~ Bluestar's POV ~
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here, beneath the Highrock, for a Clan meeting."
Bluestar's summons rang throughout the camp as ThunderClan cats joined together to listen to what their leader had to say.
"I have decided to take a patrol and journey into the large Twolegplace," Bluestar announced. "There is a cat I must speak to, but I wish for others to accompany me. And, of course, I will need a guide, seeing as I cannot navigate Twolegplace without getting lost."
Howls of protest erupted from the gathered Clan. "Why are you leaving us?" Mousefur called.
It was Goldenflower who answered. "Whatever it is that Bluestar needs for her to speak with a cat in Twolegplace, she has no reason to justify herself. We must trust Bluestar's judgment, and remain loyal to her no matter what happens."
Bluestar flashed the golden tabby queen a grateful glance. Goldenflower sat down again, bending her head to lick the ruffled fur on her belly - already swollen with kits.
"The cats I would like to take with me are Whitestorm, Willowpelt, Longtail, Tigerclaw, Graystripe, Fireheart, Brackenpaw, and Cinderpaw." Her gaze scanned the Clan. "I understand that Tigerclaw is the Clan deputy, and I am taking him with me. But I trust that Goldenflower will do a rather excellent job at looking after the Clan and sorting the patrols while we are away. Yellowfang, will you help her?"
The old medicine cat dipped her head to the leader of her adopted Clan. "Yes, Bluestar."
"Very well, then," Bluestar meowed. "It is settled." She leaped down from the Highrock, signaling with her tail for her patrol to follow her. The Clan was silent as they headed toward the entrance. Finally, the silence was broken.
"Goodbye, Bluestar!" Frostfur called.
"Safe travel!"
Runningwind added, "Come home safely!"
Fireheart and Graystripe rounded up their excited apprentices and followed Bluestar out of the camp.
As they continued walking, Bluestar was aware of her companions' alertness. She heard Longtail mutter something, but couldn't make out what he said.
"Who are we going to see?" Cinderpaw asked, unable to hide her excitement.
Bluestar glanced over her shoulder at the smokey-gray apprentice. "We're going to see a kittypet called Nutmeg," she replied.
Cinderpaw nodded. Then she asked another question. "What does she look like?"
"She's a brown tabby," Bluestar began, "with soft amber eyes. Her paws, tail tip, muzzle, and underbelly and chest fur are white."
Bluestar looked back at Cinderpaw and noticed Fireheart stiffen beside her. A look of fear and panic filled his forest-green eyes.
"Why are you scared, Fireheart?" Longtail taunted. "Are you going to run back to your Twolegs like a terrified little kittypet?"
Bluestar remained silent, waiting to hear Fireheart's response. But there was none, only the orange warrior's fear-scent.