To Schrodi, hunting with StarClan, and to Abbey Cruden, who has met the real Fireheart. Special thanks to Cherith Baldry.

Cold gripped the forest, fields, and moorland like an icy claw.

"Scared kittypet?" Longtail taunted him. Determination burned in Fireheart's belly. he would not show fear in front of these cats and let them have the pleasure of reporting it to the rest of the Clan. Gritting his teeth, he stepped onto the end of the branch. Immediately, it sagged under his paws, and he dug his claws in hard, fighting for balance. He could see brown water racing a mouse-lenght below, and for a few heartbeats he thought he would plung straight into it. Then he steadied himself. He bgan to move forward caustiously, placing his paws in a straight line. We'll never get to the Gathering like this, Fireheart thought. The branch tapered a little until it was barely as thich as his tail, making it harder to find a pawhold. He heard Tigerclaw yowl, "Fireheart! Get back!" Fireheart swayed precariously. Then the branch lurched again and suddenly it was free, racing along with the surgin water. Fireheart slipped sideways, and thought he heard Tigerclaw yowl once more as the waves closed over his head.

Unconsciously, his pace quickened, and by the time Fireheart reached the ravine he was running, his flame-colored pelt a blur in the lilac dusk, eager to return to ThunderClan and his new life as their deputy.