Blood on the Plains - is the third book in the Curse of the Sandtongue arc
- Prance is featured on the cover.
Blurb[]
The thrilling third installment in the latest arc of BRAVELANDS! Set in the African highlands and told from three different animals’ points of view, dedicated fans and readers new to the Bravelands world will love this exciting new adventure.
The Serpent is Ready to Strike
"Grandmother's attacks on the creatures of Bravelands come to a head"
Bravelands is in turmoil. With Thorn dead, the animals of the plains desperately search for the next Great Parent, a role Prance is afraid to fill. Chase hides in plain sight amidst Grandmother’s most loyal creatures, praying that the terrible antidote she’s discovered will continue to hold the snake’s power over her at bay. And Bramble finds himself up against a foe he couldn’t have imagined: his own poisoned troop. Can these three unlikely allies stop the great serpent before her venom corrupts them all?
Full of epic adventure and thrilling intrigue, this new Bravelands adventure will thrill readers who love the Spirit Animals and Wings of Fire series, as well as the legion of dedicated fans who’ve made Erin Hunter a bestselling phenomenon.
Plot[]
Prologue[]
Windrider's point of view.
Windrider soars across Bravelands alongside her great-great-grandchick Stormrider. They watch the animals mourning Great Father Thorn, to which Stormrider asks if it will be like last time. Windrider tells her that the new Great Parent will be found when the time is right. Windrider then tells the history of the Great Spirit.
Long ago a vulture found an egg that was not a vulture's egg. Just before she was about to eat the egg, she heard a voice speaking to her. The voice told her not to eat the egg, but instead care for it. When the egg hatched it was empty. Though not visible, the Great Spirit hatched out of the egg. And the vulture became the first Great Mother.
Windrider and Stormrider fly towards the Mountain. Stormrider mentions that the air feels strange on the Mountain. Windrider agrees, saying that something terrible is coming. Windrider senses that her death is coming and tells Stormrider that the future of the vultures will be in her talons.
Chapter 1[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase and Burbarktroop perform their ritual. Chase reminds herself that she has done this ritual a dozen times, but it never gets easier to force herself to submit. She then falls to her belly and lets the snakes bite and spread their venom into her. A Blackback pulls Chase away and tells her to listen for Grandmother's voice. The ritual continues as the gorillas wait their turn to be bitten. Chase notices the sheer amount of gorillas in Burbarktroop and mentions how they conquered all other gorilla troops on the Mountain. Chase tries to sneak away to find rot-meat, that would cure her of the venom. A Goldback stops her and asks where Burbark is, to which Chase replies that he must be in the caves. Burbark doesn't attend the rituals anymore, and Chase suspects that he is getting his own venom from a more potent source
Grandmother then whispers into Chase's head 'Blood will flood the plains'. Both Chase and the Goldback repeat Grandmother's words. Chase tells the Goldback that she has to hunt and she leaves. Chase travels to the waterfall where she meets Shadow and Seek. They bring her rot-meat to which Chase eats. Seek nuzzles her and asks her if she is feeling well. Shadow and Seek are both concerned for her and want her to leave Burbarktroop. Chase refuses saying that she needs to know what Burbark and Grandmother are plotting.
Something moves in the trees and Chase tells them to run. A patrol of Blackbacks pass by and don't pay any heed towards Chase. When they leave, Chase sighs and tells herself that she can't keep this up forever.
Chapter 2[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble watches various animals come to the Great Father Clearing to mourn and pay their respects to Thorn. Mud sits silently next to the grave as Bramble gives him fresh foliage to cover Thorn. Bramble doesn't know what to do. He reminds himself why he and his sister, Moonflower, came, and how Dayflower read a message in the Spirit Mouth that told them to warn the Great Father. He then stares at the snakeskin that Mud is trying to keep secret from the rest of Bravelands.
Bramble hears footsteps and looks outside to see Sky and the Strider Family approaching the grave. She lets out a sad bellow and announces that she will bring Thorn's bones to the Plain of Our Ancestors where he can lie beside his predecessors and his dear friend Fearless. As Sky takes Thorn's body, Prance approaches Bramble and asks him if he is alright. He tells her that he does not know what to do, to which Prance replies that they are where they're supposed to be and that they must trust the Great Spirit. Bramble feels better and then leaves to find his sister Moonflower.
Chapter 3[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance walks beside Sky and Gallant as the Strider Family takes Thorn's body. As Prance walks beside them she notices that the place on her chest where Thorn had placed his hand feels warm. She wonders if Thorn had given her the Great Spirit. Prance hasn't found the perfect moment to tell the others what had happened to her before Thorn died. Prance refuses to believe that she is the new Great Parent and reminds herself that Sky was the carrier of the Great Spirit until she found the Great Parent. She decides to join the Strider Family on their journey to the Plain of Our Ancestors hoping that she would be able to tell Sky everything. Prance also considers if the Great Spirit is steering her towards the elephants because Sky could be the new Great Parent.
However, Prance does not get a chance to speak with Sky because the Strider Family stopped as little as possible during the journey. They travel through the shortest route by crossing the territories of hyenas and other predators, which Prance reflects that a lone gazelle would normally avoid or run for their lives. As the travelers reach the entrance to the Plain of Our Ancestors, Gallant warns Prance that they should stay outside the elephant graveyard as it is a sacred place for the elephants. Prance hears a cry and looks up to see vultures circling in the sky. Sky tells her that Windrider probably sent them to see that Thorn was put to rest.
After Prance and Gallant say their goodbyes to Thorn before Sky takes him into the graveyard, Gallant asks Prance if she could travel in her shadow form to search for his stolen son, Terror. Prance agrees and enters her shadow form to which she finds Menacepride near the mpaga forest. Prance finds Terror picking over the bones of some prey. Terror then tries to pounce on a snake slithering near the sleeping lions but fails. The snake bites Mauler and he yowls. Terror quickly grabs the snake and kills it, then asks if Mauler is alright. Mauler responds by asking why there are so many snakes these days. Menace enters the conversation by mentioning how snakes wouldn't normally attack lions, and that something is up. Terror tells Menace that it doesn't bother him and that he likes the taste of snakes. Prance, having seen enough, returns to her body and tells Gallant that his cub is doing fine.
