Wolfclaw sat next to Lilacsong. Bramblestar stood at the High Rock. 

            "Owltooth has decided her time serving the Clan as a warrior is over," Bramblestar announced, he beckoned her forward. "Is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders?"

           "It is," Owltooth nodded. Oakfur watched her, his eyes glistening with tears. 

           "Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon to give you many moons of rest." The clan shouted out Owltooth's name, to her embarrassment. Forestblaze went up to her and gave her a small lick on the ear. 

            "My mum, the old elder," he teased playfully. 

            "As you all know, Owltooth, had an apprentice. She is sad that she cannot continue to mentor her but she knows she will do well with the new mentor I have chosen for her. Briarpaw, although Owltooth must retired to the elder's den, it does not mean you must stop training. Hawkcloud, you are a loyal and brave cat and I trust you will do well in teaching Briarpaw everything you know." Briarpaw touched noses with Hawkcloud. Wolfclaw felt a stab of jealousy. He knew he was a better warrior. He had been waiting for an apprentice for twelve moons. He growled under his breath. 

           "What's wrong?" asked Lilacsong. "Aren't you happy for your brother?"

           "Of course," Wolfclaw said. And he was. But he had a nagging feeling he might never get an apprentice as long as Bramblestar was the leader. 

Lotusstar padded up to him. Wolfclaw shrunk back. Without a word, Lotusstar turned his back on Wolfclaw and leapt into the river. Wolfclaw tried to follow but something was holding him back. It was Bramblestar. 

            "Bramblestar! Help him," Wolfclaw cried. "I need to help him. Let go of me!" Bramblestar glared at him. 

            "No, I will do it," he snapped. He looked for another way to help Lotusstar but the only way was to jump in. Wolfclaw knew he had to do it if Bramblestar wasn't willing to. 

Wolfclaw awoke. It was cold and he shivered. He was in the warrior's den. Hawkcloud was slipping quietly out. He followed his littermate, cold and scared. Why did he keep having nightmares. Hawkcloud was heading for the apprentice den. 

           "Hey, Hawkcloud," called Wolfclaw. "Where are you going?"

           "Going to wake Briarpaw," he said. "I'm going to take her out early." Wolfclaw sighed, remembering Hawkcloud's new responsibility. Not his. 

           "Hey, it's ok. I'm sure Bramblestar will make you mentor of one of Dusklight's kits," he soothed. Wolfclaw doubted it but didn't say anything he returned to the warriors' den, to rest. But he didn't want to sleep. He couldn't sleep. Not with Lotusstar and Bramblestar haunting his dreams.