the darkest hour: part two

Firestar awakens and Cinderpelt is there. She knows the ceremony was interrupted but nothing else. When she finds out Firestar received his lives and names she is relieved. The two cats leave, Firestar not ready yet to confess the vision. But he does confess to her that ever since he was a kittypet he has had prophetic dreams - but he does not know if they are from StarClan. Cinderpelt tells him it is odd, that usually just clan leaders and medicine cats receive dreams, but she is sure they are from StarClan. They stop by Barley's farm to rest and to tell Barley and Ravenpaw everything that has happened. Ravenpaw tells Firestar that when the time comes to face Tigerstar he will stand by his side.

After resting the cats return home where everyone greets Firestar happily - except for Darkstripe and Sandstorm. Firestar seeks Sandstorm out and assures her that while some things have changed others have not, including his love for her. Relieved, she goes back to work. Graystripe, embarrassed, approaches Firestar to tell him it is okay if he does not get picked for deputy. Back in his den Firestar resolves to make Thornpaw a warrior as soon as possible, feeling it is long over due. He asks Spottedleaf for help in picking a deputy but she refuses. He decides on Whitestorm, and that evening when he goes out and announces his decision Whitestorm is shocked and proud. All the cats congratulate him - except for Darkstripe who looks on with hatred.

The next day Firestar walks to Twoleg place and reflects on his life. Bramblepaw finds him there and confesses he was following Firestar to try out his tracking skills. Firestar realizes that Bramblepaw will be a wonderful warrior if he can escape Tigerstar's shadow - and boldly asks him outright if he can trust him. Bramblepaw responds with the same question, much to Firestar's surprise. The two cats open up to each other - Firestar about his kittypet roots and Bramblepaw about his determination to prove his loyalty to his clan. When Firestar questions him about Tawnypaw he notices that Bramblepaw is evasive but he doesn't press. Firestar and Bramblepaw go off together and as they spend time together Firestar realizes he likes the young cat.

After hunting they go back to camp and run into Graystripe. As they return together they see Darkstripe with Sorrelkit. Suddenly Graystripe attacks Darkstripe, alarming everyone. Firestar rushes over and realizes Sorrelkit has eaten deathberries. He sends Bramblepaw off for Cinderpelt and tries to get the berries out if her mouth. Cinderpelt arrives and helps Sorrelkit but she is unsure if the kit will survive. Graystripe accuses Darkstripe of murdering the kit but Darkstripe insists he was trying to save her. Fireheart posts guards outside of Cinderpelt's den, hoping that Sorrelkit will recover and tell everyone what really happened.

Brackenfur finds Firestar and apologizes for what happened. He said he was following Darkstripe when he was given the slip. As soon as he realized what had happened he looked for him but couldn't find him. Firestar realizes that not only did Darkstripe know they were watching him but that he also needed to get away for something. He tells Brackenfur that he can now guard Darkstripe openly, and that Darkstripe is not to leave the camp until they get the truth from Sorrelkit. Word spreads quickly through the camp and everyone treats Darkstripe as if he has already been found guilty. Even Dustpelt, his former apprentice, wants nothing to do with him.

Thornpaw is turned into a warrior and given the name Thornclaw. Lostface is renamed Brightheart and Cloudtail insists he is going to make her a warrior again but Firestar is unsure if their hopes will ever come true. Sorrelkit wakes up and Firestar goes to hear what she has to say.

I feel that this is the beginning of the end for Darkstripe - and it is really rather sad. Clearly Sorrelkit saw him with Tigerstar or involved with another of Tigerstar's schemes and he felt the need to silence her. Darkstripe is one of their greatest warriors and yet he keeps choosing Tigerstar's ambition over his clan. I imagine that if Tigerclaw was made clan leader Darkstripe would have been his deputy - but he could have just as easily have been Firestar's deputy if he would just bury his hatred and choose his clan. Instead, he has chosen someone who thinks it is okay to murder any cat who stands in his way - even innocent kits, because it's not like the dogs wouldn't have killed them all. And now he himself feels it is fine to murder a kit. He has fallen so far under Tigerstar's sway there is nothing left. And I keep coming back to his reason for refusing to follow Tigerstar - not out of anger for what he had done, but because he wasn't involved in the plans meaning he might have been fine with them.

