the ocean together.

Her gaze was drawn to Crowfeather’s lean figure. Leaf had found him hard to understand. She wished she could know him better. He seemed the most hostile toward the other Clans, yet he’d put himself in danger over and over again for their sake. Leaf recalled when he’d helped to save her from a wolf, or had helped many of the elders and children cross a deep gap in the mountains. He was kind when he needed to be.

She jumped when Cinderpelt’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Did you want to go with them?”

Leaf hesitated. She was a healer, not a warrior. Her job was to be here, looking after the Clan. So why did she so badly want to go with the patrol? More than anything, she wanted to walk beside Crowfeather. Would he eventually warm up to her?

“Are you alright?” Cinderpelt looked her up and down closely.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Leaf said.

“Good, because we have four exhausted Clans to look after, and we’re nearly out of herbs.”

Leaf wondered if she should have gone with the patrol after all. She could have gathered more supplies for the healers.

“We’re having a meeting with the other healers,” Cinderpelt went on. “We need to discuss finding new herbs, and where to meet during the half moon. We can’t go back to the Moonstone every two weeks- it’s over a month long walk anyway. Which means we need to find an alternative.”

Mothwing was already sitting near a bramble thicket, along with Littlecloud. Around them, warriors and apprentices from all four Clans were dividing into hunting patrols.

Cinderpelt waited for the patrols to leave before joining the other healers. Leaf sat beside Mothwing.

Mothwing looked nervous. “I feel so helpless! I have no supplies, and everyone is weak and tired.”

Leaf wasn’t surprised by her friend’s anxiety. She’d hadn't trained for very long before her mentor, Mudfur, had died.

“Where’s Barkface?” Cinderpelt glanced around.

“Still with Tallstar,” Littlecloud replied. He sighed. “Although I don’t think there’s anything else he can do.”

Leaf flinched. It didn’t seem fair that StarClan should take Tallstar before his Clan settled into their new home.

“He’s coming now.” Cinderpelt quieted down once Barkface arrived.

“How’s Tallstar?” Littlecloud asked.

Barkface shook his head. “He’s going to die. Although I don’t know how much longer he’ll keep fighting. He wants to see the new territory.”

“He was a noble leader,” Cinderpelt murmured. “He’ll always be remembered. Meanwhile, we have things to discuss.”

“We need to look for more herbs,” Mothwing said.

“True,” Cinderpelt agreed. “But first, we need to make this place home. The patrol is looking for new camps, but that’s not all that made the forest our home. We need a place for Gatherings. We need a place to visit StarClan.”

“Are we sure this is the right place?” Littlecloud asked. “Maybe we were supposed to settle closer to the Moonstone. It’s the only way we can reach StarClan.”

“It must be the right place,” Leaf pleaded. “I saw it in my dream. A-and Stoneteller could talk to his Ancestors, even though he didn’t have a Moonstone. So maybe we just need to find a place like that.”

“I believe StarClan will show us,” Cinderpelt said. “But if Tallstar really is going to die soon, we’ll need it quickly. I don’t imagine Mudclaw will want to wait for his blessings.”

“We’ll just have to wait,” Littlecloud said. “We can’t reach out to StarClan without a Moonstone.”

“Does it really matter?” Mothwing asked. “As long as we can find the herbs we need, we can help our Clans.”

The other healers turned to her, astonished. Leaf winced. Didn’t Mothwing know by now how important StarClan was for the Clans? If StarClan hadn’t warned the Clans about the destruction of the forest, they’d all be dead by now.

“Mothwing’s right,” Leaf said. “While we wait for StarClan’s sign, we should carry on caring for our Clans like normal.”

Cinderpelt nodded.

“We could use more herbs,” Littlecloud agreed.

Barkface heaved himself to his feet. “If you don’t mind, I need to get back to Tallstar. But if any of you find coltsfoot, I’d appreciate if you’d tell me.”

“There won’t be any coltsfoot until Spring,” Mothwing said. “Will juniper berries work?”

Barkface nodded. “Yes, they will. Thanks, Mothwing.”

“We’ll find you some,” Cinderpelt promised.

Nodding in thanks, Barkface hurried off to where Tallstar lay in the dip. He exchanged a few words with Onewhisker.

“Well done, Mothwing!” Leaf said. “I didn’t even think about juniper berries.”

Mothwing nodded. “Where should we look first?”

Cinderpelt stood up stiffly. “Away from the ranch. Let’s head for the lake.”

“But Mistyfoot said it was boggy,” Leaf reminded her.

“All sorts of things grow around bogs,” Mothwing said. “I always look for herbs where there’s plenty of water.”

The four healers headed in the same direction as the patrol had. The ground was spongy.

“I hope it’s not all like this,” Leaf murmured as she sank into the mud. Across the lake, she saw a dot of forest.

Littlecloud, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped in front of a clump of horsetail. Farther away were more of the big plants. Leaf’s spirits rose.

“This is great!” Cinderpelt said. “It never grew this well in the forest. We’ll collect some on our way back. Leaf, do you remember what it’s used for?”

Leaf was surprised by the sudden questioning, but answered promptly. “Infected wounds.”

“That’s right,” Littlecloud said. “And we’ll need it. It’s been hard keeping our scratches clean.”

Cinderpelt nodded. “Everyone, remember where it is.” She set of again, the others following. Leaf was pleased when she noticed a clump of water mint.

“I don’t think juniper berries will grow here,” Mothwing said. “It’s too wet.”

“Why don’t you and Leaf head away from the shore?” Cinderpelt suggested. “I see bushes over there. Some of them might be juniper.”

“Sure.” Mothwing veered away from the water, heading toward a ridge. Leaf followed close behind, relieved when they were on dry ground.

They pushed into a sheltered thicket of trees. Leaf recognized the spiky dark leaves of juniper bushes. Purple berries hung from the branches.

“Perfect,” she said happily, biting them off the stems.

Once they had collected as many berries as they could carry, they turned back to the lake. Cinderpelt and Littlecloud were at the water’s edge. From here, Leaf could see a large clump of trees near the edge of the lake, poking out from the water.

“There’s an island in the lake,” Mothwing said, echoing Leaf’s thoughts. “That would make a great place for a Gathering! It’s big enough for all the Clans, and we wouldn’t be disturbed. Let’s tell the others.”

Leaf followed Mothwing slowly. She didn’t agree. Only RiverClan would be able to reach the island, unless all of the Clans would be willing to put in the work of building a bridge.

When they reached the others, Mothwing excitedly told them about the island. All four of them walked to the lake to have a closer look. The ground was dry here, falling away into a rocky shore with a few tough thorn bushes rooted into the cracks.

“It looks safe enough,” Cinderpelt said. “But how will we get over there? I don’t think the elders will like having to swim to every Gathering."

Littlecloud laughed and Mothwing frowned.

“Maybe it’s shallow enough to wade through,” Leaf suggested.

“What will we do when it’s freezing cold?” Littlecloud said. “We’ll all get sick.”

“I could swim over there and look around,” Mothwing offered.

Cinderpelt nodded. “Sure.”

After discarding her cloak and handing it to Leaf, Mothwing picked her way down the rocks and waded into the water. Once the water reached her waist, she bent down and began to swim. It seemed too deep to wade across.

The three remaining healers watched for signs of danger. But the lake was entirely quiet. The sun had hardly moved by the time Mothwing was diving back into the water to rejoin them.

Mothwing climbed out of the water. Leaf handed her the golden cloak. “It’s perfect! The edges are surrounded by trees, but there’s a clearing in the middle. There’s a huge oak tree, too, and the branches are low. The leaders could stand there when they address the Clans.”

Littlecloud shook his head. “Sounds better as RiverClan’s camp rather than a place for Gatherings. The other Clans won’t want to swim over.”

Leaf had to agree with him. The elders and apprentices wouldn’t make it over the water without getting sick. And if the lake ever flooded, someone could drown. It just wasn’t worth it.

The healers turned away from the lake to return to the other clans. Leaf glanced over her shoulder at the island. It sounded perfect for Gatherings, but it wasn’t reachable. She supposed the Clans could ban together and make a bridge of some sort, but would they find it worth it?

Chapter Text

Mistyfoot set a steady pace. Brambleclaw kept a lookout for animals, basking in the warmth of the sun. He wanted to race ahead and explore that forest, but he needed to stay with the group.

“This is the worst!” Squirrelflight whined, slipping into another boggy hollow. She pulled her foot from the squelching mud. “There’s no way StarClan wants us to live here.”

“RiverClan and ShadowClan would do fine,” Mistyfoot replied. “But there won’t be much to hunt around here, and limited herbs could grow. It’s useless land.”

“We don’t have to use all the land around the land,” Tawnypelt pointed out. “There’s plenty of other space.”

“As long as we find something better,” Crowfeather added.

Brambleclaw paused, scanning the land. The ranch was far behind them, and the grassland sloped upward until it vanished beneath a thick growth of gorse. Ahead, the swamp stretched along the lakeshore. In the distance, Brambleclaw could see a forest, along with what appeared to be an island near the shore.

“We’ll be out of the marsh soon,” he said.

“Can’t we climb the hill?” Squirrelflight asked.

“We could hunt up there,” Tawnypelt added. “We should eat soon,”

“We’re supposed to be exploring the lake,” Brambleclaw replied.

“And the land around it,” Crowfeather reminded him.

“I suppose you’re right,” Brambleclaw said. “Okay. How about we head up the ridge? We can hunt on the way while-” He paused, catching Mistyfoot’s eye. “Um…what do you think, Mistyfoot?”

Mistyfoot was smiling, amused. “No, go on, Brambleclaw. It’s clear you’re all used to discussion with each other.”

“I wouldn’t call it discussion,” Tawnypelt said dryly. “More like arguing.” She shot a glare at Squirrelflight and Crowfeather.

“You’re just mad we were always right,” Squirrelflight retorted.

Brambleclaw rolled his eyes fondly, then led the way up the slope.

There were plenty of animals father up the slope. It wasn’t long before all five of them were sitting around a fire to eat.

“That was the best meal I’ve eaten in months,” Squirrelflight murmured. “I could sleep all day.”

“No, you won’t,” Brambleclaw said. “We’ve still got a while to go, and we can only travel with the sun up.”

“Fine.” Squirrelflight stood up. “You’re so bossy, Brambleclaw! I’m a warrior now, too.”

“I’m still older and more experienced than you,” Brambleclaw retorted. The others were standing, ready to set off again. They were growing closer to the island he’d spotted earlier. He noticed three figures standing on the shore.

“Leaf!” Squirrelflight called.

“I think she’s too far to hear,” Brambleclaw told her.

They headed down the ridge toward the island. The marsh was thinning out. Here, the ground was covered with long grass.

“This is much better,” Crowfeather muttered.

Noon soon passed as they traveled around the edge of the lake. A stretch of smooth, round pebbles ran down to the water. Not far from the shore, he spotted ripples were fish were prodding at the surface.

“The lake is filled with fish,” Mistyfoot observed.

Brambleclaw took a moment to look around. There was a moor not far back, perfect for WindClan. RiverClan could thrive anywhere along the lake. There was a forest not far off that ThunderClan could use. Would they have to share it with ShadowClan, or would they want to claim the marshes?

The pebbles were growing larger and more slippery. They slowed down to pick their way carefully toward the lake. The water bulged into the land ahead of them. Brambleclaw stopped to look at the opposite shore. He could see pine trees surrounding a grassy area close to the water. A wooden structure jutted into the water. It looked like a bridge, but it didn’t go all the way across the water.

“What’s that?” Brambleclaw asked.

“It’s called a dock,” Mistyfoot said. “Some people use them to fish farther into the water, instead of just at the shore.”

“Does that mean there’s other people living here?” Tawnypelt asked.

“I don’t see any houses from here,” Mistyfoot replied.

“We can check it out when we get there,” Brambleclaw said.

They moved on, walking in silence. Before long, Brambleclaw heard what sounded like running water. The ground was growing moist. Just ahead, he could see a thick line of reeds winding away from the lake.

“A river!” Mistyfoot exclaimed.

The river overflowed into the lake. Pebbly shallows led into deeper channels that curved around small stones that jutted from the water. It was green and cool, shaded by reeds. Clumps of brown, dry bracken suggested more lush vegetation in the summer.

“RiverClan will love this place,” Mistyfoot said.

“I can see fish!” Squirrelflight said.

Brambleclaw followed where her finger was pointing. A silver flash sent ripples through the surface of the water.

“I can catch one for us,” Mistyfoot offered.

“We can catch our own,” Tawnypelt said politely.

Mistyfoot cocked her head. “Where did you lean to fish?”

“Feathertail taught us.” Crowfeather’s voice was subdued. He took a few steps downstream, where he sat close to the water, staring into the depths. He loaded an arrow into his bow.

Brambleclaw’s heart ached for him. Feathertail had been his first true friend, and she’d been ripped away from him so unfairly. Brambleclaw wondered if Crowfeather would ever open up like that again.

Mistyfoot didn’t look happy about Feathertail being mentioned, either. She had once been Feathertail’s mentor, and had taken care of her and her brother after their mother died. She moved to the shore and knelt down to wait for her own fish. Tawnypelt and Squirrelflight joined her, but Brambleclaw stayed in the reeds, watching for danger. They still didn’t know if anyone or anything else was already on this land. The ranch and dock suggested the presence of townsfolks.

By the time the others had caught their fish, Brambleclaw had started a fire for them to use, but kept back.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Squirreflight asked.

“I’ll keep watch,” he said. He noticed a gleam in her green eyes.

“Don’t be stupid,” she said. “You need to eat.”

Tawnypelt was watching them. “I remember when you two couldn’t stand each other.”

Brambleclaw remembered, too. He supposed they’d both been immature back then, before the journey, when they fought over every petty little thing. But it was easier to get along with Squirrelflight now. She was older, more mature, and her world view had been expanded.

“Things change,” Brambleclaw said.

Once they’d finished eating, Tawnypelt stood up and stretched. “Where to now?”

“I’d like to explore downstream,” Mistyfoot said. “We were told to look for places to make camps.”

Brambleclaw nodded, and the patrol walked single file along the bank of the river. Mistyfoot took the lead. As they went downstream, the river began to thin out into a small stream. It branched out and fell down a slope, then came back together to form a large, mossy island.

“That’s perfect!” Mistyfoot’s eyes shone. She crossed the main stream, stepping from one stone to the nother.

“Looks like RiverClan is settled,” Tawnypelt commented.

“Nothing is settled yet,” Crowfeather said sharply. “The leaders will decide how to divide up the land.”

“Don’t tell me WindClan wants to live by a stream,” Squirrelflight retorted. “Tallstar will want the moor.”

“Let’s not argue right now,” Brambleclaw said. He knew this place was perfect for RiverClan, but ThunderClan would like it, too. They’d never hunted fish before, but they could learn, and there were enough trees to make them feel at home. Brambleclaw kept these thoughts to himself.

Mistyfoot soon returned. “I’ve seen enough. This place is perfect for RiverClan’s camp. Let’s keep going.”

Brambleclaw led the way to the other side of the stream. They headed back to the lake, soon emerging from the trees and onto the shore. In front of them was the dock, closer now.

Brambleclaw heard a familiar rumbling in the distance. “A Thunderpath!” he growled. His entire body went cold, memories flashing back to the huge monsters that had ripped through the forest.

“Let’s take a look,” Mistyfoot said calmly. When no one else moved, she crossed her arms. “We lived near the old Thunderpaths for centuries, and they never caused that much trouble. This one seems quieter. Now come on.”

Brambleclaw shuddered. He followed Mistyfoot warily. Soon, they came to a hard, black surface that winded through the grass like a snake. It was much narrower than the old Thunderpath, and completely quiet.

“It goes down to the lake,” Crowfeather observed.

The Thunderpath ended beside the lake in a wide area covered with the same black material. At one side was a small cabin.

“It must be a summer home,” Mistyfoot said. “There was a few near RiverClan’s old land. People only use them during the summer.”

“Over here!” Squirrelflight had ventured right up to the dock, gazing into the water.

“Be careful!” Brambleclaw hurried over to join her. His footsteps made a soft thudding sound on the planks of wood. Some of them rattled ominously.

“Look!” Squirrelflight leaned over the water and pointed. A large object was floating in the water. It was in the shape of a leaf and made from wood.

“It’s called a boat,” Mistyfoot said, coming to join them. “Townsfolk use them to travel all the way into the water without getting wet.” She looked back at the cabin. “If people are really only here for the summer, we shouldn’t have to worry about them.”

“Will they be upset with us being here when they come?” Squirrelflight asked.

Mistyfoot shrugged. “We’ll worry about it when it happens. As long as they stay out of our way, we’ll stay out of there.” She looked at each of them in turn. “This place is just as dangerous as our old home. We will adapt, just as our ancestors did before us.”

Squirrelflight nodded, but Brambleclaw narrowed his eyes. Mistyfoot was treating them like anxious apprentices. They had placed plenty of dangers when journeying to the ocean.

“Let’s keep moving,” Squirrelflight said.

“Right,” Brambleclaw agreed. He followed her of the dock, glaring at Mistyfoot when the deputy took lead again.

“She’s deputy,” Squirrelflight murmured, catching his gaze. “She’s used to taking charge.”

Brambleclaw wanted to retort. He and his friends had seen more and traveled further than any other living Clanfolk. Then, he caught Squirrelflight’s sympathetic green eyes and relaxed. He was much younger than Mistyfoot and she was a deputy. He should have expected her to take over.

“I know,” he replied calmly.

Brambleclaw started to feel better once they left behind the cabin. They were approaching a pine forest. The sun was starting to go down, and a red light shone through the trees.

This place reminded Brambleclaw of ShadowClan’s old land. The pine trees were only a small stretch, which then gave way to a sticky marsh.

“Do you think ShadowClan would like this place?” he aksed Tawnypelt.

“Maybe. But these trees are pretty big. We used to be able to climb right into them.”

She was right. These pines grew tall and narrow, their lowest branches well above Brambleclaw’s head.

“You don’t need to camp in the trees,” Crowfeather said.

Tawnypelt nodded, looking around. The old ShadowClan camp had been surrounded by thorn bushes, dense enough to keep the Clan hidden and discourage animals from approaching.

The ground sloped gently upward. The lake was still visible through the trees, glimmering silver. The forest floor was smooth and clear, with little undergrowth.

It wasn’t anything like what Brambleclaw remembered of ShadowClan’s land. The old pine forest had been dreary and dark, covered in swamps and bogs.

Tawnypelt took the lead, moving up the slope. The thick covering of brittle pine needles muffled her steps. Everything was quiet here. Brambleclaw jumped in surprise when a bird soared upward, sending out a loud alarm call.

“This place doesn’t seem very homely,” Squirrelflight said.

Brambleclaw didn’t reply. It wasn’t supposed to be homely to them. If anything, this place was meant for ShadowClan.

They didn’t get much farther before Mistyfoot stopped. “We should head back to the lake. It’ll be dark soon.”

“We need to find ShadowClan’s new camp,” Tawnypelt insisted stubbornly.

“We were sent to patrol the whole lake. We can’t waste time exploring one place for too long. ShadowClan can find a camp later.”

“I can’t lead my Clan here and tell them to sleep in the dirt!” Tawnypelt snapped. “If there’s nowhere to camp, we don’t want this place.”

“Enough.” Brambleclaw quickly stepped between them before a fight could break out. “We still have a bit of light left. It won’t hurt to go a little farther. Besides, we need to find a place to sleep.”

“Why can’t we sleep by the lake?” Mistyfoot growled.

“It’s not that we-” Brambleclaw cut himself off. Somewhere far off, he could hear murmuring voices. Then, feeling of heartbeats met his senses.

Crowfeather seemed to sense the other people, too. “It seems someone else is already living here.”

“They might just be passing through,” Squirrelflight reasoned. “But we should still check it out.”

“It’s not important right now,” Mistyfoot said.

“If there’s already someone living here, we need to know,” Brambleclaw said.

Mistyfoot huffed, but didn’t argue.

Brambleclaw led them in the direction he’d heard the voices. Soon, they came to a low wall of gray stone with a house beyond it.

“Someone is living here!” Tawnypelt sounded disappointed.

“Should we take a closer look?” Brambleclaw suggested.

“What for?” Mistyfoot asked.

Before Brambleclaw could reply, Squirrelflight heaved herself over the wall. “I see catmint!”

“Squirrelflight!” Brambleclaw hissed.

“Oh, hush.” She was already kneeling down, picking at the steps. “Leaf will be so happy. Catmint is really important during the winter.”

“Keep your voice down.” Brambleclaw stepped over the short wall. Just as he was approaching Squirrelflight, the door to the house swung open, bathing them in yellow light.

“What’s all this?” A man stood there, face crunched with anger. His voice held a strange accent.

“Hello!” Mistyfoot hopped over the wall. “We’re so sorry! We were just leaving. If you’ll excuse us.”

Before the man could respond, Mistyfoot grabbed Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight, shoving them back toward the wall. She cast a forced, awkward smile toward the man, who stared at them with narrowed eyes.

Once they were back in the trees, Mistyfoot turned on both of them. “That is why I didn’t think we should come here!” she growled. “Townsfolks hate trespassers just as much as we do.”

Brambleclaw lowered his head, ashamed. She was right- they should have left it alone.

“I’m sorry, Mistyfoot.” Squirrelflight apologized. “I was the one who raced into the garden. I should have been more careful.”

“Precisely. You could have gotten hurt. Now, we need to stop for the night before anything else happens.”

She took the lead, stalking through the trees. Tawnypelt and Crowfeather followed silently.

The grounded started to slope more steeply, rocks jutting out from the hill. Brambleclaw slowed down, tripping over a lump of stone. Tussocks of grass and small bushes were rooted in the gaps between the rocks.

Tawnypelt reached the top of the hill first. She stopped abruptly. “Look at that!”

Mistyfoot and Crowfeather joined her side. Although the sun had set, Bramblwclaw made out a wide, shallow dip in the ground, hidden by thorn bushes.

“A camp for ShadowClan!” Squirrelflight said. “We found it!”

