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"See? I told you I'd keep my promise! You didn't let the death of your mother distract you from your loyalty to the Clan. You chose to save your Clanmates over her! And now you're deputy. I told you I'd reward you! Never underestimate my power!"
Below contains in-depth information for chapter thirty-two of Crookedstar's Promise. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.
Hailstar's announcement causes a stir in RiverClan; while several cats are supportive of Crookedjaw, others question his inexperience since he's only fought in one battle. Oakheart and Shellheart are pleased for their kin, and Willowbreeze encourages him to accept Hailstar's offer. Crookedjaw is overjoyed; he detects Mapleshade's scent in the air and suspects the squirrel was indeed a sign from StarClan. However, as he approaches Hailstar's den, Crookedjaw overhears Brambleberry warning Hailstar that the omen wasn't from StarClan. He barges into the den to confront her, but Brambleberry insists things will go well if he makes the right choices. After she leaves, Crookedjaw accepts Hailstar's offer to become deputy. In the camp clearing, Hailstar performs Shellheart's elder ceremony, wishing him moons of plentiful rest. After the Clan cheers Shellheart's name, Hailstar officially names Crookedjaw his new deputy.
That night, Mapleshade appears in Crookedjaw's dream, pleased that she's kept her end of the promise by helping him become deputy. He asks if she sent the omen, but Mapleshade instead insists he needs to meet someone. Crookedjaw expects it to be Rainflower, but Mapleshade instead brings him to Thistleclaw and Silverhawk. The two resume their training session, but Crookedjaw is shocked when Silverhawk draws blood and nearly kills Thistleclaw. His apprentice requests to learn the death blow, and Crookedjaw is horrified that he's encouraged to learn such deadly moves in StarClan. However, Thistleclaw and Silverhawk remark that this isn't StarClan but the Dark Forest: where cats who are turned away from StarClan go when they die.
Crookedjaw's world shifts around him with this revelation. Horrified, he accuses Mapleshade of lying to him, but she insists he had assumed she was from StarClan on his own. Mapleshade reveals that she did place the omen since Hailstar wouldn't have named him deputy otherwise. Thistleclaw grumbles when Silverhawk's going to help him become ThunderClan's deputy, but Silverhawk slashes at him to keep quiet. When Crookedjaw attempts to back out from Mapleshade's promise by insisting he doesn't need any more training, Mapleshade darkly vows that he can never break free from his promise to her.
Shellheart, RiverClan thanks you for your loyalty and wisdom. You have never flinched from your duty or shown anything but courage. You've served your Clan well and we wish you peace and comfort in the elders' den. You have earned a long rest. […] I hope you will share your stories with all of us and with the kits yet to be born. We still have much to learn from you.
Crookedjaw. From this day forward you will be RiverClan's deputy. StarClan has given you its blessing, and I pray you live up to its hopes and to ours. I am on my ninth life. You are young to be so close to leadership. I pray that StarClan gives you all the strength and wisdom you'll need in the coming moons.
