The Heart of a Lion
Chapter 24:
"What is all the commotion about?" Gorsetail grumbled as she scurried to the nursery entrance to see what was going on.
I raised my head. I wasn't asleep, but I made her believe I was so she wouldn't worry. The last thing I needed was a medicine cat to come crawling in here insisting I needed herbs when all I needed was for things to change.
"Gorsetail, come with me," Crowfeather called from across the camp.
"It looks like Onstar wants me," said the gentle she-cat. She slipped out to join her Clanmates.
Now I was really curious. I had a feeling it was nothing good. I emerged from the nursery and saw a patrol of cats gathered around Onestar, their tails flicking with excitement and eyes shining. Among them was Onestar's deputy Ashfoot, Crowfeather, Gorsetail, Harespring, and Tornear. And…Breezepelt.
"Is everyone ready to go?" Onestar confirmed.
"Where are you going?" I called out. It had only been a few hours since my conversation with the Clan leader, and I still felt resentment that he blatantly ignored my request from earlier.
"We are going to get your little furballs, honey," Breezepelt explained, a hint of a sneer in his voice.
I wanted to claw his neck right there and then. "Where are you going?" I met Onestar's eyes with eyes as hard and unforgiving as chipped ice.
"We are getting back what is rightfully ours. You should be supporting our decision, Heathertail," Onestar meowed condescendingly. "They are your kits, after all. We are going to ThunderClan to get them back."
"You are going to fight?" I stuttered in disbelief.
"If it comes to that, yes. We hope that ThunderClan has some sense though and hands them over. There will be no battle, and we can return with what we came for. I know StarClan will be on our side and will help us establish justice."
"But this is wrong!" I protested. "You know they won't give my kits back. They are a small price to pay for a war between the Clans. If you do take them back, ThunderClan will only want revenge. We can't do this."
"I know you still disagree."
"We are doing her a favor. How ungrateful," Crowfeather muttered.
I stared at my former mentor angrily. I noticed Gorsetail was the only one in the patrol who looked sympathetic.
My fur bristled. "No, I won't let you. They are my kits. I should get to decide what is best for them. I will stop you," I said bravely. I couldn't even believe words like that could come out of my mouth. I was horrified and empowered at the same time, but I couldn't take my words back now. Passion can drive you to do insane things like insubordination to your leader.
"I can't have you getting in the way. Breezepelt, you are close to Heathertail. Make sure she stays in the nursery. Guard her if you must," Onestar ordered. "I am sorry I have to do this, but you will understand later."
Breezepelt was about to protest, but then he gave me that maliciously evil stare. It was like this soul ravaged by hate and jealousy felt nothing at all. "It will be my honor, Onestar." He dipped his head.
Breezepelt was closing in on me. I turned to flee but bumped into Tornear. I felt his teeth sink in my scruff as he hauled me away to the nursery. I clawed him on the side, but he didn't loosen his grip.
"Let me go!" I shrieked with fury.
He released me at the mouth of the nursery and growled at me. Breezepelt joined me, and the two of them guarded the entrance. I peered around them and saw Onestar's battle patrol already leaving camp, setting their course for the ThunderClan border.
"No!" I shouted, but of course no one was listening.
"Do you need my help guarding Heathertail?" Tornear asked.
Breezepelt waved off the senior warrior with his plumy tail. "Np, I can handle her. You go on ahead and take my place in the patrol."
I knew the rest of WindClan was staring at me in the nursery. Nothing like this has ever happened in camp before. It was almost unreal that Onestar was trying to imprison me like a caged traitor. I knew I had to do something. Anything. I wasn't going to stay there while Onestar created an unnecessary war over my decision. But I would have to hurry, and there was still one problem that was literally barring my way: Breezepelt.