Ten Wings: A Guardians of Ga'Hoole Story

Ten Wings: A Guardians of Ga’Hoole Story1

Digger the Burrowing Owl’s eyelids fluttered open. He arose from his bed and into the air. He floated outside and his wings were frozen to his body. He couldn’t fly. He couldn’t talk. He could barely breathe. He was running out of breath, and he saw a fog-like gust of air surround him.2

“I hope you know.” The voice was in his head; he couldn’t speak to them through his mouth, so he communicated to this strange figure through his mind. It was neither female nor male; it had a strange slurpy noise embedded in it. The voice did sound friendly though.3

“Know what?”4

“Just know. Don’t say you weren’t warned when it happens.” 5

“What happens?” 6

“You’ll know, like I said.” 7

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” The voices got quieter. Foggy and mist-like. They lowered until they became soupy.8

“Good-bye, Digger.” 9

“Wait!” screamed Digger in his head. “Wait! What is it that you wanted to warn me? And who are you?”10

“Who I am is nothing of your concern. You’ll soon find out what I am trying to warn you of. Even I am not sure of it. But when it comes, I just hope you’ll be prepared. Good-bye, my dear.” 11

Chapter One12

“I heard these strange voices,” said Digger. He was explaining the odd experience that had happened the night before to his friend Soren. Soren was a Barn Owl.13

“Are you sure you weren’t dreaming, Digger?” the Barn Owl asked. “I’ve had dreams like that, too.” 14

“It wasn’t a dream!” Digger insisted. “All I want to know is what I need to be prepared for. The voice said that it didn’t even know what it was trying to warn me about.” 15

“And you said you couldn’t fly?” 16

“Yes. It was like going yeep, but worse. My wings were like frozen to my body,” said Digger.17

“Good Glaux,” said Soren. He thought for a moment. “Maybe you just need to relax. I believe you’ve been dreaming, Digger. You may have a special condition called Irratitory Coma.”18

“What in Glaux’s name is that?” said Digger. “A coma? Do you see me asleep right now?” He flapped his wings. “I’m up. I’m most certainly not in a coma!”19

“It’s something like a coma, dear,” said a voice. It was Ezylryb, the Whiskered Screech Owl. “A sleep-like state. Having these dreams is a definite sign of it. Soren, help me get him to the infirmary.” 20

“But I’m not in a coma!” screamed Digger. 21

“Digger,” said Soren. “Ezylryb explained it already. Having dreams that are so real that you think they are real is a symptom of this disease.”22

“Yes,” said Ezylryb, “and if we don’t give you proper care, you may go crazy. Take a look at this book.”23

“Medical Records?” Soren said. “I didn’t think we were allowed ...” 24

“Go ahead, you have my permission,” Ezylryb said. 25

Digger opened the book. Ezylryb pointed to a page with his talon. “Read it, Soren.”26

“Klamuck of the Northern Kingdoms was diagnosed with Irratitory Coma Disease. Most people thought nothing of his condition, until later when he started having dreams that became so real that he went on ‘missions’ to complete. He wasn’t satisfied until he ‘completed’ the missions. Some took days to complete. People became quite worried. He went yoicks after the mission phase and if he saw another owl anywhere near his hollow, he would accuse them of being scrooms and that they were going to rob him. He died soon after.” 27

“See what I mean, boy?” said Ezylryb. 28

Digger nodded shyly. “To the infirmary it is,” he said quietly. 29

Chapter Two30

“We heard about Digger,” said Gylfie the Elf Owl as she lighted down onto a branch. near the infirmary. “Is he okay?”31

“I hope so, Gylfie,” Soren said. “It’s a good thing Ezylryb told him about Klamuck.” 32

“Klamuck?” Ruby the Short-Eared Owl flew in. “We were good friends. You know, before he went yoicks. You know, he accused me of being a scroom.”33

“You knew him?” Gylfie said. “He made medical history because of his condition!”34

“Yes, and I regret every moment spent with that crazy owl,” Ruby said. “He was yoicks from the start, actually. Ever since he hatched.”35

“The poor thing died because of his disease,” Soren reminded Ruby. “No need to call him yoicks or make fun of him.” 36

“Yes, well, I believe the word yoicks came from him,” said Ruby. 37

“NO MORE,” boomed a voice. It was Bubo, the Great Horned Owl. “We all know that Klamuck was a very different owl. But he was a brave hero. Have any of you heard of the Kagra Legends?”38

“I have! I have!” Ruby raised a wing. “Definitely. My mum used to tell us stories about Kagra.”39

