Veil of Shadows/Chapter 8

"You know the group of cats I was born into, the Sisters? They used to call their dead this way. Maybe if we do the ritual, we will be able to reach Bramblestar's spirit - if it's anywhere near the Clans. It would be a huge help if you would join in, Rootpaw."

— Tree to Rootpaw in Veil of Shadows, page 99

Veil of Shadows
Chapter number:	8 (of 23)
Page numbers:	97-108
Point of View:	Rootpaw
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 8 (of 23)

Page Numbers: 97-108

Chapter description

As the sun sets in SkyClan camp, Rootpaw attempts to remove a tick from Macgyver's pelt. Fidgetflake oversees Rootpaw as he successfully removes the tick. The black-and-white warrior thanks the apprentice before leaving. Tree calls for his son and asks the medicine cat if he can borrow his son to talk with him. With Fidgetflake's permission, the two toms leave camp. Tree asks Rootpaw if there has been any sign of Bramblestar's spirit. Rootpaw tells his father that there has not been anything, prompting the older tom to share his concerns about the previous night's meeting with the rebels. Rootpaw agrees with the points Tree raises, and is unable to answer when faced with the possibility of Bramblestar fading away. Tree suggests that they try a summoning ritual from the group he was born into, the Sisters, suggesting that it may reach the ThunderClan leader if he is still around the Clans. Rootpaw tells his father he will help, and the duo return to camp, seeking out Frecklewish and Fidgetflake to explain the idea. After gathering their support, they find Leafstar, and she calls a meeting, explaining to SkyClan that at sunset they are to perform the ritual. Sagenose and Sandynose are apprehensive and voice their opinions, but are silenced quickly by Leafstar.

At sunset, Tree leads the ritual and begins an eerie, high-pitched wailing. The cats of SkyClan are stunned and skeptical, but Violetshine and Rootpaw soon join in, which encourages more of their Clanmates to aid with their voices. Rootpaw holds onto the hope that it will work and reach Bramblestar, but as darkness settles, nothing happens. The apprentice notices Leafstar's disappointment and apologizes to his Clanmates. Fidgetflake comforts him and so does Tree, telling his son that ghosts can be unpredictable and that Bramblestar's is even more so. Frecklewish suggests that they try the ritual at the Moonpool, which Tree agrees to.

Rootpaw, his father, the medicine cats, and Leafstar head to the Moonpool at moonhigh. The apprentice wills it to work the second time as they begin again. Just before they end, Rootpaw sees something flicker in the dark water and tells the others. Frecklewish checks but sees nothing and asks if he was sure he had seen something. Rootpaw remains firm, despite the older she-cat telling him that sometimes the water plays tricks due to the moon and stars. Discouraged, the cats listen as Tree declares his belief that Bramblestar's spirit has faded due to the current circumstances. Rootpaw asks sadly if it is too late to save the leader, and his father replies that they know whoever is controlling the ThunderClan leader's body is not the real Bramblestar, and that they must fight against it in hopes of saving the real tom's spirit.

Leafstar firmly states that what she has heard might be true, but she does not want to start a war with ThunderClan, as they have the support of two other Clans. Both Frecklewish and Tree restate obvious points, but Leafstar tells them that she understands what they are saying, but that it is safer to watch and wait before acting. Rootpaw briefly wishes he could describe what he had seen in the pool clearly, but does not say anything. As they return back to camp, Leafstar reassures him and tells him not to worry. She also tells him of the praise she had heard from both Frecklewish and Fidgetflake, but that they had noticed he was not enthusiastic about his role. The leader asks him if he would prefer to return to his warrior training or remain as a medicine cat apprentice. Rootpaw tells her that he wishes to return to his warrior training, and with a nod, Leafstar tells him she is proud of him for his consideration and that she would speak with Dewspring about his assessment.

Characters

Major

• Rootpaw
• Tree

Minor

• Macgyver
• Fidgetflake
• Leafstar
• Sandynose
• Sagenose
• Frecklewish

Mentioned

• Bramblestar's spirit
• Squirrelflight
• Bramblestar's impostor (As Bramblestar)
• Sparkpelt
• Violetshine
• Hawkwing
• Needleclaw
• Dewspring