warriors: power of three

I enjoyed this book series but it felt a bit like it was lacking direction. However, this is because it was setting up the next series, which is a bit odd but it worked out good. I don't mean to say that this book series was bad, it certainly wasn't. Rather, we sit around for six books waiting for Jawfeather, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf to come into their powers and fulfill their prophecy only to find out that Hollyleaf isn't a part of the prophecy and her brothers have no clue who is. While this was the main story line, it really served to set the next series up where they seek out the third cat and fulfill the prophecy. In the end this series focused on the second story line, which was the mystery of these three cats birth, the betrayal and secrets surrounding it, and, ultimately, Ashfur's insanity and murder. This was a good series. Not quite as solid as "The Prophecies Begin" but certainly far more solid then "The New Prophecy" (though, if we look at "The New Prophecy" as a part one and part two deal, I would have to place part two above this series). Usually, if a book or (movie) can't stand on its own and only serves to set up the next one it is a bit of a failure, but they did manage to avoid that problem by tying up Ashfur's story arc.

On a side note, this series was also a bit different in that it had no real villain. The first series focused on Tigerstar with the minor villains of Brokenstar, Darkstripe, and Scourge. The second series had Hawkfrost as the villain with a return of Tigerstar's spirit. This series had Sol, who was clearly a villain, but who never actually did anything beyond minor manipulation that kept backfiring. It also had Ashfur and Hollyleaf but neither were a true villain. Ashfur was consumed by his grief and went insane. Hollyleaf's entire world crumbled around her and she retaliated against the cat who tried to murder her and threatened to expose her secrets - secrets that to most cats would have been upsetting but not world ending. But to Hollyleaf they were. Neither cat was actually a villain, just two good people who made the worst possible choices, leaving death and destruction in their wake. This is not to say that Hollyleaf murdering Ashfur was okay - it certainly was not - or that Ashfur trying to murder Hollyleaf and her brothers was okay - again, certainly not. But both of these cats had their hopes, their dreams, their worlds destroyed and let their grief consume them to the point that murder was the only acceptable option. In both of these cases it was the fall of a hero - but the fall didn't lead to the birth of a villain, rather to the birth of a broken, desperate cat.

Warriors: Power of Three

1. The Sight
2. Dark River
3. Outcast
4. Eclipse
5. Long Shadows
6. Sunrise

dark river: part five

Lionpaw, Ashfur, Stormfur, and Brook return from a hunting patrol. Ashfur tells Lionpaw that he did a good job. Stormfur comments that something is wrong. He hears Jaypaw tell Leafpool that he is going to collect herbs. Leafpool tells him to bring someone with him. Instead of objecting, he suggests bringing Hollypaw. Hazelpaw tells Lionpaw the news of the upcoming battle between WindClan and RiverClan. Lionpaw realizes the missing kits might be in the tunnels, but he doesn't know how to tell anyone. He is ordered to help the camp prepare for an upcoming battle, in case WindClan attacks them as well. He worries that looking for the kits is the wrong thing. He hears Tigerstar whispering to him to forget about the kits and help his clan. He decides that helping the kits is helping his clan and heads off to look for them. He finds Jaypaw and Hollypaw and tells them he thinks he knows where the kits are. ThunderClan warriors show up and he hides from them, afraid that they will send him back to camp. Jaypaw covers for him by telling the warriors he is not sure where Lionpaw is, and tells the warriors he and Hollypaw will be back to camp soon. After they leave Lionpaw comes out of hiding and admits that he has been secretly meeting Heatherpaw in tunnels that run under their land. He says he has stopped meeting her but Hollypaw is furious. Jaypaw calms her down by pointing out what is done is done. After some pressure from Jaypaw, Hollypaw admits RiverClan's problem. The three decide to search the tunnels themselves to find the kits and hopefully avert a battle. Lionpaw takes them to the tunnel where they run into Heatherpaw and Breezepaw. Breezepaw is hostile and Lionpaw and Heatherpaw feigned ignorance of the other knowing about the tunnels. Jaypaw worries about the coming rain, much to Lionpaw's annoyance. They decide to look for the kits together.

Jaypaw offers to go first in the tunnels. Breezepaw angrily points out that Jaypaw is blind. Hollypaw snaps back, asking if Breezepaw can see perfectly in the dark. Jaypaw leads the way but when he feels someone press against him he angrily reminds Breezepaw that he is leading. Everyone assures him Breezepaw is behind him. Fallen Leaves speaks to him, telling him that since Jaypaw walked with him like a brother he will take Jaypaw to the kits. Deciding to trust Fallen Leaves, Jaypaw lets himself be led to the kits. They find the kits stuck behind a boulder and get them out. Jaypaw worries they won't have time to leave before the tunnels flood, though he doesn't say this to the other cats. Fallen Leaves leads him back to the main cave but the river is flooded and they cannot cross it and some of the tunnels have caved in. Everyone panics, wondering what to do. Jaypaw sees Rock with his stick, and their lines drawn on it. Then he watches as Rock crosses their lines out, realizing Rock means they live. Jaypaw decides the river must flow out of the cave into the lake and convinces everyone to jump into it and let the current take them away.

