The Siege of Ga'Hoole
Chapter Three: Siege Mentality
The Pure Ones made their first strike a powerful one. Some carried stones into the sky, then dropped them over Ga'Hoole, the impact snapping branches and shattering bark. Others used lit tinder sticks to spark small fires around the tree's foliage.
"Guardians, we are under attack!" King Boron called out. "To arms!"
As the Guardians scrambled to the armory, the other occupants of Ga'Hoole filled buckets with water to extinguish the flames.
Although the mists had hidden the tree well these many years, the Guardians had always feared their location might one day by discovered by their enemies, and had planned accordingly. The civillians and Guardians-in-training were herded into the lower levels for their own safety, protected by a contingent of Guardians. Several of the Guardians took flight, seeking to intercept their foes before they could strike again. Others stood their ground on the branches, waiting for the enemy to come to them.
Amongst the Guardians waiting in the branches was Twilight. He had offered to take part in the air assault, but was told his lute-swinging skills would be put to better use on the lower side of the battle.
Suffice to say, he wasn't taking it very well.
"I belong on the front lines." He muttered. "Attacking the enemy head-on, not waiting for them to come to me!"
"Must you complain so much?" Asked a haughty voice from beside him.
The voice belonged to Strix Struma, one of the senior Guardians.
"I was not complaining, madam." Twilight protested. "I was merely pointing out that my impressive talents would be better suited elsewhere."
"You may be a warior, Twilight..." Strix started.
"Poet warrior, if you please." Twilight interrupted.
"But you are no strategist." Strix finished. "The Pure Ones attacking from above are merely the first wave. The true attack will come at us from this level."
"I, erm... knew that." Twilight mumbled.
"Of course you didn't." Strix sneered. "It doesn't matter how much prior experience you've had as a 'poet warrior'. You're still a novice in the ways of being a Guardian. You would do well to follow my lead."
"What?" Twilight choked. "Your lead?"
"Or do you have a problem taking orders from a female?" Strix asked.
"Of course not." Twilight replied. "But, and I say this with all due respect, it is the males of our respective species that possess the greater strength, and therefore, greater aptitude for command. It's simply nature."
The usually cool-headed spotted owl grew angry.
"Why, you chauvinistic-" She spat.
Before she could continue, the Guardian's chief blacksmith, Bubo, called out "Enemy coming in on the right flank!"
True to his word, a group of Pure Ones were flying up to meet the Guardians.
"To battle!" Strix declared.
"I'll show them what a real warrior is made of!" Twilight declared, nudging Strix aside.
"Don't break ranks, you fool!" Strix roared.
Twilight swooped down to meet the Pure Ones, swinging his lute like a club. He managed to knock several out of the sky with one swing.
"Ha-ha!" The great gray owl blared, relishing the thrill of battle. "Come on!"
So enjoying himself was Twilight, that he didn't spot a Pure One coming at him from behind. The enemy grabbed his lute talon, holding it down, while another grabbed Twilight by the wings. Another swooped up to strike the finishing blow.
Suddenly, a slashing sound was heard, and the Pure One holding Twilight's talon dropped to the ground. Another slash, and the one holding his wings went the same way. The remaining Pure One tried to turn and retreat, but wasn't fast to avoid Twilight's swing, and quickly joined his fellows.
Turning, Twilight beheld the sight of Strix Struma, her talon-mounted blades stained with the enemy's blood.
"What was that you were saying before?" Strix asked in a mocking tone. "About males possessing the greater strength?"
Twilight scowled.
"Now, get back in formation." Strix ordered. "Stick by me, and you might just learn how a real warrior does it."
Choking back a rebuttal, Twilight grudgingly followed Strix, as the next wave of Pure Ones attacked. As the fight wore on, Twilight stole angry glances at the spotted owl whenever he could. But the more he saw of her combat skills, the less angry he became, and the more impressed. The senior Guardian thought swiftly and effortlessly, striking down her opponants with ease. Twilight had never seen Strix in battle before (At least, not close-up), and was amazed at what a seasoned warrior she was, using strategic maneouvres to outwit and outfight the Pure Ones.
Suddenly, a Pure One struck Strix from behind, bringing her down and pinning her to the ground. As the Pure One made to strike the death blow, Twilight moved in, striking his enemy hard enough to knock off his helmet, which was soon joined on the tree bark by it's owner.
"I believe that makes us even, madam." Twilight smirked, offered Strix his free talon.
"It would appear so." Strix smiled, as Twilight helped her up. "Perhaps I misjudged you, Twilight. Perhaps there is a real warrior in you after all."
"Well, I certainly misjudged you." Twilight admitted. "Your strength is amazing, compared to both male and female owls. Such power is matched only by your beau- I mean, keen strategic mind."
"Thank you." Strix smirked. "By the way, you can let go of my talon now."
Realising his talon was still gripping hers, Twilight quickly let go.
"My apologies." He blushed.
"No matter." Strix smiled. "Now, we must return to battle."
"Gladly." Twilight nodded. "Lead on, warrior maiden!"
The two owls resumed their fight against the Pure Ones, for the battle was only just beginning...
To Be Continued...
(Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole and all associated characters are the property of Kathryn Lansky, Warner Bros and Village Roadshow Pictures.)
