I walked along the border, sniffing the air for any other trace of life other than my patrol. 'Ok,' I ordered the cats behind me. 'Let's split up now and mark the border either way. Don't want any rogues straying in.' Two out of three cats nodded. 'Come on,' Tornclaw beckoned me with his tail. 'We'll go this way. Airfeather can go with Maplespot.' Airfeather, the only cat who hadn't agreed with the plan, shook her head. 'We shouldn't split. We have no idea what is out there.' Her gaze met mine and one silent word passed between us. Echo. * * * * Was I going to leave them be? Never.