As for Firestar and Bramblepaw, I am glad to see them working on their relationship. I was afraid that everyone's hostility and open fear towards him would drive him away but instead he seems to be working his way into Firestar's heart - and Firestar is happy about that.

About Graystripe and Darkstripe, I find it sad that everyone has assumed Darkstripe is guilty. There doesn't even seem to be any question about it. Even though Graystripe fell in love with a cat from another clan, left his clan, and was forbidden by Bluestar from ever returning everyone assumes he is telling the truth and Darkstripe is lying. This shows not only that everyone is accepting Graystripe back, but also that no one is shocked over Darkstripe's betrayal.

On a final note, I do hope Brightheart gets to become a warrior finally.

the darkest hour: part one

In the past, Tigerstar has a rogue from his clan, Boulder, bring him to a band of rogues by Twoleg place. He is confident his plan to use the dogs to destroy ThunderClan will work and now he has another plan in mind. He meets with the tiny leader, named Scourge, and offers him a proposition.

Back in the present Fireheart, Graystripe, Mistyfoot, and Stonefur bring Bluestar's body back to the camp. After making sure it is safe they enter, Bluestar's body is brought to her den. Fireheart warns the RiverClan cats that Tigerstar will probably betray their secret at the next Gathering. They declare they will tell Leopardstar themselves, then go to privately say good bye to their mother. While they are gone the ThunderClan cats come back. Fireheart thanks the cats and informs Whitestorm that Bluestar gave her life for his and made her peace with StarClan. 

The cats go to pay their respect to Bluestar and before Fireheart can stop them they see the RiverClan cats with her and are angry. Mistyfoot and Stonefur justify being there by declaring Bluestar their mother. Suddenly Fireheart has an angry clan on his hands. He calms them down, telling them that Bluestar surrendered her kits so she could put the clan first - like she always did. The cats calm down then Tawnypaw asks Fireheart if he will be their new leader. Darkstripe is furious, claiming no because a kittypet can't be. Whitestorm tells him yes, because it is tradition. Cats speak up in Fireheart's defense, saying he is loyal to the clan and deserves it. Darkstripe is angry but can do nothing - Fireheart even tells him he can leave if he wants. The cats break apart so everyone can pay their respects to Bluestar and life can resume as normal. Fireheart pulls Brackenfur aside and charges him with watching Darkstripe until they figure out where his loyalties lie.

The clan sits vigil for Bluestar. Fireheart dozes off. Cinderpelt wakes him when it is time to bury Bluestar. As cats take her away he and Cinderpelt - after saying goodbye to Sandstorm and Graystripe - head to the Moonstone so Fireheart can receive his nine lives from StarClan.

Fireheart awakens and finds he is at Fourtrees, surrounded by StarClan. He receives his nine lives from nine different cats - all those most important to him or who he impacted the most. All the sudden the ceremony is interrupted. A hill of bones appears and the StarClan cats are gone. Bluestar speaks a prophecy to him, telling him four will become two, lion and tiger will meet in battle, and blood will rule the forest. As Firestar asks for answers a river of blood flows from the hill of bones towards Firestar.

A few things. Tigerstar clearly has another plan in place, and that plan was based on the assumption that ThunderClan would fall - meaning he has even bigger ambitions then Fireheart realizes.

As for Darkstripe, it is clearly just a matter of time before he is caught betraying the clan - and a matter of time before he realizes Firestar is having him watched.

Mistyfoot and Stonefur are going to be in an awkward position back at their camp. Leopardstar is not going to like them being half ThunderClan cats.

And as for Firestar's vision, something awful is clearly coming - and Tigerstar with Scourge will be at the center of it. I imagine Tigerstar is the tiger of the prophecy - and Firestar the lion. And the four becoming two tells me the clans will pick sides in that fight.

a dangerous path: part six

That night Fireheart and Sandstorm make up. Fireheart tells her about what Longtail said and asks her to accompany him. He tells her he made a mistake in naming Brackenfur as Tawnypaw's mentor and he needs her - and loves her. She tells him she was upset that he betrayed Bluestar, but that she understood he is deputy and sometimes had to make hard choices - and not confide in her. She also admits she was torn between her loyalty to him and her loyalty to Bluestar, and admits that she is in love with him too. After speaking with Sandstorm he converses with Cinderpelt. The two cats agree to keep what is going on from Bluestar until they find out more. Fireheart sets an extra guard, worried for an attack from Tigerstar, and gets some sleep for in the morning.

