I slowly picked some of the fleas off of my tangled fur. I rubbed some ointment onto my fur, which the AncientClaws claimed works against fleas. I figured that after a lot of fleas had gotten into my pelt, Firestorm and Lightningstruck did not want any. Snowstorm was off hunting by the large Dragon Maw Caves. I glanced out my sleeping cave.
I incredously stared and saw messenger AncientClaws from all the other four tribes. As AncientClaws were too old to fight and only healed wounded or injured cats from their tribes, they were often sent as peaceful messengers to send messages to other tribes. They all appeared to bickering among each other, waiting for Queen Snowpaw to invite them into the small base. Queen Snowpaw led them into a larger cave reserved only for messenger AncientClaws.
"Do you come as a group or as individuals?" Queen Snowpaw asked, suspiciously.
"Individuals," They all grumbled. That was the last I heard as they ducked into the cave. Luckily for me, near the entrance of the cave opening had some large bushes and shrubs. I quickly glanced around, making sure no one was looking, and darted for the bushes. I crouched down, using my keen hearing to overhear the conversation.
A large group had gathered around the entrance, so Queen Snowpaw quickly dashed out and told everyone to make themselves useful. The group looked disgruntled but agreed.
"So, what gives me the pleasure of greeting you today?" Queen Snowpaw's voice betrayed her true feelings, which did not match her voice. "Splash, go first."
"King Seaweed told me to relay this message to the StormClaws that we declare war on all tribes, and have an allegiance with the StormClaws."
"What about you, Moltenfire?"
"We declare war on the other three tribes as well, but would like an ally in the StormClaws."
I could imagine all those cats glaring at each other, and Queen Snowpaw with an exhausted look on her face.
"The democracy has decided to wage war on all three tribes, but would love an ally as the StormClaws."
"Queen Vinetail and the Council has decided to battle with everyone, but alliance with the StormClaws."
"Is there any way possible to remain neutral?" Queen Snowpaw asked, undoubtly wondering how to have an ally with all the prides fighting each other.
"No," They all replied in unison.
"May I ask why all of you want an alliance with the StormClaws and war on everyone else?" Queen Snowpaw asked carefully.
"King Seaweed saw a very piwerful force which he will not describe," one answered. "That is what the force said to do."
Another cat piped up. "So did Queen Vinetail, except our force would be way more powerful than anyone elses'."
A uproar started, until Queen Snowpaw finnaly calmed everyone down. "May the StormClaws think about it for awhile? And is there anything else I should know?"
"Yes. Our force said to have Firestorm, Lightningstruck, and, from your tribe, Snowstorm and Moonbeam, imprisoned in the PulseClaw prison."
"So did ours, stating that it has to be the PulseClaw's."
"And ours."
"And ours."
I was terribly shaken. Then it all clicked. Firestorm and Lightningstruck had been specifically singled out, but why Snowstorm and I? I had to get this news back to everyone, but I wanted to stay to see if there was anyway possible to prevent all out war.
"Moonbeam and Snowstorm are loyal StormClaw trainees, and anyways, what do you want with trainees, not even FighterClaws? Why should we turn them over?" the Queen stood up for us.
"Otherwise all the tribes will invade together StormClaw territory."
Silence hung in the air. "We will give you until the day after the next to choose a side, but you must immediately allow us to search for the two StormClaws."
"Can I have a word with some advisors? You may relax in the AncientClaw caves." Queen Snowpaw led them out. Queen Snowpaw quickly returned, and before I had time to react, called me out of the bushes. I climbed out.
Queen Snowpaw led me to a secluded area behind the camp.
"I know you to well, Moonbeam. I know you were listening. I honestly don't want you captured. You need to get word to Snowstorm, and flee over the Far Border. Where is she?"
"Hunting by Dragon's Maw."
"Get over there immediately, and get Snowstorm and run. I claim you must have overheard, and fled. Which is the truth," Queen Snowpaw glared. "I don't want you to leave, but I don't want you captured either. Go towards the mountains, and once this war is over, return. Best of luck to both of you, and, protect Snowstorm. She- , well that is another story. Good luck!" Queen Snowpaw left quickly. No time like the present I thought as I started to run faster than I had ever before.