Chapter Four
The sun was rising through the sky, a giant golden ball of light that cast its warmth down to the chilly surface below. Small snowflakes glided around freely with no wind to correct their course. A small field mouse scurried across the path in front of Moosestar's patrol, but they paid it no mind. Even with the weather turning more grueling by the day, they could not stop and hunt. Ashpaw was sure Branchfoot would send out hunting patrols to get fresh-kill while they were gone.
The mission at hand was the only thing that mattered by now. Ashpaw could tell by the determined trot of his clan leader and his father that he was part of something very important. Maybe if he was older and had more experience he would be able to understand the severity of the situation.
On the surface it seemed very simple. A lone rogue, unable to scent boundary markers. The truth could be much worse, though. It could be an entire plot meant to exterminate clan life as they knew it. If it wasn't something as important as that, Moosestar wouldn't of acted so quickly, and led the small patrol on his own.
Ashpaw listened as Ratface and Moosestar meowed back and forth.
"What will we do if both of the other clans have issues as well?" Ratface asked, keeping up his brisk pace to match Moosestar's.
Turning his head around to glance at Ratface, Moosestar replied. "Then we will have to assume that each clan has a member that is disloyal, and if that is the case, we have a major problem on our paws."
"And what if they don't? What if it's just Grassclan?"
Moosestar didn't reply immediately. "That would mean we would have to deal with the issue ourselves, and try to make sure the other clans don't think we are weak. Either way, I want to question Hardfoot again when we get back. Something isn't sitting right about him."
Before long they were at the Waterclan border, standing in front of the stream that separated the two clans. The stream hardly ever froze here, as it moved too fast. The snowflakes had stopped falling, and the wind was still nonexistent. It was quiet.
"Usually I wouldn't trespass onto another clan's territory, but we do not have time to wait for a patrol. We will head towards the camp." Moosestar mewed.
"Is that wise? They might take it as an invasion." Ratface responded.
Moosestar chuckled. "I would hope Waterclan isn't that mouse-brained. There are only three of us, hardly enough cats for an invasion."
Ratface raised an eyebrow. "Unless you thought we had clanmates hiding in the reeds."
Moosestar sighed. "Ah, the mighty Ratface, full of questions. Everything will be fine. There's a narrow stretch of the water further down this way, closer to the fallen log. We can cross there." He headed off in the direction of the fallen log, which was upstream. Ratface cast an anxious look to Ashpaw as they followed.
They reached the spot in no time, and hopped across with ease. Ashpaw had never been on Waterclan territory before. The ground turned less solid beneath his paws, and the tall grass he was used to turned into high reeds and bushy cattails. A fat blackbird glided overhead, cawing as it passed.
"Waterclan cats must like their paws constantly wet." Ashpaw remarked.
"I'm sure they get used to it after a while." Moosestar said in return.
They were only padding for a little while, the sun just starting its long descent back down to the horizon, when Moosestar halted. "I scent Waterclan. Must be a patrol."
Ashpaw tensed up, ready for anything. He wasn't sure how Waterclan would react seeing another clan prancing around in their territory.
A figured emerged from behind a large clump of thick reeds, and when they spotted the Grassclan patrol they froze, dropping whatever they were carrying in their mouth. Their hair started to stand up on edge.
Moosestar called out, trying to sound nonthreatening and casual. "We have come to speak with Missingstar. Can you take us to her?"
Almost at once both groups relaxed. Ratface called out, "Blazesight, is that you?"
The Waterclan cat, who was very fluffy and golden in color, looked down to check their items they had dropped, and then trotted over to them. They had bright green eyes, like emeralds.
"Yep, it's me. Everything okay?" The stranger was a she-cat.
Moosestar nodded. "We hope so."
Ratface turned to look at Ashpaw. "This is Blazesight, the Waterclan medicine cat. We see her from time to time by the stream collecting herbs." Now Ashpaw understood why everyone was so relaxed. Medicine cats were harmless, and often met up with each other by the borders to chat about different medicines and news.
