Prologue

"I say these words before StarClan so that they may here and approve of my choice! The new Deputy will be Steelclaw!" The tabby tom yowled. The cat he had named stood up, a look of surprise spreading across his face. The cats around him erupted into a series of joyful yowls. They rushed towards Steelclaw to congratulate him. Steelclaw jumped onto the large rock where the tabby sat.

"Cats of FireClan, all I can say is I will do my best to serve as Deputy to such a wonderful group of cats!" He yowled. The cats below yowled some more.

"Well said, Steelclaw." The tabby whispered.

"Thank you, Runningstar." Steelclaw replied. Runningstar turned to look at the other cats. A few Kits had popped their heads out of the Nursery to see what was going on. Runningstar laughed at the sight.

"It has been a long time since I made a cat Deputy," He whispered, "If Willowtooth hadn't died, I believe that he would have made you Deputy when I am gone." Steelclaw stared at Runningstar. Willowtooth had been one of the greatest cats. Born the largest of the litter he had been Mentored by Braveheart, a great Warrior, and was made Deputy after seven successful battles.

"Willowtooth was a brave Warrior and Deputy," Steelclaw began. "I am surprised to hear you say such words."

A slim, pale she-cat padded over. Steelclaw nodded to her and moved aside so that she may speak with them.

"The CloudClan Border is fine," She reported, "No sign of bad news."

"Thank you, Softstep. Have you only just got back?" Runningstar questioned. Softstep nodded. "Steelclaw has just been made Deputy." Softstep paused and looked at Steelclaw. He flicked his ears to acknowledge her. She turned and stared at Runningstar and he thought he saw a sliver of jealousy in her eyes. She turned away before he could double-check.

"Congratualtions." Softstep said before stalking off to the Warriors Den.

Runningstar sighed and dismissed Steelclaw. He padded into the Nursery to see the latest litters. He found two Queens with Kits. One was Burningtree, the other, Swallowheart. Runningstar thought for a moment and realised that this must be Swallowheart's last litter.

"Good day, Burningtree. Good day, Swallowheart.," Runningstar greeted them. He turned to Swallowheart first to see her litter.

"What are their names?" He asked.

"Redkit and Goldenkit," Swallowheart replied fondly. "My last litter."

Runningstar nodded and turned to Burningtree. She had just the one Kit.

"What is his name?" Runningstar asked.

"Runningkit."