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"I won't be thwarted. You saved my life, and because of that, you have ensured my success. Because once I'm back to full health, I'll be able to bend any cat to my will..."
The following content contains major spoilers for the true identity of Bramblestar's impostor. Please proceed at your own discretion.
"You've got nothing to be sorry for. You were amazing tonight. I don't know what you saw, but you looked terrified. You saw it through, though. You're the braved cat I know. I'm proud of you."
Below contains in-depth information for chapter seventeen of Darkness Within. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.
Rootspring is nervous as he watches Harestar and his patrol of WindClancats arrive at SkyClan'scamp. He spares a glance around camp, spotting the other leaders greet the newcomer, but searches mainly for Bristlefrost. He spots her behind Moon, offering him some much needed reassurance. Beside him, Sunrise and the other Sisters begin their ceremony, their voices raising into a song. They begin chanting, and as they do, Rootspring feels the wind pick up as he attempts to ground himself and feel the earth. Around him he sees the ghosts, filling the clearing and camp. However, he sees the Sisters shift uneasily as it becomes apparent something is wrong. Tree's voice calls out above the others, wailing in terror. The younger tom realizes why his father is so afraid as he notices the ghosts before him look like they're in pain. One pelt stands out to him, and Rootspring notices it is Stemleaf. He attempts to ask the former ThunderClanwarrior, but the ghosts continue to hiss as their pain turns to anger. All around the camp, the Sisters are in alarm as Squirrelflight asks if Bramblestar has appeared yet. Rootspring tells her that he has not as he continues staring at the gathered spirits in disbelief. He notices Spiresight and again tries communicating, but is given nothing but a piercing wail in return.
Bristlefrost attempts to push through the crowded cats to Rootspring, but Moon holds her back, telling her something is dreadfully wrong. The gray Sister states that it is clear the ghosts want to harm the Clan cats. At this, a few warriors alike prepare themselves for a fight as the Sisters decide to send them back. Alarm shoots through Rootspring as he calls out that Bramblestar has not been seen yet, but it is too late as the ghosts are sent back to the hills and valleys. Before the spirits all vanish, however, Rootspring spots one cat among them that is not in clear pain and wonders if that is Ashfur. As the chanting comes to an end, Bristlefrost asks Rootspring if he's alright but he tells her that the spirits are still beside the lake. The Sisters all agree that the ghosts were angry and that is something they had never seen before.
As the Sisters talk amongst themselves about what they had seen, Rootspring voices that he thinks he had seen Ashfur. At this, the Clan leaders approach him as the yellow tom details to them what he had seen. Tigerstar states that it is possible for Ashfur to leave Bramblestar's body, as Alderheart counters that Shadowsight had only seen that in a vision. The tabby leader adds that when Ashfur leaves the body, he appears to be sleeping as he realizes that that is all the dark warrior was doing lately. Rootspring proposes that he may be the cause of the other ghosts' suffering, as the Sisters tell the Clan leaders that they should leave the territory for their safety. Leafstar and Tigerstar make it clear no Clan will be leaving the territories. Around them, the rain and wind pick up as the ceremony comes to an end and RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan depart. Leafstar offers shelter to the Sisters, and the ThunderClan patrol, especially after the Sisters offer to stay close in case anything further happens with the malicious ghosts. Leafstar and Squirrelflight briefly exchange words as the ThunderClan leader thanks Rootspring for his efforts. Rootspring approaches Bristlefrost and apologizes to her, as it becomes clear that they ca not reach Bramblestar. The warrior is shocked by his words, as she tells him she's proud of him, and that he is the bravest cat she's met as she saw his reaction to the summoning. Her words offer comfort to the young tom as he feels less frightened of the ghosts and finds the courage to face a forest full of them.
