Darkness Within/Chapter 8

"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.

"The whole patrol seemed happy. Shadowsight hadn't known how much fun it was, being a warrior. He was used to working alone, gathering herbs or tending to sick Clanmates. His life as a medicine cat seemed suddenly solitary to this, especially now that he was only allowed to treat one patient."

— Shadowsight's thoughts about his Clanmates in Darkness Within, page 138

Darkness Within
Chapter number:	8 (of 25)
Page numbers:	127-142
Point of View:	Shadowsight
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 8 (of 25)

Page Numbers: 127-142

Chapter description

Shadowsight awakes in the medicine den, to find it empty. His frustration bubbles at the thought of Mothwing and Puddleshine acting in their roles, noting that before the pair had shared things with him. Now, he gets nothing and has little idea of the inner workings of the Clan as reflects on his current status. He heads for the herb storage to grab some in order to treat Ashfur's wounds. Mothwing catches him as he does, and reminds him he has to ask for herbs from either her or Puddleshine. She slides past him to check the storage as he leaves angrily. In the camp clearing, Shadowsight spots his Clanmates going about their daily duties and the two WindClan warriors, Breezepelt, and Sedgewhisker, standing outside the hollow den. As he approaches the den, he overhears them chattering and offers a polite greeting. At this, Shadowsight notices their curt tones with him and wonders if all the Clans blame him for Ashfur's appearance.

Inside the den, Ashfur greets with the demand for exercise. Shadowsight tells him to rest, but the spirit persists, noting the Clans won't keep him trapped forever. As they continue to talk, Ashfur asks after Squirrelflight and the medicine cat is shocked by this, wondering why after her clear betrayal. The spirit remains firm in his belief that Squirrelflight would return to talk with him and agree to leave the Clans with him. Shadowsight is alarmed by the statement as Ashfur adds that that way no cat would need to suffer. The tom goes on to compliment Shadowsight's skills as a medicine cat and questions what he will do once Bramblestar's body is healed, referencing his demotion. Shadowsight is made to question if his Clanmates would ever trust him again as Ashfur continues to question the young tom's future. He states that it isn't likely he'll become a warrior, having no training or the proper skills. Shadowsight defends himself as he argues against this, but Ashfur continues suggesting other routes. The gray tabby eventually ignores the spirit and leaves the den. As he does, Breezepelt and Sedgewhisker, unknowingly, continue pestering Shadowsight about his role and involvement with Ashfur. Sedgewhisker mentions that he had killed Bramblestar and Shadowsight is at a loss for words as he feels shameful. He wonders if that is what every cat thinks about him as he pads further into the camp clearing.

There, Lightleap confronts him, wondering if he is alright. She offers for him to join a hunting patrol with Blazefire, Hollowspring, and Gullswoop. Shadowsight numbly agrees, and the group soon leave camp to begin the hunt. While out, Lightleap teaches him the very basics as he tells her all he can do is scent for herbs. He makes an attempt to hunt, but to the amusement of the patrol, a bee buzzes by his ear and scares him. Hollowspring makes an off handed comment about the ruined hunt, but Lightleap defends her brother from the other warrior's comment about criticizing Tigerstar's kin. The comment stings Shadowsight as he is left wondering if his Clanmates all resent him and blame him for what has been happening to the Clans.

Characters

Major

• Shadowsight
• Ashfur

Minor

• Mothwing
• Scorchfur
• Snowbird
• Blazefire
• Berryheart
• Gullswoop
• Hollowspring
• Breezepelt
• Sedgewhisker
• Lightleap

Mentioned

• Puddleshine
• Bramblestar
• Squirrelflight
• Tree
• Tigerstar

Quotes

"If she agreed to leave with me, I wouldn't bother the Clans anymore. Then no cat would have to suffer."

―Ashfur to Shadowsight about Squirrelflight ^{Darkness Within, page 132}

Hollowspring: "I guess it's okay for some cats to ruin a hunt. I guess some cats can do whatever they like."

Lightleap: "What do you mean by that?"

^{Darkness Within, page 141}

Errors

• Gullswoop is mistakenly referred to as a tom.