Ivypool's Heart/Chapter 4

"Maybe I'll feel this way again. Maybe Fernsong and I will laugh together again one day. Cats in mourning don't laugh. What would Bristlefrost think if she could see me, chuckling away, with her dead and gone? Would she think I'm forgetting her? Am I?"

— Ivypool's thoughts in Ivypool's Heart, page 68

Ivypool's Heart
Chapter number:	4 (of 34)
Page numbers:	51-69
Point of View:	Ivypool
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 4 (of 34)

Page Numbers: 51-69

Chapter description

Bad weather has kept the journeying cats stuck in their makeshift camp, as they cannot see the fox-head mountain. Ivypool emerges from the den to see Rootspring attempting to connect with the earth using the methods the Sisters taught him so they can continue on, but is unable to. He reminds Ivypool of his father, Tree, and the strange habits the SkyClan mediator has. Ivypool, Rootspring, Dovewing, Icewing, and Whistlepaw are equally annoyed at the lack of progress, though Ivypool appreciates Rootspring's attempts to help.

Dovewing emerges from the den and asks to speak privately with Ivypool. They sit a few steps away from Rootspring, and Dovewing expresses concern over Ivypool's reluctance to talk about her lost daughter, Bristlefrost. Ivypool winces, as she knows her sister is right, though she still struggles over the thought of speaking about her loss. Ivypool attempts to convince Dovewing that she is merely upset about the weather and how it is delaying their quest, though Dovewing sees through this and explains that talking about it would help. Ivypool finally caves, and explains that she cannot stop thinking about her daughter, and how angry and hurt she still is. She confesses that she is worried about forgetting Bristlefrost, but Dovewing insists that it will never happen. Ivypool realizes just how deeply her sister understands, having lost her own kit, Rowankit, and apologizes for being selfish. Dovewing reminds Ivypool again that she will never forget Bristlefrost, but that getting involved may help.

Icewing emerges from the den, and in thinking about the Dark Forest, Ivypool is reminded that Icewing's kit, Beetlewhisker, had been killed by Brokenstar. His spirit was lost in the same way as Bristlefrost, and Ivypool asks Icewing how she got past it. Icewing admits that she did not, even though she had lost kits before. She feels that, by serving RiverClan well, she is honoring their lives, and ensuring their memories will never fade, even if she will not see her son in StarClan. Ivypool apologizes for not asking earlier, though Icewing is unbothered, explaining that grief makes seeing others hard. Despite the pain, Ivypool feels less alone.

Whistlepaw vents her frustration about not moving forward, though she is quickly reassured by Ivypool when she is reminded that there is no time limit. They are all hungry, however, as prey is not running well due to the rain. Dovewing and Rootspring excitedly announce that they know where to find prey: a nearby Twolegplace with a barn at the edge. Icewing asks if they can shelter there, though Dovewing explains that there is faint dog scent nearby. They decide to wait until dusk before hunting, and begin to approach the barn when the sun begins to set. A Twoleg emerges and retreats into another nearby den, and after no more appear, the cats approach the structure. Inside, Ivypool can smell other cats, though the scent of mice overpowers most everything else.

After catching several mice, Ivypool, Rootspring, and Dovewing are attacked by kittypets. They introduce themselves as Zeke, Pumpernickel, and Curry, explaining that the barn is their hunting territory. Puzzled, Ivypool asks why they need it, and Rootspring tells them to go home to their Twolegs. The moment Rootspring mentions that they are warriors, however, Zeke calls out to Pumpernickel and says that the warriors are some of the ones he met. At first, Ivypool believes him to be referencing the daylight warriors SkyClan once had, before remembering the Clan Graystripe met on his wander. She points out that those cats are not full warriors, and Curry glares before asking if she is implying that kittypets cannot be tough. This sparks another fight, but the battle is quickly interrupted by dogs outside the barn. Zeke explains that he summoned them, and the Clan cats flee.

They manage to outrun the dogs and scale a fence. The three cats shelter in a garden until the dogs leave, before racing back to their camp with the prey they managed to rescue. Whistlepaw worriedly asks after them, and Ivypool starts to laugh at the strange situation she, Rootspring, and Dovewing have just been in. For a few moments, Ivypool is able to forget her troubles, though she feels guilty at finding joy while she is still mourning. The clouds begin to break up, and the cats grow optimistic about continuing their quest come morning.

Characters

Major

• Ivypool
• Rootspring
• Dovewing
• Icewing
• Whistlepaw

Minor

• Zeke
• Pumpernickel
• Curry

Mentioned

• Tree
• Violetshine
• Bristlefrost
• Rowankit
• Beetlewhisker
• Brokenstar
• Petalfur (Unnamed)
• Grasspelt (Unnamed)
• Pricklekit (Unnamed)
• Daisy
• Graystripe
• Ashfur
• Monkeystar (Unnamed)
• Fang (Unnamed)
• Petunia (Unnamed)
• Bugeater (Unnamed)
• Fireface {(Unnamed)
• Bigteeth (Unnamed)
• Clawwhistle (Unnamed)
• Chester (Unnamed)
• Lily (Unnamed)
• Unnamed queen (Unnamed)
• Unnamed queen (Unnamed)
• Buttercup (Unnamed)
• Tabby-and-white she-cat (Unnamed)
• Sandy-colored tom (Unnamed)
• Fernsong