#turtlestone

“Once he’s out of the way, this territory is up for grabs,” Yewthroat said in a hushed voice. “Stay focused and stay subtle. He’s barely got a grip on the apprentices anymore.”

Two of the other three cats murmured their dissent, but only Frogjump actually spoke up. “What about the elders?”

“What about the elders?” Snowfang scoffed. “They’re too old to even hunt. We’ll be fine.”

“If you say so,” Frogjump muttered.

“Then let’s get moving,” said Spidercloud quietly. “The longer we’re out here talking, the quicker he is to suspect something. He’ll chase us off if he finds out.”

“Come on, then.” Yewthroat turned around and trotted off, followed by her little gang.

Darkpelt waited for their footsteps to disappear. She waited some more until she couldn’t smell them. Then she stood up, arched her back in a stretch, shook out a few leaves from her pelt, and padded off into the denser part of the woods, weaving around the trees within whisker-length.

Really, the youth of today made things ridiculously easy. It was like no one even cared to have some caution anymore.

She had expected at least a little bit of a challenge, given what the resident head had described to her – a group of rebellious warriors that were threatening to split up this slowly forming new family with lies and mental warfare – but this was just silly. Some punks barely out of apprenticeship with terrible, obvious plans that bore absolutely no threat. A total waste of her time, and all for a group that was bound to scatter once the living year came in and kits were born.

Then again, it wasn’t like she had anything better to do. It'd been a while since her last request had come in. The Territory was painfully peaceful these past few months. Though, she supposed that was because people like her were around, making sure it stayed that way, and all without being noticed, if they were worth their meat.

That was why they called her -pelt. Only a truly awful spy would be named for their job. A good one was unknown even to the deputies.

It only took a minute for her to catch wind of the tom she was looking for. She chirped a signal and, using her whiskers, guided herself into his underground den.

“Back again,” she said cheerily. She could hear his breath, which had the uneven tone of someone who had been disturbed from their thoughts.

The tom’s voice shifted as if he’d raised his head mid-speech. “Any news?”

Darkpelt’s ears swiveled back and forth carefully. When she heard no heartbeats or other breaths, she sat down and curled her thin tail around her paws, giving her solo audience a winning smile. “Your rabble-rousers have confirmed your suspicions, Turtlestone.”

“Ach.” Turtlestone’s voice almost touched the earth. There was a click of teeth, then he said, “Full report.”

“They’re a very dull-witted lot,” Darkpelt said. “They talked a big game about pushing you out with some bad rumors and rounding up everyone into an actual settlement to get even with Versant, not aware that every single one of them has plans of taking over and ruling alone.”

“And you gathered that last bit because…?”

“It was obvious.” Darkpelt blinked slowly and pointlessly. “They kept slipping up and implying to each other that they’re not in it as a team effort. The fact that none of them noticed is amazing. That Yewthroat chickadee is as close to a leader as they’ve got, and they hardly ever agree with her.”

“And their plan tonight?” Turtlestone growled.

“To try and edge out the elders and influence the apprentices.” Darkpelt lowered her head and voice with a delightful sense of secrecy. “Apparently they like the easy targets.”

“These little-“ Turtlestone said something that made Darkpelt’s smile broaden- “-ought to run with the Larrikins, they should.”

“They might have gotten kicked out of their ranks once they became warriors and tried to reintegrate into a civilized society.” Darkpelt tilted her head. Though she couldn’t see it, she was sure she had fixed the tom with a stare from her exceptionally wide eyes. “We’ve all got something to be ashamed of in our past, wouldn’t you say?”

Turtlestone shuffled with a discernable sense of discomfort. Darkpelt was pleased. She let the air linger a little before continuing.

“Anyway, they’ll be in the meadow to the south tonight,” she said. “You should probably get a move on and corner them before they can do any serious damage. I think the rest of this gaggle is laying around there. It’s Sel tomorrow, you know. Perfect time for relaxation.”

“I’ll get it handled,” Turtlestone growled. “I’ll need you to come with me and explain to everyone else.”

“Caaan do.” Darkpelt stood up and curled around, starting for the exit. “Let’s not waste any time.”

“Darkpelt-“

She stopped, one foot raised.

Turtlestone hesitated a little. “…How did you know about-“

Darkpelt craned her neck and head backwards as far as they would go to give him an upside-down grin. “You weren’t recommended my services for nothing.”