Ashpaw looked back at Blazesight, her beautiful green eyes looking into his. "The best plants grow by the water. Good tip to remember, even if you aren't a medicine cat." She looked back at Moosestar. "Let me grab that comfrey root and then I'll lead you to camp." She hopped off in the direction she came from. Ratface watched her go before turning to Moosestar. "She hasn't changed much, has she?"
Moosestar had a twinkle in his eye. "Not at all." The clan leader took off in the direction of the medicine cat. Ratface and Ashpaw followed at a slower pace.
Ashpaw looked up at his father. "She hasn't changed much?"
"Yes. Blazesight used to be Grassclan's medicine cat." Ratface answered. Before Ashpaw could ask the obvious question, he continued. "Many seasons ago, when Stemtail was a medicine cat apprentice, Blazesight was our medicine cat." He paused for a moment before continuing. "A massive flood had come through after a tremendous amount of rain, and Waterclan took the brunt of it. Their camp was completely swept away, and they lost three cats. An apprentice, a kit, and their medicine cat. When everything had cleared up, Blazesight offered to be Waterclan's new medicine cat. Stemtail was ready to be a full medicine cat at this point, and Fernstar had no major objections."
Ashpaw was bewildered. He voiced his concerns. "Isn't that against the warrior code? How was everyone okay with it?"
"As you know, the clans have been at peace for as many moons as I can remember. It wouldn't be the first time a cat has changed clans, and it won't be the last. We were all upset to see her go, but it was very brave to offer to go to a completely new clan and learn their ways." Ratface brightened up. "Plus, we do still see her quite often."
They followed the golden she-cat as they made their way to the camp. As they neared, the reeds grew thicker, and the ground more moist. I'll never understand how Waterclan can live with wet paws, Ashpaw thought.
Suddenly, the ground sloped down gradually, and Ashpaw could make out a large grouping of reeds and cattails, surrounded by a very small stream that went almost the whole way around it. Just ahead of them, the reeds were parted, and two very large sticks were poking out of the ground.
"Waterclan's camp." Ratface mewed.
Just as they were about to enter, another golden cat appeared, blocking the entrance. This one was obviously a tom, large and muscular. He was flanked by a smaller brown cat.
As the group halted, the golden tom stepped forward. "Blazesight. Why have you brought Grassclan warriors to our camp? We've had enough trouble with cats as of late" He sounded unhappy.
Blazesight was unaltered by his tone, however. She looked at his squarely. "These aren't just regular warriors, Fishheart, and you know that. They've come to speak with Missingstar."
"As deputy, it is my duty to know what you want, and I'll pass the message on." There was a hint of challenge in his voice.
Moosestar stepped up to stand by Blazesight, his size rivaling Fishhearts. "The matters I bring concern Missingstar, and her alone. I doubt she knows you act so irrationally when she's not around."
The Waterclan deputy stood for a few seconds, eyes locked on Moosestar. "If you take me for a fox-heart, you would be mistaken." He turned around briskly and headed back into camp. The small brown cat who was behind him approached the group. "Sorry about that. Fishheart is always a bit prickly, especially recently."
Moosestar waved his tail, while Blazesight responded "Thanks Longnose. I'm sure Moosestar understands that Fishheart is just trying to do his job to the best of his abilities." Moosestar said nothing.
Ratface looked at the medicine cat. "He sure has a different view on things then I do, especially when the clans are at peace, and have been for a long time."
Blazesight was going to respond, but stopped herself. Hearing a noise behind her, she turned around in time to see Fishheart returning with a cat at his heels. The outsiders arrival had spread around the camp, and there were several cats who were approaching the Grassclan members with curiosity. As she spotted them, she dipped her head to Moosestar and his warriors. "You must excuse me, my apprentice is waiting for me and those roots to arrive finally." She whisked around and padded gracefully off.
The cat that Fishheart was leading to them was a medium build black and white she-cat, and Ashpaw saw that she held her head up high, but without hostility.
