The Wither Invasion

by Mark Cheverton

  Facing out of the tunnel, Watcher stared at the golem. Flaming skulls were hammering at the creature, causing its metal skin to dent and crack. It glanced back at him and smiled in acknowledgment just as a new attack took the last of its HP. The mighty creature fell to the ground and shattered, sacrificing its life so that Watcher and the rest of the NPCs could make it to the cave. Here, they were safe from the withers overhead, but they were also trapped.

  “That poor golem.” Planter stared at the three balls of XP floating off the ground. “It died for us.”

  She glanced at Watcher, as if expecting him to say something wise, but he remained silent. Staring at the XP, Watcher was stunned by the creature’s selfless act; the golem had knowingly gone to its death to save a bunch of strangers.

  How could he do that? Watcher wondered.

  Sacrificing for others is the most noble of deeds. Baltheron’s deep voice was like distant thunder in the back of Watcher’s mind. Sometimes, sacrificing yourself is the only way to help those you love. That was why myself and the other wizards sacrificed our bodies so that our minds and our magic could be stored in these weapons, and we could be here for you in this time, to see things finally finished.

  But you were never able to see your loved ones again.

  True, but they survived the Great War, and that made the sacrifice worthwhile. Baltheron paused for a moment, as if recalling an old memory, then continued. We believed in what we fought for, and our sacrifice, hopefully, will let us finally see things come to completion.

  Watcher shook his head. I don’t understand.

  Baltheron laughed. Hopefully, you’ll never need to.

  A vile laugh filled the air. Krael slowly descended to the ground and allowed the golem’s XP to float into his body.

  “You’re all trapped, like a bunch of silverfish in a hole.” The wither king laughed again. “Thanks for making it easy for me.” He glared straight at Watcher, his six eyes blazing with hatred. “Now … it is time for all of you … to die.” Drawing magical energy from the three Crowns, the wither king fired the most powerful flaming skulls ever created in Minecraft straight for the cave opening.

  Terror filled Watcher’s mind as he stared at his death approaching, and all he could think to do was close his eyes, hoping the end would be swift.

  Planter took a step toward the cave opening and lifted her shield and screamed as loud as she could. Her magic flooded into the enchanted artifact, adding to the shield’s power as it burst into a wall of purple fire. Krael’s flaming skulls smashed into the fiery barrier, exploding on contact and filling the cave with thunder and heat, but no one was harmed.

  “You did it!” Watcher exclaimed. “Planter, you saved us!”

  He put a hand on her shoulder and she flinched, as if afraid to be touched. She glanced at him, tears streaming down her face.

  “It’s pulling me in. The shield is in my head.” Another wave of flaming skulls smashed against her magical shield, but the wall of purple flames held firm. “It’s searching my mind, and when it can’t find what it’s looking for, it goes deeper and deeper into my memories.” Planter reached out a free hand to Watcher. “It … hurts.”

  Watcher took her hand. “I’m here, Planter. I won’t leave you.” He stood at his friend’s side, but didn’t know what else he could do to help. “Move farther back into the cave. Maybe that’ll make it more difficult for Krael to attack.”

  They stepped farther back into the cave, the light from Planter’s shield and body adding to the iridescent glow from Watcher’s, pushing back on the darkness.

  “Looks like we’re trapped in here.” Winger moved to Planter’s side and put an arm around her waist. “Planter, you’re keeping us—”

  Another attack exploded against the glowing shield, sending a wave of heat washing over the villagers.

  “You’re keeping us alive, Planter. Keep it up.” Winger kissed her on the cheek, then turned to look at Watcher, waiting for his orders.

  “Better than … being out there with the withers.” Mapper’s voice cracked with fear.

  Watcher nodded. “Is there any way out of this cave?”

  Cutter stepped forward. “I searched it, the back of this thing is solid rock.”

  “No, there must be an exit.” Er-Lan turned to Watcher. “Zombies have been here, Er-Lan can sense it.”

