Journey to find catmint

"We'll find catmint. [Rowankit] just has to hold on until we get back."

— Fidgetflake about their journey in Sky, page 86

Journey to find catmint
General information
Book	Sky
Locations	A Twolegplace just beyond WindClan's territory
Duration	Leaf-fall; four days
Participants	Alderheart, Nightheart, Rootspring, Fidgetflake, Sunbeam, and Lightleap
Outcome	Rowankit dies The Clans learn RiverClan's secret Fidgetflake finds forgetten catmint in RiverClan's herb storage, causing ShadowClan to attack RiverClan
Chronology
Preceded by:	Battle against Ashfur
Concurrent:	RiverClan's leader succession crisis
Followed by:	Battle for RiverClan

The journey to find catmint takes place in Sky, where the Clans sent representatives from ThunderClan, ShadowClan, and SkyClan to find catmint beyond Clan territory.

Summary

Premise

"How in StarClan will we get through leaf-bare without any catmint?"

―Tigerstar about the catmint shortage ^{Sky (book), page 56}

In ShadowClan, Tigerstar and Dovewing's son, Rowankit, falls ill with whitecough, which later turns into greencough. ShadowClan's own supply of catmint is depleted due to a recent flooding, and Puddleshine asks SkyClan for catmint. In ThunderClan, Jayfeather and Alderheart are concerned about their feeble catmint supply as well at the abandoned Twoleg nest. However, SkyClan's supply is critically low as well. Desperate to help his son, Tigerstar sends patrols to ThunderClan, WindClan, and RiverClan to ask for catmint. Only WindClan has some to spare. In response, Tigerstar calls for an emergency meeting of the medicine cats that night to discuss the catmint shortage. At the Moonpool, the medicine cats agree to send a joint-Clan patrol to find more catmint outside Clan territory, and Frecklewish suggests searching in the nearby Twolegplace that SkyClan passed on their way to the lake. They also agree to send the medicine cats from ThunderClan, SkyClan, and ShadowClan since it wouldn't be wise for Kestrelflight and Mothwing to leave their apprentices behind. Alderheart volunteers to represent ThunderClan and Jayfeather suggests sending Nightheart as well. Tigerstar plans on sending Puddleshine and Sunbeam, and SkyClan sends Rootspring and Fidgetflake, one of their medicine cats. Meanwhile, Brightheart, Oakfur, Cinnamontail, Streamkit, and Bloomkit fall ill with greencough.

Overview

"We decided that WindClan and RiverClan don't need to join the patrol. If Kestrelflight and Mothwing came with us, it would mean leaving an apprentice in charge at home. A patrol made up of cats from ShadowClan, SkyClan, and ThunderClan should be enough."

―Alderheart about the medicine cats' decision ^{Sky (book), page 71}

Nightheart was chosen as ThunderClan's representative and was pleased to finally prove his worth to his Clan

At dawn, the six Clan cats—Alderheart, Nightheart, Fidgetflake, Rootspring, Sunbeam, and Lightleap, a last minute substitute for Puddleshine—set out from SkyClan territory. Fidgetflake leads them towards a nearby Twolegplace as seen in the distance from the moor. Sunbeam is displeased that Tigerstar decided to send Lightleap with them, but the tabby she-cat is determined to fetch catmint for her brother. Meanwhile, Nightheart and Sunbeam quickly bond over changes to the warrior code and they both sympathize with each other's problems in their own Clans. The next day, Nightheart helps Sunbeam escape a Twoleg fence. As they near the Twolegplace, the patrol encounters a Twoleg festival, and Nightheart and Sunbeam are tempted by the delicious smelling scents. They reach the Twolegplace and quickly locate enough catmint for all the Clans to share. On their way back, Nightheart and Sunbeam delightfully steal some Twoleg prey from the carnival to share with the others. The patrol returns to Clan territory two days later after traveling through the night.