Fishheart stopped a few tail-lengths away, but the Waterclan leader continued until she was almost nose to nose with the Grassclan cats.
Moosestar dipped his head respectfully. "Missingstar." Ratface and Ashpaw did the same.
Missingstar had a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, and she spoke with softheartedness. "Moosestar, Ratface. It is a pleasure as always." She turned her gaze on Ashpaw. "And who might you be, little one?"
"I'm Ashpaw." He cringed internally as his mew sounded like a tiny squeak in his mind.
Ratface looked down at him. "He's one of my sons."
Missingstar opened her mouth in a faint gasp. "Ah, yes, I can see it. Your father is a great cat. He will make a fine leader one day." Ashpaw felt warmth grow in his chest hearing the praise for his kin. The Waterclan leader looked back at the Grassclan's leader with playfulness In her voice. "He might even rival Moosestar's legendary leadership."
Ashpaw gazed up at the black and white she-cat with awe and respect. He had never meant another clan leader before, but he could tell Missingstar was similar to Moosestar in many ways.
Missingstar continued. "What brings you here, Moosestar? I know it wasn't just for a quick chat."
He dipped his head before speaking. It was clear Moosestar respected this cat a great deal. From what Ratface had always told Ashpaw and Oakpaw, Grassclan and Waterclan had always gotten along better then Seedclan did with either clan. "May we speak somewhere private? Ratface and Ashpaw can remain here until we are done. It will not take long."
"Of course. Follow me to my den." Missingstar turned around briskly and padded off towards her den, pushing passed Fishheart without a second glance.
Moosestar followed, and Ratface and Ashpaw were left standing at the Waterclan camp entrance. Fishheart observed them a while longer before swinging his broad head around and stalking off in another direction.
Ratface leaned down towards Ashpaw. "Friendly character." He paused briefly. "Fishheart has only been deputy for about a moon, so he's probably just adjusting to the leadership role still. It's hard to not take things so seriously all the time." Ratface looked ay Ashpaw, a look in his eyes that Ashpaw could not dissect. "If you become leader one day, you or your brother, remember this one thing. Responsibility takes a great toll on your mind and body; don't stress about things too much. Moosestar suffered greatly from the strain of leadership early on in his deputy days. He only just figured himself out when he finally became leader."
The two of them stood there a while longer in silence, watching the Waterclan camp. Ashpaw looked up through the Waterclan camp and up passed it, and remembered back to recently whenever Flowerheart had pointed out the cliffs behind Waterclan territory. They were much larger now that he was actually in their camp. Towering clumps of giant rock that never moved or changed. It was midday now and the camp was calm and quiet, apart from the few cats that were still watching them with interest. Ashpaw digested the words Ratface had spoke to him. Did he believe Ashpaw or Oakpaw would be leaders someday?
The two clan leaders emerged from Missingstar's den and padded back over to the entrance, the majority of the camp watching them with interest again. Missingstar waved her tail to them as she passed by. Ashpaw spotted Fishheart and another warrior standing by what must've been their warriors den, glaring at the Grassclan cats. As Moosestar neared his clanmates, he swiveled back around to face Missingstar. "Thank you for the hospitality. We will be taking our leave now." He dipped his head.
She bowed hers as well. "May Starclan light your path."
The Grassclan cats left the camp, and made their way through the soggy grass and tall reeds back towards their territory. Moosestar said nothing, and Ratface cast an anxious glance back at Ashpaw, whose stomach felt like it were about to burst. Why wasn't Moosestar saying anything? Had everything been okay? Did Waterclan have the same issue with the rogue that Grassclan did?
Ratface must've been thinking the same thing, because as they trudged through the boggy earth, Ratface asked Moosestar "Well.. what did she say? Are they having issues too?"
Moosestar didn't answer straight away, and Ashpaw noticed his pelt standing slightly on edge. Ratface turned back to look at Ashpaw again, worry covering his face, outlining the ugly scar on his nose.
