The Apprentice's Quest/Chapter 9

==Chapter description==
:Sandstorm and Bramblestar argue about the former joining Alderpaw's patrol to fulfill his vision. However, after much debating, Bramblestar reluctantly comes to see Sandstorm's side of the argument as Squirrelflight enters the leader's den. Alderpaw watches his mother also disagree against the sentiment as he understands how fearful she must be to watch both her own mother, and kit leave on a long journey. He also notices that Squirrelflight doesn't know of SkyClan's existence, noting that both Bramblestar and Sandstorm stopped talking as the deputy appeared. Squirrelflight questions her mate, but Bramblestar reassures her and tells her to trust him. They leave it at and exit the den.
:Bramblestar calls a Clan meeting to announce Alderpaw's quest to the gathered ThunderClan cats, mentioning his son's vision and its place with the recent prophecy. He adds that Sandstorm is also going, which earns a few confused mutters, but he firmly claims that the elder's place in the quest is essential. Before he can make a firm decision about which warriors to send with the pair, Sparkpaw calls out that she wants to join her brother. Her mentor, Cherryfall, reminds her that it will be Bramblestar's choice, not Alderpaw's as the young tom pleads for his sister to join the quest. Both Bramblestar and Squirrelflight exchange a worried glance, but the tabby tom allows Sparkpaw to join the quest and decides that Cherryfall and Molewhisker will as well. He announces that the following morning, the patrol will depart.
:Alderpaw is woken up by Sparkpaw and he criticizes himself for sleeping in for his own patrol. In the camp clearing, the Clan is buzzing with activity as he and his sister head over to the medicine den where the rest of the patrol are gathered. Leafpool and Jayfeather are handing out traveling herb bundles, as the latter turns to Alderpaw and names the herbs. He comments that Alderpaw has progressed well as an apprentice, leaving the younger cat beaming. Alderpaw thinks over the fact that since revealing his vision, both older medicine cats had been treating him differently. While taking his share of herbs, he spots Bramblestar and Sandstorm talking away from the group and overhears Bramblestar's concerns of keeping SkyClan's existence a secret. Sandstorm reassures the leader that it will remain safe, and returns to the rest of the group. Alderpaw confronts her, sharing that he had overheard what she had spoken about and shares his worries of Bramblestar not trusting him. However, the elder reassures the young apprentice that Bramblestar isn't worried about him and that his concerns lie with the guilt of SkyClan's history. At first Alderpaw doesn't understand his father's guilt, but thanks Sandstorm for being a part of the patrol. As he does that, Bramblestar announces to ThunderClan that it is time for the patrol to depart. The leader wishes them all the best of luck as all of ThunderClan see them out of camp. Squirrelflight rushes up to her kits and wishes them safe travels. She touches noses with them before allowing them to begin the long journey.
:The sun continues to rise behind the group as they leave ThunderClan territory and reach the lake's shore. Sparkpaw begins bugging her brother about his vision and where they're heading, but Alderpaw doesn't reveal much. He feels slightly guilty about keeping a secret from her, but Sparkpaw remains persistent in trying to get some details from Alderpaw. Sandstorm tells her to knock it off, but Sparkpaw remains adamant that she'll learn the purpose of the quest. At this, the entire patrol begin discussing what they each think the prophecy means, with Sparkpaw thinking it might mean new hunting grounds. She then fails to catch a squirrel, leading to her to suggest the patrol stop and hunt before leaving Clan territory. However, Alderpaw disagrees, suggesting that they should instead hunt after they've traveled more. Sandstorm agrees with the young tom, pointing out that their journey ahead also entails crossing Thunderpaths. Sparkpaw remarks that they're easy to cross, but the elder warns her of the danger and that cats had died on Thunderpaths before. She also remains adamant that they should hunt before leaving the territory, which has Alderpaw almost snarl in frustration as he struggles to lead the patrol. Before he says anything, Sandstorm stands up for him and tells the fiery apprentice that it is ultimately Alderpaw's decision. Sparkpaw apologizes as Alderpaw feeling pleased by Sandstorm's belief in him. He tells his sister it's okay and that they will hunt after leaving Clan territory.
:The patrol continues their journey, coming to the ridge where many moons previously, the Clans had entered the lake territories through. Sandstorm reminices this, explaining to the younger cats that the sight of stars reflecting on the lake water was what made it clear that it was meant to be the Clans' new home. Sparkpaw once again asks Alderpaw about his dream, questioning if they're anywhere near where he dreamed of. Alderpaw goes to look around, but Sandstorm cuts in stating they still have a long way to travel yet. The elder urges them to continue, as she wants to cross the nearby Thunderpath before night fall. The group heads down a slope and pass by a clearing with Twolegs. Both Sparkpaw and Alderpaw want to have a look at the creatures, and Sandstorm reluctantly lets them have a quick look. They both make their observations as the elder answers their questions. However, a Twoleg kit notices the group and they are forced to hide in a nearby bramble thicket. The kit soon leaves them alone and the Twolegs leave in their monster. Sparkpaw scents food and manages to convince the patrol to eat the leftover Twoleg food in their camp. Alderpaw takes some fresh-kill for himself and feels full after eating his share. He also thanks his sister, complimenting her on her hunting skills. However, as the cats settle, a rustling noise catches Alderpaw's attention but it disappears. The tom is left with the weird feeling of the patrol being watched.
==Characters==
===Main===
===Minor===
==Notes and references==
fr:La quête de l'apprenti/Chapitre 9
Category:The Apprentice's Quest
Category:A Vision of Shadows arc
Category:Chapter subpages