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.That had not been evidence of the deputy s compassion.Tigerclaw had been planning this with theformer ShadowClan tyrant!There was no time to think about that now.Fireheart plunged across the clearing to help Dustpelt, butbefore he got halfway he was bowled over by a rogue cat.His flank stung as claws raked down it.Green eyesglared a mouse-length from his own.Fireheart bared his fangs and tried to bite down into the enemy sshoulder, but the rogue cat batted him away.Claws ripped into his ear.His belly was exposed and he couldn ttwist free.Suddenly his attacker let out a wail and released him.Fireheart caught a glimpse of the youngapprentice Thornpaw with his teeth fastened into the rogue s tail; the rogue dragged him through the dustuntil Thornpaw released him and the enemy fled.Panting, Fireheart scrambled to his paws. Thanks, he gasped. Well done. Thornpaw nodded briefly before racing off to where Graystripe still battled in front of the nursery.Fireheart looked around again.Dustpelt had vanished and Brokentail was stumbling farther into the clearing,letting out a weird wailing that struck a chill into Fireheart s heart.Even blind, the former ShadowClan leaderpossessed a terrifying power that seemed driven by something more than mortal.The clearing heaved with struggling cats, but as Fireheart poised himself to rejoin the fray he realizedsomething that sent an even colder pang of fear along his spine.Where was Bluestar?In a heartbeat, Fireheart realized that he couldn t see Tigerclaw either.Every instinct told him thatdanger was looming.He dodged around Willowpelt, who was clinging to the back of a much bigger rogue, herteeth fastened in his ear, and made for Bluestar s den.To his relief, as he approached the entrance he heardBluestar meow from inside, We can worry about that later, Tigerclaw.The Clan needs us now. For a few heartbeats there was no reply.Then Fireheart heard Bluestar s voice again, surprised. Tigerclaw? What are you doing? An answering snarl. Remember me to StarClan, Bluestar. Tigerclaw, what is this? Bluestar s meow was sharper now, edged with anger, not fear. I m theleader of your Clan, or have you forgotten that? Not for much longer, Tigerclaw growled. I m going to kill you, and kill you again.As many times asit takes for you to join StarClan forever.It s time for me to lead this Clan! Bluestar s answering protest was suddenly cut short by the sound of paws thudding against the hardfloor of the den, followed by a dreadful snarling.145 of 167 6/26/2009 8:00 PM WarriorsForestofSecrets file:///H:/E-Books/E/Erin%20Hunter/Erin%20Hunter%20%5BWarriors.CHAPTER 28Fireheart sprang forward and burst through the curtain of lichen.Tigerclaw and Bluestar were writhing onthe floor of the den.Bluestar s claws scored again and again across Tigerclaw s shoulder, but the deputy sgreater weight kept her pinned down in the soft sand.Tigerclaw s fangs were buried in her throat, and hispowerful claws raked her back. Traitor! Fireheart yowled.He flung himself at Tigerclaw, slashing at his eyes.The deputy reared back,forced to release his grip on Bluestar s throat.Fireheart felt his claws rip through the deputy s ear, sprayingblood into the air.Bluestar scrambled to the side of the den, looking half stunned.Fireheart could not tell how badly hurtshe was.Pain lanced through him as Tigerclaw gashed his side with a blow from his powerful hindpaws.Fireheart s paws skidded in the sand and he lost his balance, hitting the ground with Tigerclaw on top of him.The deputy s amber eyes blazed into his. Mousedung! he hissed. I ll flay you, Fireheart.I ve waiteda long time for this. Fireheart summoned every scrap of skill and strength he possessed.He knew Tigerclaw could kill him,but in spite of that he felt strangely free.The lies and the need for deceit were over.The secrets Bluestar sand Tigerclaw s were all out in the open.There was only the clean danger of battle.He aimed a blow at Tigerclaw s throat, but the deputy swung his head to one side and Fireheart s clawsscraped harmlessly through thick tabby fur.But the blow had loosened Tigerclaw s grip on him.Fireheartrolled away, narrowly avoiding a killing bite to his neck. Kittypet! Tigerclaw taunted, flexing his haunches to pounce again. Come and find out how a realwarrior fights. He threw himself at Fireheart, but at the last moment Fireheart darted aside.As Tigerclawtried to turn in the narrow den, his paws slipped on a splash of blood and he crashed awkwardly onto oneside.At once Fireheart saw his chance.His claws sliced down to open a gash in Tigerclaw s belly.Bloodwelled up, soaking into the deputy s fur.He let out a high-pitched caterwaul.Fireheart pounced on him,raking claws across his belly again, and fastening his teeth into Tigerclaw s neck.The deputy struggled vainlyto free himself, his thrashing growing weaker as the blood flowed
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