It felt like an eternity until their clan leader spoke, and when he did, there was a tinge of distress in his mew. "It sounds to me like Waterclan are having the same problem we are, right down to the untrustworthy warrior." A silence hung in the air around them, the only sounds were pawsteps on the damp ground, one after another. "Missingstar didn't say who the cat was that was acting strange, but I'm sure you can both guess who I'm thinking it is."
Ashpaw knew immediately. It had to be the prickly deputy, Fishheart. He was hostile from the beginning towards the Grassclan cats. It might have been normal for a clan to question another clan being in their territory, but Fishheart had the look of pure hatred in his eyes. The thought of the deputies narrowed gray eyes frightened Ashpaw, and he could see endless ambition floating around the tiny pupils, even from the memory that was already fading from his head. Hardfoot's anger seemed like a tiny kits compared to Fishhearts. How could Waterclan not notice the evilness that lived in their future leader?
Ratface never replied, and Ashpaw didn't see the need to. The group of cats padded on silently again towards their border.
The sun was falling rapidly through the sky by the time Ashpaw and his clanmates reached the Seedclan border. They had followed the stream all the way to the Gathering Island. As they stood at the border, Ashpaw looked to his left to spot the towering boulders that created a natural border between Grassclan and Seedclan. Such marvelous creations, put there before any of the clans had decided to call this place home. Ashpaw was daydreaming, his mind carefree and at peace as he looked at the giant, moss-covered objects, until Moosestar's meow cut into his head.
"We will have to take this a bit more carefully then we did with Waterclan. Redstar and his warriors won't like seeing several Grassclan cats on their territory." Ratface nodded in understanding.
"What do you have in mind then?"
Moosestar's tail twitched. "I will venture slightly into Seedclan's territory and try to find a patrol. There might not be any out right now, but it's worth a try."
Ratface was trying to keep the worry out of his mew, Ashpaw noticed. "As your deputy, I must argue against this. It's unwise to go without another cat."
"I realize where your concern is coming from, but this is urgent. Even Redstar will understand that." Moosestar evenly replied. Ashpaw was still unsure as to why his leader wasn't completely telling them the full story about what happened with Missingstar. Then again, Ashpaw thought, Moosestar and Ratface might want to discuss that in private.
Ratface just dipped his head and sat down, realizing that arguing wouldn't get him far. "As you wish, Moosestar. We will stay here."
Moosestar nodded and slowly entered Seedclan territory, ears pricked and alert. The tall grass intermingled with thick, spiny stems that belonged to giant flowers, which bloomed more often in Seedclan territory. Moosestar looked back at his clanmates, nodded, and continued, his large form disappearing as the land gave out beneath him and sloped downwards.
Ashpaw looked to his right now, and studied the Gathering Island. It wasn't that big up close, maybe the size of Grassclan's camp. It was void of any tall grass or trees, which Ashpaw found odd. He looked up at Ratface, who was still staring off in the last known spot Moosestar had been. The snow had just started falling again, heavier this time, but still not worrisome.
"Father," Ashpaw began. Ratface rotated his head in Ashpaw's direction. "What actually goes on at the Gathering Island? Why can't the leaders, deputies and medicine cats just meet somewhere that doesn't involve getting their paws wet?"
Ratface studied the island for some time. He looked at Ashpaw with envy in his eyes. "Enjoy being young, Ashpaw. Things only get harder as you get older. I used to wonder the same thing actually, and I never understood what made the Gathering island such a magical place until I had the chance to step on it's soft, bright green grass." His eyes were sparkling. "It's not just a place to share news. It was the first place the first clan cats visited before setting down here and creating the three clans."
Ashpaw tilted his head. "How did that little piece of land convince them to create the clans here?"
"On the Gathering Island, the spirits of Starclan are felt strongly as you stand there, drinking in all the different scents. As it's told, the first three clan leaders stood on that same island many, many moons ago and dreamed of cats that had existed before they were even born. They gave those three cats the jobs of starting the three clans, which became the prophesy that lives in every clan cat now."
Ashpaw didn't fully understand what his father meant. He had never had any dreams with dead cats, or ones that prophesied anything.
