Sun Shadow is out exploring the tribe's territory. He knows he needs to get home soon - his mother, Dewy Leaf, worries about him and her new mate, Sharp Hail, will be upset with him for upsetting his mother. He finds a cave and looks into it but a bunch of bats startle him. He heads home after dinner to Sharp Hail's anger. His punishment is taking care of Stoneteller. Normally Sun Shadow doesn't see this as a punishment, but Stoneteller has been sick. Stoneteller is sleeping so he leaves her den. Thinking on his father he wishes to follow him on the sun trail. Quiet Rain sees Sun Shadow is hungry and shares her food with him. Sun Shadow talks about his father, Moon Shadow. He wishes to know him and feels that his father is a hero for leaving the tribe. Quiet Rain points out that in leaving the tribe, Moon Shadow also left behind his pregnant mate. He realizes how lonely Quiet Rain is since she has no mate and all her kits have either died or followed the sun trail. He returns to Stoneteller. She is speaking to cats he cannot see - one of whom is Fluttering Bird. He realizes she is speaking to them about her upcoming death.
Stoneteller's vision fades and Sun Shadow leaves her. He goes to his family's sleeping spot. His mother is awake and he asks her what would happen if Stoneteller were to die. She seems frightened of this possibility but assures Sun Shadow that a new leader would step forward. She hints that it could be Sharp Hail. This news upsets Sun Shadow, as he feels like he would lose what little freedom he has. He returns to Stoneteller and cares for her. Stoneteller assures him that after her death a new Stoneteller will be named. She then tells Sun Shadow that he won't see this. Leaving her to rest he goes outside, where a hawk attacks him. After fighting it off he realizes he must leave. He returns to Stoneteller to let her know he has made his decision. That night as everyone sleeps he tells his family goodbye. Quiet Rain stops him from leaving but before she can say anything Stoneteller dies. Sun Shadow races away before anyone notices and can stop him. He runs blindly, only seeking to place distance between himself and his tribe. A voice calls out after him. It is Quiet Rain. He fears she will try to make him return, but instead she wants to join him. They race off into the night before they can be stopped.
I was a little confused at first over this story, but as Sun Shadow continued to speak I realized he needed to leave. He felt stifled by his family and had a burning desire to meet his father. Poor Sun Shadow, he will reach the clans only to find his father dead. I hope he finds the life he is looking for. And I hope Quiet Rain is happy with her decision to leave her dead daughter behind. I hope she finds her sons and is able to find a life with them.
Stoneteller's vision fades and Sun Shadow leaves her. He goes to his family's sleeping spot. His mother is awake and he asks her what would happen if Stoneteller were to die. She seems frightened of this possibility but assures Sun Shadow that a new leader would step forward. She hints that it could be Sharp Hail. This news upsets Sun Shadow, as he feels like he would lose what little freedom he has. He returns to Stoneteller and cares for her. Stoneteller assures him that after her death a new Stoneteller will be named. She then tells Sun Shadow that he won't see this. Leaving her to rest he goes outside, where a hawk attacks him. After fighting it off he realizes he must leave. He returns to Stoneteller to let her know he has made his decision. That night as everyone sleeps he tells his family goodbye. Quiet Rain stops him from leaving but before she can say anything Stoneteller dies. Sun Shadow races away before anyone notices and can stop him. He runs blindly, only seeking to place distance between himself and his tribe. A voice calls out after him. It is Quiet Rain. He fears she will try to make him return, but instead she wants to join him. They race off into the night before they can be stopped.
I was a little confused at first over this story, but as Sun Shadow continued to speak I realized he needed to leave. He felt stifled by his family and had a burning desire to meet his father. Poor Sun Shadow, he will reach the clans only to find his father dead. I hope he finds the life he is looking for. And I hope Quiet Rain is happy with her decision to leave her dead daughter behind. I hope she finds her sons and is able to find a life with them.
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