Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness and injury.



Cinderpaw immediately lies, telling Tigerclaw that she fell into the river and that Graystripe got soaked while saving her. Fortunately, Tigerclaw seems to believe this story. Only a few days later, Tigerclaw orders Fireheart to take the two apprentices (Cinderpaw and Brackenpaw) on a hunting expedition in order to assess their skills. Fireheart is relieved to see that both of them are well on their way to becoming strong hunters.

Fireheart is pleased to report that both apprentices are doing well, but he’s increasingly confused and worried about Graystripe’s strange behavior. Although Graystripe is supposedly recovering from a chill he caught after falling into the river, he seems to be secretly slipping away from the camp, and Fireheart worries that his friend may be venturing into RiverClan territory. He secretly follows Graystripe, who indeed heads to the river: More shockingly, Graystripe shares an affectionate meeting with Silverstream (the cat who saved his life).