Hollypaw and the cats wash out into the lake and swim to the shore. Jaypaw says they should take the kits to Leafpool before doing anything else. At first Breezepaw seems to disagree, then he changes his mind since the ThunderClan camp is closer. Before they can head there Jaypaw hears the sounds of a battle. Realizing that WindClan and ThunderClan are about to fight they decide to take the kits to the border instead. Hollypaw sees Jaypaw talking to the stick - he tells her he is not coming to the border. Hollypaw and Breezepaw reach the border first, telling Firestar and Onestar that they have found the kits. The rest of the cats follow. Lionpaw is about to confess the location of the tunnels when Hollypaw interrupts, claiming they found the kits on ThunderClan's shore. She feels since the tunnels have caved in there is no reason for Lionpaw to get into trouble. All the other cats, including the kits, back up her lie. Onestar admits that he did not attack RiverClan, just demanded the return of the kits. He also says he will trust RiverClan to move off of the island by the next Gathering. Firestar tells Hollypaw she was right but Hollypaw responds it was never about being right. The WindClan cats leave, but Heatherpaw stays behind to say goodbye to Lionpaw. Firestar watches them closely as she acts close to Lionpaw, but Lionpaw does not return her affection. Hurt, Heatherpaw leaves. As she does Hollypaw realizes she can no longer be friends with Willowpaw, because without the warrior code they are nothing.

It has been a day since the battle. Lionpaw has not been training because Ashfur wants him to rest and recover - but he is tired of resting. He goes for a walk to the tunnels, sad over the lose of Heatherpaw. Tigerstar and Hawkfrost come to him to tell him how proud they are of him. Liopaw tells them he feels so empty inside. Tigerstar tells him that friendship worthless, and that he has learned an important lesson. Tigerstar says he will teach him more, and that one day Lionpaw will be so powerful he will have no need for friends, and that he will never regret his choice.

I am glad a battle was averted on both fronts. Onestar did listen to what Leafpool was trying to tell him. Hopefully next Gathering RiverClan really will be off of the island.

I am amused that Tigerstar and Hawkfrost are proud of Lionpaw, considering he did the exact opposite of what they wanted him to do. But, maybe their pride came from him rejecting Heatherpaw? Publicly, even. Tigerstar was right, though. Lionpaw did learn an important lesson about friendships outside of his clan. But, his words, yet again, make me feel bad for Darkstripe. Tigerstar does not have friends. His blood is important to him, but not his friends. I wish Darkstripe could have seen that. Now, instead, he is doomed to forever walk alone in a shadowy world, rejected by Tigerstar because he never meant anything to him in the first place.

I feel bad for Hollypaw since she now feels she has to end her friendship with Willowpaw, but really she does. Running off to RiverClan was beyond foolish. I understand the argument of helping the other clans (and actually support it) but they do not live in a world with no borders - because they do not want to live in such a world. And the one time Tigerstar tried it, it was a bloodbath. The actions of Firestar have both built friendships (like in Leopardstar's case) and destroyed them (like in Onestar's case). Everyone has to want change for it to happen - and not everyone wants that.

As for Jaypaw, I cannot imagine this is it for the stick and the warrior cats of old. It might be, but if it was he would have gone to the border with everyone else, not stayed with the stick.

dark river: part four

Poppypaw and Mousepaw ask Jaypaw of he had seen Hollypaw. Word quickly spreads through the camp that she is missing. Fear and panic spread through the camp as cats start accusing WindClan of kidnapping her. Jaypaw is irritated at how quickly everyone is panicking. Only Brook seems to be staying calm. Firestar arrives and quickly calms everyone down but Jaypaw can feel guilt coming from him. He heads back to the den and senses Leafpool's distress. He asks her what is wrong and she admits that Hollypaw spoke to Firestar then herself. Jaypaw quickly surmises that Hollypaw's fears were dismissed and Leafpool worries that Hollypaw might have tried going to WindClan to speak to Onestar. Leafpool insists Jaypaw dream and find Hollypaw. He becomes angry since normally she tells him not to use his powers. Jaypaw refuses to dream, causing him and Leafpool to argue. He leaves the camp and runs to the stick. He dreams of Fallen Leaves speaking to Rock. He takes Fallen Leaves' journey through the tunnels with him. He experiences the rain coming, the tunnels flooding, and drowning beside Fallen Leaves. When he wakes up he understands the lines on the sticks, and how they represent cats who survived and cats who died.

