outcast: part three

Lionpaw is excited and wishes to go to the mountains. Everyone figures they won't be able to go but Jaypaw points out it doesn't hurt to ask. Firestar takes the cats into the forest to speak with them. Lionpaw and his siblings listen on as Brambleclaw plans to ask if Tawnypelt and Crowfeather can come with them and Talon admits that Stoneteller does not know he came to the clans for help. After plans are made Squirrelflight calls out the three young apprentices for eavesdropping. Lionpaw says they want to go too. Leafpool speaks up for them, telling Firestar he should allow it. Sandstorm backs her up so Firestar and Brambleclaw allow it. Lionpaw leaves with Brambleclaw to speak with Tawnypelt, Squirrelflight and Hollypaw go to speak with Crowfeather, and Jaypaw returns to the camp with Leafpool to prepare herbs for everyone.

Lionpaw and Brambleclaw wait by the border for a patrol. Soon enough Russetfur arrives - frustrated that Brambleclaw will not tell her what is going on - and escorts the ThunderClan cats to their camp. At the camp Brambleclaw asks Blackstar for permission to ask Tawnypelt to come on the journey. Russetfur is furious but Blackstar tells her it is Tawnypelt's choice. Lionpaw feels that Blackstar is only acting this way because he believes Tawnypelt will choose to stay behind with her kits, but when asked Tawnypelt agrees to go. Blackstar and Russetfur are furious, but Rowanclaw (Tawnypelt's mate) backs her up.

Hollypaw and Squirrelflight wait for a WindClan patrol. When it arrives they ask to speak with Crowfeather. The patrol bring the cats back to the camp so they can speak with Onestar. On the way to the camp it is made clear that Breezepaw is a problem apprentice and pretty much everyone in his camp is upset with him and his actions lately. They reach the camp and Crowfeather is upset to see them, fearing something is wrong. Squirrelflight seems just as awkward in her responses causing Hollypaw to explain what they are doing there, while wondering what is wrong with the two cats. Crowfeather does not seem to want to go, but when Onestar arrives he feels that Crowfeather shoups go - and take Breezepaw along with him. Upset, Crowfeather agrees to go and to bring Breezepaw along. Hollypaw notices that the father and son don't seem to get along well. As they head towards the ThunderClan camp Hollypaw begins to feel as if the journey might not be fun after all.

Leafpool has Jaypaw give out traveling herbs to everyone. He goes up to high ledge to give them to Brambleclaw and overhears him and Firestar speaking. Firestar wants a deputy named for while Brambleclaw is gone. Brambleclaw offers Graystripe as a choice. Jaypaw is dismayed with his father's choice, feeling it places Brambleclaw's position in jeopardy, but he senses Firestar is relieved with Brambleclaw's choice. The cats leave and Jaypaw wonders what is bothering Leafpool so.

Jaypaw and the cats travel away. Jaypaw makes a few mistakes (and clashes with Breezepaw) and then overhears the tribe cats talking about how ridiculous it is to bring a blind cat with them. Squirrelflight speaks up for him, pointing out that any cat can make a mistake, and the journey continues. Night speaks of how brave the cats were to journey to a new land. Squirrelflight says that StarClan helped them and Tawnypelt remarks that the Tribe of Endless Hunting will do the same if the tribe is forced to leave the mountains. Night is shocked at the idea of leaving but privately Jaypaw thinks it could be a real possibility.

So I don't really have much to say about these chapters. I am glad that Stormfur and Brook's story line is going to be resolved - though I will miss them when they are gone. And I hope that Jaypaw finds some of the answers he is looking for.

Mostly I am curious when the prophecy story line is going work its way in. And I am curious about Hollypaw's special power. Jaypaw can read cat's minds and enter their dreams. Lionpaw seems to be a very good fighter - though whether that is because of Tigerstar or the prophecy remains to be seen. But, Lionpaw did hold his own against Ashfur who was really tearing into him. What is so special about Hollypaw, other then her obsession with the warrior code. And why has Tigerstar not visited her when she wishes to be clan leader one day - an ambition neither of her brothers have.