literature

Legacy of Ezio Chapter Thirteen

Deviation Actions

Agent36496's avatar
By
Published:
923 Views

Literature Text

The two Eagle Owls made their way to the Island of Hoole, toward the Great Tree. Rest was needed more than ever now that dawn was approaching. In fact, Ezio himself realised how tired he was. His wings had grown weary, and the slit along his right wing started to cause pain to him. To his relief, the flight was no longer needed. Ezio almost fell down when landing inside the Great Tree.
Almost immediately, Ezio was greeted by cheers from all directions. He ignored the cheers as he spread his wings to lower his hood. He looked around using the one eye through which he could see. He searched around for Soren, hoping that he made it along with the living from the fighters that were called upon. He heard a familiar voice call, “Maestro!”
Instinctively looking back, he found the Lesser-Horned Owl approach him and nuzzle into him. She said through happy sobs, “I knew you would survive. You always do!” He was glad that she managed to do the same.
Ezio replied, “And I am proud of you, for you stayed strong.”
Pulling away, Amelia responded, “Happy as I am to see you in one piece, there is someone waiting for you, thinking you would need medical attention. He was right.”
“Show me to the infirmary, then.” Aura felt the need to follow, for she didn’t want to leave Ezio’s sight. When knowing that the conflict over the Everwinter Sea lessened, she convinced her father to let her go find Ezio, which wasn’t easy, for he feared what would happen to her. How relieved Magnus would be to know that she didn’t get killed, let alone wounded.

When the two Eagle Owls and the Lesser-Horned Owl entered the hollow used for medical care, Ezio saw something he couldn’t believe. On the first nest that he saw, a Barred Owl lay, breathing with labour. Ezio could recognise him easily, even with the severe wounds that he suffered: those being a gash across the neck, a gash across the chest, and various slits along the wings. A Snowy Owl stood over the Barred Owl, showing that she was waiting. Ezio went over to the nest and looked down upon his young former apprentice. Since the young owl was still breathing, Ezio assumed that he could still hear. Ezio hooted, “Edur?”
That seemed to awaken him. “M-mae…stro…?”
“Shh. Not a word”, Ezio said lowly. “You have fought valiantly, I see. Despite how badly you bled, I am still proud of you. You came a long way from a hatchling who was abused by his father.”
“I…” Edur began. “I just… wanted… to-to see you one last time…” He opened his eyes slightly, and could just see his former mentor.
“I am here, Edur. I am pleased to see the guerriero I made out of a timid young’un.”
“I… I am pleased, too…” His breathing slowed and grew quieter, and his heart was slowing down. Ezio watched as Edur closed his eyes again.
Ezio said, “Hi vistro con onore, e trome con onore. Requiest en pecche, mio apprido giovande.”
Ezio knew how Amelia felt about it. Edur was her best friend, and he was like a brother to her. Turning around, he told Amelia, “It will be all right, Amelia. You still have me.” Francesca’s death struck Amelia, but not as hard as it did Ezio. She was out two friends. Her parents died from being assaulted, but Ezio saved her and had her trained. Ezio could still remember what she said, how she felt about him.
The caped Eagle Owl approached Amelia and hugged her. She whispered, “Father… I can’t thank you enough for the gifts you’ve given me.” Aura blinked repeatedly, showing her surprise that Amelia thought of Ezio as a father figure.
As much as he hated leaving an emotional owl alone, he had to pull away, so the matron could tend to his wounds.

Cleaning the wounds, was no problem. Once they were disinfected and the healing process was helped along, he couldn’t feel as much pain of where that traitor of a prince struck him. Overtime, opening his eye was no problem. Unfortunately, it was as he suspected. When he opened his right eye for the first time in a day, he realised that it couldn’t see. His right eye had gone blind.
Despite the hindrance, he wanted closure on how the battle resulted. If one former apprentice survived and the other later died of battle wounds, there were bound to be mixed outcomes on each owl that fought. He was in the Parliament Hollow, seeing only Soren and his mate, Pellimore, or as he affectionately called her, “Pelli”. Ezio was wearing his black cape, having his battle claws and knife belt on the ground.
Soren stated, “All Guardians you know have survived. You made a good strategy. Your layout of the blockade was very ideal. Everyone held their own. Only a few died in this battle, while many suffered minor wounds. No damage has been dealt to ice palace.”
Ezio added, “The pirate captain died, and so did the Neo Pure One. I did both of them the favour. As for Helfried, I left him to his honest brother.”
“So, where will you go from here?” Soren asked.
“That fight is my last”, Ezio answered. “My days as an hireclaw are behind me. It is time I focus on something—better yet, somebody—I find more important.”
Soren looked at the Eagle Owl with an expression of sentiment and said, “I understand. I appreciate the deeds you have done for us, and for our late former superiors over the years.”
“I must hand it to you, Soren. You are quite passionate about what you hold on to. You and I have something in common.” He picked up and donned his battle claws and knife belt. “I will come back here again one day, to give you something for all owls of the Great Tree to share.” With that he turned away. Soren had Ezio’s word for his return. It was a question of when that was to come.
***

