Shadow (book)/Chapter 18

"I've tried, but it's difficult. Alderheart is my son, and Jayfeather…well, Jayfeather and I have a complicated relationship. I wouldn't feel comfortable talking frankly to either of them about this. Besides, what could they do to help? No herb will blot out everything I've seen. No poppy seed will make me forget the Dark Forest."

— Bramblestar to Nightheart in Shadow, page 224

Shadow (book)
Chapter number:	18 (of 24)
Page numbers:	210-230
Point of View:	Nightheart
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter eighteen of Shadow (book). If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 18 (of 24)

Page Numbers: 210-230

Chapter description

As the Clans are leaving the Gathering, Nightheart rushes over to Finchlight to speak with her, asking her about Bramblestar. She admits that Squirrelflight and Bramblestar have been arguing and suggests that Squirrelflight should take over the leadership of ThunderClan. Nightheart worries that Squirrelflight will attack ShadowClan with Leafstar and says that ThunderClan should respect their leader, which angers Finchlight and causes her to leave. He is forced to join ShadowClan as they are departing, noticing how defeated Bramblestar appears. Back at camp, Nightheart has a nightmare about ThunderClan and SkyClan attacking ShadowClan and having to fight Sparkpelt and Bramblestar, though he finds himself unable to kill his former leader. He is unable to sleep well after waking from the nightmare, and he thinks about Bramblestar, remembering a conversation with Sunbeam where he had confided in her and decided that Bramblestar must remain leader.

Deciding to speak with Bramblestar himself because of their connection, Nightheart travels to ThunderClan's territory, where he meets Lionblaze's patrol at the border. Despite Lionblaze and Molewhisker's protests, Sorrelstripe convinces them to take him to camp. They do so, and Nightheart is approached by Squirrelflight, who initially tells him to speak with her instead, but Bramblestar interrupts and invites Nightheart to converse with him. Nightheart begins by reminding Bramblestar of his past achievements, but it only appears to make Bramblestar feel worse, and he admits to Nightheart that he feels exhausted and that his mind is trapped with the Dark Forest. Nightheart realizes the depths of Bramblestar's suffering and suggests that Bramblestar speak with his medicine cats, but Bramblestar is uncomfortable with that.

Bramblestar tells Nightheart that he had spoken with StarClan alongside Jayfeather, and that Leafpool said that Bramblestar would have to make a sacrifice. He believes that it means that he will die, but Nightheart suggests that he could step down from leadership. Bramblestar initially rejects the idea, reminding Nightheart of Pinestar and Rowanstar, but Nightheart reminds him that Squirrelflight would be a strong successor. Bramblestar starts to consider the idea and promises to think about it. Nightheart leaves Bramblestar and is approached by Bayshine, Myrtlebloom, and Finchlight, though he does not tell them about his conversation with Bramblestar. He says that it is time for him to leave, to their dismay. Finchlight suggests that he may not belong in ShadowClan, but Nightheart still leaves, feeling remorse for leaving ThunderClan again. Realizing that he will be late for his task, he runs home, wondering what will happen after his conversation with Bramblestar.

Characters

Major

• Nightheart
• Bramblestar

Minor

• Squirrelflight
• Finchlight
• Tigerstar
• Sunbeam
• Yarrowleaf
• Sparkpelt (Vision or Dream)
• Lionblaze
• Sorrelstripe
• Molewhisker
• Bayshine
• Myrtlebloom
• Lilyheart

Mentioned

• Leafstar
• Berryheart
• Dovewing
• Darktail
• Ashfur
• Alderheart
• Jayfeather
• Leafpool
• Pinestar
• Rowanstar

Important events

• Nightheart attempts to convince Bramblestar to remain ThunderClan's leader, but then encourages him to step down.