“Perhaps.” Tawnypelt was trying to keep calm, although her eyes betrayed excitement. “It’s Blackstar’s decision.”

“At least you have options now,” Mistyfoot said. “You could find a better place once you’ve properly settled.”

“We should stop here for tonight,” Crowfeather said. “It’s no use traveling in the dark.”

“Good idea,” Squirrelflight agreed. “Im exhausted!”

“Is anyone up for hunting?” Mistyfoot asked.

“Can’t we do it tomorrow?” Squirrelflight replied. She yawned. “I’m too tired to hunt.”

They settled down to sleep in the grass near the foot of the slope. Crowfeather was sitting up, keeping watch. As Brambleclaw laid down beside Squirrelflight, he could see the WindClan warrior outlined by the moonlight.

It had been a good day. They’d already found two possible homes for the Clans. But would they be able to find one for ThunderClan?

Chapter Text

When the patrol set off again, the sky was covered in clouds. They made their way back to the lake, heading out of the pine trees. Soon, they were back at the house from the previous night. They avoided it, circling in a wide path.

A chill wind shook the pines. Once they reached the shore, they felt the full force of it. Brambleclaw turned away, the cold blast filling his lungs. They were about half way around the lake now. The lake itself was gray, small waves disturbed by the wind.

“We should stay in the trees,” Brambleclaw suggested.

“As long as we can still see the lake,” Mistyfoot agreed.

The others were pretty happy to be out of the icy wind. They moved on, keeping the lake in sight, but walking under the trees.

Brambleclaw was shuddering from both the cold and the excitement of what today promised. Today, they might find ThunderClan’s new home! Although Brambleclaw was excited, he was also daunted by the task. Did he have good enough judgment to decide where his Clan should live?

“You seem worried.” Squirrelflight’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“I’m fine,” he said. “I just hope StarClan has a good home for us.”

“Of course they do,” Squirrelflight reassured him. She walked close, their arms occasionally brushing. “I know we can trust them.”

Brambleclaw felt a bit warmer, calmed by her voice. Soon, they came to a wide path that winded through the trees. Pine needles settled into dents.

“It’s a horse path,” Crowfeather said.

“No sign of them now,” Tawnypelt observed.

They crossed the path warily. It was strange, being afraid of townsfolk and their ways. Brambleclaw had never batted an eye before. Maybe he should have.

Gradually, the pines thinned out. Cold rain was falling, and wind rattled the branches above.

“Can’t we find somewhere to stop?” Squirrelflight was shivering.

Heads down, they continued on until the trees stopped, giving way to a grassy clearing. They found another path, narrower, with the grass worn from many footsteps.

“I see another dock,” Brambleclaw said, pointing toward a wooden structure that jutted into the lake.

They cautiously crossed the exposed stretch of land. They had a clear view of the lake from here. Suddenly, Brambleclaw realized they were nearly all the way around the lake. They were approaching the last stretch of land before the ranch came up again. If WindClan was going to take the hills, which seemed logical, would ThunderClan have no choice but to take these trees?

Up ahead, Brambleclaw could hear running water. “There’s another river ahead,” Crowfeather said, hearing it, too.

The ground sloped down and the grass gave way to pebbles, which soon turned to a narrow, fast flowing river. There was no stepping stones or islands to help them across.

“It doesn’t look too deep,” Tawnypelt decided. “We could wade through.” She approached the edge of the water. She took one, confident step, then immediately grew back. After a moment, she reentered, wincing. “It’s freezing!’

“Be careful when you get to the middle,” Mistyfoot called. “It’ll be faster there.

The water went up to Tawnypelt’s knees. She paused, then went on more cautiously. Brambleclaw and the others followed. Crowfeather yelped when he slipped on a loose stone, splashing into the water.

Tawnypelt had reached the other shore, climbing out. “It’s cold, but not deep.”

Brambleclaw didn’t think that was enough to make up for the cold. Mistyfoot walked confidently through the water and onto dry land. Squirrelflight, smaller than all of them, had the water up to her stomach.

There was another stretch of open grass on the other side of the stream, with a forest beyond. Brambleclaw raced for cover, thoroughly soaked.

He tried to imagine what this place would look like during the summer, with thick grass and ferns, and a canopy of leaves to shelter them. Right now, the ground was soggy, and he didn’t see any bramble or hazel thickets.

These trees were oak and beech, similar to the old forest. They would provide a home for deer and birds to hunt. Brambleclaw’s spirits began to lift.

“What do you think?” Mistyfoot prompted.

Squirrelflight was digging her foot into the foliage, kicking it up. “There’s a lot of seeds around. Perfect for birds.”

“We should rest,” Brambleclaw said, ignoring Mistyfoot’s question. He wasn’t sure what he thought yet.

“We’ll have to move on if the rain doesn’t stop soon,” Crowfeather warned.

“Let’s go on a bit further,” Mistyfoot decided. “It’ll be warmer among the trees.”

They walked into the trees on a hill that led away from the lake. Soon, they came to a huge, ancient oak surrounded by beech trees. The ground had fallen away around its twisting roots. Under its spanning branches, they sat down to shelter.

“This is harder than traveling to the ocean,” Squirrelflight said. “The dangers, the long walks…it’s nothing compared to having to find homes for four whole Clans.”

Brambleclaw nodded. “I thought it would be easier, too.”

“These are the right trees, but it’s still more open than our old land. Will ThunderClan feel safe here?”

“Especially with townsfolks around,” Brambleclaw pointed out.

“Oh, please.” Tawnypelt had overheard them. “You lived just fine near town before. I’d say there’s less couthies here.”

She made sense, but Brambleclaw was willing to ignore her. He wanted to feel safe in his new home. Maybe he’d grow into it.

“It’ll look better once Spring comes,” Mistyfoot encouraged.

“We still have to find a camp, though,” Squirrelflight said.

“We’ve hardly explored,” Crowfeather said. “Give it time.”

“The rain doesn’t help,” Squirrelflight went on.

Tawnypelt scooted out from beneath the oak, looking at the sky. “It looks like it’s easing.”

Brambleclaw realized she was right. The rain’s steady pattering was fading into uneven bursts. The wind had dropped, and a beam of sunlight glinted on the drops still clinging to the tree branches.

“The clouds are breaking up,” Tawnypelt said.

Brambleclaw stood up, along with the rest of the patrol.

“Should we hunt?” Squirrelflight asked.

“Sure,” Brambleclaw replied. “We’ll look for something on the way.” Now was a great chance to see how well the forest could feed ThunderClan.

Not long after they’d set off, he heard scuffling behind one of the trees. Squirrelflight heard it, too, and raced forward. A small fawn shot out from behind the tree. Squirrelflight raced after it and Brambleclaw groaned. Had she forgotten how to hunt in the forest?

“There’s no way she’ll catch it,” Crowfeather commented.

Squirrelflight leaped over a bush in pursue of the fawn, which quickly serpentined to the side. But Squirrelflight kept going, disappearing behind the bush and crying out in shock.

“Squirrelflight!” Brambleclaw raced forward, peering over the bushes.

“Down here!”

Brambleclaw gasped. The ground fell away just behind the bush. Squirrelflight stood on a ledge that jutted out from the rocks, her fall broken by more bushes.

“Are you alright?” Brambleclaw called.

“No!” Squirrelflight whined. “I’ve got thorns all over me! That stupid deer led me into a trap. But I found something better. Come and look!”

“Can you get back up?”

“Just get down here.”

Brambleclaw carefully stepped over the bush and dropped down onto the ledge. He looked back at the rest of the patrol. “Keep watch. I’ll help her.”

Closer now, Brambleclaw saw the cliff wasn’t too steep. There were plenty of jutting stones to hang onto. He slid down to the ledge, where Squirrelflight was detaching herself from the thorn bush.

A wide, grassy space stretched out in front of them, surrounded by walls of stone. On the opposite side of the clearing, walls stretched far above their heads, although this side was lower.

“Isn’t it perfect?” Squirrelflight said. “It can be our new camp!”

“What?”

“Look around! It’s big, it’s sheltered, it’s hidden. Just like our old camp! We don’t even have to build the walls ourselves.”

Brambleclaw walked into the clearing. The stone walls rose all around him, except for a gap not far away, which was chocked with dead ferns and stems. Brambles surrounded him, and he could see cracks that seemed to lead into caves. This place would be a good camp. The walls reminded Brambleclaw of the ravine that led into ThunderClan’s old camp.

“It’ll do,” he said.

Squirrelflight frowned. “Please, contain your excitement.”

“I’m just wondering how we can defend it. The steep wall is fine, but we came down the other side pretty easily. And there’s a gap over there.”

“That we can use as an entrance,” Squirrelflight said. “And there’s thornbushes growing on the low wall. You’d have to be desperate to come down it. Even if something did, we’d be able to see it coming.”

She headed further into the clearing. Brambleclaw stayed where he was, feeling an agonizing wave of homesickness hit him in the stomach. He wanted the old ThunderClan camp back, with its thorn walls and hidden tunnel that was so easy to defend. It had been so familiar and comfortable and homely. He’d never even got to properly say goodbye to it. He missed the warrior’s hut, and the healer’s cave, and the tree stump where the apprentices would sit to eat. He missed visiting his mother under the fallen tree.

His mother! She was gone now, left behind with that camp. Was she still alive? Had the elders they’d left behind found a place to stay? Perhaps the townsfolks had found them and given them shelter.

It just wasn’t fair!

Why had his home been taken from him? What had the Clans done to deserve this?

The wind picked up, rattling the branches of the trees around the hollow. Brambleclaw took a deep breath.

He realized Squirrelflight was staring at him. “What’s wrong? You don’t like it?”

“It’s not that. It’s just…” He sighed heavily. “I wanted somewhere just like our old camp. Not all this new stuff.”

Squirrelflight gazed at him sympathetically. “I wanted that, too. But we can’t have that. StarClan brought us the best they could find, and we should be thankful for that. This hollow will make a fine camp.”

Brambleclaw looked into her eyes, feeling comforted. “You’re right,” he murmured. “Thanks.”

Squirrelflight smiled. “What would you do without me?”

Brambleclaw snorted, amused, before a voice interrupted them. “This isn’t bad.” Crowfeather had climbed down from the cliff to join them. “I thought you’d gotten hurt.”

“No, we’re fine,” Brambleclaw replied.

“Crowfeather!” Squirrelflight called excitedly. “Do you like ThunderClan’s new camp?”

Crowfeather turned around slowly. “I guess it’s good for ThunderClan. I could never live in something so closed off. It’ll be easy to defend, though.”

“Good thing you don’t have to live here then,” Squirrelflight said.

Crowfeather shrugged in agreement. Tawnypelt and Mistyfoot were picking there way into the hollow.

“Everything looks safe,” Mistyfoot remarked. “This place is nice.”

“We should still be careful,” Tawnypelt urged. “We don’t know this land very well.”

“ThunderClan will have plenty of time to learn,” Squirrelflight said. “This will be our new territory.”

“We should keep moving,” Mistyfoot said. “It’s past noon.”

Brambleclaw nodded in agreement. He looked around, not sure which direction would lead back to the lake. Not far from the entrance, he noticed the ground sloping upward.

“This way,” he suggested. If they gained some height, they might be able to see the lake. He led the way out of the hollow. The grass was still wet from the rain, but the clouds had cleared. The sun shone brightly, although it offered little warmth.

Brambleclaw stopped to look back at the hollow. It was completely hidden, safe and secret. Could it really be made into a camp? He had expected to feel more certain when discovering somewhere for his Clan to live. He thought it would feel like home. Instead, he felt unwelcome and exposed.

The trees began to thin out, and the overgrowth gave way to crisp fallen leaves. Brambleclaw could see open moorland beyond the trees, and soon they reached the edge of the forest. The lake was a gleam of silver in the valley below. Straight ahead lay the moor, the grass rippling in the wind. Gorse thickets dotted it, and Brambleclaw could hear running water.

“What do you think, Crowfeather?” Brambleclaw asked.

The WindClan warrior’s eyes gleamed. “I see rabbits.”

“Then WindClan has their land!” Squirrelflight said. “We can report back to the leaders.”

Crowfeather narrowed his eyes. “Not until we find a camp for WindClan. Come on, there’s still more daylight left.”

“We really need to get back to the others,” Brambleclaw said. The sun was slipping down the sky. “Sorry, Crowfeather, but we don’t have time to find a camp. Tallstar can send another patrol tomorrow to properly explore.”

Crowfeather stood motionless for a moment, studying the hillside. He sighed. “Okay, you’re right. We need to get back before anyone starts to worry.”

There was a guarded look in his eyes, and Brambleclaw guessed he wasn’t entirely torn up. Crowfeather was ferociously loyal to his Clanmates, and he’d want them to be the first to explore their new land, not people outside the Clan.

They followed the slope up to the top of the ridge, the lake stretching out below them line a shining sheet of sky. Brambleclaw walked beside Squirrelflight, gazing around. They climbed the hill to a stream that foamed over rocks and vanished into the trees. They followed it uphill until they found stepping stones to cross. A small stream joined it here, gurgling down a steep, grassy slope.

They came to a sudden drop off. Boulders scattered over the ground in the middle, while gorse and other shrubs grew thickly around the edges. Inside, it would be sheltered from the wind, but not as closed in as the hollow in the forest.

“Hey, this wouldn’t make a bad camp,” Brambleclaw said. “What do you think, Crowfeather?”

Crowfeather stared down the slope. “It looks good. I’ll check it out. You go on.”

“You sure?” Brambleclaw said. “I can stay with you.”

“I’ll be fine,” Crowfeather promised. “We haven’t run into trouble since that house. I can find my way back to the ranch.”

He trotted down the hill. Brambleclaw watched him pause at the edge of the dip before carefully stepping over the gorse.

“I hope he’ll be okay,” Mistyfoot said. “Should we stay with him?”

Brambleclaw shook his head. “He wants to do this on his own. And we need to get back to the ranch before the leaders send someone after us.”

A gust of wind suddenly slammed into them, making Brambleclaw’s eyes water. He wiped his face and saw the ranch not far off. Beyond it, the four Clans waited.

“We’re almost there!” Squirrelflight exclaimed. She raced forward, and the others followed. It was easier to travel out here than in the forest. For a moment, Brambleclaw understood why WindClan loved their open moor.

The sun was setting behind the pine trees, turning the surface of the lake red. They had just reached the bottom of the hill when Crowfeather came racing up to meet them, panting.

“How was it?” Squirrelflight demanded.

Crowfeather was smiling. “Perfect! There’s a path through the bushes, and a bunch of old rabbit warrens that must have been dug out by foxes ages ago. It’s perfect for a camp.”

They moved along the edge of the lake, past the ranch. Not long after they passed the fence, a loud shout called from the darkness. “Who’s there?”

“It’s us, Hawkfrost,” Mistyfoot called.

The RiverClan warrior emerged from the shadows. “Leopardstar sent me to keep an eye out for you. Follow me.”

Brambleclaw tried to catch his half brother’s eye. Did Hawkfrost care about him at all, now that everyone knew they were related? Strangely, he wanted a relationship with his brother, like the one he had with Tawnypelt. Bitter sadness reminded him of his older brother, Swift, who had been killed by a bear when Brambleclaw was still in the nursery. He remembered Swift fondly. He almost hoped Hawkfrost was like him- brave and loyal, if a bit stubborn.
Hawkfrost led them to the trees near the ranch where the Clans were sheltering. Firestar and Blackstar talked together near the tree stump, but otherwise the clearing was deserted.

As soon as the patrol appeared, Blackstar stepped onto the stump. “People of all Clans! The patrol is back!”

The shadowy shapes of people began to appear from the long grass and overgrown bushes. A few climbed down from the trees. Mudclaw pushed his way through his Clanmates to join Blackstar.

“Welcome back.” Firestar approached them. “Any trouble?”

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” Brambleclaw replied.

“Mistyfoot, why don’t you tell everyone what you saw?” Firestar invited.

Mistyfoot nodded, and Blackstar stepped off the stump to give her room. “We have found land for all of the Clans- a river for RiverClan, pine forest for ShadowClan, oaks for ThunderClan, and a moor for WindClan.”

Excited murmurs broke out. Leopardstar’s voice rose above them. “How’s the hunting?”

“Bountiful,” Mistyfoot reported. “Although it’s cold, the lake is bustling with life. There’s even fish in the lake and streams.”

“What about neighbors?” Russetfur called. “Are their any townsfolks?”

“There’s a summer home by the lake, and a cabin in the forest, but that’s it,” Mistyfoot said.

A few people exchanged anxious glances.

“We’ll be able to keep out of their way,” Mistyfoot said quickly. “The cabin is at the edge of the forest, and the boat dock looks like it’s only used in the summer.”

“We need to decide where to put the borders,” Blackstar said.

“Yes,” Firestar agreed. “We can do that once we have a clearer idea of each territory. Thank you, Mistyfoot.”

Once the meeting broke up, Brambleclaw was surprised to see Hawkfrost approaching him. The RiverClan warrior’s blue eyes were friendly.

“You did well, finding us new homes,” he said. “It’s ashame we have to go our separate ways now. I would have liked to get to know you better.”

Brambleclaw blinked in surprise. Did Hawkfrost care for him after all?

“We’ll see each other at Gatherings,” Brambleclaw said.

“Brambleclaw!” Squirrelflight called. “Firestar is waiting for us.” She stopped when she caught sight of Hawkfrost, looking uneasy.

Hawkfrost nodded to her. “Of course. I should get back to my own Clan. I’ll be seeing you, Brambleclaw.” He turned and walked away.

“What did he want?” Squirrelflight asked.

Brambleclaw shrugged. “I think he was being friendly.”

Squirrelflight was frowning. “Well, he’s not friendly. Leaf says he’s trouble.”

“How does she know?”

“I don’t know, but she doesn’t like him a lot.”

Brambleclaw stared after Hawkfrost, wondering what Leaf could have against him. He felt anger bubbling into his stomach, and a need to defend his brother. “If she doesn’t have a good reason, then there’s no reason to be hostile towards him.”

“I guess.”

Brambleclaw glanced at her, trying to see what she was seeing. Hawkfrost was a noble and loyal warrior, who only wanted the best for his Clan. Even Firestar had jumped to his defense- Firestar, who hated Tigerstar more than anyone. So it couldn’t be his relation to the dead leader that made Squirrelflight nervous. After all, she had no problem with Brambleclaw.

His heart suddenly ached. She didn’t have a problem with him, right?

Chapter Text

Leaf looked around for Squirrelflight. She was dying to hear about the new territory. She noticed Sorreltail and called her over. “Have you seen Squirrelflight?”

Her aunt shook her head. “I’ll help you find her. I can’t wait to hear about our new home!”

Leaf nodded, and began weaving through the others. She felt a rush of relief when she spotted her sister with some other ThunderClan warriors.

“It’s a stone hollow, with big walls on each side,” Squirrelflight was saying. “There’s plenty of space to build huts. We could even use part of it as a training area.”

“There’s nothing else living there, right?” Dustpelt asked. “No bears or wolves?”

“Of course not!” Squirrelflight retorted. “We didn’t find any signs.”

Dustpelt still looked uncertain.

“I think it sounds lovely,” Brightheart said. “How did you find it?”

“She fell into it.” Brambleclaw’s voice was dry as he joined them.

Cloudtail laughed. “Sounds about right.”

Squirrelflight spun around to reprimand her cousin, but was cut off as a shout sounded from the stump.

“People of all Clans!”

Leaf turned to see Cinderpelt on the stump.

“Before we separate and go our separate ways, we must decide where to hold the next Gathering. StarClan will want us to meet at the next full moon.”

“But where?” Russetfur asked.

“We didn’t find anywhere good to gather,” Mistyfoot replied. “But we didn’t have enough time to explore properly.”

“StarClan will send a sign,” Littlecloud said.

“Maybe they already showed us,” Mothwing said, brown eyes shining. “We found an island in the lake. It’s safe, sheltered, and not too far from shore. It’ll be perfect for Gatherings.”

“But we’d have to swim there,” Cinderpelt reminded her.

“The elders will never make it there and back,” Littlecloud agreed.

A chorus of agreement rose up. Leaf glanced around. Although she had her own doubts about the island, they didn’t have any better of a place. But no one looked enthusiastic about Mothwing’s suggestion.

Hawkfrost walked over to stand next to Mothwing. “May I suggest taking a patrol of RiverClan warriors to explore the island more fully? If we can’t use it for Gatherings, it’ll be perfect for a camp.”

“RiverClan already has a place to camp,” Mistyfoot said. “There’s a river that splits into two and forms an island with trees around it. It’s sheltered and hidden, and just like our old camp.”

“But the island would be so much safer,” Hawkfrost pointed out. “We’d have fish right outside our huts. No one else could reach us.”

Mistyfoot narrowed her eyes. “The water around the island is too deep. It won’t be safe for our children. And if the lake ever floods, it’ll be even worse. The river moves slow and it’s only deep in the middle. It’s just as easy to defend, and safer for us to live on.”

Murmurs of agreement rose from RiverClan. Hawkfrost looked around, eyes narrowed with anger.

Leopardstar stepped forward. “Hawkfrost, you may take a patrol to explore the island. Then we’ll decide if it’s a good place for a camp.”

“Yes, Leopardstar,” Hawkfrost said. “I’ll leave at dawn.” Instantly, his Clanmates surrounded him, excited about the chance to explore.

Leaf shuddered, surprised by Hawkfrost’s open challenge to Mistyfoot’s authority. In Leaf’s opinion, Mistyfoot was completely right. The water around the island was deep and wouldn’t be safe when teaching the children to swim. It would be easy to defend, but would cut them off from the rest of their land. Hawkfrost's argument seemed less focused on logic and instead about his own pride.

“Where should we hold the next Gathering?” Cinderpelt called, gaining everyone’s attention.

“We can just come back here,” Firestar decided. “Until StarClan shows us a proper place.”

Mudclaw turned on him. “That’s a terrible idea. We’re right next to a town house!”

“It can’t be helped,” Blackstar replied.

Firestar nodded in agreement. “We’ve been here for two days now, and we haven’t had any trouble. If you think of a better option, I’d love to hear it.”