The next morning he gathers some warriors, including Longtail. He apologizes to Longtail again and insists to him that the clan needs him far more then Tigerstar or Darkstripe ever will. Longtail is happy to feel wanted and trusted. They set off towards snakerocks, scenting rabbit along the way. When they get there they find another dead rabbit left by Tigerstar outside of the dog's cave.

Confused, they start looking around and find more dead rabbits with Tigerstar's scent on them. They are confused why Tigerstar is killing rabbits on their territory and leaving them lying around until suddenly the plan hits them. Tigerstar is leaving a trail of rabbits straight to their camp so the dogs will attack them. They move the rabbits in an attempt to break up the scent trail and race back to the camp - to find a dead Brindleface right at the end of the trail, in front of their camp.

They quickly bury Brindleface. Bluestar is asleep so they decide to come up with a plan and then wake her. Fireheart calls a clan meeting and tells everyone of Tigerstar's new treachery. Tawnykit looks horrified but both Bramblekit and Darkstripe are unreadable. Fireheart has a plan to evacuate the camp to Sunningrocks. Meanwhile some warriors will stay behind to lead the dogs to the gorge, in the hopes that the pack will fall in and die. Everyone is given their assignments and goes to follow them. Fireheart sees Darkstripe sneaking out of the camp with Tawnykit and Bramblekit. Fireheart confronts him and Darkstripe tries to bluster his way out, saying he is taking them to some place safer then Sunningrocks. Fireheart responds if Darkstripe knows a safer place then all the clan should go. He then accuses Darkstripe of being in on the plan to murder his own clan. Darkstripe denies this, saying that he only knew to take the kits but Fireheart does not believe him. He places Brackenfur in charge of the kits and tells him that Darkstripe is allowed no where near them. 

He awakens Bluestar, who is ready to accept the clans fate. Fireheart tells her no, they have a plan. He tells her to go to Sunningrocks with the rest of the clan. She says like an elder and he says no, like a leader. Bluestar agrees.

The cats go to their appointed places and the pack comes following the trail that has been laid. Fireheart is the last cat on the trail with the job of tricking the dogs into the gorge but before he can get to safety Tigerstar attacks him. The dogs come and Tigerstar runs but it is too late for Fireheart. He ends up in the jaws of a dog and as he fears it will kill him suddenly Bluestar is there saving him. She tumbles over the gorge with some of the dogs. The other dogs run in shock and Fireheart tries desperately to save his leader. Mistyfoot and Stonefur appear and save the two cats. Graystripe arrives and prevents Tigerstar from attacking Fireheart. Mistyfoot and Stonefur make peace with Bluestar and Bluestar tells Fireheart she knows now her clan is a good, loyal clan. She dies, her belief in StarClan restored and at peace. Tigerstar runs away after Bluestar's death and finding out the truth about her kits.

Bluestar is finally at peace - with her children, her clan, and StarClan. This is good but it's sad that it had to take Fireheart almost dying - and Bluestar actually dying - for it to happen. The threat of the pack snapped her out of her mental state so she could be a leader one last time.

Tigerstar's treachery is unreal. Killing Bluestar and Fireheart is not enough, he now needs to destroy his entire clan, uncaring who dies. And Darkstripe's treachery is even worse. He might not have known about the dogs, but he clearly knew some danger was coming and did not care about any of his clanmates - which again harkens back to Fernpaw confiding in Dustpelt over her mentor, and Dustpelt publicly defending and supporting Fireheart. I understand he might not like Fireheart (just like Longtail and Dustpelt) but he isn't even trying to live with him in peace. And destroying an entire clan over his anger of Tigerclaw being banished - he chose not to follow him. Darkstripe made the choice himself to stay behind. But it is worth noting (again) that he stayed behind not because of clan loyalty (like Longtail) or disgust with his plans (like Dustpelt) but because Tigerclaw would not fully confide in him. Now that Tigerstar is willing to confide he has clearly won Darkstripe over. How much longer Darkstripe will be in the clan I don't know, but clearly it won't be for much longer now that Fireheart knows he is a spy.

And now Fireheart must become Firestar and try to save the clan from their old deputy.

a dangerous path: part five

Another long one!