Lionpaw meets with Heatherpaw. He tells her how Hollypaw is missing but realizes he cannot admit to her that Hollypaw crossed into WindClan land. The fact that he cannot fully confide in her hurts him. He asks Heatherpaw if she has seen Hollypaw and Heatherpaw denies it. He realizes WindClan does not have his sister but he has no way of telling his clan this. The cats play and he shows her the new move Tigerstar taught him. Heatherpaw tells Lionpaw that she could never battle against him and Lionpaw realizes she probably wants him to make the same pledge back - and that he cannot. Dawn approaches, the cats wake up and part ways. As he heads home Hawkfrost comes to Lionpaw and calls him a traitor for showing fighting moves to Heatherpaw. They fight over Heatherpaw and Hawkfrost points out to him that the tunnels can be used to attack WindClan - or worse, WindClan could one day use the tunnels to attack ThunderClan. Hawkfrost leaves him, telling him his clan will either see him as a traitor or banish him for keeping the tunnels a secret. Upset, Lionpaw heads back to camp questioning his friendship with Heatherpaw. As he reaches the camp cats burst through the tunnel. Hazelpaw tells him that WindClan chased a squirrel into their territory and killed it. The two clans are about to fight. Ashfur asks where he has been and Lionpaw lies, saying he was having a hard time sleeping so he went out early. They arrive at the border and fight. During the fight Lionpaw gets distracted when he thinks he sees Heatherpaw. He is relieved to see it was someone else, but his distraction gets him attacked. The ThunderClan warriors quickly chase the WindClan cats off and head back to camp to report and have their wounds tended to. He asks Jaypaw if he has spoken to StarClan about Hollypaw yet, but Jaypaw has not. Ashfur sends Lionpaw off to bed to rest. When he gets up he goes to meet Heatherpaw. He tells her that they cannot meet anymore. Angry and hurt, Heatherpaw leaves.

Hollypaw wishes to go home. Willowpaw assures her that it should only be another quarter moon but Hollypaw knows that she is already in too much trouble. Squirrelflight arrives, asking for Hollypaw back. Leopardstar agrees, but only after she gets a promise of secrecy from Hollypaw. As they head home Squirrelflight tells Hollypaw she understands the want to help friends in other clans, but she cannot do what she did again. She tells Hollypaw that she was arrogant to try and solve the problem on her own, and that she broke the warrior code and caused her clan undue stress. She also tells Hollypaw that there was a battle with WindClan that she should have been present at. Hollypaw is both upset and angry, feeling that just because she is an apprentice she is being dismissed. When they get back to camp Hollypaw is sent to speak to Firestar. She tells him he must not fight WindClan, but unable to break her promise to Leopardstar she cannot say why. Firestar dismisses her words since she cannot offer anything to back them up and gives her her punishment, caring for the elders. As she cleans their den she speaks to Mousefur and Longtail. Her words about an upcoming battle with no proof make Mousefur pause, and Hollypaw hopes that she has gotten through to someone. Leafpool let's Cinderpaw leave the medicine cat den to play carefully for a bit with Hollypaw. Cinderpaw admits that she has been playing with Jaypaw and Hollypaw is surprised, since Jaypaw is usually so serious. Cinderpaw admits that she thinks Jaypaw does not like her but Hollypaw assures her that is not so.

Jaypaw and Leafpool settle down to sleep when Firestar arrives to speak to them. He wants them to go to WindClan the next day and speak to Onestar. Firestar wants to know if RiverClan has actually invaded their land or not. After speaking to Mousefur he wants to avoid an unnecessary battle and he feels that only medicine cats can safely cross the border right now. The next day Brambleclaw and Dustpelt escort the medicine cats to the border and wait for a WindClan patrol. Tornear, Owlwhisker, Nightcloud, and Harepaw see them and come over. Jaypaw feels jealous come from Leafpool when Nightcloud is mentioned. Tornear and Nightcloud agree to escort the medicine cats to their camp, leaving behind Owlwhisker and Harepaw to guard the border, mirroring Brambleclaw and Dustpelt. At the camp they have to wait for Onewhisker to be found. Leafpool tries to talk to Crowfeather. Jaypaw senses jealousy from Nightcloud, a mixture of emotions from Leafpool, but nothing from Crowfeather. Onestar arrives and the cats argue, Leafpool cleverly provoking them with her carefully placed words. Leafpool starts to get through to their leader, and Jaypaw can sense that Onestar is considering her words, when it is discovered that three kits are missing and RiverClan might have just stolen a rabbit. Jaypaw feels Heatherpaw's emotions and knows she is hiding something. He feels a blackness under her emotions that chills him. Onestar sends the ThunderClan cats away, no longer interested in peace since he feels RiverClan has stolen the kits and prey.