Mudclaw narrowed his eyes. “Fine. The Great Firestar’s word is law, after that.”

The Clans began to divide around the tree stump, returning to their leaders. Ferncloud gathered Birch close to her. “It’s bedtime, dear. We have to move to our new camp tomorrow.”

“Can Marsh come, too?” Birch asked. He had grown close to the Blackstar’s youngest son during the journey.

“No. He belongs to ShadowClan,” Ferncloud said gently.

“But why do we have to split up again?” Birch wailed. “I want to stay with Marsh!”

Leaf flinched. The children had no idea how abnormal this was for the Clans to be together like this. Birch’s earliest memories would forever be losing his sisters and eldest brother, starving in the forest, and journeying through the terrible mountains. He’d grown close to Marsh, the only other kid his age. He had no sense of Clan rivalry, or the importance of a warrior’s loyalty to their individual Clan. Did they know there were supposed to be four different Clans?

“You’ll see him again at Gatherings,” Ferncloud said.

“It won’t be the same,” Birch murmured. “And there’s no other kids in ThunderClan. Can you make me a little brother?”

Ferncloud laughed. “Maybe someday.” She winced with pain, remembering the three children she’d lost before the journey had even started. Leaf wondered if she’d ever be ready for a new baby.

Leaf wondered if Birch was the only one who’d made friends in the other Clans. She noticed Thornclaw saying farewell to Ashfoot and Onewhisker from WindClan. Swallowtail exchanged a brief embrace with Applefur before slipping away.

Leaf looked around for Mothwing. As healers, they would forever be bonded. Clan divisions wouldn’t get in the way of their friendship.

She wondered if there was anything she needed to do to help the Clans prepare for the journey tomorrow. She weaved through the cloud to find Cinderpelt. Before she found her mentor, she noticed Crowfeather kneeling over a skinny WindClan elder.

“Come on, Rushtail,” Crowfeather growled. “WindClan is gathering at the bottom of the hill. If you stay here, you’ll get picked up by ThunderClan.”

“So?” Rushtail rasped. “I’m comfy here, boy. I’m not moving.”

Crowfeather rolled his eyes.

“Can I help?” Leaf offered. She wondered if Rushtail was being stubborn, or truly couldn’t move.

Crowfeather’s blue eyes were cold. “I don’t need your help, thanks.”

“Sorry.” Leaf took a step back. “I just thought-”

“Don’t be mean, Crowfeather.” Squirrelflight had joined Leaf’s side. “Leaf is only trying to help.”

“I’m not taking help from a ThunderClan apprentice,” Crowfeather growled. “We’re from different Clans, remember?”
"Why are you being so difficult?” Squirrelflight argued. “Fine, give yourself a hard time. I’ll just sit here and watch you fail.”

“I’m difficult? Have you met you?” Crowfeather shot back. He turned back to Rushtail. “Come on. You’re moving, and that’s final.”

“I’ll make you a deal, boy,” Rushtail rasped. “Get me a rabbit leg, and I’ll move.”

“Come on, Leaf,” Squirrelflight said. She took her sister’s arm, leading her back to the throng of ThunderClan warriors.

Sorreltail approached them. “What was that about? Crowfeather wasn’t giving you trouble, was he?”

“No, we’re fine,” Leaf said.

She glanced back at where Crowfeather had disappeared, off to hunt in the dark. She wondered if Crowfeather was naturally this prickly, or if something else was bothering him.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw tossed and turned in the dead leaves. A branch kept digging into his side, but that hardly mattered. He couldn’t sleep with Squirrelflight beside him. Ashfur and Cloudtail had invited her to sleep in the center of the warriors, her first night among them.

Brambleclaw felt a prod on his side. He blinked his eyes open to see Barkface above him.

“Where’s Firestar?” the WindClan healer whispered.

Brambleclaw sat up, yawning. The sky was starting to glow. “Under the trees.”

“Can you find him for me?” Barkface’s voice was taunt. “Tallstar wants to see him.”

Brambleclaw knew why. Tallstar was dying. “I’ll get him.”

“Thanks. We’re behind those gorse bushes.” Barkface pointed. “I need to find Onewhisker now.”

Brambleclaw stepped lightly over the other warriors. Tallstar was the eldest of the leaders, and his death would be a great loss to all four Clans. He noticed Firestar was just waking up, Sandstorm still asleep against his chest.

“Tallstar wants to see you,” Brambleclaw said.

Firestar nodded, as though he’d been expecting this. Gently, he moved Sandstorm off of him and stood. Brambleclaw fell in beside him and headed for the dip behind the gorses where Tallstar lay. As they approached, Brambleclaw could hear harsh, uneven breathing.

Veering around the bushes, they found Tallstar laying on his back.

“Firestar’s here,” Brambleclaw announced.

“Brambleclaw?” Tallstar’s voice was weak. “Good, you’re here, too. I must say something.”

Brambleclaw glanced hesitantly at Firestar. His leader nodded, so Brambleclaw sat down beside Tallstar.

Tallstar’s chest heaved as he fought to breath. In the faint light, his eyes shone. “Firestar, I must thank you. This is, what, the third, maybe forth time you’ve saved my Clan?”

Firestar’s face was dire with sorrow. “I didn’t do it myself. Graystripe, Cinderpelt, even Brambleclaw now…they’ve all been there to help me.”

Tallstar managed a weak smile. “I remember when your father helped me, all those years ago. I still wonder if I’ll ever see him again. Do you think he’ll be in StarClan?”

“Don’t waste your breath, Tallstar,” Firestar urged. “You need to rest.”

“I cannot. I must spend my last breath on these words,” Tallstar rasped. “I must…”

“Brambleclaw, go find Barkface,” Firestar ordered.

“No.” Tallstar was nearly broken off by a painful cough. “No healer…can help me now. Where’s Onewhisker?”

“I’ll find him,” Brambleclaw said quickly.

“Hurry,” Tallstar rasped. “Before…it’s time…”

Brambleclaw stood up and looked around. The dawn light had strengthened, but it was impossible to see the dark shapes around him as anything but a blur. Everyone was still asleep. While Brambleclaw was trying to figure out which mass was WindClan, he noticed a solitary figure running up from the direction of the lake.

“Barkface said Tallstar’s dying,” the WindClan warrior gasped, skidding to a halt. “I was at the lake for a drink.”

“Tallstar wants to see you,” Bramblwclaw said.

Onewhisker quickly stepped over the bush that separated Tallstar from his Clan.

Tallstar opened his eyes. “Onewhisker, you’re here. Before I join StarClan, there is something I must do. Firestar, Onewhisker, Brambleclaw, be witness to my decision. Mudclaw is a brave warrior, but he is not the right person to lead WindClan. This journey has shown me his ways, and I know he will make trouble if he is given StarClan’s blessings. I can’t allow that to happen. WindClan’s friendship towards the other Clans has always been paramount to its survival. If Mudclaw becomes leader, he will break our bonds.”

Firestar and Onewhisker exchanged a glance.

“As leader of WindClan, I decide who is my deputy,” Tallstar rasped. “From this moment onward, Mudclaw is no longer deputy of WindClan. I say these words…before StarClan. WindClan must have…a new deputy. Onewhisker, you must lead the Clan when I am gone.”

Firestar’s eyes widened, reflecting Brambleclaw’s own astonishment. These weren’t the correct words of a deputy ceremony. Would StarClan accept Onewhisker as leader, even if his promotion had been sudden and rather unfair? Mudclaw hadn’t done anything to harm his Clan, nor did he show any misguided ambition. The title of leader should rightfully be his.

But if this was what Tallstar wanted, they couldn’t argue.

“Tallstar, no.” Onewhisker sounded horrified. “I-I can’t…”

“I know you can,” Tallstar said. “You must.” He dropped his head back and closed his eyes. His breathing became quick and shallow. Then, it slowed into stillness.

“Tallstar?” Barkface had arrived, stepping over the bushes. He froze when he saw his leader.

“He’s gone,” Firestar murmured, voice aching with sadness.

“He’s with StarClan, then,” Barkface confirmed.

Brambleclaw’s throat swelled with grief. Although Tallstar had not been his Clanmates, he had been a noble warrior. He’d been WindClan’s leader since long before Brambleclaw had been born. Would WindClan be different without him?

After a few moments, Firestar took a deep breath. “Onewhisker, you need to tell your Clan. You’re leader now.”

Onewhisker raised his head, eyes wide. “I can’t be!” he pleaded. “I can’t be leader! Do we have to tell them? The title is rightfully Mudclaw’s…a-and Tallstar was dying. Maybe he didn’t know what he was saying.”

“Tallstar knew,” Firestar said firmly. “We wants you to be leader. This is an honor, and you shouldn’t betray it.”

“Wait,” Barkface ordered. “What?”

“Tallstar made Onewhisker deputy with his last words,” Firestar explained. “Which means Onewhisker is now leader.”

“Oh, what am I going to tell Mudclaw?” Onewhisker fretted.

“If you want, I can make the announcement to the Clans,” Firestar offered.

Onewhisker’s eyes flooded with relief. “Thank you, Firestar.”

Brambleclaw kept his thoughts to himself about such an offer. Onewhisker should be the one to tell the Clans. WindClan would already be shocked by their leader’s death. Would they take Firestar’s words?

Firestar stood up, leaving Tallstar’s body behind. The others followed him to the stump in the middle of the clearing.

“People of all Clans!” Firestar called. “I have news!”

All around the clearing, people began to stir. They turned to their Clanmates, waking them as well. Slowly, all four Clans gathered in front of the stump.

Squirrelflight, yawning, walked over to join Brambleclaw. “What’s going on?”

“Firestar will tell you,” Brambleclaw said.

“People of all Clans, I have sad news,” Firestar began. “Tallstar has died.”

“No!” Whitetail cried. “He’s been leader since before I was born. What will we do without him?”

Owl let out a sob of sorrow while Ashfoot had her hand over her mouth, shaking her head in disbelief.

“That makes Mudclaw leader,” Webfoot called.

A murmur of agreement came from WindClan. Mudclaw hadn’t spoken yet, but when he stepped forward, his eyes betrayed excitement.

“Please, listen for a moment,” Firestar said. “Just before Tallstar died, he made Onewhisker deputy.”

“What?” Mudclaw was shocked.

“That can’t be right,” Webfoot growled. “Mudclaw is rightfully leader.”

“Mudclaw should be leader!” Nightcloud called. “He’s the most capable.”

Brambleclaw remained silent. In his opinion, Onewhisker would make a better leader. But Mudclaw had been deputy for sixteen years now. The position belonged to him, according to the warrior code.

Onewhisker met Mudclaw’s eye. “I’m just as shocked as you. I’d like you to be my deputy. I need your support and experience to help me.”

Mudclaw glared at him. “How can anyone fall for this? How many times has Tallstar handed WindClan over to Firestar? He’s always been more loyal to ThunderClan than he should be. And now he’s telling us Onewhisker, one of Firestar’s best friends, should be leader? Strange coincidence, isn’t it?”

“I was there,” Brambleclaw said. “I heard Tallstar make Onewhisker deputy. It wasn’t Firestar.”

Mudclaw narrowed his eyes. “Another ThunderClan warrior? Why should we trust you? Firestar probably ordered you to back him up. Did he promise to make you deputy of ThunderClan?”

“How dare you doubt my word, or my warrior’s?” Firestar growled. “Tallstar’s decision was made in front of StarClan.”

“How do you know?” Mudclaw challenged. “Are you a healer now?”

“Tallstar made Onewhisker deputy,” Firestar snapped.

Mudclaw spun around, facing his Clanmates. “How can any of you accept this?” he demanded. “ThunderClan can’t choose our leader for us.” He turned to Onewhisker. “I’m deputy, which now makes me leader. WindClan will follow me.”

Crowfeather stepped forward. His eyes were narrowed as he glared at Mudclaw. “I follow Onewhisker. Brambleclaw is not a liar. If he says Tallstar made Onewhisker deputy, then it must be true. Onewhisker will be Onestar, the new leader of WindClan.”

A few voices rose in support. “Onestar! Onestar!”

Onewhisker nodded to Crowfeather. “Thank you, but it’s not in your power to give me a new name. Once I receive StarClan’s blessings, I will truly be WindClan’s leader.”

“You’ll never be WindClan’s leader!” Mudclaw shouted. “StarClan will turn you away.”

“Enough!” Barkface’s rasping voice just barely carried over the quarrel. “How dare you argue in the presence of Tallstar’s spirit? We should be holding vigil for him, not betraying him with this childish behavior.” He looked at Firestar. “I believe that Tallstar made Onewhisker deputy. And so, you must accept that.”

Mudclaw was trembling with anger, his hands squeezed into fists. “Fine,” he growled. When he looked at Onewhisker, his eyes burned with hatred. “I will never serve as your deputy.”

Onewhisker met his gaze. “Very well. I will choose someone else.”

Mudclaw scoffed, then turned to follow Barkface and the other WindClan warriors to Tallstar’s body.

“Onewhisker,” Firestar said softly. “You need to appoint another deputy. You can’t lead this Clan alone, and you need support.”

Brambleclaw looked around, wondering who Onewhisker would choose. His first thought went to Crowfeather, who watched the leaders closely. But he was much too young for the position. Although he was respected in his Clan now, he had a special bond to people in ThunderClan. Onewhisker needed someone experienced, respected, and proven loyal in WindClan.

Onewhisker closed his eyes to think. When he opened them again, he sought out his Clanmates. “I say these words before the spirit of Tallstar, and StarClan, so that they may hear my choice and approve. Ashfoot will be the new deputy of WindClan.”

Ashfoot, a woman with black hair, stepped forward. She was Onewhisker’s sister, and was well liked in WindClan. She would support him well.

“Ashfoot! Ashfoot!” WindClan called. Brambleclaw noticed Crowfeather’s voice was the loudest, and recalled that Ashfoot was his mother.

“Thank you, Onewhisker,” Ashfoot said. “I’ll do my best.”

Onewhisker nodded, then turned to Firestar. “I’m sorry you had to be pulled into this. I didn’t think Mudclaw would accuse you of lying.”

Firestar shrugged. “I wasn’t surprised. Mudclaw must have been expecting his leadership during the whole journey. It must have been shocking and disappointing for him to lose it now. But at least you have the support of your Clan.”

Onewhisker nodded, although he still looked anxious. “How will I get my new name and blessings from StarClan? Will we have to travel all the way back to the Moonstone?”

Firestar shook his head. “It would take you a month just getting there and back. You can’t leave your Clan now.”

“Then we need to find another way to communicate with StarClan,” Onewhisker said.

“I’m sure there’s another Moonstone here,” Ashfoot said. “StarClan wouldn’t have brought us here if there wasn’t. Until we find it, your Clan’s loyalty will have to be enough.”

Onewhisker still looked troubled. Although most of the Clan seemed content with him as deputy, Webfoot and Nightcloud had been quick to jump to Mudclaw’s defense, and there might be others. Onewhisker’s leadership wouldn’t be safe until he received StarClan’s blessings. But would he even get them?

“There’s nothing else we can do now,” Onewhisker said. “It’s time to sit vigil for Tallstar.”

He led the way across the clearing and sat down where Tallstar’s body had been laid. Ashfoot and Crowfeather settled down on either side of him.

“Onewhisker chose wisely, making Ashfoot deputy,” Firestar remarked.

Brambleclaw nodded in agreement, his voice catching in his throat. Speaking of deputies, it was time Firestar appointed a new one. It had been a long time since Graystripe had been arrested, and the Clans had traveled far. Brambleclaw highly doubted he’d ever return.

Firestar seemed to guess his thoughts. “Until I see Graystripe in StarClan, I won’t appoint another deputy. It’s his place.”

“RiverClan appointed Hawkfrost when Mistyfoot was missing,” Brambleclaw ventured.

Firestar’s eyes narrowed. “Have you seen Hawkfrost’s disdain for her? When she returned, that power was taken from him, and it made him angry. I don’t want rivalries like that in my Clan.”

Brambleclaw wasn’t sure it was the best excuse. Graystripe was long gone, surely? Perhaps not dead, but forever separated from the Clans.

Chapter Text

Leaf sat not far from Tallstar’s body, watching as people came to pay respects to their dead leader. Daylight spread over the hills, revealing a cloudy, gray sky. A damp, chilly wind blew from the lake and made the branches rattle together.

The dead leader’s body looked grim. Leaf shivered. It was strange, sitting vigil during the morning instead of under the stars. But they didn’t have time to wait for the moon. Today, the Clans moved into their new land.

Looking away from Tallstar’s body, Leaf let her thoughts wander. Anxiety gnawed at her. Onewhisker couldn’t go all the way back to the Moonstone for his name and blessings. The journey was long, exhausting, and dangerous. He might not make it back. Mudclaw would seize the opportunity to take control. But Onewhisker needed his name and blessings to be seen as a true leader.

Leaf looked to the skies, hoping StarClan would send them a sign. Onewhisker needed his name and blessings now. If he didn’t get them soon, would WindClan think it wa a sign that StarClan didn’t approve of his promotion?

Her thoughts were interrupted by movement. She noticed Mothwing walking between the WindClan warriors, offering them lake water from a pot. Leaf wondered if she should be helping, too.

She stood up and headed down to the lake. She’d just left the copse of trees when she noticed a group of people hurrying up the slope. They were dripping wet. Leaf recognized Hawkfrost, leading a RiverClan patrol back from the lake. They must have gone to explore the island.

Curiously, she turned to follow them.

Hawkfrost stepped onto the tree stump and shouted for the Clans to gather.

“That stump is for leaders,” Sorreltail growled as Leaf came to join her. “Hawkfrost shouldn’t be up there.”

But no one else challenged the RiverClan warrior.

“Go on,” Leopardstar invited.

“The island is perfect!” Hawkfrost declared. “I can’t imagine a better place for a camp. StarClan must have meant it for RiverClan. The lake is filled with fish, there’s trees for shelter and material, and it’s safe from bears and wolves.”

A few RiverClan warriors murmured in agreement.

Leaf stared at Hawkfrost. She believed he only wanted what was best for his Clan, but she also thought he was letting his own ego cloud his judgment.

Mistyfoot stepped to the front of the crowd. “Hawkfrost, we’ve already discussed this. The island won’t make a good camp. Our elders and children can’t swim in the water around it. And what if something happens to the fish? We’ll have to carry our game through the water. Or, what if the lake freezes over? We’ll be stuck on the island if it’s not thick enough to support our weight. And if it is, anything could cross the water and get to us. It’s not a good idea.”

Hawkfrost completely ignored her. “Leopardstar, what do you think?”

The RiverClan leader hesitated. “The island would be easier to defend, but Mistyfoot’s stream is safer for all of us. Isolation is a danger.”

Hawkfrost, jaw set tightly, nodded and stepped off the stump.

Leaf heard a scoff from behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Squirrelflight, her arms crossed. “Why does he insist on challenging Mistyfoot all the time? Can’t he just shut up.”

Brambleclaw, beside her, rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk.”

“Leaf!” Cinderpelt’s voice made Leaf turn again. “I’m going to help bury Tallstar’s body. Firestar is getting ready to leave.”

Leaf nodded. “Okay.”

The clouds were starting to thin, revealing a pale yellow sun. ThunderClan gathered around Firestar near the tree stump. Dustpelt was leading Longtail to his Clanmates, while Ferncloud grabbed for Birch, trying to keep him out of everyone else’s way.

Excitement surged through Leaf. They were moving to their new home!

“Before we go, I’d like you to collect more horsetail from the marsh,” Cinderpelt said. “We might not get another chance for a while.”

Leaf nodded. “Sure. Is it okay if I saw goodbye to Mothwing first?”

“Sure.”

Leaf darted away. She spotted Mothwing under one of the trees, gathering her Clan’s stock of pots and other clay dishes.

“Hey, Mothwing!” Leaf called.

“Hi, Leaf,” Mothwing greeted. “I’ve still got some water left over if your Clan needs it.”

“Thanks,” Leaf said. She took one of the pot gratefully. When she held it up to her lips for a sip, she quickly drew back. “It smells foul.”

“Really?” Mothwing blinked. “I didn’t notice. I got in from that pool over here.” She led the way out of the clearing to the edge of the marsh. She found a small, stagnant pool fed by a stream that trickled through the long marsh grass toward the lake. The entire place smelled awful. Leaf looked into the shallow pool. The water was black and still, but when Leaf leaned over it, her shadow blocked out the glare. She noticed, not far from the water’s surface, a dark mass in the peaty soil. It looked like a rabbit had died near the pool and been washed to the bottom.

Leaf drew back, disgusted.

Mothwing’s eyes widened. “I didn’t even notice. Do you think the elders will be okay?”

Leaf looked into her friend’s brown eyes. For a moment, she was overtaken by the beauty in them. “I’m sure they’ll be fine,” she said awkwardly. “Just don’t give them any more of it.”

“I won’t,” Mothwing said. “Thanks, Leaf.”

Leaf followed Mothwing away from the pool. How didn’t she notice the strange smell and the rabbit in the pool? Suddenly, Leaf was very worried about Mothwing being RiverClan’s sole healer.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw slipped through the trees, trying to stay out of the way. Around him, people of all Clans darted back and forth, staying goodbye to friends, tracking down their own Clanmates.

It was already noon, and Firestar was eager to get going. He’d sent Brambleclaw to make sure no one was left behind when they set out for their new home.

Brambleclaw noticed Mousefur saying goodbye to Heavystep. She was now the oldest member of ThunderClan. Would she want to join the elders once ThunderClan settled in their new home?

“Firestar’s ready to go,” Brambleclaw told her. “He’s gathering everyone near the tree stump.”

Mousefur nodded before exchanging her final goodbyes with Heavystep.

When Brambleclaw turned around, he nearly ran into Squirrelflight.

“There you are!” she said. “Come with me.”

She led him to the edge of the clearing, where Tawnypelt and Crowfeather were waiting.

“We should all say goodbye properly,” she said. “This is the true end of the journey.”

Brambleclaw’s heart ached. Squirrelflight was right. Their quest was over. They had faced dangers, felt real fear, and conquered destruction. With every new obstacle, their friendship had grown stronger. But their first loyalty was to their Clans. It seemed like thousands of years had passed since they’d first left the forest to find the ocean.

