Paleclaw Speaks to the King

Paleclaw entered his cousin's den.
"King," he called into the gloom as he came in. He knew the King (a name that Paleclaw didn't care for referring to him as) was near, just blending with the shadows as his black pelt allowed him to do.
"I've told them. They know. They're packing. What was it you wanted to tell me?"
Paleclaw could guess - diplomacy, what to do when he went to the City, what to tell the Chancellor...that sort of thing.

"Don't act stupid, Paleclaw. It's beneath you." Scourge basked in being able to snap at his cousin. "We've lost contact with CityClan these past years," he changed the subject as though he hadn't snapped at the Warrior. "There's no telling how much they've changed over the years. You'll have to be very...diplomatic."

"And if diplomacy isn't enough? If...If, I'm not enough?" Paleclaw felt as though his cousin was turning the conversation so Paleclaw had to insult himself on some level.
Of course, it was probably in his head, but still.
He's a clever bastard, him.

"You won't be alone. Snarlgag and Terra will be with you. Snarlgag is well spoken, and Terra is from CityClan, ideal for the role; and she is no shy thing when it comes to 'aggressive negotiations.' " Scourge waved his tail. "The current Chancellor should know what we're capable of. If he doesn't listen, use your words - and your company - wisely."
The black tom nodded, blinking his icy eyes in a strange way.
"And you'll be bringing a message, aside from that. Something to show the denizens of CityClan that this is a new era of hope for our united Clans..." He looked at his cousin. "I will be telling this to AbyssClan soon enough - you will not be here to hear it. Tell them all that, the role of a Servant is no longer mandatory, and Servants will only be loyal to one if they so choose. It will not be only she-cats, and Servants will become respected. They will, know many things - reading, drawing, fighting, hunting, herbs - and will be able to help everyone. Cats can join the Circle and learn our history (though they must know fighting and hunting first); any cat strong enough, male or female, may become a Warrior and have a Choosing, and so on." He flicked his tail. "It will be a new age for AbyssClan and CityClan." His eyes narrowed. "They will reaffirm their position with us."
He flicked his tail dismissively. "That is all."

Paleclaw narrowed his eyes. This meant he'd be the one to tell the two that were coming with him what to do, and he'd be the one to fill them in.
And they didn't like him.
Brilliant. What's Sinface trying to do? The pale tom dipped his head respectfully, though he was gritting his teeth.
A new age for AbyssClan... He didn't like it, but his cousin was the King. It wasn't as though he had a choice.
He turned and left the den.
Terra is a newcomer, he growled to himself. She'll probably side with her original Clan, not help AbyssClan...What's the King trying to do?

"Oh, and Paleclaw? Don't leave the City until you reach the favored outcome."
The King watched the Warrior leave.
He had a plan, of course. With Snarlgag and Terra there with him, it would strengthen the bonds between the brains, the brawn, and the new addition. But only if the outcome of this venture was the 'desired' outcome.
The tom shifted in his seat and rolled his shoulders, thinking about MudBloodClan, Falsecall, his father, and Scourge.
Dark thoughts indeed.