Darkness Within/Cliffnotes

"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.

Contents

These notes reflect a bulleted list of major and minor events in Darkness Within that can be easily navigated. They are intended to serve as a reference for those looking for specific events in re-reading and book discussions and include links to the relevant chapter subpages further detailing each chapter's events.

Prologue

• Leafpool sits next to the pool in the heart of StarClan territory.
  • Firestar, Bluestar, and Tallstar sit beside her.
• The cats worry about StarClan and the Clans' future.
  • Leafpool asks if they think that without a connection to the living Clans, StarClan might fade away.
  • Firestar reassures her, but is hesitant himself.
  • Bluestar states that the Clans are warriors, and they are resourceful.
• Firestar angrily growls that they should've sent another cat.
  • Tallstar argues, saying that it doesn't matter, and that cats haven't respected the code.
  • Firestar asks if Tallstar thinks it's a coincidence that they sent this cat and now, they can't communicate with the Clans.
  • When Tallstar says nothing, Firestar says that they need to fix it, or the Clans could be lost forever.

Chapter 1

• Squirrelflight explains that she thinks Ashfur has returned in the form of Bramblestar's body as an impostor.
• Leafstar asks who Ashfur was, and this causes other cats to state what they had heard about his death, and his actions regarding Hollyleaf.
  • Leafstar argues that StarClan had accepted him, so he must have changed.
  • Lionblaze retorts that Ashfur was his mentor, and he doesn't foresee him changing.
• Squirrelflight explains how a living cat can enter the world of the dead, and vice versa, while Tree confirms that Squirrelflight had done it when Leafpool had died in a rockfall.
• The cats recap over what they know.
  • They state that someone is occupying Bramblestar's body, possibly Ashfur.
  • Breezepelt, along with others, accuse Squirrelflight because Ashfur had returned for her.
    • Jayfeather defends his leader, and after this, the leaders decide what they should do next.
• Squirrelflight states that she has a plan to execute.
• The acting ThunderClan leader pulls Bristlefrost aside to talk to her, as the young warrior had asked what advantage they would gain if they knew the identity of the cat acting as Bramblestar.
  • Squirrelflight tells her that StarClan wouldn't turn against them, and that they were once warriors, and they believe in loyalty.
• She tells Bristlefrost that she has to fix this problem, and make it right, blaming herself.
  • Bristlefrost admires her leader, but is doubtful that she can pull it off.

Chapter 2

• Shadowsight enters ShadowClan camp and notices the nervousness filtered throughout his Clanmates, despite everyone going about their daily tasks.
  • He eyes the hollow tree, pushing back his own feeling of terror, knowing that the impostor is being held there.
• The tom turns his attention back to the medicine den where Mothwing is.
  • Shadowsight asks after his father and is told he is with Dovewing.
• Shadowsight heads to Tigerstar's den and eavesdrops on his parents.
  • The pair discuss whether or not the impostor is really Ashfur and if Squirrelflight will succeed in outing him.
  • Tigerstar hears Shadowsight outside of the den and invites him in.
• The family then begin discussing the impostor further as Shadowsight reveals he is able to leave Bramblestar's body, and was the one that had attempted to kill him.
  • Cloverfoot appears, stating she is taking a border patrol out.
  • Both Tigerstar and Dovewing wish her luck, as Shadowsight realizes they are following Squirrelflight's plan.
• Cloverfoot later returns with her patrol with news of the other Clans arriving on ShadowClan territory.
  • Tigerstar and the other ShadowClan play along with the plot, pretending that the other Clans have come to kill the impostor.
• As a result, Sparrowtail and Scorchfur abandon their posts guarding the false Bramblestar.
  • Shadowsight remains with the impostor, alone.
  • The false Bramblestar makes small talk with the young medicine cat, unsettling him.
• Squirrelflight, however, appears to save the impostor from ShadowClan.
  • She makes him believe that she has truly come to save him and that her love for him is true.
  • From this, the impostor reveals himself to be Ashfur to her as he falls for the bait.
  • Ashfur admits to his crimes, most notably that he was the one who had attempted to kill Shadowsight.
• Tigerstar overhears him and attacks the tom viciously.
  • The leader is dragged away by the Clan deputies to stop him from killing Ashfur.
• Ashfur is gutted by Squirrelflight's betrayal as he vows the Clans will suffer from this.
  • He is taken back to the hollow tree by Crowfeather and Reedwhisker.
• The Clan leaders discuss their plan going forward.
  • Squirrelflight reminds them that the real Bramblestar will need his body returned to him.
  • Mistystar and Leafstar share unsure glances with each other.
  • Tigerstar states that their decision needs to be quick, and alludes to their solution being to kill Ashfur.
• Harestar and Mistystar reason with Tigerstar that they may need to continue to hold Ashfur prisoner until a concise decision can be made.
  • Tigerstar, however, remains adamant that the tom should be killed.
  • Squirrelflight opposes the opinion due to her mate's unknown status.
• Leafstar makes the call that Ashfur is to be kept alive as he won't be able to do much stuck in ShadowClan camp.
• Shadowsight remains apprehensive about the whole ordeal and his father's strong opinions on the manner.
  • He wonders if by killing Ashfur if the consequences be what the Clans need or will it make them suffer further.

