| "This is the beginning of your adventure. Our love goes with you as you set off on your endless wander. Be an honorable cat, and the land will guide your paws. You are a guardian of the land now. You must listen to what it tells you. [...] Walk through the night without looking back. At dawn, you will have left your kithood behind you and become a true tom. May the ancestors who walk the land find you and give you guidance." |
| — Moonlight to Earth in Tree's Roots, chapter 4 |
- Below contains in-depth information for chapter four of Tree's Roots. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.
- Chapter Number: 4 (of 10)
- Page Numbers: N/A
Chapter description[]
- Earth follows Moonlight towards a hill. When they stop, the Sisters gather around Earth, except Ice. Moonlight wishes him happiness, saying she will miss him. Sunrise tells her mother that she doesn't want him to leave. Earth whispers to her to tell Ice good-bye for him. Each of the Sisters say their good-byes, Hawk reassuring Earth that he will be fine. Moonlight bows her head to Earth, saying that this is the beginning of his wander, and that from now on he is a guardian of the land. Though Earth knows he is supposed to speak, he doesn't, and Furze and Snow exchange glances. Moonlight steps closer to him, telling him to be strong. Finally, Earth states that he is ready, and Moonlight purrs in approval. His mother continues, telling him that by dawn he will be a true tom. Earth nods, and starts to walk. He desperately wants to look back but resists the urge, continuing to walk and steeling himself.
- Earth glances around and stops for a moment, sensing no threats. He wonders why toms have to start their wander at night, as everything is harder at that time of day. Earth yowls in terror as he sees a bright light. He thinks that he must be right by a Thunderpath. Earth stands still and decides to stay under a bush for the night. He curls into a tight ball and squeezes his eyes shut.
- At dawn, he follows his scent trail to the Sisters camp. Earth realizes that the Sisters are leaving as he sees them hurrying around and destroying all signs showing they'd lived there. Earth spots his sister Ice among them and is relieved. He hopes she will be okay and silently says good-bye. Moonlight nuzzles Ice gently, than leads the Sisters out of camp. Earth once again silently says good-bye.
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| Tree's Roots chapters | |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 • Chapter 2 • Chapter 3 • Chapter 4 • Chapter 5 • Chapter 6 • Chapter 7 • Chapter 8 • Chapter 9 • Chapter 10 | |