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

Chapter Sixteen1

“DIGGER?” the owls all exclaimed. 2

“So he WAS the replacement!” Soren cried. “I can’t believe it!”3

“What I can’t believe is that he had the heart to kill Ruby!” Gylfie said. 4

“The Pure Ones tricked him,” Twilight said. 5

“They probably contacted him through his dreams,” said Otulissa. “How else?” 6

“It sounds yoicks,” said Martin. “But maybe that is the way they do it.” 7

“They brainwashed him,” Gylfie said.8

“So terrible!” Soren said. 9

“Yes,” Twilight agreed. “Truly terrible.” 10

Chapter Sixteen11

“We have sources,” began Nathra, “saying that the Pure Ones are going to attack us tonight. We aren’t sure what time they will be coming, so we need to prepare right now.” 12

Twilight nodded. “Let’s go!” 13

The four owls flew to the battle hollow and prepared for battle. 14

Martin and Gylfie wore battle gear this time because they didn’t want to risk anything after what happened to Ruby. 15

Soren still didn’t. “I will be brave,” he told himself. “I will kill Digger.” 16

“You most certainly WILL NOT,” Otulissa said. She had heard him say this. “Digger, brainwashed or not, is our friend. We will get him back to our side without harming him.”17

“She’s right.” Nathra stepped in. “Digger is special to you. The Pure Ones brainwashed him. He just THINKS you’re not his friends. I’m sure he’s confused. Convince him. Please, Soren. Don’t kill him.” 18

“Alright, let’s get prepared for battle,” Otulissa said before Soren could respond.19

As if on cue, squawking was heard from a distance. The Pure Ones were attacking.20

Chapter Seventeen21

“I see Digger!” Gylfie cried. “I’m going in!”22

“Be careful,” Otulissa warned her. “I’m coming with you.” 23

The two took off into the night. Digger saw them and screeched loudly. He turned around swiftly and flew to Nyra the Barn Owl. 24

“Nyra, the owls are coming for me.” 25

“You will be strong,” Nyra screeched. “Those owls are nothing compared to you!”26

“You’re right,” Digger said. “I WILL KILL THEM!”27

“Yes, you will!” Nyra yelled. “Now go. I have owls to battle!” With that, she took off and dug her battle claws into a Snowy. The Snowy screamed and dropped to the ground in a faint. 28

“Wow, she’s good,” Digger said to himself. He glided down to where Gylfie and Otulissa were. “You two are nothing but a frinking pile of racdrops!” he screamed and lunged at them with his battle claws.29

Otulissa grabbed Gylfie with her talons and dodged him. 30

“SPRINK ON THE PURE ONES!” Gylfie yelled in rage. She’d never cursed much before. 31

“Sprink on YOU!” Digger yelled and leapt toward them again. They dodged him. As they were flying about in the air, they tried to convince him. 32

“We’re your friends, Digger!” yelled Gylfie. 33

“No!” Digger yelled back.34

“Look at yourself, Digger!” Otulissa screamed. “You KILLED Ruby!”35

“Yes, I did,” said Digger. “And I’m going to kill Soren next! And if you get in the way, you’re dying too!” He flew in towards them and flung a bag at them.36

“FLECKS!” Otulissa cried, and dropped Gylfie. 37

Gylfie screamed and went yeep. She went stiff and fell to the ground. She got up and tried running away, but Digger was an owl made for running and was much faster than her.38

“Gylfie, RUN!” Otulissa yelled. 39

But she couldn’t. Digger was closing in on her.40