Chapter 3

• SkyClan enters the clearing for the vigil.
  • Rootspring, Violetshine, Tree, and Sagenose talk about Sandynose's death and the battle with the impostor.
  • They wonder why any cat would fight for the impostor, but Palesky ends their argument, as the vigil was for forgiving.
  • Violetshine adds, saying that they should forgive and forget everything that the cats who fought for the impostor had done.
  • Sagenose states that he won't forget that Sandynose died for nothing, but Violetshine responds that he only has to forgive, as Sandynose will remain in their hearts for a long time.
• The leaders announce the start of the vigil.
  • They honor the fallen warriors, while the leaders forgive the warriors who fought for the impostor, worshipping the dead.
• The next morning, Rootspring and Bristlefrost talk about Spotfur and Stemleaf's death.
  • Bristlefrost admits that she expected to be more saddened by Stemleaf's death, as she had had a massive crush on him as an apprentice.
  • Rootspring recalls back to his crush as an apprentice, citing that he hadn't gotten over it yet.
  • They part ways.
• On the way back to camp, Rootspring and Tree come across a ghost named Cheddar.
  • Cheddar talks about how she has seen some spirits lately that fade in and out with scared expressions on their faces, possibly scared of StarClan.
  • She mentions the description of Sandynose among those spirits.
• Rootspring gets frustrated, thinking that he can't use his ghost-seeing powers to help if there are no ghosts around.

Chapter 4

• Bristlefrost is awoken by Thornclaw and Lionblaze arguing about ThunderClan's current situation.
  • Thornclaw states that Squirrelflight isn't a leader, but a deputy, and that Lionblaze is just happy because he's the current deputy.
  • Thornclaw says that he believes that the leaders since Firestar have been decided by kin, angering Lionblaze.
  • Squirrelflight joins the debate and asks what Thornclaw is arguing about.
  • Thornclaw states that ThunderClan should've questioned their leader earlier, and the whole Bramblestar situation could have been avoided.
  • Squirrelflight responds that ThunderClan needs to trust one another now of all times, but Thornclaw retorts that she didn't think that when she abandoned her Clan.
  • Squirrelflight, taken aback, defends herself, and Thornclaw mockingly states that they should support all her choices without question.
• Twigbranch hopes that they can get in touch with StarClan for advice, but Jayfeather responds that they couldn't be trying any harder, sarcastically asking if they should pull on StarClan's tails.
  • Snaptooth and Flipclaw openly express their frustration with their ancestors, causing the latter to suggest that they abandon the warrior code.
• Cats gasp in horror as Flipclaw explains his reasoning, as he believes that since StarClan has abandoned them, they should abandon StarClan's rules.
  • Lilyheart asks how he expects StarClan to return if they essentially become rogues.
  • Flipclaw defends himself.
• He states that he may need to take a break from being a warrior, and Snaptooth sides with him.
  • Flipclaw, Snaptooth, Thornclaw, Flywhisker, and Graystripe end up leaving ThunderClan on a wander after saying their goodbyes, the latter particularly causing grief to Squirrelflight and the rest of the Clan.
• After getting reassurance from Squirrelflight about ThunderClan's current situation, Bristlefrost and Thriftear help Spotfur lay down on a nest.
• Bristlefrost worries about ThunderClan's future after witnessing the argument, realizing the tenseness in her Clan.

