Attack of the Shadow-Crafters

by Mark Cheverton

  Crunch!

  The noise seemed magnified by the silence of the desert.

  Gameknight looked down and found he’d stepped on one of the small dried bushes that dotted the arid landscape. Pulling his leather boot out of the dry remains, the bush crunched again loudly. Standing perfectly still, he listened for any monsters that might have heard the sound. Fortunately, none seemed near.

  Breathing a sigh of relief, Gameknight continued following the footsteps of the others.

  “Maybe you should watch where you’re walking,” Fencer suggested with a smile.

  “Big help, thanks,” Gameknight replied, rolling his eyes.

  They continued their journey, following close behind the stoic Carver. The gloom deepened as clouds drifted across overhead and blocked out the moon completely. With the stars and moon gone, the sky was now pitch black. Then, it started to rain, giving the four companions a brief respite from the blistering heat of the desert but soaking them to the bone.

  “We’re almost there,” Carver said quietly as he wiped moisture from his flat forehead. “From here on, we go south.” He glanced at Gameknight999. “Keep your eyes on the ground, so none of you fall to your deaths.”

  “Good advice,” Fencer said.

  Carver scowled at the sarcastic remark.

  “The Great Chasm is right next to us,” Carver continued. “In this darkness, you can’t see it, but if you approach slowly, you’ll see the edge and hopefully you won’t fall in.”

  Gameknight moved cautiously to the edge and peered down. A jagged gash was carved into the landscape, and only the orange glow of the lava spilling across the distant floor below revealed its presence. It was nearly impossible to see, the darkness of the landscape merging into the nearly vertical walls of the Chasm. From this height, those who fell into it would certainly plummet to their deaths.

  Faint moans floated up out of the ravine, along with the occasional clattering of bones. The User-that-is-not-a-user was certain there were monsters down there, but in the gloomy light, it was difficult to see any details. Only when the monsters veered close to the lava were they visible.

  “Come on,” Carver said. “The bridge is this way.”

  They followed Carver as he moved along the edge of the precipice. Their boots shuffled across the sandy ground, making a raspy sound that filled the air. Eventually, Gameknight began to notice the sounds of monsters trickling out of the Great Chasm, growing slightly louder. The sounds made the tiny hairs on the back of his square neck stand up on end. But as long as the monster sounds were so faint, the User-that-is-not-a-user knew they were far away. That’s what he kept telling himself, anyway.

  “Here it is,” Carver said after a long while, as he slowed.

  “Where?” Gameknight asked.

  Carver smiled at the others, then stepped up to the edge of the Chasm and sprinted forward half-a-dozen blocks.

  “Carver, look out!” Weaver exclaimed.

  But the big NPC just stood there over the Chasm as if he were floating in mid-air. Reaching into his inventory, the NPC pulled out a torch and held it high over his head. It sputtered and sizzled in the rain but kept burning, casting a flickering circle of light that bathed the area around him in a warm yellow glow. A dark flat sheet of something sat under his feet. Tiny purple crystals sparkled in the torchlight like rare gems embedded within the blocks that made up the structure. They gave it an almost magical appearance.

  “It’s a bridge!” Weaver exclaimed.

  “An obsidian bridge,” Fencer said with amazement.

  Gameknight said nothing. He just surveyed the object, noting the design and construction. When Carver put the torch away, Gameknight could still see it, for now he knew what to look for.

  It was a classic bridge structure with a long, flat pathway that stretched from one side of the Chasm to the other. Tall vertical supports reached from the floor of the steep ravine all the way up to the bridge, then continued another dozen blocks upward above the path. From the top of those vertical supports, Gameknight could see obsidian blocks positioned in such a way that they formed a wide, sweeping arc, like you’d see on a bridge in the physical world. The arcs swooped high overhead, stretching from support to support, giving the impression that they somehow were helping to hold up the span of the bridge. Between the vertical supports that plunged down into the chasm, there were crisscrossing structures connecting the pair of columns, likely intended to keep the bridge from swaying in high winds.