“Well, do you know who Kagra was based upon?” Bubo asked.40

“You’re not saying ...” Soren said, shocked. 41

“Yes, I am. Klamuck went yoicks, it is true. But those legends were based on him because he was a brave owl.” 42

“I’ve been trying to find Kagra for my whole life!” Ruby said. “I tried to go on a journey with Eglantine and Primrose, but they refused.”43

“Yes, the Northern Kingdoms is a dangerous place for a small owl like you, Ruby,” said Bubo. “But if you are willing to take a little trip there with the Chaw of Chaws ...” 44

Ruby gasped. “Are you serious?” she squealed. “But if ‘Kagra’ is dead, then what are we going to do?” 45

“You need to find Nathra, Klamuck’s sister. She leads the Ga’Hoole Clan and fights in many battles. She represents us, so I want you to help her fight in the Battle of the Ten Wings,” Bubo replied.46

“The Battle of the Ten Wings?” Gylfie asked. 47

“Yes,” Bubo said. “The Pure Ones left St. Aggie’s and moved on toward the Northern Kingdoms. They attacked the Ga’Hoole Clan, thinking if they defeated them then we would be weaker. I want you to prove them wrong.” 48

“But what about the Ten Wings part?” Soren said.49

“The Pure Ones were made up of five owls mostly,” Bubo explained. “When Kludd died, they refused to forget him.” 50

“So they attacked our clan?” Ruby said. 51

“Exactly,” said Bubo. “Are you up for the challenge?”52

“Of course!” the three owls said. 53

“But you need to let the rest of the Chaw know,” Bubo said. “Without them, the battle is won by the Pure Ones.”54

“But what about Digger?” The thought struck Gylfie. 55

“He will stay here.” 56

“But we can’t go without him!” insisted Gylfie.57

“Yes, you can,” said Bubo. “Be strong.” 58

Chapter Three59

“So we’ve all agreed,” said Twilight the Great Gray Owl. “Ezylryb said we are to leave at First Black. Which gives us five hours to get prepared.” 60

“Speaking of Ezylryb, he told us he’d have the battle claws ready for us soon,” said Soren. “Let’s go find him.” 61

“There’s no need, dears,” Ezylryb said. He had stepped in while Soren was talking. “A Snowy Owl named Baylin will have your battle claws ready when you are halfway to the Hrath’ghar mountains, which is where the battle will be taking place. He is a blacksmith, and he is working on your special claws at this very moment. He is located right by the Hrath’ghar Glacier. You will know when you see his cave.” 62

Soren shuddered. The words you will know reminded him of Digger.63

“So we won’t be getting our claws from you?” Gylfie said.64

“No,” Ezylryb said. “Baylin will take care of your claws much better than I can. He is the best smith in the Northern Kingdoms.” 65

Twilight’s eyes twinkled. “Battle claws,” he said. “Finally. Real, professionally made battle claws.”66

“Oh, Twilight,” said Ruby. “Put a mouse in it.” 67

“Ooh, that sounds good. I’m going to catch me a lemming,” said Twilight. “See you soon.” He flew out of the hollow to find a lemming.68

“So, when are we leaving again?” Otulissa the Spotted Owl asked.69

“First Black. But you may as well get your rest,” Ezylryb said. “Go ahead and get some sleep.” 70

So the owls went to sleep and Ezylryb left the hollow. 71

Chapter Four72

Digger awoke not in the infirmary, but in a nest in the Kingdom of Tyto. “Hey, this is where Soren’s from,” he said to himself. “And this must not be a dream. I can talk and fly.” He started to fly around and spin and do tricks in the air. “Hey, I could never do this before!” he exclaimed.73

“Digger.” Oh, no, there was that fog again. 74

“Yes?” 75

“I have a mission for you,” the voice said to him.76

“I don’t know ...” 77

“Why not?” the voice snapped.78

“I was told that Klamuck of the Northern Kingdoms went yoicks because he went on missions of some sort. I can’t remember exactly,” Digger replied.79

“Terrible,” the voice said. “These owls that you trust are not your friends. They’re feeding you the wrong information. Klamuck of the Blah-Blah-Blah never existed. Only in legends.” 80

“Really?” Digger asked, thinking about Ezylryb. “You really think my friends would lie to me?” 81

“They’re not your friends, Digger. I’m your friend. You need to get out of there.”82

