The SkyWatchers Book 1: The Rise {COMPLETED!!}

Chapter 15

Ergo watched the land pass as the four Owls carried her to their palace. Some things she saw amazed her and she wished she could see more, but the snickering of the main Owl distracted her a lot. She wished she hadn't returned so soon.

"I should have known ... the moment ... the moment I saw Spina's body from the platform above I should have known to fly. Of course they'd be guarding it ... of course." She thought.

She started tearing up when she thought about Spina but close her eyes, not wanting for the birds above to see that she had any weakness. She reopened her eyes and took in the scenery, and this continued until Ergo saw a massive, looming object in the distance. It looked like it had fallen and even from the sky she could see old blood stained on the walls as of it had crushed many birds. It was near a cliff and some of the walls were sparkling. She wondered what it was because it reminded her of something. She looked around as best as she could her beak under control and saw many other Owls with birds in their talons. She spotted the familiar feather colors of Ito first, then Goto, then Banco. As she neared them, everyone looked up in surprise and when Ergo was close, she could hear some sighs of relief, mainly from Ito. They all made happy or relived noises and gave her smiles or blinks to show that they were happy she was back. Suddenly, the lead Owl carrying her head started talking, loudly.

"Listen up motherfuckers, this bird right here ..." he shook Ergo violently "you won't see her after this, as she'll be the king's. enjoy your time." He snickered.

She heard the other Owls laugh lightly and she heard some mumble.

"Maybe the king will let us have a turn."
"She won't make it, it'll be too 'rough'."
"She can't wait."

The others looked around in alarm and Ergo saw herself being a slave to the king, in more than none way. She closed her eyes and started thinking of the mornings that she rarely saw. Goto, who she had seen only once of since now, grunted and shook lightly. The Owls shook him furiously back and he stopped. After some time of the Owls talking, they started flying somewhere and soon they saw a hole in a mountain. It had a large opening with a wooden table where two Owls were playing something. There was a fire lit more inside the cave and it seemed endless from their power point view. Finally, they reached the ledge and the two Owls looked strange.

"Finally got 'em." The seemingly lead Owl said.
"Should one of us tell the king?" One at the post said.
"Nah, I want it to be a surprise. Also, we're going to be staying here, got a cage or something?"

One Owl nodded and pointed to the back of the cave. The Owls shoved them along to the back of the cave, the metal on their claws scraping across the stone. They stopped and put something metal around each bird's wings as they were being thrown inside the cage, which thankfully, was large. Finally, Ergo was shoved inside and she sighed, as she was the last one in. They waited until the Owls had returned to the front where they started talking and playing some sort of game. Ergo took those seconds to look at the cage. It was a decent size, enough for them. It was all smooth stone with a few pebbles. There was a tiny hole in the roof that offered the slightest bit of light, but it smelled horrible and there was water or some liquid dripping off of it. She looked down at everyone else and they toppled her instantly.

"Ito told us you were dead!"
"Your alive, thank the Wind!"
"Don't ever scare me again!"

Ergo soon was free of everyone, but they separated and Ergo stared directly at Goto. It was awkward until Goto moved forward and stood face to face with her. She blinked and he smiled.

"I'm sorry ... I shouldn't have yelled. I was so worried ..." He mumbled.
"I'm sorry for overreacting. I got too sensitive." She responded, looking away.
"Friends?" Goto asked, opening his wings for a hug.

She dashed quickly into his wings toppling them. The others made happy noises and weren't paying attention, so Ergo took her chance.

"More than friends ..." She muttered.

Goto smiled and kissed her, hiding it. He stood up and smiled, and she did the same. The others were talking loudly until an Owl stormed over and banged on the bars.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!" He screamed.

They went silent and finally the Owl left. Banco stepped into the center of everyone.

"We should all get our rest, it will be too late once we get to the Owl ... colony." Banco whispered.
"Why do you call it a 'colony'?" Qualm cut in.
"They don't deserve to be called a kingdom." Banco responded.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"We've all enjoyed our ... time with Ergo and she won't let anything happen. Actually, Ergo, what happened to Spina?" Banco whispered.
"He's gone ..." she muttered, remembering his tattered body.

She closed her eyes and Goto hugged her.

"Ah ... a shame, he was a good fox and risked his life to help us. May he rest peacefully in the clouds, but, I'm afraid that won't be the only death." He mumbled. "Now, to sleep."

Everyone huddled together, but Ergo stayed aside from the group, watching the dancing flames, ignoring the scent and dripping of the liquid coming from the ceiling, and watching the stars go by. Goto had come over and had put his wings protect fully over her. Ito had curled up beside them, and they were fast asleep just as the others were. She tried to push aside everything, the loss of their freedom, the death of Spina, the loss of Mambo, and the fact that Ergo was to become a slave. Instead, she sat calmly and suddenly remembered what the object she had seen earlier was.

"It's the ..." She mumbled to herself.

It was too late though, she was fast asleep.

This motherfucker crashed on me.