  It seemed like the designer of this bridge wanted to avoid the same bad result of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the real world … which was curious. Clearly, someone who had seen a bridge in the physical world, and not an NPC, had built this bridge. It looked a lot like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

  The fact of the matter was that none of the supports were necessary. The builder could have just extended a line of obsidian straight across the gorge, ignoring any of the cross members or arcing supports. Because of the strange rules of physics in Minecraft, the extra reinforcements were not necessary, so here they were only cosmetic. This is very strange indeed, Gameknight thought.

  Stepping cautiously onto the bridge, the party followed Carver as he continued to lead the way to their destination. Below, Gameknight could see the orange glow of lava lighting the bottom. From directly in the center, he could see monsters moving about, but there were not as many as he had expected … and for some reason, that worried him.

  When they reached the opposite end of the Bridge, the desert gave way to a thick birch forest. At the same time, the clouds drifted away from the moon, allowing its silvery light to shine down on the terrain. The white-barked trees almost glowed in the lunar illumination, inviting the four travelers into their leafy embrace.

  “OK, let’s look for food,” Gameknight said. “We should be able to find chickens and cows. Any grass you see, dig it up. We can use the seeds to grow some wheat as well.”

  The group moved quickly through the forest. Gameknight and Weaver focused on collecting grass seeds and apples, while Carver and Fencer collected the beef and chicken. After fifteen minutes of foraging, Gameknight noticed that the sounds of the forest had changed. The soft moans that trickled out of the Great Chasm were suddenly joined by more voices, new growls that were much louder … and much closer.

  “Zombies …” Carver said as he drew his iron sword.

  Gameknight stopped and glanced around. The dark forest made it difficult to see anything. Reaching into his inventory, he pulled out a torch and placed it on the ground.

  “This way,” the User-that-is-not-a-user said. “Everyone, stay close together.”

  Suddenly, more sad moans came from behind them; there was another group of monsters on the other side.

  “They’re trying to surround us!” Fencer said.

  He pulled out his bow and fired toward the sound. The arrow whizzed through the air and disappeared into the darkness.

  “Wait until you can see what you’re shooting at,” Gameknight chided.

  Planting another torch on the ground, he led them away from the groaning monsters. Grrrrrr … Another group filled the night with their angry voices, this one directly before them. Placing another torch into the ground, Gameknight drew his two iron swords. Now the growling came from all sides. His heart pounded in his chest like a mighty tribal drum and his breathing quickened. Cubes of sweat trickled down his forehead, finding their way into his eyes. It stung. The sounds of the monsters, mixed with his imagination, made it seem like there were a hundred zombies out there in the shadows.

  “What do we do?” Weaver asked nervously.

  Gameknight didn’t reply, for there was nothing he could think of to say that would make the situation better.

  I was their leader, and look what I’ve gotten them into, Gameknight thought.

  “Here’s what we’ll do,” Gameknight said. “As soon as—”

  He stopped short when the monsters suddenly emerged from the darkness. G
listening, razor-sharp claws reflected the flickering light from the torch, making them appear even more terrifying.

  “We’re surrounded!” Carver exclaimed.

  “Quick, everyone get back-to-back, facing outward,” Gameknight said.

  “What do we do? What do we do?” Weaver said, fear in his voice. “Smithy, what are we gonna do?!”

  Gameknight didn’t answer. He knew they could do only one thing … wait, and then fight.

  CHAPTER 6

  ZOMBIE BATTLE

  The monsters saw Gameknight’s dual swords and they hesitated for just a moment; that was a mistake. The User-that-is-not-a-user leapt forward and slashed at one of the monsters before it even knew what was happening. He struck it three times, causing it to flash red, then disappear with a pop! leaving behind a piece of zombie flesh and three glowing balls of experience points (XP). The other monsters growled in anger, then lunged at him.

