Prologue
Three cats sat illuminated in the clearing. No stars shone in the sky, no moon shone overhead. The sickly glow of fungus cast dark shadows in the forest. Tall dark trees and undergrowth sharp with thorns lined the clearing. In the center rose a rotten log, upon which crouched a massive tabby. Below him two identical tabby toms sat. "Excellent, I am proud to call you kin." The large tabby on the log growled at his companions. "Sadly, one clan got away." The large tom looked to the cat on the right. "Windclan are weak, it is better that they are gone. Now strong warriors can rule." The cat on the log rose up. "Not only strong cats but loyal warriors." "Warriors that will obey our commands without a second thought," the tom on the left replied in an icy voice. The large cat growled in satisfaction. "I have taught you well." The tom on the right glanced at his companion, turning back to the log he replied, "Warriors that have proven themselves and swear to uphold our code. Warriors that will pass on what they know to future generations." The large tom on the log yowled in a triumphant voice "You are ready, go now and lead your clans in my name." The two cats got up and turned away from the log. They padded side by side, identical except for their amber and ice blue eyes. The two cats left the clearing, leaving the large tabby alone on the log. "My time as finally come Starclan," he whispered to the night sky "My sons are ready, your clans have failed." The only response to the tabby's words was a light breeze. "Not even the great Firestar will be able to stop me." The breeze began to blow harder, until it was a raging wind, blowing the leaves and forest debris in a turmoil. On the wind came a quiet voice that seemed to belong to many cats, everything is not always as it seems, Tigerstar, for there will be one who will ride the breeze upon wings of fire and bring your downfall The cat growled with fury. "Bramblestar and Hawkstar will not fail, not even Starclan can stop them." The ragging wind died away, leaving Tigerstar alone in the Dark Forest.