Sagespring bounced across the log separating the clans from the island in the middle of the lake. Thornstrike followed closely at her heels, at a more dignified pace.

  "Look at you, a new warrior," a voice purred behind him and Thornstrike saw Ivywhisker at the corner of his eye. His old mentor, now retired. 

  "It's a bit weird," Thornstrike admitted. "Thanks for everything, Ivywhisker."

  The old she-cat dipped her head. "Go mingle,"she told him. "I'll be over there with the other elders."

  Thornstrike nodded and looked around.

  "Hey, Thornpaw!" a dark brown tabby tom called from the side of the RiverClan cats. "How have you been?"

  Thornstrike bounded over. "Hi, Marshpaw!"he greeted. "I'm Thornstrike now. Better hurry up and become a warrior soon!"

  Marshpaw laughed. "Ha! I'm a warrior too, now. Marshfang. How's the name?"

  "Warrior-like," Thornstrike said warmly. "How's your sister?"

  Marshfang's sister was Berrypaw. She had probably been made a warrior too.

  "She's sick," Marshfang said apologetically. "She's got a slight fever, nothing serious. She's Berryleap now."

  "Good for her." Thornstrike purred.

  Just then, Sagespring came prancing over, a dark grey she cat following closely behind her. 

  "Hey bro!" Sagespring greeted cheerfully. "Meet Rainshadow. She's the medicine cat apprentice of ThunderClan."

  Marshfang muttered a small greeting (RiverClan and ThunderClan were sparring over something, as usual) and Thornstrike dipped his head. "Nice to meet you, Rainshadow. I'm Thornstrike of ShadowClan, and this is Marshfang." Thornstrike nudged Marshfang, who let out a groan and said, "Nice to meet you."

  Rainshadow nodded curtly. "Nice to meet you too, Thornstrike. Sadly, I can't say the same for your friend."

  Marshfang bristled. "Aren't medicine cats supposed to be peaceful?"

  "Are you telling me Yellowfang and Jayfeather were peaceful?" snorted Rainshadow, rolling her eyes. They were a dark shade of amber, Thornstrike noticed. "Please, fishbrain."

  "I'm not the fishbrain here," retorted Marshfang angrily.

  Rainshadow rolled her eyes again, giving Marshfang a cold look. "Fine, fishheart. You know your warriors have been stealing catmint from ThunderClan territory, right? Moonkit DIED because of that!"

  Marshfang had the grace to look ashamed, but angry at the same time. "It wasn't my fault!"

  "Hush!" Sagespring hissed. "This is a time of peace. Rainshadow, I get your angry, but now is not the time. Besides, the Gathering's starting."

  It was true. The four leaders were sitting on the tree already.

  Marshfang sat with Sagespring, and Rainshadow settled next to Sagespring. Thornstrike found himself squashed between the she-cat and another ThunderClan warrior.

  "May the Gathering begin!" Darkstar called.