It was the day after Lionfur had taught Swiftkit battle moves and Swiftkit was watching Lionfur, Sandfur, Sandfur's apprentice Mosspaw, and Thornpelt return from the dawn patrol. She watched as they put a couple fat mice and voles on the fresh-kill pile. It was late green-leaf, starting to near leaf-fall and the prey was still running well. She watched Thornpelt nudge Sandfur and cast his gaze at Oakleaf who was sleeping in his nest in the medicine cat den. Swiftkit thought they were humoring him for sleeping, even though it was still early in the morning, but then she realized that Sandfur had a thorn in his paw. She watched as he limped over to the medicine cat den. Swiftkit observed as he roused Oakleaf who stirred fretfully looking astonished to be in the clearing. Oakleaf proceeded to jump up agitatedly his fur fluffed up a bit and his eyes wild, and go fetch herbs for Sandfur's paw, What's got him in a dither? And why's he retreating to the back of the den when he doesn't even need herbs for a thorn in Sandfur's paw? Does he just want to be alone for some reason? Why? Swiftkit didn't seem to be the only cat that had noticed Oakleaf. Lionfur was watching Oakleaf with a concerned look in his eye They are littermates after all, Swiftkit remembered. Lionfur sighed and started walking towards her, He's going to visit me again! Thought Swiftkit her heart leaping happily, all thought of Oakleaf forgotten as Lionfur stopped in front of her, his eyes shining with amusement at the happiness he had brought upon her. Lionfur practiced battle moves and hunting crouches with Swiftkit up until sun high, when Lionfur said they should take a break. Swiftkit watched him go, reliving all that she had practiced with Lionfur, until a movement across the clearing caught her eye. Oakleaf was signaling with his tail to Lionfur, who quickly looked around and hurried over to him. What's so urgent that Oakleaf had to signal to Lionfur to come over? And why are they acting so secretive? Lionfur's allowed to talk to Oakleaf! Swiftkit sat there, her thoughts and questions swirling around her mind whatever it is, I have to find out! Swiftkit started to walk swiftly and quietly across the clearing, keeping to the edges and staying in the shadows. She was so tiny, no cat saw her, and in no time she was crouching behind a large clump of bracken and spying on Oakleaf and Lionfur. Oakleaf was looking desperate, he was kneading his paws into the ground. Lionfur whispered "What is it? Was it a dream from Starclan?" Oakleaf nodded and murmured back " A vision, Lionfur... Sageleaf gave me a prophecy..." That was the medicine cat who mentored Oakleaf's old mentor Frostberry! Oakleaf looked up worry, and fear shining in his eyes He became to whisper in a dark meaningful tone that rose fur on Swiftpaw's back. He sounded eerie and cold, as if he had lived in many seasons, many more than any cat had ever lived, "The Lion shall mask the fire, And the fire shall fall into darkness. Only  the fallen can save these seasons to come, and If the fire is kept in darkness... all will fall... Oakleaf started at his brother, but not seeming to see him... his eyes were distant as if he saw far beyond what normal eyes could see. "Lionfur... I think the Lion... is you." Oakleaf gazed up at his brother. Lionfur did not answer for a heartbeat and then staring at his own paws murmured, "I have always wished to be special... and now... now I wish I was still an apprentice... and that mother were still here. A deep sadness shone in the amber depths of his eyes. "She would have known what to do..l she would have known what to do with this prophecy... she knew everything... "I miss her too" sighed Oakleaf... "and you still have me" he murmured  putting the tip of his tail on his brother's shoulder. "Whatever happens, we will get through it, Thunderclan will go on" meowed Oakleaf, and without a further word, Lionfur left the den, and Oakleaf turned to the herb store.

The plot thickens...! Hee hee hope you're enjoying this book!