CHAPTER 28
"Alright. Settle down." Yellowstar stifled a sigh as she addressed FireClan from the Highledge. Not even sunhigh yet, and already the day had been exhausting. "It's over with. Frecklefang is gone. Whatever you think of Mapledawn, Wrencatcher, or StarClan, it's time to turn our focus to the Clan. TallClan scented BlackClan on their border today."
"Those fox-hearts!" hissed Dapplecreek. "Why TallClan, of all places? Wouldn't CrookedClan be closer?"
"Honestly," mewed Jaggedclaw, "how is it our problem?"
"It's our problem for a few reasons." Yellowstar paused, trying to collect her thoughts. They won't like what I'm about to say. "A few days ago, Weaselclaw came to me. She asked for my help defeating Scratchface and restoring her place as leader of BlackClan."
"Scratchface!" Jaggedclaw snarled.
"Why can't Weaselclaw fix it herself?" yowled Beechwhisker.
"Valid question. Because Scratchface intends to attract TallClan, if he hasn't already."
"And that's our problem?" shouted Beechwhisker.
"Of course it's our problem," said Skypaw, her fur starting to bristle. "The warrior code says all Clans must come together when one's in trouble. Losing one Clan would destroy all Clans!"
Yellowstar nodded warmly at the little she-cat. "Skypaw is exactly right. Still, I've been hesitant to involve FireClan. Our numbers are low-lower than they have been since the last great greencough outbreak. But it seems Scratchface isn't going to wait for FireClan to recover from our losses before we must make a choice. You know the facts by now: Scratchface does not have nine lives. Weaselclaw does. She made a mistake in stepping down; now she's willing to rectify it. BlackClan scent was found on TallClan territory, and their border markers with our Clan have been neglected. I'll put it to a vote. All those in favor of helping BlackClan, stand by the elder's den. All those against, go stand by the medicine den."
Skypaw was the first to move, going straight for the elder's den. Beechwhisker grumbled and made her way across the clearing with Oaktree in tow. When a dejected-looking Acorntail followed his apprentice, his parents, Rabbitleap and Birchnose, sat down next to him. Thrushflight and Redpoppy went to the elder's den, each carrying one of their kits by the nape. Jaggedclaw went to the medicine den with his apprentice; Freezepaw went to the elder's den while his mentor stayed in the medicine den; Paletuft and Fallensnow met the others at the elder's den. Dapplecreek, finally, took a spot next to Redpoppy.
"So it's decided," Yellowstar mewed. "FireClan will help BlackClan drive out Scratchface."
No one cheered; no one grumbled; the cats just nodded and reassembled by the Highledge. "Paletuft, I'll leave you to reorganize patrols. I want everyone to rest and eat this evening. May the Ageless Ones guide you."
The Clan murmured their response. I know they're all exhausted, thought Yellowstar, but all this stress has made me restless. She paced around the Highledge base, thinking. I'll have to send someone to sneak into BlackClan, right? Or shall I make up a pretense to visit Scratchface, then covertly get a message to Weaselclaw, or at least Sunsplash? Will Scratchface smell the ruse? His ambushes weren't exactly clever. They took us by surprise, but we beat him each time. He's ambitious, insecure… Perhaps if I treat him like a proper leader, it will flatter him enough to let his guard down. I'll need strong warriors with me. Not too many, or it'll look like an attack. And an apprentice to run back for help if the unthinkable happens. Maybe I'll say we need herbs? Even Scratchface wouldn't dare attack a medicine cat on a friendly meeting, would he? But then we'll look weak. It'll be an invitation to attack. Maybe I could use that to our advantage; bait him into an attack while we lie in wait. Then Weaselclaw's cats can ambush him mid-fight… No. Wait, I think I've got it-but that's risky-it's important to get Weaselclaw and Sunsplash's kits here before any fighting starts, though, so maybe-
"Yellowstar?" Paletuft looked like she was waiting for a response.
"What?" The yellow tabby she-cat shook her head to clear it. "What was that?"
"I said, do you want to come hunting with me? You look like you could use some time out of camp."
Yellowstar nodded curtly. "Lead the way, Paletuft."
"Actually, I'm leading the patrol." Downtail padded up, his green eyes unreadable. "I thought we'd try the beech copse."
"Good idea." Yellowstar swallowed hard. I guess I can't avoid him forever. She followed the fluffy-tailed tom out of Clan camp, silently thanking StarClan that Fallensnow wasn't there, too. This will be awkward enough with the three of us.