Graystripe's Vow/Chapter 12

"Those cats won't give up, I know they're watching, biding their time."

— Graystripe's thoughts on BloodClan's inevitable attack in Graystripe's Vow, page 163

Graystripe's Vow
Chapter number:	12 (of 31)
Page numbers:	163-177
Point of View:	Graystripe
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter twelve of Graystripe's Vow. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 12 (of 31)

Page Numbers: 163-177

Chapter description

Graystripe exits the warriors' den, glancing around ThunderClan camp and taking in the relaxed atmosphere despite BloodClan's looming threat. He's quickly distracted by Ferncloud's kits, Spiderkit and Shrewkit, playing in the clearing. However, a patrol returns, led by Brackenfur, who reports there had been no signs of BloodClan on their territory. Graystripe notes that the Twolegplace cats had no reason to hide themselves, agreeing with Brackenfur's opinion that it had indeed been them all along and not WindClan. The gray tom silently thanks ShadowClan for their forewarning and thinks that ThunderClan should return the favor to the other two Clans. He spares a glance around camp and notices Cloudtail with Rainpaw heading towards the gorse tunnel. Graystripe calls after them, asking if they were busy. Cloudtail tells him they were going to do some battle training, however, Graystripe offers Rainpaw the chance to visit WindClan and RiverClan. The apprentice responds excitedly as the three cats leave camp, the deputy explaining the mission along the way.

Along the way Cloudtail shows his enthusiam at the prospect of scaring off BloodClan intruders. Graystripe finds himself approving of the tom's thoughts, knowing loyal and strong warriors are what ThunderClan need. His thoughts drift even to Ashfur, who had been nothing but painful since Firestar's absence, would be a loyal warrior when it came down to an actual fight. The patrol soon arrive at the Fourtrees border and wait for a passing WindClan patrol. The three cats don't wait long as one soon appears and approaches them. Onewhisker leads the patrol and greets Graystripe in a friendly manner, putting Graystripe at ease and convinces him further they were not the ones stealing prey. The gray tom asks if they could see Tallstar to speak with him, mentioning they have something important to discuss. Onewhisker gives him a curious glance, but leads them back to WindClan camp. Rainpaw is amazed to learn about WindClan's camp as the patrol humor his questions about it.

In camp, Onewhisker fetches Tallstar, who Graystipe notices is starting look old but still retained his warrior skills. Tallstar greets them warmly and Graystripe tells him the news about BloodClan around ShadowClan and ThunderClan. But, before he can more, the leader cuts him off to insult the Twolegplace cats and show his surprise at hearing of them again. The ThunderClan tom shares the same sentiment as the WindClan leader, and asks if WindClan had found any traces of them on the moors. Tallstar tells him he hasn't and notices the gray tom's unhealed wounds, which has Graystripe feeling uneasy despite the peace between their two Clans. The conversation soon shifts to Firestar's sickness, which Tallstar asks Graystripe to send his best wishes as well as stating WindClan would keep a lookout for BloodClan.

Graystripe gives his thanks to Tallstar, and takes his leave. The tom and his patrol return to Fourtrees, closer to RiverClan territory this time. Instead of waiting at the border, the tom leads them along the river, reasoning that he has kin in RiverClan, therefore can play by different rules. Graystripe warns his Clanmates to be careful, reminding them that Leopardstar is vastly different to Tallstar and will use whatever she can to gain Sunningrocks. Cloudtail makes a challenge to the rival leader, but Graystripe tells him to listen otherwise they may end up with trouble from both BloodClan and RiverClan. Soon, Graystripe spots two RiverClan warriors, who he in turn recognize as his son, Stormfur, and Heavystep. He warmly greets his son and asks if they can speak to Leopardstar. Stormfur leads the way and Graystripe and his patrol follow. The gray tom feels somewhat strange returning to RiverClan camp, knowing that despite its atmosphere his true home was ThunderClan. He goes to wade in the water, but loathes the feeling. However, to his luck, Heavystep passes him and vows to fetch Leopardstar.

Leopardstar and Mistyfoot appear, and Graystripe explains the current situation with BloodClan reappearing. Both she-cats are shocked, with Leopardstar stating there hadn't been any reports of them on RiverClan territory and Mistyfoot believing they had been chased off for good following the recent battle. The golden she-cat vows they will fight again if need be as they are warriors. She then turns to Graystripe asking after Firestar's thoughts on the situation. Graystripe lies saying that his leader shares the same sentiment and he soon lies further to cover Firestar's absence. He tells Leopardstar that the tom has greencough, which she only comments that it must be unfortunate to catch it in greenleaf. The deputy instantly regrets what he had said and comes around to say they should return home. Leopardstar says nothing but Mistyfoot says they will let ThunderClan know if they find anything. She sends Stormfur and Feathertail to escort Graystripe and his patrol home.

Graystripe catches up with his kits briefly as the five cats leave RiverClan camp. Rainpaw recalls the two cats staying with ThunderClan as apprentices and Stormfur remembers the young tom as a kit. Cloudtail draws his apprentice away, leaving ahead of Graystripe. He tells Rainpaw they'll try and catch some prey on the way back to camp. The two bid their farewells as Graystripe manages to tell his two kits he's proud of them and that he wished their mother could be there with them. Feathertail offers him comfort at the statement, but before long the older tom bids them farewell and wonders silently if the three of them could be together again.

Characters

Major

• Graystripe

Minor

• Spiderkit
• Shrewkit
• Brackenfur
• Cloudtail
• Rainpaw
• Onewhisker
• Runningbrook
• Webfoot
• Tallstar
• Stormfur
• Heavystep
• Leopardstar
• Mistyfoot
• Feathertail

Mentioned

• Ferncloud
• Fury
• Willowpelt
• Ashfur
• Firestar
• Silverstream
• Scourge
• Tigerstar
• Bluestar
• Sootpaw (Unnamed)
• Sorrelpaw (Unnamed)