Chapter 5

• Shadowsight and Mothwing argue over herb storage and how to treat Scorchfur's injury.
  • As a result, Cloverfoot sends them both to see Tigerstar.
• Mothwing brings her issues about Shadowsight's apprenticeship to Tigerstar.
  • She believes he earned his medicine cat name too early and that he is quite young to have it.
• Shadowsight tries to defend himself, pointing out that Puddleshine had also earned his name at a young age.
• However, the older medicine cat continues and states that the pretense around his name also seems dangerous.
  • Mothwing reminds him that he had earned his name after 'curing' Bramblestar, but in fact had killed the tom instead.
• Puddleshine joins the three cats and adds his own opinions.
  • Much to Shadowsight's shock, Puddleshine states he also has his doubts that he had confided to Mothwing.
• As a result, Tigerstar makes the decision to temporarily demote Shadowsight to apprentice duties and to tend to Ashfur's injuries.
• Begrudgingly, Shadowsight begins treating Ashfur.
  • While treating the tom, Ashfur questions Shadowsight and makes remarks about his status within the Clan.
  • Shadowsight becomes frustrated due to this, and asks why Ashfur had used him to get to Bramblestar.
  • The dark warrior bluntly reveals it was due to his age and inexperience.
  • But, Ashfur begins complimenting his skills and tells the young cat that he has natural talent that some medicine cats will never have.
• The words comfort Shadowsight as he feels his doubts lift by having someone believe in him.

Chapter 6

• Rootspring informs Leafstar of the encounter with Cheddar, and the lack of ghosts at the vigil.
  • Leafstar doesn't understand at first, but after realizing that the ghosts cannot reach StarClan and they should've appeared to Rootspring and Tree, decides that the other leaders need to know what is happening to their dead.
  • Rootspring reports to the other leaders.
• Tigerstar bluntly states to kill Ashfur again.
  • Squirrelflight protests, stating that Bramblestar deserves more time.
  • Rootspring supports this, stating that Bramblestar should deserve more time, like Squirrelflight.
  • Tree puts forth the idea that they should look towards the Sisters for advice, as the mysterious she-cats specialize in dealing with ghosts.
  • Kestrelflight and others object, arguing that the Sisters, as rogues, don't understand StarClan.
  • Tree retorts that the Clans were dealing with ghosts and spirits, not StarClan.
  • Harestar, Mistystar, and Tigerstar forbid the strange she-cats from setting paw on their land or even talking to their warriors.
  • Leafstar and Squirrelflight, having a better relationship with the Sisters, let the Sisters bypass these rules.
  • They decide that Rootspring, Needleclaw, Spotfur, and Bristlefrost will go on the expedition.
    • This excites Rootspring, as he thinks of the time he is going to spend with Bristlefrost.

Chapter 7

• Rootspring states that they should focus on finding a kittypet named Pancakes.
• The patrol sets up camp, and Rootspring and Needleclaw hunt while Bristlefrost and Spotfur check some Twoleg dens for Pancakes.
• The two ThunderClan she-cats get chased by a dog, and are narrowly saved by a Twoleg's yowl, distracting the creature.
  • Two kits appear, telling them that Spike, the dog, loves cats.
  • The kits reveal themselves as Eggs and Bacon, and they claim that they are Pancakes' kits, while Bristlefrost internally laughs at their names.
  • After some discussion, they inform the warriors that a loner named Leaf came, and they tell Bristlefrost and Spotfur about the direction Leaf came from, while also repeatedly ask the she-cats to play tag with them.
• Back at camp, Rootspring and Bristlefrost stay on the first night shift, the former disappointing Needleclaw.
  • Bristlefrost concedes that five cats left ThunderClan recently, and internally thinks that she is comforted by Rootspring's presence, somewhat blaming herself, while Rootspring offers his support.

Chapter 8

• Shadowsight leaves the medicine den to treat Ashfur.
  • Before he does, he goes to fetch herbs from the storage, but Mothwing catches him.
  • She gives him what he needs and states that if he needs herbs to ask either Puddleshine or herself.
• The exchange leaves Shadowsight angry, knowing that he had been taught differently to how Mothwing was showing him.
• As he enters the hollow tree, the tom offers Breezepelt and Sedgewhisker's small greeting but is given little in return.
• Inside with Ashfur, the dark warrior greets him a pleased expression.
  • Shadowsight assess how the tom is healing and notes he is making some progress.
• Ashfur makes an absent comment that he needs to exercise.
  • The medicine cat tells him he needs to rest to heal completely.
• Unsatisfied with the answer, Ashfur asks after any ThunderClan news, specifically about Squirrelflight.
  • He shares his thoughts that he believes Squirrelflight was faking her betrayal due to the Clans' involvement with the manner.
• The statement catches Shadowsight off-guard, wondering if the tom is in fact crazy.
• The conversation turns to Shadowsight's future within ShadowClan, as Ashfur questions the Clan's faith in the young medicine cat.
  • Shadowsight is put off by the comments as he tries to defend himself and his position.
• He leaves the hollow den and is questioned curiously by Breezepelt and Sedgewhisker as the two remark about his closeness with Ashfur.
  • The medicine cat leaves, unable to answer the WindClan warriors.
• Shadowsight finds himself watching his sister, Lightleap, and their Clanmates working in camp.
  • She notices his mood and offers to take him hunting with Blazefire, Hollowspring, and Gullswoop.
  • Despite Lightleap's reassurance, the other warriors seem less than enthusiastic to be joined by Shadowsight.
• While hunting, he attempts to follow what the others do, but to little success.
• Lightleap attempts to teach him some tips, but ultimately, Shadowsight humiliates himself.
  • Hollowspring makes a comment about Shadowsight's attempt and follows it up by saying it less smart to criticize Tigerstar's kin.
• Shadowsight remains unsure of himself, now left wondering if his Clanmates all resented him in someway.

