11 The Owls of Valor

CHAPTER 11 THE OWLS OF VALOR They flew closer and closer to Valor Wood. The closer they flew, the more fluttery Tag's tummy felt. The air was fresh and sweet. He could hear a stream tinkling in the distance, and his heart felt full.

He was home. Tag and Blaze landed beside Claw at the edge of the trees. Skyla looked even more excited to be home than Tag. She hopped from foot to foot with a huge grin on her face. A loud noise filled the air. TA-RAAAAAAA! TA-RAAAAAAA! It was the Owls of Valor's horns. "They are welcoming us home!" Tag called to his friends. "Look!" Blaze said. She pointed to the sky.

The Owls of Valor swooped down over the trees, led by Maximus. They were wearing their shiny armor, and they held sharp swords and shields. With them was Grey, their leader. Grey landed in front of Tag. Tag gave him a huge smile, but Grey didn't smile back. "Tag, Skyla, Blaze!" Maximus shouted. "Move behind me."

Tag frowned at Skyla. She looked just as confused as he did. "What's wrong, Grey?" Tag asked. Grey pointed a wing at Claw, who stood beside them. "You are banished from Valor Wood, Thorn," Grey said. "Leave at once!" "It's okay," Tag started. "He's not Thorn. He's—" Claw looked to Tag, and an evil grin stretched across his face. "Grey is right," Claw said, looking directly at Tag. "I am Thorn."