Ten Wings: A Guardians of Ga'Hoole Story (Part 2)

Chapter Thirteen1

“Where’s Ruby?” asked Gylfie as she flew into the battle hollow.2

Everyone was taking off their gear and putting away their battle claws and daggers, for the battle had ended. The Pure Ones were defeated and they angrily made their way back to the Kingdom of Tyto. 3

“I don’t know,” said Soren. “I think she was looking for me. I heard a faint cry for my name. All I was doing was waiting to see the new Pure One.” 4

“I have a feeling that the battle has not yet ended.” Twilight flew into the hollow and slid off his battle claws. “I mean, they are the Pure Ones. They don’t just run away! They put up a fight. Remember the invasion?” 5

“Of course I remember,” Gylfie snapped. “I just don’t want to scare anyone by saying that the battle is still on.” 6

“All I’m saying is that they are probably planning another attack. Maybe we need to stay longer,” Twilight said. 7

“Nathra told me earlier that Bubo sent a letter with Nazrak to us,” Soren said.8

“Nazrak?” Gylfie said. “The legendary Sooty?” 9

“Yes,” Soren replied. “He gave up on battle after he lost two talons. He is now a messenger owl. He takes letters to and from the Great Ga’Hoole Tree.” 10

“Well, read it,” Twilight told him.11

“Dear friends,” Soren started. “I am hoping you fought well in the Battle of the Ten Wings. I hope those disgusting Pure Ones suffered! And I hope you defeated Kludd’s replacement. He is said to be quite strong, though I know you can defeat him. Meanwhile, Search and Rescue has picked up a little Sooty. She seems to remember a lot, including her name, which is Mica. We have a lot on our plate because she is very hard to handle. And I have heard that Nathra and her clan would like you to stay longer. So, your mission is to stay with her.” Soren concluded, “From, Bubo.” 12

“I told you,” Twilight boasted. 13

“Put a mouse in it, Twilight,” Gylfie shot back. 14

“So, we’re staying longer.” Soren sighed. “We still have to find Ruby!” he suddenly said.15

Chapter Fourteen16

“Why haven’t you killed Soren, you fool?” asked the voice.17

Digger replied, “I thought Ruby was Soren in the dark. But she wasn’t, and I finally found that out before I killed her.” 18

“At least you killed her.” 19

“Are we going back for more?” Digger asked. He ached for more. Killing his so-called “friends” was what he needed to quench his thirst.20

“Of course we are, by Glaux!” the voice yelled. “Those frinking Hoolian owls are worth nothing but a pile of racdrops.” 21

“They deserve to die!” Digger screamed. “How I wish to see you.” 22

“You will soon, Digger. You will soon.” 23

Chapter Fifteen 24

“How terrible,” Soren was saying, “that Ruby is gone.”25

“I’ve looked everywhere,” Martin said. “Gylfie, too.” 26

“And the Hrath’ghar search team hasn’t found anything either,” said Twilight.27

Just then Gylfie burst in the hollow. “RUBY IS DEAD!” she screamed.28

“What!?” the three others screeched.29

“She can’t be dead!” Martin yelled. “She just can’t be!”30

“I found her with a couple of Sooties from the search team at the Bay of Fangs. Her face had been pierced by battle claws,” Gylfie said.31

“The Bay of Fangs?” Soren said in shock.32

“I know,” said Twilight. “The battle didn’t reach the Bay of Fangs. How’d she end up there?” 33

“When she was looking for you, Soren, I’m guessing,” Gylfie said. “Ruby is a strong owl and a fast flier. Only a very strong and powerful owl could harm her.” Twilight paused. “The special owl! Kludd’s replacement!” 34

“If only she was alive,” Martin said. “She could tell us who this treacherous owl is.” 35

“Or this treacherous owl was,” Twilight said. “That frinking owl is going to die when I get my hands on him!” 36

Otulissa flew into the hollow. She was crying quite hard. “A couple of owls found Ruby’s body at the Bay of Fangs,” she said. “She’s dead!”37

“We know,” Soren said sadly. “She was killed by the replacement owl.” 38

“Yes, and the sad part is,” Otulissa began, “I know who that owl is.”