Chapter 9

• Rootspring and the patrol smell dog, and head for a Twoleg den, while spotting a gray tom.
  • The tom saves them, and introduces himself as Leaf.
• Leaf figures out that Rootspring and Needleclaw are the Sisters' kin.
• He asks Spotfur if she is also kin.
  • Spotfur says no, and Leaf replies that that is a shame, pointing out that the she-cat was carrying kits.
  • After learning why the patrol needs the Sisters, Leaf offers to track the Sisters for them.
  • Needleclaw pulls Rootspring aside, voicing her disbelief of Leaf.
  • Leaf hears this, and tells them that he will find the Sisters, and give them directions, but not travel with them.
• Rootspring asks how he is able to do this.
  • Leaf replies that he has the Sisters blood, and can speak to the earth.
  • Rootspring and Leaf lie on the ground attempting to speak to the earth.
• Leaf is able to track the Sisters, while Rootspring and the patrol are awestruck.

Chapter 10

• Leaf and the patrol say goodbye after he tells them which way the Sisters' camp is.
• Bristlefrost admires Rootspring for his open-mindedness while conversing with the loner, and tells him this.
• Rootspring tells Bristlefrost that the two were kin, trying to demote the value of her compliment.
• Bristlefrost and Rootspring hunt together, while Needleclaw and Spotfur hunt alone.
  • They talk about the difference between the Sisters' ways and Clan ways.
• About to catch a rabbit, Bristlefrost hears a screech from Spotfur.
  • She sees Spotfur trying to catch a hawk.
  • The patrol saves her, but Spotfur is injured.
    • Bristlefrost talks to her, and learns that Spotfur doesn't want to have Stemleaf's kits.
• The patrol runs into Sunrise, a member of the Sisters.
  • They state that they had run into Leaf, and had learned that the Sisters were setting camp along the river.
  • They tell Sunrise that Leaf is doing alright, and are escorted into the Sisters' camp.

Chapter 11

• Shadowsight feels bad, despite his Clanmates sympathy, and he feels like he is no use to ShadowClan as he can't heal anymore.
• Shadowsight is informed by the ThunderClan warriors guarding Ashfur that the dark warrior hadn't woken up all day, and he starts to worry.
  • He wonders if the ThunderClan cats were jealous, as they had to guard a sleeping cat instead of resting for themselves.
  • He goes inside the den.
    • Ashfur gives him tips about hunting, while mocking what he can do for his Clan.
• Shadowsight leaves Ashfur.
• He goes to the half-moon meeting, and after waiting a while at the Moonpool, Jayfeather states that they need to get used to the idea that StarClan is gone.
  • Shadowsight describes what he saw when he ate deathberries, and the medicine cats discuss what Ashfur's connection is to the absence of StarClan.
• The medicine cats share what's happening in their Clans, and Fidgetflake shares that Nectarsong had given birth to Beekit and Beetlekit.
• Kestrelflight explains that he might take Whistlepaw as an apprentice.
  • Shadowsight brings up the point that without StarClan, they cannot know if StarClan approve of Whistlepaw.
  • Jayfeather agrees, surprising Shadowsight, stating that StarClan needs to approve of an apprentice before they train, as herbs in the wrong paws are dangerous. Jayfeather brings up Flipclaw's time as a medicine cat.

