Wildflower's litter was born on the night of the new moon, the luckiest night a litter could be born on. If a DarkClan cat was born at the new moon, it meant they would be one of the best warriors when they grew up. Scorchstar had been born on the night of the new moon, and Duskclaw the deputy had been born then too. Blizzardkit, Echokit and Loudkit were definitely a very lively litter, play-fighting before they were one moon old. They were also the most intelligent kits DarkClan had seen in a long time. They had learned the DarkClan warrior code by the time they were three moons old, and every day they would sit and recite it, one by one.

"Prey is killed only to be eaten. Give thanks to the warrior code for the prey."

"A kit must start its apprentice training at four moons old."

"Newly appointed warriors must prove their loyalty to DarkClan and the warrior code before they can be true warriors."

"A cat cannot be ranked as the strongest warrior unless they have mentored three apprentice and performed at least one execution."

"When the previous deputy becomes leader, dies or retires, the highest ranking warrior will become the new deputy."

"DarkClan will gather every full moon by the Dark River."

"Borders must be marked and checked daily. All trespassers must be trialled and executed."

"Every queen must teach their kits the basics of warrior training before they become an apprentice."

"The word of the clan leader is the warrior code."

"An honourable and loyal warrior will always support their leader and deputy."

"A warrior rejects the soft lives of loners, rouges and kittypets."

"If a cat breaks any rule of the warrior code, they must face a trial and execution for their crimes."

Blizzardkit was the fighter of the three, with broad shoulders bigger than some of the apprentices, and longer claws than his mother. Loudkit was the hunter, having mastered the hunter's crouch at just two moons. Echokit was much quieter than her brothers. Cats seemed to notice the two toms first, then spot Echokit lurking in a corner. She was the most intelligent by far, critically analysing her two brothers whenever she had the chance.

"Echokit, what are you doing? Hurry up eating and come and play!" Loudkit's boisterous mew sounded from across the camp. Echokit turned around. Loudkit was chasing Emberleaf's kits, Dustkit and Thornkit. Blizzardkit was hiding in the nettle patch, waiting for the kits to run past. Sighing, Echokit turned back to the fresh-kill pile, and picked out a plump mouse. Settling down by the fallen trunk, she began to eat her prey, watching in amusement as Blizzardkit jumped out right in front of Dustkit, who yowled with surprise and went running back to Emberleaf. Licking one paw and drawing it over her whiskers, she was just about to join in the game when her father came trotting into camp.

"Stormfang!" she yowled, running towards her father. Stormfang stopped, and looked around for a moment until he noticed his daughter standing at his paws. He sighed.

"I'm busy, Echokit. We found a loner on the border, and Scorchstar will need me for the trial," he said, twitching his ear. Echokit rolled her eyes inwardly.

"But I want to play with you," she moaned. Stormfang growled.

"Echokit, this is a very important matter, and Scorchstar will need me." Then his expression changed.

"You can come and watch the trial then, as long as you're quiet. After all, you'll be the one making the decisions one day." He pointed to the fallen trunk with his tail.

"Wait there for me. I'll take you to the Dark River once I've reported to Scorchstar." Stormfang turned around and headed toward the bramble tunnel that went to the leader's den. Echokit went and sat on the tree trunk, filled with apprehension. She wanted to know what happened at a trial, even though her instincts told her that it wasn't anything good. All she knew is the next full moon after a trial, the clan would come back from the gathering with blood on their paws. Looking over at Loudkit and Blizzardkit, who were now showing Thornkit and Dustkit how to play-fight, she thought she had better not mention to her brothers that she was going to a trial. She wanted this to be something for her and Stormfang to share, especially as he was always taking them out for hunting practise, even though they were still kits. Instead, she decided to tell Wildflower. She called to her mother, who was soaking up the sun by the nettle patch. She opened one eye, then heaved herself to her feet and padded over to Echokit.

"Yes, Echokit? What is it?" asked Wildflower sleepily.

"Stormfang is taking me to watch a trial," she said, trying not to let her apprehension show. Wildflower's eyes softened.

"It's always strange to watch your first trial," she murmured sympathetically. "Every cat has to learn though, sooner or later." She saw Echokit staring over at Blizzardkit and Loudkit. Before the little kit could speak, Wildflower spoke.

"Don't worry, I won't tell those two," she said with a hint of amusement. "They'll get to see one soon enough. Go on now, there's Stormfang." And she ushered her kit over to Stormfang.

"Are you ready to see your first trial of DarkClan?" asked Stormfang. Echokit nodded.

"Okay then, let's go."