Ryo was a young snowy owl from the northern kingdoms, but he didn't like his snowy home. He dreamed of a place in legends ever since his da told him the stories of the guardians. He had asked his da if they were true, his mum only laughed and said

"Of course not. It's only a thing of legends."

"If only mum could see me now." He thought. Oh, how he missed her dearly. "She would have still been here if the Pure Ones never raided our hollow…". He could still remember that bloody night. His feathers still bore bloodstains on them. He looked at his right foot, which he kept battle claws on. He remembered the sound of flesh tearing, the last breaths of dying owls, and his da leaving him behind. These battle claws saved his life, but stopped others.

"He's the owl? Are you sure?" A harsh rasped voice said.

"Yes I'm sure! He's the one who killed one of our elite owls!" Another voice was in a harsh whisper, "I can recognize those battle claws anywhere!".

Ryo looked up at the sky. He would miss these beautiful nights, but he was to leave soon for the island of Hoole. He would also miss sing old tales, since he was a skog. Before he left he sang a little ditty.

The wind blows cold and strong

It shall be long

I set my sights ahead

I set my worries to bed

I sing this song

To keep me going on.

Ryo spread his wings and entered flight. He was unaware he was being followed.