“Out of where?” Digger asked.83

“The Tree. The owls there are not pure.”84

“Pure?” Digger said. “You’re with the Pure Ones?”85

“Yes, I am. Well, I am actually ... Well, you’ll find out soon. All I can really tell you is that I am a scroom of a very important Pure One. I WAS a Pure One, though. And you can be too if you just escape.” 86

“I was told you are terrible. Your leader tried to kill my friend.” 87

“I told you, those so-called friends are liars. You are not to trust them, Digger. My leader was special. Soren tried to attack him. His Pureness was defending himself. And he was killed. And who killed him? Soren did.”88

Digger was silent. 89

“Is it coming together, Digger?” the voice asked. “The Ga’Hoole owls are terrible owls. And they are launching an attack on us soon. And did they include you? No. Remember when I warned you about something? Well this is what I warned you about.” 90

“What’s my mission?” Digger said, enraged that the Chaw wouldn’t include him.91

“You are to kill Soren.” 92

A tear escaped from Digger’s eye. “I will join you. I want to become a Pure One!”93

Chapter Five94

“Soren! Soren, wake up.” Soren was being shook awake. He was having the most pleasant dream, too. About juicy milkberries and lemmings with lots of fat and meat.95

“Wake up, Soren,” said Ruby. “It’s time,” she whispered quietly. 96

“It’s time?” Soren was really awake now. 97

“All the others are in the infirmary, trying to comfort Digger. But he won’t wake up from his sleep,” Ruby said.98

Soren gasped. “And you’re okay with that?” he screamed.99

“No, no,” Ruby said, laughing. “He’s not dead, Soren. His vital signs are okay, and he’s breathing normally. All that’s wrong with him is that he’s so wrapped up in a dream that he won’t wake up for anything. That is, until he wants to.” 100

“Ah,” Soren said, relieved. “One of the symptoms. I hope he’s okay.” 101

“So, you want to go with me to check on him?” Ruby asked.102

“Sure, why not?” Soren said.103

When they got to the infirmary, they saw Digger thrusting and pulling away from the other owls. 104

“Digger! What are you doing?” yelled Soren. “It’s us! You’re okay!”105

“No! No!” Digger yelled. He was in a trance-like state. “You’re not safe! You’re not pure!”106

“Pure!” Soren yelled. “You’re not with them, Digger. You can’t be. How? You’ve been here the whole time!” 107

But it was no use. Digger was asleep again. He muttered in his sleep, “I will escape.”108

Chapter Six109

“You’ve done well, Digger.” The voice stayed with Digger. Even when he was awake he could talk to it in his mind.110

“At last, I am not lonely,” Digger replied. “Being pure is the best.” 111

“Ah, but isn’t it?” 112

“Oh, yes.” Digger smiled in his sleep. 113

“But you know what you have to do, Digger,” the voice told him.114

“Yes. I will kill that fool!” he yelled. “All he’s ever wanted was to crush my dreams. Well, I’ll crush his!”115

“YES!”116

“Yes, SPRINK ON HIS DREAMS!”117

“Oh, yes, darling Digger!” the voice cooed. “You are going to be great at being a Pure One.” 118

“I already AM a Pure One, my master.” Digger had never felt so good in his life. 119

Chapter Seven120

“He was just dreaming,” Soren convinced himself many times. “Only a dream.”121

Soren and Martin were in the infirmary, watching Digger sleep peacefully. Something in him had changed. He’d been really happy lately.122

“Oh, Soren,” Martin said. “You know it was a dream. Digger couldn’t have been changed into a Pure One. Unless they can get into his dreams.” Martin laughed.123

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Soren sighed. “I just hate seeing him in this state.”124

“What, happy?” said Martin. “He’s never seemed so happy before!” 125

“Guys,” said Gylfie. She’d just entered. “We’re leaving right now.” 126

“Oh, Glaux!” said Martin. “I’m so excited.”127

“You should be on your way now,” Ezylryb said when they got to their hollow. “I’m going to go check on Digger. You are on your own now.” They all said their goodbyes and took off into the night.128

Chapter Eight129

“Great Glaux, we’ve been flying for almost eight hours.” And it was true. Soren and the Chaw had been flying for just under eight hours. 130

“Let’s eat,” Ruby suggested. “Come on, guys, down here.”131

“Wait.” Soren heard something. A vole? No, it wasn’t a vole. A rat. “I hear a rat down there. And maybe we can find more if we hunt.” 132

