my greatest and sincerest apologies for the delay... my F key broke and only recently did it start working again lol.
Chapter 14~
Salt air snaked into Soren's nostrils. He could smell it; taste it. But there was another fragrance in the air; the blood of his next target, a Great Grey owl accompanied by a Burrowing owl.
He flew inches above the waves, dipping his talons in the water and slicing thin lines. One purpose, one desire in the whole world; kill. He couldn't remember what happened, why he had the strong hatred for these owls, but he wanted their blood more than anything else.
A stray wave shot up in front of the barn owl and he simply cut through it like a shark. I need no-one. I will destroy the Great Grey; rip him limb from bleeding limb. Then, I will show them my power. They will all submit themselves to me. The tree will be mine! These thoughts kept his wings pumping as he pushed on toward the tree, where he intended to draft his army.
...
A demonic glow flashed in the blood bird's eyes as Skench witnessed the Shadow forest going up in ash and smoke. There was a large mountain of tree branches structured to house the St. Aegolious' Army. "Spoorn!" the monster growled.
"The master speaks, I obey," Spoorn said as he bowed his head to his superior.
"Tell me news of 47-2's return."
"Forgive me master, but I have nothing to report."
Just then, a small, grungy owl rushed up to Spoorn and whispered in his ear. His look was first of anger, then transformed into disappointment.
"Skench, I regret to inform you that a scout has found the remains of 47-2 in the desert. It would seem that there was a blood bird on the side of the young fugitives. Also, the scout heard multiple witnesses of the group dividing and going separate directions."
"I see," The Great Horned Owl clicked hard talons on its perch.
The small owl began to step away from Spoorn slowly, and Skench spoke, "Wait!"
The owl stopped up, and swallowed hard, knowing his own fault. "Supreme Master, I humbly offer my best to you and your quest."
"I have something to," Skench paused, "Discuss with you."
"I am listening," the small owl bowed his head.
"You came into my presence without my consent or order."
"I had urgent news to share with my master," he said and shifted slightly.
"You are in violation of the service code," Skench said to the owl.
"F-f-f-f-forgive me, please!" The small owl shrank back in fear.
"You know there is no mercy capable of pardoning the penalties of insubordination."
"Why?" the owl blurted out the question withouth thinking. It was too late, the owl had uttered one of the forbidden words.
The Great Horned owl twisted its head from side to side slowly, and stared at the shivering owl. "you are a very, very naughty bird," Skench glided down and lighted in front of the quaking owl.
"Please! I didn't mean it! It slipped out, I promise!" Insubordination and Utterance of Forbidden Words; I believe you know what the penalty for that combination is."
"No! No, Please! I'll do anything!"
The evil owl shouted a command, "Spoorn! Pull the army together and take flight toward the tree! I will catch up with you later."
"Yes, Master Skench," Spoorn staped backwards and bowed before departing to rally the army.
The small owl began to shake and sob as Skench walked circles around him. The Great Horned owl shoved him to the ground from behind, causing him to sprawl in the dirt of the makeshift hollow. Before he could stand, a foot pressed him against the ground and rubbing his face in the dirt.
"It's a shame I don't feel very hungry," Skench said casually. "No matter, death penalty is death penalty. It's pleasure for me either way," The monster laughed.
The army took wing as the small owl's cries filled the night air. A few moments later, Skench arose, leaving the mutilated and unrecognizable corpse behind.