Squirrelflight's Hope/Chapter 3

"One night of worry to keep peace among the Clans. Surely you see that it's worth it?"

— Squirrelflight to Sparkpelt in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 54

Squirrelflight's Hope
Chapter number:	3 (of 30)
Page numbers:	40-58
Point of View:	Squirrelflight
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 3 (of 30)

Page Numbers: 40-58

Chapter description

Squirrelflight makes her way to the SkyClan border and waits for a border patrol, and soon comes across Palesky and Tree. She calls out to them, and the two SkyClan cats greet Squirrelflight with respect, but they are wary of another Clan's cat on their land. Although Palesky and Tree know that Squirrelflight is not an enemy cat, Palesky explains to Squirrelflight that she is trying to teach Tree how to be a Clan cat and not be so welcoming of others. Squirrelflight understands this and insists to speak to Leafstar. Palesky and Tree escort Squirrelflight to SkyClan's camp, and along the way, Squirrelflight takes a moment to talk to Tree to check on Violetshine, who had recently given birth to Tree's kits. Squirrelflight recalls that Twigbranch, Violetshine's sister, was eager to see them, but was shot down by Bramblestar when she asked if she could travel to SkyClan to meet them. They soon arrive, and Palesky goes to fetch Hawkwing and Leafstar, SkyClan's deputy and leader.

Before Leafstar and Hawkwing arrive, Squirrelflight meets Rootkit and Needlekit, the children of Violetshine and Tree, and her heart aches for a new litter of her own. Squirrelflight looks and sees two more kits, and thinks to herself that she did not know SkyClan had that many kits, alongside Bellaleaf, who is expecting her own litter of kits. Squirrelflight realizes that SkyClan will need all of the territory that they can get to feed their ever-growing Clan. Rootkit sniffs Squirrelflight, and says that she does not smell like SkyClan, and Squirrelflight says that she is from ThunderClan.

Soon, Hawkwing and Leafstar arrive, and Squirrelflight expresses an interest to discuss matters with SkyClan's leader and deputy in private. Leafstar is not too keen on talking to Squirrelflight after her outburst at their last meeting, but the SkyClan leader gives her the chance to explain herself. Squirrelflight goes on to explain that she believes that SkyClan does need to move, and says that RiverClan, ShadowClan, and WindClan will not be happy if they have to watch territory go to waste. Leafstar is angry, and accuses Squirrelflight of wanting SkyClan to leave the lake, but Squirrelflight insists that she wants to help Leafstar find new territory, and encourages her to come with her to search the land beyond the abandoned Twolegplace. Leafstar is not happy about this at first, but is willing to go along with Squirrelflight to explore, although Hawkwing tries multiple times to get Leafstar to allow at least one SkyClan warrior to accompany her. Leafstar tells Hawkwing no, and that he needs to stay with SkyClan. Leafstar explains that she must see this territory for herself so she can see if it is a real possibility, not wanting to spread rumors.

Squirrelflight and Leafstar make their way across ThunderClan's territory, and run into Sparkpelt and Larksong, who are hunting. Squirrelflight decides that it is best that her daughter and mate at least see her, and she tells Sparkpelt that she is taking Leafstar to see the land beyond ThunderClan territory. Squirrelflight explains the plan she came up with at the Gathering, and says that Bramblestar is not entirely sold on the plan, so Squirrelflight is hoping to persuade Leafstar when she sees the land for herself. Sparkpelt is worried and does not want to keep Squirrelflight's plan a secret from Bramblestar, but promises to wait until the following day to say anything, wanting to help Squirrelflight keep the peace between the Clans. Squirrelflight promises that she and Leafstar will be back, and the two she-cats make their way for the edges of Clan territory.

Squirrelflight and Leafstar journey across the Clan territories, and soon find themselves in an area surrounded by pines, and although muddy and surrounded with rocks, the two she-cats keep moving forward. The rain lets up as Squirrelflight and Leafstar emerge from the forest, and watch as the sunlight shows through the clouds and illuminates the hilltop. Squirrelflight nods towards a hillside, pointing out that this area would make a good hunting place. Squirrelflight and Leafstar travel on, and soon find themselves in a valley, and they soon find themselves in an area that looks like it could be perfect for camp. Sniffing around, Squirrelflight and Leafstar worry that another group of cats could have made this a home already, and believe that they should leave. Leafstar turns around and freezes, and Squirrelflight follows her gaze. The pair of she-cats soon find themselves surrounded, with a gray she-cat eyes glaring at them with a look of hostility, with Leafstar saying that they cannot leave anymore.

Characters

Major

• Squirrelflight
• Leafstar
• Hawkwing

Minor

• Palesky
• Tree
• Violetshine
• Reedclaw
• Bellaleaf
• Needlekit
• Rootkit
• Kitekit
• Turtlekit
• Harrybrook
• Plumwillow
• Frecklewish
• Dewspring
• Nectarsong
• Macgyver
• Sparkpelt
• Larksong
• Unnamed gray she-cat
• Four other large she-cats

Mentioned

• Twigbranch
• Bramblestar
• Harestar
• Sagenose
• Leafpaw
• Mousewhisker
• Lionblaze
• Tigerstar

Errors

• Tree is called a warrior.