“We’ll never forget what we’ve experienced,” Tawnypelt murmured.

The four of them stood silently. Crowfeather was the first to speak. “There should be six of us here.”

Brambleclaw flinched, remembering the RiverClan twins who hadn’t finished the journey with them.

“We are six,” Squirrelflight said. “No matter where we are, where we live, or where we walk, we will always be together.”

“Together.” Tawnypelt’s mouth was a thin line. “But separated.” Without another word, she turned to join her Clan.

Crowfeather nodded. “Travel safely.” He backed away.

“We’ll travel together for awhile,” Brambleclaw pointed out. “We have to cross the moor to reach the forest.”

“But we’ll have to stay with our own Clans.” Crowfeather turned and left.

Brambleclaw stared after him, wishing he could get through Crowfeather’s stubborn loneliness. Feathertail had been his first friend, and now she was gone. Did he think the same would happen to anyone else he got close to?

“Come on.” Squirrelflight took Brambleclaw’s arm. “The Clan is waiting for us.”

The rest of ThunderClan was already at the stump, waiting to leave.

Once they arrived, Dustpelt’s voice rang out. “We’re all here, Firestar!”

“Good,” Firestar said.

Behind him, Blackstar stepped onto the tree stump and called for the Clans to gather. Firestar and Leopardstar came to flank him. Quickly, Onewhisker raced over to stand with the ThunderClan leader.

Mudclaw glared at him from among the WindClan warriors.

“The four of us have been discussing possible borders,” Blackstar began. “Tawnypelt reported a small Thunderpath running alongside the pine forest. ShadowClan will use that as its border with RiverClan. Farther around the lake, the river that separates the pines and oaks will also separate us from ThunderClan.”

“We don’t know how far upstream that goes,” Tawnypelt reminded him. “We might need to make the border through some trees as well.”

Blackstar nodded. “We’ll check when we arrive.”

“ThunderClan’s land begins on the oak’s side of the river,” Firestar said. “Brambleclaw said there’s another on the opposite side of the forest. That will be our border with WindClan.”

“RiverClan’s land begins here at the ranch, then stretches to the Thunderpath,” Leopardstar said.

“WindClan’s land is between the ranch and the moor stream,” Onewhisker said.

Brambleclaw caught Tawnypelt’s eye, and they nodded to each other. That sounded fair. Each Clan had about the same amount of land, along with access to the lake.

“This is just a rough idea,” Firestar warned. “It might change once we’re more used to our lands. We’ll announce the exact borders at the next Gathering.”

“And let’s try to do it without fighting,” Barkface called out. “The healers don’t have our herbs yet, so curve your violence. Please.”

A ripple of amusement passed through the crowd. A few warriors nodded in agreement. Brambleclaw didn’t think it was just the lack of herbs that made fighting hard. How could they battle against people they’d come to see as friends?

“It’s time we got going,” Firestar urged. “May StarClan be with us all.” He rejoined the ThunderClan warriors. “Brambleclaw, Squirrelflight, lead the way.”

Brambleclaw went to the front of his Clan. As they began to make there way through the trees, Onewhisker called for them. “I thought we could travel together. We’re going in the same direction.”

Firestar nodded in agreement.

As they continued, Brambleclaw noticed Crowfeather was leading his own Clan. He kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, stance confident and determined. Behind him, Mudclaw was scowling at Onewhisker.

RiverClan and ShadowClan were heading across the slope in the opposite direction. Brambleclaw noticed Hawkfrost keeping to the edge of the group. As Brambleclaw watched, Hawkfrost raised his head and met his gaze. Murmuring something to his Clanmate, he hurried away.

“Brambleclaw,” Hawkfrost greeted. “Good luck on your new land. May StarClan be with you.”

“And with you,” Brambleclaw responded.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you at Gatherings,” Hawkfrost added. “Goodbye.”

“See you then!” Brambleclaw called after him.

“Come on, let’s go,” Squirrelflight complained. “I want to get settled.

“I’m coming,” Brambleclaw replied, joining her side. “He was just saying goodbye.”

Squirrelflight stared after the RiverClan warrior. “I don’t trust him.”

Brambleclaw blinked, surprised. “Why not?”

“Have you noticed how much he hates Mistyfoot?” Squirrelflight explained. “He contradicts her every chance he gets.”

“He’s just trying to help his Clan.” Brambleclaw felt a strange need to defend his half brother. “He’s not trying to cause trouble.”

Squirrelflight didn’t look convinced. “Maybe.”

They rejoined their Clan, leading them along the edge of the lake. They slipped quietly away from the ranch, then climbed the hill to see the shining expanse of water. On the shore near the island, Brambleclaw could make out two moving masses. ShadowClan and RiverClan, heading for their new lands. Brambleclaw tried to make out his siblings, but it was impossible to recognize anyone this far away.

They walked along the hillside together until they found a narrow fold in the hill. Rocks jutted out of the tough grass and a stream trickled through the bottom.

Onewhisker stopped, signaling for his Clanmates to do the same. “We’ll leave you here,” he told Firestar. “Thank you for everything. Without you, WindClan wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Murmurs of resentment rose from the WindClan warriors.

Firestar nodded. “StarClan has found good homes for all of us.” He lowered his voice. “If you run into trouble, let me know. ThunderClan is always ready to help.”

The leaders said their farewells, echoed by their warriors, then WindClan began to climb the steep ravine. ThunderClan watched them for a while.

The cold light was beginning to fade when ThunderClan reached the small river at the foot of a gentle slope. On the other side was ThunderClan’s new forest. Brambleclaw looked around, feeling uncomfortable. Would his Clanmates like their new home?

“We’re almost there,” Squirrelflight squeaked.

The river was too wide to jump, and ThunderClan hesitated on the bank, looking for stones or logs to use. As the last of the light died, during the forest to a mass of shadows, the Clan’s anxiety rose. Ferncloud pulled Birch close to keep, keeping him away from the water. White and Spider were exchanging fearful glances.

“We might be able to wade through it,” Brambleclaw suggested. He took a step into the water, shivering at its icy touch. Then, he stepped into the current. The pebbles on the bottom were smooth and slippery. But even in the deepest channel, the water hardly reached Brambleclaw’s waist.

“Come on!” he called, stepping onto the other bank. “It’s not deep!”

Shouts of protest sounded from the Clan.

“It’s okay.” Firestar’s voice was soothing. “We’ve made it past monsters and through the mountains. We can handle a little river.”

One by one, the Clan began to cross. Cloudtail and Sandstorm went first, wading slowly through the water. Sootfur carried Birch across. Behind him, Brackenfur and Sorreltail guided Longtail. Squirrelflight managed to persuade Mousefur into the water. The old warrior grumbled with every footstep until she was on the other side.

Firestar went last. “Now, which way to the camp?” he asked Brambleclaw.

Brambleclaw exchanged a glance with Squirrelflight. They hadn’t approached the hollow from this direction, and everything looked different in the dark.

“This way.” Brambleclaw took the lead, hoping his voice sounded confident.

The Clan followed him into the trees. Brambleclaw veered away from his Clanmates to walk beside Squirrelflight.

“Do you think we’ll be able to find it?”

Squirrelflight’s green eyes glinted in the darkness. “We have to. Now stop worrying. We know it’s around here somewhere.”

Brambleclaw couldn’t stop worrying. There were so many things that could go wrong. What if they found the hollow by someone falling into it? What if the Clan didn’t like the new camp?

“Look!” Squirrelflight’s voice cut through his thoughts. “There’s a gap in the trees with a mound of dead bracken. I remember that!”

She raced ahead. Brambleclaw followed her into a small clearing, skidding to a halt in front of the tangle of thorns that Squirrelflight had fallen over before.

Squirrelflight stood in the middle of the clearing, her eyes shining. “We’re here!” she shouted triumphantly. “Come on, we’re here!”

Spider shouted in excitement. He broke away from the rest of the Clan and dashed forward, straight over the brambles. Brambleclaw stared in horror.

“Come back!” Mousefur called to her apprentice.

“No!” Squirrelflight leaped over the thorns after him. Brambleclaw peered over to see them on the edge of the cliff. Squirrelflight had jumped on top of Spider, knocking him to the ground. Spider was just close enough to see the edge of the cliff, staring down the sheer rock wall.

“You idiot!” Squirrelflight exclaimed. “You could have broken your neck!”

“Sorry,” Spider murmured. “I just thought…”

“Get back to the others!” Squirrelflight ordered. “And next time, try thinking less and listening more!”

Brambleclaw repressed his laughter, remembering how many times Squirrelflight had been told that exact same thing.

“What’s going on?” Ferncloud, Spider’s mother, demanded. “Is it dangerous?”

“Well…it’s the camp,” Brambleclaw said. “It’s in a hollow on the other side of these brambles. And it’s not dangerous once you know there’s a cliff here. Come and see. Not that way!” he snapped when White moved toward the bushes.

He led the others down the slope, weaving between brambles and hazel trees until they reached the gap in the stone. Brambleclaw watched as his Clanmates filed in and looked around the towering walls. The sky was almost completely black, with clouds covering the half moon. Brambleclaw had to admit, the hollow didn’t look welcoming. There were many brambles and thornbushes, making it feel cramped. Some of the bushes could be used to weave huts, though.

“What is this?” Mousefur growled. “This isn’t a camp! Where’s the huts? Where’s the Great Rock?”

“Did you think StarClan would have it all ready for us?” Squirrelflight protested. “We have a lot of work to do, but so did our ancestors when they found our original camp. Once we get this place homely, it’ll be perfect.”

“I think it’s great,” Thornclaw said. “We can make huts out of the brambles. And the walls will make it easy to protect.”

“Where will the apprentice’s hut go?” White asked.

“We’ll have to wait until morning to start building,” Brackenfur said.

Dustpelt stood beside Longtail. “It’s a huge clearing with stone walls,” he murmured. “It’s dark, but I think the walls are covered in ferns and moss. There’s water dripping off the rocks. The hollow is full of brambles and thorns, but it’s big enough for the whole Clan.”

“Then it’s perfect,” Longtail said. “We’ll make it a proper camp in no time.”

Their optimism cheered Brambleclaw up. But Ferncloud still looked doubtful, while Sootfur and Rainwhisker murmured.

Mousefur scoffed. “And what are we supposed to do until the construction is done? Sleep on the cold ground?”

“That’s enough,” Sandstorm said. “These walls will protect us from bad weather. And it’ll be easy to defend. The forest is filled with game and more resources. We’ll have a true camp soon, Mousefur.”

“We’ll have to fix up the entrance, though.” Dustpelt pointed toward the gap. “It’s not very well hidden, and it’ll be easy for anyone to get through.”

Although Brambleclaw shared the same worry, he couldn’t help but be annoyed. Had his Clanmates expected the camp to be perfect from the start?

“We’ll worry about that in the morning,” Firestar said. “It’s too dark to work now, and we’re all tired. But this place will do nicely.” He nodded to Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight in approval. “Dustpelt, Thornclaw, you two keep guard. The rest of us should sleep.”

The two warriors separated from the Clan and began to circle the hollow in opposite directions.

“What about food?” Rainwhisker asked. “I’m hungry.”

A few voices rose in agreement.

“Why do they have to complain so much?” Squirrelflight murmured, sounding disappointed.

“We’re all hungry and tired,” Brambleclaw reminded her. “And none of us were happy about leaving our old forest. They probably wanted everything to immediately go back to how it had been.” He had felt the same way.

“We can eat in the morning,” Firestar promised.

A few people murmured, but gradually it died away. The Clan split into groups, looking for comfortable places to sleep.

“Brambleclaw, is there anywhere sheltered for Birch to sleep?” Ferncloud asked anxiously. “I don’t want him to get sick.”

“I’ll help you look,” Brambleclaw said.

“What about beds?” Mousefur said. “We can’t sleep on the bare earth.”

“You’ve been sleeping on the bare earth for two months!” Brambleclaw snapped.

“We shouldn’t have to now that we’re in a camp. Why did you bring us here if it’s not a camp yet?” She turned and stomped away.

Brambleclaw could only stare after her in dismay. Mousefur wasn’t usually this grouchy. He wondered if the exhausting journey had touched her temper.

By the time he had found a place for Ferncloud and Birch, most of the Clan had settled down. Instinctively, he looked around for Squirrelflight, and spotted her in a patch of ferns with some of the other warriors. She was already laying down next to Ashfur.

Brambleclaw went to join the rest of the warriors and sat down. It was still strange not sleeping beside Squirrelflight anymore. He supposed that, even though they were in the same Clan, they’d never experience the same things that had happened on their journey.

His mood was low as he laid down. This was not the start to their new home he had hoped for.

Chapter Text

Leaf and Cinderpelt had found a rocky overhang at the back of the stone hollow.

“This’ll have to do for now,” Cinderpelt said.

Leaf laid down beside her mentor.

“Get some sleep,” Cinderpelt advised. “We’ll be busy tomorrow.”

Leaf couldn’t sleep yet. “Cinderpelt? Do you think this is the right place? Is this really what StarClan prepared for us?”

Cinderpelt yawned. “We’ll know when StarClan tells us. Now go to sleep.”

Leaf didn’t find sleep so easily. She laid beneath the overhang with her hands folded over her stomach, gazing out at the shadowy hollow. She wondered if StarClan could see them, and if they were happy with this hollow. She could only see a few stars in the cloudy sky above.

She must have dozed off, because when she next opened her eyes. She was dreaming. She stood on a dark hillside, looking down at the stars reflected in the shiny black lake. The island, normally a patch of shadow on the water, was shining with moonlight. Each tree was like a beam of illumination.

A breeze picked up, lifting Leaf’s brown hair. She felt a surge of hope run through her, calm beside the lake. This place felt welcoming and homely. This place was meant for them. They were in the right camp, beneath the right trees. There would be animals to use for meat and fur. There would be healing herbs, and streams for water. Soon, they’d build their huts. They’d find a new place to store herbs, and a good spot for the fire pit. They’d make their baskets to store food and bowls to eat from. They could find a good clearing for drying pelts and making beds, and another for training apprentices. It would be just like the old territory.

Gazing down at the lake, Leaf realized the surface of the water was changing. The glitter of stars faded and the water began to lighten, turning red. Scarlet waves lapped at the shore. Leaf raised her head to the sky, expecting to see the sunrise, but it was just as dark.

The water moved slow and seemed thick. It surged lazily over the pebbles, leaving red stains on the shore.

Blood.

The lake was filled with blood. It was fed by the streams and rivers that bled like gaping wounds.

A voice made Leaf’s body shudder.

“Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red.”

“Cinderpelt! Cinderpelt!”

Leaf’s dream was disrupted by Sorreltail’s anxious call. She jumped to her feet, hearing a cry of pain from somewhere in the hollow.

“What’s going on?” Leaf asked, helping Cinderpelt to stand.

“Mousefur said her stomach hurts,” Sorreltail said.

“I’m coming,” Cinderpelt said.

“I saw watermint growing on the other end of the lake,” Leaf said. “Should I get some?”

Her mentor looked serious. “I’d rather you found a supply nearby, but if you can’t, go around the lake.”

They followed Sorreltail across the hollow to where Mousefur had spent the night. The small warrior was sitting up, holding her stomach and wincing in pain.

“Did you eat something bad, Mousefur?” Cinderpelt asked.

“Do you take me for an idiot?” Mousefur groaned. “Oh, my stomach…”

A horrible suspicion forced itself into Leaf’s mind. She beckoned Cinderpelt aside. “Mothwing was giving out water yesterday,” she whispered. “But it was foul.”

“She must have given some to Mousefur,” Cinderpelt realized. “But why?”

“She didn’t realize it was bad,” Leaf said. “What should we do?”

“Do you know if anyone else drank that water?” Cinderpelt asked.

“She was mostly giving it to the elders. Longtail might have.”

“Sorreltail,” Cinderpelt called. “Could you check on Longtail?”

Leaf’s aunt nodded before heading into the center of the hollow.

“Be still, Mousefur,” Cinderpelt urged. “Let me feel your stomach.”

“Don’t you have herbs?” Mousefur fretted.

“We haven’t had time to gather any yet.”

Mousefur opened her mouth to speak, then quickly turned away to retch onto the ground.

“Good,” CInderpelt said. “Get it out of your system.”

“We’ll have to find supplies as soon as it’s light,” Leaf said, realizing how helpless they were without an herb stock. “I’ll gather water mint and take it to the rest of the Clans. I’m sure someone else is sick.”

Cinderpelt set her a sideways glance, and Leaf winced. She’d become use to thinking for all four Clans, instead of just her own. It seemed natural to help them if she knew they were also suffering. But was that disloyal?

To her relief, Cinderpelt nodded. “You can go in the morning. But take a warrior with you. I’ll talk to Firestar.” She raised her head when Sorreltail reappeared.

“Longtail is asleep, but he seems fine,” she reported.

“Good,” Cinderpelt said. “I’ll check on him when he wakes.”

“Mothwing meant to be helpful,” Leaf murmured. She didn’t want her friend to get in trouble. She must have been too busy worrying about getting water instead of making sure it was safe.

“I know,” Cinderpelt said, her eyes dark. “But without Mudfur, she’s RiverClan’s only healer. She’ll need to curve her mistakes quickly.”

Beside them, Mousefur had lulled off back to sleep. Sorreltail stayed to keep an eye on her. The sky was turning gray behind the trees, and Leaf knew there was no point in trying to get more sleep. As soon as the light grew stronger, she and Cinderpelt went looking for Firestar.

The wind had picked up, rattling the leafless branches and tearing the clouds into strips. But with the shelter of the stone walls, no one in ThunderClan felt cold. A gleam of sunlight slanted into the hollow, leaving the foot of the cliff shadowed. The hollow looked rather different in the light. The people of ThunderClan called cheerfully to one another. Leaf noticed Birch racing into the clearing, eager to start playing. The sight made Leaf’s heart lift, and she forced the terrifying lake of blood from her mind.

Firestar was in the open space in the center of the hollow. A few warriors surrounded him.

“We need to start marking our borders,” Dustpelt said. “Before WindClan and ShadowClan start claiming more than their share.”

“We need to explore the land as well,” Sandstorm said. “We might be sharing this forest with bears or wolves.”

“I can lead a survey patrol,” Thornclaw offered.

“And I’ll take the apprentices out hunting,” Sandstorm agreed. “We’ll need our strength to fix this place up.”

“I’ll start gathering supplies for the construction,” Dustpelt said. “And I’d like to fix up the entrance.”

“I can take a patrol to mark the borders,” Brambleclaw offered. “We’ll need to make new markers.”

“Take Brackenfur with you,” Firestar said. “Cloudtail, you take another survey patrol. Work from camp to the ShadowClan border. Thornclaw, your patrol can work toward WindClan.”

Cinderpelt limped forward. “Excuse me, Firestar. We have a problem. Mousefur drank some foul water yesterday and it made her sick. I need to go out and find the right herbs, and Leaf wants to take some to the other Clans, in case they’re sick as well.”

Firestar thought for a moment. “Okay. Be back before dark.”

“Thanks. I’ll check on Mousefur, then we’ll go.”

Leaf followed Cinderpelt back to Mousefur. She was still asleep, with Sorreltail beside her. Longtail had joined them.

“Hello, Cinderpelt, Leaf,” he greeted. Although his eyesight was gone, he knew the auras of all his Clanmates. He could sense a rabbit’s heartbeat from a mile away.

“They’re both fine,” Sorreltail said.

“Mousefur’s aura is back to normal,” Longtail added. “The stickiness is gone.”

“Good,” Cinderpelt said. “You can go, Sorreltail.”

The young warrior hurried off to join one of the patrols.

“How do you feel Longtail?” Cinderpelt prompted. “Stomachache?”

“I felt weird on the walk over here,” the blind warrior replied. “Sorreltail said it was from the water Mothwing gave us. I thought it smelled weird, but I know not to question a healer.”

“Yes, she made a mistake,” Cinderpelt said. “Leaf and I are going to look for herbs, then tell the other Clans about the water.”

“Good luck,” Longtail said. There was a wistful note in his voice, as though he would have liked to come with them.

The healers returned to the center of the camp. The warriors were dividing into patrols. Leaf noticed Brambleclaw heading purposefully toward Squirrelflight. But before he reached her, Ashfur blocked her from view.

“Hey, Squirrelflight!” he said. “Sandstorm says she wants you on her hunting patrol.”

“Okay,” Squirrelflight replied.

Brambleclaw watched her with frustration and disappointment clear on his face. Squirrelflight followed Ashfur to where her mother was waiting, casting an apologetic glance toward Brambleclaw.

“Time to go,” Cinderpelt announced.

Leaf shuddered with excitement as they headed for the entrance. Dustpelt was clearing the unwanted thorns from the hollow and weaving them together to make a wall.

Leaf stepped through the gap in the stone wall. In front of her laid the unknown forest.
ThunderClan’s new land.

“It’s strange, living here,” Cinderpelt commented, joining her. “But it’ll be better soon.”

Comforted, Leaf walked beside her. When she glanced back a few moments later, the stone cliffs had vanished among the trees. All she could see were smooth trunks and trembling branches. Her Clan was safe and hidden.

Voices sounded from ahead. Cloudtail, Brightheart and Sorreltail were fanned out, checking the gaps between roots. They would be heading for ShadowClan’s border.

“Wolf tracks,” Cloudtail said.

“The aura is stale,” Brightheart added. “It hasn’t been here in a while. The trees probably protected the tracks.”

“Hi, Leaf!” Sorreltail called out in greeting, then followed the couple deeper into the forest.

Trees stretched away on either side of them, their branches intertwined, hiding the sky. The threes weren’t as tall as the old forest, but Leaf figured their leaves would make a thick, cool canopy once the weather warmed up. The ground was covered in short grass and thornbushes. It was more exposed that Leaf was used to, and she hoped more plants would grow during Spring.

“We probably won’t find juniper berries here,” Cinderpelt said. “And watermint might grow by the lake. Leaf, what else could we use for stomachaches?”

“Water mint is the best possible option,” Leaf said. “But if there’s none available, chervil root would do fine.”

