dawn: part three

Squirrelpaw is out with a patrol with her father when they scent a rogue. They chase it across the RiverClan boarder where Hawkfrost greets it. Firestar seems shocked by Hawkfrost's appearance. After recovering he asks him about the rogue, and finds out it is Sasha. The ThunderClan cats start to leave when Firestar asks if Tigerstar is the father. Sasha confirms it and Brambleclaw is shocked that Hawkfrost and Mothwing are his kin. Hawkfrost voices his envy that Brambleclaw at least knew their father. Brambleclaw responds that Firestar taught him more then Tigerstar ever did.

Firestar asks the cats with him to keep Hawkfrost and Mothwing's parentage a secret for now, feeling that the two cats should be judged for their own deeds. They return to the camp to find out Shrewpaw died, hit by a monster while hunting. Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw talk about Shrewpaw's death and Ferncloud's grief since this was another of her kits. The talk turns to Tigerstar, as Brambleclaw insists that loyalty to a clan is more important then shared blood with Hawkfrost, Mothwing, and even Tawnypelt. As they talk Squirrelpaw notices that the river is very shallow for this time of year. Stormfur arrives and talks to them. Talk turns to Hawkfrost and Stormfur says that Hawkfrost stepped down from deputy when Mistyfoot returned. As they talk Squirrelpaw realizes that Stormfur does not know who Hawkfrost's father is.

It is the half moon, and both Firestar and Cinderpelt feel it is too dangerous for the medicine cats to go to Highstones. Leafpaw is disappointed, she was hoping that StarClan would share with her that night. Squirrelpaw speaks of her frustrations that the clans cannot come together as one - even when there is shared blood. Squirrelpaw also states that she does not trust Hawkfrost and Leafpaw tries to assure her that Hawkfrost is his own cat. That night Leafpaw is awakened by Mothwing. Mudfur is dying. She gets Cinderpelt and the cats travel to RiverClan territory. Cinderpelt does what little she can and Leafpaw is happy to realize that Mothwing has found some confidence I  being a medicine cat. Leafpaw realizes how thin the cats look and asks Mothwing about it. She admits they are starving too, but Leopardstar refuses to leave. Hawkfrost joins the conversation and talk turns to Tigerstar. Hawkfrost says the problem with his father was that he was loyal only to himself and not a clan. Mothwing tells Leafpaw not to mind her brother but Leafpaw is worried and does not trust Hawkfrost.

Squirrelpaw returns from hunting as Tallstar arrives. He has come to beg Firestar to leave. Firestar is upset to see his old friend slowly starving to death. As they start to talk about what to do Tawnypelt bursts in looking for help - monsters are about to destroy her camp. Warriors from both camps prepare to go - including Tallstar (who is on his last life) despite objections. Leafpaw speaks up to all about RiverClan. The cats mistake her meaning and think she means to turn to them for help but Squirrelpaw understands what she means is Hawkfrost might attack in their absence. Firestar sends Brambleclaw to speak to RiverClan and Squirrelpaw warns him to make sure he speaks to Mistyfoot and that Hawkfrost comes too. Brambleclaw races off and comes back with Mistyfoot and some warriors, including Hawkfrost, and the three clans go forward to ShadowClan.

I am glad that it is out in the open (at least somewhat) about Hawkfrost and Mothwing. I do wonder if Leopardstar knows (especially since Stormfur does not) and that is why she agreed to take the kits in. But, I gotta say, as much as Hawkfrost seems suspicious I think he has both parents to blame. Sasha's exchange with Firestar was a bit disturbing, with how cold and evasive she was. Mothwing seems to have turned out alright, and her coldness could be like Tawnypelt - constant fear of screwing up combined with a constant need to prove oneself. Hawkfrost, however, is clearly out for all he can get. At least he recognizes that his mother and father are the same, but he is still power hungry, even if he claims it is for the good of his clan. And, Leafpaw makes me roll my eyes. She clearly does not trust Hawkfrost, and actually fears him, but sticks up for him when talking with Squirrelpaw. And then when they have to go to ShadowClan she fears Hawkfrost will attack their unguarded camp - proving that she really does not trust him.

I wonder now if the clans will finally leave. ShadowClan should be ready with their home being destroyed. The question is will Leopardstar be ready to give up? Yes, her clan is going hungry, but it hasn't been for nearly as long as the other clans. Other clans have actually been losing cats to hunger. RiverClan's hunger had only just begun.