The moon was high in the sky as Darkheart stood silently in camp. Shadestar should be announcing a new deputy any minute Darkheart thought. He and Shrewfur were the only cats in the camp; all the others were in their dens, probably waiting on Shadestar's choice as well. Darkheart stared at the Leader's den, waiting for her to emerge. He was padding back and forth impatiently.

Within moments, moments that seemed like an eternity, Shadestar came out from her den and yowled to gather the clan. Darkheart and Shrewfur stayed in the back near the entrance of the camp, while the warriors left their den and gathered around.

"As is tradition," Shadestar began, "a new deputy must be named before moonhigh. My decision was not an easy one, as there is more than one cat in this clan worthy of being deputy. But, there is only one deputy spot to give. I say these words to all of Starclan, especially Blackthroat, so they may hear and approve my choice. Icefur shall be Thunderclan's new deputy."

Darkheart was stunned. He was almost certain that Stonecloud would be named deputy. The clan chanted Icefur's name. Darkheart padded up to Icefur and dipped his head in respect. Icefur nodded back. The clan broke apart until only Darkheart and Shrewfur were left in the clearing, waiting for the sunlight.

$^*^$

It was almost dawn. Darkheart and Shrewfur had survived the vigil and were now warriors of Thunderclan. Stonecloud was the first cat up; He padded up to Darkheart and Shrewfur, "Excellent work. You can go get some rest now." Darkheart dipped his head, as did Shrewfur. They padded over to the warriors den and looked around. Icefur slept in the middle, with Rockfall and Fernheart near her. There was an empty spot near the middle, but Darkheart could scent Stonecloud. There was some open moss in the back of the den, near Leafears and Bluetail. Darkheart sat down, and Shrewfur took the one next to him. Darkheart curled up and went to sleep.

$^*^$

Around sunhigh, Darkheart woke up. He looked over to see Shrewfur sound asleep. Let him sleep Darkheart thought. He padded into the camp. Icefur was talking to Stonecloud, Whitewhisker and Silverkit were walking to the hollow where Brighteyes was staying, and a hunting patrol was just getting back. Darkheart padded up to Icefur and mewed, "Are there any hunting patrols leaving?"

"No," Icefur began, "But you Thistlefern has a giant gash on his side from the battle. Tinyberry is in the nursery. Goldenpaw's training has been put on hold because her face is so clawed up."

Darkheart was surprised. "How bad is Goldenpaw?" he asked.

"Only Whitewhisker knows." Icefur answered.

Then, Darkheart realized what else Icefur had said. "Wait- Tinyberry is in the nursery?"

"Yes," Icefur answered, "She's having kits."

"Who's the father?"

"I don't know." Icefur answered, and then added more sternly, "I don't have all day to gossip. Are you getting that patrol together or not?"

"Of coarse." Darkheart answered. He padded back into the warrior's den and nudged Shrewfur awake.

Shrewfur jumped up. "What?" he hissed.

"It's past sunhigh. I'm leading a hunting patrol. Come on." Darkheart walked out of the den. He saw Sageleaf on the other end of camp, so he walked over to him.

"Darkpaw- I mean Darkheart. What's up?" Sageleaf asked.

"Well, I was wondering if you and your new apprentice would like to come on a hunting patrol with me and Shrewfur."

"I'll go get Longpaw." Sageleaf answered. After Blackthroat died, so his apprentice, Longpaw was given to Sageleaf by Shadestar. Longpaw was Shrewfur and Goldenpaw's sister, so maybe she knew how she was doing.

"Where do you want to hunt?" Sageleaf asked.

"Let's just go into the woods." Darkheart answered. He led them into the woods and opened his mouth to scent prey.

"What did Blackthroat teach you?" Sageleaf asked.

"The hunter's crouch, more to hunt rabbits as opposed to mice." Longpaw answered.

"Demonstrate it." Sageleaf mewed.