11 To Valor Wood

CHAPTER 11 TO VALOR WOOD The friends followed Monty through the maze of tunnels. Blaze's feathers lit the way, but the tunnels all looked the same. Wet, muddy, and dark. I'm glad Monty is with us, Tag thought. We would be lost down here without him.

"I will take you to the edge of Valor Wood," Monty told them as they rushed on. "But I must stay in The Shadowlands to find out more about Thorn's plans." "Thank you," Skyla replied. "You are doing important work." "Hurry," Monty said. "Thorn will know that you have escaped by now. It won't be long until his army reaches Valor Wood. I've already sent word to Grey about Thorn's attack, so he can get ready. But you still need to find the last piece of the Ember Stone before the battle begins."

Tag moved as fast as his legs could carry him. He wished he and Blaze could fly. But the tunnel was too narrow. "Almost there," Monty said, after they had continued on in silence. "You should be safe when you reach the surface. Grey told me how the Owls of Valor protect the forest." "I've always wanted to be an Owl of Valor," Tag told Monty. "But I'm not sure I have done a good enough job protecting my friends to prove to Grey that I am ready. We would still be trapped in The Shadowlands if it weren't for you."

"It wasn't your fault we got caught, Tag," Skyla said. "You will be an Owl of Valor one day," Blaze added. Monty smiled at Tag. "Your friends are right," he said. "Grey has told me a lot about you—and about Skyla." The friends started to walk upward through the tunnel. It felt like they were climbing a steep hill. Ahead, Tag could see an opening filled with bright light.

"This is where I must leave you," Monty said. "Just follow the light." "Thank you, Monty," Tag said. Blaze gave Monty a quick hug. "Be careful," Skyla said. "You too. Good luck!" Monty called as he scurried away, down into the dark tunnel. Tag led the way toward the light. As he got closer, the light got brighter.

Tag knew he was back in Valor Wood before he reached the surface. He could smell the fresh leaves on the trees, and hear the trickle of the stream with its sweet water. Most of all, though, he felt it in his heart. A warm feeling spread through his feathers. The three friends stepped out into the open air. Tag had to cover his eyes with his wing. The warm sun shone down on them, and Tag smiled. They were home.