Sky returns from the Plain of Our Ancestors, and tells the others that they will rest for the night. Prance sees this as an opportunity to talk to Sky and approaches her asking what it was like carrying the Great Spirit. Sky responds that it felt odd as if it protected her but she also protected it. Prance continues by asking how she knew she wasn't the Great Parent. Sky answers by saying that she wondered, however, the one thing that all Great Parents had in common was their ability to understand both skytongue and sandtongue, to which Sky admits she never had this skill. After hearing this, a nightjar tells Prance that Sky is right. Another nightjar then tells Prance that she must accept it soon because Bravelands can't wait long. Prance, confused as to why she can understand skytongue, turns to Sky only to realize that Sky doesn't hear the birds. Gallant lies down beside Sky and ponders if the next Great Parent is a hippo or rhino. Sky chuckles while Prance weakly laughs. Prance then asks herself how she can tell them that instead of a hippo or rhino, the Great Spirit might have chosen her.
Chapter 4[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase pretends to be busy gnawing bones while she is spying on Burbarktroop. She realizes that Shadow and Seek are right and that she can't keep this up much longer. Chase contemplates if she should leave. She then realizes that the gorillas are frozen and are listening to Grandmother. Chase too listens to Grandmother's voice in her head. Grandmother tells them that the time has come and that they should gather with her. The gorillas alongside Chase eerily march toward the Spirit Mouth. Burbarktroop and Chase stop outside the cave.
Burbark comes out of the cave holding an enormous shed snakeskin and announces that Grandmother has been born anew. The gorillas cheer and Burbark continues saying that he has guarded Grandmother as she grew bigger and more powerful and tells his troop that it is time to march down into the plains. The gorillas stop cheering and a blackback hesitantly states that the gorillas have always lived on the Mountain and asks about their mantra. Burbark tells his troop that Grandmother has explained to him that they have misunderstood the mantra, 'Blood pools on the plains', and that the real meaning is that the blood that pools on the plains will be the blood of their enemies. Another goldback asks Burbark about Kigelia and how he led them from the plains generations ago. Burbark responds by saying that it is time for them to return and face what Kigelia could not by purifying the plains.
Chase, alarmed by the sudden decision to conquer the plains, tries to plan her escape. However, Burbark singles Chase out and tells her that Grandmother has a special task for her. Chase is reluctant to help Grandmother but realizes that if she refuses, the surrounding gorillas will kill her. Burbark explains to her that she will personally act as an escort and protector for Grandmother as she journeys to the plains. Chase asks why she is chosen instead of a gorilla, to which Burbark explains that she is the only one small enough to fit through the tunnels. Chase feels ill after understanding that she and Grandmother will be traveling underground. Grandmother's voice tells her not to be afraid and to come to her and be her teeth and claws. Chase swallows her fear and enters the Spirit Mouth pondering if Grandmother knows she is not fully under her control and if this is a trap. Burbark gives her a warning by telling her to guard their mistress with her life. Chase enters a warm dark cavern and feels Grandmother's tongue flicking her ear. Grandmother thanks Chase and tells her that they have a long path to travel.
Chapter 5[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble walks through the Baboon Forest and hears the quizzical exclamations of the baboons from Dawntrees Troop. He finds Moonflower sitting with Moth and Spider. As he approaches, Moonflower tells him that Moth was showing her how her stones work and mentions that they are similar to interpreting the Spirit Mouth. Moth rolls the stones and stares at the pattern intently. Watching this, Bramble reflects upon how he never understood how Moonflower and Dayflower could read patterns from steam. Moth sighs, claiming that she can see something but she doesn't understand what it means, she then mentions that Mud still has a lot to teach her. Spider comforts his daughter by telling her that he had spent time with tortoises and that they don't believe in worrying about the future. Moonflower dejects wishes that her mother were able to teach her to be a real mistback. Moth sympathizes with Moonflower and Bramble asks his sister if they can talk in private.
Brambletells Moonflower about his uncertainty about staying in the plains and asks his sister if they should leave and go back to the Mountain. Moonflower tells him that she had another vision last night and saw steam covering the stars as well as the boulder resembling Kigelia walking away from the Mountain and towards the plains. She explains to Bramble that she didn't tell him because she didn't know what it means, but feels that their place, for now, remains on the plains. Moth interrupts by swinging in the trees and telling Moonflower to look up. Moonflower and Bramble follow her up the trees and into the canopy where they see a wisp of smoke rising from the Mountain in the distance. Moonflower interprets the smoke as a sign of the Great Spirit's approval of her decision to remain on the plains.
As they climb back down from the tree, Mud approaches Bramble by telling him that he has consulted his stones and that they confirmed his suspicions that he had for some time. He then reveals that he has found the next Great Parent and that it is Bramble. Moonflower hugs her brother as Mud explains to him that the Great Spirit has brought him here not to be Thorn's savior but his successor. Bramble wonders if he can talk to birds and see through other creatures' eyes. Mud asks if Bramble will lead them through these dark times as any Great Father would, to which Bramble promises he will do his best.
Chapter 6[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance walks beside the Strider Family and Gallant as they return to the Great Father Clearing. Although it is supposed to be a quiet morning, Prance can hear the birds' chatter. A bright red songbird fledgling named Chichi lands on her horns and greets her whilst asking what Prance plans to do about the snakes and if it is true that she can see through their shadows. An older songbird chastises Chichi for pestering the Great Mother. As Prance continues to walk, a flock of spurfowl greets her and a small group of sunbirds congratulates her. Prance feels dejected that she is not the custodian for the Great Spirit but the next Great Parent. The travelers approach a watering hole, and Prance and Gallant drink from the water. Prance addresses Gallant, ready to tell him her secret, however, Gallant snarls and pounces on a crocodile that was behind Prance.
Gallant tells Prance to run, however, the crocodile begs for his life and claims that he is not cursed. Being able to understand sandtongue, Prance hears the crocodile's pleas and tells Gallant not to hurt him. She then approaches the crocodile and asks him if he won't bite them if they let him go. The crocodile agrees and explains that it was never his intention to hurt them and that he was hoping that they would help him find his father. Prance tells Gallant to release the crocodile to which Gallant asks her why and how she is able to understand it. Prance pleas once more to Gallant, to which he eventually releases the crocodile. The crocodile thanks Prance and introduces himself as Chew. He then asks Prance if she has seen his father. Prance claims that she doesn't know any crocodiles to which Chew dismisses her response by saying that his father is a baboon named Spider. Prance surprised at hearing this asks the crocodile if he is sure that Spider is his father. Gallant, hearing Prance's response, is concerned if she is alright. Chew ignores this and continues by saying that he needs to tell his father about how the rest of his bask is cursed. Prance inquires if they have changed their personalities and started to hear a voice in their head, to which Chew confirms this. Gallant, confused as to how Prance can understand the crocodile, asks her how she can do this. Prance responds by saying she is the Great Mother.
A flock of weaver birds cries for Prance as they land around her. They tell Prance that they wanted to warn her as soon as possible that Mud has chosen the wrong Great Parent and that he plans to anoint Bramble instead of her. Prance understanding the gravity of the situation, tells Gallant to inform Sky as she begins to gallop after the weaver birds across the plains.