I am willing to bet the WindClan kits are in the tunnels - and that Heatherpaw suspects this. But I'm worried about what the darkness Jaypaw senses could be. Hopefully it is just fear of the kits in the secret tunnel - and not something worse since she is still hurting over Lionpaw. I am glad Jaypaw solved the mystery of the stick - and I feel awful for Fallen Leaves - but I imagine there is more to this story or else why even mention it? Of course, if the kits are in the tunnels and it starts to rain... maybe that is why this story was included. Either way, I foresee the tunnels about to be exposed to both clans.

I am glad that Lionpaw has broken things off with Heatherpaw - but I am upset it has taken Hawkfrost to do it. I do agree with Hawkfrost's arguments, but Lionpaw is definitely under their influence now and that is troubling. They have already reached out to Jaypaw - who almost reluctantly rejected them. I imagine Hollypaw is not too far behind. And, as for Hollypaw, she got her wish. Talks did happen - and they almost worked too.

dark river: part three

Jaypaw goes about his chores after Hollypaw leaves. Cinderpaw admits to Jaypaw that she had a dream about him where he could see. Realizing she is remembering him enter her dream he asks what else she remembers but the rest of the dream is vague to her. He decides to test her by giving her the wrong herbs for healing her broken leg. Leafpool catches him and is upset. She doesn't believe Jaypaw when he tells her he got the herbs mixed up so he admits what he was trying to do. Leafpool tells him Cinderpaw's memories are in the paws of StarClan and to leave it be - but Jaypaw feels that just because their warrior ancestors are dead that doesn't automatically make them smart. Later, Cinderpaw asks Jaypaw to play with her. As they play she asks him about being blind. He tells her to him it is normal and it only upsets him when he is treated differently because of it. Leafpool comes back to the den and catches them playing. She is furious with Jaypaw. She angrily insists to him that Cinderpaw must become a warrior this time. He counters why would it be so bad to take a different path - and points out that he has had to. Leafpool tells him he is blind and Jaypaw becomes upset, feeling that Leafpool feels he is a lost cause. He leaves the den and Leafpool follows him, telling him they need to collect herbs. He tries to look into her mind to see how she feels after their fight but her thoughts are guarded. Leafpool tries to talk to him about medicine cat duties and Jaypaw allows himself to become drawn in. She tests him on some herbs, much to his annoyance since he already knows the answers. Hearing prey he catches it and throws it at Leafpool's feet, asking her if she now believes he doesn't need his eyes to see. He expects Leafpool to be angry with him but instead is shocked at the strong caring emotion coming off of her. He realizes they are near the stick and he pulls it out. Leafpool asks him why he is so interested in it and he responds that it is important. A sudden rain storm breaks out and they have to run back to camp, leaving the stick on the ground. After the storm passes Jaypaw decides to go back and find the stick. He catches Lionpaw sneaking back into camp and knows he is lying about where he was. He asks Lionpaw for help and he agrees - and Jaypaw realizes Lionpaw feels to guilty to refuse. He takes him to where the stick was, but much to Jaypaw's panic they cannot find it. Suddenly Jaypaw hears the stick calling to him from out in the water. He swims out and tries to drag it back to shore but it is too heavy. Lionpaw helps him and Jaypaw stores the stick safely away again while hearing voices thanking him.

Lionpaw is out hunting with Ashfur, but he is so tired he keeps making mistakes. At first Ashfur is angry with him and keeps criticizing his mistakes, but as they continue Ashfur refuses to say anything, sitting in silent disappointment. When they get back to camp Ashfur has prey but Lionpaw has none. Brambleclaw comments on this and Lionpaw worries what his mentor will say but Ashfur covers for him. Lionpaw admits to himself that he has been screwing up for days and wonders why no one seems to care about him and his training. He asks Ashfur what they are doing next but Ashfur tells him to eat and rest and then leaves him. Too tired to eat Lionpaw heads to his den, wondering if Ashfur has given up on him. Later he, Ashfur, Brambleclaw, and Berrypaw go to train battle moves together. Lionpaw does awful, causing him and Ashfur to get into a fight. Brambleclaw tells Lionpaw that a real warrior would not blame other cats for his mistakes, then takes Berrypaw away so Ashfur can talk to Lionpaw alone. Lionpaw apologizes but Ashfur tells him it is like Lionpaw no longer hears anything he says. He warns Lionpaw that at this rate Icekit and Foxkit will be warriors before him. Ashfur has him practice moves while he goes to help Brambleclaw train Berrypaw. Tigerstar shows up and helps Lionpaw with his moves, even giving him advice on how to do them better. Ashfur is pleased with his progress but Brambleclaw seems disturbed by Lionpaw's addition to the moves. Lionpaw worries that his father recognizes Tigerstar's help but Brambleclaw says nothing. The cats head back and Lionpaw quickly thanks Tigerstar for his help.

