Chapter One: Late...Again
/Ambala
A glowing full moon hung above a giangantic marshy pine forest. Its various nocturnal inhabitants were up and about while their daytime counterparts lay asleep in the scattered burrows and hollows. Hoots, howls, growls, and screeches filled the Ambala forest.
On a large fir tree, two female sooty owls stared at the celestial being above them; the moon stared back. The older of the two was a normal-looking sooty except for the worried expression on her face. She tapped her claws impatiently on the branch she stood on. "This is great and all, but we have to go to work, Glace. You know what General Garne will do to us if we get there late."
Her younger sister, Glace, had plumage lighter than hers, and her eyes were the color of ice. Glace wasn't as much of a rule-follower as her sister Abbys, and wasn't very worried about punishment. "Abbys, what do you have against the 'Small Cell'? I quite like it: solitary time in the dark, perfect for thinking." Glace spoke in a challenging voice.
"Well, most of us go yoicks in small spaces, Glace. I happen to be one of those many." Abbys returned the challenge in a matter-of-fact voice. She fluffed up her feathers and lifted herself to a higher branch. "I'm leaving. I'll see you there, sis." The sooty took to the sky, mixing herself among the other commuting owls.
Some owls just don't appreciate the world when they see it! She sighed. Glace liked to take her time with the full moon, as she felt comfort in staring at it. Her feathers relaxed as the nighttime winds stopped. What a night to enjoy!
Thus, Glace knew, that work had to be done; for the High Empress Tyto, for the Empire, and for food. Though she didn't understand what grinding up walnuts did to help an empire, or why the empire had a royal guard when they were the only ones around? She didn't understand many things about the way the empire worked, but work had to be done.
Glace let go of the branch and lifted herself into the sky. The wind worked in her favor, letting her effortlessly glide towards the Walnut Mill. The countering breeze softly brushed her face, as if nature was preening her. She closed her eyes, lovely.
…
Minutes later, Glace arrived at the large cave entrance of the Mill. The arch before her was carved with the words, "Serve the cause; Glaux rewards". She lighted on the dirt to walk into the Mill, for flying in brought one to the Small cell. A Barn Owl stood perched on a branch of a nearby fir tree. He wore an eye patch over his left eye, and scars running down his breast. He swooped down in front of the young Sooty owl. He tilted his head his head in a menacing manner, "Hello, Glacinda. You're late… AGAIN!" General Garne became livid.
"I know, I know. I'm going to the Small Cell …" she started.
"Ohoho! Not today, lass. You've been late too many times young'un! This time, it's off to Ambala Court with ye!" he threatened.
Glace's eyes widened at the words 'Ambala Court'. This court was the second highest in the Tytonic Empire. Could one owl missing a few minutes of work be this big of a crime? It didn't make sense to Glace. A full set of things didn't make sense. The young Sooty went yeep on the spot.
General Garne grabbed Glace in his talons and carried her towards the Ambala court.