“Exactly,” Cinderpelt agreed.

They reached a stream, which flowed in a cleft between the tangled roots of trees. Leaf looked up and down, trying to find watermint. Only bright green ferns growed on the bank.

“Let’s try the other side,” Cinderpelt suggested. When they jumped over the stream, it was the same. But it was also more marshy on this side.

Leaf wandered not far away. Soon enough, she found the tall, leaf stems of watermint growing alongside bracken.

“Good work!” Cinderpelt praised. “There’s enough here to supply us regularly.”

They picked at the stems.

“I’ll take some back to camp,” Cinderpelt said. “You continue on to WindClan.”

“I’ll see you at home,” Leaf replied.

Leaf turned away from where Cloudtail and Brightheart had been heading. She started on a straight path, always keeping the lake within view through the trees. She wasn’t sure how far she was from WindClan’s land, so it was surprising when three people suddenly appeared from around a clump of trees. They noticed her and drew closer. Leaf recognized Webfoot, along with Whitetail and Weasel.

“What are you doing here?” Webfoot growled. “This is WindClan’s land.”

Leaf blinked in surprise. “The borders haven’t been laid down yet. And I thought Onewhisker wanted the border at the river.”

“We’re marking our borders now,” Whitetail explained. “But Mudclaw thinks we should take these trees, too. This moor is smaller than the one in the old forest, and we need the extra land.”

Leaf felt uncomfortable. It wasn’t up to her, nor Mudclaw, where the border was. The leaders would decide the final boundaries. “Does Onewhisker know about this?”

Whitetail dropped her gaze guiltily. Webfoot’s gaze was hard. “Onewhisker doesn’t need to know. Mudclaw is our rightful leader.”

Leaf decided now was a good time to drop this argument. She believed her father when he said Tallstar had made Onewhisker leader. But it also wasn’t her place to meddle in WindClan’s affairs.

“I need to come onto your land, anyway,” she said, holding up the watermint. “One of our warriors drank foul water yesterday, and I wanted to see if any other Clans did the same.”

“Yes, actually,” Whitetail said. “Morningflower and Darkfoot are sick.”

“Has Barkface given them anything?”

“He doesn’t have any herbs yet,” Webfoot replied. “He went out looking for juniper around the same time we left. I just hope he doesn’t take too long. Morningflower isn’t doing too good.”

“Then show me the way,” Leaf said. “She needs this watermint.”

To her surprise, none of them turned her down. She wondered if the journey to the lake had forever changed the dynamics of the Clans. Would they be more willing to ask each other for help, or would things soon go back to the old ways?

Leaf followed the WindClan patrol to the edge of the trees. Soon, they came across a narrow river that curved through the forest. They climbed beside it, and Leaf noticed it fell over tiny, bubbling waterfalls. A few thorn bushes grew along the bank. Leaf thought this would make a perfect border, easy to distinguish and mark. With the trees all looking the same, Leaf didn’t doubt there would be a border dispute if someone accidentally moved it.

Finally, they came to the top of a rise, covered in bushes. Leaf found herself looking into WindClan’s camp. The sides weren’t as steep as the cliffs around ThunderClan’s hollow, but the smooth, bare slopes gave no cover for intruders.

Onewhisker and Ashfoot were talking with a few warriors near a pile of boulders in the center of the dip.

“I’ll take these to Morningflower,” Whitetail said.

“I’ll let Onewhisker know you’re here,” Webfoot added.

Whitetail led Leaf to a tangle of gorse bushes near the edge of the hollow. Leaf’s skin prickled under the stares of WindClan warriors, although their gazes were curious instead of hostile.

Morningflower laid near the gorses. Darkfoot sat not far away. Morningflower was limp, her breath harsh and shallow. The entire place smelled like vomit. Her eyes were closed, and she hardly moved.

Kneeling down, Leaf drew her mortar and pestle, starting to mash the watermint into paste. Before she could get far, a furious shout interrupted her.

“What are you doing?” Crowfeather snapped.

Leaf spun around to face him. “I-I’m just trying to help! Morningflower and Darkfoot are sick. I brought them herbs.”

“How did you know they were ill?” Crowfeather asked suspiciously.

“Because one of our warriors is ill, too,” Leaf replied. “She drank bad water at the ranch.” She left out how it was Mothwing’s mistake that had led to the sickness. She didn’t want to give Crowfeather a reason to pick a fight with the RiverClan healer.

“Back off, Crowfeather,” Whitetail said. “I asked her to come.”

Crowfeather scowled, but remained silent. He watched as Leaf began examining Morningflower. She found his presence off putting, and it was awkward working under his gaze.

Leaf continued with mashing her water mint into a pulp. Then, she put a hand under Morningflower’s head and lifted her enough to drink the mixture.

Whitetail knelt beside her. “Will she be okay?”

“I don’t know,” Leaf admitted.

While she waited for the herbs to take affect, Darkfoot awoke. He raised his head. “Great StarClan, my stomach hurts,” he complained. “Is Barkface back?”

“Not yet,” Whitetail said. “But Leaf brought water mint.”

“Leaf?” Darkfoot blinked.

“She came to help,” Whitetail explained quickly. “I know she’s not part of WindClan, but she does have healing herbs for you.”

“I don’t care what Clan she’s from,” Darkfoot growled. “So long as she makes my stomach stop hurting.”

Suddenly, Morningflower began to choke. The old woman sat up, retching.

“You made it worse!” Crowfeather growled.

He tried to push Leaf away, but she resisted, trying to stay by her patient.

“Crowfeather, stop!” Onewhisker had appeared, with Ashfoot following. “Let her be. She’s trying to help.”

“She shouldn’t be here,” Crowfeather growled.

“She’s helping us.” Onewhisker’s voice was tense. “Would you rather watch our Clanmates die?” When Crowfeather didn’t reply, he went on. “I need Whitetail for a hunting patrol. You stay here and watch Leaf. If she needs anything, get it. Leaf, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Leaf nodded. “Thanks, Onewhisker.”

Crowfeather glared at her. “I’m not an apprentice.”

“I never said you were,” Leaf said, returning to Morningflower. She mashed up more leaves, asking Crowfeather to hold Morningflower’s head up. She flinched away when she brushed Crowfeather’s hand, embarrassed.

Morningflower had gone limp. Leaf stayed beside her, watching her chest rise and fall. She was acutely aware of Crowfeather watching her, and wished Onewhisker had made him leave instead of help.

“Will they get better?” Crowfeather asked.

“I think so,” Leaf replied. “Darkfoot seemed fine. It’s Morningflower I’m worried about.”

“Leaf.” A shadow appeared in front of them. Leaf raised her head and saw Barkface. “It’s good see you here.” He set down a basket of leaves and berries.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Leaf said. “I met some of your Clan at the border. They said Morningflower was sick, and I already had the water mint…”

Barkface put a hand up, silencing her. “I appreciate it. I don’t know where to find herbs yet. And it seems you’ve done plenty while I was gone.”

“Can I go now?” Crowfeather suddenly asked.

“Oh. yes,” Barkface said. “I can handle things.”

Leaf watched him go. She was starting to doubt if he really was friends with Squirrelflight. Two people that opinionated could never have a close friendship without constant arguments.

“You can go too, Leaf,” Barkface said. “You’ve done enough here, and you’re Clan might get worried.”

Leaving what was left of the water mint, Leaf stood. “Bye, Barkface.”

“Goodbye. Thanks for the help.”

Leaf stood up. She noticed Onewhisker in the center of the clearing, his warriors surrounding him. She should probably tell him she was leaving. Her steps faltered when she noticed Crowfeather in the group.

Onewhisker spotted her. “How’s Morningflower?” he asked.

“She’ll be fine. Barkface is with her.”

“Thank you,” Onewhisker said, his eyes warmed. “Webfoot told me he found you having a dispute over the border with the forest. I’ve decided to leave that area for ThunderClan. We’ll keep our border on the stream.”

“Thank you!” Leaf said, surprised by his generosity.

“Are you insane?” Mudclaw’s voice interrupted them. “You can’t give land away for a handful of herbs. Barkface is perfectly capable of healing anyone in our Clan without some apprentice’s help.”

Onewhisker faced him. “This is about more than herbs. ThunderClan has saved us time and time again. Besides, what would we even do with all those trees? We don’t know how to hunt there.”

Mudclaw glared at his leader. A few other warriors shrank away, looking uncomfortable, including Crowfeather.

“We won’t fight over trees we can’t even use,” Onewhisker said firmly. “ThunderClan will get more use of them than we will, and can protect them better, too.”

“But the moor is small,” Webfoot said, standing beside Mudclaw. “We need the hunting space. And the herbs.”

“We have plenty of space already,” Onewhisker said.

His warriors nodded, but none of them looked happy. Mudclaw turned away, murmuring under his breath.

Leaf glanced between them awkwardly. She noticed a few WindClan warriors had agreed with Mudclaw. She wondered what would happen if Onewhisker’s leadership was challenged. Would WindClan break into a civil war? How many supporters did Mudclaw have?

“You should be getting home,” Onewhisker said. “Crowfeather, escort Leaf to her camp. And tell Firestar about the border.”

Crowfeather’s eyes widened.

“I don’t need an escort,” Leaf said quickly. “I can get there myself.”

Onewhisker ignored her. “That’s an order, Crowfeather.”

Crowfeather heaved a sigh. “Come on, then.”

Leaf followed him helplessly. She gave her hasty goodbyes to Onewhisker. Crowfeather set a fast pace, as though trying to get the journey over as quickly as possible.

Leaf found it much easier to breath once they reached the stream. They were higher than where ThunderClan had crossed the previous night. Crowfeather led her across some stepping stones and back onto ThunderClan’s land. Not long after she recognized the bushes that ringed the hollow, Leaf took the lead, following the slope of the land down to entrance.

Firestar was standing in the center of the hollow. Squirrelflight was helping Ferncloud move some bramble tendrils.

“We could make a nursery with these,” Ferncloud said. “Right up against the rock wall, so it’ll be sheltered.”

“It shouldn’t take long to make,” Squirrelflight said, dragging away a bramble. Birch was playfully putting at the tendrils, dislodging the bush.

Brambleclaw was nearby, stuffing cut fur into sewn up pelts to make beds.

“Dad,” Leaf called. “Crowfeather’s here. He has a message from Onewhisker.”

Firestar nodded to them. “Is everything okay?”

“Onewhisker has agreed to the border at the stream,” Crowfeather said, sounding unhappy.

“Good,” Firestar said cheerfully. “Thank him for me.”

“Thanks for walking me home,” Leaf added. Although Crowfeather had been rude, she wouldn’t fall to his level.

Crowfeather simply nodded, then headed for the camp entrance.

“Hey!” Squirrelflight called after him. “Aren’t you going to say hello?”

The WindClan warrior continued on, ignoring her.

“It was very generous of Onewhisker to give us so much land,” Firestar remarked.

Dustpelt emerged from under the bramble thicket Squirrelflight and Ferncloud were holding up. He nearly tripped over Birch. “Watch it!”

“Don’t yell at him,” Ferncloud murmured. “Be happy he can play out in the open again.”

Dustpelt murmured in agreement, then ducked back into the semi-built hut to continue his work.

Leaf looked around the hollow, surprised by how much work had already been done. Borders were being set up, meanwhile, a new nursery was almost finished. The beds had been made, someone had started a firepit, Cinderpelt had spent the day collecting herbs…

It was all coming together.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw walked through the cool grass. He could hear birds chirping all around him, although he couldn’t see any.

He emerged into an open clearing. The moon was nearly full, hanging in the clear sky. In front of him, the ground fell away into a cleft, rocks jutting out from the sides.

Bramblestar stared in astonishment. The ravine! This was ThunderClan’s old camp. But it looked completely untouched. There was no sign of monsters or uprooted trees. The only noise was the gentle rustle of the wind in the trees. Their home was safe! The destruction, the fear, the hunger, the mountains..it had all been a bad dream!

Brambleclaw nearly toppled down the ravine in his race to get to the camp. His heart was ready to burst with happiness. He’d get to see all his Clanmates again. Graystripe had never been arrested. Shrew, Holly and Larch were still alive. His mother would be in her hut.

Trembling with excitement, Brambleclaw pushed through the gorse overhang and into camp. Then he stopped dead. The clearing was completely empty. The only sign of life was a single man sitting alone in the center.

His hair was long and dready, just as Brambleclaw’s would be if he didn’t keep it cut. His eyes were the same shade as well- a deep brown. A long scar stretched across his nose, and his shoulders were as wide as the Highrock behind him.

Tigerstar.

Brambleclaw took a step back. Graystripe’s capture, the childrens’ death, the mountains- it was all real. This was the dream.

Tigerstar raised one hand, beckoning with his finger. Brambleclaw stiffened, then moved forward more slowly.

“It’s good to see you, son,” Tigerstar rumbled. “I have been waiting many years to speak with you.”

Brambleclaw stopped, unsure what to say. For a split second, he was in the nursery again. Tigerstar was his hero- a courageous and strong warrior, the perfect idol. ThunderClan’s honorable deputy and the best warrior in the Clan.

The warm feeling only lasted a second before everything else came rushing back. Brambleclaw drew his dagger. “What do you want? Did StarClan send you?”

“I don’t belong to StarClan,” Tigerstar growled. His gaze slid past Brambleclaw. “Welcome, my son. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

Brambleclaw spun around to see Hawkfrost pushing through the gorse tunnel. The RiverClan warrior walked across the clearing to stand beside him. He wasn’t as muscular as Brambleclaw or Tigerstar, and the white on his cloak was a stark contrast. But anyone would know they were related.

“You’re Tigerstar,” Hawkfrost breathed. “My father.”

Tigerstar nodded. “That’s right. So, how are your new homes?”

Protectively, Brambleclaw stepped in front of his younger brother. “You don’t want to associate with him, Hawkfrost.”

“Sheath your weapon, Brambleclaw,” Tigerstar said. His tone was that of a father telling his son to mind his manners. “And let me talk to your brother.”

Brambleclaw’s feelings were torn. On one hand, he knew not to trust anything Tigerstar was about to say. He should grab Hawkfrost and run as far as he could. But on the other hand, he was curious as to what his father had to say.

“How is your new home?” Tigerstar repeated.

“It’s great!” Hawkfrost’s eyes gleamed. “RiverClan has already set up our markers. Yesterday, Blackclaw and I drove out a bear living on our land.”

“Good, good,” Tigerstar said. He raised his head. Above them, the sky was growing pale. “I must go now. Goodbye, Brambleclaw, Hawkfrost. I’ll talk with you another night.”

A cloud drifted over the moon, plunging the clearing into darkness. When it cleared, Tigerstar was gone.

“Must be time to wake up.” Hawkfrost put a hand on Brambleclaw’s shoulder, then headed for the camp entrance.

“Wait!” Brambleclaw called. “Don’t go yet!”

“I have to go; I’m on the dawn patrol. What’s wrong, Brambleclaw?”

Brambleclaw sat bolt upright. Cloudtail stood over him, looking puzzled.

“Is something wrong?” Cloudtail repeated.

Brambleclaw shook his head, dazed. “No, everything’s fine. It was just a bad dream.” He was willing to believe that nightmare had just been a weird hallucination, conjured by his own imagination. He would never speak to Tigerstar again as long as he lived.

Outside was bright. A pulse of excitement ran through him as he remembered that tonight would be the full moon.

The Gathering.

He glanced around the camp. The hollow looked very different from how it had looked when they’d first arrived. Most of the brambles had been uprooted to form a barrier blocking the camp entrance. The rest of them had been woven together to form the nursery. The apprentices were using a shallow cave in the rock wall as their hut, while the warriors had dropped nearby thorn bushes and logs into the hollow and used them to make a large shelter. Longtail hadn't found a good place for the elder’s hut yet. Dustpelt had moved him every night, letting him try out the entire hollow. Brambleclaw suspected Longtail actually enjoyed sleeping in a different spot each night. It was his way of exploring the hollow.

The stone hollow was slowly transforming into a camp. But because of his dream, Brambleclaw couldn’t be comfortable. Longing to be back in the ravine made his skin crawl. Even worse, was the appearance of his father. He’d always assumed Tigerstar had gone to StarClan, but was being held prisoner by the other dead warriors. Was that not the case?

Brambleclaw shook his head, hoping to shake the dream lose from his mind. Their old home was gone, and so was his father. Tigerstar didn’t deserve a thought to his name. Focusing on his duties, he noticed the food storage was getting low.

“Hey, Brambleclaw!” Dustpelt called. “Want to go hunting? I’m making a patrol.”

“Sure,” Brambleclaw agreed. “Who else is going with us?” He hoped Dustpelt would say Squirrelflight. He’d hardly gotten to talk to her since they started making the camp.

“Dustpelt!” Brackenfur called. “You’ve had White making beds and huts since we moved into the hollow. Can I have her for warrior training today? We need to get the apprentices back into a proper routine.”

“Sure,” Dustpelt replied. “You can both come hunting with us.”

“We should bring Spider, too,” Brambleclaw suggested.

“Good idea.” Firestar’s voice sounded from behind them. “I just spoke with Mousefur. Yesterday, Spider chased away a family of foxes that were sniffing around the hollow. We both think he’s ready to become a warrior, and so is White. We’ll have their ceremonies at noon. This will be their last hunt as apprentices.”

Brambleclaw smiled, his spirits lifting. Making new warriors was very important to the Clans. Spider and White’s ceremony would be the first in the stone hollow. It would really make this new camp feel like home.

Firestar wished them luck in their hunt, while Brackenfur headed off to find the two apprentices. Soon, the five of them were climbing the slope at the edge of the hollow before striking off into the trees. They had almost reached the highest cliff when a squeak came from behind them.

“Wait for me!”

Brambleclaw turned to see Birch struggling after them.

“Birch!” Dustpelt exclaimed. “What are you doing?”

“Uncle Dustpelt!” Birch stopped in front of them, panting. “I want to come hunting, too!”

“You’re not old enough,” Dustpelt said sharply. “You can hunt when you become an apprentice.”

Brackenfur rolled his eyes. “Kids!”

“Go back to camp, Birch,” Dustpelt ordered.

“But I’m good at hunting!” Birch boasted. “Watch me catch a bird!” He pointed to a robin perched on one of the thornbushes at the edge of the hollow.

“No!” Dustpelt reached out and grabbed Birch by the shirt, pulling him away. “That’s too close to the cliff. You’d fall in and die!”

Birch shrunk away from his uncle, scared.

“There’s a reason children are supposed to stay in the nursery,” Dustpelt growled, his voice filled with more concern than anger. “Now go back to your mother.”

“Don’t be too hard on him,” Brackenfur urged. “He wanted to help.”

“And he nearly threw himself over a cliff to do it,” Dustpelt growled.

“I’m sorry,” Birch whimpered.

“Go find your mother,” Dustpelt ordered. “And don’t leave camp again unless it’s with your mentor.”

Birch nodded and headed back down the slope. Dustpelt watched until he was out of sight.

“We should put up a barrier around the cliff,” Dustpelt said, mostly to himself. He began walking up and down the cliff. “We could make wooden stakes and wrap thornbushes around them. Like a fence.”

“That’s a good idea,” Brambleclaw said. “It’ll remind everyone where the cliff is, too.”

“I’ll talk to Firestar once we get back. For now, we need to hunt.”

Brambleclaw followed the others into the forest, keeping his guard up in case of danger. He glanced back at the thorn bushes, his mind conjuring an image of Birch laying in the hollow, body twisted and broken. Was this place really safe?

Dustpelt led the patrol into the stretch of woodland near the stream. Soon, Brambleclaw spotted a doe grazing near a tree. He crept forward and jumped at it, digging his dagger into its throat.

“Well done!” Dustpelt called.

“It was so nice of Onewhisker to let us have this land, even though it made WindClan’s land smaller,” White said. “We should properly thank him in some way.”

Brackenfur nodded in agreement. “I’m sure Firestar is already thinking of something.”

Chapter Text

By noon, the whole Clan had eaten well, and there was still plenty left over. Once they had finished their meal, they stayed in the center of the hollow. The bushes had been moved to make room fo the Clan to gather.

It was time for a warrior ceremony.

There was no Highrock like the one in the old camp. Instead, Firestar had found a ledge halfway up the highest wall. Rocks jutted out here, making a stairway to the ledge. Just below it was a cleft that opened into a cave where Firestar slept. It was enclosed by vines and covered in soft sand.

Firestar raised his voice in the summoning words. “Let all those old enough to hunt join here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting.”

Brambleclaw trembled with excitement, the familiar words offering a strange sense of comfort. He watched as Spider and White crossed the clearing to stand between their mentors, Mousefur and Brackenfur. Mousefur looked thin and shaky, as though she hadn’t quite recovered from being sick. But her eyes shone with pride.

Brambleclaw sought out Squirrelflight in the crowd, and was disappointed to see her already sitting between Ashfur and Cloudtail. Their heads were close together, talking with friendly smiles. Brambleclaw, feeling gloomy, sat where he was, next to Sootfur.

“You okay?” Sootfur asked. He glanced past Brambleclaw to where Squirrelflight sat. His eyes shone with understanding. “Did you want to sit with her?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Brambleclaw tried not to look at the three sitting together. He had noticed how much time Ashfur had recently been spending with Squirrelflight, and seemingly out of nowhere. Brambleclaw hoped he wasn’t bothering her.

He had to remind himself that Squirrelflight could have friends other than him. Although no one else in the Clan would ever experience what they’d gone through together, that didn’t change the fact that Squirrelflight was likable and had become popular after receiving her warrior name. Brambleclaw tried to curve his jealously.

“You like her, don’t you?” Sootfur leaned closer, dropping his voice. “Why don’t you just tell her?”

Brambleclaw blushed deeply. He didn’t see a reason to lie to Sootfur. But before he could answer, Firestar began.

“We have a ceremony to perform,” the ThunderClan leader called. “It’s time for Spider and White to receive their warrior names.”

He stepped down the rocks until he reached the floor of the hollow, turning to Spider first. Spider stepped forward, quivering.

“I, Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices.” His voice rang out above the sound of the wind. “They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Do you both promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do,” Spider replied eagerly.