  Expecting this reaction, Gameknight moved back again so that he was back-to-back with his friends.

  “What were you thinking?” Fencer asked. “‘Maybe I’ll just go out there and attack one of them, to see if they’ll go away?’”

  “I don’t know,” Gameknight replied. “I guess sometimes it’s better to not think and just do.”

  Grrrroar! The zombies growled and moaned, then shuffled forward, their claws outstretched.

  “Remember, watch the people around you and try to protect them while they protect you,” Gameknight said. “If we work together, then this won’t be too difficult.”

  “Yeah,” Weaver agreed. “After all, there’s only twelve of them now. That means we just need to take care of three zombies each and it’s over.”

  “Thanks for the math lesson, Professor,” Fencer said with a grin.

  The monsters charged forward, claws slashing through the air. Gameknight blocked one set of razor-sharp nails with his right sword as another set headed straight for Carver. He reached out with his left blade and blocked the creature. But because he shifted his attention away, the first monster was now able to swipe at his shoulder. Zombie claws scratched deep into his leather armor. It made a sick, scratching sound, like a dull saw cutting wood. Fortunately, the pointed nails did not penetrate through to the soft flesh that lay underneath. Swinging one of his swords with all his strength, he brought it down on the monster, smashing its arm and making it flash red.

  “Grrr,” Weaver grunted as a monster scored a hit on the young NPC.

  “I’ll come help, Weaver,” Gameknight shouted.

  “Stay where you are, Smithy, we got this,” Fencer said in between attacks.

  Gameknight stayed put and focused on the monsters before him. His swords became a blur and he slashed at a zombie. A fist of claws came at his head. He ducked under the attack, then struck the monster’s chest. It flashed red for the last time, then disappeared. Without pause, he lunged at the creature that was attacking Carver. The NPC was swinging his iron sword at the monsters, but Gameknight could tell he was not very comfortable with the weapon—or very good.

  Slashing with his right blade, he struck at a zombie’s ribs, making it take damage, then brought his other blade down upon it as the monster turned to face him. He did this again with the creature to his left, poking then swinging an overhead attack.

  “Carver, Fencer: hit them when they turn to face me,” Gameknight said.

  He didn’t wait for a reply—he just jabbed at the monsters again. When the tip of his sword found soft zombie flesh, the creatures turned to attack him. That was when Fencer and Carver knew to attack. Feeling the bite of their blades, the monsters turned back to their attackers, leaving Gameknight open to bring down his deadly swords. With the defenders working together, and the zombies working only as individuals, the monsters didn’t last very long. They quickly began to fall, each one with a confused and terrified look on its decaying, scarred face.

  Finally, only two remained. One of the zombies, probably the leader, had never moved forward to join in the fighting. Instead, he’d stood just on the edge of the light cast by the torch, watching and growling at his comrades. The other now stood bravely alone before the four villagers, unwilling to yield.

  “You are defeated, both of you,” Gameknight shouted.

  The monster in front growled and snarled while the leader turned and fled into the darkness.

  “Should we go after him?” Weaver asked.

  “Not in this dark forest,” Carver said. “Who knows how many of them are still out there?”

  “Carver is right,” Gameknight added. “Besides, we have one here that should have some very interesting information to tell us.”

  The zombie glared at the villagers, then moaned a sorrowful moan.

  Gameknight pointed his two swords at the creature’s neck, then moved until the points were just barely touching its decaying skin.

  “If you wish to live, then you’ll answer some questions,” the User-that-is-not-a-user said. “If we’re satisfied with your answers, then we will let you join your friend that abandoned you. But if you refuse to answer our questions, then you’ll join those that fell in battle. Now, are you going to cooperate?”

  “Grrr … this zombie will say nothing,” the monster growled.

  “I figured as much,” Gameknight said.

  He jabbed at the creature with his sword, causing it to flash red as it took damage to its HP.

  “You will only withstand two more of those before your HP is gone and you disappear,” Gameknight said. “Now, I’ll ask you again: Are you going to cooperate?”

