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"Enough! Who is leader? What is the only thing standing between you and StarClan's wrath? Remember that StarClan already killed Squirrelflight-or have you forgotten already? I am your leader. My word is the code."
Below contains in-depth information for chapter fifteen of Veil of Shadows. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.
Bristlefrost wakes up to see Rosepetal and Bumblestripe escorting Twigbranch into camp. The exiledcat appears skinny and ungroomed, and Bristlefrost suspects this was staged to throw off Bramblestar's suspicions. Berrynose approaches her, and she requests to speak with Bramblestar. The deputy sends Bristlefrost to fetch him, and she finds him sleeping in his messy den. He is confused when she wakes him up, and Bristlefrost reminds him of Twigbranch's exile. He calls a Clanmeeting, and Finleap and Thriftear help Twigbranch to carry the twenty pieces of prey she caught into camp. Bristlefrost is impressed by Twigbranch's hunting skills, though she knows the she-cat had help from the exiles. Bramblestar inspects the prey and gives a speech on the importance of loyalty to one's Clan and obedience of the warrior code. Bramblestar tells Twigbranch that her atonement cannot change the fact she is a codebreaker, and that StarClan would not want her to be let back into the Clan. Her Clanmates protest this decision, and Finleap and Alderheart are exiled for speaking up against Bramblestar. Bristlefrost silently agrees with Alderheart and worries what will become of ThunderClan. Flipclaw becomes the Clan's sole medicine cat, and Bristlefrost wonders if she should tell Ivypool the truth and leave with her family for the exiles' camp.
Before she can speak with her mother, Bramblestar intercepts her and requests to speak with her alone in the forest. He voices his suspicions that cats are working against him, and questions Berrynose's loyalty. Before Bristlefrost can respond, a group of rebels consisting of Stemleaf, Spotfur, Conefoot, Kitescratch, and Dappletuft sneak out of the undergrowth towards Bramblestar. Bristlefrost's gasp alerts the leader, who whirls to attack them. She locks eyes with Stemleaf, but Bramblestar orders her to fetch help, and she runs towards camp until she finds Berrynose. They lead a patrol consisting of Dewnose, Sorrelstripe, and Snaptooth to Bramblestar's defense, and find Shellfur and Leafshade already fighting by the leader's side. Spotfur and Kitescratch flee, and Bristlefrost sees the bodies of Conefoot, Dappletuft, and Stemleaf. She rushes to Stemleaf's side, recalling the time when she imagined him as her mate and wondering if things could have been different, then passes out.
Bristlefrost awakens in the medicine cat den, where Flipclaw and Brightheart are watching over her. Flipclaw worries that he gave his sister the wrong herbs, but Brightheart reassures him, explaining that Cinderpelt taught her the basics of medicine. Bristlefrost suddenly remembers what happened and retches, her whole body convulsing with the awful memory. Bramblestar arrives and scolds Brightheart for helping Flipclaw, sending her away. Bramblestar praises Bristlefrost's loyalty and criticizes Berrynose's slowness in helping him, promising to make Bristlefrost deputy in his place. Bristlefrost is shocked and defends Berrynose, stating how she has not had an apprentice and is unready to become deputy. Bramblestar does not listen, and immediately calls a Clan meeting. He strips Berrynose of his deputy position and exiles him from ThunderClan. Poppyfrost wails in dismay, and other cats mutter in shock. Bramblestar names Bristlefrost as the new deputy, and her Clanmates exclaim in protest, arguing that she is young and inexperienced. Bramblestar silences them, warning them not to speak out against their leader. Molewhisker points out that making a cat deputy without her having had an apprentice is against the code, but Bramblestar silences him with a calm but menacing voice. Bristlefrost thinks that his eyes look blue for a moment.
I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our ancestors may hear and approve my choice. Bristlefrost will be the new Deputy of ThunderClan.
