Fireheart (Forest of Secrets)

## Chapter 1

"What makes you say that? Do you think I would be disloyal to my own Clan?" (pg. 23)

"If you think I'm disloyal, tell Bluestar," (pg. 24)

*Tigerclaw wonders how much I know,* (pg. 25)

"No cat has the right to call me disloyal," (pg. 25)

"No, it isn't. and you know it. Tigerclaw's the problem, not you. Come on; let's eat." (pg. 25-26)

"I wonder what news we'll hear tonight. I hope RiverClan and ShadowClan have learned their lesson. WindClan won't be driven out of their territory again." (pg. 27)

"I know. But forcing another Clan out of their territory isn't the answer." (pg. 27)

"I don't trust them," (pg. 28)

"And who gave *you* the right to question our loyalty?" (pg. 28)

"That does it! It's obvious that Tigerclaw is spreading rumors about me." (pg. 28)

"I want to talk to Ravenpaw again. He might remember something else about the battle, something I could use to convince Bluestar." (pg. 29)

"I'll go tonight. After the Gathering, I'm going to slip away. If I bring back fresh-kill, I can say I've been hunting." (pg. 29)

"If you're going to talk to her, be careful who sees you," (pg. 31)

"Graystripe. I don't think you should go off with Silverstream tonight. Tigerclaw's already-" (pg. 33)

"We have strong warriors now-" (pg. 35)

"But we-" (pg. 35)

*At least WindClan is friendly toward ThunderClan. So we shouldn't get attacked on the way.* (pg. 36-37)

"Are you ready?" (pg. 38)

"Not so loud!" (pg. 38)

"This is the only way." (pg. 38)

"Er . . . . We're going the long way around. Mudclaw from WindClan told us about a warren of young rabbits just inside our territory. We thought we'd bring back some fresh-kill. Tell Bluestar, will you, if she asks where we are?" (pg. 38-39)

"Let's go. Before any other cat sees us." (pg. 39)

*This is the only way,* (pg. 39)

## Chapter 2

"This way," (pg. 40)

"Ravenpaw?" (pg. 41)

"Ravenpaw?" (pg. 41)

"Ravenpaw!" (pg. 41)

"Yes, but it's a long story. We can't-" (pg. 41)

"Hi, Barley. We need to talk to Ravenpaw." (pg. 42)

"Yes, it is. Ravenpaw, we haven't any time to waste." (pg. 42)

"Tell us everything you remember," (pg. 43)

"What next?" (pg. 44)

"But the Clans fight all the time. What's so special about Stonefur?" (pg. 44)

"Please go on," (pg. 44)

"So Oakheart died when the rocks fell on him. It was an accident. No cat killed him." (pg. 45)

"Yes, it does. If we can prove the rockfall story, it shows that Tigerclaw was lying when he said Oakheart killed Redtail, and when he claimed to have killed Oakheart in revenge." (pg. 46)

"And that's why Bluestar wouldn't listen to us. She couldn't believe that Redtail would have killed another deputy. But Redtail *didn't* kill him. Bluestar will *have* to take us seriously now! Is there any more you can tell us, Ravenpaw?" (pg. 46)

"This means so much to the Clan. Hopefully now we stand a chance of convincing Bluestar that Tigerclaw is dangerous." (pg. 46)

"But he hasn't changed everything. We misunderstood, that's all. I'll convince Bluestar somehow. At least we know the truth now." (pg. 47)

"It's time we were on our way," (pg. 47)

"Don't worry. You've given us what we need to deal with him." (pg. 47)

"Yeah, right. And what would you tell Tigerclaw when he asked you where you found such fat mice in this weather?" (pg. 47-48)

"The RiverClan cats would know," (pg. 48)

"How Oakheart died. They must have seen Oakheart's body. They would be able to tell us whether he died from a rockfall, and not a death blow from a warrior." (pg. 48-49)

"And they might know what Oakheart meant when he said that no ThunderClan cat should attack Stonefur. We need to speak to a RiverClan warrior who took part in the battle, maybe Stonefur himself." (pg. 49)