Chapter 12

• Rootspring scans the clearing, noting the similarities between himself and the Sisters.
• Needleclaw introduces why they are there, but Snow cuts her off, stating that the Clans' troubles are not their business.
  • Rootspring adds that a spirit has found their way inside a cat's body, and is causing havoc for the Clans.
• Snow questions why he did not move on.
  • Bristlefrost answers, stating that they can't find out, as they had lost contact with StarClan.
• Spotfur questions where the Sisters' ancestors go.
  • Snow replies that some of them hang around, but others disappear, going elsewhere.
• Snow then offers to treat Spotfur's injuries, but Spotfur rejects the offer.
• Rootspring states that they were hoping that the Sisters would be able to come help find Bramblestar's spirit.
  • Snow abruptly states that Sunshine is expecting kits, but Sunshine chimes that she can still travel.
• Tempest asks why they should help the Clans, as the Clans had driven them out when Moonlight was kitting.
• Furze blinks that the Clans didn't know that she was kitting, and they provided a home when they realized their mistake.
  • Moon adds that one of their queens took her in, giving them milk.
  • Furze retorts that if the Clans didn't kill Moonlight, Moon wouldn't have needed their milk.
  • Snow says that Moonlight was killed in a rockfall, Hawk adding that one of their campmates died as well.
• Sunrise darkly mutters that it might be good if Bramblestar is gone, explaining that she was injured once, and Bramblestar refused to let his medicine cats treat her.
• Moon suggests helping in exchange for something, like catmint, but Snow retorts that they will help out of honor if they help at all.
• Furze states that she would like to see SkyClan again, while Hawk adds that she would like to see Squirrelflight, as the ginger she-cat was as brave as a Sister.
• Rootspring nervously tells them of the Clans' boundaries, outraging the surrounding Sisters.
• After a brief pause, Moonlight appears.
  • Moonlight asks Rootspring if he is Tree's kit, stating that she is his mother.
• Turning back to Snow, Moonlight states that the Sisters should help the Clans, owing Squirrelflight and Leafpool that.
• Sunrise states that they don't respect them, but Moonlight asks if they are not curious about what's going on.
• The Sisters agree to go, and shortly after, they hold a ceremony, celebrating Spotfur and her unborn kits.

Chapter 13

• In the Sisters camp, Snow pads up to Rootspring, telling him that she enjoyed hunting with him, stating that Tree taught him well.
  • This confuses Rootspring, causing him to explain the mentor system in the Clans.
• Surprised, Snow excuses herself and goes to the prey-pile.
• Sunrise spots Bristlefrost showing affection to Rootspring, and points it out.
  • Bristlefrost argues, stating that they are just friends.
    • Needleclaw adds that they can only be friends.
    • She explains how the warrior code forbids them from mating with cats from different Clans.
    • Surrounding Sisters express their opinions.
    • An argument follows, and Spotfur points out half-Clan couples, stating that there are cats who mate with others from different Clans.
    • Bristlefrost thinks about those couples, but convinces herself to stop thinking about that.
• The next morning, the Clan cats follow the Sisters on their way through Twolegplace.

Chapter 14

• Shadowsight watches Mothwing with frustration as she checks over the herb storage.
  • Yarrowleaf has whitecough and has been sleeping the medicine den.
  • Shadowsight feels bad for her, despite being kept up the previous night due to her coughing, but isn't allowed to help.
  • He remains frustrated as Mothwing and Puddleshine can't decide how to treat her cough.
• Instead, he decides to treat Ashfur and heads to visit the dark warrior.
  • However, he notices only one ThunderClan cat guarding the den and becomes nervous.
• Thriftear attempts to block him, but fails as Shadowsight finds Lionblaze fighting Ashfur.
  • The two cats each throw threats at each other as the deputy attacks the dark warrior.
  • Shadowsight steps in-between the two to stop the fight despite Lionblaze's harsh comments towards him.
• The ShadowClan cat notices that no other cat had stepped forward to help.
  • But he knows it was due to the cat in danger being Ashfur.
• Ashfur thanks Shadowsight, but the tom snaps saying he did it for Bramblestar.
• Tigerstar berates Lionblaze for his actions and sends him back to ThunderClan with a warning for Squirrelflight.
  • The ShadowClan leader praises his son for stepping in and stopping the fight.
  • Shadowsight begs to be allowed to return to his full duties.
  • Tigerstar declines him and has him keep his task of looking after Ashfur.
  • He also instates that Shadowsight is the only cat allowed to directly interact with the dark warrior.
• Upset, Shadowsight heads to the medicine den for supplies.
  • Mothwing remarks that he sounds sorry for Ashfur when asking.
  • The tom defends himself and leaves with his supplies to tend to Ashfur's wounds.
• In the den, Ashfur thanks him after being told Shadowsight is to continue looking after him.
  • Shadowsight ignores him at first as the warrior continues talking.
• Ashfur states that if he dies, Bramblestar and StarClan will never return.
  • Shadowsight stops in his tracks as Ashfur pleads for his aid in escaping.

