Eclipse/Chapter 20

"Of course, you must nurture these powers. […] Listen to your inner voices, to the other instinct that in every other cat would merely help them find food or shelter. Who's to say that in you, these instincts won't help you achieve more?"

— Sol advising the three in Eclipse, page 266

Eclipse
Chapter number:	20 (of 25)
Page numbers:	263-279
Point of View:	Hollypaw
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 20 (of 25)

Page Numbers: 263-279

Chapter description

Hollypaw stares at Sol, realizing how unkept she and her siblings look. Sol tilts his head, not even appearing to be mad that the three have followed him, and he calmly greets them, saying that he thought they would come. Jaypaw asks how he knew about the darkness, and he questions if it scared him despite his forewarning. The blind tom inquires if he came to ThunderClan to warn them, but Sol responds that it is not his obligation to give warnings, flattening the grass in front of him and inviting the three cats to come sit down where it is more comfortable. While Jaypaw and Hollypaw move forward, Lionpaw hangs back, and Sol senses that he does not trust him, to which he states that he is not Clanborn. He snaps that he does not trust everybody, but can sense what they are thinking, and Sol points out that he searched for him and is wary because he cannot read his mind. Seeing Jaypaw fidget, the tortoiseshell asks what is on his mind, and he reveals the prophecy. Shocked, Hollypaw notes that no one, not even Firestar, knows that they know about the prophecy, and Sol figures out that they are the kin. She notices how excited Jaypaw is, as he believes Sol holds the information to everything, making her shiver.

Hollypaw begins to remind herself that there is nothing beyond StarClan and the code, but Sol interjects, commenting that the prophecy seems like a lot for young cats like them. Jaypaw and Lionpaw reveal their abilities to the tortoiseshell tom, but Hollypaw remains silent, feeling that her power is the ability to uphold and defend the warrior code. The she-cat expects him to lay his eyes on her, but he closes his eyes instead and advises them to grow their powers and listen to their instincts. Jaypaw questions if the disappearing sun and prophecy are linked, and Hollypaw leans forward as Sol remarks that it possibly could be, suggesting that they are the shadows that cover the sun, which would make the Clan cats notice them. He adds that they will be more powerful than their ancestors, and the light will be theirs to control, causing Hollypaw to be at a loss for words. She inquires where the warrior code will be involved, and Sol says that she can keep it or destroy it permanently. Jaypaw begs him to come back with them, wanting the loner to serve as their mentor, but Sol coolly replies that the prophecy will solve itself. The apprentice brings up how he knows more, and Lionpaw mews that they can build him a shelter and give him prey.

Fear still worms inside of Hollypaw; while she and her brothers have learned almost everything from their mentors, Sol knows more, and they need significant guidance. Sol finally agrees to come with them, refusing to ignore their requests for his help, and Lionpaw leads him and his siblings back in the direction of the ShadowClan border. Hollypaw notes how Jaypaw is excited, while she still has trepidation, though she thinks about her power to preserve the code, securing the Clans for seasons to come. Lionpaw begins to go faster, desperate to get Sol settled before the sun sets, but they are discovered by a ShadowClan patrol before they can hide in time. Russetfur demands what is going on, asking if they are spying, and Jaypaw retorts that Firestar would completely send him sarcastically. Smokefoot remarks that Firestar is taking in another kittypet in Sol, and Lionpaw clarifies that he is not one, to which Smokefoot then comments that he is a loner. Kinkfur sneers that ThunderClan welcomes anyone, but Russetfur silences her, and Hollypaw observes how badly the battle has impacted ShadowClan. Owlpaw glances up at the sun, worried it will disappear if they start fighting, and Lionpaw urges them to go home.

However, Russetfur orders them to wait, explaining that they will tell Blackstar why they are so close to the ShadowClan border, and her patrol flanks them. The apprentices become unnerved, and Russetfur asks Sol what kind of loner he is, but he instead inquires if Blackstar is their leader. He expresses interest in meeting him, and Hollypaw worries that Firestar will notice their absence, though Jaypaw mews that they should go. Hollypaw begins to believe that it is not a bad idea, as they can learn more about ShadowClan, enjoying the bewilderment of their captors. She and Lionpaw help to guide Jaypaw through the unfamiliar woods, and the landscape soon transitions into the bramble wall making up the ShadowClan camp. Rowanclaw, who is guarding the camp, stares in surprise at the patrol, and ShadowClan's cats are puzzled at the sight of Sol. Hollypaw finds the place oddly barren, thinking that ShadowClan is recovering from the battle, and Russetfur heads inside the leader's den to retrieve Blackstar. Snowbird gathers Tawnypelt's kits outside the nursery, and they charge toward Hollypaw, beyond happy to see her again. Dawnkit pounces on Tigerkit, hitting him with her paws, but she sees Sol and stops, questioning who he is.

Flamekit becomes enamored by Jaypaw, asking questions about why he is not looking at him and how he got here if he is blind. From the nursery, Tawnypelt says that they better not be rude, noticing the ThunderClan apprentices and Sol. She orders her kits to go inside the nursery, then glances warily at Sol. Blackstar is then led into the clearing by Russetfur, his fur uncleaned, and he comments that a stranger is among them, adding that the ThunderClan apprentices were showing him around their border. He asks why they were there, his eyes dull, and Hollypaw admits that they went to find Sol. Blackstar figures that the tortoiseshell tom is Sol, and his interest peaks when he states that he is honored to meet ShadowClan's leader. He inquires if he learned information from the trespassers, but Jaypaw and Lionpaw deny any wrongdoing, and Blackstar wonders why they want to be so involved in the business of a traveler. Jaypaw comments that he knew the sun would vanish, to which Sol reveals that he saw the darkness, and Littlecloud questions if StarClan told him. The tortoiseshell traveler denies this, instead explaining that the disappearing sun was a sign of great change that is coming, should they want it or not.

Hollypaw silently ponders if she and her siblings are a part of that change, but she keeps silent on the prophecy. Sol lightly asks Blackstar if he wants change, and the leader confesses that he is not sure if the lake is meant to be their true home, thinking StarClan might have made a mistake. Smokefoot and Littlecloud are left in stunned disbelief, and Hollypaw begins to fear that ShadowClan will turn their backs on everything. Sol whispers that change is not a terrible thing, especially if they prepare for what comes, and that there are more paths in life to choose. Blackstar remarks that life at the lake is already hard, already having to deal with leaf-bare and the Twolegs in greenleaf, in addition to battles and traveling to Gatherings. Tawnypelt interjects, saying that night is falling and the ThunderClan apprentices should be returning home. Hollypaw feels guilty, knowing she is aware that they should not be here, and remembering that the three are still there, Blackstar assigns Smokefoot and Ivytail to escort them to the border. Sol affirms that he will be staying behind, and despite Hollypaw and Jaypaw's protests, Lionpaw urges them to let him stay. Tawnypelt calls to her kits, and they say goodbye to the ThunderClan apprentices. As Hollypaw leaves, she finds Blackstar and Sol in a quiet discussion, heads close together.

Characters

Major

• Hollypaw
• Lionpaw
• Sol
• Jaypaw

Minor

• Russetfur
• Smokefoot
• Kinkfur
• Owlpaw
• Rowanclaw
• Ivytail
• Toadfoot
• Snaketail
• Scorchpaw
• Snowbird
• Flamekit
• Dawnkit
• Tigerkit
• Tawnypelt
• Littlecloud
• Smokefoot

Mentioned

• Firestar