"Can cats dream of Starclan cats without being on the Gathering Island?" Ashpaw asked.
Ratface licked his paw. "Yes. Moosestar was visited by a mysterious Starclan warrior when he was very young. He told Moosestar that one day he would be a great leader, and that is what he has become."
"Have you ever been visited before?"
Ratface twitched his scarred nose. "There have been a few times where I thought I had been talking to a Starclan cat, but I do not think they were real. Just normal dreams that our mind creates as we sleep."
Ashpaw narrowed his eyes. "Then how did Moosestar know his dreams weren't just cat dreams then?"
"Well, he met with the mysterious cat for many moons, and was always told the same thing. I suppose that's how he knew it was the real deal." Ratface blinked and looked back at the Gathering Island. "When you stand on that small island, you can feel the power of Starclan beneath your paws. It's indescribable. One day you will know what I am trying to say."
Ashpaw was taken aback. Ratface must really believe Ashpaw would be leader someday then. He was just about to reply when Moosestar appeared from the hollow in Seedclan territory. Ratface stood back up and padded to stand right at the border marker as his leader approached.
"Well?" Ratface asked quickly.
Moosestar nodded his head for Ratface and Ashpaw to follow. "We have been granted access to come to the camp this one time. Redstar must be in a good mood, and oddly enough, just like in Waterclan, I ran into their medicine cat, Tallear. We must hurry though, I want to get back to camp before the sun goes down the rest of the way, or the snowfall picks up."
The Grassclan patrol had just entered Seedclan territory and began the trek down the slight grade when Ashpaw spotted a large cluster of cats heading towards them.
"Looks like they brought us an escort." Moosestar commented. Ashpaw noticed the tall grass was more sparse in Seedclan territory, and there were less boulders, but more trees, with wiry trucks and thin foliage. Ashpaw looked back towards the Seedclan patrol just as they entered a large section of thick grass. Moments later they reappeared outside of the grass, passing by a very large and spiky bush.
As they neared the Grassclan cats, Moosestar dipped his head at the cat leading the group, a black she-cat. "Breezemist."
She returned the greeting, however her five other warriors did not. Ashpaw guessed one of them was an apprentice like him, judging by their size. Breezemist narrowed her eyes. "Moosestar. I wasn't aware there were two other cats with you."
"Just as I wasn't aware you would bring the entire Seedclan fighting force with you." Moosestar shot back defensively.
"Just a precaution, I'm sure you understand. Don't worry, this isn't even close to our entire fighting force. Or do you always assume things before you learn the truth?" Breezemist asked sarcastically. "Anyhow, let's not waste anymore time chatting. Follow us." The Grassclan warriors fell in line with the Seedclan patrol. As they delved deeper into Seedclan territory, the more the escort patrol enclosed Moosestar and his clanmates. The grass also thinned out more, replaced by sharp looking bushes and thin looking deciduous trees, which only stood a few fox-tails high.
They all marched in silence along a well used trail, gradually slopping down more and more. Ashpaw's eyes grew wide as they eventually rounded a turn and emerged in front of the Seedclan camp. It wasn't even noticeable until the last second, well hidden between many stalks of tall, brown grass and trees. Two cats sat at the entrance, watching with a mixture of hostility and curiousity.
"Seedclan seems on edge," Ratface murmured to Ashpaw. He was right. These cats were much more skittish then the Waterclan warriors they had just encountered previously. An anger hung in the air, and the Seedclan cats were unable to hide their fear-scent.
The group stopped before entering the camp. "Wait here," Breezemist ordered, before disappearing into the camp. Ashpaw looked around him, hills on either side of him. He felt closed in. Back in his clan's territory, he was used to having the tall grass around him at all times. It became normal so quickly. This was much different. Ashpaw knew that passed the thick grass there was flat land atleast, instead of dirt and earth, like it was here. He suppressed a shiver.
A ginger tom padded through the clan entrance and stopped a few tail-lengths away from Moosestar. Ratface and Ashpaw stood just behind their leader. The ginger tom's amber eyes bore into Ashpaw as they passed over him.
