Chapter 2

Padding through the forest, head hanging, Wolfstar began wondering about the warrior code. She had helped develop it, yet she couldn't help but ask why it had to be so generous. If Clan leaders word was the warrior code, why did they need to follow the laws StarClan laid down for them? She stopped and straightened herself.

She turned and began walking back to camp. 'My word is the warrior code, but only to my Clan? Well, that's about to change. WolfClan will rule the whole forest!'

*******

"You're in charge while I'm gone, Tidalclaw," Wolfstar meowed.

Tidalclaw nodded. "Are you taking any cats?"

"Toadfoot and Rosepaw."

"Good choice. I'll get them ready." Tidalclaw nodded and went looking for warrior and apprentice.

Soon after, Wolfstar spotted the two eating by the fresh-kill pile. She walked over. "I'm traveling to the Moonstream tonight and I'd like you two to come with me."

Toadfoot sat up and nodded. "We'd be honored Wolfstar."

"Come to me when you finish eating and we'll leave then."

They nodded and continued eating. Wolfstar walked over to the Medicine den. The sweet smell of honey drifted out. She found herself in a small cave with a pond and a trickling stream. She looked around and saw two other caves, Oceantail's sleeping cave and a cave for sick cats. Oceantail was giving juniper berries to Rainclaw.

"Eat these. If your bellyache doesn't go away let me know." She turned, and seeing Wolfstar she walked over. "What exactly are you traveling to the Moonstream for?" Oceantail asked, tilting her head.

The black and white leader stared at her reflection in the pool. "I must speak to StarClan. It is a matter that may determine the future of the Clans."

Oceantail nodded in understanding. At the same moment Rosepaw called in to the den. "We're ready Wolfstar."

The leader dipped her head in farewell and backed out of the slit. Nodding to her company, she proceeded to the camp entrance. Padding out of the tunnel, they followed a dirt path towards the EarthClan border. They continued to follow the stream up to the mountain. The ground under paw rose and fell, with loose pebbles here and there. Eventually the cats came to a large opening in the side of the mountain. All was dark inside, and the only thing to be heard was the stream beside them.

Wolfstar turned and meowed, "Follow me and stay close. There are caves that lead off into other parts of the mountain."

She led the way deeper into the mountain. They felt a cool breeze coming from one tunnel racing into another, but they pushed on. Eventually the stream led the cats into a fairly large cave with other running streams.

"Wait here," Wolfstar ordered. She picked her way into the cave, careful not to fall into the dark, swirling water. "It's time." Lapping up a few drops, Wolfstar lay down and waited for sleep to come.

"It's not always going to be this easy to get hold of us Wolfstar."

Opening her eyes, the black and white leader stood and stared around at all the starry cats. One spoke. "Why have you summoned us?"

"Isn't is obvious?" Asked another. "She's questioning the warrior code!"

Wolfstar growled. "I have every reason to!"

A small gray tom walked up. "No! You do not! You may have helped develop the code, but you have no right changing it!"

"And yet the warrior code clearly states Clan leaders word is the warrior code!" Wolfstar shot back.

"We do not need you to recite the code to us Wolfstar!" A black she-cat narrowed her eyes. "We were there when it was laid down. Don't try to change it!"

Wolfstar snarled. "I will not heed your warnings! WolfClan will be the strongest Clan in the forest! We will rule over all!"

The StarClan cats faded away, though their eyes were still gleaming where they stood. Wolfstar saw this as she got up and padded over to Toadfoot and Rosepaw. "Come. We take our leave."

*******

"How did it go Wolfstar?" Tidalclaw meowed after Wolfstar padded through the tunnel.

He had been keeping vigil, waiting for the cats to return. The sun was just rising as he sent Toadfoot and Rosepaw to get some rest. Wolfstar sat next to him. "StarClan knew exactly what was on my mind before the words came out of my mouth."

Tidalclaw nodded in understanding. He tilted his head. "What did you want to ask of them anyway?"

Wolfstar looked up at the sky. "If Clan leaders word is the warrior code, why must we follow the laws StarClan laid down for us."

Tidalclaw narrowed his eyes. "That is a wise theory, and very true. Then again, it would also mean the warrior code for that specific Clan. Unless. . ." His voice trailed off.

The black and white leader knew what he was saying. "Unless there was one leader, one that ruled all Clans." Her eyes gleamed with an evil glow. "I can see it now Tidalclaw. We will have complete control over every cat in every Clan. With the power of the wolves at our side, we will be invincible!"

It didn't surprise her when she heard the whole Clan yowl agreement. Tidalclaw stood and meowed, "And I have the perfect way to begin."

"Oh?"

The deputy bowed his head, every cat repeating the gesture. "We attack SunClan."

*******

Wolfstar sat on HighRidge, listening as Tidalclaw explained his plan.

