Guardians of Ga'hoole:Rising Flames

Chapter 22:A Mysterious Owl

As the sun set and the moon rose, the four owls awoke from sleep. They were partially nervous, wondering about what would happen to them in the Beyond once they got there.

"Look, I'm nervous too, but we have no reason to delay this. I'm not ready to give up on Riyu yet." Storm said. To her, Riyu was like a patient, and even more as a friend. She had to do what she could, because that was her job.

Rose was silent, silently hoping, praying that Riyu was okay. She wasn't about to lose him. He was her first friend, her confidant and bestest friend. She could feel the weight of pressure and worry build every mounting second since last night's news.

Rose and Verdan flew in front, with Storm, Tyron, and Mrs. Minka at the back. They slowly worked their way through the edge of the Barrens and flew straight into the Beyond. They all uncurled their feet, talons ready to strike. Each owl was on edge as the moon was nearly at full shine and all the way in the sky.

They started to fly slower as they neared a lookout ledge. They decided to land, their ear slits open for anything. Sharp black rock like obsidian cut through the landscape, providing little evidence of life. A group of crows flew overhead, staring at them but not doing anything to land.

Smoke danced across the dark night sky, blotting out the stars. This place made them feel naturally uneasy. As they watched some owls alone in the land, they heard a fierce screech. Whipping their heads around, they noticed an owl with dark brown feathers fly above the Sacred Ring.

And then he plunged down to a volcano.