Hollypaw is upset as her clan prepares for a battle. She feels that if they could just find out what is happening with RiverClan maybe help could be offered. She turns to both Firestar and Leafpool bit both turn her away, with Leafpool even telling her it is no longer appropriate for her to be so close to Willowpaw. Feeling like no one is listening she sneaks away to RiverClan land to find out what is going on. She sneaks onto the island and finds Willowpaw. Mothwing catches them talking and tells Willowpaw to show Hollypaw the truth.

Willowpaw shows her their old camp, and explains that Twoleg kits keep attacking it, so they are fortifying it to drive them away. She promises they will be off the island by the next Gathering. As Willowpaw brings her to the border a RiverClan patrol comes along and a dog attacks. Swept up with the patrol they wind up on WindClan land where another patrol finds them. Heated words are exchanged but the RiverClan cats are allowed to leave without a fight. After they leave it is realized Hollypaw is with them. They take her to Leopardstar who at first is amused. But when she finds out Hollypaw has seen their old camp and knows the full extent of their problems she decrees that Hollypaw cannot leave yet, insisting it is unsafe after the recent altercation with WindClan. Hollypaw realizes the real reason Leopardstar will not let her leave is she knows too much. As she settles in the medicine den she realizes just how much trouble she is actually in.

Jaypaw's obsession with the stick must have a reason. Clearly these cats version of StarClan is talking to him, but why? I wonder, since the stick is so large, maybe these cats were bigger? However the entrance into the tunnels is only in a fox den, so maybe not.

Lionpaw really needs to stop seeing Heatherpaw. It is starting to hurt him and his clan, since he is unable to perform his duties. Everytime I start to think Ashfur is a traitor he does something that changes my mind. I think he is genuinely upset with Lionpaw, but if he was a traitor wouldn't he rejoice in Brambleclaw's son failing? I just don't know. But talking to Tigerstar is a bad idea, and Brambleclaw clearly realized that Lionpaw was using Tigerstar's fighting moves. Does he suspect his father of speaking to his children? All I know is I want to know who the traitor is, already! Of course, maybe there is no traitor... Hawkfrost certainly could have been lying.

As for Hollypaw, she is in huge trouble. But, she does have information that could avert needless battles so hopefully she can do that. But Leafpool is right - Hollypaw is too close to Willowpaw. And Hollypaw is right in insisting it is a different closeness then Lionpaw shares with Heatherpaw. Hollypaw is not in love and Willowpaw is a medicine cat, so the rules are slightly different here, but I do think Leafpoolnis right that Hollypaw needs to let go of the closeness of her friendship. Time and again we have seen that end in heartbreak.

dark river: part two

Lionpaw sneaks back into the apprentice's den and Hollypaw sees him. He tells her he was just out for a moment but he feels resentful. He dreams of a fox and wakes up in a worse mood. When it is time to get up he eats with Jaypaw. Then Ashfur calls to him, telling him that they will be training with Brackenfur and Hollypaw that day. Hollypaw has to miss breakfast and Lionpaw feels pleased at her hunger. When they get to the training grounds their mentors grill them on the strengths and weaknesses of the rival clans. Lionpaw feels flustered when he cannot think of a weakness for WindClan. Hollypaw teases him, saying he feels WindClan has no weaknesses. Lionpaw angrily insists that is not true. They are supposed to have mock battles practicing fighting moves the other clans use, as well as defenses against them, but Lionpaw lets his anger get away from him and actually hurts Hollypaw. Angry, Brambleclaw stops him. Lionpaw apologizes to Hollypaw. Brambleclaw asks Ashfur to train Berrypaw so he can take Lionpaw hunting. Lionpaw apologizes to his father, telling him that Hollypaw was bugging him all morning. Brambleclaw asks him what is worrying him. Unable to confess about Heatherpaw, Lionpaw instead tells his father that Hollypaw does not trust him to be a loyal warrior. Brambleclaw talks to him of being Tigerstar's son and how he always has to prove his loyalty twice as hard. He says everyone is so focused on the bad in Tigerstar they forget the good. Lionpaw insists that every cat in the clan respects him but Brambleclaw tells him there might be one cat who does not. Brambleclaw regrets confiding this fear and tells Lionpaw that he must work twice as hard to show Hollypaw he deserves her trust, but secretly Lionpaw feels he should not have to prove anything. That night Lionpaw wakes to stones falling into the camp. He goes out to investigate and finds Heatherpaw looking for him. She brings him to an old fox den that opens up to a cave with a river in it. At first Lionpaw wants to tell his clan but she tells him he cannot. Instead, she feels she has found a place for them to secretly meet and Lionpaw eagerly agrees. Lionpaw wakes up, realizing he has dozed off in the cave. He races home, hunting on the way so no one will comment on his absence. He feels guilty for lying, but tries to tell himself he is doing no harm because he is loyal to his clan.

