Chapter 1

“Starclan help me!” I yowled, my paws working uselessly in the water. I had fallen into the lake while hunting. I had wandered away from the patrol and I was hoping that they heard me. It started raining and the lake swelled up around me. The water flooded my mouth and eyes. My paws churned uselessly in the water. I needed to breathe. My vision started fogging. I felt teeth grip my scruff. I became limp in the water. I was dragged up. I felt solid ground. Paws started working on my chest, pumping water out of my chest. I spluttered and coughed.

“Flamepaw, are you okay?” My father, Firestar asked. I slowly opened my eyes. He was leaning over me. I saw Lionblaze, Icetail, and Spikepaw behind him.

“I’m c-c-cold.” I shivered. He helped me up and I stumbled back to camp. Spikepaw brought me to Leafpool. She made a nest for me and I lied down. Spikepaw wordlessly lied down next to me and let his warmth seep into me. I pressed up against him. He licked my ear and I drifted to sleep. I woke up. Spikepaw was gone, but his scent still hung in the air. I shifted restlessly.

“You’re free to go.” Jayfeather said.

“Thank you.” I said and bounded out of the den. I scanned the camp and found Lionblaze. He was over by the rest of the warriors, laughing. I walked over to him.

“Hey, Flamepaw.” He said, then went back to laughing with Ashfur. I growled and walked up to Firestar.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Lionblaze. He never does anything, it’s always Icetail who trains me.” I growled, flicking my tail in frustration.

“Lionblaze, please come here.” He said. Lionblaze bounded over.

“I’m starting to think that giving you an apprentice was the wrong idea. Flamepaw is no longer your apprentice.” Firestar said.

“WHAT!” Lionblaze screeched.

“All cats old enough to catch their own prey please join here beneath highledge for a clan meeting.” Firestar called.

“Lionblaze, you have lost your apprentice. Graystripe will now be Flamepaw’s mentor.” Firestar announced. Graystripe walked up to me and we touched noses.