Prologue
It was the dead of night. The stars shone brightly in the dark sky over-head.
Snow fell lightly in little tufts from the mountains as the wind blew. With little light to guide their way, two cats crunched through the snow in search of shelter and food.
"How much further Snow?" One cat asked his companion.
Snow sighed. "I told you Cleft, it takes much patience to cross the mountains where the Clans live. We should be there by sun-high tomorrow."
Snow looked around nervously and quickened her pace.
Cleft followed her with a huff. "But what if we run into them?"
Snow grunted. "Then we run. But until then, keep your mouth shut and let's-"
Cleft grunted in surprise when he bumped into Snow from behind. "Hey! What gives!"
He noticed the rigid way his friend was standing and peered around her. Pale green eyes shone from the darkness several paw-steps ahead of them.
"W-Wolf," Snow stuttered.
The wolf lifted its massive head and turned away from the cats slightly. After taking a few steps it looked over its shoulder at the cats.
"It," Cleft started, "it wants us to follow it."
The two exchanged confused glances. Snow nodded slightly and padded after the wolf.
Cleft sighed wearily and followed more slowly.