Chapter 7[]
Chase's point of view.
Grandmother guides Chase through the tunnels under the mountains. Chase seeing Grandmother's enormous size, wonders if she grew larger since the last time Chase saw her. As they travel down the tunnel, Chase feels the air getting hotter and she smells an acrid scent in the tunnels. She asks Grandmother how long the tunnels are and where do they lead, to which Grandmother responds by saying that the tunnels were made by her ancestors.
Chase further inquires Grandmother about her ancestors until Grandmother tells Chase about the fire snake who laid her eggs under the Mountain before any other creatures existed. The fire snake curled around her eggs keeping them safe until the time came and the eggs hatched. A thousand of the fire snake's children emerged and went to find their homes in the world. The came from the Mountain, burrowing through the earth and streaming over the land until the only sign of their legacy left are the tunnels dug into the earth of Bravelands. Chase asks Grandmother what happened to the fire snakes. Grandmother tells her that their bodies cooled and that they grew fur, legs, and wings until they became the creatures of Bravelands. Grandmother further mentions that at first the creatures paid homage to their empress but soon after they have forgotten the truth. She then tells Chase that they are going to the plains to bring the truth about their rightful ruler, so that they will remember their grandmother.
Chase tells Grandmother that the leopards have a similar legend involving fire, however Grandmother dismisses her tale by saying that ignorance flourishes in weak minds. They enter a cavern to which Grandmother tells Chase to rest and make sure that nothing disturbs her sleep as she slithers into an adjoining cavern. Chase contemplates weather she can escape through the tunnels but decides it is too risky to attempt. As Grandmother enters the cavern, Chase realizes that Grandmother looks larger and her scales more vivid. Grandmother informs Chase that she has shed her skin and that she is shedding more frequently, to which Grandmother claims that she will soon be too large to travel through the tunnels and that when sun no longer shines in the daytime, she will shed her last skin and her scales will become invincible. Grandmother then tells Chase to take the tunnel that is sloping upwards, saying that she needs to take care of an ancient enemy.
Chapter 8[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble stands before the creatures of Bravelands at the Watering Hole. His sister Moonflower asks if he is ready, to which he replies he will try his best. Bramble joins Mud on a boulder overseeing the Watering Hole, and notices Mud's worried face. Bramble asks him if something is wrong, and follows Mud's gaze to the vultures circling the sky. Mud claims that the vultures seem to be staying in the sky, and that they are probably afraid to land because of the sandtongue curse. Mud continues by saying that normally a Great Parent would use the birds to summon all the creatures to the ceremony, but he concludes that it won't matter since the word will spread. Bramble is reassured until Moonflower asks him if he had understood any skytounge yet. Bramble tells her that no birds have spoken to him perhaps because they don't he is the Great Father yet.
Mud announces the crowd of animals and tells the that the Great Spirit has chosen the next Great Parent with the strength to unite the plains and the Mountain. Bramble looks around the animals and realizes that a Great Gathering is rather peaceful in contrast to what the gorillas on the Mountain thought about the plains. Mud continues by telling the gathered animals that the Great Spirit sent Mud a sign showing Thorn facing the sun with a grand shadow looming behind him. Mud concludes that nothing is more similar to the large shadow of a baboon than a gorilla. He then directs Bramble to wade into the Watering Hole as the previous Great Parents have done. Mud also instructs the hippo, Gentle Breeze, and her herd to guard Bramble against any crocodiles in the water. Once Bramble wades into the water he asks the creatures if they accept him as Great Father. A couple of animals step forward and accept him until suddenly snakes attack the Great Gathering.
The animals of Bravelands fall into panic and the hippos almost crush Bramble trying to protect him from the threat. A snake grabs hold of Bramble's arm and slithers around his neck and tries to choke him. A hippo named Distant Star prepares to lunge at the snake but is stopped by Gentle Breeze's warning, claiming that it would kill him. Bramble sinks underwater and sees a crocodile coming right for him. But the crocodile instead clamps its jaws on the snake and helps Bramble swim to the surface. Moonflower pulls Bramble out of the water with the help of a lioness named Valor. The baboons notice the crocodile in the water and Mud orders Gentle Breeze to kill it. Spider stops them from doing so by stating that the crocodile is his son, Chew. Chew tells Spider about the real Great Parent, to which Spider directs the attention of the others toward the plains, where Prance and Gallant are running to them. Gallant declares that Prance is the Great Mother and the birds of Bravelands land beside Prance and the gathered animals.
Chapter 9[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance faces the gathered animals and tells Mud that Thorn has passed the Great Spirit onto her before he died. She also explains that she was unsure of what it meant, and believed that she was a custodian of the Great Spirit like Sky was. But she tells him that she now knows that she is the Great Mother. Mud realizing his mistake, not only apologizes to Prance but also claims that he had misinterpreted his stones and made assumptions based on his prejudices. Prance forgives Mud and appoints him as her Starleaf. Bramble renounces his mistaken title and accepts Prance as the Great Mother. He then suggests having a ceremony, however Mud worries it might be too dangerous. Moth suggests having the ceremony elsewhere to which Prance hears a voice agreeing with Moth. Prance then sees Thorn's spirit walking among the creatures.
Thorn tells Prance that the ceremony at the Watering Hole is a tradition that she can later resurrect, he then points towards the trees and claims that it's a good place. Prance follows Thorn's spirit alongside the rest of the gathered animals. In the trees, she sees the many spirits of previous Great Parents. The living creatures form a ring together with the spirits of Great Parents. Prance in the center feels the Great Spirit lift her up as Mud anoints her as Great Mother. At the end of the ritual, the animals of Bravelands hail her as Great Mother and Thorn's spirit tells her to look towards the Mountain and wishes her luck.
Prance tells Mud that she received a message and must investigate the Mountain. She then enters the Shadow Realm and runs to the Mountain. She feels the earth vibrate from the pounding of gorillas and witnesses Grandmother's gorilla army. She returns to her body and tells the others about the approaching threat. Bramble exclaims that it is exactly what the prophecy warned about and evil is spreading from the Mountain. Bramble then offers to try to talk to his father and Burbarktroop in hopes of coming to a truce. Mud insists on joining and bringing strong baboons from Dawntrees Troop. Prance wishes them good luck.
Chapter 10[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase and Grandmother climb out of the tunnel and into a ravine. Chase contemplates escaping but decides its safer to stay with Grandmother for now. Grandmother tells Chase to look towards the Mountain, in which Chase sees smoke coming from the peak. Grandmother says the smoke is a child of the fire snake and that it is rising to battle the skytounge. Grandmother then concludes that neither land nor air will escape the fire snake's coils. Chase hopes that Shadow and Seek had the sense to leave the Mountain. Grandmother tells Chase that there are enemies around them and that they should be silent, Chase then follows her as she slithers through the shadows of the jagged cliffs.
