A large dark brown tabby stood in the center of the clearing of ThunderClan's camp, flanked by two cats. On one side was a white tom with thick fur and whose muzzle was showing the small traces of silver. His mate sat on the other side, a white and amber-tabby whose face bore rather gruesome looking scars; a missing eye, shredded ear, and fur that would never grow back. Her single blue eye, however, showed her concern.

The gorse tunnel shuddered, then a patrol of cats pushed their way into the clearing. At the lead was a dark ginger she-cat who had a tail that would put a squirrel to shame. Her eyes were bright, but there was a look of disappointment as she led her cats over to the waiting trio.

"Any luck?" the white tom asked.

The deputy shook her head. "We found traces of his scent...but no sign of him." she reported. Lashing his tail, the white cat turned to look at his leader. "I should be out looking, not staying here!" he growled. "I know you are one of our best trackers," his leader told him. "But Brightheart needs you here," his amber eyes looked at the amber bi-colored. Brightheart blinked at him. "I'll go with him, I can't stay in camp doing nothing," she said. "I must know that I least helped in the search for Thornclaw."

Seeing that he would not be able to change their minds, the Clan leader sighed heavily and left his deputy to sort out the details. Her mew sounded behind him, sorting cats who had went out with her previously to go get some well-needed rest. As he made his way around the bramble screen that shielded the medicine cat den, he heard the sound of the patrol leaving. He prayed to StarClan that they may have better luck.

Inside the sheltered cave the Clan's medicine cat, Jayfeather, was bent over Dovewing. Despite the fact that she was still weaken from her bout of whitecough, the pale gray warrior was still able to lift her head. "Hello Bramblestar," She mewed, her breath hoarse. "How do you feel?" Bramblestar asked her. "A bit yucky," Dovewing admitted. "But I can't wait to return to warrior duties." Letting out a mrrow of amusement, Bramblestar sat down but made sure to keep out of his adopted son's way.

"Any sign of Thornclaw?" Jayfeather asked. He had left his patient in order to fetch her herbs. "No, nothing," Bramblestar replied. Dovewing looked up at him with sadness in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Bramblestar," she said. "I want to help, but my powers..." Ever since becoming sick, Dovewing had found herself unable to use her senses. Bramblestar and Jayfeather were hoping that this would be temporary, but the dark tabby did have his doubts.

He touched his nose to the top of her head. "While your powers would've been deeply appreciated," he said. "We will just have to make do with not using them. Your health is far more important." Dovewing looked at him, her eyes bright but her expression told that she didn't fully believe him. At that moment, however, Jayfeather reappeared with a bundle of herbs in his jaws which he sat at her paws.

Deciding to take his leave at that moment, Bramblestar returned to the clearing. Just as two cats burst through the camp entrance.

"What is it?" Bramblestar meowed.

Millie drew in a deep breath, then announced. "Thornclaw was attacked by a fox!"