Varjak dreams about the ancient land of Mesopotamia. His ancestor, legendary warrior cat Jalal, trains him in the long-lost martial art known as the Way.

There are Seven Skills in the Way of Jalal. They include Slow-Time and Moving Circles.

"Slow-Time begins with breathing," explained Jalal. "So first of all, you must learn to breathe. Count your breaths. In, out, in, out. You see? You breathe fast and shallow, like most cats. Breathe more deeply. Yes. Use the whole of your lungs. Now count. In-two-three-four, out-two-three-four..."