Veil of Shadows/Chapter 2

"But you and Jayfeather are half-Clan cats. The result of codebreaking. And while you live in ThunderClan, your very existence displeases StarClan."

— Bramblestar to Jayfeather and Lionblaze in Veil of Shadows, page 23

Veil of Shadows
Chapter number:	2 (of 23)
Page numbers:	16-34
Point of View:	Bristlefrost
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 2 (of 23)

Page Numbers: 16-34

Chapter description

As Bristlefrost returns to camp from the dirtplace, she scents catmint and blood. She looks to the camp's entry, spotting Rosepetal on guard. Bramblestar and Berrynose enter through the thorn tunnel, and the sight of the two toms make Bristlefrost uneasy. She tries to return to the warriors' den without being spotted, but Bramblestar sees her and pads up to her, his chest fur matted with blood. After a quick exchange, she hurries to the warriors' den, convincing herself that the two cats had been on a moonlight hunt.

The following morning, Bristlefrost complains about having to go on dawn patrol in spite of the cold weather. Thornclaw remarks that no cat would attack them in such a state. After the patrol, she seeks out Stemleaf and Spotfur and recounts to them what had happened the previous night. The three cats agree that they must watch the leader more closely due to his strange behavior. They all return to camp to choose some fresh-kill just as Bramblestar announces a Clan meeting. The leader tells ThunderClan the news from the medicine cat meeting at Moonpool, announcing that Shadowsight has gone missing. He states his opinion that the medicine cat has fled the Clans due to his mother, Dovewing, being a codebreaker. Bristlefrost listens with shock and confusion as Bramblestar continues to add that ThunderClan needs to be the example for the other Clans. He calls on Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Twigbranch, and after claiming his connection to StarClan, which Jayfeather calls him out on, he exiles the two brothers and makes Twigbranch start her atonement, ordering her to catch twenty pieces of prey.

Jayfeather and Lionblaze leave camp, and Bramblestar orders Bristlefrost to ensure Twigbranch begins her atonement. She enforces Bramblestar's words, angering Finleap, who defends his mate as she leaves to begin her task. Bristlefrost leaves camp afterwards and tracks down the two exiled toms, who both greet her with initial hostility. She explains to them that she knows Bramblestar is an impostor and that Squirrelflight is seeking shelter with ShadowClan. Lionblaze asks her to lead the way, so she takes them through SkyClan territory before reaching ShadowClan's camp. On the way, they encounter Twigbranch, who joins them, seeking shelter as well.

The four cats arrive at the ShadowClan border, where a patrol led by Snowbird encounters them. The white she-cat leads them back to camp after they ask for Squirrelflight. Arriving in camp, Tigerstar meets them and asks after his son. Bristlefrost wonders if she should tell him that she had seen Bramblestar covered in blood, but holds her tongue instead. Jayfeather tells the leader that they have not seen Shadowsight and explains that Bramblestar has become harsher and more intent on punishing the codebreakers, and Tigerstar allows them to stay. Squirrelflight thanks Bristlefrost and tells her that she and the others who know the truth are keeping ThunderClan from falling into chaos. As Bristlefrost returns to ThunderClan territory, she feels the weight of the information she holds like the Great Oak on her shoulders.

Characters

Major

• Bristlefrost
• Bramblestar's impostor (As Bramblestar)
• Jayfeather
• Lionblaze
• Twigbranch

Minor

• Rosepetal
• Berrynose
• Thornclaw
• Stemleaf
• Spotfur
• Alderheart
• Mousewhisker
• Sparkpelt
• Finleap
• Snowbird
• Slatefur
• Tigerstar
• Squirrelflight

Mentioned

• Stormcloud
• Molewhisker
• Poppyfrost
• Shadowsight
• Dovewing
• Leafpool
• Rootpaw
• Tree
• Bramblestar's spirit
• Cinderheart
• Tigerstar
• Whorlpelt
• Crowfeather

Errors

• Twigbranch is unaware that Bramblestar is an impostor despite being at the secret meeting where it was announced.