Sunrise (book)/Chapter 20

"Which cat could depend on Squirrelflight's loyalty, knowing she would carry out the deception for moons and moons, even if it meant lying to her own mate? Which cat had poured out love and concern around him and his littermates? Which cat could never admit she had borne kits?"

— Jayfeather's thoughts in Sunrise, page 245

Sunrise (book)
Chapter number:	20 (of 28)
Page numbers:	237-245
Point of View:	Jayfeather
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 20 (of 28)

Page Numbers: 237-245

Chapter description

Jayfeather sniffs the herb on his pelt, not knowing what it was. He tells Purdy that the ointment should be fine for him now and races out to find Leafpool. The brown tabby questions Jayfeather, and explains she is going to take a short nap before Honeyfern's vigil, and tells him he must go to the Moonpool on his own. Jayfeather is enthusiastic, as he might discover something about the mystery herb.

Jayfeather scents Flamepaw at the Moonpool, and Littlecloud tells him Flamepaw is now his apprentice. The gray tabby tom congratulates Flamepaw, and Flamepaw excitedly states that they are kin. Jayfeather has a uncomfortable feeling inside, knowing that they aren't. The other medicine cats wait for Mothwing and Willowshine, but Barkface tells them to keep going, to not waste any of the moonlight. Mothwing appears with Willowshine, rushing up the hill, and explains that Petalkit had a thorn in her eye, and Littlecloud recommends using celandine. Mothwing thanks Littlecloud for the advice.

Barkface starts talking about Sol, and sympathies with Jayfeather, telling him Firestar must have had to make a hard decision. The medicine cats prepare to share tongues with StarClan and Littlecloud presents Flamepaw to them, telling him to drink from the pool. Littlecloud says his words and Jayfeather reaches down and laps, and feels himself enter Flamepaw's dream instead. He feels frustrated, as his powers aren't meant to enter Flamepaw's dream. Flamepaw asks about Tigerstar, saying they are kin, and Jayfeather reassures him he will see StarClan cats.

Jayfeather walks away from Flamepaw and frustrated, asks StarClan for a dream. His attempt is futile and Littlecloud tells him Flamepaw met Nightstar, a former ShadowClan leader. He tells Jayfeather he has confidence in Flamepaw, as he already has a wide range of knowledge on herbs. Jayfeather is reminded of his question about the mystery herb and asks Littlecloud about it, describing it to him. Littlecloud tells Jayfeather it must be parsley, which stops milk in queens after their kits die. The gray tabby tom stops and thinks about his birth, trying to put the puzzle pieces together. Littlecloud asks if he is okay and Jayfeather replies he is, leaving the Moonpool. He forces himself to recall his birth, remembering how he walked back to ThunderClan camp. Jayfeather realizes that it must be someone who cannot admit she had kits, who could trust Squirrelflight to take care of her kit, and who loved him and his littermates. He shockingly realizes that Leafpool is his and his littermates' mother.

Characters

Major

• Jayfeather

Minor

• Purdy
• Leafpool
• Barkface
• Kestrelpaw
• Littlecloud
• Flamepaw
• Mothwing
• Willowshine

Mentioned

• Honeyfern
• Sol
• Tawnypelt
• Dawnpaw
• Tigerpaw
• Blackstar
• Petalkit
• Firestar
• Tigerstar
• Spottedleaf
• Nightstar
• Mousefur
• Squirrelflight
• Ferncloud
• Daisy
• Lionblaze
• Hollyleaf

Important events

• Flamepaw is now Littlecloud's medicine cat apprentice.
• Jayfeather learns Leafpool is his mother.