Wide boiling shallow pools dot the mountaintop and Chase sees a flock of vultures gathered around one of the pools with arching stones. Grandmother orders Chase to be still, as she slithers behind the vultures ready to strike them. However, Chase sabotages Grandmother's plan by kicking a stone to alert the vultures. The vultures try to escape, but Grandmother manages to swallow a few and break the wing of an elderly vulture. The younger vultures dive down and try to mob Grandmother in order to rescue their elder. The elder vultures manages to pluck Grandmother's left eye, permanently blinding the snake. The vultures also mob Chase, which leads her into a blind charge over the cliff.
Chase falls unconscious, but when she wakes she hears Grandmother talking to the elderly vulture, calling her Windrider, and telling her to lie down and die. Chase realizes that the vultures hurt Grandmother badly by tearing out her scales and injuring one of her eyes, however they paid a terrible price and the pool is littered with their corpses. Grandmother notices Chase and tells her to kill Windrider. Chase is reluctant to kill an innocent creature and mentions the Code. Grandmother threatens to swallow her the same way she swallowed Range. Windrider tells Chase that she should not worry and that she has foreseen her death. Windrider then encourages Chase to kill her for the good of Bravelands. As Chase brings her claws down on the vulture, Windrider says that it is a good death.
Chapter 11[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble, Moonflower, Mud, and a patrol of baboons make their way to the marching gorillas. Bramble notices that his father, Burbark, looks unhealthy due to the effects of the Grandmother's venom. He then calls out to his father and asks if he remembers his son. Burbark doesn't respond but instead wades towards Bramble with two crocodiles flanking him. Bramble states that gorillas don't belong on the plains and proceeds to ask his father why he is here. Burbark replies by claiming that there are no fathers and sons and that Burbarktroop are no longer gorillas but the Grandmother's instruments of destruction. Moonflower interrupts Burbark and declares that he and the rest of the gorillas are under the influence of Grandmother and that she will make Grandmother pay for what she has done. Burbark orders Burbarktroop to kill them.
A crocodile lunges for Moonflower and Bramble defends his sister. Burbarktroop starts to march toward them and Bramble and Moonflower run away. The baboons from Dawntrees Troop are pelting the gorillas with stones from afar. When Bramble and Moonflower meet the baboons at the top of the hill Moonflower scoops Mud onto her shoulders and they escape together. However, Mango is too slow and is caught by a Goldback. Bramble turns to see the Goldback beat Mango to her death.
Chapter 12[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance is exhausted after a day's work of being the Great Mother and answering the questions of various animals seeking her aid. She is grateful for Moth taking up Mud's role of organizing the animals as they approach her. Moth comes to Prance with Gallant and Valor behind her. Gallant asks Prance if she could go into the Shadow Realm once more to inform them of their lost son. Prance does so and enters her shadow form to search for Terror. As Prance gallops towards the mpaga forest where she last saw Menacepride, she realizes that she is exhausted and that her power is not infinite. When she approaches Menacepride she sees snakes slithering around the lions, and one lioness licking the head of a snake as if it were her cub. Prance also notices snakebites on the paws and tails of the lions and she realizes that she is too late, now that Menacepride is under the influence of Grandmother's venom. Terror and Menace are missing from the pride, and Prance hopes that they both managed to escape the curse. A lion looks directly at Prance and tells her that they see her. The lion then says that Grandmother will come and eat the heart of Bravelands. Prance runs away in panic and returns to her body.
When Prance awakes, Valor asks her what happened. She tells Valor and Gallant that Menacepride had fallen under the curse and that she didn't see Terror nor Menace. Prance continues by saying that there is hope that both lions managed to escape the curse and that they should search for them. Gallant refuses by saying that he promised Thorn that he and Gallantpride will protect Prance and that he intends on keeping that promise. Prance hears a shriek and tries to find the source of the sound. Valor, Gallant, and Moth don't hear the noise, to which Prance assumes it must have come from a skytounge or sandtongue. Prance sees the shadows of vultures landing on the ground, and realizes that they are in the Shadow Realm. A live vulture lands in front of them, injured and exhausted. The vulture introduces herself as Stormrider and tells Prance that Grandmother found the Vulture Pool and attacked her flock alongside a leopard. Stormrider then claims that she is the last surviving vulture in Bravelands. Prance then realizes that Grandmother is trying to wither Bravelands away by attacking the roots of the Great Spirit.
Chapter 13[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase and Grandmother descend Vulture Mountain while being covered in drying vulture blood. Grandmother then stops beside a couple of fig trees and and orders for Chase to protect her while she sheds her skin, claiming that she is vulnerable and must not get into another conflict while she is close to her final form. Chase obeys and leaps onto the branches of the fig tree. However, Chase comes to terms that she has waited long enough and that she must use this opportunity to kill Grandmother while she is shedding. She prays to Prowl, Shadow, Slink, and even Range as she prepares to pounce on Grandmother's neck. Grandmother starts to shed but Chase is apprehended by vervets under Grandmother's venom.
Grandmother completes her shedding and thanks the vervets for apprehending Chase. Chase struggles as the monkeys prod her, to which Grandmother threatens her by saying that she will not hesitate to order the vervets to tear her eyes out. Grandmother then explains that she knew that Chase was disloyal the whole time and that she would not be affected as much by the venom as others. Chase then shudders at the thought that she had never been safe while hiding with the sandtongue cult, and asks Grandmother why she hadn't killed her already. Grandmother claims that she wouldn't gain anything from killing Chase and that she needs a creature that isn't under the influence of her venom to have the clarity of doing a special task for her. Chase refuses and says she would rather die, to which Grandmother informs her that her gorillas have taken Shadow and Seek hostage and will kill them if Chase refuses. Chase realizes that there is no way out and asks Grandmother what the task is. Grandmother replies saying that Chase will need to do what she was born to do, hunt and kill.