"Moosestar, Ratface." The ginger tom spoke with natural authority. He flicked his tail at Ashpaw. "I'm not sure I know who you are."
"I'm Ashpaw." Ashpaw's voice came out as clear as he could've hoped for. Thank Starclan.
Ratface dipped his head. "He is one of my sons."
"Ahh," stepping closer to Ashpaw, the ginger tom mewed, "I am Redstar. It's nice to finally meet one of Ratface's kin." Ashpaw dipped his head, like his father did, respectfully. Redstar stole a glance towards Moosestar and Ratface. "I apologize for the.. high security." Again, Redstar flicked his tail. "We've had some recent issues that have us on alert. But it's nothing Seedclan cannot handle." He finished with dignity, trying to make his clan seem strong.
"No need for an apology. We have come here to talk about that issue, actually. I believe all of the clans are dealing with the same problem." Moosestar meowed.
Redstar's eats perked up. "Oh? That is interesting. Do you mind if we discuss these matters here, in front of all of the cats?"
Ratface stiffened, and Ashpaw felt his claws unsheathe into the soft dirt beneath him. What was Redstar playing at?
Moosestar, however, was unfazed by the Seedclan leaders hidden deception. "That is fine with me. Why don't you start then?"
"You cannot command us around in our own territory," Breezemist snarled, and several of the Seedclan warriors yowled in agreement. But Redstar held his tail up for silence.
"Considering you're the ones coming to us for a discussion, it's only right if you start." There was a glint of something in his eyes, as if he were toying with a piece of prey before devouring it. Listening to Redstar speak reminded Ashpaw of something that Ratface had told him in the past. Ashpaw dug back in his memories several moons ago, when he was still a kit.
Ashkit and his brother were playing with Ratface's tail outside of the nursery. Ratface always tried to visit in his free time to teach his kits a few things before they were apprenticed. This time, it was how to sneak and pounce on a piece of prey. Ratface would wiggle his tail, like a small creature scurrying in the dirt for its next meal.
Oakkit pounced, landing square on top of his father's tail, and began to bat at it with sheathed claws. "Ha ha, I got you!"
Ratface looked amused and proud at the same time. He pulled his tail out from under Oakkit, and sat up a little straighter. "Alright you two, I'm going to tell you a secret."
Oakkit and Ashkit exchanged excited glances. "Really?! What is it?" Oakkit squeaked.
"It's something to remember for the rest of your lives. As you get older, you'll notice this more often. Don't try to do it now, wait until you gain more moons and experience. Then, it'll come natural." Ratface sat there, staring at his kits with an unwavering gaze.
Oakkit screwed up his face and tilted his head. "What are you doing?"
Ashkit looked back into his father's eyes, Oakkit's mew was muffled in his ears as he focused. He saw something in Ratface's eyes, an unspoken emotion just waiting to burst out.
Ratface halted his stare, and licked his chest. Oakkit spun in a circle, almost knocking Ashkit over as he bumped into him. Oakkit was larger, so it wasn't hard for him to accidentally topple his brother. "You didn't even say anything! How are we supposed to remember something you didn't even tell us." He plopped down on his haunches and looked up at his father, puzzled.
Just then, Skyleaf padded by, watching with an amused sparkle in her eyes. "Teaching them your secret already, Ratface?"
Ratface nodded, holding his eyes on his kits. "The sooner, the better. It'll come in handy in the future."
She continued padding by, flicking her tail. Ashkit stole a glance at her, and then rested his gaze back on his father again. Oakkit rolled his eyes and batted at a nearby blade of grass that was sticking in the air slightly more then its neighbors were.
Ratface purred, watching Ashkit. "Did you see it?"
"Yes, but I'm not sure what it means."
Ratface turned serious again. "Ashkit, you caught on fast. Oakkit, you will understand this more in the future. My face was serious and frozen, like a block of ice. My eyes, however, gave away how I was actually feeling." He flicked his ear, studying his kits as they looked up at his with pricked ears and large, unblinking eyes. "I was thinking about what great warriors you two will make in the future. Our clan couldn't be more lucky."