Description

The journey begins

«Sunbeam was struck by the thought that these cats—talking so easily and settling down for the night as though they'd shared the same den for moons—were from different Clans. They seemed so like ShadowClan cats. She suddenly wondered what Berryheart would think if she could see them getting along so well.»

—Sunbeam about the others ^{Sky (book), page 100}

Sunbeam was ShadowClan's representative chosen for the journey to find catmint

At dawn, Tigerstar decides that Puddleshine will stay in camp to care for Rowankit, and he instead sends his daughter Lightleap on the mission with Sunbeam. The journeying cats meet at the abandoned Thunderpath in SkyClan's territory and they set off towards WindClan's territory. They stop briefly to hunt just beyond WindClan's territory before continuing on at sunhigh. At nightfall, Alderheart suggests they should sleep for the night, but Lightleap protests that they must keep moving to reach the Twolegplace. However, Rootspring, Alderheart, and Nightheart explain that they'd risk injuring themselves if they press on relentlessly. Fidgetflake compromises by suggesting they should cross the nearby Thunderpath first before resting. At the Thunderpath, Rootspring takes the lead helping them cross. The six Clan cats rest at small woodland area for the night, with Nightheart and Sunbeam taking first watch. The two bond over discussing the changes to the warrior code and their troubles within their own Clans.

The journeying cats set out again the next morning, crossing several meadows and smaller Thunderpaths. By sunhigh, they cross a large field with a patrolling monster. They attempt to dig underneath the fence, but Sunbeam's pelt gets snagged; Nightheart is able to calm her down by explaining that Lightleap is watching. The six cats escape the fence in the nick of time and continue on their way. As night approaches, Fidgetflake believes they're close to the Twolegplace but instead the cats are amazed to find several Twolegs swarming around several monsters, the air filled with prey-scent and Twoleg squeals: a carnival. Nightheart is tempted by the prey-scents, but Rootspring insists they must continue on.

Finding the catmint

"There's more here than we could ever need!"

―Alderheart about the catmint ^{Sky (book), page 126}

Rootspring was SkyClan's representative and the de-facto leader of the patrol

Not far from the carnival, the six warriors find a nearby Twolegplace. They search the nearby Twoleg nests for catmint, and Sunbeam and Nightheart are confronted by a tiny gray she-kit with oddly shaped ears like a mouse's. The tiny kitten hisses for them to leave when her mother arrives and accuses them of trespassing. However, Alderheart and Fidgetflake deescalate the situation by explaining they are searching for catmint to treat a sick kit. The kittypet instantly sympathizes with them, and she points them in the direction of a nearby Twoleg den with catmint in its garden. Following the queen's directions, they successfully find a large supply of catmint, far bigger than the ones that grow by the lake. The Clan cats gather enough to share with every Clan and begin the journey home.

A date at the carnival

«Pleased, Nightheart ripped a wing from the carcass and settled down to eat it. The sweet taste filled him with warmth and satisfaction. He caught Sunbeam's eye. Her chin glistened with grease and she blinked at him happily. With full bellies, they'd sleep well and be ready for the journey home in the morning.»

—Nightheart about his catch ^{Sky (book), page 133}

When the traveling cats reach the woodlands at the outskirts of the Twolegplace, Nightheart decides to steal from prey from the nearby carnival. He suggests they should rest for the night and hunt in the woods, and Sunbeam immediately volunteers to join him. Not caring for Rootspring's warning, the two young warriors flee into the night towards the bright lights. They dart between the swarm of Twolegs and crawl underneath monsters. While trying to figure out how to get inside a monster where a Twoleg is handing out food, Sunbeam points out a discarded piece of Twoleg prey on the ground. Nightheart darts forward to grab it, though momentarily panics how hot it is, and he and Sunbeam flee back towards the woods. Back with the others, Nightheart notices the prey they stole resembles a fat blackbird with plump legs and wings. While Rootspring and Alderheart are at first hesitant about eating Twoleg food, all six cats soon feast ravenously on their catch. The festival is gone by the morning, and the patrol continues on their way home with the catmint.

