Bramblestar was sleeping in a nest of moss; Graystripe decided to just leave it that way.
But the crunching of pine needles under their paws did not agree.
"Graystripe?" Bramblestar asked, sounding much healthier than last time Graystripe had heard him.
Oh, Fox-dung! Graystripe thought. He wasn't in the mood to talk to a cranky Bramblestar.
"Yes?"
"Oh, if you could tell Jayfeather to give me that squirrel? He hasn't givin me anything to eat but herbs!"
"Are you going to recover?" Plumepaw asked.
"Hard to say. But Plumepaw, whatever happens, I need you to stay strong and and listen to Graystripe."
"Graystripe?"
"Yes. Because- you'll see." he sat up weakly and yowled.
"Let all cats old enough to-"
"No!" It was Jayfeather. "You can't call a Clan meeting, you're. . . You just can't!" he yowled back at him.
"Let all cats know that I have appointed Graystripe as my deputy," Bramblestar sat up and mewed.
"But he's already been deputy."
"And you want me to appoint Pebble-
coat? Or No-claw?"
Jayfeather sighed.
"I guess you're right." he replied, and padded out of the den.
Plumepaw and Graystripe followed.
Jayfeather jumped onto the Highledge and meowed.
"Let all cats old enough to-. . . Let all cats gather under the Highledge for a meeting; by the word of Bramblestar."
In an instant all cats, even Pebblecoat's kits, were under the ledge to the mention of their injured leader's name.
"In the words of Bramblestar: 'Warriors, queens, elders, apprentices, and, even kits, I gather you today under the shining lights of our ansestors to mourn the death of our brave, loyal, and loving, deputy; Squirrelflight. She had died defending the Warrior Code to her Clan, and she will be greatly remembered.
Now, with that happened, I notice gossip about who shall be next deputy. I understand most of you think Pebblecoat is worthy deputy material; but lately I have seen some very loyal actions in one particular cat.
And I have decided.
Graystripe:
Do you promise to lead the Clan, when I die, keep your loyalty, defend your Clan and loved ones; even at the cost of your life?'"
Graystripe hesitantly gulped.
"I. . I do."
"'I now bring forth to you:
Graystripe: the fine DUPUTY OF THUNDERCLAN!'"
There were yowls of approval from the crowd below as Jayfeather finished speaking Bramblestar's words.
"Graystripe! Graystripe!"
"GRAYSTRIPE!" The crowd cheered.
Plumepaw was proud of his mentor.
YOU ARE READING
The Warrior Within: #2: Fallen Stars
RastgelePlumepaw is a young ThunderClan apprentice who has a life-time of mystery ahead of him. But when ThunderClan loose what was dear to them most, will they survive, or thrive? Can Plumepaw change their fate? Find out! Also read the first book "The Warr...