"I know one RiverClan warrior who would welcome you," (pg. 49)

"Er . . . yes. We just . . . we picked up a ShadowClan scent trail, and it led us up here." (pg. 50)

"We'd best be getting back. Everything seems quiet enough up here." (pg. 50)

"That was bad luck," (pg. 50)

"Use your brains, Graystripe. What if Deadfoot mentions that he saw us to Bluestar at the next Gathering? She's bound to wonder what we were doing out here!" (pg. 51)

"Let's just hope we can settle all this before the next Gathering. Now come on; we ought to try to catch something to take back with us." (pg. 51)

"We haven't got time to keep looking," (pg. 51)

## Chapter 3

"We thought we'd hunt. The Clan needs fresh-kill." (pg. 53)

"We ate the first prey we caught, to keep our strength up. And then we couldn't find anything else. We meant to bring back fresh-kill, but our luck was out." (pg. 54)

"I'm sorry, Bluestar," (pg. 55)

"Yes, Bluestar." (pg. 55)

"I didn't ask for him to hate me," (pg. 56)

"I'm sorry, Sandstorm. I've got to get some sleep. I'll talk to you later." (pg. 57)

"What?" (pg. 59)

"I know," (pg. 60)

## Chapter 4

"How's she doing? Is she settling down?" (pg. 65)

"All right. Let's go." (pg. 66)

"I know. But there's no other way. We need to talk to a RiverClan cat, and Silverstream's more likely to help us than any of the others." (pg. 67)

"How much farther?" (pg. 68)

"An island? But what happens when the river isn't frozen? Do they swim across?" (pg. 68)

"What do you know about the battle at the Sunningrocks, where Oakheart died? Were you there?" (pg. 72)

"Yes, it is. Could you ask some cat who was? I need-" (pg. 72)

"All right. Thanks." (pg. 72)

"Graystripe. If Silverstream can't-" (pg. 72)

"It's all right, Mistyfoot. We haven't taken any of your prey, and we're not here to spy. We need to speak to a cat who fought in the battle at Sunningrocks, where Oakheart died." (pg. 73-74)

"It's . . . hard to explain. But it's nothing that could harm RiverClan. I swear that by StarClan," (pg. 74)

"Wait, Graystripe-" (pg. 74)

"That's true. But I'm a warrior now." (pg. 75)

"It won't take long. What can you tell me about the way Oakheart died?" (pg. 75)

"No, I didn't. I'm sorry. I never met him, but they say he was a brave warrior." (pg. 75)

"Are you sure? No cat killed him?" (pg. 76)

"So no cat was responsible . . . Ravenpaw was right." (pg. 76)

"Nothing. Nothing important. Thank you, Mistyfoot. That's just what I wanted to know." (pg. 76)

"No, Mistyfoot, wait! There's one more thing. In the battle, one of our cats heard Oakheart say that no ThunderClan cat should harm Stonefur. Do you know what he meant by that?" (pg. 76)

"Then Oakheart was his father, too. Is that why he wanted to protect him from ThunderClan cats?" (pg. 76)

"Then why . . . ?" (pg. 76)

"Could you ask her?" (pg. 77)

"Can I? Now?" (pg. 77)

"How will I know where to meet her?" (pg. 77)

"Thank you, Mistyfoot. I won't forget this. And if ever I can do anything for you-" (pg. 78)

## Chapter 5

"I can't believe I'm doing this," (pg. 79)

"Sorry. It was an accident." (pg. 81)

"Where?" (pg. 83)

"Thank you," (pg. 84)

"We need to talk to you. Here, I brought you this." (pg. 86)

"I want to ask you about something Oakheart said before he died," (pg. 87)

"I heard what happened in the battle at the Sunningrocks. Before he died, Oakheart told one of our warriors that no ThunderClan cat should ever harm Stonefur. Do you know what he might have meant?" (pg. 87)

"Yes." (pg. 88)

"But where did Oakheart get the kits?" (pg. 88)

