Prologue
"I think... tomorrow would be the perfect time."
The words drawled from his mouth with a soft, purring tone. Slick as a snake. Tanglestar watched the queen's reaction closely. Her blue eyes glittered, their likeness to ice extraordinary, as she contemplated his statement with her head tipped to one side.
"I look forward to it," she replied formally, her eyes narrowed. "Let's see which of them deserves a place in ThunderClan's ranks. I hope my offspring will do me proud."
"I'm sure they will, Vinestrike," Tanglestar purred, though his eyes remained as cold and elusive as ever. "If not, they will be disposed of like any other Clan kit."
"Good."
"You never could stand weakness, could you?" he asked as she turned to leave the shadowy den. His sharp eyes saw her pause. Her ears flicked upright in surprise. This was a personal question – not a methodical plan of the future.
"No. And if any of my kits show any signs of betrayal, I will personally find the most satisfactory way to rid them of the forest."
"What cold words, Vinestrike..." he almost felt amused. This she-cat held no emotion. "Precisely the reason I chose you as deputy."
"And I have served you well," she shot over her shoulder, fur rippling as she leaped smoothly out the entrance. A dark, clear night sky glittered beyond her silhouette, along with the cool black forest that whispered secrets with its countless leaves.
Tanglestar allowed a rush of air to escape his muzzle as he snorted softly in amusement. He knew Vinestrike would never let him down. ThunderClan was strong, and would become stronger still, with the new rules set down for future generations of cats.
"Tanglestar?" a voice called, and the leader saw a shape move into his den.
"Brownwhisker – what do you want?" he meowed curtly, feeling a prickle of unease as he recognized the medicine cat.
The old cat was staring at him intently. "The apprentice ceremony?"
"Yes. Tomorrow," Tanglestar snapped. Brownwhisker had obviously been listening in and had heard the exchange between ThunderClan's two leaders, and it rubbed his fur the wrong way.
"Which kits?" the medicine cat asked, his blue eyes shadowed with worry and experience.
Tanglestar shot the tabby a look. Did Brownwhisker think Tanglestar was going to change his mind? A sharp-toothed grin curled the leader's muzzle as he answered. "Owlkit, Hawkkit, Jumpkit, Heronkit and Pinekit. And they will fight to the death, Brownwhisker, no matter what you say."