Cinderpelt is unsure if the badly injured Brightpaw will survive. Cloudtail asks Bluestar if Brightpaw can receive her warrior name in case she dies. Bluestar consents, and names her Lostface, both because she lost part of her face and in defiance of StarClan who Bluestar blames for this. Cloudtail remains with Lostface and Fireheart realizes he is in love with her. He sees Longtail with his dead apprentice and feels sorrow, knowing that Longtail had done right by Swiftpaw and did not deserve this.

Days later Graystripe points out to Fireheart that Bramblekit and Tawnykit are ready for mentors. Fireheart agrees and decides to mentor Bramblekit himself. Graystripe objects, pointing out that Fireheart might not be the most fair mentor considering how he feels about Bramblekit. But Fireheart is determined, and passes over Sandstorm for Brackenfur as Tawnykit's mentor. He argues that Brackenfur was supposed to get Snowkit but Graystripe calls him out, telling him the real reason is he is afraid that Tigerstar will attack Sandstorm.

Sandstorm is angry over being passed over. Lately her and Fireheart have been fighting about everything - Fireheart going behind Bluestar's back, his relationship with Cinderpelt, and now apprentices. Fireheart worries about their future. He also realizes that Goldenflower is not happy with Fireheart's choice to mentor Bramblepaw and that Darkstripe will probably carry the news to Tigerstar.

The next day Fireheart and Brackenfur take their new apprentices out. They ask Fireheart for the truth about their father and Brackenfur tells him if doesn't do it, some other cat will. Brackenfur gives them privacy and Fireheart tells the young cats, who are horrified, the truth. When he is does he assures them that the clan wants them and trusts them but Bramblepaw calls him out on his lie.

The Gathering comes and Fireheart allows Graystripe to go - he is desperate for news of his kits. While there he finds out they have been made apprentices and that no one is shocked that he went back to ThunderClan. They all felt it was just a matter of time.

When Tigerstar speaks he demands the return of his kits, arguing that ThunderClan does not seem to be taking very well care of any kits lately. He speaks of Snowkit being taken by a hawk and of Brightpaw and Swiftpaw's fates. Fireheart angrily realizes that Darkstripe must have told Tigerstar everything. Bluestar refuses at first but does agree to give Tigerstar her answer at the next Gathering.

Fireheart and Cloudtail take a recovering Lostface out for the first time and introduce her to Princess. Princess does not react the best to Lostface's injuries - but she is proud of her kin for their accomplishments. After they leave Lostface and Cloudtail wish that she had a different name and Fireheart promises to try. Later he dreams of Spottedleaf again, warning him of an enemy who appears to sleep.

Unsure what to do with Lostface for now, and unwilling to commit to her being a warrior again, Fireheart has arranged that Lostface will stay with the warriors and help take care of Speckletail - while telling Speckletail that she is to take care of Lostface. Speckletail sees through this but is not angry with Fireheart.

Longtail, upset, approaches Fireheart to tell him something but he stinks of the Thunderpath and Fireheart is immediately suspicious and on the attack, accusing him of spying for Tigerstar. Longtail manages to get out that he has not only seen Tigerstar in their territory but he also knows that Darkstripe is the one spying because he has seen the two cats together. This, however, only makes Fireheart more furious because Longtail has never reported any of this. Longtail insists he has important information and Fireheart must come with him to snakerocks but Fireheart angrily refuses, accusing him of a trap with Tigerstar.

Fireheart goes to Cinderpelt to tell her what just happened but to his surprise she is on Longtail's side. She points out to Fireheart how much he sounds like Bluestar right this moment, and how if Longtail is trying to be loyal he should not push the cat away. Fireheart concedes she is right and goes off to find Longtail.

Fireheart finds a desperate Longtail with Whitestorm, trying to get Whitestorm to listen to him. To Longtail's despair Whitestorm points out to Longtail that Fireheart is right to suspect him when clearly either he or Darkstripe is spying for Tigerstar. But Whitestorm, at least, is willing to listen. Longtail starts to tell Whitestorm about dogs in snakerocks and Fireheart interrupts, asking Longtail to tell him more. Longtail angrily retorts about Fireheart's earlier behavior and Fireheart apologizes to him. Longtail admits he followed Tigerstar to snakerocks and was going to warn him about a loose dog when he saw Tigerstar feeding a pack of huge dogs a rabbit.

