Wind (book)/Chapter 5

==Chapter description==
:Nightheart is giving lessons on Clan hunting traditions to Waffle and Wasp along with Finchlight and Sunbeam. Nightheart demonstrates his tracking skills as he teaches the importance of scenting and stalking. Waffle identifies the scent of squirrel, and Wasp is able to see it. Waffle asks to catch it, but Nightheart doesn't let the visitor do so, as visitors aren't allowed to catch Clan prey. Nightheart tells the park cats to watch as he and Sunbeam stalk the squirrel. It is hard because the wind pushes the cats' scents towards the squirrel, but Nightheart successfully catches it, impressing Waffle and Wasp, and thanking StarClan. Wasp asks why Clan cats thank StarClan, and Nightheart explains that it is an act of gratitude that StarClan blesses the Clans with prey to prevent starvation. Wasp asks if RiverClan does this too, and Nightheart says that they do, as it is part of the warrior code. Wasp then asks what hunting is like in RiverClan, and if their prey tastes odd because it is caught underwater. Nightheart says he doesn't know, but he is familiar with catching frogs. He then tells the park cats that squirrel is tasty, and Sunbeam allows the patrol to eat the prey as it is a special session, and the hunting is not for patrol purposes.
:Upon returning to camp, Nightheart is disappointed as Wasp chatters about what fish may taste like. He grows concerned that the park cats won't understand that other Clans are a good choice for them to join if RiverClan is unwelcoming under Splashtail's rule. Nightheart decides to take the park cats to the elders to hear stories. Brackenfur welcomes them, and Brightheart beckons the young cats in. Waffle asks a question as to what the Dark Forest is, as he had heard the name earlier. Cloudtail bluntly explains that it is a bad place that evil cats go to. Brightheart bats her mate for the bad explanation, and asks the young cats if they know of StarClan. When Wasp says that they do, Brightheart explains that if a cat is deliberately evil and chooses a path of wickedness, they aren't allowed in StarClan and go to the Dark Forest when they die. Waffle asks what it's like, and Thornclaw directs him to Brambleclaw, who has been there recently. Brightheart explains that he was imprisoned there, and is not evil. Brambleclaw agrees to answer questions, but says that he may not be able to answer all of them due to him wanting to forget his trauma.
:The elders dip their heads to honor Brambleclaw's service and bravery in the Dark Forest, and decide to talk about the Great Battle. Brackenfur mentions that the battle was terrifying and how the living cats had to fight the dark spirits. Brightheart mentions how many cats, including Firestar, died protecting the Clans. When Wasp asks what happened, she explains that Tigerstar had gathered living cats in their dreams to corrupt them and to create an army to fight against the Clans. Brambleclaw clarifies that it was the first Tigerstar, not ShadowClan's current leader. Cloudtail adds that the current Tigerstar would not stoop as low as his namesake. Brackenfur continues the story, taking about how the first Tigerstar gathered up living and dead cats to fight the living Clans, but most of the trainees had ended up fighting on the side of the Clans once they learned the truth of why they were recruited. Thornclaw admits that he was one of the trainees, and ashamedly explains how he was led to believe that he was being trained to be a better warrior, but the guise was a big lie. Brackenfur speaks of Ivypool, and how the Clan deputy spied on the Dark Forest to warn the living Clans of the incoming danger.
:Waffle then asks of the old forest, and Brightheart explains that it was the Clans' old home before Twolegs destroyed it. The elders then share about the Great Journey, and Brambleclaw tells that story. Brambleclaw talks about how he and five other cats received dreams and followed StarClan to Midnight, who told the patrol about the forest's doom. Then, the Clans went on the Great Journey to their current home at the lake. Waffle is excited about the stories and wishes to hear more. Wasp is confised as to why SkyClan was never mentioned. The elders explain that SkyClan had been exiled many moons before, and how Firestar was the cat to bring them back together. Nightheart thinks about how he hated listening to stories about Firestar, but now that he had matured and had his own accomplishments separate from his kin and namesake, Nightheart is proud to be Firestar's descendant. Ivypool asks for Nightheart, and he leaves the den to meet with his deputy.
:Later, Nightheart and Sunbeam are chatting. Nightheart tells his mate about how the park cats seemed to like the elders' stories, but expresses his concern about them not being able to fit in or adjust to not being in RiverClan. Sunbeam doesn't respond as she is spaced out. Nightheart asks her if she is okay, and Sunbeam asks him if he is nervous about Breezepelt's news about Berryheart. Sunbeam tells Nightheart that she wants to check on her exiled kin without telling Squirrelstar. Nightheart says that it's a bad idea, and that she shouldn't have Squirrelstar questioning her loyalty. Sunbeam agrees to speak with Squirrelstar herself, and Nightheart is relieved. He still feels for his mate, as she had endured so much joining ThunderClan, and new troubles keep on appearing for her and their relationship.
==Characters==
===Major===
===Minor===
===Mentioned===
==Errors==
* Brambleclaw is mistakenly called Bramblestar.
==Notes and references==
Category:Chapter subpages
Category:Wind (book)
Category:A Starless Clan arc