Aftermath

"It wouldn't have done any good. [Rowankit] was too sick for even catmint to save him."

―Puddleshine about Rowankit's death ^{Sky (book), page 160}

The lack of catmint eventually drives Tigerstar to attack RiverClan when they later find a forgotten stash of the precious herb

The four warriors and two medicine cats arrive back in Clan territory in the early morning two days later. Alderheart, Nightheart, Rootspring, and Fidgetflake part ways to their camps at their respective borders at the lakeshore, though Alderheart promises to take some catmint to WindClan and RiverClan later. Sunbeam and Lightleap hurry back to their own camp. However, Rowankit died earlier that morning, and Lightleap blames herself for not traveling faster despite the fact they traveled through the night. In ThunderClan, Nightheart grows dissatisfied being assigned to den cleaning despite returning from his mission and he longs for Sunbeam's closeness. Later, Tigerstar calls for an emergency Gathering to discuss the catmint shortage, but the topic quickly changes to Owlnose and Splashtail as RiverClan's newest leader and deputy and the deaths of Mistystar and Reedwhisker. When Tigerstar learns that RiverClan had a forgotten supply of catmint the entire time—and thus making the purpose of the journey pointless and putting Rowankit's death into question—the ShadowClan leader leads a battle patrol to RiverClan to take over leadership by force, resulting in a battle in RiverClan's camp.

Characters

Nightheart

«[Nightheart] watched her go and realized that he was trembling. Not because he'd been caught, but because soon he'd be leaving Clan territory for the first time and embarking on a mission that might save all of ThunderClan.»

—Nightheart about being chosen for the mission ^{Sky (book), page 74}

Nightheart is a ThunderClan warrior. Feeling like an outcast in ThunderClan after deciding to stand against Firestar's legacy and choosing his own name, Nightheart is ecstatic when Squirrelflight allowed him to participate in this journey. He was pleased to explore beyond Clan territory and do something to prove his worth to the Clan. He quickly befriended Sunbeam; Nightheart shared his frustrations over his failed warrior assessments and sympathized with Sunbeam's quarrels with Lightleap. He quickly developed feelings for her. When Sunbeam's pelt got trapped underneath the fence, Nightheart whispered that Lightleap was watching, knowing it would help her calm down by not making a scene in front of her former friend. Nightheart became enticed by the Twoleg prey scents at the carnival, and he and Sunbeam wasted no time stealing prey when they returned after gathering catmint from the Twolegplace. When they returned to the lake, Nightheart hoped his closeness with Sunbeam would continue.

Sunbeam

«[Nightheart's] eyes were bright now, and he held his tail high as he followed the patrol between the trees. He seemed happy to be heading away from his home. Sunbeam padded after him, suddenly feeling happy too. This adventure could still be fun, even if it meant sharing a patrol with Lightleap.»

—Sunbeam about the mission ^{Sky (book), page 87}

Sunbeam is a ShadowClan warrior. Sunbeam was initially pleased to be chosen for the mission so she could help Blazefire recover, but her excitement quickly turned sour when Tigerstar instead ordered Lightleap to go instead of Puddleshine. Sunbeam still felt frustrated with Lightleap over Blazefire and she did her best to ignore her Clanmate. The tabby-and-white she-cat instead found kinship with Nightheart; she quickly accepted his new name and the two hunted well together. Sunbeam was amazed to see how close the journeying cats became during the journey, especially when they discussed the changes to the warrior code. She confided with Nightheart her frustrations with Lightleap. Sunbeam readily ventured with Nightheart into the carnival to steal prey, and also appreciated their closeness.

Rootspring

«There was a grimness to his mew that filled Sunbeam with foreboding. Rootspring was younger than her, but he sounded a lifetime older. Had losing Bristlefrost made him like this? Or did the Dark Forest have that effect on every cat who set paw there?»