Ezio stood upon an ice perch, with Aura next to him. He was in his black cape, and she wore a white one, wanting to be a little like him. They looked right into each other’s eyes, feeling the love more than they had before.
The Eagle Owl with the black cape, spoke, “I, Ezio Bubo of Shadow Forest, take thee Aura von der Drachen as my mate until death parts us.”
The female said in the same tone, “And I, Aura von der Drachen, take thee Ezio Bubo of Shadow Forest as my mate until death parts us.”
Many owls watched as the two announced what would bind them together. A very grey owl of Bubo blood, standing before them, said in his tired voice, “This couple, Glaux-bless and love thee.”
It was done. A vow had been made, and they had been given a blessing. The witnesses cheered as another couple had been formed.

Given that a ceremony was held, there had to be a celebration, not only for this union, but also an end to the conflict that had gone on in these kingdoms. Roasted vermin were served all around and a large supply of bingle juice and milkberry wine were brewed. Ezio cared for neither of those beverages. He hated how they tasted. However, he stayed as the celebration went on. He had been preening all the feathers on Aura’s head, and she enjoyed feeling his beak stroke her. She had never been happier than she was before, now that she was with Ezio, an owl she loved, and an owl who loved her back.
By the time the noise from the company died down, Magnus approached Ezio, to say, “Congratulations, my friend.” There was obviously more than that, but Ezio played along.
Ezio replied, “Grata.”
Magnus told Aura, “Now remember: always obey your mate, my dear daughter.”
“But of course”, Aura replied. “As I always obeyed you.”
“I thought you would be pleased to know how things have settled.” There it was. “Owls of the Ice Talons are glad to know that the honest brother has now assumed the throne. I got word from a contact of that Sooty Owl that he is setting up a clan of his own, based in Dark Fowl.”
“So the young’un has turned to the good side, and the good ones win. All is said and done.”
Magnus churred, “Couldn’t agree more, Ezio.” He then slipped a solid bodkin toward the younger owl. “And let great fortune”, he continued. “Come with a solid relationship.” Ezio opened the bodkin, finding gold nuggets inside. Magnus still didn’t know Ezio’s true intention.
Ezio looked to Magnus again, to answer, “For a relationship to build, requires honesty and truth.” He pushed the bodkin back. “More valuable than your gold.”
Magnus blinked, but then looked at Ezio with content. Now the intentions that Ezio had from the start, were perfectly clear. “I understand.” That was all that he had to answer with.