"We should move our borders further into their territory and leave several warriors to wait for a patrol. By the time they figure out we move the border they'll be too worn out to send another patrol." Wolfstar nodded, so he continued. "If that plays out well we should wait a while before attacking the camp."

Wolfstar nodded again. "Wise plan, Tidalclaw. But you are forgetting how close Sunstar is to Moonstar. They could team up to attack us." She paused, an idea forming in her mind. "We could turn that against them!" We'll team up with Earthstar! Hmph. I'll just make him a deal he can't refuse."

"And that will be?"

"I'll offer Earthstar joint leadership, like being second leader in command. Then, when we get the chance we'll kill the other two leaders.!" Wolfstar rose to her paws and stared deep into the forest.

She heard her deputy chuckle lightly. "What are you going to do with Earthstar then?"

Wolfstar unsheathed her claws and turned to Tidalclaw. "If he can't accept my overall leadership I'll have to kill him as well." She paused, then continued. "The borders must be moved now. Let's go."

*******

"Lightningtail, Owlwing, Stonestream, Toadfoot and Rosepaw. Those I just named will remain here with me. The rest of you return to camp. If a SunClan patrol sends reinforcement we'll lead them back to camp or send for all of you," Wolfstar ordered.

The chosen cats remained with Wolfstar, and positioned themselves in the trees, while the other warriors returned to camp. No more than seconds later the bushes rustled further in SunClan's territory. Every cat tensed, ready to fight. The dark tabby warrior, Tigerpelt, stalked out of the bushes. His claws were unsheathed, fur fluffed out and his eyes were blazing with the sun's fire. He kept walking, not realizing he crossed the new border. Wolfstar sprung out at him before he reached the stream.

"Going somewhere Tigerpelt?" Wolfstar growled.

The dark tabby stopped and clawed at the ground. His fur lay flat and he sheathed his claws. "Wolfstar. I come to ask to join your Clan."

"Why."

Tigerpelt snarled and clawed at the dirt. "Sunstar banished me. Those with dark pelts are not allowed in SunClan. He says only bright pelts should be allowed to glow, yet mine does as well." As if on cue, his pelt lit up dimly.

The tabby looked around, finally realizing the borders were moved. He waited as Wolfstar pondered over her thoughts. Finally, she nodded. "Very well. If you have something against your Clan now,stay here. If not, return to our camp."

Tigerpelt opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say a word the undergrowth started rustling. He turned to Wolfstar. "A SunClan patrol is coming. What are you planning to do?"

Wolfstar pointed with her tail to the lowest tree branches around them. "My warriors have moved the border to provoke a war. Our goal is to rule the forest, starting by taking over SunClan. If you are to join WolfClan, prove yourself by baiting the trap."

Tigerpelt nodded and took Wolfstar's spot as the she-cat climbed the closest tree. The bushes parted a moment later to reveal four cats. Three warriors and an apprentice, Wolfstar guessed.

"Tigerpelt!" A blue she-cat walked up to Tigerpelt. "What do you think you're doing here? Sunstar banished you!"

Tigerpelt narrowed his eyes. "Hawkwing, Birdflight, Voleclaw, Rainpaw. If you must know. . ." Every WolfClan warrior held their breath. "I'm here on business."

The warrior called Voleclaw sneered at him. "Business!? And what could be so important that you're here on business! And who for!?"

Tigerpelt's eyes drifted casually to the trees. The patrol followed his gaze, but they never noticed the cats waiting among the branches.

Hawkwing opened her mouth to speak, but at the same time Wolfstar let out a loud yowl. She launched herself out of the tree and landed a tail-length behind the patrol. A heartbeat later the WolfClan warriors landed beside their leader. Hawkwing gasped in surprise as Wolfstar lunged forward and pinned her down.

She leaned and whisper in the blue she-cat's ear, "Take a good sniff, Hawkwing. You crossed our border." She chuckled lightly. "Tell your leader we're taking over your territory, bit, by bit."

She let the blue warrior go, and left a long gash down her back. Hawkwing yowled in terror, eyes glazed with pain. The area was suddenly alive with screeching as the SunClan warriors attacked. They were badly outnumbered, and were left with terrible wounds. Just as she was limping away, Wolfstar pounced on the small apprentice.

"Rainpaw!" Voleclaw meowed. "No! Let her go!" Before he could move, Tigerpelt pounced on him to hold him still.

Head held high, Wolfstar hissed, "To prove we are not joking, this is what will happen to those that oppose us!" She raised her paw, claws unsheathed, and struck hard on Rainpaw's back. Hearing a snap she dragged her claws down to the apprentice's neck. The apprentice gave one last attempt to push Wolfstar off, but lay gasping for breath, before she finally lay still. Wolfstar reared her head back and yowled, "Long live WolfClan!"