Chapter 14[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble, Moonflower, Mud, and the other baboons stopped running when night came. Bug tells the others she thinks they managed to run away from Burbarktroop. Bramble blames himself for Mango’s death and that it was foolish for him to believe that his father, Burbark, would listen to him. Moonflower tries to console Bramble by stating that it is Grandmother’s fault. Moonflower then has a vision and claims that Prance is surrounded by shadows and in danger. Mud tells everyone that they must go and save Prance. As they travel, Bug and two other baboons scout ahead and report back that there is a herd of wildebeests blocking a passage through a ravine. Mud suggests that the passage is the quickest way and that despite the stubborn nature of the wildebeests they are sure to let them through. As they approach the pass Mud announces to the herd that they must go through and that they are on urgent business for the Great Mother. The wildebeests create a gap for the group to pass through, however once inside the ravine pass, the herd stops and traps them. Bug asks them where their leader is, to which a wildebeest responds that they have a new leader. The herd attempts to suffocate the group, however Mud and the other baboons use their light bodies to maneuver and climb onto the ravine cliffs. Bramble and Moonflower manage to escape when the wildebeests make enough space to try and stampede them. When the group escapes the ravine, Moonflower comments on how Grandmother is trying to stop them from saving Prance and that they must hurry.
Chapter 15[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance arrives at Vulture Mountain through the Shadow Realm. She sees the bodies of all the vultures that Grandmother killed. She grieves for the dead vultures and bears witness to the carnage in the memory of the shadow-flock. Prance wanders the Shadow Realm, traveling at great speeds to find and stop Grandmother. She comes across a small grove and enters it. As Prance creeps through the trees she hears snoring and finds freshly shed snake skin surrounding Grandmother’s enthralled vervets. Prance realizes they are asleep and quietly resumes her search for Grandmother. When she cannot find anything, she leaves the Shadow Realm and returns to her body at the Great Parent Clearing. When Prance wakes up, Gallant reports that his pride has scented a strange grasstongue lurking near the clearing. Prance tells them that she is thirsty and would like to drink from the Watering Hole. Despite Gallant’s reluctance, Moth convinces him that she and him will protect Prance from any danger. As the three of them leave the Great Parent Clearing, Prance feels alarmed and turns her head to face a leopard attack.
Prance attempts to run away but the leopard manages to sink its teeth into her rump. The Great Spirit motivates Prance to continue running, and Prance manages to escape before falling into a stream. Just as the leopard is about to attack again, an earthquake spooks it. Prance uses this chance to beg the leopard for her life, however, the leopard says that she has no choice and that she must hunt the gazelle with no shadow or else her cousin dies. Bramble runs to Prance’s rescue and pushes the leopard away. Bramble is shocked to see that the leopard is Chase and asks her why she is here. Chase tells Bramble that she must kill Prance despite his dislike of violence. Bramble roars that Prance is the Great Mother of Bravelands and that he will protect her with his life. Chase takes a step back and is shocked by the fact. Gallant runs towards them and chases away Chase. The rest of Bramble’s group comes and helps Prance out of the muddy bank. Mud orders Bug to get a Goodleaf from the Dawntrees Troop. The rest of the group tells Prance about Moonflower’s vision.
Chapter 16[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase has been running for half a day and she pauses to see if the lion has stopped chasing her. She does not see the lion and rests. She is still shocked that she almost killed the Great Mother and is glad that the earthquake stopped her. She figures that there is no animal Grandmother wants more dead than Prance. She also now understands that killing Windrider was a test to see if Chase could be forced into killing a defenseless creature tied to the Great Spirit. Lost on the plains, Chase follows the sunset and hopes that Shadow and Seek are safe. Blinded by hunger Chase follows the scent of prey inside a cave only to find two lions already there. The lioness wards Chase off, however, Chase begs the lions to let her stay and promises she will not eat their prey. To the lions’ annoyance, Chase asks what happened to them. The lioness mocks Chase’s question and asks Chase what else could have happened to an injured elderly lioness and a half-grown cub. The lioness’ tone changes when she reveals that her pride betrayed her and that they have gone mad after being bitten by snakes. She then tells Chase that they drove her and the cub away after they refused to also be bitten by snakes. Chase informs them that it is the sandtongue curse that drove their pride mad and that Grandmother’s influence is spreading. Curious, the lions introduce themselves as Menace and Terror and ask Chase to tell them more about the curse.
After Chase informs them about everything, Menace isn’t worried at the idea that Grandmother wants to rule all of Bravelands, especially since her father, Titan couldn't even succeed. Chase tells them about the new Great Parent and that it is a gazelle. Menace responds in laughter saying that all gazelle, despite their tastiness, are pathetic creatures, and that Chase is right to be worried. Chase counters by saying that Prance is different and that she is guarded by gorillas and lions and has no shadow. Menace recalls hunting the gazelle with no shadow and says that it was very lucky to escape. When all of them go to sleep, Menace waits until she is certain Terror is asleep and wakes Chase. She tells Chase that she can eat their food under the condition that she returns Terror to his father. Chase asks who Menace’s mate is, however, Menace admits that Terror isn't her son and that she stole him from a lion named Gallant. Seeing Chase’s reaction to this information, Menace explains that she isn’t a good lion but has grown fond of Terror, she also tells Chase that she is nearing the end of her life. Chase refuses to accept Menace’s request because she isn’t sure she will be able to properly care for Terror, however, Menace manages to persuade her by saying that Terror would be better off with Chase than alone. Chase agrees and Menace slides her some prey. Chase then hears noises outside the den and wakes up to find that crocodiles have surrounded them. Chase wakes the others and sees that Menace is glad that there is trouble nearby, and uses the commotion to order Terror to leave her behind. Chase pushes Terror outside the den as Menace fights the crocodiles alone. Chase tells Terror that she will care for him now.
Chapter 17[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble stands guard over Prance’s resting body which is covered in herbs that a Goodleaf brought. Egg and Cricket approach Bramble and accuse him of letting the leopard escape. Moth quickly hushes them and tells them to talk somewhere else so that Prance can rest. The group joins Moonflower, Bug, and other baboons to continue their argument. Bramble admits that he knew the leopard as Chase who had her territory near Burbarktroop, Moonflower adds on by saying that she did recognize Chase as a Mountain leopard before Gallant chased her away, and is curious as to why Chase was here. Gallant tells the others that Chase was probably under Grandmother’s thrall like the rest of the sandtounge cult. Bramble disagrees and says that Chase didn’t seem infected and that she saved him from hyenas back on the Mountain. The conversation is interrupted by Prance, muttering about the Golden River and a deep ravine. Prance thanks Pip, a red bird perched on one of her horns, and tells the others that she has located Grandmother. Prance urges for the rest of the conversation to take place in Thorn’s den.
As Prance, Moonflower, Gallant, and the baboons, gather in Thorn’s den, Bramble is stopped by Cricket and Egg from attending the conversation. The baboons say that he is a traitor and that he is responsible for the death of Mango, letting Chase escape, and almost impersonating the Great Parent. Bramble tries to plead his innocence and says that his sister Moonflower is in the meeting. Egg and Cricket say that they will keep a close eye on her but Bramble is not allowed inside the den. Frustrated Bramble wanders through the Great Parent Clearing and comes up with the idea that he will confront Grandmother before she has a chance to act. As Bramble follows Prance’s directions to the Golden River he comes across the ravine and starts to climb down its side. However, Bramble soon realizes that the entire ravine wall is covered in camouflaged snakes that start to attack him. Bramble falls to the bottom of the ravine while fighting back a snake twisted around his throat. As Bramble starts to lose consciousness he sees Moonflower rushing to his rescue.