—Sunbeam's thoughts about Rootspring ^{Sky (book), pages 97-98}

Rootspring is a SkyClan warrior. Despite being the second-youngest and Fidgetflake knowing the way, Rootspring took charge of the group, recommending when to hunt and how to safely cross Thunderpaths. The others conferred to his opinion due to his experience in the Dark Forest and helping to defeat Ashfur. Sunbeam felt embarrassed when she panicked by a monster while Rootspring remained calm. He acted selflessly for the other cats, staying by Sunbeam's side when she got trapped underneath the fence, and helping Fidgetflake across the Thunderpath when he lagged behind. His grief over Bristlefrost's death caused his somber yet focused demeanor, and he initially refused to eat Twoleg food until the others encouraged it.

Lightleap

«Sunbeam felt a flash of pity for her Clanmate. [Lightleap] clearly cared about Rowankit. If they'd still been friends, she'd have tried to comfort her. But they weren't. Lightleap would just have to deal with it by herself.»

—Sunbeam's thoughts about Lightleap ^{Sky (book), page 93}

Lightleap is a ShadowClan warrior. Her father Tigerstar chose her to participate in the journey instead of Puddleshine because he wanted both medicine cats to stay and take care of Rowankit. Lightleap was determined to find enough catmint to save her brother as soon as possible, and she initially protested when Alderheart suggested they should rest for the night. Sunbeam felt annoyed by her presence, especially when she spoke with Nightheart, but Sunbeam grew sympathetic with her former best friend as their journey continued. After Rowankit died, Lightleap blamed herself for his death for not traveling faster.

Fidgetflake and Alderheart

"I think that might be it. I'll know for sure once we reach the bottom of this slope. SkyClan got a little lost on the way to the lake, but then Twigbranch found us and guided us the rest of the way. I'm sure I'll recognize the route she showed us when I find it."

―Fidgetflake about their journey ^{Sky (book), page 89}

Fidgetflake and Alderheart are medicine cats for SkyClan and ThunderClan respectively. Fidgetflake led the way towards the nearby Twolegplace where SkyClan originally traveled by on their way to the lake. Alderheart treated Sunbeam's neck after she got trapped underneath the fence, and he soothed Lightleap's worries when she fretted about continuing on. When they arrived at the Twolegplace, Alderheart and Fidgetflake convinced the kittypet queen to help them find catmint for Rowankit. They made sure to gather enough catmint for all five Clans. When Nightheart and Sunbeam stole Twoleg prey to eat, Fidgetflake wasted no time feasting upon it while Alderheart took some convincing. When they returned to the lake, Alderheart brought some catmint to WindClan and RiverClan to replenish their stocks.

Trivia

Mistakes

• Both Frecklewish and Fidgetflake recall SkyClan’s journey to the lake when Twigbranch found them, but neither cat was there.

Quotes

«Sunbeam's paws pricked with excitement. What would the land look beyond Clan borders? Would there be forests? Or rivers? Bigger rivers than the one that ran through RiverClan territory? Perhaps they'd see mountains—the mountains the Clans had crossed on their journey to the lake.»

—Sunbeam's excitement for leaving Clan territory ^{Sky (book), page 88}

«The air seemed to vibrate as the dens pulsed with a cacophony of thumping and squawking. Nightheart flattened his ears and screwed up his eyes, dazzled by flashing lights the colors of every greenleaf flower. And the whole time, the scent of warm, sweet prey bathed his muzzle. Twolegs were swarming between the dens. He could see them eating as they walked, cramming prey into their mouths, their eyes glazed with excitement, reflecting the colored lights.»

—Nightheart's thoughts about the carnival ^{Sky (book), page 119}

Rootspring: "Twoleg prey."

Lightleap: "What is it? It's too big to be forest prey."

^{Sky, pages 131-133}

«Traveling had made him feel close to his patrolmates, even Lightleap. But he felt a special sort of kinship with Sunbeam. They'd hunted, eaten, and sat watch together, and shared confidences he'd never shared with his own Clanmates. They were friends now, and he couldn't help hoping it was a friendship that would outlast their return to the lake.»

—Nightheart's thoughts about his relationship with Sunbeam ^{Sky (book), pages 134-135}