## Chapter 6

"What? Are you saying that Mistyfoot and Stonefur came from ThunderClan?" (pg. 90)

"Did Oakheart steal them?" (pg. 90)

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean . . . It's just so hard to believe!" (pg. 90)

"Then . . . if they were ThunderClan kits, why did you look after them?" (pg. 91)

"Do Mistyfoot and Stonefur know all this?" (pg. 91)

"I promise I'll never tell them. I swear it by StarClan." (pg. 92)

"I'm very grateful to you. I don't know what this means in relation to what I have to find out, but I really think it's important, for both our Clans." (pg. 92-93)

"Of course. You won't even know I've been here. And Graypool . . . Thank you." (pg. 93)

"Bluestar. I'd like to talk to you." (pg. 94)

"You remember the story that Ravenpaw told, that Redtail killed Oakheart at the battle of the Sunningrocks?" (pg. 94)

"I know. But I've found out something new." (pg. 94-95)

"No cat killed Oakheart - not Redtail, not Tigerclaw. Oakheart died when a rock collapsed on top of him." (pg. 95)

"I . . . I went to see Ravenpaw again. After the last Gathering." (pg. 95)

"I had to find out the truth. And I-" (pg. 95)

"No, not at all.I misunderstood him. Redtail was partly responsible for Oakheart's death, because he drove him under the overhanging rock that collapsed on top of him. But he didn't mean to kill him. And that's what you couldn't believe. That Redtail would deliberately kill another cat. Besides . . ." (pg. 95)

"I went across the river and spoke to a RiverClan cat. Just to be sure. She told me that it's true: Oakheart died from the rockfall." (pg. 95-96)

"So we know for a fact that Tigerclaw was lying about how Oakheart died - he didn't kill him himself, in revenge for Redtail. The rockfall killed him. Isn't it possible that he is lying about Redtail's death as well?" (pg. 96)

"I know. But can't you see, Bluestar, how dangerous he is?" (pg. 96)

"There's something else. Something strange about two of the RiverClan warriors. Ravenpaw told me that in the Sunningrocks battle Oakheart stopped Redtail from attacking a warrior named Stonefur. Oakheart said that no ThunderClan cat should ever harm Stonefur. I . . . I had the chance to speak to one of the RiverClan elders. She told me that Oakheart brought Mistyfoot and Stonefur to her when they were tiny kits. It was leaf-bare, and she said that the kits would have died with no one to take care of them. Graypool - the elder - suckled them. She said that . . . that they had the scent of ThunderClan kits. Could that be true? Were kits ever stolen from our camp?" (pg. 96-97)

"I just thought I should-" (pg. 97)

"I-I'm sorry. But I thought Graypool was telling the truth." (pg. 97-98)

"Yes, Bluestar. But what about Tigerclaw? He-" (pg. 98)

*Thistles and Thorns.* *Now she won't hear another word against Tigerclaw. I blew it*! (pg. 98)

## Chapter 7

"What's the hurry?" (pg. 100)

"I'll come and help you," (pg. 100)

"Wait for me," (pg. 101)

"Go home! Go home to your mothers. *Now*!" (pg. 102)

"As for you-" (pg. 102)

"Keep out of this, Darkstripe," (pg. 102)

"Did you hear that? Kittypet?" (pg. 102)

"Well, a kittypet is a cat who lives with Twolegs. Some Clan cats don't believe that a cat who's born a kittypet will ever make a good warrior. And that includes me, because like you, I was born in Twolegplace." (pg. 102-103)

"No, you weren't. Your mother is my sister, princess. She lives in a Twoleg nest. She gave you to the Clan when you were very young, so you could be a warrior." (pg. 103)

"I'm sorry. I . . . I thought you knew. I thought Brindleface would have told you." (pg. 103)

"It may be stupid, but that's the way it is. I should know. Listen. Warriors like Darkstripe think being a kittypet is something bad. It just means we have to work twice as hard to make them see that kittypet blood is nothing to be ashamed of." (pg. 104)