Chapter 18[]
Prance's point of view.
Gallant and Moth argue over the Starleaf’s stones. Both Moth and Mud claim to read a future where the sun is blocked by sudden nightfall, birds fall from the sky, trees are swallowed by the earth, and the Watering Hole turns into a lake of fire. Gallant insists that Prance gathers the animals of Bravelands and that they escape from the oncoming disaster. Prance refuses, saying that there is no point in running away and that she must face Grandmother head-on. Gallant suggests killing Grandmother, and although Prance concedes that Grandmother’s death would not be against the Code, she tells the others that she believes there is another option involving compromise. Prance decides to travel to meet with Grandmother through the Shadow Realm and come to an agreement to save Bravelands.
As Prance approaches the ravine she sees snakes, lizards, as well as Burbarktroop resting near Grandmother’s den. As she enters the den, Grandmother greets her telepathically and commends Prance for her power to stay alive despite being a fragile gazelle. Prance notices that Grandmother’s left eye is injured, and asks if Grandmother would be willing to release the minds of her cult and live by the Great Spirit’s Code in exchange for the just treatment of sandtongues. Grandmother laughs, claiming that her goals are not simply just revenge and that she comes to bring a new era where the Great Spirit is gone and the new Code would be ‘Kill, and You Shall Thrive’. Prance, asking once more if there is anything that can change Grandmother’s mind, declares war after Grandmother refuses. Grandmother tells Prance that there will be no war, but a massacre, and that Prance will be responsible for everything. Before Prance leaves the Shadow Realm, Grandmother tells her that she has been marked for death since the moment she lost her shadow and that it will be easy work for her followers to sever her spirit from her body. As Prance returns the the Great Parent Clearing, Gallant roars that Menacepride is here. A lion from Menacepride announces that they have come from Grandmother to bring them the gift of death.
Chapter 19[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase and Terror wander the Plains as Terror repeatedly asks where he and Chase are going. Chase explains that they are going to find her cousin and friend, Seek and Shadow. Terror asks where they are, to which Chase snaps at him saying that she doesn’t know but she can’t stop looking otherwise they’ll die. Terror quickly apologizes as Chase climbs a tree for a better vantage point. Terror volunteers to guard Chase from the ground, and Chase thinks about how despite her rude outburst, Terror remains loyal to her and stays close by. She thinks that Fortitude or Loyal would be a better-suited name for the cub. Chase spots a pack of hyenas making their way toward her and Terror. She quickly tells Terror that they should sneak away before the hyenas come. The hyenas however block their path and Chase is greeted by Ribsnapper. Ribsnapper tells Chase that the tremors and smoke on the Mountain convinced her to leave and that she joined a new hyena clan. Ribsnapper also gives Chase her condolences for Seek and Shadow. Chase asks her if she saw them get taken away, to which Ribsnapper tells her that she saw their bodies on the way here. Chase asks Ribsnapper to lead them to their bodies, hoping that they aren’t actually dead.
Ribsnapper leads Chase and Terror to a small watering hole with an island in the middle. Seek and Shadow’s bodies are lying on the island. Terror says he thinks that Seek is breathing. Chase quickly goes to the island and sees that Seek and Shadow are both alive. Seek mutters to Chase that 'they' said that she will come. Ribsnapper asks Seek who said this, to which Shadow says it is a trap. Burbarktroop gorillas come out of hiding and ambush the group. The gorillas in unison say that their death will be the punishment for betraying Grandmother.
Chapter 20[]
Prance's point of view.
Menacepride corners and glares straight at Prance without even looking at Gallant who is guarding her. Moth throws a stone at one of the lions, and the pride attacks them. The pride eerily stares at Prance as they try to lunge in her direction, ignoring Gallant’s attacks. Valor appears through the trees and leads Gallantpride to battle. Gallantpride lions race to protect their leader, as Prance takes advantage of the commotion to escape the conflict. As Prance runs through the forest, an injured Menacepride lion chases her down. Sky, camouflaged in the undergrowth kills the lion to ensure Prance’s safety. Once all the Menacepride lions are killed, Prance, Sky, and Gallantpride regroup and Prance explains to them that Grandmother has chosen to go to war. Before Prance can say anything more, Moonflower cries for help as she carries Bramble to the Great Parent Clearing.
Moonflower explains to the group that Bramble went to confront Grandmother alone and was attacked by snakes. Moth rushes over to Bramble’s body and tells the others that he is not breathing. Prance notices a shadow in the trees and realizes it is Bramble’s spirit in the Shadow Realm. Prance asks Moth if there is anything she can do to help a creature that isn’t breathing, Moth says that she isn’t a Goodleaf and doesn’t know. Spider runs into the clearing and starts performing chest compressions on Bramble. Prance sees that Spider’s treatment is working and that Bramble’s spirit is coming closer to his body. When the spirit vanishes, Bramble wakes up coughing. Moonflower hugs him and Mud compliments Spider for rescuing Bramble. An earthquake happens and there is a rumbling sound. Mud tells Prance that it is happening, pointing to a black cloud in the sky.
Chapter 21[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase, Ribsnapper, and Terror face Burbarktroop as they stand their ground guarding Seek and Shadow. Ribsnapper calls for her pack, to which they ambush Burbarktroop from behind. The hyena pack, eager to brawl, jumps into battle against the gorillas. As they fight the ground shakes and there is a rumbling noise, Burbarktroop stops fighting and in unison, they run away. Chase looks up towards the Mountain and sees that it erupted in smoke and flame. Chase compares the flames to the leopards in the myth Shadow told her. Shadow thanks Chase for her help, to which Chase says she couldn’t have done it without Ribsnapper’s help.
The group and hyena pack leave the watering hole and Chase recounts what Grandmother told her. With a horrible realization, Chase understands that the Mountain’s eruption was part of Grandmother’s plan and that she will commence her final shedding. Chase tells the others that she must leave and stop Grandmother’s shedding before it’s too late. Shadow tells Chase that he and Seek were starved and that once they eat something they will regain their strength. Ribsnapper offers them prey that her pack caught and stored not far from where they are. The hyena pack protests, but Ribsanpper dismisses it by telling them that they did not waste their energy fighting for the leopards only for them to die. Chase asks for Ribsnapper and her pack to escort Terror, Seek, and Shadow to the Great Mother. Ribsnapper accepts and swears on the Great Spirit and the Great Devourer that she will protect them. Seek tells Chase that he trusts Ribsnapper and promises to look after Terror. Chase leaves the group and vows to stop Grandmother at whatever cost.