Ashkit and his brother both purred at their father, feeling proud. Ratface continued. "No matter how a cat portrays themselves, their eyes always give away how they are actually feeling. It's impossible to hide, and once you learn how to read the eyes, you'll realize that understanding other cats will be much easier, clanmate or not. It won't matter how their attitude or personality sounds. One look into their eyes will tell you everything you need to know."
Ashpaw was zapped back into reality in time to hear Moosestar meow, "If you think by doing this you will expose Grassclan's weakness's, you would be wrong." Moosestar had an edge to his tone, thin enough to cut a strand of hair with. Ratface bristled next to him, his legs stiff as a log.
The Seedclan cats tensed around them, and yowls of protest rang out, echoing off of the valley walls around them.
"Silence, Silence." Redstar mew was soft, yet there was authority behind it, and his warriors quieted down in unison. He looked at Moosestar and narrowed his eyes. "Alright, enough with the games. State your business being here. You wouldn't have trekked all this way just to stir up problems, and as you've stated, we might have relating issues." Ashpaw saw that deep in Redstar's eyes, lay worry. Worry about something that might be revealed very soon. The boastful act he was putting on was for show, and Ashpaw was almost certain that Seedclan wasn't as well off and strong as they pretended to be.
Moosestar and Ratface both relaxed, and Ashpaw felt his claws slide back in.
"We scented a rogue cat on our territory not that long ago, and it seemed to be intermingled with different scents from all the clans, not all at once though." Moosestar looked relaxed again as he spoke. "At first, I wasn't too concerned. After all, why would one lone rogue and some intermixed clan scents rouse up any point of concern, especially when we have been at peace for so long."
Redstar dipped his head in agreement. Moosestar continued.
"I have already spoken to Missingstar about this, and it appears both of our clans have an untrustworthy warrior." Redstar, along with several other cats, seemed to prepare to argue, but Moosestar continued, cutting them off. "We did not share who this warrior was with each other, and I would not expect you to do that same. I'm assuming the same is happening with you, unless you're too proud to admit it." Ashpaw flinched. Moosestar was now putting an aggressive front on, forcing Redstar to act in front of his whole clan. Redstar's arrogant attitude started to fade as he replied.
"What you say is true, although we are not sure which of our warriors is the culprit. At first I was not worried either, but the scent is reoccurring, and no warrior has actually spotted the rogue." Redstar scanned his clanmates, as if trying to pick out the suspect. It was clear not all of his clan were outside of the entrance, probably just the warriors and apprentices.
Moosestar dipped his head respectfully. "I meant no disrespect by intruding like we did, we only seek the truth, and I believe all of the clans are facing a much larger problem at hand."
Redstar swished his tail across the ground. "On that we are agreed. I have an uneasy feeling in my stomach about it all. We've dealt with loner and rogues in the past before, but usually they leave after one visit or make themselves known."
"If you discover anything important out, I ask you send a cat to relay the message to the other clans so we can keep in touch. There's no reason we cannot act together on this problem until we sort it out."
Redstar was about to reply, when his deputy, Breezemist, interrupted. "You cannot let these cats come on to our territory, up to our camp, and order us around!" Her black fur was standing up along her neck and spine, and she was spitting. A few cats called out in agreement, but most kept quiet.
Moosestar quickly stood up, and called out, "We do not give out orders-"
Before he could finish, Redstar cut him off, rounding on his deputy. "I call the shots as leader of this clan, and I will not be bossed around by anyone! Not another clan leader, and certainly not a clan deputy who speaks out against their leader."
As Redstar and Breezemist glared at each other, Moosestar dipped his head. "I do not want to cause anymore issues. We will take our leave now." And with that, the Grassclan cats turned around and started back towards their own territory, with the Seedclan warrior's eyes on them as they left. Tensions were sure high in the Seedclan camp, that much was certain.
