AN: I hope none of you were reading this Chapter for a riddle, since I couldn't think of one. Sorry this is late, but it's longer than usual.
Short Author's Notes are short because I just want to get to the chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, I'd add flashbacks.
Beta: AxeHelix
Chapter 56
Wisp
A lone woman trudged around the smoldering remains of her village.
Her home.
Her neighbors.
Her friends.
The cafe where she occasionally enjoyed the sugary delight of a cookie.
The marketplace where she haggled with the best of them.
The training grounds, where the guards that defended her village practically lived.
All of these places that had become staples of her everyday life were now ruined.
She wished they were burned past the point of recognition. Then she'd be spared all the grief.
But no. The Griefers left just enough. Just enough to be recognized as a village. Even more so for a woman that lived there.
The Griefers killed all the guards. Then they went after the citizens and Testificates. Some were carted off for slavery, but most were slain in the streets.
The woman had been lucky. Staying hidden in the village well, she waited until the Griefers left.
Though a part of her wished she hadn't.
She couldn't keep the tears from trailing down her face. Why had the Griefers killed so many? Why did they have to spread chaos and devastation in their wake? For what purpose was it all for?
These were the questions that furiously stormed within her mind.
"Hello! Can anyone hear me?"
The woman flinched as she jerked her head to the side. She looked scared, as if expecting the Griefers to have returned. Without wasting any time, she scurried behind the charred foundations of a house and kept herself deathly silent.
"Your Eminence, please don't go off too far!" Another voice shouted worriedly. "You shouldn't be out here after a Griefer attack like this!"
"I think I'm exactly where I need to be." A firm voice responded, this one much closer to the hidden woman. "You'd rather have me stuck in a palace after such a tragedy?"
"Your benevolence is admirable Your Eminence, but your presence isn't—"
"Instead of arguing with your King, why not make yourself useful and search for survivors."
"But—"
"YOU HEARD THE KING!" A much louder voice blared. "ALL OF YOU NANCIES BETTER CUT THE CHATTER AND SPREAD OUT! BRING ANY SURVIVORS BACK HERE! DOUBLE TIME! REMEMBER, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS…BUT I SPEAK LOUDER THAN ACTIONS!"
"Sir, yes sir!" Several voices sounded at once.
There were apparently more than three people. Some kind of search party. But the woman had no idea if they were good or bad.
And she wasn't about to find out either.
She tried to sneak away while staying undercover, but while passing a smoldering ruin, her clothes caught fire. She couldn't help but yelp in pain as she tried to put the flames out.
"I THINK MY DELICATE EARS HEARD SOMETHING!"
The woman began to panic, even as the flames engulfing her died out. She tried to round the corner of the house before the loud voice could get to her, but she found herself colliding into something before falling on that same something.
"Your Eminence!"
The woman rubbed her injured nose before noticing she was lying atop somebody.
"Hello." He waved awkwardly while keeping his hands anywhere except on the woman. The woman, quickly realizing her close proximity, jumped back before banging her head on the remnants of a fence.
While she clutched her head painfully, the man picked himself up and lowered to a crouch besides the woman. "You're one of the survivors of this village, aren't you?" The woman just blinked fearfully, keeping herself backed against the fence. "I'm terribly sorry for what happened."
"Your Eminence!" Several Crafters wearing green leather helmets rushed to the man's side, fussing over whether he was hurt or not and shooting the woman dubious looks.
From their leather caps, the woman realized they were guards from Ringwood, just like the ones who gave their lives defending the village.
"Would you quit fussing over me!? I'm not a child!" The man groaned while dusting himself off. "And quit giving her those looks. Can't you see she's gone through enough?"
The man's name was WorkingMann, and he had eyes for nobody but the scared woman huddled to herself.
He held out a hand to the woman. "What's your name, miss?"
The woman stared at the hand cautiously before wiping the tear trails from her eyes.
"Wynn." She replied with a sniffle. "Wynn_Whispers."
"Your Eminence! What are you thinking!?" Somebody shouted in a voice that would have put Iron_Lung to shame. "You can't just offer one of the Northern District's houses to a mere commoner!"
WorkingMann scowled. "She's just lost her entire village. Don't you think she deserves a roof over her head?"
"Then…set her up at an Inn or something! The Northern District is reserved for political figures and the wealthy. It isn't some orphanage for—"
With surprising speed, WorkingMann clamped a hand over the arguing man's mouth. "Wynn is in the next room. I'd appreciate it if you'd show the slightest amount of tact and keep your voice down while discussing her situation."
Wynn, who was peeking through the door to the next room, quickly backed away and returned to her seat, immediately opening a book to a random page to make it look like she was deeply invested in reading.
A few minutes later, WorkingMann and his advisor exited the room. WorkingMann, the current King of Ringwood, looked pleased with himself, as if he just won an argument.
His advisor looked like he had just lost one.
"Well, it's been decided." Mann smiled brightly as he held a book out to Wynn. "Here is your official citizenship information. We've also managed to secure a house for you in the Northern District along with a personal housekeeper—"
"I don't want it."