  “Oh, you can sense other monsters, yet you never told us that.” Cutter glared at the zombie; the air was thick with tension. “I wonder what else you’re keeping secret?” The big warrior sounded as if he were accusing Er-Lan of a crime.

  “Er-Lan does not hide anything from—”

  “Your squabbles aren’t important right now.” Mirthrandos banged the end of her staff on the ground. The tip instantly gave off a bright light, driving away all of the darkness. “If Er-Lan says this is a zombie place, then there must be tunnels leading deeper into the hills.” She pointed at Cutter. “Take that pickaxe I know you carry and go find the tunnels. If necessary, make your own tunnel. Leaving from the front isn’t—”

  Another explosion rocked the cave, causing dust and debris to fall from the ceiling; it made Watcher cough.

  “—leaving from the front isn’t an option,” Mira continued. She glanced at Watcher. “We need a plan.”

  Watcher moved to the middle of the cave and turned in a circle, looking at the scared faces staring back at him. Iron and obsidian golems stood near the back of the group, their tall bodies hunched over. The metal wolves with their mechite riders all gazed at Watcher, expressions of fear on their shiny faces. Everyone was scared, but they expected him to somehow save the day. An uncomfortable silence spread through the chamber, periodically interrupted by flaming skulls hammering against the side of the mountain and Planter’s shield.

  “How did Krael know we’d be in this village?” Winger asked. “That seems like an unusual coincidence.”

  “I think Krael can sense me somehow.” Watcher hung his head low. “He’s probably here because of me. All of the death and destruction happening here is because of me. If all of you follow me … you’ll likely die. Maybe I should just go out there and let the wither king destroy me.”

  A hopelessness spread through Watcher’s soul as he spoke, making the responsibility for keeping these people safe feel like a leaden cloak pushing him into the ground.

  “I don’t know what to do anymore.” The young wizard’s voice was weak, barely audible over the constant explosions outside. “I’ve destroyed everything I hold dear.” He glanced at Planter, who looked away. “Maybe if I give up, Krael will leave all of you alone.”

  “Quit feeling sorry for yourself!” The angry voice belonged to Fencer. “I can’t believe that at one time I idolized you. The person I cared about back then wouldn’t just give up … he’d do something and fight. Giving up is just surrendering to your fear, and that’s pathetic. I’m not willing to accept defeat.” She stepped up to Watcher, put a hand under his chin and raised his head until he was looking straight into her eyes. “Quit fighting Krael’s war and start fighting yours.” She stepped back. “Figure out how Krael knew you were here and fix it!”

  I know how Krael is tracking you. Dalgaroth’s high-pitched voice spat out the words quickly.

  “You do, and you’re just now telling us?” Mira sounded furious.

  “Who are you talking to?” Blaster asked, confused.

  Watcher drew Needle from his inventory and held it in the air.

  “Ahhh … talking to your toys again.” Blaster smiled at him, but Watcher didn’t smile back.

  “Well?” The ancient wizard stepped closer to Watcher and banged her staff on the shining blade to hurry Dalgaroth along. “Spill it!”

  I was there when Tharus created the three Crowns of Skulls, Dalgaroth said. He made them to find the magical weapons created by the monster warlocks.

  “So?” Mira was getting angrier, the purple glow from her body getting brighter.

  So, Krael is using the Crown
s to sense something carried by our young wizard. Dalgaroth’s voice was filled with anger.

  “The Bow of Destruction.” Planter glanced over her shoulder, her face covered with sweat, the magical wall of purple fire from her shield still repelling more flaming skulls.

  “Of course!” Mira exclaimed loud enough to startle the other villagers. “He can sense the presence of that terrible weapon.” She turned to Watcher. “You have to get rid of it, or Krael will keep following you to the ends of Minecraft.”

  Watcher pulled the Bow from his inventory and stared down at it. This was all my fault. I kept this stupid bow to use its power, and now it’s gonna get us all killed.

  “Can the Bow be destroyed?” Winger asked.

  Mira shook her head. “The enchantments the warlocks wove into that weapon are likely too powerful.”

