Prologue
It's not long now. Froststar's paws burned as the herbs seeped into her cracked pads. Hissing, Froststar looked up with fury in her eyes.
"I can't believe Stonetail would lead an attack on me and the camp!" She hissed. The medicine cat looked down and rasped her tongue over Froststar's ear wound. "It's okay, Froststar. Not all cats are like that." The pale grey she-cat mewed.
"Oh, but Willowleaf, it isn't fair! What if he had trained Flameclaw and Blizzardtail to attack and betray me, too?"
Willowleaf shakes her head. "No, Froststar, I think those two young warriors are loyal. They fought against Stonetail and his band of rogues, remember?"
Froststar lets out a sigh. "I guess you're right." She whispers, closing her eyes, sleep overcoming her.
Her eyes bolt open in a forest outlined in sparkling white lines and stars. Getting up, Froststar looks around.
"Froststar."
Froststar knew that voice. She knew it clearer than the call of a robin in spring –
It was Snowstar, her father.
"Father!" Froststar cried, burying her head into Snowstar's chest fur. Snowstar purred, but his voice was serious. "You must pick a new deputy as soon as you wake." Snowstar hissed. "You're on your final life. You can't leave your cats without a deputy."
Froststar looks up. "You're right." She whispered.
"But, my daughter…" Snowstar begins, his shape beginning to fade,
"Beware of the warrior who's ambitions strike high. Avoid the warrior who tries too hard. And, most of all…"
"Watch the warrior who's loyalty wavers."
Froststar's eyes closed, and opened in the medicine den again. She looked up and padded out of the den. Struggling to climb up to the high rock, she call a clan meeting.
"Let all cats old enough to chase a rabbit through the snow gather beneath the high rock." She calls, her silver chest puffing out.
Cats gathered around the rock and Froststar nodded.
"It is time, to appoint a new deputy." Froststar gasps, fighting for breath.
"Flameclaw."
Flameclaw sits up and stares. He seemed to be surprised that of all the senior warriors, he was picked for the deputy.
"Flameclaw. I know Stonetail was your mentor, But I see nothing but loyalty and well-meaning in you, Flameclaw. I hope the clan sees you as their equal, if not superior, Because of your mentor." Froststar's legs give way to her weight and she lands on the ground, her frosty fur resting upon the rock.
I have lead this clan for many seasons, Froststar thought in her final moment, But this is my time to leave the forest. Lead my clan well, Flameclaw, and Starclan, I am coming to join you.