Wynn had folded her arms in stubborn refusal while the two men before blinked in surprise. She didn't need any special treatment just because of supposed trauma. She was fine. And she certainly wouldn't accept some lavish mansion.
She wasn't like the heroes that gave their lives for her village. If anyone deserved what she was getting, it should have been them.
King Mann coughed into his fist before continuing. "Wynn, please understand. You shouldn't think of this as some kind of award. We just think that, given everything you've gone through, a house equipped with everything you could possibly need would be for the best. Plus, having a housekeeper take care of you—"
"I'd rather stay at an Inn or something similar." Wynn responded, closing her arms a little tighter. "And I don't need a babysitter."
"You sound like me." Mann chuckled lightly. "Wanting to do things on your own without others babying you or breathing down your neck." He shot a subtle glare towards his advisor who shuffled awkwardly. "But this is only temporary. Only until you feel ready to venture out into Minecraftia again."
Wynn had her head turned away, but she snuck a glance at WorkingMann. If what she heard was right, he was the King of Ringwood. Didn't he have better things to do than handle the matters of a stray Crafter? Why was he being so generous?
Suddenly, Mann thrust the citizenship book into Wynn's hands, startling the ivory-haired woman. "Just take it, for goodness sake!" He laughed with a warm smile. "Don't you know you should never look a gift horse in the mouth?"
Wynn looked at the book in her hands before turning away again. "I suppose…just until I'm ready to go back into Minecraftia again…"
Mann smiled. "Thank you, Wynn. That puts my mind at ease."
[Wynn]
"Captain?"
"Hnn?" I replied dazedly. Looking up, I saw Spencer watching me carefully. He probably addressed me several times before I finally noticed. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
"…I was asking if we should set up camp here or continue a few more miles." The sun was just setting, making it harder to see. And all the other guards were watching me, awaiting my recommendation.
"Oh…right…yes." I replied lamely, my mind too cloudy to focus. Ever since I left Cobb in Halstatt, I'd been having distracting thoughts. Most of them flashbacks of all things.
Perhaps it was the similarities between Halstatt and the village I lived in. Both were relatively small, filled with kind people…
And both met their end at the hands of Griefers—or at least one of them had.
The other would join the list shortly.
"You heard the Captain! We're camping her for the night." Bitters called out, taking charge. I didn't know why, but I gratefully accepted it since the guards weren't watching me anymore. I didn't feel too proud of my demeanor.
Most of the guards wordlessly accepted the order, already beginning to unpack their shelter materials. A few were hesitant at first, hearing the order from Bitters instead of me. But it wasn't long until they started building their shelters too.
Realizing I was dawdling with my own shelter, I withdrew the blocks from my backpack.
'But my one-walled shelters are good enough. After all, they kept me alive throughout the week. And I can't get this stupid fourth wall to connect properly.'
I frowned as a particularly annoying memory of Cobb crossed my mind. One in which he desperately tried to build a shelter to meet my standards. Even doing his best, he wasn't able to make a proper roof—
"Captain? Are you sleeping under the stars tonight?"
Again I was startled as I failed to pick up on the guard a few blocks away. I must have been lost in thought for a while since the other guards already had their shelters built. And there I was, staring at a plank of wood in my hand like an idiot.
"Uh…yes." I tried to cover up my distracted state, placing the plank of wood down to sit upon. "Nothing like sleeping under the stars."
"Indeed." Noah added, walking over to join our conversation. "We better enjoy the stars tonight, seeing as how that Village Leader warned us of a thunderstorm tomorrow night."
Right. The thunderstorm. The same one that Cobb—and the people of Halstatt—would be fighting those Griefers through.
Though knowing Cobb, he'd probably run after seeing exactly what he was facing. And if not him, then the people of Halstatt would definitely flee at the sight of an army. Then Cobb would have no reason to defend that village.
"He'll be fine." My eyes widened when I realized I had said that out loud, drawing the attention of Spencer and Noah.
They blinked at me curiously, wondering if they heard me right.
"Uh—I mean…We'll be fined!" I hastily made up. "We'll be fined if…if we take too long getting back to Ringwood. Yes." It sounded clumsy, but surprisingly it brought a smile to the guards' faces.
"It's alright, Captain." Spencer gave a reassuring pat. "We know how you feel about Cobb."
"…Excuse me?"
"Royal Whispers." Noah whispered knowingly as if it were some earth-shattering secret before he and Spencer returned to the other guards.
I was left in utter confusion. Royal Whispers? I rolled the word around in my head before ultimately deciding it wasn't worth my time.
More importantly, I realized as I sat upon the plank, I was stuck without a shelter. After mentioning sleeping under the stars, I couldn't very well build a shelter now. That would make me look like an idiot.
So instead I lay back on a single plank of wood, my back bending to fit the bulky shape. Unlike an idiot.
…
…Being unlike an idiot is uncomfortable.
No wonder Cobb acts like an idiot.
As I lay my head back, I spotted the stable where the steeds were kept. Nine horses…and one jackass. The latter of which was staring at me.
Staring at me with its judgmental eyes. I wasn't the master who had rode it for several days. I was just the woman who abandoned him.
