Forgotten Land (prologue)

Instructions

A feline sprinted across the vast plain, anxiety evident in the twinkling eyes of the cat. Abruptly halting, two other cats blocked his path. All three shared a mirrored expression on their faces, "Firestar." A she-cat with a leopard pelt responded as he approached, "Leopardstar." He acknowledged her before addressing the other two cats, "Blackstar and Leopardstar, I apologize for my tardiness." He glanced at the pair. Blackstar, a massive muscular tom with a white coat and jet-black paws, while Onestar, was a brown tabby tom with piercing yellow eyes. When silence lingered, Firestar continued, his voice tinged with fear, "It has been peaceful since the clans left the lake, so why now? Why is that peace being disrupted? Starclan must have foreseen this!" "Firestar, calm yourself. Everything will be alright," Blackstar reassured, his tail flicking in irritation. "Raggedstar is running late." Leopardstar interjected, "I'm certain he will arrive soon, Blackstar. However, we must commence this meeting in his absence." She turned to a cluster of other Starclan cats, nodding in agreement. Onestar left the group and leaped onto the stone, settling down and wrapping his tail tightly around his paws. "Leopardstar and I shared a dream, and only time will reveal the fate of the clans. Windstar and the ancient leaders have all agreed that this is a matter worth discussing with all of you," he announced, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Swanstar has passed away, and soon Cinderbreath will receive his nine lives. We will provide him with a prophecy to share with the other leaders." The cats gazed at Onestar, murmuring amongst themselves with a mix of concern and confusion. The four leaders allowed the discussion to unfold before Firestar finally silenced them. "Hush!" His voice was firm and resolute as he addressed the gathering. "The clans will endure, without a doubt. Let Leopardstar voice her concerns." "Thank you, Firestar," Leopardstar acknowledged the flame-colored tabby. "The Tribe of Endless Hunting has delivered a message. Frostbite will pose a threat to your clans, but soon a swift sickness will spread. Do not fear during this time of crisis. A cat, cloaked in shadows, will witness his cinder." A hush fell over the assembly. "We all understand the significance of this prophecy, we all know the chosen cat. It is clear," Raggedstar emerged from the bushes, his dark brown fur gleaming under the starlit sky. "But the question remains, why did the Tribe of Endless Hunting choose to send this to us? What exactly is Frostbite? What kind of sickness will our clans have to face?" He continued, "Cinderbreath is approaching, it is time to bring this meeting to a close." Onestar, Leopardstar, and Firestar all acknowledged his words before gathering their cats. Raggedstar observed them as another feline approached and settled beside him. "I truly hope that our clans can endure this challenge," the black she-cat murmured. "I share your sentiments, Shadowstar," he replied, his expression grave as he turned to the ancient leader. "Only time will reveal the outcome," Shadowstar concluded, the starry night sky serene and luminous. ... Frostbite will pose a threat to your clans, but soon a swift sickness will spread. Do not fear during this time of crisis. A cat, cloaked in shadows, will witness his cinder.