Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 30

The GlacierClan camp was silent as dawn broke, the first lights creeping over the horizon. Every face was tense, every breath held. Cats from both DawnClan and GlacierClan formed a half-circle around Dusk, whose amber eyes gleamed with a mix of nervousness and determination as they stood before the gathered warriors.

Emberstar, tall and composed with his warm gaze steady, exchanged a glance with Sparrowstar. The two leaders seemed to share an unspoken understanding that this would be a battle unlike any they'd faced before. Poppypool stood between them, her gaze on Dusk, willing strength into the young rogue as they began to speak.

"Alright," Dusk said, clearing their throat. Their voice wavered slightly at first, but grew steadier as they continued. "The rogue camp is nestled between two large pine trees and some dense brush. They've posted guards at the entrance and at the back, though they swap places regularly to keep fresh eyes on each position."

Dusk raised a paw to point in the direction of the rogue camp. "At dawn and dusk, they switch out for a new set of guards, and that's when their camp is at its most vulnerable. The hunting patrols will be out around then as well, stretching their numbers even thinner." They met the eyes of the assembled cats. "That's when you should attack."

Sparrowstar nodded thoughtfully. "How many guards do they usually have posted?"

"Usually two at the entrance and one at the back," Dusk replied, then hesitated. "But the ones posted at the entrance are some of their best fighters– Ridge and Vine."

The names drew a tense silence from the crowd, and several cats exchanged uneasy glances. Ridge was a rogue known for her ruthless precision in battle, and Vine was infamous for her cruel taunts and sadistic attacks. Poppypool noticed Newtflake's fur bristling at the mention of Vine, his eyes narrowing with unspoken anger.

Emberstar spoke up, his tone calm but understanding. "We'll need a clear plan to deal with Ridge and Vine. We can't let them hold us up at the entrance– they'll need to be dealt with quickly if we're to reach the heart of the camp."

"Agreed," Sparrowstar replied, glancing to Poppypool and Hickorytree. "Hickorytree, Poppypool, I want you with Dusk leading the strike from the back. If we can create enough chaos within the camp while the entrance is overwhelmed, we'll throw them off balance."

Poppypool nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. "We'll handle it, Sparrowstar," she said firmly, exchanging a look with Hickorytree. Dusk gave her a tense smile, nodding as they drew comfort from the support around them.

Sunnyshine spoke up, her voice calm but steady. "We'll be bringing as many supplies as we can manage here to treat injuries, but if you're hurt– don't push yourself. Get to us."

Poppypool dipped her head to the DawnClan medicine cats. "Thank you, Sunnyshine. With all of us together, we have a chance to end this."

Emberstar took a deep breath and looked across the faces of both Clans. "Remember: we fight to kill, not just injure. These rogues have left us no other choice. They've killed Clanmates, taken a kit, and destroyed GlacierClan's camp. If they stand in your way– strike them down."

Hickorytree lifted his chin, his voice strong and resolute. "The safety of our Clans depends on this. We can't show them mercy."

Dusk's eyes dropped to the ground, and their voice was barely a whisper. "I know... I know it's hard to think this way. But they won't hesitate to kill any of you."

Poppypool reached over, placing her tail on Dusk's shoulder in silent support. "You've given us everything we need to make this work, Dusk. Without you, we'd be fighting blind."