Chapter 15

• Rootspring and Bristlefrost race up a slope, leaving the others behind.
• As Needleclaw catches up to them, the trio discusses which Clan's territory they should go on first.
  • Bristlefrost suggests going on ThunderClan land to inform Squirrelflight, but Needleclaw states that SkyClan land is better, as the Sisters and SkyClan have a better relationship.
  • The two she-cats look expectantly at Rootspring, but Rootspring sides with his littermate, disappointing Bristlefrost.
  • Bristlefrost takes the lead, leaving Needleclaw to berate Rootspring for his feelings.
• Rootspring defends himself, but the argument is paused by a yowl.
• Rootspring hurries toward the yowl, finding Moon caught on Twoleg vines.
  • Snow tries to free the strangled she-cat, but fails.
  • Sunrise convinces Rootspring to communicate to the earth to find out where the vine is.
  • Rootspring is able to do so, and frees Moon.
• The patrol reaches the moor, and Bristlefrost goes ahead, telling them that she will warn Squirrelflight of the Sisters' presence.

Chapter 16

• Bristlefrost reaches ThunderClan camp.
  • Lionblaze and Squirrelflight argue with each other about Lionblaze attacking Ashfur.
  • Squirrelflight berates him for his recklessness.
  • Cats start stating their thoughts, prompting Bristlefrost to announce the good news of the Sisters coming to help the Clans.
• Squirrelflight asks Bristlefrost if every cat is alright, to which the young warrior says yes.
  • Lionblaze questions the fact that they were asking rogues to help them with their problems, especially knowing that Bramblestar is gone.
  • Squirrelflight states that Bramblestar may still be there, and asks if Lionblaze was willing to kill the cat who raised him.
  • Lionblaze replies that he cares for Bramblestar, accusing Squirrelflight of letting her emotions get to her.
  • Squirrelflight asks how she was supposed to know that.
  • Lionblaze says that the she-cat was closest towards their former leader, causing more cats to get involved.
• Jayfeather stops the argument, advising Squirrelflight to talk with the Sisters.
• Squirrelflight gathers a patrol, and they go to SkyClan camp.
• Sunrise states that they would begin after Harestar arrives.
• Tigerstar asks if the Sisters would be able to revive Bramblestar. They reply that they do not know, but hopefully they can.
  • While waiting for WindClan's patrol to arrive, Sunrise arranges every cat, with Rootspring in the middle of the Sisters.

Chapter 17

• The WindClan patrol arrives, with Harestar in the lead.
• Sunrise and the others begin the ceremony, and they raise their voices in song.
• Ghosts come, filling the camp.
  • The Sisters share uneasy glances.
• Tree yowls in terror.
  • Rootspring realizes that the spirits looked like they were in pain.
• Rootspring notices Stemleaf and attempts to talk with him, but the spirits continue to hiss in pain.
• Squirrelflight asks if Bramblestar had appeared yet. Rootspring replies that he had not.
• Moon states that something has gone terribly wrong.
  • The spirits fade, but among the last who have not, Rootspring notices that that one is not in pain, wondering if it was Ashfur.
• The Sisters chat amongst themselves about the events they had just witnessed.
  • Meanwhile, Rootspring tells the Clans about him thinking he had seen Ashfur.
• They discover that while Ashfur is sleeping, he can control other spirits.
• WindClan, ShadowClan, and RiverClan leave SkyClan's camp, while Leafstar offers the ThunderClan patrol and the Sisters refuge, as a storm had begun.
• Rootspring apologizes about the mishaps of the ceremony to Bristlefrost, but Bristlefrost encourages him, saying that he had done a very courageous thing.

Chapter 18

• Shadowsight watches gratefully as Ashfur sleeps in the hollow den.
  • He notes that his sleep is deep and owes it to being exhausted after Lionblaze's attack.
• The medicine cat is left with his thoughts of Tigerstar's decision and Ashfur's compliments towards him.
• He exits the den upon hearing urgent mews.
• Shadowsight is greeted by Tigerstar, Alderheart, Frecklewish, and, Hawkwing.
  • His father asks how long Ashfur has been asleep.
  • He explains all morning.
• Tigerstar tells his about the ceremony performed by the Sisters and what it revealed about Ashfur's ability to freely leave Bramblestar's body.
  • Shadowsight is shocked by the news as he notices the discomfort in the other cats gathered.
• Tigerstar harshly wakes Ashfur up and demands he answers questions for them.
  • Ashfur plays along and taunts the leader.
  • He eggs Tigerstar and Hawkwing on by making remarks of the Sisters' trustworthiness and Rootspring's loyalty.
• Hawkwing attacks the dark warrior and is then joined by Tigerstar.
  • Shadowsight is shocked as he pleads with the other cats to stop them.
• Tigerstar demands Ashfur to reveal if he has left ShadowClan camp.
  • Ashfur avoids the question while stilling being battered by the two toms.
• Shadowsight calls out for enough as he for a moment believes Ashfur to be dead.
  • However, the tom remains alive but weak.
• He decides to treat Ashfur, challenging his father as he stands in the way.
  • Tigerstar backs down as Shadowsight begins assessing the damage done to Bramblestar's body.
• Ashfur regains consciousness and states that the Clans are trying to kill him.
  • He challenges Tigerstar's ability to lead ShadowClan as he reminds Shadowsight what will happen if he dies.
• Shadowsight is left as the tom continues to remind him, but is unable to stop thinking of the possibility of Ashfur telling the truth after all.

