Web of Lies

xiv

"Basically, your plan is to organize search parties and go into the Cave of Isolation. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" Gravelstar protested. "The Cave of Isolation is an ever-changing labyrinth, if someone goes in, they don't come out."

"I came out! I survived! If we have a group of warriors, with a way to find themselves back out, then not only will we find Coralstar easier, but we'll also divide the clan! A bunch of scared, nervous, cats in one area is a horrible idea, so why don't we split them up and find Coralstar at the same time?" Robinflight suggested.

"Your idea sucks, but it's the best we have. I think we should go with this," Reedspeck said. Quailfern and Willowberry nodded, looking over at Gravelstar.

"It's suicide, but, if, as you said, we have a navigation system," Gravelstar sighed. "Then Reedspeck is right. It's the best idea we have. I guess we'll go with that."

Robinflight beamed, glancing over to Willowberry for approval. Willowberry made eye contact for a second, then averted her gaze. Robinflight sighed, turning back to the small group of cats.

"Willowberry and I will organize search parties right away, Gravelstar. Right, Willowberry?" Robinflight said quickly, trying to get alone time with the snarky medicine cat.

"I think that's a good idea, Robinflight. Willowberry, you guys should get going, it'll be dark soon," Gravelstar agreed, looking over at Willowberry.

Willowberry opened her mouth, about to say something, then closed it after realizing she really had no choice. She sighed, clearly tired, then walked over to Robinflight.

"Alright. Let's go," She said, already walking out of the cave. Robinflight gave Gravelstar and Quailfern a quick smile before being dragged off by Willowbery. "I assume we'll be making an announcement?"

"Yep." Robinflight climbed up High Rock, slipping a bit at the top. Willowberry, however, stood a bit more gracefully, an aura of almost frightening confidence around her. "Hey, MossClan! We have an announcement!"

Robinflight caught Willowberry cringe at her informal announcement in the corner of her eye. She shook it off and turned to the crowd that was slowly forming. Cats stared up at her, confused at them being summoned for a clan announcement.

"As you may know," Robinflight began, glancing over at Willowberry for support. Willowberry didn't look back, instead staring out at the crowd with piercing eyes. "Coralstar has gone missing. So, our solution is search parties which will be searching in very dangerous places."

"Such places are the Cave of Isolation and other, more dangerous tunnels and caves. You may have heard of the Cave of Isolation, but if not, feel free to ask either me or Robinflight, or a cat that knows. Now, onto the requirements," Willowberry said, her voice cold and steady. It baffled Robinflight how Willowberry could hide her emotions behind a cold, stern, almost scary wall that blocked everyone out. Part of her wanted to stay far away from the wall, but another part wanted to break down the wall and give Willowberry the affection she was so desperately lacking. Platonic, she reassured herself. Platonic affection.

"Requirements?" Robinflight whispered to Willowberry. They hadn't spoken about this before.

"Just trust me," Willowberry whispered back, before turning to the crowd. She raised her voice as she spoke to the clan, commanding and loud. "The requirements for joining the search parties are: you must be a warrior, you must have at least 24 moons of experience, and you must be willing to risk your life, but trust me, death will not be a common occurence. So, if you are willing to join the search parties, please talk to Gravelstar and Quailfern, and they will organize the parties."