dawn: part two

The cats talk to Sasha and she asks how her kits are. Leafpaw tells her Mothwing is well, but doesn't respond to questions about Hawkfrost since she doesn't know what to say. Mistyfoot assures Sasha that last she knew Hawkfrost was fine. Sasha is relieved and Leafpaw is shocked at how happy Sasha is. Cody points out to Leafpaw that of course Sasha feels that way, Hawkfrost is her kit. When the Twoleg comes to feed them one of the rogues becomes injured. Leafpaw helps the cat best she can locked in her cage. She resolves that they need to escape.

The cats all meet at the Great Rock and they have brought their leaders. No sign happens and an argument breaks out among the cats. RiverClan is refusing to leave since they are not in any danger. ShadowClan says they are going to BloodClan's old home. Tallstar says that WindClan will follow Firestar, but Firestar feels they cannot leave without the other clans, because the fifth clan might not follow. Tallstar says StarClan will always be with them and warns Firestar that his pride could kill both clans.

Squirrelpaw dreams of hunting a mouse through the forest, but another cat scares it away. It is Spottedleaf, and she shows her where her sister is trapped. In the morning Squirrelpaw tries to find Firestar but he is away from the camp. She turns to Brambleclaw for help, but he tells her to wait for Firestar's return. Sorreltail overhears their exchange and tells Squirrelpaw she will help her. The two cats race off and find a Twoleg loading the cats into a monster. They race back to camp, upset, where Graystripe sees them. He asks what is wrong and they tell him. He quickly grabs some cats and they race off. Some cats attack the Twoleg while other open the cages. As more cats are let out they help. Soon all the cats are loose and running away, but Graystripe is captured.

Leafpaw watches as Graystripe is loaded into the monster and the cats are powerless to stop it. Cody goes with the ThunderClan cats back to their camp, where they have to tell Firestar what happened. He is happy to have his daughter back but grieves the loss of his friend.

Leafpaw and Cody are asleep when Fernpaw crying wakes them. Another of her kits has died. Cody offers to look after Ferncloud and Birchkit. Firestar thanks her and tells her that as soon as it is safe he will have warriors escort her home. Leafpaw overhears Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw talking about what to do and joins them. They ask her about the fire and tiger prophecy that Graystripe slipped about when they returned and she tells them. Hollykit's death has shaken everyone. Dustpelt now feels that they should leave the forest - and appoint a new deputy. He feels that Brambleclaw should be appointed since he is a chosen one of StarClan's, other cats feel Brackenfur should be. Firestar insists they will not leave until all clans are ready. When be is pressed about Graystripe, Firestar says that for now he will divide Graystripe's duties up between the senior warriors - including Brambleclaw. Firestar speaks to Leafpaw privately, asking if she has had any word from StarClan. She tells him no, but that what divides the clans and makes them four is also what unites the clans and makes them one and they need faith in that and StarClan.

I feel like Leafpaw is being a bit foolish - of course Sasha cares for Hawkfrost. Leafpaw might be questioning if he is a Tigerstar junior but all Sasha sees is her kit.

I am glad the cats were rescued but now I wonder for the plot. How much of the book is going to be spent sitting around waiting to leave.

And as much as I like Graystripe, he is not a very good deputy. I know he is Firestar's best friend, but being the best friend of a leader does not make you a leader. I understand Firestar's reluctance to replace Graystripe so soon - and, in a way, support it, actually because despite my complaining I do want Graystripe back - but the clan cats need clear leadership right now. They need a deputy. So far as I know Firestar has only lost the one life so there is no danger of him dying for good any time soon, but there is clearly a danger of cats being separated. There does need to be a clear chain of command. And, if course, in my opinion Graystripe is more of a loyal, but hotheaded, best friend not a future clan leader. I really miss Whitestorm.

I do wonder how Hawkfrost will respond to no longer being clan leader now that Mistyfoot is returned...

On a final note, as much as I do not care for Blackstar he clearly cares about his clan even though he is not clan born. And it does not come across as a power thing, either. Yes, he is arrogant and aloof but so is the rest of his clan. He did not have to stay when things got tough, but he did. And while some of his orders are questionable he does seem to want to take care of the cats in his charge.