  Winger glanced at her brother. “Then what do we do?”

  Sometimes, sacrificing yourself is the only way to help those you love. Baltheron’s deep voice was filled with compassion, making Watcher feel as if the ancient wizard was giving him a warm, reassuring hug. I sacrificed myself for my friends, and now you must do the same, or all will be lost.

  “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to do that,” the young wizard said, his voice barely a whisper.

  “Strong enough to do what?” Planter gazed at Watcher, her emerald-green eyes filled with worry. Another explosion pounded her shield, making her take a step back. Someone threw a splash potion of healing on her back, but it did little to relieve the anguish on her face.

  Watcher stared down at the bow, then turned toward the tunnel opening. How will I get out the door? They’ll see me right away.

  Use the cloak. The Gauntlets of Life flashed as Taerian’s scratchy voice filled Watcher’s mind.

  “The cloak?” Watcher was confused.

  “Of course—the cloak.” Mirthrandos pushed through the crowd and stood next to Watcher. “We all suspected Tharus had somehow added a potion of invisibility to it, but we weren’t sure. He probably used the cloak when he went to his portal to teleport to the Far Lands. No one ever saw him walk through the city … he’d just appear in different places.”

  Watcher reached into his inventory and pulled out the glittering purple cloak. The elaborate gold stitching sparkled in the bright light from Mira’s staff. Watcher attached the cape to the shoulders of his diamond chest plate, then let it hang down his back.

  As he put it on, a sadness spread through him like nothing he’d ever experienced before. He knew when he ran out of the cave, every wither and monster would hunt him down until he was cornered and destroyed. If he just ran out and dropped the bow, Krael would know Watcher was still alive, and he’d figure out another way to track him down and destroy him. There was only one solution, and it terrified him.

  I’m gonna miss my friends, Watcher thought. I don’t want to die. Not yet. He glanced at Planter, her eyes cast to the ground. Watcher knew she could hear these thoughts, but he didn’t care. There are so many mistakes I need to make right, and now I’ll never get a chance. The sadness within me almost makes me welcome what’s to come.

  I know how you feel. Baltheron’s voice was soft and comforting in his mind. We’ll be with you until the end.

  A tear started to trickle out of Watcher’s eye, but he wiped it away, refusing to cry. He stood up straight and turned to his sister. “You have to get back to the Wizard’s Tower and make sure they’re ready. Krael will head there after I’m gone.”

  “Gone … you aren’t gonna be gone.” Winger’s blue eyes started to tear up. “You’re just gonna sneak out and get rid of that bow, then follow us … right?”

  Watcher gave her a small nod, but he knew she could see the lie in his eyes. The sadness within him had now become a dark cloud settling itself upon his soul.

  “I’ll fly back to the Wizard’s Tower to make sure they’re ready, then come back here and find you.” Winger pulled out a firework rocket from her inventory and held it up. “With all these rockets, I can fly home to the Tower and get back here in no time. I will not abandon you.”

  “Fly all the way to the Tower?”

  “Sure, it’s no problem,” Winger said. “The rockets give you a speed boost, so you never have to touch the ground.”

  “And you can still use your hands while you’re flying?” Was it possible?

  “Watcher, what are you talking about?” Blaster put a questioning hand on the young wizard’s shoulder. “Don’t you think there are more important things to worry about right now than flying?”

  Watcher didn’t reply. The black cloud of sorrow permeating his mind seemed to part just a bit, allowing some rays of hope to illuminate the dark recesses of his soul.

  “Rockets … Elytra …” His thoughts became a hurricane of ideas, of possibilities, of ways out, but the solutions were just out of reach, hidden by his fears. “But how do we get high enough?”

  “Watcher, what are you talking about?” Cutter moved closer and peered down at the boy in confusion.

  The ideas were coming faster, each playing through his mind at high speed. The young wizard no longer stared at the ground with a slumped posture and a look of defeat on his face. Gradually, he stood taller, hope and determination giving him strength. He couldn’t quite make out all the puzzle pieces in his mind, but he knew there was a solution there, and he just had to figure it out.