So the owls landed and split into groups. Soren was with Otulissa and Ruby. Ruby instantly found a lemming, Otulissa found a vole in no time, and Soren had the rat in a second. When they came back to their meeting spot, Martin and Gylfie were there. Twilight had insisted to go hunting alone, and soon came back with enough ground squirrels to feed four armies of owls! The owls ate, then they took off again. 133

Soon, the owls were at the Hrath’ghar Glacier. And they saw the cave, alright. It was bright green, stained from a metal called Orwaine. Only the best blacksmiths used Orwaine in their battle claws. An owl could only dream of having Orwaine battle claws. Some blacksmiths used Orwaine to color their caves, and it looked as if Baylin had done so.134

“We’re here!” Gylfie screamed.135

“Good frinking Glaux.” A Snowy Owl popped out of the cave. “I was asleep, all nice and cozy, when some young’uns decide to frink me off and wake me up!”136

“We’re sorry,” said Soren.137

“Yes, we are,” Gylfie said. “I didn’t mean to wake you up.” 138

“Wait, are you Baylin?” said Twilight.139

The Snowy puffed out his feathers. The owls noticed they were blackened, a true sign of a blacksmith. 140

“Well, why do you want to know?” the Snowy snapped. 141

“Because we’re the Chaw of Chaws. Ezylryb sent us,” Twilight replied.142

The Snowy’s face was blank.143

“From the Great Ga’Hoole Tree?” tried Ruby.144

“Oh! Darlings! I am so sorry. Oh, racdrops. You stupid Snowy. Why must you be so mean? Yes, by the way, I am Baylin.” Baylin bowed. “I am sorry. Excuse my language.” 145

“We forgive you,” Otulissa said.146

“What about our battle claws?” asked Twilight.147

“Oh, yes, yes,” said Baylin. “Come inside.”148

Inside, the owls saw a magnificent amount of metal. They saw fire pits, swords, ice daggers, and endless battle claws. 149

“It’s like glamoura, but better,” Twilight whispered. 150

“Glamoura? Oh my Glaux. You’re a scroom!” Baylin breathed. 151

“Oh, no,” said Soren. “He’s not a scroom. He’s never been to glamoura.” 152

“Oh. Well, here are your battle claws,” said Baylin. “They are made of Orwaine. I hope you like them,” he said shyly. 153

“Orwaine!” the owls all exclaimed. 154

Baylin handed them each some battle claws. Soren almost fainted. “Oh, thank you so much,” he said. 155

“No problem,” said Baylin. “Anything for Bubo.” 156

“You know Bubo and not Ezylryb?” Martin asked.157

“Oh, yes. Bubo is one of my great friends,” Baylin replied. “We go way back.”158

“Well, we’d better be on our way,” Otulissa said. 159

“Twilight,” said Baylin. “Take this ice dagger.”160

Twilight’s eyes sparkled and twinkled. “Oh, Glaux. I couldn’t.” 161

“Out of respect, my dear,” Baylin said. “I insist. Take it.” 162

Twilight took the dagger in his beak and blinked. “Thank you so much, Baylin.”163

“I’ll keep in touch, my friends,” Baylin said. “But you’d better get going.” 164

And so the owls once again said goodbye and flew toward the mountains.165

Chapter Nine166

“So how long do we have to—” Ruby didn’t have to finish her sentence when she saw hundreds of owls fluttering about, speaking their language, carrying different types of daggers.167

“Welcome to the Hrath’ghar Mountains, friends,” said a Short-Eared Owl. “I am Nathra. We’ve been expecting you. Most of the owls here speak the Hrath language, so I will translate sometimes.” She blinked. “At First Black tomorrow, we are expecting the Pure Ones to invade. So be prepared. You already are, I see.” She gestured with her talon to the battle claws and Twilight’s ice dagger. “Oh, wow,” she said. “That ice dagger is made from ice that doesn’t melt. I’m impressed.”168

Twilight puffed out his feathers. “Why thank you.” 169

Nathra turned around and a group of Snowies approached her. “Mash kamish mooklo jarum.” She spoke in Hrath. 170

“Roj mooklo?” one of the Snowies asked.171

“Frollo mank,” Nathra answered. 172

“Walm sayn yank,” another Snowy said. He nodded.173

Nathra turned back to the Chaw. “They say they are proud to battle with you on our team. Come now, I’ll show you to your hollow.” 174

“Thank you,” Gylfie said. 175

“So, be ready by First Black tomorrow. Our loyal spy, Mazak, has reported that the Pure Ones have a new owl with their team,” Nathra said. “And he is said to be strong. Stronger than Metal Beak himself.”176