Hollypaw and Cinderpaw wake up and start doing chores. As they are cleaning the elder's den Cinderpaw talks about how she hopes to never see a badger again. Hollypaw points out she has never even seen one once. Cinderpaw comments she must have been dreaming but Hollypaw catches Leafpool looking at her oddly. Firestar calls a meeting so he can formally name Millie as a warrior. But Millie shocks everyone when she says she wishes to keep her own name. Graystripe stands by her, as does Daisy and Brook. The cats seem torn over this. Some believe that loyalty is what matters most. Others fear how clans like ShadowClan will react when they already feel that ThunderClan isn't pure enough. Much to Hollypaw's dismay, Firestar decrees that Millie can keep her name. Squirrelflight tries to soothe Hollypaw but she is still upset. Brackenfur calls her over, telling her that she, Cinderpaw, and Mousepaw are going to be assessed. The apprentices split up to hunt. When they are done they all meet up again and Mousepaw declares he is going to climb the Sky Oak. The three cats head that way and Hollypaw wonders if it is really a good idea. Mousepaw goes anyway and Brackenfur comes out of the woods to stop him. Spiderleg insists it is fine but even he gets nervous the higher Mousepaw climbs. Mousepaw becomes stuck and Cloudtail offers to get him. Cinderpaw insists she should and Brackenfur let's her even though he does not want to. Cinderpaw catches Mousepaw as he is about to fall but then falls herself.

Jaypaw is helping Birchfall with a thorn in his foot when he smells Hollypaw's fear. She bursts into camp and tells Jaypaw what happened. He can feel Leafpool's horror, and the feeling that this has happened before. Jaypaw tries to ask her what they need but Leafpool seems to be in shock. She snaps out of it and gives Jaypaw his orders. They race to the Sky Oak. When they reach it Leafpool realizes Cinderpaw's leg is broken and Jaypaw again feels something is wrong with his mentor. They tie her leg up quickly and Leafpool has the warriors carry Cinderpaw back to camp. Jaypaw puzzles why his mentor feels so strongly about this. As Jaypaw and Leafpool work on an unconscious Cinderpaw, Leafpool snaps at Jaypaw. She apologizes and leaves to talk to Sorreltail and Brackenfur. Alone, he enters Cinderpaw's mind. Cinderpaw shows him the old ThunderClan camp and tells him about the cats who used to live there. She tells him to tell Leafpool she is fine, and that she is proud of the medicine cat she has become. He is shocked to realize she is Cinderpelt. He wakes up and Leafpool asks him if Cinderpaw will get better. He tells her yes, then that Cinderpaw has already lived. Leafpool asks if she is Cinderpelt and Jaypaw says yes. Leafpool admits to him that Cinderpelt never wanted to be a medicine cat and Jaypaw realizes je is not the only one to have this life forced on him. She also tells Jaypaw that they should not tell Cinderpaw the truth.

Lionpaw and Heatherpaw are playing in the tunnels when they both realize they need to sneak back home. As Lionpaw heads home the spirits of Tigerstar and Hawkfrost come to speak to him. Lionpaw is unsure what to do but Spiderleg patrolling in the area sends the two cats away. Lionpaw heads home, unsure of why they came to him. Back at camp Hollypaw catches him coming into the apprentice's den so he lies and says he is getting ready for the dawn patrol. Lionpaw is exhausted all during the patrol. They head to the WindClan border and watch as two apprentices are chasing a squirrel. They talk uneasily about it and the apprentices head towards the border. Dustpelt purposely startles the apprentices when they get too close, causing the warriors with them to get angry. Back at camp Dustpelt reports this to Firestar, but Firestar says he cannot tell WindClan what to hunt. Hollypaw and Jaypaw are upset with Firestar's recent inaction and Hollypaw asks Lionpaw for his opinion. Lionpaw feels torn, since he doesn't want to attack WindClan. He hears a voice tell him not to be afraid of what he desires. Following the voice he admits he does not want to attack WindClan.

Hollypaw and her clanmates head to the Gathering. Everyone is jumpy and tense. WindClan hunting squirrels has everyone talking of prey stealing and a possible battle. She isn't convinced that things have to end that way. She is also desperate to talk to Willowpaw and find out what is going on with RiverClan. ThunderClan and WindClan reach the tree bridge at the same time. Some ThunderClan cats angrily hiss at the WindClan cats, calling them thieves, but Onestar stops his warriors to let ThunderClan cross first. Firestar thanks him and they cross. Hollypaw smells RiverClan and is relieved they are present but it quickly becomes apparent that things are not okay with RiverClan. There are far too many elders on the island and even some kits are there. Hollypaw tries to talk to Willowpaw, but Willowpaw begs her not to talk right now. ShadowClan arrives and Leopardstar admits that her clan is currently living on the island. She won't disclose why, but she assures everyone that they will be gone by the next Gathering. Panic spreads through the clans as cats fear that RiverClan will still be there next full moon, or worse, start invading other territories. Firestar calms everyone down by pointing out that they can worry about this next full moon. When no one else has anything worth reporting Firestar suggests they all leave RiverClan in peace. Hollypaw makes plans with Willowpaw to speak to her later. The next morning, much to Hollypaw's dismay, the camp is preparing for upcoming battles. She doesn't understand everyone's assumption that fighting is inevitable. She feels that if they would just help RiverClan then things could go back to normal.