Chapter 22[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble thanks Spider for rescuing his life and rises to meet the rest of the group surrounding him. Moonflower is upset that Bramble had left without saying anything and nearly died. Bramble feels ashamed for being an even greater burden on the group when he tries to confront Grandmother alone. Specks of ash rain down on the Great Parent Clearing as many creatures come to take refuge and ask the Great Mother for guidance. Sky tells the others that she recalls the last time there was a fire in Bravelands back when Titan was a threat, but it shallowed in comparison to what is happening now. A warthog charges into the Great Parent Clearing asking for Prance to see what has happened to the Watering Hole. Prance leaves the clearing followed by a crowd of creatures to see what has happened. As Bramble approaches the Watering Hole he notices hippos outside the water and Chew sitting on the shore. Upon closer inspection, he realizes that steam rises from the water as it bubbles and boils. Prance tells all the creatures to stay away and that the water is dangerous. Moonflower stares into the steam with a blank expression and tells Prance that she has a vision. Moonflower describes her vision as showing a leopard’s shadow racing the Plains, a river made of fire, and the Great Spirit’s voice telling her that now is the time of Grandmother’s greatest weakness. Prance turns to the gathered creatures and speaks about friendship and allies, stating that Grandmother has none. She then tells the creatures that being a gazelle she has never needed to kill or use the Code, but now she believes that they must kill Grandmother in order to survive. Gallant roars, Sky trumpets, the rest of the creatures join in the roar, and Bramble and Moonflower thump their chests.
Chapter 23[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance leads a march of Bravelands’ creatures into battle. She orders smaller creatures such as a herd of dik-diks to gather bigger and stronger animals to join the fight. She thinks of how Moonflower traveled a great distance to save her brother, Bramble, and deems it as the best example of comradery. As the march continues, Prance comes across Shortsight and feels guilty that she had forgotten about the giraffe calf. Shortsight, however, bears no ill will towards Prance and is instead proud that Prance is the Great Mother. Shortsight explains that after he escaped Menacepride he found and joined a new giraffe herd. An earthquake shakes the ground and rivers of lava pour from the Mountain. Prance asks Shortsight if his herd is with her, he tells her yes, and they continue to march forward. Prance tells Gallant and Bramble to guard her body as she enters the Shadow Realm to see what Grandmother is doing.
As Prance enters the Shadow Realm she sees her body collapse. She travels to the ravine where Grandmother was last time, only to see the Golden River boiling similar to the Watering Hole. Burbarktroop gorillas stand guard near the ravine entrance, yet they remain still and tell Prance in unison to turn back and not to disturb Grandmother’s slumber. Prance, knowing that the gorillas cannot do anything to her shadow form continues towards the entrance. Inside the cave, Prance sees Grandmother shedding, the giant snake turns to Prance and weakly tells her that after she is done with her final shedding her scales will be impenetrable. She also tells Prance that her final shedding will also give her the power to conquer the Shadow Realm too. She gives Prance a demonstration by detaching her tongue into the Shadow Realm. The tongue turns into a shadow snake and battles Prance’s shadow form. The shadow manages to injure Prance’s leg, and Prance realizes that Grandmother can now peel pieces of her spirit into the Shadow Realm.
Chapter 24[]
Chase's point of view.
Shadow and Chase run to where the hyenas stored their catch. Shadow quickly eats the dangling zebra on a tree and regains his strength. The two leopards follow the trail of smashed undergrowth made by the gorillas. As they reach a ravine, their pelts are covered in ash and Chase recognizes an arid smell similar to that of the spirit vents on the Mountain. The leopards find the gorillas keeping guard of a cave entrance and Chase persuades Shadow to sneak past the gorillas. As they try to sneak past them, Chase steps on a snake and quickly tosses it away and towards a gorilla. The gorilla looks down at the snake and Chase and Shadow use the distraction to sneak past them and onto a tree. The leopards try to leap to another tree but Shadow misses and alerts the gorillas. The gorillas and snakes try to climb the tree after the leopards. A birdlike shadow catches Chase’s attention and she follows it leaving Shadow behind.
The shadow leads Chase inside the ravine cave. Below her, she sees Grandmother still shedding and distracted by something. Utilizing this chance, Chase leaps onto Grandmother and bites onto her neck. Grandmother tries to shake Chase off and succeeds, however, Chase sees that she managed to gouge out Grandmother’s right eye. Grandmother tells Chase that she does not need eyes to destroy her and that she has a thousand eyes. She then says that she sees Shadow, the creatures marching to the ravine and that she will destroy them with gorillas. Grandmother then vows to kill Chase’s cousin before her and slithers away leaving her old skin behind.
Chapter 25[]
Bramble's point of view.
Creatures surrounding Prance’s body hear the noise of angry gorillas in the distance. Bramble notices blood leaking from Prance’s muzzle and Sky tries to gently shake her awake. Gallant tells the others that they need to go down the ravine. Moonflower tells them that predators can easily climb down the ravine while prey animals can keep watch on top. Gallant agrees and sends Gallantpride down while he and Sky stand guard over Prance. Moonflower and Bramble join the predators climbing down the ravine. Bramble notices that the trees on the ravine look broken and weak. Suddenly the group is attacked by infected monkeys and galagos. Moth and the other creatures battle the infected as Moonflower and Bramble continue forward. Moonflower is caught by snakes and as Bramble reaches to help her and gorilla pulls him away and tosses him into boiling water. The gorillas surround Bramble and then start to spin him around. Bramble notices that each gorilla has a snake and he tries to avoid getting bitten. The gorillas then toss him before Burbark. Burbark asks Bramble why he came, to which Bramble says he is here to kill Grandmother, Burbark tells him that he seeks death as his snake bites his throat, further reinfecting him. Bramble tries to reach for Burbark’s snake, but Burbark catches his hand and starts to beat Bramble. The two gorillas fight and roll each other into the boiling water. Bramble finally wins the fight and sees Burbark’s weak body lying in the water surrounded by blood. Moonflower comes and sees Burbark, however, she tells Bramble that they must hurry and points to an approaching lava flow.
Chapter 26[]
Prance's point of view.
