"Valus."

The slim Eastern Grass Owl looked up at his King, a large Great Grey owl. The owls of the Great Hollow peered down from the branches above at the young fledgling, who had finally come of age.

"You have been training hard, and have observed the ways of the Warriors, Hunters and Nurse owls for two moons. But tonight you are old enough to join one these ranks and serve the Forest Kingdom and its subjects."

Valus could hardly contain his excitement. All his training, all his long nights of practice and study had led to that moment. "As tradition you will announce which rank you wish to choose, if you are scene as worthy, you will be accepted into that rank. But if not, then you must attempt to try your luck in another rank. Do you understand?"

This was the bit he'd feared the most. What if they turned him down? What if they thought he wasn't ready.

"I understand." He said, controlling his voice and standing tall.

"Very well. Face the owls of the Great Hollow and declare which rank you wish to join."

Above him the owls had broken down in groups. The Warriors, Hunters and Nurse owls all waited patiently for his answer. "I wish... to become a Warrior and fight for the tree and my King!"

"All who decline the owl's wishes, raise their claw."

A few claws went up and Valus felt the pit in his stomach again. He had been expecting this. All the owls, at least all the adults and elders, hated him. Yet, they never told him why. It was as if someone had told them not to say.

The only owl that didn't hate him was a Perseus, A large brown Blackiston Fish owl with amber eyes, white chin and scars running along his chest and belly. He was one of the Great Hollow's most promising Warriors. 

Perseus was nearly always quiet, barely smiled and had a strange aura around him that Valus had always looked up to. But he had yet to talk to the Warrior, he could never seem to find the right time.

"All who accept the owls wishes, raise their claw."

A lot more claws were raised, including Perseus', and Valus couldn't hide his look of surprise. He couldn't believe it.

"Well then, Valus. As king of the Forest Owls, one of the three kingdoms of our world, I welcome you with open wings as a Warrior of the Great Hollow!"

A round of hesitant hoots, squawks and cooings of congratulations came from the owls above and Valus saw his mother, Furah, smile with pride.

Furah sighed in relief, looking down at her son. He looked just like his father, with his light speckled wings (which was strange for a Grass owl, who usually had dark wings), white underbody, long legs and brown eyes. 

After the ceremony Valus and his mother flew back to their nest and nuzzled each other. "I'm so proud of you."

"I still can't believe it!" He jumped excitedly. "They vote for me! Nearly all of them voted for me!" He hooted and Furah smiled. 

"You should get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a busy day." She said as she laid down on her side of the nest. Valus nodded and found himself a comfortable spot were he could watch the other owls. The sun was rising in the distance and he yawned under its orange light.

---

Valus awoke slowly. It was still daytime, yet he could've sworn he had heard movement. He glanced at where his mother was sleeping, only she was gone! He stood up sleepily, stretching his wings and looking out of the nest. 

Some of the Great Hollow's Warriors were still up, flying around the tree. Blinking his brown eyes he suddenly spotted his mother flying into... the King's nest? What was she doing with the King at that hour? He wasted no time and swiftly followed her up to the top branches of the great oak tree.

He landed by the nest and cocked his head so he could hear what they were saying.

"I owe you a lot, my King." His mother's voice said.

"Please, Furah, you owe me nothing." The King replied.

"But I do! After everything you've done. First telling the older owls to keep Valus' father's secret, now telling them to vote for him as a Warrior... it means so much to both of us."

Valus couldn't believe what he was hearing. The King ordered the owls to vote for him! But... that meant he was a real Warrior. They hadn't accepted him. And what did his mother mean about his father's secret? What secret?

"I mean... if Valus ever found out the truth," his mother continued, unaware of his presence. "If he ever learned that his father is a Brotherhood Soldier-"

Valus felt faint. The Brotherhood were a group of owls that were constantly threatening war on the three kingdoms.

"No." He whispered to himself. "It can't be..."

"That last time I saw him... was when I learnt who- what he was." His mother's voice was sad and filled with pain. "He told me to join him. Said he would take us to the Eastern mountains to join the Brotherhood, said they would protect us. But then I told him to leave-"

Without thinking, Valus lept down from the branches above and landed behind his mother, who spun around in shock. "No! You're lying!" He shouted.

"Valus!" She gasped. "Valus, please let me explain-"

"I think you've done enough explaining!" He squawked. "First, I learn I'm not a real Warrior and now my father is a Brotherhood owl!"

"Val-" She walked towards him, resting her wing on his.

"Get off!" He took a step back, standing on the edge of the nest. "I don't wanna here anything you have to say!" He curled in his wings and dived vertically off and down into the lower branches, spreading his wings at the last moment. 

"Valus!"

"No, Furah." The King said. "Give him some space, I'm sure he'll be back at his nest."

But Valus wasn't heading for his nest. Although it was still late in the day he flew off, away from the Great Hollow, towards the East.