Thrushpelt watched as the elders went to bury Robinwing. Grief gnawed at his heart like maggots, and he tried to stay calm.
Thistlestar watched them go, then hopped up onto the highrock. He didn't have to call a meeting, everyone was already there.
"We have lost a noble and courageous she-cat. This winter has been tough, and prey is scarce. So tonight we will take more land from WindClan!" He yowled, his eyes gleaming.
Thrushpelt blinked. Finally! We'll be well fed! Then he narrowed his eyes. A distraction to stop grieving. He blinked once more. Our Clan and my kin will be safe.
    Thistlestar called to silence the clan, then continued. "The first patrol will go set new markers, if you are caught by WindClan, yowl loudly to give the signal. Thrushpelt, you will lead the first patrol. Take Cinderwing, Echosky, Adderfang, Stormtail, Dappletail, Maplepaw and Shadepaw. Only fight if provoked." He blinked.
"I'll lead the backup patrol. I want Snowfur, Stonepelt, Tawnyspots, Smallear, and Fuzzypelt with me. Windflight, Speckletail and Poppydawn." He meowed. "Guard the nursery. Swiftbreeze and White-eye, guard the elders. Oakshade and Flintpaw know battle moves. The clan will be safe."
Thrushpelt flicked his tail, signaling his patrol to come. They padded through the forest, reaching the moor. Bramble thickets surrounded the trees, but not enough to make them trip. They stepped over the border and began to mark new territory.
Suddenly, a WindClan patrol ran to them, spitting and yowling furiously.
Heatherstar was leading, with Dawnstripe, Redclaw, Talltail and Reedfeather. Heatherstar let out a menacing growl. "This is WindClan territory!" She spat.
Shadepaw butted to the front. "Not after we finish marking the new border!" The white apprentice glared.
Heatherstar flicked her tail, and Reedfeather raced farther into WindClan territory, obviously getting more warriors.
Thrushpelt growled. "It's ours now." He challenged them.
Suddenly, Talltail let out a gut-wrenching shriek, hurting towards Dappletail. The two wrestled, and the battle begun. Thrushpelt let out the warning screech and threw himself at Heatherstar.
He twisted, jumping in the air and landing on her back, crushing her. She let out a cry as she fell, her legs bending awkwardly.
Heatherstar swiped sloppily at his face. Thrushpelt ducked each time, knowing her every move. He leapt, biting hard on her scruff and slammed her to the ground, biting hard until he felt blood. Suddenly, he heard another WindClan patrol coming. Thistlestar!Where are you? He almost cried out.
With a twinge of shock, he grunted as Heatherstar kicked at his unguarded belly, ripping out his belly fur. He fell, squashing her. She cried out and kicked him away.When she limped off he saw more of WindClan.
Hareflight, Aspenfall, Cloudrunner, Woollytail, Hickorynose and Plumclaw were the extra warriors. He let his claws slide in. What an easy patrol!
Suddenly, Reedfeather pounced on him, biting hard at his neck. He shrieked, crying out and blood began to clot around the bite. Reedfeather wouldn't let go. He tried to jerk away, but it only stretched his skin. He yowled in pain as more blood poured out. He suddenly felt dizzy.
He blinked. He saw Robinwing, Cracklefrost and Sunstar, all sitting around him. Oh no! I can't be here!
Robinwing purred. She looked happy, and he saw Briarkit jumping around her. "It is not your time, Thrushpelt." Her meow echoed, even though she didn't open her mouth. He nodded.
    He blinked once more. I'm back in the battle! He cheered quietly and threw himself at Heatherstar.
    He dug his bottom teeth into her neck, and clamped his top teeth to her muzzle, instantly drawing blood. She yowled in pain and shock and threw him off.
    Heatherstar fell, screeching in pain. The battle stopped to watch her.
   Reedfeather jumped to her side and whispered. "Your last life...."
    Thrushpelt felt his heart beat out of his chest. He couldn't have killed Heatherstar? He took a step bac, bewildered.
    Heatherstar looked one breathe of air and went limp, her eyes clouded. Reedfeather yowled in terror.
    "This battle is over. You win ThunderClan." Reedfeather admitted to his defeat. Dropping his head low.
    Thistlestar yowled in triumph as the WindClan cats carried Heatherstar away. "Thrushpelt gets the juiciest prey back at the camp!" He cheered.
   Thrushpelt's heart felt like it had been sliced open with dog claws. I killed a leader.. He let out a quiet groan.
    They all padded to camp, congratulating him and telling the clan about the battle. He stared at his paws until Tigerclaw sat down beside him.
    "You did excellent." The deputy jeered. "I wouldn't even kill a leader." He mocked.
   Thrushpelt growled. Whatever...
He padded to the Warriors den, very tired. 

    Thrushpelt watched the elders carry off Lakekit and Mousekit. Grief deepened inside of him, and he felt reckless. Marshkit stood by him, a gash still bleeding on her forehead.
    A dog had made it to camp, killing the two kits, Tigerclaw and taking one of Thistlestars lives.
   He would name deputy soon, and when he did it wouldn't matter.
    Moonhigh shone down on the camp, as the cats gathered.
   Thistlestar limped to the highrock, followed by Oakshade and Flintmint. The Tim had received his full medicine name just sunrises after Shadelight and Maplecloud had received their warrior names.
    Thistlestar groaned. "Before I tell you my decision, I must do something. Marshkit." He beckoned the kit with his tail. "You will be known as Marshpaw, your mentor will be Echosky." He watched as his son touched noses with his daughter.
    Pride welled in Thrushpelt; and he gazed intently at Thistlestar.
   "The deputy will be Cinderwing." He meowed, then padded to his den.
   Cinderwing looked equally shocked and delighted. A perfect choice. 
   All the cats began to go to their dens, tired from the dog attack. He curled in his own nest, shivering as the new leaf breeze wafted into the den. He closed his eyes, letting his drowsiness steer him to sleep.