Three cats moved easily through the brambles of ThunderClan's territory. With each passing day, the Clan grew more and more used to their new home. A small white she-cat trotted ahead of the other two, waving her tail above her head like a banner. Following close behind her was her mentor, ginger Brackenfur. Bringing up the rear with a slowed pace was Brambleclaw. His head was down and his eyes narrowed with thought.

Whitepaw and Brackenfur pretended not to notice and said nothing, slowing their paces as to not leave him behind.

"Guess what, Brambleclaw?" Whitepaw cried, looking back at the forlorn warrior.

"Hmm?" He looked up from the ground, meeting her eyes.

"Brightheart's gonna have kits again! She found out this morning. Cloudtail's estatic." She gave Brambleclaw a grin and giggled excitedly, obviously thrilled at the prospect of having new siblings.

Brambleclaw's expression went from bad to worse. He didn't say a word for several moments as they padded onward.

"ShadowClan!" Brackenfur suddenly cried, darting forward. Brambleclaw was instantly alert, following the older warrior. Whitepaw brought up the rear.

They skidded to a halt near three ShadowClanners. At the lead was a tortoiseshell she-cat, Brambleclaw's sister Tawnypelt. She was followed by two cats: Russetfur and Littlecloud, the medicine cat.

"Tawnypelt!" Brambleclaw cried, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

The she-cat gave him an odd look and raised her head. "Going to the Moonpool. Blackstar is dead, and he named me his sucsessor."

"What? I thought Russetfur was deputy!" Whitepaw cried noisily. The look on Tawnypelt's face said she could scarcely believe it either.

"I don't know why he changed his mind. Russetfur has decided she will still be my deputy." She gave the deputy a respecting nod. Russetfur dipped her head modestly. There was no trace of contempt or envy in her eyes.

"Then we wish you luck, Tawnypelt. You may pass through our territory without harm, just so long as you don't linger," Brackenfur said, smiling softly. "I'm sure Firestar will be wanting to hear about this." He turned, flicking his tail for Whitepaw to follow. Brambleclaw hesitated for a moment.

"Congratulations, Tawnypelt," he purred then trotted after his Clanmates.

--------------------

Whitepaw was the first to squeeze through the thorny brambles into camp, bouncing excitedly. Brackenfur and Brambleclaw headed straight for Firestar's den.

"Firestar?" Brackenfur called softly.

"Enter," came the reply. The toms slipped carefully into the leader's den. Firestar was curled up in his nest, looking tired as if he had just been woken.

"We were out on a patrol near the ShadowClan border, and we ran into Tawypelt, Russetfur, and Littlecloud," Brackenfur began. "As it turns out, Blackstar is dead. But, instead of Russetfur becoming deputy, he wanted Tawnypelt to take his place."

Firestar was silent for a moment, thinking over what he'd just been told. "This is intresting indeed. Did they say how Blackstar had died?"

Brackenfur and Brambleclaw shook their heads.

"Alright then. I'll call a Clan meeting soon. Wake me at Sunhigh."