Prance wakes up next to Sky’s legs. Sky is concerned as she tells Prance that she is bleeding. Prance says that Chase saved her, but is interrupted by a giraffe yelp. Prance asks what it sees, and soon sees a lava flow filling the riverbeds and valleys. Prance is concerned for Bramble, Moonflower, Burbarktroop, and all the snakes Grandmother left behind, and urges other creatures to leave. Prance, Gallant, and Sky leave right before the lava hits. As they run Prance hears a sizzling sound as the lava clashes with the water and a berry-sized droplet of lava lands on Gallant’s flank as he pushes Prance away. She sees steam coming from under her hooves, and something tells her to run, as she does, the ground explodes and a droplet of lava lands on her horn. Prance gets lost in the smoke and thinks about how the tunnels under Bravelands were dangerous all along.
Grandmother calls out her name and asks what she thinks of her new realm. She then tells Prance that the Great Spirit only spared her so that she could kill her. Prance sees a nearby stream of lava and leaps over it. Grandmother tells her that she can hear her and immediately chases after her. Prance notices that Grandmother slithers right through the lava stream without flinching and Grandmother claims that she feels no pain. Prance continues to gallop until she reaches a cliff that gives way to a valley filled with lava. She keeps quiet as Grandmother slowly slithers by her. She notices that Grandmother’s belly is burned and injured where she slithered through the lava and realizes that Chase succeeded in interrupting the final shedding as Grandmother, not being able to feel pain, has no idea that she can be harmed. Prance thinks of Runningherd, Bramble, Gallant, Moth, Mud, Moonflower, and Thorn. Grandmother tells Prance that she can taste her fear as Prance charges Grandmother and spears her chin with her horns. She declares herself Prance Herdless and says that her shadow couldn’t catch her and neither can Grandmother. Catching Grandmother’s attention, Prance runs to the cliff and leaps into the valley of lava. Grandmother follows and manages to bite into Prance’s flank. As both Grandmother and Prance fall into the lava, Prance enters the Shadow Realm and lands on the opposite side of the valley. She looks down seeing Grandmother’s panicked body burn in the lava alongside her own. Realizing that she is now dead but still in the Shadow Realm, Prance asks herself what happens now.
Chapter 27[]
Bramble's point of view.
Bramble and Moonflower drag Burbark up the ravine and away from the lava flow to an area where all the other creatures are taking refuge. When the lava clashes with the stream, droplets of lava explode and set the nearby undergrowth ablaze. Moonflower tells Bramble that they should move farther away from the ravine but before they could prop up Burbark they see Burbarktroop gorillas coming their way. Moonflower wards them off, but Bramble sees Apple’s face and notices she looks confused. The gorillas no longer act in unison, and Bramble and Moonflower realize that the sandtongue curse has been broken.
Apple asks them what happened and Burbark wakes up and asks the same question. Bramble lies to Burbark and tells him that Burbark accidentally hit his head. The rest of Burbarktroop gather around Bramble and Burbark as Burbark tells Bramble that he is dying and would like to see Cassava. Moonflower lies to Burbark and tells him that Cassava is on his way. Burbark looks to Bramble and tells him that he has grown so much and that his mother would be proud. He touches Bramble’s forehead and tells him he will be a fine Silverback one day. Brubark dies and Moonflower tells Bramble that Burbark wouldn’t have wanted to know what had happened to Cassava and the troop. Apple approaches Bramble and tells him that she does not remember much but knows that Cassava is dead, she also asks for Bramble to explain what has happened. The rest of Burbarktroop bows to Bramble and Bramble tells them that they have been cursed and that anything they did prior to today wasn’t their fault. He then ends his speech by declaring that they have a chance for a fresh start.
Chapter 28[]
Chase's point of view.
Chase and Shadow make their way to the Great Parent Clearing, on the way they notice that the smoke has cleared and that the lava flows are cooling. They notice other animals taking refuge in the clearing, especially since the forest has minimal fire damage. Chase sees Ribsnapper and Seek in the clearing and races to meet them. An elderly baboon with a burned tail tip nags Chase and asks her if she is the leopard who tried to kill Prance. Chase apologizes and explains that Grandmother forced her to do it otherwise she’d kill her cousin. She tells the baboon that she will leave if he wants her to, but is interrupted by Moth telling Mud to let it go. Chase notices Terror is also in the clearing and she sees him with his father Gallant. Chase tells Shadow that it will be a long road for them since Terror spent so much time with Menace.
A voice speaks to Chase telepathically saying that the Great Spirit will be with Terror and Gallant. Chase fears that Grandmother is speaking to her but notices that Shadow also hears the voice. Moth looks around excitedly and asks if Prance is speaking to them. The shadows flicker and Prance appears in her shadow form on the side of a fallen tree trunk. Moth rejoices and says that Prance is alive, but Prance corrects her and says that her body is burned alongside Grandmother’s. She then tells all the animals that she will remain in the Shadow Realm until the Great Spirit chooses another host. Ribsnapper praises the Great Devourer for the miracle that allows Prance to be in the Shadow Realm. Chase thanks Ribsnapper and tells her that she is returning to the Mountain. Terror nods to Chase and Chase returns it. As she leaves with Seek and Shadow she overhears Prance explaining the Shadow Realm to the elephants. When she comes onto the Plains, Prance whispers in her ear that Chase saved Bravelands and that few creatures will know of it, she then wishes Chase peace and luck.
Half a day later, the leopards make their way through the Plains and riverbeds, they come across a bunch of gorillas. They recognize Bramble and Moonflower leading the gorillas and hurry to greet the leopards. Chase asks Bramble how the gorillas are, he tells her that they don’t remember anything. Chase is annoyed that she is the only infected creature that remembers Grandmother. Moonflower tells them that Prance visited them before they left and that she is glad that the Great Mother is still here. Bramble tells them that he is not running from the Plains like Kigelia and is actually looking forward to returning home and leading Burbarktroop. He then offers Chase peace and to divide their territory equally. Chase accepts and the leopards join the gorillas on the way home. Shadow tells Chase that he can give her some space for a while, but Chase refuses and insists that Shadow stays for Seek’s sake. He agrees and they head home towards the Mountain.
Epilogue[]
Stormrider's point of view.
Stormrider flies above Bravelands and sees how it has recovered after the Mountain’s eruption. There are new watering holes and fresh growth after the rains. She flies to Vulture Mountain and looks at the pool that has always been her home. Despite Bravelands healing, Stormrider feels alone as the last surviving vulture. She hears Prance’s voice telling her that not all is lost and beckons Stormrider to follow her. Stormrider believes that Prance is leading her back to the Vulture Pool but realizes that the shadow veers off to a nearby peak. When she reaches the peak she sees Prance pointing her horns to a cave entrance. Inside the entrance is a nest, and inside the nest is a clutch of three large vulture eggs. Prance tells Stormrider to guard the eggs carefully and that they are the future. As Prance disappears, Stormrider settles down over the eggs and tells them a story.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 amazon.com