A deep yowl woke Honeythistle from her sleep. Ears twitching, she recognized the yowl to be Redstar's, the cat who had only become leader a few moons ago ever since Cloudstar's death. She padded out of the warriors' den to see what her leader had to say.
''Cats of ShadowClan! Just this morning I sent a patrol to the ThunderClan border consisting of Poppysnow, Sorrelbird, Dapplefall and Ashstorm. They encountered a ThunderClan trespasser hunting on our territory, and chased them out - but not without a fight.'' Redstar snarled. Cats were already spitting and growling at the leader's report, and so he continued. ''Ashstorm was killed in the fight, murdered merciless by none other than Applefang.''
Applefang?
Honeythistle knew Applefang. She had seen him at Gatherings, and some would even say they were friends. But Applefang would never murder a cat, nor would he trespass.
''I have decided that we should launch an attack on them. We will avenge Ashstorm's death!''
Cats yowled in agreement, their tails high.
''I want Frostpuddle, Marshstep, Owltalon, Shrewgorse and Vixenfoot to lead the main attack. I will have a second wave of warriors prepared to fight, including Dawnfrost, Ravenlight, Goldenscar, Icepelt and Honeythistle. We leave now.''
Honeythistle scrambled to her paws as she followed Redstar into ThunderClan territory. His eyes were narrowed, and his claws were unsheathed. He halted the patrols with his tail as a ThunderClan cat was patrolling the area. It was quite small for a warrior, really - a ginger tom with black spots, ears and tail-tip. Redstar sprang out of the bushes and killed the tom with one bite to the throat. He dropped his body carelessly, continuing on.
''Were here.'' He snarled. ''Main patrol, let's go. I want Goldenscar to lead the second patrol.''
Honeythistle watched as her clanmates started attacking the shocked and surprised cats of ThunderClan. Vixenfoot was wrestling with a senior warrior, while Owltalon and Shrewgorse teamed up on a tabby warrior. A ThunderClan she-cat launched herself onto Shrewgorse, biting down on his throat tightly. He let out a muffled gasp as his body went limp, all life drained from it. Redstar was fighting with Stonestar, the ThunderClan leader.
''Second wave, let's go.'' Goldenscar flicked his tail. Honeythistle ran down the slope and was nearly run over by Dawnfrost, who was charging straight towards Shrewgorse's killer.
I suppose she wants vengeance.
Honeythistle spotted Applefang chasing off Frostpuddle. Honeythistle gestured her head to behind a den, and he curiously followed.
''Why did you bring us behind here?'' he whispered.
''I need to know something. Did you kill Ashstorm?''
''Ashstorm..? Who's that...?'' There was no mistaking the genuine confused tone Applefang had.
''So you didn't... but who did...? Do you know anything about a ThunderClan cat crossing into our territory?''
''No.''
''Oh...''
''ThunderClan, stop fighting!'' Stonestar's yowl called. ''You may have defeated us this time, Redstar, but next time you won't be so lucky. ThunderClan is only playing along with you.''
Redstar gave a satisfied smile as he led his cats out. Honeythistle waved at Applefang with her tail before quickly following her clanmates.
Who killed Ashstorm if Applefang didn't?
