Chapter 11: Visitors: Riverclan

The sun was halfway up the horizon when an unexpected pair of cats made an appearance. It was Leopardstar and Hawkfrost. Of all the cats who I could imagine visiting us because of this Guardian role, it was not them. Although, it likely was because of their suspicion of us that they decided to make the preemptive visit. It was a wise option, to assess the potential threat before it had any measure of political backing. That's what we were, a political threat, not something that could be solved with claws and teeth.

Leopardstar immediately made her opinion known as she approached. "I don't trust either of you any more than I would trust a rat, but Starclan also vouched for you. For that reason, and that reason only, I am willing to test you. From what you've told me, this Guardian position requires you to remain neutral. Thus, I present my challenge. Riverclan will attack Thunderclan the day after tomorrow for Sunningrocks. If you believe in this neutrality at all, you will not warn them."

Father actually flinched at the challenge. It was against his nature to not protect his clan against threats, but at the same time, this role was for the greater good of the forest. Trust needed to be established between the Guardian and the clans. Father bit his lip, and I saw a faint trickle of blood leave his muzzle. The look on Father's face, it was one of resignation.

"Fine. I will say nothing, but I can advise that aggravating any clan at this time leaves you more open to whatever the outside threat is." Father answered.

It was then that Hawkfrost cut in, accidentally making it clear that this whole test was his idea. "Ah, but we can deduce that at minimum that this threat is at least two moons out since this journey was hinted at being at least a moon long. Any ill will we garner can be quelled within that time. After all, we're all in this together."

What a biting bit of manipulation on Hawkfrost's part. It wasn't something Father could easily deflect. Father didn't have the trust from Leopardstar to sway her decision. Nor could he come up with a strong enough counter to Hawkfrost's statement. It was then that an idea seemed to occur to Father.

"If you're really going to occupy Sunningrocks, then I at least suggest taking them right after the Sunhigh patrol. Thunderclan's patrol schedule doesn't have them going over it again until late evening, but it's usually just two cats remarking. Though, near Sunningrocks is where some late evening hunts happen." Father stated, throwing me for a loop. Why would he volunteer such valuable information.

"Trying to buy my trust 'Guardian' or are you trying to lead me into a trap. It won't work either way." Leopardstar hissed back.

Father shook his head. "No lies. Having you take Sunningrocks at that time is the way to incur the least amount of damage to both clans. With only two patrollers, they'll have to retreat. Running a night raid is something Thunderclan does not do, so you'll have to hold the border for the least amount of time. Fewer cats will be hurt overall."

"Still trying to benefit Thunderclan?" Leopardstar baited.

"It's still neutrality of the outcome benefits both equally." Father replied with a level tone.

This back and forth between Leopardstar and Father would continue, but Hawkfrost signaled for me to follow him for our own discussion. Realizing that me refusing Hawkfrost could be seen as a lack of neutrality, I followed. We stopped not all that far away, still in line of sight but not close enough for us to be overheard without focus.

Hawkfrost began with his questions, but honestly it felt a bit more like an interrogation, where he might be tempted to skin me if I said something he didn't like. "So, Darkpaw." He mewed slowly, overenunciating the dark in my name. "I've been thinking about our last discussion, about why Smudgefoot chooses to be deputy over leader. After much consideration, I realize there is value in your words, but I still find it lacking. How can the ability to remain below notice possibly compare to the power to command all?"

I had to force myself to breathe. It felt like I was being stalked by a fox, but at the same time, I could just tell that Hawkfrost desperately wanted to understand. Maybe it was because he had many traits similar to the tyrant Tigerstar, but I could tell that he was seeking how Smudgefoot became so well respected that even Starclan saw a point in respecting him. I… I could work with that.

"Power…" I started, inadvertently pulling upon a part of myself that I scarcely knew I had. "Power in and of itself is a fallacy. If you seek power for the purpose of doing more, then you will find that the weakest are the ones allowed to do the most. Power is never free. It is something gained by binding yourself with restrictions. Even power through fear carries these same bindings. There is always a sacrifice needed to grow one's power, whether it be your ideals, your morals, or even your own body. You will find that despite any power you accrue, the weak ones will always hold sway. They not have much ability to demand things of you alone, but power elevates you above others, meaning more cats below you are willing to drag you back down. You'll have to make concessions to them, either through gifts or instilling fear. Fear is easier but riskier. It means that the clever and the desperate are more likely to strike at you. It is something requiring ruthless vigilance. Gifts, while technically harder to do, have longer lasting benefits, but at the same time, they raise expectations. To use a metaphor, power is swimming in a rapids. Go too far left, and you're smashed into rocks. Go too far right, and you'll find yourself against a cliff face, not painful but you'll have to claw your way out. Only by maintaining a careful balance will you reach the slower part of the river known as respect. Respect through fear or respect because they believe you act to better their lives."

Hawkfrost got close to my face, staring me down before asking one final question. "And what do you believe the biggest failing of Tigerstar's rule was?"

I met his eyes, refusing to flinch. "Honestly, he failed to take into account those beneath him. Sure, he managed to instill plenty of fear, but as is the weakness of fear, if a sliver of hope is presented, the desperate latch onto it. His 'Tigerclan' did not benefit from him in the slightest, so the weaker cats were willing to defy him and drag him down. Yes, those beneath you should fear your strength,but by also proving to be beneficial to them, they also seek to keep you elevated against threats to your power. Tigerstar stood alone raising his power as much as possible, so he died alone, ultimately dragged into the Darkforest by those he none too carefully trod upon."

Hawkfrost sat upright, seeming to genuinely be taking in my rant. "Fascinating. You've given me much to think about. It is a shame I won't get to talk to you further until this 'Journey' is concluded. I only have one piece of advice for you. Do not allow Feathertail to die. Her brother, who I know will butt his way into going, I could care less for. Starclan chose her, so Leopardstar will only accept her words upon returning. This alliance relies upon it… I can tell that you see me as an enemy, but if there is one thing I can guarantee, it is that I do not want to die. Failure means death, and I am none too willing to throw the fate of the forest upon an apprentice that does not know what is at stake. Do your job and we'll have no problems with each other." Hawkfrost commanded.

I mutely nodded under his threat. At that moment, Leopardstar signaled for Hawkfrost to follow.

"Until we meet again, Little Shadow" He mewed, trotting away as if we'd just had a pleasant conversation about gossip.

I measured my breathing, slowing my pounding heart. Father sat beside me immediately upon Riverclan's departure. "You handled that well my son. I was listening in. It was not right for Hawkfrost to threaten you, but at the same time, you will find in life that you'll have to deal with cats like that. You kept calm and swayed him towards a more peaceful path. He may still choose the path of violence. Sometimes we simply cannot change fate. Either way, I am proud of you. I believe you will be able to keep the journeying cats in check."

I replied by nuzzling against Father with a grateful purr. He always knew how to bolster my inner strength.