Warriors #2 - Attack of the Clones

Two Birds on a Wire

"Track down this bounty hunter, you must, Hazeldusk," Horizonstar growled.

The Council hall was dimly lit with yellow flames, making the shadows of the Dawnclan Masters flicker and enlarge.

"Most importantly, find out who he's working for."

"Wait, what about Senator Heathersun?" Hazeldusk asked.

"There have been two assassination attempts on one day, Master. Surely she would need protection?"

"Handle that, your Padawan will." Horizonstar rasped dismissively, narrowing his eyes when he caught Skypaw's smile.

"Skypaw, you will escort Senator Heathersun back to clan Mossflower." Amethystgaze meowed.

"She'll be safer there, and don't use registered birds." the deputy added when Skypaw stared at him questioningly.

"Travel as refugees."

"As the leader of the opposition, it will be very difficult to get Senator Heathersun to leave the Capital of Hearstring River." Skypaw retorted flatly.

"Until caught, this killer is, our judgment she must respect." Horizonstar rasped in a final sort of way.

"Skypaw, go to the senate and ask Chancellor Pebblepatch to speak with her about this matter." Mistmane, who was beside Amethystgaze suggested.

"Of course, Masters." Skypaw and Hazeldusk dipped their heads before padding out of the entrance.

"I will talk with her."

"Senator Heathersun will not refuse an executive order."

Pebblepatch mewed reassuringly to Skypaw, who was pacing around with a wild look in his eyes.

Had he been late even for a second, Heathersun would have been killed.

Skypaw shuddered at the thought, then shook his head when the haunting image of the withered grey she-cat rose in his mind.

He was not going to let this happen, not when he was around.

"Look, Skypaw, I know her well enough to assure you of that, alright?" Pebblepatch mewed again with a worried look in his gentle gaze.

"Thank you, your Excellency." Skypaw managed to choke out.

"And so, they've finally given you an assignment." Pebblepatch's mew became brighter.

"Your patience has paid off. Congratulations, my young friend."

"Your guidance more than my patience." Skypaw dipped his head.

Pebblepatch stared at him for a moment longer, then turned away.

"You don't need guidance, Skypaw."

"In time, you will learn to trust your feelings."

"Then, you will be invincible."

"But-" Skypaw started, then faltered when he glanced at the Kyberclaw scars etched into his skin.

Invincible?

How was he supposed to become that when he was treated like rotten prey among the other students, freaked out about his nightmares of Mistymoor, and always managed to make Amethystgaze give him punishments once a week?

"I have said it many times." Pebblepatch's mew cut into his thoughts.

"You are the most gifted Knight I have ever met."