Longtail swears - on both StarClan and Bluestar's life - that he never spoke to Tigerstar, that Tigerstar didn't even know he was there, that he had no clue what Tigerstar is plotting, and that it is a pack of dogs not just one. Whitestorm and Fireheart believe him - and believe that Darkstripe knows exactly what Tigerstar is doing - and Fireheart orders Longtail to stay away from Darkstripe and not to speak to him about anything that is going on - including their suspicions. Longtail agrees. With night approaching, Fireheart resolves to set off first thing in the morning to snakerocks with a group of warriors to discover what is really going on.

So much is going on here. Bramblepaw and Tawnypaw are upset - and they know, despite Fireheart's words, that they have a very high standard to live up to. And it took courage on Bramblepaw's part to call Fireheart out on his lie.

As for Graystripe, the clan has largely come around to his return with only a few cats seriously objecting. But in his favor is RiverClan's belief that it was only a matter of time before Graystripe left them. Lostface is recovering well and hopes to be a warrior again one day, but Fireheart is unsure. Hopefully she will get her wish.

As for Fireheart and Longtail, it was wrong of Fireheart to come down on Longtail like that - but likewise it was wrong of Longtail to hide information about Tigerstar and Darkstripe from Fireheart. But, in Longtail's defense, he probably has no one to turn to. Bluestar (understandably) believes him to be a traitor. Tigerstar and Darkstripe clearly are not including him in their plans. And his past hatred of Fireheart stands in the way of confiding in his deputy. He was probably feeling very alone and didn't know who he could trust or turn to. I am glad to see Longtail firmly on the side of ThunderClan and I hope that he and Fireheart will be able to move forward at least as clanmates.

a dangerous path: part four

Fireheart is frantic to find Bluestar. Whitestorm reminds him that Bluestar can take care of herself, but Fireheart is still worried. Sandstorm pointing out to him that Bluestar is probably feeling like she is losing control of her clan doesn't help. Bluestar comes back, telling Fireheart that she went to Highstones alone because she could not trust any of the traitors in the clan. She says she went there to demand answers from StarClan but all they would tell her was of a danger in the forest called a "pack." Fireheart tries to interpret this but Bluestar has no interest in even trying to prevent the upcoming disaster. 

Days later Bluestar decides to suddenly lead a patrol. Fireheart sees this as a chance for Cloudpaw and Swiftpaw. He sends for Longtail and the four cats escort Bluestar, though she is not overly pleased with his choices. She takes them to the RiverClan boarder, clearly thinking about her kits. When they reach Sunningrocks Leopardstar is there with warriors - including Graystripe - and she is declaring the land as their own. Bluestar denies her claim, Fireheart sends Swiftpaw for help, and a fight breaks out. During it Graystripe sees Stonefur and Mistyfoot attacking Bluestar, who is refusing to defend herself. He gets Fireheart who begs the cats not to attack, admitting to them that Bluestar is their mother.

Both cats are stunned, with Stonefur furious over what he believes to be a lie and Mistyfoot shocked and considering Fireheart's words. Bluestar greets them as her long lost kits and tells them how proud she is of them. Suddenly Graystripe calls out a warning as Leopardstar attacks Fireheart. He fights her off and Leopardstar angrily tells Graystripe to attack. He refuses and suddenly reinforcements are there. The RiverClan cats flee. Bluestar tries to talk to her kits but they want nothing to do with her. Leopardstar banishes Graystripe. Fireheart apologizes to Bluestar for spilling her secret but she tells him it is okay. He asks if it is okay for Graystripe to come back and Bluestar responds that another traitor in a clan full of traitors won't matter. She also retorts that Fireheart should have let the RiverClan cats kill her. Her warriors are shocked by her words but she doesn't care.

Graystripe receives a mixed greeting when he comes back. Some cats are happy, others are angry. Bluestar informs Fireheart that she is going to make Cloudpaw a warrior - but just Cloudpaw. She feels she cannot trust any of the other apprentices and Cloudpaw does not believe in StarClan, which to her is a bonus. Distraught, Fireheart goes to tell Longtail. Longtail angrily tells him he doesn't believe that Fireheart really tried to make his apprentice a warrior. Bluestar holds the ceremony, naming him Cloudtail, but it is a tense ceremony between Bluestar's indifference and the hurt feelings of the other apprentices and their mentors.

