Fading Echoes/Chapter 11

"A torrent of grief swept through Lionblaze, and for one unbearable moment he wondered if the lively young apprentice would thank him for saving her life."

— Lionblaze about Briarpaw in Fading Echoes, page 154

Fading Echoes
Chapter number:	11 (of 24)
Page numbers:	135-154
Point of View:	Lionblaze
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 11 (of 24)

Page Numbers: 135-154

Chapter description

Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovepaw are in Firestar's den, discussing the danger of ShadowClan. Lionblaze notices that Dovepaw seems uncomfortable with their leader asking about her powers, and he remarks that she needs to start getting used to the responsibility. Just when the rain outside eases, Dovepaw exclaims that a tree will fall into the camp, and Lionblaze has no doubt that she is telling the truth. He runs into the clearing, yowling for everyone to evacuate the camp. Firestar follows, confirming the order to leave. Brambleclaw, Dustpelt, and Brightheart are sent to clear out various dens; Lionblaze is sent to clear the warriors' den.

As Lionblaze pushes past fleeing warriors, he encounters Cloudtail, still in his nest, and he orders the white tom to leave. Firestar announces that the camp is clear, but Lionblaze realizes that Brightheart still hasn't left with the elders yet. While Dovepaw struggles to find out which tree is falling, Lionblaze orders her and her sister, Ivypaw, to leave. He then goes to the elders' den, where Mousefur refuses to leave because she doesn't want the moss in her nest to get wet. She and Longtail begin to argue; Lionblaze shouts at her, unsheathing his claws, causing the stubborn elder to finally leave. As the group exits the den, Dovepaw confirms to Firestar that the camp is clear.

Lionblaze realizes the tree is about to fall, watching as it slowly slides over the edge of the hollow. He spots Mousefur going back into camp, saying that it was an insult to StarClan to leave a half-eaten mouse in the elders' den. Longtail angrily insists that he'll get it for her, and Briarpaw follows, yowling that it isn't safe. Just as Longtail and Briarpaw get into the elders' den, the tree falls, crushing it.

As his vision clears, Lionblaze rushes towards the destroyed den, noting the damage to the rest of the camp. Firestar pushes through the branches; Dovepaw wails that it still isn't safe. The two toms don't listen, and Firestar announces that he sees a moving shape. The tree begins to slide again, and they quickly jump back from it. As the rest of the Clan begins to filter back into the camp, their leader insists that everyone stays calm. Purdy and Millie are concerned about Longtail and Briarpaw respectively; Lionblaze tells them he's going to find them, bracing himself to force his way through the branches.

Two teams are formed: one to clear branches, led by Dustpelt, and one to find logs that can be used to prop up parts of the tree, led by Squirrelflight. Lionblaze hears a mewl from the wreckage, confirming that someone is still alive. Mousefur wails that Longtail being trapped is her fault, and Purdy attempts to comfort her. Dovepaw is distressed as well, believing she should have heard the tree earlier.

The two teams begin to work on clearing out the branches. Various cats call Longtail and Briarpaw's names, but they don't get a reply. Jayfeather is concerned that the entrance to the medicine den is blocked, and Firestar recommends getting Rosepetal's help to find a way in. Lionblaze tells the working cats that he can fit through the remaining branches, and Firestar encourages him to search the den. As Jayfeather passes by the group, he stiffens, feeling Graystripe and Millie's grief. Rosepetal successfully gets into the medicine den; the blind tom describes what herbs he needs her to get.

Lionblaze enters the crushed elders' den, followed by Dustpelt. They spot Longtail's lifeless body, and Lionblaze drags him out of the wreckage. As Firestar dips his head, Dustpelt announces that Briarpaw is still alive, and the two toms rush back into the branches. Graystripe follows close behind them. The tree begins to dislodge again as they find the injured apprentice. As the warriors begin to panic about how to get her out, Lionblaze lifts a portion of the tree with his back, giving Briarpaw's father time to grab her. The cats finally evacuate the den, the golden tabby tom narrowly escaping being crushed.

As Firestar congratulates Lionblaze, Jayfeather grabs a mouthful of herbs and begins to inspect Briarpaw's injuries. The young she-cat's siblings rush into camp; Bumblepaw asks if she'll be okay. Mousefur sees Longtail's dead body, and Purdy once again tries to comfort the mourning elder. Jayfeather snarls at Leafpool, asking if she's going to help him; she joins him in treating Briarpaw. The gray tabby tom is confused, as he can't find any wounds on the apprentice.

Firestar orders for Dustpelt, Cloudtail, and Squirrelflight to find which dens are safe to sleep in. The ginger tom thanks Lionblaze, murmuring that Briarpaw would be dead without him. Briarpaw asks if her back legs are still there, as she is unable to feel them. Lionblaze thinks about how she won't be able to stand, walk, or run, and he wonders if she would truly thank him for saving her life.

Characters

Major

• Lionblaze
• Dovepaw
• Jayfeather
• Firestar

Minor

• Dustpelt
• Brightheart
• Brambleclaw
• Thornclaw
• Cloudtail
• Daisy
• Cherrykit
• Rosepetal
• Ivypaw
• Purdy
• Mousefur
• Longtail
• Briarpaw
• Poppyfrost
• Squirrelflight
• Birchfall
• Sorreltail
• Graystripe
• Whitewing
• Blossompaw
• Bumblepaw
• Leafpool

Mentioned

• Foxleap
• Toadstep
• Ferncloud
• Molekit
• Brackenfur
• Berrynose
• Spiderleg

Important Events

Deaths

• Longtail is killed by the falling tree.

Other

• Briarpaw is permanently paralyzed by the falling tree.