“I do.” White voice was high with excitement.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Spider, from this moment forward you will be known as Spiderleg. StarClan honors your courage and enthusiasm, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Firestar turned to White. “White, from this moment forward, you will be known as Whitewing. StarClan honors your compassion and gentleness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.”

“Spiderleg! Whitewing! Spiderleg! Whitewing!” The Clan raised their voices to greet the new warriors. Sootfur and Cloudtail looked ready to burst with pride. Ferncloud’s eyes shone with joy to see her eldest son made a warrior. Brightheart was the first to race to Whitewing, grabbing her into a tight embrace. Birch bounced up to his brother happily.

Firestar raised his hands, asking for silence. The noise died away as all of the Clan turned to face him.

“There is one more ceremony to perform,” Firestar said. “Mousefur and I have been talking together, and it’s time I carry out her wish. Mousefur, do you still want to give up the title of warrior and join the elders?”

Mousefur’s voice trembled. “I do.” It seemed hard for the proud warrior to accept she was growing old. The long journey and recent sickness had proven she was growing weak.

“Your Clan honors you and your service,” Firestar. “I call upon StarClan to give you many years of rest.”

Mousefur nodded, then went over to join Longtail.

“Although I won’t be a warrior anymore, I’m still ready to defend this Clan with my life,” Mousefur announced.

A murmur of amusement and admiration rose from the crowd. “Mousefur! Mousefur!” a few people called. Longtail was grinning, happy to have someone else to share his hut with. Brambleclaw realized how lonely he must have been without the elderly ladies he’d once slept beside.

The meeting began to break up. Brambleclaw went over to congratulate the new warriors, then noticed Firestar beckoning for him.

“Whitewing told me about the deer you caught this morning,” Firestar said. “She was very impressed. I’d like you to come to the Gathering tonight.”

Brambleclaw smiled. “Thank you, Firestar.” This was his chance! He could find Hawkfrost and tell him about the dream. If Hawkfrost really had been there, he needed to tell his brother that Tigerstar couldn’t be trusted.

No matter how much Brambleclaw missed him.

He shuddered. He didn’t miss Tigerstar. He missed the illusion of Tigerstar that his mother had once fallen for. He missed the strong, fearsome persona his father had created to win the Clan’s favor.

But that had all been fake. Tigerstar was a liar, a traitor and a murderer.

Chapter Text

The sun had gone down but the horizon still blazed scarlet by the time ThunderClan set out. While they walked, Brambleclaw realized Squirrelflight had joined his side.

“Hey,” she greeted. “You okay? You look kind of out of it.”

Brambleclaw winced, wondering if he should tell Squirrelflight about his dream. But she already held misgivings about Hawkfrost. “I had a bad dream last night,” he admitted.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Squirrelflight asked. “Last time you had a bad dream, it led us to the ocean.”

Brambleclaw sighed heavily. He knew he should be able to confide in Squirrelflight, but he didn’t think he could talk about his dream with even Tawnypelt. The only person who needed to know was Hawkfrost. The rest of the Clan didn’t need to know Tigerstar had come to him in a dream.

“Not really,” he answered. “It wasn’t important.”

Squirrelflight shrugged. Just as she was about to speak again, Ashfur called her name. “Hey,” he greeted. “Want to walk with me? Ferncloud is too busy fawning over Spiderleg.”

“Um…” Squirrelflight shot an apologetic glance at Brambleclaw. “Sure.” With a small smile, she followed Ashfur toward the front of the group.

Disappointed, Brambleclaw fell toward the back. Sorreltail and Brackenfur walked just in front of him, murmuring together affectionately.

Firestar led his Clan uphill to the place where they could cross the stream by the stepping stones, then followed the stream to the lakeshore. “If we keep using the ranch for a Gathering place, we’ll need to make sure WindClan understand we must cross their land every full moon.”

“That shouldn’t be too difficult,” Cloudtail murmured to Dustpelt.

The older warrior grunted. “We could probably walk straight through WindClan’s camp and they wouldn’t bat an eye.”

“Don’t say that,” Sorreltail protested. “Onewhisker would defend his camp as fiercely as any leader.”

Dustpelt and Cloudtail exchanged a glance, unconvinced.

They walked along the edge of the lake. The water was dark as the light faded from the horizon, and a few stars appeared. Brambleclaw found his gaze being dragged to where Squirrelflight walked at the front of the group. She had separated from Ashfur and was instead talking with her sister. Ashfur himself was walking between Rainwhisker and Cinderpelt, although he kept glancing toward Squirrelflight. Brambleclaw wondered if he should say something about the older warrior’s newfound fondness for the red head. But he didn’t want Squirrelflight to think he was getting jealous.

By the time they reached the ranch, the full moon had floated away from the trailing wisps of cloud, flooding the late with pale silver light. Just before they reached the fence, Onewhisker appeared at the top of the hill, flanked by several warriors. Brambleclaw was surprised to see Mudclaw with him, although not Ashfoot.

Firestar stopped, waiting for the WindClan warriors to catch up, greeting Onewhisker. Although the two leaders walked side by side, their warriors remained separated. Brambleclaw caught Crowfeather’s eye, and the two nodded in greeting, but kept their distance.

Suddenly, Firestar stopped, making the others do the same. Brambleclaw moved through the crowd to figure out what was going on. He paused, noticing two figures on the hill.

“Townsfolk!” he whispered.

Murmurs of fear sounded from those around him. They wouldn’t soon forget who had destroyed their old forest.

The first figure was a big man with black hair. He stood just in front of the farm, glaring at them.

“What are you croodies doing on my land again?” he demanded.

Mudclaw and Cloudtail were the first to step forward, ready to defend their people. Firestar quickly took lead again. “We’re not looking for trouble,” he said. “We recently settled around the lake, and where using the meadow beside your ranch to meet.”

“There’s so many of you!” The second figure was a stout woman with long blonde hair. Her eyes were wide with surprise.

“There’s more of us coming soon,” Onewhisker said. “But we won’t bother you.”

“As long as you don’t bother us,” Mudclaw growled.

The man narrowed his eyes. “Stay off my land!”

“We don’t want on your land,” Squirrelflight said. “If you also own the meadow, we can go somewhere else.”

“It’s okay,” the woman said. “You can use that meadow. It counts as our land, but we don’t use it for anything.”

The man shot her a harsh glance, making her lower her head. “We don’t want you here,” he growled.

“There’s no need to be unfriendly,” Squirrelflight protested.

“Calm down.” Whitetail stepped forward. “They have children.”

The man whipped around to face her. “How do you know that?”

“I can sense them in the house,” Whitetail explained. “Three little heartbeats. Seems like…two boys and a girl.”

The woman’s eyes were wide with wonder. “You sensed them? What do you mean?”

“We are called Clansfolk.” Firestar’s voice was friendly. “We are raised in nature and taught to read our surroundings.”

The man looked him up and down. “You don’t look like the rest of them.”

“Don’t be rude, Hugh,” the woman said, then turned to the Clans. “I’m Daisy, and this is Hugh. We own this horse ranch. You’re free to use the meadow if you need it. As long as you’re not trying to hurt anyone.”

“We’re not,” Firestar reassured her. “Thank you.”

Hugh grumbled and grabbed Daisy by the elbow. Harshly, he pulled her away, back toward the house. Daisy hastily waved goodbye.

“Bye!” Squirrelflight called. “It was nice to meet you!”

The Clan set off again, skirting the fence and following the shore until they reached the trees where they had set up their temporary camp. ShadowClan and RiverClan were already there. Brambleclaw immediately sought out his sister. Heading over to see her, Rainwhisker pushed past him to greet Swallowtail. Cloudtail called to Rowanclaw and Cedarheart.

“Tawnypelt!” Brambleclaw called. “It’s good to see you.”

“You, too,” Tawnypelt greeted. She sighed heavily. “I hope StarClan gives us a proper meeting place soon. I don’t like it here, and neither do the others.”

They headed for the tree stump to find a good place to sit. They’d only taken a few steps before Hawkfrost appeared. He was looking expectantly at Brambleclaw, who excused himself from Tawnypelt.

“Hey,” Brambleclaw said. Should he mention the dream? “How are you settling in?”

“Fine, thanks,” Hawkfrost said, voice cool. “How’s the border sets going? Mudclaw told me Onewhisker gave up a whole chunk of land in exchange for healing herbs.”

Brambleclaw narrowed his eyes. It seemed like Mudclaw was using anything he could to suggest Onewhisker wasn’t fit to be a Clan leader.

“Perhaps Tallstar made a mistake when he chose Onewhisker to follow him,” Hawkfrost went on. “It would be a pity of WindClan’s leader was proven weak. Not the best start for their new life.”

“I’m sure Onewhisker will be a great leader once he gets used to it,” Brambleclaw argued.

“It takes a strong leader to make a strong Clan,” Hawkfrost said. “Onewhisker hasn’t received his name or blessings yet. Maybe StarClan doesn’t approve.”

His voice was level, curious rather than accusatory. Brambleclaw found it hard to disagree. StarClan had been completely silent since the Clans had left the mountains.

“Mudclaw thinks the same thing,” Hawkfrost went on. “His Clan needs a strong leader more than ever. It’s hard to make good borders when your leader is so friendly with the neighbors. If Onewhisker doesn’t set good borders now, it could be disastrous in the future.”

Brambleclaw thought Hawkfrost was right. Mudclaw was ambition and could be mean, but he still wanted what was best for his Clan.

“Mudclaw was a good deputy,” Brambleclaw began thoughtfully.

Hawkfrost narrowed his eyes. “Speaking of deputies, when’s Firestar going to make you one?”

Brambleclaw stiffened. He’d hardly thought about becoming deputy. He’d always though there were plenty of other options beside him. He supposed the journey had proven he wasn’t terrible at leadership, but surely Firestar would want someone more experienced to help him lead the Clan. Dustpelt, Sandstorm, Brackenfur, Cloudtail…All of them were more capable of being deputy than Brambleclaw thought he was.

“There are more experienced warriors-”

Hawkfrost cut him off. “Older warriors,” he corrected. “But not more experienced. How many of them led the journey to the ocean and then led us here? You’re strong and skillful and loyal to the warrior code. You deserve to be deputy.”

“Firestar won’t appoint a new deputy until he sees Graystripe in StarClan,” Brambleclaw explained. “Even if I was qualified, it won’t be happening soon.”

“There’s no way Graystripe is still alive,” Hawkfrost scoffed. “Everyone knows that. I think it’s because you’re the best option for deputy, but Firestar doesn’t want to give it to you because of your parentage.”

Brambleclaw was sure that wasn’t true. Firestar had defended him time and time again, and hadn’t shone prejudice since Brambleclaw had been very young. But Hawkfrost’s words still made him worry. Did Firestar- the rest of the Clan, even- think being deputy would make him as bloodthirsty and ambition as his father?

“Does RiverClan think the same about you?” Brambleclaw prompted.

Hawkfrost shrugged. “Not really. Everyone knows I’m the best warrior RiverClan has to offer.”

As he spoke, Squirrelflight suddenly appeared at Brambleclaw’s side. “Hey,” she greeted. “I was wondering where you went.” She met Hawkfrost’s eyes and frowned. “Hi, Hawkfrost.”

“Hello, Squirrelflight,” The RiverClan warrior greeted politely. “Brambleclaw and I were just discussing WindClan. We’re afraid there’ll be trouble if Onewhisker doesn’t receive his blessings soon.”

“Uh…yeah,” Brambleclaw said.

Squirrelflight looked between them. “You shouldn’t meddle with WindClan. It’s not our place to decide who the leader should be.”

“We don’t need to meddle, but it’s still something to worry about,” Brambleclaw said. “Whoever becomes leader decides the fate of the rest of us. It could either mean allyship or war in the future.”

Squirrelflight opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off when Mistyfoot approached. “Leopardstar wants you, Hawkfrost. We’re discussing our final decisions on the borders.”

“I should go,” Hawkfrost said to Brambleclaw. “It was nice seeing you again.” He joined Mistyfoot. “Will we tell the other Clans about the bear we drove away from the river? It went toward ShadowClan’s forest.”

“I'd like to,” Mistyfoot said.

Brambleclaw stared after them in shock. Hawkfrost had mentioned the bear in his dream! There was no way he had imagined that. Which meant his dream had been real. Tigerstar had called a meeting with his sons.

Tigerstar was back.

“Are you okay?” Squirrelflight asked, frowning with worry. “You look upset.”

Brambleclaw took a deep breath. He should be able to confide in Squirrelflight more than anyone. But what would she think if she knew Tigerstar had returned to him? Would she think his dream made him a traitor?

Before he could make up his mind, Blackstar stepped onto the tree stump and called the summons. As the others gathered, quieting down, all conversation was cut short. Brambleclaw would need to find another time to tell Squirrelflight about his troubles.

If he ever got a chance to. Every since settling back into the Clans, they’d hardly exchanged words. Something was always pulling them apart. It had never been this hard to talk on the journey.

Chapter Text

Leaf stood at the edge of the clearing and watched the four Clans move back and forth, greeting old friends and looking for places to sit. She wanted to ask Crowfeather about Morningflower, but he hadn’t talked to anyone yet. He remained with his Clanmates, keeping his head low. Now, Leaf couldn’t see him at all.

“Leaf! What’s got you so distracted?” A finger jabbed into her side.

Leaf realized Cinderpelt had been talking to her. “Sorry, Cinderpelt. I was lost in thought.”

“When the Gathering’s over, the healers are going to stay behind,” Cinderpelt said.

“Has someone had a sign about the Moonstone?” Leaf asked.

“I don’t know yet,” Cinderpelt admitted. “Come on, we should find somewhere to sit. The Gathering is starting soon.”

Leaf glanced around. Finally, her eyes landed on Crowfeather, once again surrounded by other WindClan warriors.

Cinderpelt followed her gaze. “Take care with your affections, Leaf. Remember, you’re a healer.”

“I do remember,” Leaf protested. “How could I ever fall for such a hot headed jerk? Every time I see him he yells at me. I just want to know if Morningflower is alright.”

Cinderpelt stared at her for a moment, then snorted with amusement. She led the way into the crowd. Leaf trailed behind. Why would Cinderpelt think she was falling for Crowfeather?

Cinderpelt sat down near the tree stump. Leaf noticed Squirrelflight sitting beside Brambleclaw not far away. However, as she watched, Ashfur called to her sister, coming to sit on her other side.

Leaf briefly met Squirrelflight’s gaze and saw distress there. Someone needed to tell Ashfur to step off a little. She glanced at Brambleclaw, hoping he would notice, but he was staring at the ground, seemingly lost in thought.

Blackstar raised both hands, asking for silence. The other leaders gathered around him.

“As we agreed before, we have set our borders along the small Thunderpath that leads to the lake,” Blackstar announced. “Leopardstar, do you still agree?”

Leopardstar nodded. “It’s perfect, Blackstar.”

Blackstar looked surprised. The small Thunderpath wasn’t far from RiverClan’s camp. Leaf had expected Leopardstar to want more land. However, as she thought about it, she understood Leopardstar’s line of thinking. The Thunderpath would cut RiverClan off from the cabin and boat dock, making the summer home ShadowClan’s problem.

“Our border with ThunderClan has also been laid down,” Blackstar went on. “We have claimed the forest as far as the river that flows into the lake, and as far up as the dead tree on the other side.”

“Why not all along the stream?” Firestar asked.

“The stream curves sharply into the pine forest, and has pines on both banks,” Blackstar explained. “If we stayed on one side of the stream, it would cut our land in half.”

Firestar nodded. “Understandable. I’ll send a patrol to properly mark our own side tomorrow. We’ll extend it past the dead tree, to the large white rock at the edge of the forest. For our border with WindClan, I’d like to stick with our original idea of using the stream that runs through the hill.”

“Thanks, Firestar,” Onewhisker said, sounding relieved. “That’s fine by us. We’ll use the ranch as our other border.”

“That leaves the other side of the ranch for RiverClan,” Leopardstar said.

“Except where we are now,” Firestar warned. “Until we find another place to gather, this place should belong to no Clan. It’s our temporary Fourtrees.”

Leopardstar’s eyes narrowed. “You can’t just give up part of my land.”

“We need somewhere to gather, Leopardstar,” Blackstar said.

“But this is RiverClan’s land,” Leopardstar insisted. “We need the marsh.”

“StarClan will soon show us a new place to gather,” Firestar said. “For now, this is how it has to be.”

Leopardstar hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But if StarClan doesn’t send a sign in the next six months, this will be RiverClan’s land.”

“With that settled, I’d like to begin the Gathering properly,” Firestar said. Blackstar stepped off the stump and Firestar took his place. “ThunderClan is settling well on our new land. We have plenty of food, space and other resources. We also have two new warriors. Spiderleg and Whitewing hold their vigils tonight.”

A shadow fell across the clearing. Leaf looked up to see that a cloud had drifted over the moon. It wasn’t thick enough to block its light, but it made the meadow darker. A cold, damp wind swept off the lake, rattling the branches around them. A few people shifted uneasily.

“Onewhisker?” Firestar said. “Do you want to go next.” He stepped off the stump to allow Onewhisker up.

“We are settling into our new camp,” Onewhisker began.

“Speak up- we can’t hear you!” Heavystep called.

“And you won’t, if you can’t keep quiet,” Mudclaw growled. “Listen to what our leader has to say.”

Leaf and Cinderpelt exchanged a surprised glance. No one had expected to see Mudclaw jumping to Onewhisker’s defense.

Onewhisker started again. “Two of our elders fell ill, but they are recovering quickly, thanks to ThunderClan’s help.”

“He shouldn’t have mentioned that,” Leaf murmured. It made WindClan sound like they were relying on ThunderClan.

Sudden movement caught Leaf’s attention. She could see shadows moving in the trees. The others noticed too, and a few weapons were drawn. Two lithe shapes slid out of the darkness.

The foxes crept closer. They looked young, and had probably never seen humans before.

“Scram!” Dustpelt shouted.

Hawkfrost and Russetfur had both picked up small pebbles, launching them at the foxes.

The two foxes yipped and turned to flee. “That’s right, get out of here!” Dustpelt called. “Dumb kits.”

A few people still looked uneasy, peering around the shadows as though they expected something worse to appear. Leaf looked up at the sky. The cloud over the moon had disappeared.

“We should hurry up and be done,” Blackstar said. “I have nothing to report. Leopardstar?”

“I’m ready to go home,” Leopardstar said.

The crowd began dividing into their Clans. There was none of the usual gossip and goodbyes. Everyone wanted to get back to their safe camps.

“Leaf!” Mothwing called. “Come on. We’re meeting over here.”

Leaf, relieved, joined her friend’s side. “How are your elders?”

Guilt flooded Mothwing’s eyes. “They’re fine, but I still feel bad. I should have been paying attention to the water.”

“Everyone’s okay now,” Leaf reassured her. “Just be careful in the future.”

Mothwing didn’t look convinced. She led Leaf to where the healers had met before. Cinderpelt joined Barkface, sitting down. A moment later, Littlecloud appeared.

“We need a better place to gather,” Barkface began. “We also need to find a new Moonstone. Has anyone had any signs?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“The gathering place can wait. This meadow will do fine,” Cinderpelt said. “But we need a Moonstone. Onewhisker needs his blessings.”

“Maybe StarClan did send a sign, but we didn’t realize,” Littlecloud murmured.

“Do you really think that?” Barkface retorted. “I may be old, but I’m not blind. I know a sign when I see one, and I haven’t seen one.”

“Maybe there isn’t a moonstone here,” Mothwing said.

Barkface glared at her. “Then this isn’t the right place to live. How can we tell the Clans we have to get up and move again?”

Mothwing dropped her gaze.

“That might be what we have to do if StarClan doesn’t send a sign soon,” Cinderpelt said. “The Clans can’t survive without StarClan.”

“Maybe we should leave,” Littlecloud ventured.

Barkface shook his head. “No one wants to pack up and leave again. We’re already getting used to our new land.”

Guilt washed over Leaf. She’d been sent the vision of the lake. What if she’d misinterpreted it?

“Maybe we need to go look for a sign,” she suggested.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Cinderpelt said. “We all need to keep watch until we meet at the half moon.”

“We should tell our warriors to keep a lookout for caves and tunnels,” Barkface said.

“Good idea,” Cinderpelt replied.

“We should get going now,” Barkface rasped. “Oh, and I want to thank Leaf for helping our elders when they were sick. They’re both doing fine now.”

Leaf nodded.

“Your elders were sick?” Littlecloud asked. “Some of mine were, too. They must have picked up a sickness during the journey. Did you have any problems, Mothwing?”

Mothwing flashed a glance at Leaf. “Yeah.”

“And they're okay?” Barkface asked.

“I gave them juniper berries and now they’re fine.”

Barkface nodded, then climbed to his feet. Once the other healers made to leave, Mothwing pulled Leaf aside.

“Thanks for not telling them, Leaf,” she said.

“Don’t mention it.” Leaf knew how important it was that the Clans be able to trust Mothwing. If anyone found out she’d been the one to poison the elders, she might lose her Clan’s trust.

Mothwing gave her a long look, her eyes troubled. “Leaf, we’re friends, right?”

“Of course,” Leaf said, surprised.

Mothwing hesitated. “I don’t think StarClan is going to send us any signs.”

“Why wouldn’t they?”

“Because they’re terrible.”

Leaf’s eyes widened. For a moment, she didn’t hear her friend’s words. “How could you say that? You’re a healer!”

“And I’ll do just that. I don’t need a bunch of dead people to tell me how to care for my Clan. I can still heal them. How can you say StarClan is watching out for us when they’ve been so slow with sending us signs? Why can’t they just tell us what to do?”

“That’s not how it works,” Leaf argued. “If StarClan told us what to do, they’d be controlling us. They only guide us.”

Mothwing was frowning. “Then they’re pretty bad at it.”

“What about the moth wing sign?” Leaf prompted. “They made you a healer. How can you forsake them after they made our dream come true?”

Mothwing shook her head. “That wasn’t-”

“Leaf! Hurry up!” Cinderpelt called.