The next morning, prompted by Dustpelt, Fernpaw confides in Fireheart that angry over what had happened, Swiftpaw and Brightpaw snuck out to prove themselves. They went to snakerocks to see if they could find the danger. Taking some warriors Fireheart dashes off. They find Swiftpaw dead and Brightpaw badly injured. When asked what happened Brightpaw only says "Pack. Pack. Kill. Kill."

I know that Dustpelt is clearly in love with Fernpaw, but it is still odd that she does not confide in Darkstripe who is her mentor, and makes me wonder if she is questioning Darkstripe's loyalties. I feel like Fireheart should have asked Fernpaw why she turned to Dustpelt instead but he does not.

And I so feel very bad for Longtail. Despite once being one of Tigerclaw's biggest supporters, he has clearly been trying to show his loyalty to his clan - but Bluestar won't acknowledge it. And now his apprentice is dead for that and any trust Longtail has been building with Fireheart - which was already very strained - is destroyed.

As for Bluestar I cannot help feeling her end is just around the corner. She is already so broken and having her kits reject - and even hate her - is only going to make her mental state worse.

a dangerous path: part three

Okay, long post.

The next Gathering comes and Bluestar leads her clan to it, refusing to tell Fireheart her plans. Fireheart meets up with Graystripe who tells him that Leopardstar is their new leader, Stonefur their new deputy, and Leopardstar is planning an attack on Sunningrocks. He offers to spy for Fireheart, and as tempted as Fireheart is to say yes he does not because he does not want his friend getting caught. Graystripe expresses his fear that he may have to choose between clans soon. When the leaders speak Bluestar accuses WindClan of stealing prey. Tallstar tries to tell her that someone is stealing prey from their land too but she won't listen. In the argument between all four cats that breaks out Bluestar admits her true feelings for StarClan, much to the shock of all cats. Leopardstar hints that she is going to try to take Sunningrocks but Bluestar doesn't seem to understand her veiled threat. The Gathering ends on a bad note, and as they are all leaving Fireheart sees Darkstripe talking with Tigerstar.

The next day Bluestar tells Fireheart that she intends to attack WindClan that night. Fireheart tries to talk her out of it but she won't listen to reason. Despondent, he goes to sleep to see if he can speak to Spottedleaf. She does come to him, along with Yellowfang, but all she will say is the fight will not happen leaving him no clues on how to prevent it. 

He wanders off alone to think and comes to the decision to go behind his leader's back and speak to Tallstar. On his way there he sees Darkstripe with Bramblekit and Tawnykit. He follows to see what is going on and finds Darkstripe leading them to Tigerstar. He watches the cats and allows the meeting to happen until Tigerstar starts to explain why he no longer lives with ThunderClan. He interrupts, sending Darkstripe back to the camp with the kits. He and Tigerstar exchange a few words before parting ways.

He meets with Tallstar who agrees to ask Bluestar for a meeting, using Ravenpaw as a messenger. Back at the camp he confesses to Whitestorm what he did. Whitestorm is angry with him, though he understands his motivations. He tells Fireheart that this must be told to all of the warriors and it is a choice for all of them to make, not just him. The warriors are torn. Some support Fireheart, others are opposed. And some of the responses surprise Fireheart - like Sandstorm opposing him and Dustpelt supporting him. As the talks go on Fireheart realizes that one day soon be could be clan leader and he needs these cats on his side for that to happen. They settle who will travel with Bluestar, knowing it may still turn into a fight, and all agree to leave the apprentices out of the politics of the upcoming fight. Cinderpelt finds out what happened and is upset with Fireheart - both for going behind Bluestar'sback and for not including herself in the discussions - though she concedes that a needless battle did need to be averted.

Ravenpaw arrives and Bluestar agrees to the meeting. She is angry and hostile at it, but agrees to a truce with WindClan. Tallstar thanks Fireheart for avoiding needless bloodshed, but they both know that Bluestar has realized the truth about the meeting and that Fireheart is in deep trouble. Back at camp Bluestar demands to speak to Fireheart in private. She accuses him of being a traitor and says she will not punish him because when she dies he will become leader, and a traitor leading a pack of traitors is fitting punishment. He leaves Bluestar's den upset, unable to confide in Sandstorm both because she is currently angry with him and also because he cannot betray Bluestar any more then he has. Longtail confronts him about Swiftpaw still not being made a warrior. Fireheart tries to explain that he wants it to happen but they need to wait for the right time. Longtail leaves, still upset but in a better mood. Then Cinderpelt finds him to tell him Bluestar is missing.