"There's more to being a warrior than killing. A true warrior - the best warrior - isn't cruel or mean. He doesn't claw an enemy who can't fight back. Where's the honor in that?" (pg. 104)

"Come on. Let's get you back to your den." (pg. 105)

"Right, Cinderpaw. Let's go and find those herbs." (pg. 105)

"All right. But put one paw wrong, and you'll be back in the nursery before you can say 'mouse'!" (pg. 105)

"How can you find herbs with snow on the ground? Won't everything be frozen?" (pg. 105-106)

"Well, if he's *my* apprentice, he'd better start listening to me," (pg. 106)

"It's a good thing you were here, Cinderpaw. You've learned such a lot from Yellowfang." (pg. 108)

"Bluestar will know." (pg. 108)

"I don't know," (pg. 109)

*This is Tigerclaw's fault. He laid the trail that led to her accident.* (pg. 109)

"You should go to Bluestar. Ask her what she thinks." (pg. 109)

## Chapter 8

"I can't find you! Where are you?" (pg. 111)

"Sorry," (pg. 112)

*Gone to meet Silverstream*, (pg. 113)

"We'll have to hunt today," (pg. 113)

"Sorry. He was gone when I woke up." (pg. 114)

"Rubbish. You're doing fine, Brackenpaw. You can come out hunting with me, if you like." (pg. 114)

"Now, Brackenpaw. Where's a good place to look for prey?" (pg. 114)

"Good. Let's see if you're right." (pg. 114)

"The next one's yours, Brackenpaw," (pg. 115)

"Maybe. But don't look so upset. You *caught* it, and that's what counts." (pg. 116)

"That sounds like a kit!" (pg. 116)

"Are you hurt?" (pg. 117)

"What happened? Where's Brindleface?" (pg. 117)

"You were lucky, thank StarClan. And you saved me from a nasty bite. It was a brave thing to do, Brackenpaw." (pg. 118)

"It must be hungry, like us. Otherwise it wouldn't attack something as big as Cloudkit." (pg. 118)

"Come on; let's get you back to camp." (pg. 118)

"We drove the badger off. Brackenpaw was very brave." (pg. 119)

"Come on, Brackenpaw. Let's get you to Yellowfang." (pg. 121)

"*Bluestar* was Clan leader last time I looked. And who do you think she's going to listen to - you or the medicine cat?" (pg. 122)

"He was clawed by a badger," (pg. 123)

## Chapter 9

"I'm sure Cloudkit will enjoy doing that. It's a pity that Tigerclaw had to punish him, though, because I don't think it was his fault that the badger attacked him." (pg. 125-126)

"That's true. Anyway, I think I'll go and make sure that Cloudkit's okay." (pg. 126)

"You can see to One-eye later. Meanwhile, you'd better get the dirty bedding out of here. Come on; I'll help you." (pg. 126)

"Now we'll go and fetch some fresh moss. Come on. I know a good place." (pg. 127)

"Well, too bad, you have to. Cheer up; it could be worse. Did I tell you that when I was an apprentice I had to look after Yellowfang all on my own?" (pg. 127)

"Only with her tongue. And that's sharp enough!" (pg. 127)

"Cloudkit, take your load of bedding in to the elders, and then come back for mine. There's something I've got to do." (pg. 128)

*He mustn't know I was following him*, (pg. 129)

"I . . . I came out to show Cloudkit a good place to find bedding," (pg. 129)

"And then I thought I might as well hunt for a bit." (pg. 129)

"It's buried just back there." (pg. 129)

"Satisfied?" (pg. 130)

"No, nor is any cat in the Clan. Prey is scarce in this weather." (pg. 131)

"Thanks, Princess, but I can't," (pg. 131)

"He's doing well. He'll be made an apprentice soon." (pg. 132)

"Cloudkit's strong and brave. And intelligent." (pg. 132)

*And nosy, spoiled, disrespectful*, (pg. 132)

"I'm sure he'll make a fine warrior," (pg. 132)

"I'd better go. I'll come to visit you again soon. And when newleaf comes, I'll bring Cloudkit with me." (pg. 132)