Leaf nodded, then turned back to Mothwing. But the RiverClan healer was backing away. “I’ll see you at the next half moon.”

Leaf joined her mentor by the lakeshore. How could Mothwing say such terrible things about StarClan? She had always known Mothwing struggled with being RiverClan’s only healer, but she had thought her friend could find comfort in StarClan’s guidance.

She wondered if she should tell Cinderpelt. Would it make any difference?

Leaf shuddered with fear. Was StarClan silent because the healers were losing faith in them? Was Mothwing’s disdain putting the four Clans in danger?

“Are you okay?” Cinderpelt asked.

“Yes,” Leaf said quickly. “Everything’s fine.”

She looked up at the sky, trying to see the stars how Mothwing saw them. But it was impossible. Those stars proved that StarClan was watching over them.

Chapter Text

Leaf spent the following days searching for anything she could interpret as a sign from StarClan. She roamed the forest, following streams and looking for herbs. But even though many useful healing herbs grew here, they didn’t lead to a place that the healers could use as the Moonstone. What would happen if the half moon came before the sign from StarClan? Would the Clans have to continue searching for a new home?

A few days before the half moon, Leaf returned to camp with a basket full of yarrow. Brackenfur entered the camp in front of her and made straight for Sorreltail.

“Hey!” he greeted. “Do you want to come hunting later?”

Sorreltail smiled. “Sure. How about noon?”

“Great! I’ll see you then.” Brackenfur pressed a kiss to her cheek, then pushed further into camp.

Leaf walked up to her aunt, amused. “I never expected you to settle down.”

Sorreltail spun to face her. “I’m not settling down! Just because I have a husband now doesn’t mean I’m not a warrior.”

Leaf laughed. “I never said you weren’t.”

Sorreltail’s gaze was on Brackenfur. “Isn’t he great?”

“I suppose. Congratulations, by the way.”

She continued on with her yarrow.

“There you are!” Cinderpelt limped across the clearing to meet her. “Come here.”

Leaf followed her over to the tallest wall. Brambles had rooted themselves in the crack a few lengths up, their long tendrils hanging down like a curtain.

“The brambles are filled with thorns,” Cinderpelt explained. “Far too thick to use for building, so I had Dustpelt move them this morning. Look what he found.”

She gingerly picked up the tendrils and slid behind them. Leaf did the same carefully, then stopped. The brambles had hidden a deep cleft, stretching far enough back for the corners to be lost in shadows. At one side, water dripped down to form a tiny pool. The rest of the floor was covered in pebbles. Beneath were patches of sand.

Cinderpelt’s eyes gleamed. “It’s perfect for our hut! What do you think?”

Leaf gazed around. This was much better than the small overhang where she and Cinderpelt had placed their beds. The little pool meant it would be easy for patients to get water, and there were plenty of ledges to store herbs.

“It’s great!” she said. “I’ll clear out the pebbles and bring in our beds.”

Cinderpelt called for Firestar, who then summoned Cloudtail and Brightheart to help. By the time the sun was setting, everything was ready. The cave looked like a real hut.

Leaf laid down. The cave was warm and sheltered. Worn out from working all afternoon, she closed her eyes.

Almost at once, she was walking along the shore of the lake with starlight washing around her ankles. A few lengths ahead stood a lean figure.

Crowfeather.

“Feathertail?” he murmured. “Feathertail, are you here?”

Leaf approached cautiously. “Feathertail is here,” she said. “She’ll always be with you.”

Crowfeather’s eyes shone with sadness. “Why did she have to die?”

“I don’t know.”

Movement caught Leaf’s eye. She looked up to see Spottedleaf standing on the shore.

She left Crowfeather staring in the water. “Spottedleaf!” she called. She stopped, skidding in the pebbles. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“I will always be here,” Spottedleaf murmured.

“Why has StarClan been silent?” Leaf asked. “Why haven’t you shown us to a new Moonstone yet? What will we do without one? Will we have to leave?”

“Hush, dear,” Spottedleaf said. “Don’t forget that StarClan had to travel here, too. This place is new to us, and we are also settling in. But the stars in the water will show you what to do.”

“The lake?”

“No.”

“Then show me!” Leaf begged.

Spottedleaf turned and began to race along the bank.

“Wait!” Leaf called, but the dead healer disappeared into the shadows. Leaf gave chase. Suddenly, the lake vanished and she was running uphill beside a starry stream. Although she couldn’t see Spottedleaf, she could hear her voice murmuring in the wind.

She skid to a halt. She was at a cliff, the stream falling down a hill.

“Spottedleaf!” she called. “Where are you?”

Her cry echoed off the rocks, shattering the noise of the waterfall.

Leaf woke with a gasping, jumping out of bed. An owl hooted in the trees overhead.

She peered out of the brambles, running her hands through her hair. It had rained heavily in the night, and the walls of the hollow sparkled with raindrops. The clouds had cleared away. The moon floated above the trees.

Spottedleaf’s voice sounded on the wind. “I am here. Come and find me.”

Leaf walked quietly toward the camp entrance. Halfway across the clearing, a blonde woman appeared from the warrior’s hut. Leaf’s breath hitched. “Spottedleaf?”

“Leaf?” Sorreltail sounded surprised. “What are you doing?”

“I know the way to the new Moonstone,” Leaf blurted out. “I need to go find it.”

“Now? Can’t you wait until morning?”

“No. I have to follow a starry stream.”

“How do you know where to find it?”

“I had a dream from StarClan. I know where to go.”

“I’ll come with you.”

Leaf hesitated. Would StarClan mind if she brought a warrior with her, rather than another healer? The Moonstone was a sacred place for everyone in the Clans. Even warriors needed to speak with StarClan occasionally. Besides, she could use the help.

“Let’s go then!” Leaf led the way to the thorn tunnel, where Brackenfur was on guard.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“StarClan sent me a sign!” Leaf didn’t see a need to keep it a secret. “I know where the new Moonstone is.”

Brackenfur frowned. “You should wait until it’s morning. It’s dangerous in the dark.”

“I can keep us safe,” Sorreltail said. “You know that.”

She and Brackenfur exchanged a long look. “Okay. Just be careful.”

“Don’t baby me,” Sorreltail said, her voice lighthearted. As she and Leaf stepped out of camp, she gave Brackenfur a farewell kiss.

“Good luck,” he said, waving them off.

Leaf took the lead, setting a quick pace through the forest until she came to the stream between ThunderClan and WindClan. It was dark, shadowed by bushes on the overhanging banks. It looked nothing like the sparkling stream she’d followed in her dream.

Leaf headed up the slope, stopping at the edge of the trees. In her dream, she had run on an open hillside, which meant they needed to get out of the trees.

She followed the border out of the forest and up the hill. “Spottedleaf came to me in a dream,” Leaf explained. “She told me to find stars on water, but not in the lake. It must be the stream. Then, she led me uphill beside the stream. There were no trees, and the air was cold. It must be somewhere high.”

“Then we have to go higher,” Sorreltail said.

The stream was quiet as it slid over the stones. The water was dark, glimmering from the stars above. As they went on, the water seemed to get louder.

They came to a cleft in the hills, where the land dipped down. The valley was lined with gorse and bracken, and it grew steeper as they went on. The ground was littered with rocks. Leaf reached the edge of the valley where it led to a to a sheer, rocky slope. Sorreltail yawned behind her, thought kept up pace.

Then she heard it- the roaring of a waterfall.

“We’re almost there!” she chimed happily. She raced forward, nearly slipping on the damp rocks. The peaks above her were outlined by the first signs of dawn, but stars still shone in the indigo sky. “Hurry! Before the stars fade!”

She turned to run on, then froze. A figure was standing above her. Had one of the other healers been guided here? Then, she recognized Spottedleaf, waiting for her.

Leaf climbed up to join her. The bank of the stream poured down a deep channel in the rock. Starlight glittered on the surface of the water where it spilled over the stones.

“We found it!” Leaf gasped.

“Follow me,” Spottedleaf urged.

“Come on!” Leaf called to Sorreltail.

Spottedleaf turned away and began to follow the stream upward. Leaf scrambled after her. The ground sloped more steeply than before, and the starlit stream vanished beneath a barrier of thornbushes. Spottedleaf stepped over them.

Leaf followed, Sorreltail just behind. They found themselves on a steep sided hollow. The ground fell sharply away on the other side of the bushes. It was much smaller than ThunderClan’s camp, but clear of gorse and bramble with gently sloping sides. On the far side, the ground rose into a sheer cliff, covered in moss and ferns. Water bubbled out from a cleft halfway up the wall and splashed into a pool in the center of the hollow. The surface of the pool danced and glittered, reflecting the stars.

Just like the Moonstone.

A narrow path curved around the side of the hollow, spiraling steadily down to the pool.

“Wow!” Sorreltail breathed. “This must be it!”

“I agree,” Leaf said. She stepped carefully down the path. The rock was covered in ancient footprints, frozen into the stone forever. She occasionally slipped into the marks left by people thousands of years ago.

Finally, she was at the edge of the pool.

“Look into the water,” Spottedleaf whispered.

Leaf looked down, then felt the stones beneath her lurch. Instead of stars, she saw the reflections of many people, shimmering with moonlit. Hundreds of eyes gleamed at her with welcome.

Leaf looked up. All around her stood the shining warriors of StarClan, lining the hollow’s sloping sides. Their eyes glowed, their figures frosty. Behind them, at the top of the path, Sorreltail looked unfazed. She couldn’t see the spirits.

“Don’t be afraid,” Spottedleaf murmured. “We have been waiting for you.”

Leaf couldn’t be afraid. Warmth and peace surrounded her. Most of the warriors looked unfamiliar, but she noticed Dappletail in the font row. She looked graceful and beautiful, not thin and gray like the last time Leaf had seen her. Near the pool, two small shapes tumbled together. Happily, Leaf recognized Holly and Larch. Their eldest brother, Shrew, was standing between them and the pool, keeping them away from the water.

Leaf made a mental note to tell Ferncloud about this. She knew the mother would be happy knowing her dead children had joined StarClan.

For a moment, Leaf surveyed the dead warriors, looking for one face in particular. But no matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t see Graystripe. Her heart leaped. He was still alive!

Across the pool, a woman with a blue cloak stood. She looked vaguely familiar. For a moment, Leaf was terrified that she might be looking at the ghost of Mistyfoot. Then she realized the more plausible answer- this was Bluestar, Mistyfoot’s mother, and the ThunderClan leader before Firestar.

“Welcome, Leaf,” Bluestar said. “We are delighted to have you here. This is where healers will come to speak with StarClan, and where new leaders will receive their blessings and new names.”

“It’s beautiful, Bluestar,” Leaf whispered. “Thank you.”

“You must go back and tell the Clans,” Bluestar said. “But first, someone wants to speak with you.”

A beautiful woman with black hair stepped forward.

“Feathertail!” Leaf was overjoyed to see her cousin.

Feathertail stopped in front of her, smiling. “Hello, Leaf.”

“I thought you’d be with the Tribe’s Ancestors.”

“I walk in two skies. Although I will mostly stay in the mountains to watch over my brother, I’ll never forget the Clans. Especially Crowfeather.”

“He misses you very much. He chose his warrior name for you.”

“I saw,” Feathertail said. “I was so proud. He will make a great warrior. Tell him not to grieve. I will always be his friend, but he has many years before we can reunite. For now, he must focus on his Clanmates and his own life.”

“I’ll tell him,” Leaf promised.

Feathertail nodded and turned away, dappled by starlight. The warriors began to fade until they were just a starry sheen on the slopes of the hollow. Then, they were gone.

Leaf looked at the brightening sky. Sorreltail was standing at the top of the hollow.

“Did you see that?” Leaf asked, climbing back up to join her.

Sorreltail cocked her head. “See what?”

“StarClan! They were here! I spoke to Bluestar and Feathertail!” She stopped, noticing Sorreltail’s bewildered look.

“I saw a mist rising off the pool,” Sorreltail said.

“That must have been them.” Leaf gazed around the hollow. “This is the place.”

The last rays of the moon caught the surface of the water. The hollow exploded into pure white light.

“This is the place,” Leaf repeated breathlessly. “We don’t have a Moonstone anymore- we have a Moonpool.”

Chapter Text

Leaf headed over the stepping stones, climbing the hill toward WindClan’s camp. Firestar had offered her an escort, but she didn’t think she needed one. She’d thought of asking Sorreltail to go with her, but her aunt had gone hunting with Brackenfur that morning.

It was the day after she and Sorreltail had come back from finding the Moonpool. All of ThunderClan had been ecstatic about the news. A few warriors had been chosen to bring the message to the other healers, but Leaf had volunteered to go to WindClan. She wanted to check on Morningflower again.

And tell Crowfeather what Feathertail had said.

The wind ruffled the short moorland grass. Although she’d hardly slept since returning, the news she carried sent energy surging through her.

She was nearly at the camp when she noticed a patrol appear. It consisted of Mudclaw, Webfoot and Weasel. All the Clans were sensitive about their borders at the moment, and she hoped the WindClan warriors wouldn’t chase her away.

“What are you doing here?” Mudclaw growled. “Don’t you know the borders by now?”

“I have a message for Barkface.”

Mudclaw’s temper dropped. “Come on, then.” He led her over the top of the rise and into the hollow.

Onewhisker sat in the center of the camp, eating with Ashfoot. Leaf glanced around, looking for Crowfeather.

“Onewhisker, we have a visitor,” Mudclaw announced.

The WindClan leader stood. “Hello, Leaf. What brings you here?”

“I need to speak to Barkface.”

“Sure. Weasel, go find Barkface.”

The apprentice ducked into a tunnel at the foot of the slope. It looked like it had once been a rabbit burrow that had been dug out and widened. He reappeared a moment later, Barkface behind him.

“Leaf,” Barkface greeted.

Leaf’s excitement bubbled over. “StarClan sent me a dream!” she squeaked. “I’ve found the new Moonstone- but it’s not a stone, it’s a pool of water. We have somewhere to meet! And somewhere for Onewhisker to visit StarClan.”

Barkface’s eyes widened. “That’s great news! Thank you for telling me.” He walked over to Onewhisker and Ashfoot. Others joined them, expecting the important announcement.

Quickly, Barkface explained. “Tomorrow night, all of the healers will meet at the new Moonstone. After that, Onewhisker, you and I will go alone so you can become a proper leader.”

A flicker of panic flashed through Onewhisker’s eyes, but it was gone so quickly Leaf wasn’t sure it was real. Surely he’d be happy to finally receive his blessings and be made into a real leader?

“It sounds like it’s far away,” Onewhisker said. “You shouldn’t travel there twice in two days. I can wait a little longer for my name and blessings.”

Leaf was impressed by Onewhisker’s thoughtfulness, then wondered why he wasn’t more excited about this. Was he afraid StarClan would reject him?

Barkface seemed content with the decision. “I’ll see you tomorrow at sunset, Leaf.”

“I’ll tell Cinderpelt,” she replied. “We can meet by the stream.”

Barkface nodded. “Travel safely.”

Onewhisker and Ashfoot began talking quietly while Mudclaw muttered to Webfoot. The two glanced around, then raced out of camp.

Leaf sensed a presence behind her and turned. She was surprised to see Crowfeather. “Did you really find a place to speak with StarClan?” he asked.

“Yes,” Leaf said. “And there’s something I have to tell you, Crowfeather. Is there somewhere quiet we could talk?”

“Over here.” Crowfeather led her to the edge of the hollow and sat down on a tree stump. He looked expectantly at Leaf.

She took a deep breath. “When I went to the Moonpool last night, Feathertail was there.”

Crowfeather’s eyes widened. “Feathertail?”

“Yes. She had a message for you.” Leaf’s heart pounded. How would Crowfeather react? “She wants you to stop grieving. She said it will be many years before you will be reunited, and you should focus on your life now.”

Crowfeather met Leaf’s gaze. He was still for a long time, then dropped his eyes. “I’ll never stop missing her,” he whispered. “How could she think I can?”

“That’s not what she meant!” Leaf protested.

“I’ll never be close to someone like I was to Feathertail.” Crowfeather’s eyes were narrowed with anger. “Never again.”

Chapter Text

The half moon floated in the sky above them, bathing the slope in soft gray light. The five healers walked up to the barrier of thornbushes. Cinderpelt looked exhausted, her eyes glazed and pace uneven, but she was determined to keep going. Mothwing didn’t looked tired at all. She had been reserved during the whole journey. Leaf didn’t think she was as excited as the other healers to be meeting with StarClan again.

Leaf showed them the narrow gap that led through the thorns. At last, they stood at the top of the hollow, gazing down at the Moonpool. The water shone pale, while the steam tumbling over the pebbles shimmered with starlight.

“Oh, yes,” Barkface murmured. “This will certainly do.”

Leaf led the way down the path.

“I wonder how we’re supposed to talk with StarClan,” Littlecloud said, once all the healers had gathered around the Moonpool.

Leaf blinked. She hadn’t thought of that. “Maybe we should drink the water.”

The healers glanced at one another. “It’s worth a try,” Barkface agreed.

Shivering, Leaf moved forward. She knelt by the water and dipped her hands into it, cupping it and drinking from her palm. It was icy cold. She swallowed, then closed her eyes.

The stones disappeared from beneath her. She found herself floating in a black void. Everything was dark and silent. She could hear voices, but they were too faint to understand.

She opened her eyes. Water stretched out in front of her. She was beside the lake. Wind stirred the surface, rippling the waves. The water was a deep red, as though reflecting the sunset. The red waves lapped at the shore, staining the pebbles.

Leaf took a step back, terror gripping her. The lake was filled with blood!

The voices called again, louder this time. She wished they’d remained quiet.

“Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red.”

Leaf blinked awake. She was at the edge of the Moonpool again, still kneeling with her hands cupped together. The other healers were in the same position, but soon began to stir. The moon was dipping below the hilltop.

Barkface and Littlecloud looked troubled. Cinderpelt was studying Leaf with concerned eyes, while Mothwing kept her gaze on the ground.

The other healers stood up, prepared to return home. But Cinderpelt remind seated. “Before we go home, I have one last thing to do.” She waited for the others to turn back to her.

Leaf wondered what this was about. Mothwing shot her a worried glance, but Leaf shook her head. She hadn’t revealed Mothwing’s misgivings to anyone, especially not Cinderpelt.

“Clan warriors receive their warrior names when their mentors think they’re ready,” Cinderpelt said. “It is the same for healers.” She turned to Leaf. “It’s time.”

Leaf’s jaw dropped with shock. A pulse of excitement surged through her.

“A healer receives their name when StarClan decides they deserve it,” Cinderpelt said. “Leaf, our warrior ancestors brought you to the Moonpool first. They clearly regard you quite highly.”

“That’s true,” Barkface ageed.

Littlecloud was grinning. Mothwing’s eyes shone with happiness for her friend.

“Leaf, come forward.” Cinderpelt stood.

Leaf nearly forgot how to walk as she approached her mentor. She stumbled around the Moonpool.

Cinderpelt looked up at the sky. “I, Cinderpelt, healer of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the way of a healer, and with your help she will serve her Clan for many years.”

Leaf trembled with excitement.

“Leaf, do you promise to uphold the ways of a healer, to stand apart from rivalry between Clans, and to protect all people equally, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do.”

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your full name. Leaf, from this moment, you will be known as Leafpool. StarClan honors your courage and faith. By finding this place, you have proven this to be our home.”

“Leafpool! Leafpool!” Mothwing called. Barkface and Littlecloud joined in.

Leaf nodded. “Thank you. I was guided here by StarClan. I hope they will continue to guide me for the rest of my life.”

“May StarClan always watch over you,” Barkface murmured. The others echoed his prayer.

Mothwing remained silent, although her expression was still filled with pride and affection.

Leafpool followed the others out of the hollow, filled with energy. It was like committing to being a healer all over again.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw halted at the edge of the lake, gazing across the river into ShadowClan’s forest. The pine forest was a black shadow against the gray sky.

That morning, Cinderpelt and the newly named Leafpool had returned from the first healer’s meeting in their new home. By the next gathering, Onewhisker would have his new name and StarClan’s blessings.

“Ugh!” Rainwhisker groaned, pulling his foot from a muddy puddle. “Why don’t we just give this part of the land to ShadowClan? ThunderClan has no use for so much mud.”

“We all agreed on the borders,” Brambleclaw replied calmly. “This is how it is now.”

A splash and a shout made them both whip around. Spiderleg stood in the lake, the water all the way up to his waist.

“What are you doing?” Brambleclaw asked.

Spiderleg blushed, embarrassed. “I saw a fish. It got away…”

Brambleclaw sighed. “That’s not how you catch a fish. Remind me to give you a lesson. Feathertail taught us when we went to the ocean.” Grief tugged at his heart, remembering the kind RiverClan warrior. “Come on. We need to finish our patrol.”

He turned to head upstream, then stopped when he saw someone on the border. A black haired woman was racing toward them. Surprised, Brambleclaw recognized Mistyfoot.

“Brambleclaw!” she shouted, splashing through the stream before skidding to a halt in front of him. “I need to speak with Firestar.”

Spiderleg stepped forward. “What are you doing on our land?”

“You shouldn’t be here, Mistyfoot,” Rainwhisker growled.

“Hold on,” Brambleclaw said. “Let’s see what she has to say.”

“I need to talk to Firestar.” Mistyfoot’s eyes gleamed with terror. “Please!”

“Okay.” Brambleclaw couldn’t imagine what could be so urgent, but he wouldn’t turn her away. “You two finish the patrol. I’ll take her to camp.”

Rainwhisker and Spiderleg exchanged a glance, but didn’t question him. They set off upstream.

“What’s going on?” Brambleclaw demanded, leading Mistyfoot back to camp.

“I’ll explain when we get to camp,” Mistyfoot said grimly. “Firestar needs to hear this.”

Brambleclaw sped up until they were running through the trees. He didn’t slow until they reached the camp. Brambleclaw pushed through the entrance, and was relieved to see Firestar already there, eating with Sandstorm.

Firestar stood up. “Mistyfoot!” His tone was surprised, but polite. “What brings you here?”

