Graystripe's Vow/Chapter 3

==Chapter description==
:Graystripe is sitting at the edge of camp, looking at Dustpelt guard the camp entrance. Graystripe wishes that his mother, Willowpelt, was here to enjoy the peace. He notes that she died at the paws of a badger defending Sootpaw. All three of her youngest kits are still shocked by her death. The camp is calm, and most of the warriors are out doing hunting patrols.
:He overhears Ferncloud telling Brightheart that she can't smell Firestar's scent anymore, and it is like he was never there. Brightheart asks her if she believes Firestar went out on a mission for StarClan. Ferncloud tells her that Dustpelt wonders if Firestar went off to be a kittypet, but she tells Brightheart that she doesn't believe that, and she thinks Dustpelt doesn't really believe that either. Graystripe asks himself if this is what every cat is saying behind his back, and wonders when Firestar will return. He wonders if the queens will start talking about kits.
:His thoughts are interrupted when Cinderpelt comes up to him and tells him they have a Clan to run. Graystripe tells her that the hunters have come back. Cloudtail, Ashfur, and Mousefur emerge from the thorn tunnel carrying prey. When Graystripe addresses the patrol, Ashfur sneers and says that they have two less mouths feed, and that he hopes that Firestar and Sandstorm are enjoying their kittypet treats. Cloudtail agrees, reminding them how much of a fuss Firestar made when he went to get kittypet food. Graystripe exclaims to them that they should be ashamed of themselves for talking behind their leader's back while he is gone. Mousefur asks where Firestar is if he's not living as a kittypet, and Ashfur mutters that once a kittypet, always a kittypet. He says that if Firestar really was on an important mission, he wouldn't have to hide it from the Clan. Graystripe responds telling him that Firestar is on a mission for StarClan, and that it is none of Ashfur's business where he is.
:Ashfur then challenges Graystripe's leadership. Graystripe responds saying that Firestar chose him as deputy, but Mousefur quickly interrupts him, telling him that not everybody was happy with Firestar's decision. She tells him that a Clan deputy must be loyal to his Clan, and that Graystripe might choose RiverClan over ThunderClan. Cloudtail tells him that he needs a deputy, and Graystripe asks if he wants the job. Before Cloudtail can respond, Ashfur tells Graystripe that some cats think that Dustpelt would make a great deputy, and that he should have been deputy instead of Graystripe. Graystripe asks in a dangerously quiet voice who the other cats are.
:When nobody responds, Graystripe looks in Dustpelt's direction. He thinks to himself that Dustpelt would've been a great deputy, but quickly disregards that thought, assuring himself that Firestar chose him. Ashfur breaks the silence and tells him that if Dustpelt was acting deputy, there would be some order around there. Cinderpelt retorts that the only disorder that she sees is Ashfur questioning his leader's decision. Graystripe looks at Cinderpelt and thinks to himself that for such a gentle cat, she doesn't tolerate a lot of nonsense. She brings up the point that StarClan did not appoint Graystripe as leader, therefore he cannot appoint a deputy. Graystripe is beginning to head to his den when he hears Brackenfur, Brambleclaw, and Thornclaw coming into camp, calling his name urgently.
:Brackenfur drops prey with WindClan scent on it. Graystripe asks the patrol if they've been hunting on WindClan territory, and they indignantly tell him that they would never, and that they found it on their side of the border. Thornclaw accuses them of stealing prey. Meanwhile, Ashfur and the others come over, and Ashfur asks him about what he is going to do. He thinks to himself that he doesn't like being put on the spot, but Mousefur interrupts his thoughts, urging him to not let them get away with it. He tells them that he will increase patrols on the border, but Ashfur and the others say that Firestar would've done something.
:Graystripe, trying to hide his anger, asks Brackenfur if they caught other prey. Brackenfur tells him that they will go get it, and Graystripe asks himself if Brackenfur is dissapointed in him, but puts off the thought, reminding himself that he has to be less sensitive when he's leader. He hears a yowl somewhere in camp.
==Characters==
===Major===
===Minor===
===Mentioned===
==Notes and references==
Category:Super Edition arc
Category:Graystripe's Vow
Category:Chapter subpages