Chapter 19

• Rootspring wakes up, his thoughts wandering to the ceremony and Ashfur's presence.
  • He notes that a SkyClan patrol had left to question the dark warrior.
• Rootspring comes across Sunrise, who compliments him on his part in the ceremony.
• He wonders why the ghosts were so angry.
  • Sunrise reminds him that he has the Sisters' power and can summon ghosts.
• She teaches him how to do it, and after, tells Rootspring that he loves Bristlefrost, and Bristlefrost loves him.
• Rootspring eavesdrops on Leafstar and Squirrelflight talking about what to do with Bramblestar's body.
• He sees Bristlefrost, and pulls her aside.
  • He tells her that he loves her. Bristlefrost reveals that she loves him as well, and that they had been over this.
  • Rootspring tells her that one of them has to leave their Clan to be together.
  • He invites Bristlefrost to SkyClan, but Bristlefrost declines, inviting him to ThunderClan.
• The ThunderClan patrol leaves, leaving Rootspring to think on Bristlefrost's offer.
• Beekit and Beetlekit race towards him while the tom is thinking about leaving his Clan.
  • The kits, not aware of who Rootspring is, ask him who he is.
• He introduces himself, leaving the kits to realize that he could see ghosts.
  • Instead of receiving fear or laughter, Rootspring is surprised to see that the kits think his powers are cool. He is even more surprised to see that both want him as their mentor.
• Rootspring wonders how he could ever think of leaving SkyClan after the kits leave.

Chapter 20

• Bristlefrost heads out of camp to get moss for Spotfur, noting that Daisy had recently left ThunderClan to help Smoky with his kits.
• Lionblaze's patrol see her, telling her that no cat should be alone with Ashfur being able to do things in his sleep.
• Cherryfall brings up that the leaders have to decide whether or not to kill Bramblestar's body.
• Lionblaze states that Squirrelflight is not ready to make a decision. He states something, but is interrupted by Squirrelflight, who asks him to say it again.
  • Lionblaze hesitates, and then tells Squirrelflight that she is not a real leader, requiring StarClan's nine lives.
• Lionblaze states that killing Ashfur may let StarClan return, but Squirrelflight is not ready to take the risk.
  • Lionblaze and other warriors state that they can't do nothing either, and killing Ashfur is the most sensible plan to carry out.
• Squirrelflight jumps on Highledge, telling ThunderClan that they share a special bond, and that they cannot argue amongst each other.
  • Lionblaze suggests talking with the other leaders. Squirrelflight agrees.
• Bristlefrost notes the tension in ThunderClan, with them not having a formal leader, the five wandering cats, and Ashfur on the loose.
  • She wonders if she should leave ThunderClan to be with Rootspring..

Chapter 21

• Shadowsight stands in the medicine den with a stingy herb bundle from Mothwing.
  • Puddleshine offers him other herbs, adding in goldenrod and poppy seeds.
• Yarrowleaf over hears them and questions Shadowsight's actions regarding Ashfur.
  • She also believes that the real Bramblestar is gone, shocking the young tom.
  • He doesn't answer her and leaves.
• As he heads towards the hollow den, he overhears Tigerstar and a ThunderClan patrol discussing Ashfur.
  • Lionblaze recalls the Sisters' ceremony and that it is clear Bramblestar isn't coming back.
  • His Clanmates, save for Squirrelflight, agree with the sentiment.
• Tigerstar states that he is ready to kill Ashfur and just needs permission.
• Squirrelflight then speaks up.
  • She agrees that Ashfur needs to be dealt with, but the uncertainty surrounding what will happen to Bramblestar keeps her aprehensive.
  • Squirrelflight mentions that her opinion is biased due to that, and that she wanted to see what the other leaders thought to do before going forward.
  • The ThunderClan leader also states that all the leaders need to agree to finish Ashfur.
• Tigerstar offers to send patrols to WindClan and RiverClan to have a Gathering to discuss things further.
  • ThunderClan is sent to alert Leafstar of the news.
• Tigerstar offers Squirrelflight his sympathy as his patrol leaves camp.
• Squirrelflight catches Shadowsight and he apologizes for eavesdropping.
  • However, she says nothing as Shadowsight realizes how defeated she looked and if she had also given up on looking for her mate.

