"Lurkingsnake! Mountainclan crossed the border again! We found dead rabbits, eaten, covered in scent." "Again? They have pushed us too far. I will speak with Deepstar." She headed toward the leaders den. "Deepstar?" She called. There was no answer.
When she entered, she received a shock.
Deepstar lay, his neck broken, his eyes glassy, and scratches covering his pelt. With a mournful yowl, she raced away from the den, calling to the clan "Deepstar has been attacked!" Cats looked up from prey, out of dens, and away from conversations to stare in horror at the shocked cat.
Petalshine hurried into the den. She came out a few heartbeats later, with a stumbling Deepstar following her. She beckoned to Lurkingsnake with her tail to follow her.
"Is he OK?" Asked Lurkingsnake as she walked in. Deepstar was leaning on Petalshine's shoulder. She waited anxiously for him to speak. "I had three lives when I was attacked. I have two lives left now. "
His usually deep rumble of a voice was shaky and uncertain. "Don't worry. We'll keep you safe." "No. Everyone else has managed with just one life, and I used to have nine. Even with two, I have more than everyone else in the clan. I should be the one keeping you safe." He said.
An idea popped into her head. "Did you see who attacked you?" "No. Whoever did this was one clever cat. I was asleep."
She nodded. "Mountainclan has crossed the border again. Eaten dead rabbits were found near the border, drenched in Mountainclan scent."
"This is too far." He said, his voice hardening.
"Its time for battle."
