Stormstar called the Clan together for Venompaw's warrior ceremony. Venompaw had confided in him earlier that he wanted to be named Venomfrost, in honor of his deceased mentor. Stormstar was happy to oblige.

"I, Stormstar, leader of StormClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to be a warrior in his turn. Venompaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Venompaw, from now on you shall be known as Venomfrost. StarClan honors your loyalty and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of StormClan."

"Venomfrost! Venomfrost! Venomfrost!" the Clan cheered. Venomfrost had always been very popular among his Clanmates. He jumped down from the Centerstump, and his parents, Splashsong and Badgerpelt, covered him with licks. Stormstar felt a pang of sympathy for the family. They had lost both of their other kits, Pearl and Oak. Venomfrost was the only one out of their litter who got to become a warrior.

Stormstar continued, "Tonight, Venomfrost will watch over the camp in silent vigil. But first, the time has come for the meeting with SkyClan. We are going to show them that StormClan has as much a right to be in this forest as they do! The cats I am bringing are Badgerpelt, Rubyshine, Clawstrike, Venomfrost, Duskshadow, and Ivyflower. Blackfire will be in charge of the camp while we're gone. Let's go!"

The cats who had been called followed Stormstar out of camp. Rubyshine ran up to walk next to her mate.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Nervous," Stormstar admitted.

Rubyshine purred, "Well don't be. You're a fine leader, and I'm sure that SkyClan will respect you."

Stormstar nodded and pressed against his mate. "You always know the right thing to say."

"Thanks."

StormClan arrived at the SkyClan camp. Leafstar noticed the approaching Clan and nodded to Stormstar.

"Hello. You may come up on the Rockpile, Stormstar."

Stormstar hopped up and surveyed the area. There was a large number of cats, both SkyClan and StormClan.

"Stormstar," Leafstar began, "Obviously, our Clans haven't seen eye to eye. Are you willing to set up borders with us and to live in peace as separate Clans, living in the same vicinity?"

"Of course," Stormstar replied.

"I'm not saying that there will never be conflict between us; conflict is inevitable."

"True."

"But, hopefully, there can be peace between our Clans."

"I believe there can."

"Well, thank you for your time. Now, every full moon, we have a Gathering. It is where both our Clans gather here for a night of truce to share news, such as new warriors, new apprentices, and so on," Leafstar explained.

"Okay. If that's the case, then I'd like to introduce our newest warrior. Venompaw received his warrior name today and is now Venomfrost."

"Congratulations."

Stormstar dipped his head, "Thank you for your time. StormClan, let's go!"

He padded away as his Clanmates followed close behind.