“Nothing good, I’m afraid,” Mistyfoot replied. “A few nights ago, I was on my way back to camp when I spotted two people on the island,” she began. “It was raining heavily, so I wasn’t sure why they were over there and not hiding. When I got closer, I recognized them…it was Hawkfrost and Mudclaw.”

Brambleclaw’s stomach lurched.

“Before I could reach them, Mudclaw swam back to the shore and ran to his own land,” Mistyfoot continued. “But Hawkfrost hadn’t chased him off. They’d been talking together. Then, last night, I saw Hawkfrost sneaking out of camp. I know he’s been meeting Mudclaw.”

“Did you confront Hawkfrost?” Sandstorm asked.

Mistyfoot looked uncomfortable. “No. And I haven’t told Leopardstar. I know how hard it is for someone like Hawkfrost to fit in, and I didn’t want him to lose the trust of his Clanmates. So I’ve been keeping an eye on him, making sure he’s not causing trouble. But this morning, he offered to lead the dawn patrol. He took Blackclaw, Heavystep and Swallowtail with him. They haven’t come back yet.”

Brambleclaw glanced up at the sky. The sun was hidden behind dark clouds, but it was long past noon. The dawn patrol should have been back by the time everyone else in camp was awake.

“I tried to track them down,” Mistyfoot said. “I was afraid they’d gotten lost or hurt. But they didn’t take the usual path. They went straight into ShadowClan’s territory. I didn’t think ThunderClan could be involved in this, so I came straight here. Firestar, I think Hawkfrost is planning on attacking WindClan!”

Firestar looked at her thoughtfully. “Mistyfoot, I’m sure that’s not true.”

“Oh, really?” Mistyfoot snapped. “Everyone knows Mudclaw is furious that Onewhisker is leader now. Did you really expect him to take that lying down?”

“Onewhisker will have his nine blessings soon,” Sandstorm put in. “If Mudclaw is planning something, he has to do it tonight.

“You have to do something!” Mustfoot urged.

“Why didn’t you tell Leopardstar about all of this?” Firestar asked. “Won’t she do something?”

“Leopardstar doesn’t care about WindClan. Neither would Blackstar. You’re Onewhisker’s friend, Firestar. Won’t you help him?”

“He’s a leader, and that makes him responsible for his own Clan. I won’t make him look weak by letting ThunderClan fix all his problems.” Firestar stared at the ground. “But you’re right. I can’t sit by and do nothing. I’ll send a patrol to WindClan and see what’s going on.” He hurried across the clearing and climbed up to the Highlege. “Let all those old enough to hunt join here for a Clan meeting!”

Cloudtail, Brightheart and Sorreltail emerged from the warrior’s hut. The elders soon joined them. Cinderpelt appeared from her cave, Leafpool close behind.

Squirrelflight, Ashfur, and Thornclaw, who had just returned from a hunting patrol, paused in the entrance to the camp.

“People of ThunderClan,” Firestar began. “Mistyfoot has brought news that suggests Mudclaw and Hawkfrost are planning an attack on WindClan. I will take a patrol to WindClan’s camp to make sure they’re safe. ShadowClan might be involved as well.”

Shocked murmurs rose from the crowd. Brambleclaw kept his eyes on the ground, feeling the gazes of his Clanmates burn into him.

“Cloudtail, you and Brightheart will stay to guard camp,” Firestar ordered. “Thornclaw, take Squirrelflight and Ashfur to the ShadowClan border. Keep watch.”

As Firestar prepared to jump down from the Highledge, Leafpool stood up. “Father, I need to tell you something. I had a dream at the Moonpool, and it might have something to do with this.”

“Go on,” Firestar said.

“I saw the lake filled with blood,” the young healer explained. “And there’s a voice I didn’t recognize. It said, ‘Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red.’”

“A prophecy!” Firestar gasped. “But what does it mean? Do you know who’s blood?”

Leafpool shook her head.

“Trouble is coming to the lake,” Cinderpelt said. “I’d take this attack seriously. This is Mudclaw’s last chance to seize control of WindClan.”

“Then we’d better get going,” Firestar said.

All the warriors who hadn’t been named fell in behind Firestar. They raced out of camp, cutting through the trees and making straight for WindClan’s border.

Night had fallen by the time they got to the stream. Outside the shelter of the trees, a stiff wind was blowing with the icy sting of rain. The moon shone fitfully between strips of clouds, keeping the moor dark.

“No sign of a border patrol,” Dustpelt whispered.

“They might already be defending their camp,” Mistyfoot replied.

“Hush!” Firestar hissed through the darkness. “Stay alert and keep quiet.”

They found the stream that flowed into WindClan’s camp. Firestar followed it, then stopped. Everything was quiet and undisturbed.

“Nothing,” Firestar murmured.

“We could still go ask if Onewhisker is okay,” Brackenfur suggested.

“Oh, yeah, I’m sure WindClan would love that,” Dustpelt scoffed. “‘Hey, Onewhisker, just stopping by to make sure one of your warriors isn’t leading a coup against you.’”

Sandstorm murmured in agreement. Firestar thought for a moment. “We should just go home.”

“But something’s wrong! I’m sure of it,” Mistyfoot protested. “What about Leafpool’s dream?”

“We don’t know what it means yet,” Firestar said. “Meanwhile, we’re a battle party on another Clan’s territory. Onewhisker will never believe we just came to help. We look like invaders.”

The wind was rising. A gust threw Brambleclaw’s cloak up. In the distance, he heard the rumble of thunder.

“Let’s get home,” Firestar said.

Everyone turned to follow him. Bringing up the rear, Brambleclaw cast a last glance toward the WindClan camp, then froze.

“Firestar!” he rasped.

Several dark figures were flowing over the rise and launching themselves into the hollow. He recognized Hawkfrost among them.

A scream split the air. Firestar whipped around. “Come on!”

Brambleclaw raced by his side, reaching the edge of hollow. More screams sounded. In the darkness, Brambleclaw couldn’t make out anything but a shifting mass.

“Mudclaw!” Firestar shouted, leaping down the slope. Brambleclaw followed him. A moment later, he lost sight of his Clanmates, plunging into the struggling mass. Before he could catch his breath, someone crashed into his side, knocking him to the ground. He raised his head, meeting Cedarheart’s eyes.

“Stay out of this!” the ShadowClan warrior snapped. “This isn’t ThunderClan’s fight!”

Brambleclaw kicked out one foot, cracking Cedarheart’s knee. The ShadowClan warrior screamed and staggered backward. As Brambleclaw stood up, sudden fear coursed through him. Was Tawnypelt here?

He was thrown back and forth as people slammed into him. There was no sign of Hawkfrost, although a few RiverClan warriors were here to fight. The throng shifted, and Brambleclaw got a glimpse of Webfoot and Onewhisker struggling together. Onewhisker stabbed at Webfoot’s shoulder.

Brambleclaw raced over to help Onewhisker. At the same moment, Mudclaw launched out of the shadows. Onewhisker screamed, vanishing under a whirl of blades and fists. A moment later, Firestar appeared, grabbing Mudclaw’s shoulders and throwing him off.

Mudclaw whipped around to face him. “This isn’t your Clan, couthy! This is my Clan, and I’m the leader!”

“Onewhisker is WindClan’s leader,” Firestar snapped.

Mudclaw threw himself at the ThunderClan leader. As the two went down, Webfoot dashed in from the side, stabbing at Firestar’s legs. Brambleclaw lurched toward them, but a weight landed on top of him, making him fall to the ground.

He felt a sharp pain in his side as his attacker punched at him. Adrenaline rushing, Brambleclaw forced himself up and turned to aim at the warrior’s face. He found himself facing Blackclaw, Mistyfoot’s husband.

A scream sounded from nearby and Brambleclaw recognized Squirrelflight’s voice. He glanced over to see her racing down the hollow with Thornclaw and Ashfur.

Squirrelflight flung herself at Mudclaw, bowling him to the side and giving Firestar enough time to stand. Webfoot fled, but Mudclaw turned to attack her. Squirrelflight leaped up high, slashing at his face. Mudclaw tried to get a grip on her, but Squirrelflight was faster. Brambleclaw shoved Blackstar away, racing for Firestar. His leader was swaying, but okay. Blood dripped from a wound in his side.

Brambleclaw veered toward Mudclaw, but he’d disappeared into the battle. Instead, Brambleclaw found himself beside Crowfeather. Mistyfoot and Sandstorm were close by, battling against two RiverClan warriors.

Finally, Brambleclaw saw Squirrelflight again. She was locked in combat with Nightcloud. Squirrelflight was bleeding from a cut on her cheek, but it didn’t slow her down. She stabbed at Nightcloud’s face, battering the muscular woman.

Brambleclaw hurried over to help.

“What are you doing here?” Brambleclaw demanded.

“There wasn’t any sign of ShadowClan,” Squirrelflight replied. “We came here in case you need help.”

“I’m glad you did,” Brambleclaw said fervently.

“Then stop wasting time talking.” Squirrelflight pointed to a few ShadowClan warriors not far away. She and Brambleclaw hurtled into battle, matching each other’s steps. Squirrelflight cocked her head to one side. Understanding, they split up, confusing the ShadowClan warriors by attacking on either side, pinning them together.

“Nice!” Squirrelflight gasped.

Brambleclaw met her shining green gaze and felt energy surge through him. Two other warriors, locked in a screaming battle, pushed between them. When Brambleclaw dodged around them, Squirrelflight followed. But with the throng shifting to their side of the hollow, he lost sight of her.

He looked around. Ahead of him, the battle parted to reveal a muscular, dark haired man with powerful shoulders walking toward him. Brambleclaw met his brother’s eyes. Hawkfrost’s expression was unreadable, ice blue eyes glittering in the moonlight.

Then another warrior dashed in from the side, sending Brambleclaw crashing to the ground. Pain stabbed through him, but he shook away his attacker and staggered up. He caught a glimpse of Hawkfrost slashing at a WindClan warrior, then more people thrusted between them.

Thornclaw and Dustpelt appeared beside Brambleclaw. Together, they found off the enemy warriors step by step. Brambleclaw realized that the battle was turning in their favor. They were forcing the attackers back up the slope on the far side of the camp. He had almost reached the top when a flash of lightning bathed the moor in yellow light. Mudclaw and Hawkfrost were facing each other on the crest of the hill, outlined against the dark sky. A moment later, thunder crashed overhead, echoing around the hill. Rain pounded the hillside. Within moments, Brambleclaw was soaked.

As though the storm was a signal, Mudclaw shouted and fled, Hawkfrost following. Two ShadowClan warriors broke away from the battle in the opposite direction, heading toward ThunderClan’s forest.

Crowfeather let out a battle cry as he chased them.

Brambleclaw went the other way, pursuing Mudclaw. The former deputy had betrayed his Clan and tried to kill his leader. Brambleclaw wouldn’t let him get away.

He didn’t stop to wonder what he’d do about Hawkfrost.

Chapter Text

Leafpool found a sheltered spot at the top of the hollow, hiding from the rain. Above her head, the branches of the trees thrashed together, buffeted by the wind. But down here, everything was quiet. The only sound came from the patter of raindrops, broken by rolls of thunder coming from the hills.

Cloudtail had posted sentries around the hollow. Leafpool had volunteered to stay up here and give an early warning if she saw intruders. All the healers were trained to know basic fighting techniques, so she wasn’t totally helpless.

The night was eerily still, despite the raging storm above. It was like the forest was holding its breath. She wondered how things were going on the moor. Were her Clanmates locked in battle, or on their way home?

Suddenly, footsteps sounded from the trees. For a moment, she thought it might be ThunderClan returning. But the voices didn’t sound familiar. She stood up, ready to shout the alarm. Before she could take a breath, two figures broke out of the trees and launched at her. They shoved her into the bushes at the edge of the cliff.

She screamed in terror, the ground disappearing beneath her feet.

Terrified shouts split the air as the two intruders fell over the cliff. Leafpool managed to grab onto the edge. But she couldn’t get a foothold to thrust herself back up. She heard more footsteps above her.

Crowfeather gazed down at her, eyes wide with horror.

“Crowfeather!” Leafpool cried. “Help me!”

The WindClan warrior was frozen. The rock where Leafpool clung was wet from the rain.

“Crowfeather!” she begged. “Help me! Please!”

Crowfeather still didn’t move. His eyes were glazed over, as though he couldn’t see what was in front of him. He was trapped somewhere in his minds, memories holding onto him.

The cave.

The ledge.

Feathertail falling.

“Crowfeather!” Leaf screamed. “Please, don’t let me fall! Help me!”

Crowfeather leaned over. Leafpool screamed as the edge of the cliff crumbled in her hands. In that same moment, Crowfeather’s hand snapped down to grab her wrist. For a moment, they both teetered on the edge of the cliff. Then, Crowfeather wrapped his other hand around her arm and heaved backward. Leafpool kicked at the edge of the cliff, hauling herself up. Both of them were lost gasping. Leafpool didn’t even stand. She laid on her stomach, breathing heavily with relief. Crowfeather sat down in front of her.

Their eyes met.

“Thank you,” she said.

“I…” Crowfeather’s eyes were wide. “I saved you.”

The air between them crackled. Leafpool sat up on her hands. “You did.”

Crowfeather looked down at the ground. “So why couldn’t I save Feathertail?”

Sympathetically, Leafpool moved closer. “It wasn’t your fault she died. She sacrificed herself to save you and the Tribe. It was meant to happen.” She ducked her head down to meet his eyes. “It wasn’t your fault, Crowfeather. You can’t keep hating yourself just because she’s gone.”

Crowfeather’s blue eyes glistened with emotion. “You said she wanted me to move on…How can she say that? How can she want me to forget about her?”

“That’s not what moving on means,” Leafpool said gently. “She wants you to be happy, which means remembering the good memories, and making new ones. She doesn’t want to watch you torture yourself because of her.”

Finally, understanding found its way into Crowfeather’s gaze. For the first time, Leafpool thought she might have caught content there.

“Leafpool! Leafpool!” Two people were running up the edge of the hollow. Cloudtail and Brightheart appeared.

Leafpool and Crowfeather stood up. “Over here!” she called. “I’m fine. Crowfeather saved me. He chased two ShadowClan warriors over the cliff.”

“Speaking of which, what happened to them?” Crowfeather asked.

“They’re dead.” Brightheart’s voice was sullen. “Their necks were broken when they hit the ground.”

Leafpool shivered, knowing how easily that could have been here. Crowfeather glanced at her, as though thinking the same thing, then nodded to Cloudtail. “I should go. By the time I left WindClan’s camp, the battle was nearly over. Onewhisker is still leader of WindClan.”

Before anyone could question him, Crowfeather turned to walk into the trees.

“Let’s get back to camp,” Brightheart said.

For a moment, Leafpool stared into the trees after Crowfeather, then turned to follow her cousin into camp. She had nearly been killed, but she felt as though she was walking on wind. It seemed like she’d finally gotten through to Crowfeather.

Chapter Text

Brambleclaw hurled himself down the hill in pursuit of Mudclaw and Hawkfrost. Rain pounded the earth. In the darkness, Brambleclaw wasn’t sure if he was still going the right way.

A flash of lightning illuminated the hillside. Brambleclaw spotted the two warriors just ahead of him. Mudclaw was almost at the lakeshore, and Hawkfrost wasn’t far behind. A few other figures followed them.

The next flash of lightning showed he was catching up. They ran past the ranch, and he glimpsed the yellow gleam of light in the farmhouse.

He was forced to slow when they came to the marsh, slipping over the wet grass. Mud plastered his ankles and legs.

His sense of brotherhood with Hawkfrost had vanished, and he felt betrayed. He wouldn’t let his half brother get away.

He heard someone splashing just ahead of him, and made out a figure floundering through the mud. Brambleclaw gave chase, but his foot slipped, catapulting him into the ground. Mud splashed his face and chest. Before he could recover, a heavy weight landed on his back, shoving him into the mud. Mudclaw’s eyes glared down at him.

“Traitor!” Brambleclaw gasped.

Mudclaw raised his spear. Brambleclaw closed his eyes, expecting the searing pain of death. Then, a shadow appeared behind Mudclaw. The former deputy was thrown backward. Mudclaw jerked away, unbalanced. Brambleclaw had just enough time to climb to his feet.

Brambleclaw felt heavy with mud and water. The next flash of lightning showed Hawkfrost standing over Mudclaw, one foot on his chest. He was soaked with mud, eyes blazing like blue fire.

Blue eyes met with brown.

“Why’d you save me?” Brambleclaw’s voice shook. “I thought you were on his side.”

Mudclaw tried to throw Hawkfrost off, but Hawkfrost was stronger. “I was on his side. Now, I’m not so sure. I believed Mudclaw to be the rightful leader of WindClan. But you’re my brother, Brambleclaw. I couldn’t let him kill you.”

His words struck Brambleclaw. Discovering Hawkfrost’s involvement in this had made Brambleclaw believe Squirrelflight and Leafpool had been right about him. But how could anyone blame him for wanting to support Mudclaw? The warrior code said that deputies became leader after the previous leader died.

“Mudclaw persuaded me to join him,” Hawkfrost went on. “He promised to leave RiverClan in peace if I helped him drive out Onewhisker.”

“You liar!” Mudclaw growled. “You’re the one who came to me! You offered to help if I made you WindClan’s deputy! You don’t care about RiverClan.”

Hawkfrost’s eyes widened. “Don’t listen to him, Brambleclaw. Why would I betray RiverClan? And why would I need to ask anyone for help? If I’m going to lead RiverClan, it’ll be by the warrior code.”

“Liar!” Mudclaw shouted again.

Hawkfrost shook his head. His eyes were wide with fear. “I was only doing what I thought was right. I didn’t want it to be this way.”

Brambleclaw couldn’t reply. He didn’t know how.

When he hesitated, Mudclaw took a breath and heaved himself up. Hawkfrost jumped back. Brambleclaw readied himself to fight. But Mudclaw had sheathed his spear. He turned and fled.

Hawkfrost gave chase. Brambleclaw followed.

Lightning flashed again. Above the thunder, Brambleclaw heard someone calling his name. He turned to see Squirrelflight.

“You’re letting him go!” Squirrelflight gasped.

“You don’t understand-”

“I heard what Mudclaw said! Hawkfrost helped him so he could be deputy of WindClan. He betrayed his Clan, Brambleclaw!”

“But Mudclaw is lying!” Brambleclaw protested.

Lightning flashed again. It lit up a figure on the shore, opposite the island. Mudclaw stood there. In the same moment, a crack sounded from across the water. The lightning had struck a tree growing against the island’s shore. It began to fall, gathering momentum. Too late, Mudclaw turned to flee. His scream of fear was cut off as the tree crashed down onto him. Its branches clattered like bones.

Brambleclaw stumbled through the swamp until he reached firmer ground. As though its work was done, the storm began to move away. Lightning flashed over the hills, and the thunder echoed distantly. The rain faded to a soft hiss. The wind ripped the clouds into strips, allowing moonlight to fall over the lake.

Brambleclaw could see more people on the shore. Among them were Firestar, Onewhisker, and Ashfoot. The WindClan leader looked exhausted, blood trickling from his neck and shoulder. His eyes were hollow.

Brambleclaw splashed over to join his Clan leader. Together, they approached the tree. Brambleclaw froze when he spotted movement among the branches. Had Mudclaw survived being crushed? Then, the branches shifted and a different person climbed out from beneath them. It was Hawkfrost, dragging Mudclaw into the open. The WindClan warrior’s neck was snapped, his head hanging at an odd angle. His arms dragged in the mud as Hawkfrost gripped him under his shoulder."

“He was crushed by the tree,” Hawkfrost rasped. “Your leadership is safe.”

Onewhisker looked down at the dead warrior. “The Clan will grieve for him. He was once a fine warrior.”

“He betrayed you!” Ashfoot growled.

“So did he!” Onewhisker glared at Hawkfrost. “You helped Mudclaw. He would have destroyed my Clan!”

Hawkfrost nodded in agreement. “Yes, I did. Mudclaw manipulated me. He made me think he deserved to lead WindClan. At his request, I united warriors from RiverClan and ShadowClan to help him. But I now believe StarClan sent that lightning to kill Mudclaw. Onewhisker, you are WindClan’s true leader, approved by StarClan. I deserve whatever punishment you give me.”

Onewhisker glanced at Firestar, who shook his head. This was Onewhisker’s problem to solve.

Ashfoot moved forward, investigating the branches of the fallen tree. “I think Hawkfrost is right, Onewhisker. It’s a strange coincidence that lightning should trick that tree the moment Mudclaw was under it. StarClan sent it.”

Onewhisker raised his head, relief showing in his eyes. “Then they approve of my leadership.” He looked to Hawkfrost. “I can’t blame you for wanting to join Mudclaw. I doubted myself many times. I forgive you.”

Hawkfrost nodded again. Brambleclaw walked over to join his side. “I should thank you for saving my life.”

Hawkfrost’s eyes were warm. “I least I did one thing right tonight.”

Brambleclaw patted his brother’s shoulder. “You believed you were following the warrior code by helping Mudclaw. Don’t feel bad about it.”

More people appeared on the lakeshore. They gathered in a ragged semicircle around the Clan leaders.

“Look!” Brackenfur said. He stepped onto the tree, walking across the lake water. “It’s like a bridge! We can use it to get across the island. It’s wide enough for everyone to cross safely, and we could fix it up to be a proper bridge. We can use the island for Gatherings!”

The last problem in their new home had been solved. They had a Moonpool, they had borders, and WindClan had a proper leader. Now, they even had a place to gather.

He looked around for Squirrelflight, and spotted her beside Dustpelt. He took a step forward, but when their gazes met, her eyes narrowed. She turned to stalk away.

Brambleclaw stared after her. It seemed Squirrelflight was still mad at him for defending Hawkfrost. He felt hollow inside. He knew she was justified in not trusting him now, but couldn’t she see how sorry he was?

His dream of Tigerstar pushed to the front of his mind. Whether Squirrelflight liked it or not, Hawkfrost was his brother. If Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt could break away from their father’s legacy and be well regarded within their Clans, so could Hawkfrost. Brambleclaw wouldn’t let anyone drag his younger brother’s name through the mud.