Master Of None

”Stop.” Walker had noticed that there was an odd sound in the air. The nights would normally be silent since the cold caused most animals and monsters to migrate or sleep somewhere. But the monsters that came in to take their places did not make much sound. 

”What is that? If they are imps then they are terrible at hunting at night.” Remey was standing in her battle stance but was still comfortable enough to mock the annoying imps that hid themselves in the snow and ice to attack. 

”Imps sleep. They don’t stay out at night. This has to be something else.” Walker was wracking his brain for anything that could be what they were hearing. 

”I would say bats. But they leave the area in the cold and prefer the warmth. That’s why they don’t live in the mountains.” As useful as this was, Su was not happy that she had only eliminated one potential threat it could be. 

”Owls. Ic claw owls.” Of all the people to speak up, it was Allice. The main reason she knew what this monster was came from a simple sight and question she had asked recently. There had been a large number of applicants coming to join the cathedrals so they could find their fame as a healer or receive a home there. One such applicant boasted healing powers that required them to use water to pull out toxins and speed up healing. They wore a very unique white cape. 

The white cape had been made from the ice claw owl feathers that their bodyguard had defeated once upon a time. The healer was from a noble family so having such a material made in to a cloak was common. It was able to make their water elemental healing cost less mana which helped out immensely when they interviewed. However, it was a nobles’ attempt to get power in the church and the high priest had used their experience to make sure that things were smoothed out. 

”Seriously? If that’s what those flapping wings are then we could be on a gold mine. They are  night time hunters and they are about the size of our heads. But they have talons coated in ice that cause frostbite instantly. That doesn’t matter though. What is impressive is how useful their feathers are. A single one can make two arrows or a whole monsters’ worth of feathers can make some basic armor. They are perfect for water and wind elemental crafting.” This was a treasure that Gil wanted to procure. The only trouble was that they could not see them in the dark. 

”If they are not going to attack us right in front where we can see by the stars and the moon, then I don’t think any of us can take one down.” As much as Remey wanted to jump and punch in to an owl trying to attack them, it seemed too unlikely. 

”That is where Midnight and Walker come in. Midnight unleashes her dragon breath and Walker moved it to show us where my target it. Onyx can help by changing size and striking at it. Between our two attacks, we should be able to get at least one.” Since Gil had a plan it was easier to give it a try. ”To think there are snowball mice around here. They are cute and fluffy white mice that eat literally any food stores. The fires destroyed their nests so I bet the ice claw owls have been out feasting.” 

SU and Alice would have done what they could to help but just like Remey, they were not the best to jump in with the situation. However, there was the possibility that they could just leave and not shunt the ice claw owls. The only thing preventing them from that was how useful the materials were. ”It’s a good thing we are finding this out before more farm houses are rebuilt. They are responsible for stealing away piglets and other small cattle animals.” The head shake that Gil had was proof of how annoyed he was. It was clear that he had remembered a lot after Alice had guessed what they were. 

”Midnight, on the count of three.” Walker started to count while Gil notched an arrow and held one in his teeth. Walker pulled at the mana around him and prepared himself to manipulate the fire Midnight breathed out. ”Three…two…one…now!”

The bright orange and yellow flames brightened the night and The group finally saw the five ice claw owls flying in the air. They were pure white and had claws that that glinted with orange light. The sudden light only expanded around them as Walker manipulated the fire elemental mana to form a ring around them. 

There were more owls than Gil had though but that wasn’t a problem. He let loose two arrows then a third slightly after. By the time his hand had touched the fourth, the other owls had fled with fright. The three that Gil had fired hit their targets and loud screeching broke the silence of the night. 

Onyx saw his chance and struck forward to end the battle before it could continue. He was faster than anyone expected. The precise strike with his fangs were enough to show off just how powerful Onyx had become without them noticing. ”Walker, get over here with me and start plucking feathers. The blood will ruin them. Do not touch the talons!” Walker pulled out a torch and let it burst in to flames. 

Remey took the torch and held it for the two boys who got to work plucking. It was a fast process and one that Walker had never done before. Gil was nearly an expert and was speeding along. In the time it took for Walker to learn and pluck one owl, Gil had done the other two.

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