  “Let’s just destroy him and get out of here,” Fencer said impatiently.

  “Now hold on, Fencer,” Gameknight said. “I think our zombie friend is going to be reasonable. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to disappear forever: Do you?”

  The zombie growled.

  “Tell us where Herobrine is hiding and what he’s up to,” Gameknight demanded.

  The monster swiped at him with its pointy claws. The User-that-is-not-a-user stepped back, letting the razor-sharp nails flash past his face, making the faintest whistling sound as they cut through the air.

  Gameknight hit him with his sword, causing the zombie to flash red again. The monster yelled out in pain as its HP dropped dangerously low, then fell to its knees, its strength waning.

  “This is your last chance,” the User-that-is-not-a-user warned. “The next time I hit you will be the last. Tell me what I want to know.”

  “Fine. This zombie will speak,” the monster rasped, its breathing strained.

  “Where are Herobrine and his army?” Fencer asked.

  The monster glared up at the NPC and snarled.

  “Herobrine is hiding at Dragon’s Teeth,” the zombie said reluctantly. “The Maker is amassing a huge army that will destroy all the villagers. This time, there will be so many monsters that the blacksmith’s forces won’t stand a chance. This zombie looks forward to seeing Smithy perish.”

  “How dare you!” Weaver yelled, and raised his sword for a final, fatal blow.

  “No,” Gameknight said. “Lower your sword, Weaver.”

  “But he said—”

  “I said no,” he insisted. “I promised that we would free this zombie if he answered our questions. Now it is time to let him go. Everyone step back.”

  Gameknight moved backward, then glared at his companions until they also moved away from the monster.

  “Let it be known that Smithy keeps his word,” Gameknight said. “Now, be gone from here. Maybe your friend is out there in the darkness is waiting for you.”

  “Not likely,” the zombie growled as it struggled to stand. The creature glared at Gameknight one more time, then turned and disappeared into the night.

  “I think we should get back and tell the others what we’ve learned,” Fencer said.

  “I agree,” Gameknight said, then faced Carver. “Do you know where this place, Dragon’s Teeth, is located?”

  Carver nodded his head
.

  “Good,” he replied. “We might need to take a little trip there soon.”

  “You’re thinking maybe we should go to where Herobrine is building up his army?” Fencer asked.

  Gameknight nodded his square head.

  “You are crazy,” his friend said.

  “Perhaps,” the User-that-is-not-a-user replied. “But knowledge is power, and right now, I feel powerless.”

  “Come on, the bridge is this way,” Carver said and he led them back toward their desert village.

  CHAPTER 7

  SHADOW-CRAFTERS

  A sparkling purple mist formed right in front of Herobrine, clouding his view of the four mighty stone spires that climbed upward into the sky. He took a step back and waited, knowing what would be filling the cloud. Suddenly, a dark red Enderman appeared amid the lavender particles.

  “Erebus, what have you to report?” Herobrine asked.

  “As you predicted, more Endermen are spawning in the obsidian cave,” Erebus said. “Soon, there will be many of my brothers and sisters ready to attack the villagers.”

  Nearby, more clouds of purple mist formed, filled with the tall, lanky creatures. Their black skin stood out against the gray stone that made up Dragon’s Teeth.

  Herobrine glanced at the newly-arrived monsters, then looked up at the four peaks that stood tall and majestic around him. The mountains were spread out as if on the corners of a square, each one jutting straight up into the air like a gigantic monster’s tooth. The sides of the mountains were incredibly steep and impossible to climb. Made completely of stone, the four rocky spikes stood above the level of the clouds, making their summits difficult to see. One of the mountains had lava spilling down the side, casting a warm orange glow on the surroundings. Groups of blazes bathed in the liquid stone, the intense heat replenishing their HP and making the internal flame that formed their bodies burn with delight. Even with the moon covered by dark rain clouds, the lava provided enough light for Herobrine to see clearly.