Graystripe's Vow/Chapter 31

"Because my love for ThunderClan wasn't just one particular leader, or the warriors I fought and hunted alongside then. It was for everything ThunderClan is, and has ever been - and ever will be. For good or ill, as long as I have wisdom to share, that's where I belong."

— Graystripe to Stormfur in Graystripe's Vow, page 423

Graystripe's Vow
Chapter number:	31 (of 31)
Page numbers:	418-428
Point of View:	Graystripe
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 31 (of 31)

Page Numbers: 418-428

Chapter description

Graystripe reaches Barley's farm. He calls Barley's name, wondering where Barley was, and Barley asks if that is Ravenpaw. Graystripe feels compassionate, thinking that his friend was dreaming about Ravenpaw. Graystripe replies that he is Graystripe, and Barley is surprised that he came back. Barley asks about Fang, and Graystripe tells him that they let the cats out of the Twoleg den. Barley comments that the Twoleg was super cruel to the cats, but Graystripe counters that she was very kind, but also very sick.

Graystripe explains how he had gotten the cats out of the Twoleg den. Barley states that he'd have those WarriorClan cats visit a lot, but if they didn't, he would be lonely. Barley sadly comments that Graystripe would be heading back to the lake the next day. After Graystripe confirms this, Barley states that he thought he would never see a Clan cat again, commenting that everything seemed dull after Ravenpaw died. Graystripe relates to him with Millie. Barley adds that they were both wrong, as he had seen him again, and life may hold more surprises.

Later, in the mountains. Stormfur welcomes Graystripe, telling him that one of the Tribe's patrols had spotted him earlier trekking up the mountains. Stormfur invites the elder to rest, wanting to hear his stories. Graystripe asks for some prey, and shortly after Stormfur leaves, he returns with a bird. Graystripe states his thanks. Stormfur tells him that he is really glad that Graystripe came back, as it was a long way to the old forest, and he was worried. A short pause occurs, before Graystripe declares that he is going back to ThunderClan. Stormfur asks if he had talked to StarClan. Graystripe states that although he didn't, he didn't need StarClan to tell him that ThunderClan is his home. He adds that being back in the old forest had made him see how much ThunderClan has advanced as a Clan, wanting to be a part of it again.

Stormfur asks that that was one of the problems that Graystripe had. Graystripe replies that it was, but he realized that his love for ThunderClan is not tied to one leader. He adds that as long as he has wisdom, he will continue to serve his Clanmates. Stormfur hostilely states that he is sure that Graystripe's Clan didn't miss him. At once, Stormfur explains that Clan cats are unsympathetic. Graystripe states that he has experience and wisdom, and he is needed in ThunderClan. Stormfur asks why he cannot share that wisdom to his kin at the Tribe. Graystripe tells him that he has a duty to his Clan, as he has given lots to ThunderClan, and vice versa. Stormfur asks if he is okay that StarClan is gone. Graystripe replies that he misses his friends terribly, they are still cats, working together to take care of each other. Stormfur, his neck fur bristling, asks if he would rather go to a troubled place than stay at the Tribe. He adds that he will never understand Clan cats. Graystripe reminds him that he could come to ThunderClan, but Stormfur states that he is too old to change. Graystripe says the same.

Graystripe tells Stormfur about his experiences in the old forest, telling him about WarriorClan, Fang, his botched attempt to speak with the Moonstone and StarClan, his conversation with Barley, and how he and WarriorClan helped free some kittypets trapped in a Twoleg den. The two cats part ways, knowing that their last meeting would be a happy memory. On his way back from the mountains, Graystripe sees the lake, reminding himself that he is here to help the Clan he loves.

Characters

Major

• Graystripe
• Barley
• Stormfur

Mentioned

• Ravenpaw
• Fang
• Monkeystar
• Millie
• Stoneteller
• Firestar
• Brook Where Small Fish Swim
• Gremlin
• Feathertail