Veil of Shadows/Chapter 12

"But what about the real Bramblestar? If we're ever to bring him back, he'll need a body to come home to. I admired him so much, […] I wanted to impress him, And now […] Who will lead ThunderClan, if not Bramblestar?"

— Bristlefrost about Bramblestar in Veil of Shadows, page 157

Veil of Shadows
Chapter number:	12 (of 23)
Page numbers:	145-160
Point of View:	Bristlefrost
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter twelve of Veil of Shadows. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 12 (of 23)

Page Numbers: 145-160

Chapter description

Bristlefrost attempts to get the false Bramblestar to join in with the Clan's daily life. However, due to his grief over Squirrelflight, he remains disinterested and tells her to have Berrynose deal with it. She brings up the topic of the other exiles, but notices that he did not seem to hear her as she takes note of his miserable expression. A part of her feels sympathetic towards him and wonders if she should tell him the truth about Squirrelflight. However, she immediately dismisses the thought and decides to continue to try and persuade the false Bramblestar into focusing on making ThunderClan stronger in his mate's memory. Alderheart soon interrupts the two, and he begins arguing with the tabby leader over his pain. The medicine cat states that there is nothing wrong with him, despite his complaints. Bramblestar calls him useless and threatens to exile him like he had done to Jayfeather. Bristlefrost takes Alderheart outside of the den and tries to reason with the tom, and the two both share their grievances about ThunderClan's current situation.

Bristlefrost soon leaves the Highledge, following Spotfur. She leaves ThunderClan camp, catching up with the spotted she-cat and Stemleaf. Bristlefrost is confused, but the two older cats soon take her to the ShadowClan border and then the former SkyClan camp. There, she spots all the cats that the false Bramblestar had exiled and the exiles forced from the other Clans due to his influence. The gray she-cat greets Twigbranch and the two share a brief conversation before she is taken aback by the exile's analysis of the situation at hand. While there, Squirrelflight addresses the camp, announcing that both Mothwing and Bristlefrost had helped her fake her death. Crowfeather shares his displeasure at the thought of lying, while both Stemleaf and Spotfur note that they have no problem with it. Tigerstar announces clearly that no cat is to mention Squirrelflight to the false Bramblestar and remain firm with the idea that she is dead. Frecklewish then takes a moment to announce that Shadowsight had been found and is healing in SkyClan. Rootpaw announces that he had found the tom and explains that his injuries showed evidence of an attempt on his life. Tree then reveals that due to the circumstances, SkyClan is unsure of what do with Bramblestar. Bristlefrost questions why and is told that Bramblestar had lied about Shadowsight's whereabouts and that he clearly had something to do with the attack.

The young ThunderClan warrior recalls the night that the tabby leader had returned covered in blood. While she recollects her thoughts about the false Bramblestar, the exiles discuss the claim. She tries to be a voice of reason, but is argued against instantly. Squirrelflight breaks the silence that falls over the gathered cats, noting that their lack of contact with StarClan has made it difficult to know what might happen to a leader if they lost a life. Jayfeather is asked and he explains flatly that he is not sure what would happen, but suspects that it is possible a leader will not go onto their next life. With that, Squirrelflight expresses the decision to wait until Shadowsight wakes up as he might be able to answer questions regarding the claims against Bramblestar. Most cats agree, but express their distaste of the ThunderClan leader. Bristlefrost wonders what would happen to the real Bramblestar as Tigerstar declares no cat is to act until they speak with Shadowsight. However, Breezepelt speaks against this decision as he states the real reason for their hesitation is due to the real Bramblestar. The WindClan warrior says that they have not seen in his spirit in almost half a moon and due to that they should act. Rootpaw adds that he had not see the spirit for a while, but explains it does not mean he is gone. Squirrelflight also agrees with the SkyClan apprentice as Breezepelt eventually backs down.

Frecklewish speaks up again as the tension dies away, saying that they should speak with Kestrelflight and Willowshine to see if they will side against the impostor. Crowfeather reveals it might be easier said than done due to both Harestar and Mistystar aligning themselves with Bramblestar due to StarClan's absence. Stemleaf speaks up stating that they have to give the medicine cats good reason to side with them, questioning if they would side with a murderer. The meeting finishes following a last few words shared by Tree and Frecklewish. Squirrelflight approaches Bristlefrost and asks her to continue to watch over Bramblestar's body. Bristlefrost promises her that she will not let anything happen to him, and silently hopes that she will not have to fight those she knows to protect him.

Characters

Major

• Bristlefrost
• Bramblestar (As Bramblestar)

Minor

• Alderheart
• Spotfur
• Stemleaf
• Jayfeather
• Squirrelflight
• Crowfeather
• Lionblaze
• Mothwing
• Twigbranch
• Harelight
• Icewing
• Tigerstar
• Conefoot
• Frecklewish
• Rootpaw
• Tree
• Breezepelt
• Kitescratch

Mentioned

• Berrynose
• Bramblestar
• Flipclaw
• Shadowsight
• Fidgetflake
• Leafstar
• Sparkpelt
• Kestrelflight
• Willowshine
• Harestar
• Mistystar

Trivia

• This chapter aligns with chapter eight of Spotfur's Rebellion.