The Owl of Ragon

A Story by Mitchell Wood

One of my short stories

It was a cold night, and the Twelve Guardians of Ragon stood at their posts, eyes fixed intently on the rapidly approaching swarm of Minerva’s ShadowDwellers, led by the shadow guardians Kiar and her assistant guardian Rarn. Ravage, the second eldest of the Twelve Guardians, was familiar with Kiar and Rarn: they were mortal enemies. A conch horn sounded in the distance, and all the LightFighters revealed themselves and shot towards the swarm. The Twelve Guardians, however, stayed put. They knew Minerva: she would distract them with a large force and send another force in to attack the little owlets. Suddenly there was an explosion of Dark Flame to the left of Dig. ‘Minerva’ said Helm as the dark owl herself stepped out of the flames. “Illusion” said Nyla. ‘How did you know?’ said a voice behind Nyla. Nyla turned to see the real Minerva standing no more that ten inches away from her. Nyla reached down to touch her grey feather and there was a metallic click as Nyla’s armour formed around her. The others did the same.

”Prepare for battle” yelled the commander of the LightFighters, Inso. The remaining LightFighters turned away from Kiar and Rarn who were quickly dying. One owl remained fighting Kiar and Rarn to the death. His name was Emer. After 6 seconds Rarn was down, plummeting towards earth from the Isle of Ragon. Kiar also fell to her death.

Nyla drew her dagger and led the Guardians into battle with Minerva. One strike here, one strike there, Minerva was just two quick for them. She parried a direct blow from Inkore, blocked Helm’s signature shot, and even dodged Nyla’s signature blow. ‘Impossible’ thought Nyla. ‘Even Minerva, however powerful she is, could not have dodged my signature blow.’ Then she realised her huge mistake. “PROTECT THE OWLETS!” Nyla yelled, turning and taking flight towards the Nursery of St Oni.

It was already too late by the time the Guardians reached the nursery. Minerva was knocking out the Nurses and heading towards the Owlets. “Prepare to leave Ragon forever!” Minerva screamed as she darted towards the Owlets Nursery, then, to everyone’s surprise, jumped clean through a solid wall. “Follow!” demanded Nyla, as the Guardians jumped through the wall and entered Ragoiea Shrine. Minerva was flying purposefully toward the shrine’s centre. In the centre there were two items: a crown of thorns and a golden feather inlaid with silver. Minerva picked up the crown of thorns and put it on to her head. Immediately purple flames engulfed Minerva. “I can finally resume my true form!” screamed Minerva. “Grab the golden feather, Nyla” said a voice in her head. She leaped forward and grabbed the feather and a golden flash enveloped her. And just like normal, there was a metallic click and Nyla’s armour transformed into golden flames. One quick slash of her dagger (now golden) sent Minerva straight to Hell. “It is done.” said Nyla, taking post as the leader of Ragon.