Chapter Ten177

“First Black is in an hour,” said Martin. “Are you guys nervous, or is it just me?”178

“I’m not,” said Twilight. “I can actually use this ice dagger on that extra Pure One.” 179

“That’s so weird,” muttered Ruby.180

“What?” asked Martin. 181

“Just that Digger was talking about becoming a Pure One and then they got a new owl,” replied Ruby.182

Twilight rolled his eyes. “Digger was talking in his sleep. Talking yoicks. He would never join the Pure Ones. Not after all we’ve told him and after Kludd tried to kill Soren!”183

“I know he wouldn’t,” Ruby said. “It’s just that it’s weird.” 184

“Guys,” Soren said. He’d just come in the hollow. “First Black is in an hour!”185

“We know,” Ruby said. “Martin already told us.” 186

“Well, let’s get ready. All the other owls are getting in their battle gear in the battle hollow,” Soren said.187

“Battle hollow?” Twilight perked up.188

“Yes, it’s really cool,” Soren replied. “If you want battle gear, then go to the battle hollow.” 189

Twilight jumped up and practically knocked over Soren on the way out. 190

“So, are you guys going to get ready there?” he asked. 191

“I’m probably too small for all that metal. I can barely hold up my battle claws!” Martin said. He held up a leg and wriggled his talons. “They can’t hold much.” 192

“Well, I know I am.” Ruby left the hollow as well.193

“Sorry, Gylfie,” said Soren. “I know you’re too small as well. I’m not wearing all that metal, either.” He stood on a perch next to Gylfie and puffed out his feathers. “So, thirty minutes till war.” 194

Chapter Eleven195

“Alright, ready?” Nathra said. “The Pure Ones are probably on their way. Remember, they have an extra. Mazak has said that he is a replacement for Metal Beak. He has fallen in love with Nyra. Remember how powerful they are.” She paused. “And do not die.” 196

Gylfie blinked. “I’ll try,” she said. “Alright. Twilight, get your dagger ready, but try not to use it on too many owls.” 197

“Okay, I—” Twilight began. His voice was drowned out by a large mass of squawking Barn Owls.198

“THE PURE ONES!” screeched Nathra. “GO!”199

The owls leapt into action. Snowies and Spotted Owls and Short-Eared Owls flocked into battle.200

The five owls swarmed around Barn Owl after Barn Owl and attacked. A loud THUD was heard as Stryker, one of the Pure Ones lieutenants, fell to the ground, dead.201

Gylfie turned around. “TWILIGHT!” she screamed. “YOU USED YOUR DAGGER!”202

Twilight ignored her. He continued stabbing the air with his ice dagger. 203

Soren screamed as Wortmore lunged at him. “YOU WILL DIE!” he screamed. Soren dodged him. He ripped off Wortmore’s battle claws with his own. Wortmore screeched and flew away in defeat. 204

Barn Owls were dropping dead everywhere, but Nyra and her servants were all alive except for Stryker. And there was no sign of the extra Pure One. And as the Chaw looked around, there was no sign of Soren either.205

Chapter Twelve206

“SOREN!” screamed Ruby. “WHERE ARE YOU?”207

But it was no use. The battle was too loud. 208

Ruby turned around swiftly and flew into the mountains. She had to find Soren. 209

She came to a meadow with flowers and a nice breeze. Maybe she could even find a rabbit if she was lucky. But this wasn’t a hunting time. It was time to find Soren. 210

“I’ve been waiting for you,” a voice boomed.211

“DIGGER!” Ruby yelled. “Why are you here?”212

“To take care of unfinished business,” Digger said. “I’m pretty hungry. Come here.” 213

Ruby flew to Digger and lighted down onto a branch. 214

Digger was silent for a second, then he screeched, “YOU WILL DIE!” just like Wortmore had and lunged at Ruby. 215

“You are a Pure One!” Ruby yelled in surprise and dodged Digger. 216

“You’re nothing but a frinking pile of racdrops!” he yelled in rage.217

“Great Glaux!” screamed Ruby. “You’re the owl that joined them!”218

Digger leapt into the air and came down on Ruby. He had her pinned.219

“Digger! You’re not really pure! They tricked you. Nyra is a bad, bad owl! Trust me, Digger! We’re your friends!”220

“No, you’re not. But I can tell you one thing about friends. Yours will be sorry about their loss!” Digger yelled.221

“What loss?” Ruby said.222

“The loss of you!” Digger brought down his battle claws on Ruby’s head. 223

And blood stained the dark sky.