The Deputy's observations were interrupted by the arrival of several Dwarves at his side. Turning he was awed to see Dwarves he knew. His father and brothers were among them.
"Welcome Speardwarf. Are you ready to recieve your lives?" Fireheart asked.
"I am." Speardwarf answered immedietly.
As the words left his mouth Kornash stepped forward, a blade burning with fire at his side.
"With this life I give you courage. Use it well in defense of your Clan." Kornash said as he laid a hand on his son's shoulder. A bolt of pain greater then anything the Deputy had felt before surged through him and visions of battles filled his mind before the dead Warrior stepped backward into the group as Bob took his place.
"With this life I give you justice. Use it well as you judge the actions of others." Another wave of pain accompanied his brother's touch.
His second fallen brother Nekik approached Speardwarf, who was gasping as he recovered from the pain.
"With this life I give you loyalty to what you know to be right." Nekik said. "Use it well to lead your Clan in times of trouble. The pain was less severe this time, allowing Speardwarf a brief respite before his sister Libash, who had died in the recent battle stepped forth.
"With this life I give you tireless energy." She said. "Use it well to carry out the duties of a Leader."
The pain was drowned out by a massive wave of energy that washed over and reinvigorated the Warrior.
Next Iton stepped forth, crossbow hanging from his belt and a quiver of bolts on his back. "With this life I give you protection. Use it to care for your Clan as a mother cares for her children."
This life was filled with the fierce strength that a mother used to defend her child from all enemies.
Vabok strode forward next, the spine that had been injured so many years ago made strong again. "With this life I give you knowledge, Use it well to train the young Dwarves of your Clan."
The pain centered in his head this time as the ancestors gave him the knowledge of past Leaders and Warriors.
Sir Nil, looking as tough and battle-hardened as he had in life rested a hand on his shoulder. "With this life I give you compassion, use it well for the injured and the sick, and all those weaker then yourself."
Hawkfrost had taken his place before the pain faded.
"With this life I give you love. Use it well for all the Dwarves in your care, esspecially for Arzez." This time there was no pain, only a feeling of great happiness. The former Deputy stepped back to the side of a Dwarf dressed in the garb of a Carpenter.
Last of all came Fireheart, still driven by the same resolve that had led him in life. "With this life I give you nobility and certainty and faith. Use it well as you lead your Clan in the ways of our ancestors and the Warrior Code."
As Fireheart touched his shoulder the Deputy writhed in the hold of the nearly unbearable pain that accompanied the life. Speardwarf fell to his knees as the pain released him.
Fireheart gave him a moment before motioning for him to stand.
"I hail you by your new name, Doldin Firetower. Your old life is no more. You have now recieved the nine lives of a Leader, and the ancestors grant you the guardianship of Thunderclan. Defend it well, care for young and old and honor your ancestors and the traditions of the Warrior Code. Live each life with pride and dignity."
As Fireheart stepped back cheers rose from all the Dwarves in the cavern, the chanting of his new name echoing off the stone and bone.
An old Dwarf wearing the robes of a Philosopher appeared at Firetower's side. "We have finally uncovered the identity of our enemies. The Goblins have been united under the red spiral banner of the Demon Uktang. The Undead lords have allied with them to destroy us. Be wary for we know not what other allies they may have."
With a bow the ancient scholar melted back into the crowd...
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Upon waking, Firetower went looking for Mothwing, finding her in the Infirmary, patching up Kanet while Argonnek looked on worriedly. The Dwarves launched into a long discussion as the moon began to rise...
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Barbarossa, if its all right with you I'd like to shorten your name to just Firetower for most things, only using the full name when appropriate.
Also Congratulations, you are the Leader of Thunderclan.