  Suddenly, he realized they had a major weakness … slow ground troops. “Horses … where are the horses?” The young wizard glanced around the cave. The only horse was a pack mule with two wooden chests strapped to its hips.

  “They all bolted when the fighting started,” the village’s crafter said. “This old mule is all we have left.”

  Watcher tried to focus on all the ideas in his head, but there was something still missing, and he knew the problem: he was afraid. If he came up with a plan, the wrong plan, then it might get everyone killed. How could he handle that responsibility?

  But then a distant, maniacal laugh percolated through Planter’s shield and trickled into Watcher’s ear.

  “Krael,” the young wizard whispered, too softly for anyone else to hear, and the shadow of fear and uncertainty covering his inner self began to evaporate, replaced with anger.

  I can figure this out … I must figure this out. He gritted his teeth, the rage within him barely kept in check.

  “The destruction caused by Krael must be stopped.” Watcher’s voice sounded more like a hissing steam vent than a voice, his fury driving his words faster and faster. “Horses are the problem. Where do we get more—”

  And then he went silent as the last part of the plan fell into place. He knew the answer, but it was risky. Extremely risky.

  Watcher nodded to himself, then moved to the cave wall and stepped up onto a block of stone as a series of flaming skulls hammered the side of the mountain over their heads, causing more dust to fill the air.

  “They’re trying to burrow through the side of the mountain.” Planter took another step away from the entrance, keeping the shield in place. A group of withers peered into the entrance, waiting for Planter’s magical barrier to drop. “Once they drill deep enough, they’ll be able to smash us from above, or just bring this mountain down on our heads.” She glanced at Watcher. “I don’t know what we’re gonna do.”

  “I do.” Now Watcher stood tall and strong, his chin held high. The magical power flowing across his arms and chest now covered his entire body. “I’m tired of playing Krael’s game.” He glanced at Fencer and smiled. “We run away from him, then attack, then run again and hope we get lucky and stop him; it isn’t enough. We’ve watched our friends perish before our eyes, destroyed by Krael’s withers or by his army of distorted monsters … well, I say no more.” He scowled at the villagers, mechites, and golems. “I’m tired of reacting to whatever the wither king does. It’s time he danced to our tune.”

  “But how do we fight his army in the air and that massive horde on
the ground?” Cutter sounded scared for the first time. “I’m all for fighting them, but I’d hope there’s some plan that doesn’t end with all of us dying. What trick do you have up your sleeve that’ll let us stand toe-to-toe with them?”

  “Yeah, what’s your plan?” another villager asked desperately.

  “How do we do it?”

  “What’s your trick?”

  “What do we do?”

  The villagers fired question after question at him, their fear barely held in check.

  “I’ll tell you how we’ll do it.” Watcher’s voice was clear and strong, like the wizards of old. “We’ll use speed.”

  Watcher jumped up onto the mule and pulled the wizard’s cloak tight around his body, allowing it to drape across the animal’s back.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Planter gave him a worried glance.

  “Don’t worry; I know what I’m doing.”

  “You really expect me to believe that?”

  Watcher shrugged, then turned to Winger. “As soon as I draw the monsters away, fly to the Wizard’s Tower and tell Mapper to head to the Citadel of the Horse Lords with as many NPCs as he can find. We need horses, lots of horses, and if he can’t get there and get back in time, then we’re—”

  “Don’t worry, little brother. I’ll take care of it.” Winger pulled out her Elytra wings and strapped them to her back, then pulled out a rocket and held it in her hand. “As soon as the withers fly away, I’ll head out.”

  Watcher nodded. “Good … I’m counting on you.”

  “What about the rest of us?” Fencer asked.

  “All of you need to get back to the Wizard’s Tower and make sure the defenses are ready. If the monsters get inside, then we’re done for.” Watcher turned and peered down at Planter. “I’ll try to get back as quickly as I can.”

  “You mean if you can.” Planter’s voice was filled with venom and worry.