Veil of Shadows/Chapter 18

"This isn't about words. It's about actions. Maybe the attack on me was only the first of many. This will be a long battle, and in enforcing the code we will make enemies. But the Clans must agree that we're all in this together."

— Bramblestar's impostor in Veil of Shadows, page 223

Veil of Shadows
Chapter number:	18 (of 23)
Page numbers:	217-229
Point of View:	Bristlefrost
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 18 (of 23)

Page Numbers: 217-229

Chapter description

Bristlefrost follows Bramblestar's impostor and his chosen warriors to a Gathering. She is dreading the meeting, and is so distracted that she crashes into Thriftear, who mockingly apologizes for getting in the deputy's way. Bristlefrost wants to apologize, but sees Bramblestar watching them and decides to follow him with only a nod at Thriftear. She sits beside the other deputies at the base of the Great Oak, causing the gathered cats to comment in surprise or derision. Bramblestar announces that he has been attacked by a group of rebels, and gives Bristlefrost credit for saving his life.

Tigerstar asks about Berrynose, and the ThunderClan leader calls him a failure and says he has been exiled. Tigerstar is shocked, and comments on how Bramblestar exiled Alderheart as well. Bramblestar tells him that Flipclaw is a fine replacement, and that he has received a message from StarClan. Bristlefrost and many of the ThunderClan cats are skeptical, but Bramblestar brushes over the matter and insists that the other Clans exile any cats involved in the attempt on his life. Mistystar comments on Dappletuft's death during the attack, expressing her shock and disappointment in the RiverClan warrior. She describes how Dappletuft was buried like a rogue, without a vigil, and the warrior's family appears guilty and grief-stricken. Leafstar questions why the rebels felt compelled to take such a risk, and Bramblestar asserts that a leader so dedicated to upholding the warrior code is bound to make enemies.

Bramblestar announces Squirrelflight's apparent death, and Tigerstar feigns shock. Mistystar and Harestar express their support for Bramblestar's mission to uphold the warrior code, while Leafstar and Tigerstar simply state that their Clans have always followed the code. Bramblestar points out Dovewing's codebreaking, to which Tigerstar responds that his mate has atoned. Bristlefrost observes how many cats are absent from the Gathering and hopes that the rebels will still be able to win the war. She spots Rootspring on the other side of the clearing and briefly meets his gaze. He looks devastated, and turns away from her, causing Bristlefrost to worry he and the other rebels believe she is a traitor.

The next day, Bristlefrost hears a yowl of pain from the medicine cat den and finds Flipclaw attempting to put a poultice on Shellfur's paw. Shellfur pulls away from the medicine cat and yells that he doesn't know what he's doing. Sparkpelt arrives and questions what's going on, and Flipclaw reveals he has been using a poultice of dried oak leaves. Sparkpelt tells him that oak leaves are for preventing infection, not curing it, and criticizes his lack of training. Bristlefrost defends her brother, and Sparkpelt apologizes. Sparkpelt leads him to a spot below the Highledge and calls for Bramblestar's attention. She tells him how Flipclaw's inexperience is threatening cats' lives and suggests that Brightheart at least help him until he is better trained. She appeals to Bramblestar as his daughter, but Bristlefrost notes that this isn't the real Bramblestar, and he seems unaffected by her plea.

Bristlefrost suggests going to find Alderheart or Jayfeather, but Bramblestar begins to question Sparkpelt's loyalty. He exiles her, and Graystripe criticizes Bramblestar's leadership, contrasting it with Firestar's. The leader scratches him, causing their Clanmates to gasp. Graystripe, Blossomfall, Bumblestripe, Cinderheart, Finchpaw, and Thriftear all decide to join Sparkpelt in exile. Ivypool and Fernsong seem to consider it, but don't want to leave Bristlefrost and Flipclaw. Bramblestar yells after them, insulting them and telling them not to return, before stalking back to his den. Bristlefrost's Clanmates appear shocked and fearful, and she tells them she will go speak to their leader. She hears them mocking her behind her back, and peeks into the entrance of the leader's den to see Bramblestar seemingly speaking to himself. Shaking with fear, she backs away before he notices her.

Characters

Major

• Bristlefrost
• Bramblestar's impostor (As Bramblestar)

Minor

• Thriftear
• Hawkwing
• Cloverfoot
• Reedwhisker
• Tigerstar
• Mistystar
• Lakeheart (unnamed)
• Lizardtail (unnamed)
• Softpelt (unnamed)
• Harelight (unnamed)
• Gorseclaw (unnamed)
• Leafstar
• Harestar
• Rootspring
• Flipclaw
• Shellfur
• Sparkpelt
• Graystripe
• Blossomfall
• Bumblestripe
• Cinderheart
• Finchpaw
• Ivypool
• Fernsong

Mentioned

• Squirrelflight
• Berrynose
• Stemleaf
• Spotfur
• Conefoot
• Dappletuft
• Alderheart
• Mothwing
• Dovewing
• Crowfeather
• Jayfeather
• Firestar

Errors

• Dappletuft is referred to as a she-cat.