Chapter 22

• At the Gathering, Rootspring wonders what the leaders will do with Ashfur and Bramblestar's body.
• Tigerstar begins the meeting, stating that the Sisters' ceremony had gone wrong, with the spirits being in pain and anger.
  • Tigerstar states that they should end this by killing Ashfur.
• Cats point out that Ashfur may survive without Bramblestar's body, while Squirrelflight begs for the leaders not to kill her mate.
• Harestar and Tigerstar vote for action against Ashfur immediately.
• Tree asks if they want to murder, citing that the Sisters only kill in self-defense.
  • Harestar defends their thoughts, stating that they would be putting Bramblestar out of his misery.
• Mistystar calls for a formal vote on their next plan.
  • Tigerstar and Harestar side with killing Ashfur, while Mistystar and Squirrelflight want to wait.
  • Leafstar sides with killing Bramblestar's body, apologizing. The leaders plot how they want to kill Bramblestar's body.
• Rootspring notices that Squirrelflight had disappeared.

Chapter 23

• Bristlefrost hurries over to Rootspring, and they share their awareness of Squirrelflight's disappearance.
• They discuss the benefits of going after Squirrelflight, before deciding to take a shortcut to ShadowClan territory.
• While going, the two share that they cannot leave their birth Clans. Both are understanding to each other.
• They see Squirrelflight, and Rootspring pounces on her, tackling her to the ground.
• Squirrelflight tries to attack back, telling the two to leave her alone.
  • She states that she must help Bramblestar escape.
  • Bristlefrost reminds her that she will not be helping Bramblestar, but Ashfur.
  • She adds that ThunderClan will have no leader, and it will fall.
• Squirrelflight expresses her emotions, accepting Bramblestar's fate. They later hear yowls from ShadowClan camp.

Chapter 24

• Ashfur hears the patrol coming to kill him and alerts Shadowsight to the fact.
• Fearful, Shadowsight tells the warrior he cannot hear a thing.
  • He wonders if the Clans are right to kill Ashfur, but can't help to think that it might be a mistake to do so.
• Ashfur pleads for the tom to help him, stating that if he dies the Clans will remember Shadowsight as the cat that killed Bramblestar.
• At that, Shadowsight challenges the tom to why they shouldn't kill him, noting that Bramblestar hasn't been seen for a moon.
• The dark warrior questions if he believes that fact.
  • Shadowsight explains if the spirit was around, he would've been seen at the Sisters' ceremony.
• Ashfur reveals he kept Bramblestar's spirit from being there.
  • Shocked, the medicine cat learns that Ashfur has power over spirits as he mentions Spiresight.
• Forcefully, both Spiresight and Bramblestar briefly inhabit Bramblestar's body.
  • They both warn Shadowsight of the coming danger before Ashfur resumes control.
• A yowl sounds as it becomes clear the patrol has come close to ShadowClan camp.
  • Shadowsight meets Lionblaze in the enclosure as the deputy tells him to leave the den.
• Outside of the den, the camp is empty except for the Clan leaders and Lionblaze.
  • Lionblaze is given the task to kill Ashfur, as ThunderClan takes responsibility just as the other Clans have.
• However, Shadowsight stops the deputy to tell him something.
• He hesitates as he lets his gaze track the shadow of Ashfur across camp.
  • Lionblaze notices this and tackles the tom.
  • Full of rage, the deputy questions Shadowsight's actions.

Chapter 25

• The yowls die away, making Rootspring wonder what happened to Ashfur and Bramblestar.
  • Squirrelflight heads toward the Moonpool.
  • Rootspring decides to follow her, but tells Bristlefrost not to come, as the leader might not want her Clan to see her like that.
• He tracks her to the Moonpool, but sees a shadowy figure ahead of him.
  • Squirrelflight notices him as Bramblestar, but Rootspring knows that she knows that it is Ashfur.
• Squirrelflight denies Ashfur, so the dark tom threatens her.
  • Ashfur launches himself at her, but Squirrelflight swipes her paw across his muzzle.
• Rootspring tries to help, but Ashfur sends him away easily.
• Squirrelflight struggles with Ashfur, and slowly, Ashfur manages to pull her into the Moonpool, taking her to a place where "only the dead could reach them."
  • Rootspring searches the Moonpool, but almost ends up drowning himself.