Prologue

A tortoiseshell she-cat sat on a rock, staring out into the distance. A sturdy gray tom padded up beside her. "What's on your mind, Ebonyreed?" He mewed, settling down beside her. She rested her head on him. "Flintfur.." She whispered. "Our kin.." Flintfur flicked his ears. "You sense it too.." He murmured. "You can't control Bramblethorn's life, my love. Our son must make his own choices." Ebonyreed leaped off the rock, and rounded on him, fur bristling, and eyes full of fury. "I will NEVER abandon my son!" She snarled, bounding away. Flintfur let out a long sigh and stared after her. "We can't stop the darkness.. there is nothing Starclan can do.."