Graystripe's Vow/Chapter 16

"This is a big decision. I don't feel comfortable making it alone. I want to go to the Moonstone and seek advice from StarClan there."

— Cinderpelt to Graystripe in Graystripe's Vow, page 229

Graystripe's Vow
Chapter number:	16 (of 31)
Page numbers:	217-229
Point of View:	Graystripe
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 16 (of 31)

Page Numbers: 217-229

Chapter description

Graystripe stalks a rabbit near the ShadowClan border. After finishing his hunt and praying to StarClan, he attempts to find Brackenfur. He realizes how far away he had strayed from the original hunting grounds and begins to walk back. After calling for the tom multiple times, he noticed movement in a nearby elder bush. Graystripe prepares to attack the stranger and calls for them to reveal themselves. A queen emerges from the undergrowth, and Graystripe recognizes her as the BloodClan cat who saved him from a previous ambush. Gremlin explains to the ThunderClan warrior that she was once a kittypet turned BloodClan warrior. She continues to worry about her current condition now that her kits are due soon. Gremlin explains that once the kits are old enough to eat, they will be separated and forced to fight for BloodClan. Graystripe attempts to relate to the enemy she-cat and asks why she traveled to ThunderClan.

Gremlin proposes that she join ThunderClan for the betterment of her family. Before Graystripe has the chance to refuse her offer, she begs him to reconsider and offers her skills and knowledge for ThunderClan. She warns the acting leader that Fury, the new BloodClan leader, is deadlier than Scourge ever was. Graystripe is reluctant to trust Gremlin and believes her offer is a trap. Gremlin explains how her brother has suffered since living with BloodClan. Fury awards his destructive behavior, which only enhances his anger. Graystripe suggests contacting her mate for help, but she refuses to return to kittypet life. Graystripe grows cautious as he thinks about the she-cat's offer. Brackenfur appears from the brambles and defies Gremlin's proposition. Brackenfur grows suspicious of the enemy. Graystripe agrees with his former apprentice, and Gremlin warns them of BloodClan's newfound power. The she-cat suggests meeting Smudge if she wishes to talk about their deal. She walks away, and the two Clan cats walk back to camp.

Brackenfur is in disbelief as Graystripe considers a deal with BloodClan enemies. Graystripe reminds the warrior that there is no deal yet, but Brackenfur judges his decision. The acting leader grows annoyed and reminds him of the last battle with BloodClan and suggests that an upper hand would benefit the Clans. Brakcenfur disagrees with his former mentor, hurting Graystripe's confidence. Brackenfur agrees not to mention the interaction at camp, but still adds his opinions about the deal's outcome.

Graystripe imagines his Clanmates reactions to his encounter with Gremlin as the two cats return to camp. He grows worried and wonders about Firestar's return to ThunderClan. He remembers that Cinderpelt would listen to his troubles and heads toward the medicine cat's den. Cinderpelt tends to Sorrelpaw's wounds and sends her off as soon as she's healed. Graystripe asks the she-cat for advice on the situation with Gremlin and BloodClan. She listens intently and believes she can only make this decision by visiting StarClan.

Characters

Major

• Graystripe

Minor

• Brackenfur
• Gremlin
• Cinderpelt
• Sorrelpaw

Mentioned

• Scraps
• Scourge
• Fury
• Gremlin's mate
• Smudge
• Firestar
• Dustpelt
• Brambleclaw