Guardian's of Ga'hoole: Out of the Ash

Chapter Six

  Nyra had us fly to the Tyto Forest with two of her soldiers. We all flew to Kludd's hallow where he said his parents were out hunting at this time.
   He got his sister and then we flew to my neighbor's hallow, where we got the little owlet that lived there. We all flew back until we were joined by Nyra and the rest of the soldiers in training.
   Nyra then led all of us to another area within the canyons where she lined us up in front of a perch that held the High Tyto. I was in between Kludd and Vaygar.
   "My lord." I heard Nyra great to the High Tyto as I held my head down. "Our work at St. Aegolius is very nearly done. The last of the flecks are on their way. And I've brought you an offering with beating hearts." The white and red barn owl then turned to look at us.
   "Your new soldiers. Tested and pure. Two in particular shows exceptional promise." She praised. "I'll be the judge of that." High Tyto said, turning to look at me and Kludd.
   "You two. Soldiers. Step forward." Me and Kludd complied, still looking at the ground. I raised my eyes to look at him and gulped.
   "Yes, you're right to be afraid
in my presence. What is your names?" He asked. Kludd mumbled his name. "Speak up." The High Tyto commanded. "Kludd! My name is Kludd." Yelled the barn owl next to me.
   "There. That's better. And you?" He turned to look at me. "Ash." I said, making sure that I didn't mumble it.
   "Remember, weakness is for the lower species... never for us. Do you know why, Kludd and Ash?" High Tyto asked us. I shared a glance with Kludd before we turn to look the High Tyto in the eyes. "Because we are Tytos." We both said with confidence.
   I then heard the small whimpers of Eglantine, who was Kludd's sister, and Blizz, my young neighbor. I didn't even share them a glance though.
   Nyra then led us to one of the platforms over the room as soldiers started to flood in, all with black helmets and red eyes.
   "My soldiers, my sons and daughters..." The High Tyto started. "...many of you have heard of me in late-night whisperings... but I assure you, I am not a myth. I am real. And I stand before you with one simple truth: The strong shall rule the weak. Long ago, I was viciously attacked by the coward Lyze of Kiel... for defending that truth. Now I wear this mask to conceal my scars. But the metal is strong. It is a symbol of the Pure Ones' strength and resolve. It is time to set a fire that will consume the owl kingdoms... and take back what is rightfully ours! Because we are Tytos! We are Pure Ones! And I am Metal Beak!"
   Everyone in the room started to chant while stomping their talons to the ground.
   "Kludd?" I heard Eglantine ask. "Ash?" Then I heard Blizz ask. Me and Kludd turned to look at the two. "I miss Ma and Da. I'm scared." Eglantine pleaded.  "Don't be. You're with me now. Eglantine, this is our home. They really appreciate us here." Kludd said, looking around. "Kludd, please. Could we just go find Soren?" Eglantine continued and Kludd started to glare. "Hey, hey! Forget about Soren. Soren's weak. We're Tytos. Pure Ones."
   I then saw Nyra fly by us, probably catching on to the conversation.
   Blizz then started to speak up. "Ash, I promise I won't tell anyone what you're doing. I just wanna go home." I was about to say no, but then got an idea as Nyra started to fly over to us. "All right, Blizz" I said while smirking. "So we could go? When?" He asked with slight excitement in his voice.
   "Tomorrow." I said, and I think Kludd caught on to what I was thinking as Nyra landed behind the two owlets. "But first, tonight... just sleep." Kludd said as he moved to the side, letting the full moon touch the two little owlets.