High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

**dino.** · #**7392** March 12th, 2021, 12:37 PM

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

He paused for a moment, breathing heavily, listening to the commotion that had erupted behind him (were some of them laughing?), then inhaled deeply and turned to face the gathered cats. His voice held a certain edge to it - strained and angry, but also so, so tired.

"Everything that Frostpaw said was a lie. Rainywhisker played no part in her betrayal. He received a vision explaining the current circumstances: the sign given to Coldamber was fake, and Frostpaw's position was not rightfully earned. He came to speak to me about it. I called Frostpaw in to talk to her, explain to her, and then demote her. In response, she attacked and killed me."

He shot Rainywhisker a brief glance. "Clearly she didn't count on me coming back. I didn't want it to come to this. I gave her an opportunity to leave ThunderClan, leave the territory. And... well, you just saw what happened as a result of that."

He rolled his shoulders and stood a bit taller, trying not to look at the blood on his claws. He knew some thought he'd taken it too far - he could see it in their faces, hear their whispers. But what would have happened if she'd run off? She might have killed someone else. He couldn't take that chance. "We've faced quite a few hardships in these past moons. I could have prevented the coyotes and this by acting faster instead of waiting for a sign, or for it to land right on top of us. So, from now on, if there's a threat on our borders or anywhere else, we'll stamp it out at the source." His claws scraped across the bark of the tree branch as his expression shifted into something more determined. "And as much as I hate to say it, this applies to our own Clanmates as well from now on. There seem to have been an abundance of cats here who believe they can act maliciously toward others. If any of you see anyone who thinks they can get away with such actions, report them to me, and I'll take care of them. I won't be waiting for things to escalate too far any longer. I won't sit around and let disaster overtake and hinder us. That's not the kind of leader I'm going to be."

He glanced over his shoulder at Frostpaw's body, then back out to his Clan. "I want someone to take Frostpaw's body to the outskirts and leave it. There won't be a vigil, or a burial. Those who lie and kill don't deserve that honor. You're all dismissed."

His voice lost its edge and his entire body seemed to sag as he turned to Rainywhisker. "Er- I think I'll make a visit to your den, if you don't mind."