## Chapter 10

"Bluestar, I was hunting near Twolegplace, and-" (pg. 134)

"I - I just thought there might be prey there. Anyway, while I was there, I smelled some strange cats." (pg. 134)

"I'm not sure how many. Five or six at least. But they didn't have the scent of any Clan. They smelled of crow-food, which made me sure they weren't kittypets." (pg. 134-135)

"Quite recent. But I didn't see any cats there." (pg. 135)

*Except Tigerclaw*, (pg. 135)

"Good idea. Watch out for badgers, though!" (pg. 136)

"Soon it'll be newleaf. Just in time for your kits. If you-" (pg. 136)

"Yes, Tigerclaw," (pg. 137)

*But I still don't trust you*! (pg. 137)

"Whom shall I take with me?" (pg. 137)

"No Tigerclaw." (pg. 137)

"Who's up for a patrol? Tigerclaw wants us to check the RiverClan border." (pg. 137)

"What about Brackenpaw? Do you want to bring him along?" (pg. 138)

"We'll head for the Sunningrocks, and then follow the border up to Fourtrees." (pg. 138)

"We're almost at the border. From here on we have to keep alert. There may be RiverClan cats about." (pg. 139)

"Come on, then. Let's go." (pg. 139)

## Chapter 11

"Well, we can't patrol the border now. We'd better get back to camp and report this. Come on, Graystripe," (pg. 142)

"Where do you think you're going? Bluestar just said that no cat should go out alone." (pg. 144)

"How will you get across the river?" (pg. 145)

"Don't be such a mouse-brain! You nearly drowned once before. Wasn't that enough for you?" (pg. 145)

"Stop, Graystripe! Wait there." (pg. 145)

"Hey, Tigerclaw. Graystripe and I are ready to go. We'll check the RiverClan boundary downstream of the Sunningrocks, all right?" (pg. 145)

"Yes, Tigerclaw," (pg. 146)

"Okay. We're on patrol, so at least no cat will wonder where we've gone." (pg. 146)

"I know you have to go. But I'm coming with you." (pg. 146)

"We'll never make it across there," (pg. 147)

"We can try," (pg. 147)

"Wait. Did you hear that?" (pg. 147)

"Where are they? I can't see them!" (pg. 147)

"Come on. We've got to reach them somehow." (pg. 147)

"Stay there. I'll try to push the mat over to you." (pg. 148)

"Keep still!" (pg. 149)

"Here we go. StarClan help us!" (pg. 149)

## Chapter 12

"Thank StarClan," (pg. 152)

"Yes, but they won't live long without their mother," (pg. 152)

"RiverClan. We'll have to take them home." (pg. 152)

"We've got to, or the kits will die." (pg. 152)

"Let's see if we can cross by the stepping-stones, like you said." (pg. 153)

"Thank StarClan! We can use the tree to cross." (pg. 153)

"Look on the bright side. At least it should disguise your scent. The RiverClan cats won't know that you're the warrior who's been trespassing on their territory. If they ever found out-" (pg. 155)

"We're not trespassing. We pulled two of your kits out of the river and wanted to bring them home." (pg. 155-156)

"Don't be such a mouse-brain! No cat from ThunderClan tried to steal your kits when we could walk across the river on the ice. Why do you think we'd try now We nearly drowned!" (pg. 156)

"All right. I just hope your Clan leader can see the truth when it's in front of his nose." (pg. 157)

"We flew across the river," (pg. 159)

"Is there anything we can do for you? If you can't go back to your camp, and if prey's scarce because of the flood-" (pg. 161)

"Then let us help. We'll catch prey for you in our territory and bring it to you, until the floods have gone and the river is clean." (pg. 162)

*Bluestar herself said our welfare depends on having four Clans in the forest. Surely it's the will of StarClan.* (pg. 162-163)

"Yes." (pg. 163)

"What else could we do? Let them starve?" (pg. 163)

*Or Tigerclaw. He already suspects Graystripe and I have friends in RiverClan. And we could be about to prove him right.* (pg. 163-164)