"The new deputy of HailClan will be Barkpelt."

The gathered cats seemed unsure of how to react. This whole ceremony was a bit unorthodox.

Barkpelt stepped forward confidently with her tail raised. "If that's how it's going to be, then who am I to refuse? I'm honored. Ferretstar, HailClan, I swear to represent with all my ability and soul."

When she'd finished speaking, Sandpaw started off the cheer. "Barkpelt!"

Cats started to gather around the new deputy to congratulate her, her twin Leaffur and mother Brownflower among the first of them.

Ferretstar allowed them a moment to continue, then said a few words of her own.

"I have no doubt that you will, Barkpelt. But now we must move on to matters of war."

The crowd quieted down and and the mood shifted to a more somber one.

"Our clan must be prepared for a sudden attack from BreezeClan. We know who they're after, and we can not allow them to kill him."

Barkpelt looked at her from the crowd. It seemed she already had an idea, so Ferretstar nodded at her to speak.

"I've been thinking about this," Barkpelt starts, "They're not even going to find Gingerleaf." She says with a confident smirk.

Some cats, especially Gingerleaf himself were looking doubtful.

"BreezeClan cats are big, dumb, and clumsy- we've always been quicker than them. They don't know our territory like we do, and they'll be looking for him in the medicine cat's den. I say, we don't even keep him in there."

Gingerleaf closed his eyes and shook his head at Barkpelt's words. He was grinning his usual grin now, and interrupted the explanation.

"Hate to break it to you Barkbark, but I'm not too different than those big, dumb, and clumsy cats. Neheheh." Gingerleaf chuckles. The fat ginger and white tom had a point, he would not the easiest cat to hide. His light pelt would stick out in their shadowy territory.

"Then we'll just have to whip you into shape, hm?" Barkpelt replies, and clarifies. "No, I don't expect him to be able to hide all on his own, but with at least two guards at all times. One to protect him, run to run for help if needed. He will hide in a new spot in the territory every day. He'll be moved around so much, not even BreezeClan's best tracker will be able to follow his scent."

Ferretstar nodded, considering the plan. "It's risky, but if it works, then we won't face a full on camp raid." But then again, not having a their medicine cat sleep in his own den could be dangerous too, because they would have to look around the territory to find him if anyone got hurt or sick.

Barkpelt flicks her tail. "Besides, I don't think Foxstar will attack until after the half moon medicine cat meeting. She will wait to see if we do get rid of him or not."

"Well then, we still have time to think and refine this plan." Ferretstar says addressing the clan now, "For now, resume duties as normal. Except Gingerleaf, tonight, gather anything you need to take with you. I will take the first shift as your guard. This Clan meeting is now dismissed."

Ferretstar leaped down from the Woodpile. She felt drained, but tried not to let it show. There was still plenty of time left in the night.

She spotted Gingerleaf heading to his den. Surely he had a lot to think about. Maybe even more than She did. Perhaps she should go talk to him and relieve his worries. She still had some things She needed to tell him in private as well. But the again, she didn't want to interrupt his preparation.

Barkpelt was at the freshkill pile picking up a squirrel to share with Leaffur. Or was it the other way around? Those two looked just alike. Either way, maybe she would go and sit with them. She still had things she needed to discuss with her new deputy. Then again, maybe she should give it a rest for now, they had just spoke about it at the Clan meeting.

If there was anyone she could go to get her mind off of things, it was to Silvercloud. She was always there waiting for her. It was a pleasant thought, and Ferretstar knew she would feel much more relaxed after resting with her.

But there was still things to be done. Dustclaw, Ashtail, and Molepaw going on a hunting patrol reminded her of that. Working would help keep her mind off of things, and would help her Clan as well. Perhaps she would join them.

That thought was interrupted as Frecklepaw and Sandpaw bustled past, Sandpaw hissing something under his breath about something. It looked as though they were headed towards the elder's den with some moss. Ferretstar purred in amusement, remembering when she was in that position. It looked like they were clearing out the old bedding while the elders shared tongues with Brownflower, Toby hiding behind her slightly. Maybe she would join them and get some of their experienced opinion of the situation.

Ferretstar decides to...

Original Poll Options:

21 Votes

1. Talk to Gingerleaf. - (38.1%)

2. Talk to Barkpelt. - 4.8%

3. Go back to Silvercloud. - 23.8%

4. Go hunting. - 14.3%

5. Talk to the elders - 19%