Bramblestar stared uncertainly at his deputy as the clan anxiously gathered to view the retirement ceremony. Thornclaw had served him well, yet Bramblestar wasn't sure who he wanted to be deputy. Shaking his broad head to clear his thoughts, Bramblestar lifted his chin and began to speak.

"Thornclaw, is it your wish to give up the name of a deputy and go to join the elders?"

His voice was edged with hesitation as he proceeded. "It is."

"Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest."

Cheers echoed through the clearing as Bramblestar looked up at the night sky. He didn't have much time to think of a deputy. Scanning his gaze over the clearing, Bramblestar surveyed his clanmates. Cloudtail was too old, as he was nearly Thornclaw's age, but maybe a younger cat? Hazeltail was an option, maybe Ivypool.

Looking down on his silenced clan once more, Bramblestar spoke.

"I say these words before StarClan that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of ThunderClan is Ivypool."

Ivypool stared at Bramblestar, her eyes widening in surprise. Bramblestar knew that she would have never expected the position, while Hazeltail and Berrynose were working their tails off to gain the position.

"She's too young!" Berrynose called out in the crowd.

"Silence!" Bramblestar snapped at his former apprentice, turning to face Ivypool once more. Raising his voice, he spoke to the clan.

"Ivypool has given the clan knowledge about the Dark Forest. She could have been killed during the battle, or perhaps before then. I can't name a single time she has let ThunderClan down. She also didn't expect the position, because she was truly devoted to her clan rather than her rank. I will hear no more complaining of her age or her weaknesses. Ivypool, do you accept?"

The young tabby nodded, her blue eyes determined. As she padded to the center to organize the following day's patrols, she ignored the low hisses of Berrynose and Hazeltail. As the clan gathered to congratulate her, Bramblestar leapt down from the rock to face Jayfeather.

"Good choice." He purred, his sightless blue eyes resting on his leader.

"I hope Berrynose and Hazeltail don't cause trouble for her."

Jayfeather snorted.

"If you think there's going to be no trouble, you are very wrong, Bramblestar."

Bramblestar stiffened as the young medicine cat continued.

"I had a dream that I was padding along the forest, as I could see in my dreams. When I looked down, I saw an ivy leaf crumpled and torn underneath a hazel nut and a berry. If I were you, I'd keep an eye on Ivypool."

Padding away as if he hadn't spoke, Jayfeather padded away to greet Cherryfrost, who carried a big bundle of herbs in her jaws. Bramblestar felt tension spike the air as he heard the scornful whispers of Berrynose and Hazeltail behind the Highledge.

"Could I save her?"