Darkness Within/Chapter 18

"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.

"Only you can keep Bramblestar alive now."

— Ashfur to Shadowsight in Darkness Within, page 265

Darkness Within
Chapter number:	18 (of 25)
Page numbers:	255-265
Point of View:	Shadowsight
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter eighteen of Darkness Within. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 18 (of 25)

Page Numbers: 255-265

Chapter description

Shadowsight watches over Ashfur, concerned by the tom's recent deep sleeping patterns. He concludes it might be due to his injuries from Lionblaze's attack. Despite this, he doesn't wake the dark warrior, as he doesn't wish to talk with him due to his insistent questioning. However, Ashfur's words regarding getting Bramblestar remain at the front of his mind, knowing that despite his own personal hatred of the tom, Shadowsight has to protect him from the Clans. Outside of the hollow den, the gray tabby overhears the hushed voices of Tigerstar, Frecklewish, Alderheart, and Hawkwing. Shadowsight hides, to not get caught eavesdropping, but Tigerstar and the other cats approach to talk to Ashfur.

Tigerstar asks his son how long Ashfur has been asleep. Shadowsight explains he'd been sleeping all morning, as Tigerstar explains that Bramblestar hadn't been found but instead they'd learnt about other spirits, filled with anger that even the Sisters were put off by the display. Frecklewish adds that Ashfur was with them and was the only spirit not suffering. Shadowsight is confused by the claim, but realizes that Ashfur's state while resting seemed strange. Tigerstar wakes Ashfur harshly, demanding he answer their questions. Ashfur tells the leader he will answer them, and refutes that he hasn't left camp as he is being guarded constantly.

Both Tigerstar and Hawkwing remain firm with Rootspring and the Sisters's claims of seeing him, and Ashfur uses this to antagonize the SkyClan deputy. Ashfur remarks against Rootspring, and why the Clans would even trust the Sisters, given their history. The dark warrior makes comments about Hawkwing's kin, resulting in the dark gray tabby attacking him. Hawkwing lands a few blows, and Shadowsight watches as no other cat moves to help the impostor. He spots his father's claws unsheath and is shocked when the tabby lunges at Ashfur as well. Tigerstar once more demands Ashfur to reveal if he's left camp, but the tom refuses still. Shadowsight calls for enough, stepping in between the feuding toms. The gray tabby turns to his father and stops him mid blow. He resentfully stands up for Ashfur, reminding Tigerstar of his task to care for the dark warrior. With a dip of his head, Tigerstar and the others leave to allow Shadowsight to tend to Ashfur's wounds.

As he treats Ashfur, Shadowsight notices the tom's deep gasps and is fearful that he might die. However, his eyes flick open and stare at him helplessly. The dark warrior reminds him of the fact that the others are trying to kill him. Shadowsight says little in response, as he continues to point out the fact that even if the body dies, he cannot be stopped. The medicine cat attempts to block out the tom's words, but finds the task difficult due to the possibility of his words being true.

Characters

Major

• Shadowsight
• Ashfur

Minor

• Lizardtail
• Mallownose
• Alderheart
• Frecklewish
• Hawkwing
• Tigerstar

Mentioned

• Lionblaze
• Puddleshine
• Bramblestar
• Dovewing
• Tawnypelt
• Rootspring
• Tree
• Moonlight
• Violetshine