Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 27

As the pale light of dawn crept over the GlacierClan camp, Poppypool found Hickorytree near the camp entrance, his gaze trained on the warriors gathering for the morning patrol. She took a steadying breath, willing herself to stay calm. There was too much at stake to let nerves get in the way.

"Hickorytree," she called softly, stepping up beside him.

He turned, eyebrows raised, noticing the intensity in her expression. "What is it, Poppypool? Is everything okay?"

She glanced at the small group of cats, most of them stretching and murmuring in a low voice. "I don't think it's a good idea to send them to the upperlands today."

Hickorytree's eyes sharpened, studying her closely. "Why do you say that?"

She hesitated, measuring her words. Telling him about Pikedive's late-night rendezvous felt too risky and too soon, but she had to warn him somehow. "I... I have a feeling the rogues might be lingering in that area, watching and waiting for us to come close." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I think they'll try to catch the patrol off-guard."

Hickorytree's tail flicked, his expression darkening. He looked out over the gathered warriors, assessing how many of the cats he'd might not see alive if the patrol went their scheduled route. "You know, I was thinking the same thing. Something hasn't felt right, and the rogues seem to always be anticipating our next move. We can't afford to take any unnecessary risks."

Relief washed over Poppypool, and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thank you, Hickorytree. Truly. I know this might sound strange, but..." She shook her head, stopping short of explaining her encounter with Pikedive. Instead, she met his gaze with unwavering conviction. "It just doesn't feel safe out there today."

Hickorytree gave a firm nod, his amber eyes flickering with appreciation. "You may have saved some lives today, Poppypool. Sometimes, following instinct is just as important as any plan." He glanced over at the warriors and lifted his voice. "Today, we'll be staying away from the highlands. The patrol's going toward the Gathering Hollow instead- keep your guard up all the same."

The warriors nodded, some of them casting curious glances at Poppypool. She ducked her head slightly, but Hickorytree leaned closer to her.

"Poppypool," he said softly, "I know you've had a difficult time lately, but remember, the Clan needs you. And so do I." He gave her a reassuring flick of his tail. "Your instincts and knowledge are invaluable to us."

She blinked, surprised and touched by his words. "Thank you, Hickorytree," she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. "I won't let the Clan down. I'll keep trusting my instincts."

With a warm nod, Hickorytree gave her shoulder a light press with his muzzle before he turned to join the patrol. As she watched them go, the tension in her chest eased, her heart filled with a warmth she hadn't felt in moons. Today, for the first time in a while, she felt like her actions had made a good difference.

Hickorytree had given her trust, and with that small gesture, she found a spark of renewed purpose. Watching him lead the patrol in the opposite direction, she silenetly promised to keep her Clan safe- whatever it took.

*****

Poppypool paced by the nursery, glancing at the entrance every few moments. The sounds from within were muffled, but she could make out Newtflake's soft voice and Tawnyheart's muffled responses. She had sent him in alone, trusting that he'd manage, but the anxiety gnawed at her, and she wished he'd emerge with news soon. She barely noticed Hawkflight approaching until his shadow stretched beside her.

"You're just going to let Newtflake do this alone?" Hawkflight's voice was flat, with a hint of something colder.

Poppypool's ears flicked, but she kept her gaze on the nursery. "Yes. He's capable. We've been over every scenario together, and he knows what to do."

Hawkflight gave a dismissive scoff. "He's just an apprentice, Poppypool. Doesn't matter how well you've trained him- what if something goes wrong?"

She finally turned to face him, irritation sparking in her eyes. "Why do you always doubt me, Hawkflight? Do you think I'd leave him alone if I thought he couldn't handle it?"

Hawkflight's tail flicked, and he glanced away, jaw clenched. "Maybe I doubt that you know what's best for everyone. You've made some... questionable choices before, haven't you?"

"My choices are my own," Poppypool snapped, her temper flaring. "They're not the choices of my apprentice, and you're a fool to doubt his skills when he's been training longer than you ever did." Poppypool's claws dug into the dirt, but she forced herself to take a breath. "And yet, here I am, still trying to make things right," she muttered, her voice low. "Unlike some cats who would rather throw stones than consider why I did what I did."

Hawkflight's gaze narrowed as he looked back at her, a muscle in his jaw tightening. "This isn't about you and your mistakes. It's about our Clan, and these kits that Tawnyheart's bringing into it. Aren't you even a little curious about who their father is? Or are you too focused on your own problems?"

Poppypool's eyes narrowed, her patience fraying. "Of course I'm curious. I care about those kits just as much as anyone. I'm only trying to keep my focus where it should be- on helping and healing." She paused, searching his face. "What about you, Hawkflight? Why do you even care so much?"

Hawkflight's gaze hardened, his voice quieter but still laced with tension. "Because those kits deserve to know who they are, who their father is. If he's from outside the Clan, he needs to step forward or leave Tawnyheart alone. She's got enough to handle without anyone abandoning her."

Poppypool felt a pang at his words, sensing something unsaid. "Maybe Tawnyheart chose to keep it to herself for a reason, Hawkflight. And maybe that's something we should respect. These kits... they'll have enough to deal with without our Clan piling on questions about where their father came from."

Hawkflight's shoulders dropped a fraction, but he looked away, voice quieter. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just another mess waiting to happen."

Just then, Newtflake emerged from the nursery, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and relief. "They're all healthy," he said, sounding tired but triumphant. "Two kits- a son and a daughter. Tawnyheart is resting."

Poppypool allowed a smile, nodding to Newtflake. "Well done, Newtflake. I knew you'd pull through."

Newtflake ducked his head, relief flashing across his face, and disappeared back inside.

Beside her, Hawkflight shifted his paws, but he didn't make any move toward the nursery. After a tense silence, he muttered, "I suppose we'll meet them soon enough."

"Yes, we will," Poppypool replied quietly. "And whatever their past is, they're here now. Part of our Clan, no matter where they came from."

Hawkflight gave a noncommittal grunt, his face unreadable, and they fell silent, both staring at the nursery entrance. Even with all that had happened between them, they shared a moment of silent resolve. The kits inside were here to stay, and nothing could change that now.