Over the course of the moon phase to follow, Ezio took time to tie up loose ends. Now that he emptied the den where he lived in solitude for over years, he decided that it was time he left it for good. He wanted an open living space, thinking that it’d be needed for him, Aura, and future hatchlings living under their wings. While planning, he and Aura spent their nights at the Great Tree, and Ezio was always in the library. He was finishing his work of fiction, which now almost filled the book in which he wrote. He didn’t know back then, but he was a great admirer of literature since he was a hatchling. To write the climax and following actions, took him two nights, and when he did finish, he cheered to himself. He had taken pride into his own work, telling about a soldier with adventures similar to his own. This fictional soldier was trained in the Northern Kingdoms in the military, as Ezio believed that those kingdoms faced the most violence. After a mission ending with brutality on both sides and the death of a lover, the soldier resigned and left for the Southern Kingdoms, being a vigilante before staying in the Beyond as a mercenary. His former superiors approached him one night, saying that he was needed, but he didn’t want to go back. The soldier and his former superiors were as stubborn as one another. Whilst investigating an operation, the soldier found love with the daughter of a thief clan’s leader. He knew then what he had to fight for, and live for.
Now the time had come to write the final entry in his log:
“It is over now. It is all over. There is no conflict left for me to get involved in. The timing could not be better. I have a more fulfilling purpose in my life, and she loves me. The same is with Joselyn. I was afraid that she would be unable to cope with the loss of Sarino. However, now that she had been accepted as a permanent resident at the Great Tree, she gets along well with the other owls. She will miss him, yes, but her wound will heal. My best apprentice, Amelia, has a mate now, and I see that he will be good to her. I already know that I will keep in touch with my friends, including Magnus. He has my gratitude, and I admire him for doing the right thing. He played his own ruse quite well, and will no doubt teach his clan to be elusive.
“I will still live in Silverveil, but I will adjust to living in a hollow again, as it is more proper of our kind. Like my mother did, I intend to teach the language that my family has carried on over the decades, along with the stories that I know. Oh, there is so much to tell to a hatchling. I also intend to teach reading and writing. It is what the smartest owls know, the majority of them being of Ga’ Hoole. That is why I never think about spending the remainder of my life at the Great Tree. I know nothing about the Strix that they call Hoole, but I know that his ways were, and always will be, different from those of my ancestor Anosso and mine.
“Despite the vows we make, and how they are said; despite the motivations and reasons; despite being of a different feather, the owls that I have known for years, wanted the same thing I did all along. That is why we remained allies for all this time. I gave the most honest owls all my trust, and they gave me theirs.
“It was how it would always turn out. The heroes were victorious. There is always something about our enemies that lead to their downfalls. All the hero needs, is one mistake, no matter how small, and the target is vulnerable. Everyone has a weakness. Mine is the pain I took of one loss. To change the past is impossible, but there is no bringing Francesca back. However, I feel nothing for her anymore. I have moved on. She cannot be used against me anymore. There are no criminals who know my secret feelings now. I remained true to what I stood for. I did what I believed was right, and with the right reasons.
“In truth, I am happy for the lives I succeeded in protecting. I know now, why I always put others before myself. I have my mother to thank for the kindness that she taught me. She would be proud to know what I have done. I am proud to be the descendent of the ero grando Anosso. I am also thankful for the Guardians, for the good that they have done for centuries. I give my gratitude to my past apprentices as well, for being strong in the dark times. I know for sure, they will speak of my deeds to their hatchlings.
“And to you, my readers, Glaux-bless thee. Con malta gratidune dal mia anima, Ezio Bubo of Shadow Forest”

The Eagle Owl sighed as he closed this book for the final time. He wanted others to read about his life. The time had come for that. He had already adjusted to writing, seeing through one eye, as his right eye stopped working. He ran his talons along his face, stroking over the scar that ran down. He still had another order of business. He took a parchment and started writing a letter, specifically to Soren, who had become a dear friend of his over the years of knowing him. As the sun was to rise, he left the library and headed to the hollow where Aura was sleeping, leaving the logbook and the letter at the desk where he perched.

Seeing Aura fast asleep now, Ezio looked with pleasure in his eyes. She looked so peaceful to him, as he watched her sleep whilst he approached her. He placed a wing over her, and felt even more pleasure. He cared very much about her. He wanted her to feel safe with him. Holding her close, he felt complete. Before letting the lack of energy bring him to sleep, he wondered what Aura was dreaming about.

