The Silent Thaw/Chapter 4

Chapter description

 * Needlepaw becomes annoyed with Rootpaw, who can't focus at the Gathering. He gazes at the clearing, noticing the cats from every Clan speaking to on another. Rootpaw wonder whether Bramblestar's ghost will come tonight, and notes that it has been bothering him for a half-moon now. He is scared of it, but is nudged out of his thoughts by Needlepaw. Rootpaw declines Needlepaw's offer of going to chat with the other apprentices, which leads her to think he's waiting for Bristlefrost. He protests that she is not his mate, and his sister leaves.


 * Rootpaw greets Bristlefrost, and the idly chat. However, she seems distracted and wishes to catch Bramblestar's announcement of her siblings' warrior names. Bristlefrost leaves, and he feels unsatisfied with the conversation. He goes to find his family, and sits with them when Tigerstar starts the meeting. Shadowsight's new name is announced, as are Thriftear and Flipclaw's. Bramblestar's ghost appears during Bramblestar's announcement, which confuses Rootpaw. He becomes distracted, and gets scolded by Violetshine for idly gazing around the clearing.


 * Harestar has Kestrelflight report on what the medicine cats have recently heard from the Moonpool, which is silence. The cats now learn the ice was not the issue stopping communication, and theorize on what it is now. Bramblestar brings up that codebreakers could be the issue preventing communication, and Rootpaw isn't fond of the notion. He sees the ghost appear, and notices that the ghost is furious with the cat on the rock's proclamations.


 * Cats begin to argue loudly, with Bramblestar continuing to insist on code-following. The ghost stares straight at Rootpaw, and he bolts away from it and over the tree-bridge. It begs for help, but he panics and falls off the bridge. Rootpaw is able to save himself from the water, and Needlepaw is worried for him. He stays with his family as they leave the Gathering, wondering about the ghost. Rootpaw resolves to talk to the ghost, because ignoring it is not working.