Dark Feelings
The Barn Owl Kludd, AKA Metal Beak, sat on his perch of iron, overlooking his domain, watching his army of Pure Ones at work. Soon, they would strike at their hated enemies, the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, and finally annhilate them, once and for all. The victory would be especially sweet for him, as his younger brother, Soren, was among the Guardian's ranks, and his death would truly be Kludd's crowning glory.
Kludd's dark thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Nyra, his second-in-command.
"My king." She nodded formally. "Work proceeds apace. Soon, we will be ready to strike."
"Excellent." Kludd said. "Keep me informed."
"Forgive me for asking, my king, but is something the matter?" Nyra asked. "You seem somewhat... out of sorts."
"It's my brother." Kludd admitted. "I can't seem to think of anything beyond killing him. It obsesses me."
"I don't blame you, my king." Nyra agreed. "Your brother turned his back on the true destiny of all Tytos. He chose the path of the Guardians, mollycoddling the weak, and denying us our true heritage. All the same, thoughts of his oh-so-justified death must be withheld, for the time being."
"I am well aware of that." Kludd said sourly. "Rest assured, I have not forgotten our true goal."
"Of course not." Smiled Nyra. "I knew from the moment I first saw you that you had the potential to become a powerful and determined warrior, and a capable leader."
"That I am." Nodded Kludd. "I will not let my... family squabbles get in the way of leading our cause to glory."
"If I may be so bold, my king, what proof do I have of this?" Nyra asked, her face suddenly deadly serious. "Your last plan focused exclusively on your brother's demise. Am I simply to take your word that you will not formulate similar plans in the future?"
Kludd looked Nyra in the eye.
"You once told me never to lie to you." He reminded her. "Though I am now your king, as opposed to your soldier, I have every intention of upholding that order."
"Thank you, my king." Nyra bowed. "I trust I have not offended you with my baseless accusations?"
"Of course not." Kludd declared. "A good second-in-command is allowed to test her leader... every so often. Together, we will lead the Pure Ones to victory. We will conquer the owl kingdoms. And when our conquest is complete, you will rule beside me, as my queen."
"Yes, my king." Nyra bowed once more. "It would be my greatest honor... and pleasure."
Kludd and Nyra stood together, side by side, overlooking the work of their minions. In time, their unholy partnership would spell trouble for the Guardians.
But that's another story...
The End.
(Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole and all associated characters are the property of Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures.)