It was on the night after, the Spotted Owl Otulissa asked if Ezio’s work of fiction could be copied into another book to be kept in the library. Ezio just couldn’t refuse, believing it to be an offer. It wasn’t hard, for the Great Tree’s printing press helped the two copy the story onto fresh pages. Shifts were taken on who would copy certain sections of his book, and it was done over the course of two more nights.
Even more, Otulissa asked to interview the former mercenary for the tree’s newsletter. Now this was what Ezio was hesitant about. He took a moment to think, before he agreed to take the request.
Whilst her partner of the business was prepared taking notes, the Spotted Owl who lost an eye, looked back at the Eagle Owl now blind in one eye. Somehow they could relate because of that.
Otulissa started the interview, asking, “So… What had you learn to fight?”
Ezio replied, “I knew about the kidnappings of eggs and hatchlings. The two brothers I grew up with, went missing when I was still an owlet. That prompted me to protect other helpless owls. I actually learned on my own, how to fight.”
“Why did you want to battle the Pure Ones and pirates?”
“For one reason: hatred. I hate criminals. Abusive fathers burn me, and I oppose killing without reason and steal just because they want to. The Pure Ones were just that.”
“Why did you become a hireclaw then?”
“I was approached one night by a stranger. He ended up convincing me to get involved by offering a bauble. I agreed only to make him stop pestering me.” He really meant it.
“Is it true that you fought for pay even though you hated it?”
“In due time,
yes.”
“More personally: what prompted you to connect with Madame Plonk?”
“To start, I knew that she is an amazing singer. I myself support all kinds of art. Making art, is good practice. Personally? I just wanted her to decipher notes of a melody. That was the so-called business I came to the Great Tree for, all those years ago. I wanted to learn more, and we grew a relationship from there. I never would have guessed that I would grow a bond with her. I think she was happy when I became as social with her as I did with her sister, the rogue smith.” He looked into the space, drifting off into thought. He could never forget the first time he heard Plonk sing.
“How did you feel when you first performed that duet with her?”
“I felt good when I merged my voice with hers. However, I felt like I did wrong because of what that song is about, beautiful as it is. The hug I gave her, was to show my appreciation. Kindred spirit, she is.”
“Why do you always wear the cape?”
“You are not the only one to ask that of me. I believe in avoiding being seen as much as avoiding being heard. That is why I wove the black cape for myself. It became part of my stealth strategies, blending in with the shadows. I did learn to be careful, though, seeing that the drafts I create likely give away my position. Before long, it has become how other owls recognise me. So, the Hireclaw of Silverveil became easier known as the owl with the black cape. I plan to keep it in the future, seeing that it is part of who I am. It is the same with the battle claws.”
“What had you stop being a hireclaw?”
“I knew all along that I wanted no more lustrous items for fighting when I already know I want to resolve conflicts. That is a more valuable reward than something that would reflect light.”
“What do you believe about scars?”
“Same thing about picture: there is a story behind it. I see why you ask such a thing, and I have no physical scars but this. However, there is a story behind each of the tears in my first cape. My two emotional scars are healed now.”
“And where will you go from here, now that your days as a warrior are being left behind?”
“I will be focusing on what matters to any animal. I want the purpose of passing my knowledge on to young’uns living in my home.”
“It may be what we all want. I believe I have what I wanted. Thank you for taking the time to let me ask you such personal questions. I understand that you are quite open and honest, which I much appreciate. I believe our readers would be interested in what you don’t have in your logbook. I saw the letter.”
“Always welcome, Madonna Otulissa.”
***

The sentimental type that the ex-mercenary was, he decided one last time to go the most familiar spot in Shadow Forest. Perched on a branch of a tree most familiar to him, he looked back on his most cherished memories. He knew what he wanted now more than anything. Envisioning his future, Ezio thought, “You really cared. You and I had an unbreakable bond. Gratavinota. Ta mirru.”
Out in the distance, he heard some kind of rustling, as if there was a land mammal limping. Curious, the Eagle Owl followed the sound that he picked up. He adjusted his head for accuracy on what he picked up.
The source was a real surprise for him. It was a mammal, of course. The grey shade of the fur was memorised, and so was the green of the one eye that was intact. The other was milky-white. Ezio lighted to the ground, which was still difficult, his right eye being permanently dysfunctional.
Ezio hooted, “Kazimir?”
“Who’s there?” The ground mammal growled.
“Kazimir, it is me, Ezio.”
The smoke-grey wolf looked closely, and then immediately recognised the colour of Ezio’s eye. “It is you!”
“What brings you to the owl kingdoms?”
“I wanted to see you one last time. Anushka is dead now, and I have not long myself. I have been losing energy too fast.”
“What happened?”
“Anushka engaged the chieftain of the MacHeath clan. She wanted to end feud that he had with her. She ended up sacrificing herself to slay him. Me, I was there to take his guards. I received a wound, which is now horribly infected. I just wanted to see owl who saved my life when I was newborn pup.”
“And I did not disappoint. I know now, how to feel with your defect.” He turned his head, showing his right eye, which was now pale blue, and the scar that ran down his face.
The smoke-grey wolf felt his eyes well up, for he couldn’t believe how they now matched. ”Ezio…” he whispered. “You are good friend…” The Eagle Owl pressed his beak against the wolf’s nose. “Make every moment of your life count…”
Ezio could the breath caress his mask. “I shall preserve my memory of you”, Ezio whispered back.
Okay, fortune and misfortune with number 13, which is either lucky or unlucky. Bittersweet, but I wanted to give closure on the characters. I did plan to have Edur killed off. Having a good guy die is difficult for the writer. I knew that there had to be sacrifice. I had Sarino die of natural causes to spare his friends pain. As for Edur, I planned originally to have him intercept an attack directed at Ezio, but I didn't know where to put that.
In "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", Draco promised 007 a dowry of a million pounds for when Bond was to marry Tracey. Draco handed the cheque to Bond, and Bond discreetly turned it down. And we see with my character, that he was never fighting for fortune.
Ezio and story (c) A.M.M.
© 2014 - 2024 Agent36496
Comments0
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In