First, Graystripe. How long can he remain torn between two clans? Especially when Leopardstar hates him? I was shocked he offered to spy for Fireheart but I was also glad Fireheart turned him down. 

Secondly, Bluestar. She is very clearly - and rapidly - deteriorating. Refusing to listen to Fireheart about the dog, not investigating the situation herself, openly being hostile to WindClan, her public scorn for StarClan, deciding to attack WindClan - all of these are very bad things. And now Fireheart going behind her back must hurt very much.

Thirdly, Darkstripe. Clearly if he has not thrown his lot in with Tigerstar he is at the very least considering it. This is disturbing on many levels. Tigerstar is a traitor and murderer and the fact that Darkstripe is continuing to have a friendship with him - behind the backs of everyone in the clan - does not bode well. And, it is quite probable that he is spying for Tigerstar.

Fourthly, Fireheart. He is finally beginning to realize that he is next in line for clan leader. He has done a decent job of acting clan leader (along with Whitestorm's help) with Bluestar being so sick, but it is good for him to realize that in order to save his clan from Tigerstar he is going to have to step up even more - and rely on the clan more.

a dangerous path: part two

Cinderpelt agrees to look in on Snowkit, but only after she meets with the other medicine cats during the new moon. Fireheart escorts her to Fourtrees where they meet up with Runningnose and Littlecloud. Runningnose confesses to Fireheart that Nightstar never actually received his nine lives, causing Runningnose to speculate it was because Brokenstar was still alive. He seems slightly unsure of Tigerstar but unwilling to say anything more.

Back at camp Fireheart dreams of a dangerous forest and Spottedleaf refuses to come to him when he calls. Dustpelt wakes him and he goes off with Sandstorm. They run into first Princess (who Sandstorm is leery of), then Graystripe (who brings the news that Tigerstar has been visiting the ailing Crookedstar - but mostly Leopardfur) and Mistyfoot (who cannot find Graypool, who has been losing her mind, anywhere).

They all part ways to look for Graypool. Fireheart finds her but before he can call out Tigerstar approaches her. In her confused state Graypool thinks Tigerstar is Oakheart, and proceeds to talk to him about the ThunderClan kits he gave her. Tigerstar's responses and attitude cause her to realize she is not talking to Oakheart. The terrified elder becomes afraid and falls off of a rock, dying. Tigerstar leaves and Fireheart rushes over but it is too late. Mistyfoot and Graystripe find them but Fireheart leaves out the part about Tigerstar, unsure what to do or say. Fireheart heads back to the camp to find Bramblekit had just hunted his first mouse. With visions of Tigerstar standing over a dead Graypool, Fireheart forces himself to congratulate Bramblekit. 

Cinderpelt realizes that Snowkit is deaf. Bluestar decrees that he can never be a warrior and tells Cinderpelt to deal with Speckletail. Fireheart is disappointed that Bluestar doesn't seem to care. 

Out on patrol with Mousefur and Thornpaw they discover traces of a dog. Back at camp Fireheart tells this to Whitestorm then goes to report to Bluestar. In her deteriorating state she insists this is a WindClan attack. Suddenly a hawk swoops down over their (still unprotected from the fire) camp. Cats run for cover but Snowkit doesn't hear. The hawk snatches him before anyone can save him. Brackenfur takes off after the hawk, Swiftpaw following, but no one has any real hope. Bluestar sees this as a sign that StarClan is at war with their clan, and loudly announces this to everyone.

After retreating to her den Fireheart calms everyone down, also warning them to be on the lookout for danger when they are out of the camp because of the dog. Speckletail decrees she will live with the elders now and never have another kit. Fireheart tries to talk to Cinderpelt about Bluestar's wild accusations against WindClan but he feels she is not listening to him. Cinderpelt feels that there is nothing she can do, Bluestar's problems are in her mind and in her eyes Bluestar's word is law.

As sad as Graypool's death was, it was good for Fireheart to see that Tigerstar has not changed at all. And Tigerstar's visits with the ambitious Leopardfur cannot be a good thing.

As for Bluestar, I really feel that this is the beginning of the end for her - especially now that she has publicly declared StarClan at war with ThunderClan.