So, first of all, Tigerstar and Hawkfrost are now reaching out to Lionpaw as well. This does not bode well. I would have thought Lionpaw and Hollypaw had enough sense to stay away from him but Lionpaw is in a bad place right now since he is clearly in love with Heatherpaw. And, if that was Tigerstar whispering to Lionpaw then he is already following Tigerstar's advice. Plus, it is amusing that Tigerstar, who hates half clan cats, would tell Lionpaw to pursue what he wants. But, Tigerstar does see his own blood as pure - and his vendetta against half clan cats was probably motivated by personal reasons to hurt Firestar and Graystripe. But Lionpaw is in a bad spot. He knows what he is doing is wrong but he won't stop himself. And because of this he is torn up by guilt and anger. I had definitely pegged Jaypaw, with his anger and resentment, as being the cat most likely to be susceptible to Tigerstar's influence. But, Jaypaw was disturbed he couldn't read Tigerstar so to maybe there is that.

I am glad Leafpool got the proof she so desperately needed about Cinderpaw - though really, it was over kill.

And I image Hollypaw is right and a battle is avoidable. The problem is, emotions have been running high for a while now. Between Onestar's determination to put space between himself and Firestar as well as Leopardstar's pride and Blackstar's ambition things are not looking well.

dark river: part one

Fallen Leaves is escorted to a cave by his kin. Only chosen cats are allowed to go here, and there is a sense of ominousness as some cats fear his failure and others fear the possibility of rain. He walks in darkness finding an underground river and an old cat - blind, bald, claws twisted - sitting on a high ledge. This cat, named Rock, makes a mark on a stick and sends Fallen Leaves on his way with his blessing. Fallen Leaves must pick a tunnel. Vowing he won't die, he does. Rock suddenly asks if it is raining and Fallen Leaves tells him no. He walks into his chosen tunnel, determined to emerge a sharpclaw.

Lionpaw, Hollypaw, and Jaypaw play that they are defending their camp from ShadowClan warriors. Squirrelflight makes them stop, reminding them the Gathering is that night. This will be Jaypaw's first Gathering, and Lionpaw is annoyed he isn't more excited. Hollypaw worries what will happen if Millie comes, but everyone silences her fears. The cats leave. Hollypaw tries to talk to Lionpaw, but all he can think of is Heatherpaw. They cross the tree bridge - Jaypaw doing fine - and find everyone is there but RiverClan. Jaypaw smells RiverClan, but something smells off. Lionpaw cannot scent a difference. Whitetail, a WindClan warrior, affectionately greets Millie as "kittypet" making Hollypaw realize that maybe things really have smoothed over. But Tornear and Russetfur are not so pleased with the signs of friendship between the two cats. Jaypaw accuses Lionpaw of being disappointed. He denies it but Hollypaw accuses him of wanting to see Heatherpaw. He defends his friendship with the WindClan cat, pointing out that Hollypaw wishes to see Willowpaw, but Hollypaw insists it is not the same. Heatherpaw arrives and is happy to see Jaypaw. Lionpaw feels jealous but Jaypaw quickly snaps at a flustered Heatherpaw and Leafpool calls him away. RiverClan arrives and Lionpaw realizes Jaypaw is right - something is wrong. Willowpaw comes over to greet Hollypaw, telling her she cannot stay and talk. Hollypaw tries to find out what is going on but Crowfeather comes over and breaks up their gathering and the leaders call to everyone. Blackstar speaks of Tawnypelt having kits. She named one of them Tigerkit, much to everyone's shock. Lionpaw wonders at having kin in another clan and Hollypaw looks worried. The Gathering breaks up and Leafpool mentions that she noticed Tawnypelt was pregnant at the last one. Squirrelflight asks why she said nothing and, overhearing, Rowanclaw says it was because it is none of her business. He pointedly says that Tawnypelt now has three healthy clanborn kits. Squirrelflight points out that it only matters if they are loyal to their clan. Breezepaw interrupts and says Rowanclaw is only speaking the truth. Crowfeather, while looking right at Leafpool, reminds his son that ThunderClan celebrates mixed blood. Hurt, Leafpool turns away. ThunderClan goes to leave but Heatherpaw chases Lionpaw down. She tells him to forget what her clan said, and that she wishes to meet with him the next night in secret. Feeling guilty that he might be betraying his clan, Lionpaw agrees.

