Prologue:
The bitterness of Leaf-bare almost always sent chills down Grime's spine. He and his group of rouges has lived in the valley for many moons, but even he had to admit that the cold might be getting a bit too much for him to handle.
"When do you suppose that Lakestar will be meeting us? I can already feel my paws freezing off waiting for him," his companion mumbled, "Why should we even be trusting a clan cat when we should be fine on our own?"
"It's Leaf-bare, Bog. You may not like working with clan cats, but this is the only way we can survive in such a harsh Leaf-bare".
"Yes, but why must we be treated like dogs by them?" Bog said under his breath.
Just as Grime was about to speak out against him, he was alerted to the sound of crunching snow. Turning around, he was surprised to see it wasn't Lakestar. It was his clan's deputy, Redwillow.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. Lakestar has sent me to ask you for your report. He's busy with personal clan matters.
"Mouse-brained clan cats-," the dark brown tom rasped under his breath before he was silenced by an icy glare from Grime.
"All is well in our side of the valley, we haven't had many disturbances," Grime said, ignoring the stares of his comrade.
"That' good to hear. Have the Marshclan cats been giving you any trouble?" Redwillow asked.
"Not at all, they're a small clan. So not many of them are not willing to go against us when we give them a visit".
Redwillow dipped her head. "That's good to hear. I'm sure you'll keep up the work of keeping them in line. I'll be sure to let Lakestar know to deliver some medical supplies to your camp".
"I appreciate that, I really do," Grime replied.
"Well then, If that's everything, I'll be going now. Lakestar will be wanting to get your report. He has big plans when New-leaf comes," she meowed and then looked deeply into Grime's eye.
"But remember Grime. If I catch you or any of your rouges on our clan's territory, I will make sure all you will face my wrath if I am given permission. Do I make myself clear?"
Grime slowly nodded. "Yes, I know this".
As quick as the conversation had ended, Redwillow was quick to disappear into the night without another word. Leaving Grime alone with Bog.
Grime sighed, finally glad he didn't have to deal with Redwillow never admitted to anyone, but she was just as intimidating as her leader, if not more.
"Why didn't you tell her about the weird outsider we have imprisoned in our camp?" he rasped, "Shouldn't we be telling them everything in our report?"
Grime grunted in amusement. "So now you want the mouse-brain clan cats to worry about everything we know?"
Grime walked past the tom, but Bog was having none of Grime's cold disrespect for his opinion.
"For all we know, she could be a spy".
"A spy for who? She doesn't even know what a clan cat is!" Grime replied, "Until we know more about her motives, it's best we don't let anyone know about her. Especially if her friends are like her".
"But-"
"She hasn't done anything to provoke us," Grime snapped, making Bog flinch at Grime for baring his teeth at him, "If she tries anything, then we can send her to Lakestar".
"Then what about Marshclan, are we going to fight them?" Bog asked.
"No, you will," Grime said, surprising Bog, "Prove to me you can follow orders and I will make sure you stay as my second commander, got that?"
Bog nodded, not questioning Grime anymore.
"Good, let's go back to camp".