Dawn (book)/Chapter 22

"We're back."

— Squirrelpaw upon reaching the waterfall in Dawn, page 297

Dawn (book)
Chapter number:	22 (of 25)
Page numbers:	290-299
Point of View:	Squirrelpaw
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter twenty-two of Dawn (book). If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 22 (of 25)

Page Numbers: 290-299

Chapter description

Squirrelpaw sees a falcon above her, and hopes it hasn't noticed her. Noting the snow soothes her paw pads, she slowly sneaks up on it, thinking that the Clans will be killed by the cold and starvation. The warriors have been shaken up by the death of Smokepaw and Marshkit nearly being taken by an eagle, and she is suddenly unsure if she can find her way back to the Clans.

Squirrelpaw wishes that she is in Tribe territory, recalling that Stormfur had tried searching for Brook and the the mountain group, but had no luck. She prepares to pounce on the falcon, but three cats arrive, two pinning down Squirrelpaw and the other attacking the bird. She sees Talon, who asks what she's doing here, and Squirrelpaw explains that the forest was destroyed and that they are journeying to find a new home.

Talon asks where everyone is, and when Squirrelpaw describes the place to him, identifies it as tree-rock. He says that they need to find the Clans quickly, and that they'll be safe in the Cave of Rushing Water. Squirrelpaw sees the outcrop where the Clans are sheltering, but to her horror, sees an eagle circling ahead. The cave-guards leap over the deep cleft, and Squirrelpaw follows, grasping the ledge before Talon pulls her up.

As the Clans work to protect themselves, the cave-guards spring into action and attack the eagle, which causes it to quickly fly away. Squirrelpaw sees how miserable the Clan cats are as Brambleclaw greets Talon and Jag. Firestar asks if the Tribe cats can help the kits, and Leafpaw directs them toward an unmoving kit of Tallpoppy's.

Night places the kit on its mother's flank and gives Leafpaw instructions on how to take care of it. As she does, Night wonders how long they have been here, and Squirrelpaw replies that they have for too long. Blackstar wishes to move on, but Talon warns him that they will die if they stay out for any longer. Firestar, Onewhisker, and Leopardstar agree with the cave-guard, and Leafpaw and Littlecloud point out that the elders and kits won't make it.

Blackstar finally agrees to head to the cave, and Mudclaw begrudgingly agrees as well. Tallpoppy calms Marshkit as Stormfur returns, claiming to have scented the Tribe, and is surprised to see the cave-guards with the Clan cats. Talon tells Stormfur that Brook is okay, and the Tribe cats lead the Clans to the Cave of Rushing Water. Squirrelpaw is exhausted when she finally sees the waterfall, and stops alongside the sun-drown cats.

Stormfur says that he never imagined seeing the waterfall again, before everyone else catches up and stops at the waterfall. Squirrelpaw urges Ashfur to go inside, and when she enters, finds partially forgotten scents and Brook. Brook and Stormfur immediately rush toward each other, and Squirrelpaw thinks about how Stormfur will experience more pain and heartbreak when he has to leave again.

Characters

Major

• Squirrelpaw

Minor

• Talon of Swooping Eagle
• Jagged Rock Where Heron Sits
• Night of No Stars
• Ferncloud
• Russetfur
• Birchkit
• Brambleclaw
• Dawnflower
• Dawnflower's kits
• Hawkfrost
• Onewhisker
• Tallstar
• Tawnypelt
• Firestar
• Applekit (Unnamed)
• Tallpoppy
• Blackstar
• Leopardstar
• Mudclaw
• Littlecloud
• Marshkit
• Stormfur
• Crowpaw
• Ashfur
• Brook Where Small Fish Swim

Mentioned

• Smokepaw

Important events

• The Clan cats reach the Tribe's residence.