'... And then, because we're such good friends with ThunderClan,' Tawnypelt paused to roll her eyes. 'So basically because Blackstar wanted ThunderClan in debt to ShadowClan, we came here and saved you.' The she-cat finished explaining how a ShadowClan patrol had seen the attack force entering ThunderClan territory and had come to help.

'Did you find out why they attacked us?' asked Brambleclaw.

'Not yet, but we have taken prisoners.' Tawnypelt responded.

Brambleclaw looked around at the devastated camp. This wasn't good. Until they finished repairs, they were still vulnerable to another attack. He noticed Leafpool looking stricken in one corner but tore his gaze away from her and continued estimating the damage.

Then, he saw something that chilled him to the bone. 'BRACKENFUR!' he yelled, running over. The warrior lay still on the ground, coated in dirt and dried blood. 'Leafpool! Get over here!' he screamed. As she sprinted towards them, Brambleclaw reluctantly went to inspect the prisoners. He found the reason for Leafpool's distress. Crowfeather? What's he still doing...? Oh my StarClan. The fool got captured! It was all Brambleclaw could do to not face paw.

Sorreltail limped up to him. 'What do you want us to do?'

'Hmm? Oh...' Brambleclaw realised that several cats were staring expectantly at him. 'Um... Well... How about... The entrance! Work on fixing the entrance. And Dustpelt? Guard the nursery. Squirrelflight, go and gather sticks and place them on the ground ten or fifteen fox lengths from the entrance. They should give us some warning if there's another attack. Brackenfur, you...' he trailed off and walked over to his friend, who was still lying on the ground. He motioned with his tail for everyone else to go away. 'How is he?' he asked Leafpool.

'Not good. He has a very slim chance of living.'

Brambleclaw was stunned.

'We're running out of resources and there are more important things to do, so, I'm really sorry, but we're going to have to leave him.' Leafpool muttered.

Instantly, all of Brambleclaw's sorrow turned to pure fury. 'WHAT?! WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?! YOU WON'T STOP TRYING TO HELP HIM UNTIL HE IS DEAD. YOU AND THE REST OF THE WORLD CAN GO TO THE DARK FOREST FOR ALL I CARE BUT YOU WILL SAVE HIM, AND IF YOU RUN OUT OF RESOURCES THEN GET SOME MORE!' he screamed, and he only got more annoyed when the she-cat flinched under his gaze. 'Oh, stop acting like a frightened mouse and... get... some.. HERBS!' He stalked off furiously and continued to issue orders while the clan tried not to show their shock at his words and his tone.

His fur was standing on end as Ferncloud shouted that they were coming again. 'GET INTO POSITION!' Forgetting who the leader was, he took control. 'Firestar, Blackstar and Tawnypelt, get in the entrance. Take as many out as possible. The rest of you, make a solid group behind them. NOW!'

Then, he ran out of the camp on his own and charged into battle. He would show them what came of messing with his best friend...