Hollypaw dreams of Willowpaw. She is trying to ask her what is wrong but she cannot seem to catch her. She wakes up and finds Lionpaw soaking wet. It is raining outside, but their den is dry. After sharing breakfast with Cinderpaw, they go about their duties. Brackenfur takes Hollypaw hunting. She tries to ask what will happen if she ever has to fight Tawnypelt's kits in battle, wondering if her blood connection is more important then clan loyalty, but to Brackenfur the answer is simple and he silences her. Hollypaw makes it back to camp to find Lionpaw still asleep. He is short with her and she wonders what is wrong with him. She seeks out Jaypaw, wondering if he knows what is going on but he is uninterested in Lionpaw's problems. She tries instead to talk about Willowpaw, pointing out that Willowpaw is probably worried Jaypaw doesn't like her. He irritably responds he doesn't have to like every cat he meets. She points out RiverClan's odd behavior at the Gathering and he agrees to try and find something out the next time they meet at the Moonpool. Brackenfur and Cloudtail take her and Cinderpaw training. While out Cinderpaw makes observations about fox scents that she shouldn't know. Hollypaw notices that sometimes Cinderpaw knows things she should not. Later, Hollypaw wakes up to find Lionpaw missing again. Poppypaw seems suspicious but Cinderpaw helps her cover up his absence. Hollypaw sneaks off to find Lionpaw and Cinderpaw follows her. They find Lionpaw and Heatherpaw playing together. Hollypaw confronts her brother and they fight. He accuses her of spying. Heatherpaw leaves and Hollypaw tells him if he does not stop seeing Heatherpaw she will have to tell Brambleclaw. He accuses her of thinking him disloyal. She denies it, but tells him he cannot be loyal to his clan when he heart belongs to another. Angry, he races home without her and Cinderpaw.

The medicine cats walk to the Moonpool. Jaypaw walks alone, with Willowpaw and Kestrelpaw behind him. He keeps slowing down so they can catch up but as soon as he does Willowpaw slows down and Kestrelpaw matches her pace. Jaypaw tries to delve into Mothwing's mind but as always it is blank. He tries to look in Willowpaw's but it is as if he mind is wrapped in brambles. They reach the Moonpool and Jaypaw hears the wind welcome them - but none of the other cats hear it. The Moonpool has flooded so they sleep in different spots then usual. Jaypaw enters Willowpaw's chaotic dream. They are swimming in the water, Willowpaw with her mouth full of herbs. Jaypaw is scrambling to stay afloat. They are on shore and Mudfur tells her to abandon her herbs. She must go before her clan is destroyed. Before Jaypaw can find out any more Yellowfang finds him and prevents him from spying more. As they talk Jaypaw realizes she cannot stop him from entering other cats dreams. She tells him that before he uses his powers he should find out why he has them. The cats wake up. Jaypaw admits to Leafpool that he dreamed of RiverClan. A frantic Willowpaw wakes up and tells Mothwing they must leave immediately. Back at camp Leafpool realizes that Jaypaw was spying on Willowpaw's dreams. She is upset but says they must give this news to Firestar. They report to him but since Jaypaw has no real information Firestar feels there is nothing to do - RiverClan's problem is RiverClan's. He also says he has not forgotten that Jaypaw wanted to attack WindClan. Jaypaw insists he said nothing about attacking RiverClan, just helping, but secretly he figures this way RiverClan will owe them a favor. Leafpool is upset but feels there is nothing she can do about Fireheart's decision, but Firestar is refusing to help, saying he is tired of the other clans being mad at him for interfering. They leave his den. Hollypaw asks Jaypaw if he found anything out. He tells her that he doesn't know what is wrong but there is a problem with RiverClan. She is upset when he also tells her that Firestar intends to do nothing about it. He debates telling her about the prophecy involving them but decides against it for now.

The next day Leafpool and Jaypaw go to collect herbs. While they are out Jaypaw finds a stick with odd marks on it. He wants to bring the stick home but Leafpool tells him he cannot carry it and the herbs so he hides the stick so the water will not wash it away. He feels it is wrong to leave the stick and cannot understand why.

So I was wondering if these cats from the prologue were in the past or the present, but now I feel it must be the past. The stick Jaypaw found is clearly Rock's stick. I wonder who these tribal or clan cats were and where they are now. And, why was it such an issue that it was going to rain when Fallen Leaves was entering the caves? Did he survive his ordeal or did he die?

But, onto what is probably more important for the present, what is going on in RiverClan? While I do understand Firestar's refusal to help it is so unlike him. And Lionpaw is asking for trouble falling in love with a WindClan cat. Then there are Crowfeather's comments at the Gathering, which were completely unasked for - especially considering he has fallen desperately in love with two different cats outside his clan. We shall have to see...