The Place of No Stars (book)/Chapter 5

==Chapter description==
:Shadowsight volunteers himself to head to the Dark Forest and he feels the tension around him at the Moonpool. Jayfeather expresses his disagreement openly, warning the younger tom of the dangers of the Dark Forest and its strange powers over the living. However, the tabby tom expresses why he is the perfect cat to visit there as he reminds them of his previous visit there. Puddleshine recalls it and advises him not to take deathberries again to do so, which Mothwing agrees with and is shocked to hear that that was what he did before. Frecklewish asks how a living cat could enter the Dark Forest. Both Harestar and Lionblaze speak up, explaining and alluding to their time visiting the wretched place. The latter states that by finding a darkness within yourself, it made it easier to pass into the Dark Forest. The acting leader also questions if the cat to visit has to be Shadowsight, or if it could be a different cat.
:Frecklewish vouches for her fellow medicine cat, which warms Shadowsight. However, Lionblaze remains against the ShadowClan medicine going to the Dark Forest, reminding the younger cats of the Great Battle. Cloverfoot questions if instead of medicine cats, should they send warriors but the golden leader doesn't entirely agree. He also poses the question of Shadowsight only volunteering to avoid punishment. Cloverfoot defends Shadowsight, which surprises the young tom but Jayfeather steers the conversation away, stating that going to the Dark Forest isn't a way to escape punishment regardless. Mistystar voices her concern of if they can trust the tom to find Squirrelflight, reminding them that it was his fault Ashfur escaped in the first place. Another argument rises from Mistystar's concerns, but Bristlefrost jumps to defend the medicine cat, stating that without him Bramblestar's body would be dead. Lionblaze states that they only have the young cat's word for that and by doing what he did, he prevented the leader's decision. Jayfeather tries to reason with his brother as Shadowsight stands amongst the arguing cats. His thoughts conclude that their current situation wouldn't have happened if it weren't for him. He catches Cloverfoot's gaze and she speaks, reminding the other gathered cats that focusing on the darkness allows a cat to enter the forest. At that Lionblaze sarcastically agrees that they should allow Shadowsight. Cloverfoot agrees, noting that the medicine cat is willing and that his past talents may come in handy. 
:She suggests that he scout out the situation and asks Shadowsight if he is willing to do that. As he goes to agree, Lionblaze cuts him off, remaining firm in his distrust. Mothwing volunteers instead, which some cats approve of, but then Jayfeather offers as well, noting his connection to Squirrelflight and his past experience in the Dark Forest. Cloverfoot offers a nod of approval and Harestar agrees as well. Staring at his paws, Shadowsight wonders how he can convince the others he is still their best choice. While he thinks, Willowshine offers to go instead of the others. She explains her reasoning, noting that Ashfur could use a connection to Squirrelflight to his advantage and that she has a stronger connection to their ancestors than Mothwing. Mistystar is against the idea, asking the medicine cat to think the decision through as she is RiverClan's only medicine cat. Willowshine states she has no intention of dying and hopes that if something bad does happen, Mothwing might reconsider joining RiverClan. At that, silence over comes the cats. Puddleshine agrees first, followed by the others gathered but Shadowsight disagrees and yowls.
:Shadowsight attempts to persuade them to allow him to be the one to visit the Dark Forest. He tells those gathered that he's the only one that knows what Ashfur can do. But, before he can say much more, Jayfeather cuts him off to tell Willowshine to prepare for her task by talking to a cat that has visited the Dark Forest before. Shadowsight, however, continues to protest, but Jayfeather and Willowshine both point out to him that others had known Ashfur before he was born and that the latter appreciates his concern for her. The young tom notices the determined look in Willowshine's eyes and understands he won't win that argument. He decides to help her and begins telling her about Ashfur, starting with the fact that the gray tom doesn't care for the Clans.
:The following morning, Shadowsight recalls that Willowshine had been ready to visit the Dark Forest straight away, but Harestar had stopped her. The WindClan leader pointing out that warriors should hunt so that every cat could rest. Sparkpelt protests, pointing out that her mother is in danger, but Cloverfoot agrees with the leader. Willowshine notes that she needs to sleep in order to dream her way into the Dark Forest and that if she's refreshed and well rested, she wouldn't be able to do it. Mothwing tells her that she'll still be able to with the help of relaxing herbs, but that she should be rested as they do not know what is waiting in the Dark Forest. With that in mind, Willowshine agrees and a group of ThunderClan cats leave to hunt. Mothwing and her former apprentice turn to leave, wanting to talk. Shadowsight goes to follow, but the golden she-cat stops him from doing so, believing it best he stay out of it. Humiliated by her tone, he doesn't react and instead sits with Puddleshine and shares a vole.
:Hours pass as cats begin stirring, now rested and fed. Shadowsight spots Mothwing and Willowshine beside the Moonpool and pads over to join them. He asks Willowshine if she's prepared, secretly hoping she had changed her mind. The pale gray tabby reassures him that she'll be fine and that she isn't scared of Ashfur. Mothwing tells her that she and the other medicine cats believe it is best for her to focus on RiverClan cats that had passed recently. Willowshine suggests Softpelt, one of the cats killed in the battle caused by Ashfur. Mistystar appears and reminds her that she is only going to gather information and that they can send in warriors after they fully understand the situation. Jayfeather remarks that for that mission there would be no shortage of volunteers, which results in a few cats expressing their interest. The blind medicine cat warns the warriors not to be so eager to rush in, knowing that what they're about to deal with won't be easy. With that, silence follows until Willowshine breaks it, saying she's ready to begin. Mothwing gives the tabby a clump of poppy seeds and Shadowsight watches with his heart pounding, hoping his fellow medicine cat will be safe with what he had told her.
==Characters==
===Major===
===Minor===
===Mentioned===
==Notes and references==
Category:The Place of No Stars (book)
Category:The Broken Code arc
Category:Chapter subpages