My eyes narrowed. "What are you looking at?" The jackass, Ace (as Cobb affectionately named it), blinked at me. "Stop looking at me like that."
The jackass just blinked again, letting out a loud— *Hee-haw* —before nibbling on some grass.
My eyebrow twitched in irritation. "Don't think I don't know what you're doing." I got up from my plank and turned to regard the animal. "You're trying to make me feel guilty over leaving Cobb. But it won't work." If any of the guards were within earshot, they'd no doubt think I had gone crazy. But they didn't know the eyes of a judgmental jackass.
The jackass looked up to blink at me again.
"Cobb made his choice." I defended, responding to the silent stare. "He wanted to stay behind. But I can't risk the lives of my men. His Eminence entrusted me with this mission and their lives."
The jackass blinked again.
"You can blink all you want." I folded my arms. "It's not going to work."
The jackass blinked again.
"…"
The jackass blinked again.
"Hollie! Micah!" I called out. Not ten seconds later and the two guards were standing before me, awaiting my command. "I'm worried Mobs might attack the steeds tonight. You should build a three block high wall around the stable."
"What?" Micah questioned. "But Captain, there's already a fence surrounding them. They're safe enough from—"
"That's an order." I stressed, wanting them to just cover the sight of that blasted jackass. "Three block high wall. Now."
"…Yes, Captain." The two guards sighed wearily before getting to work. I turned around so I wouldn't have to face the jackass as it was blocked from view.
Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Not quite…
"M-miss Whispers!" A girl with a black ponytail stammered as she prepared dinner. "P-p-please don't lash out like that. If you break something, then I'll have to fix it—not that I'm saying I wouldn't want to fix it!" She hastily rectified. "I mean to say, why wouldn't I want to fix it, being your devoted Housekeeper. Th-though I'd rather be doing more constructive chores around the house—no, wait, th-that came out wrong! What I meant to say was—"
"It's not you, Erin." Wynn apologized with a sigh. She had just smashed her fist into a wall after reading something from Ringwood's latest newsbook.
[Griefers Strike Again: Terrell Village in Tatters!]
The same band of Griefers that attacked her village were still attacking. Though the reports concluded that their numbers were dwindling, they were still wrecking havoc through guerilla tactics. Attacking from cover and then retreating when things got too dangerous. Terrell was one of Ringwood's outlying villages.
But what frustrated Wynn the most was how powerless Ringwood was to stop them. It was only ten or twenty Griefers max. Yet for all the trouble Ringwood was having, it may as well have been a hundred. And why weren't any of the other Kingdoms helping Ringwood in their time of need?
Why weren't they intervening?
"I can't stand this." Wynn grinded her teeth together, remembering the sight of her destroyed village…the sounds of the Griefers as they laughed and stole and killed.
"D-don't worry, ma'am." Erin consoled. "I'm s-sure Captain Iron_Lung is working his hardest to find those Griefers."
"…Not enough." Wynn mumbled before rising from her chair and marching to a chest. She rummaged around before withdrawing an iron sword. "I'm going to practice in the back again."
"But…but dinner is almost ready!" Erin called out before Wynn exited the mansion she didn't deserve, slamming the door shut behind her.
In the backyard, she walked up to an armor stand she had set up—a training dummy complete with a set of armor—and began striking it. Repeatedly.
If one of her hands got tired, she switched to the other. She tried to mix in moves she saw guards pull off. As she grew more daring, she even tried to flip over the training dummy's head…only to fall on her butt.
"…Got to work on that." She mumbled before getting up again.
"ALRIGHT, NANCIES!" Captain Iron_Lung bellowed as he looked over the new set of trainees. "YOU'RE ALL HERE BECAUSE YOU WANT TO FIGHT FOR RINGWOOD." The trainees all stiffened. "WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, THIS WON'T BE A STROLL IN THE PARK! MY TRAINING WILL BE MERCILESS!"
King Mann watched from aside. His advisors had told him he should be approving new village charters.
But he just had to come see the new trainees. Or rather, one in particular.
Wynn stood straighter at King Mann's gaze, fully armored in iron, and a sword at her belt as well as a few different colored potions. She had been training for this for months. She was ready for whatever training the Captain had for her.
"SO, AS A TASTER OF MY SKILLS," Iron_Lung continued, "TODAY'S SCREENING PROCESS FOR NEW RECRUITS…WILL BE A ONE-ON-ONE FIGHT WITH YOURS TRULY!"
Most of the trainees blanched at Iron_Lung's suggestion. Trainees fighting off against a Captain? It'd be incredibly one-sided. How were they expected to win against someone with so much experience?
"SO…WHO'S UP FIRST!?" Iron_Lung twirled his iron sword with a cocky grin. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BEAT ME! JUST SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS!"
None of the trainees stepped forward, thinking it foolish to challenge the Captain when he was freshest and raring to go. It would be better to wait a few matches, when exhaustion would ultimately sink in.
That's what every trainee had planned.
Well…all but one.
"Can we use anything?" Wynn questioned as she stepped up to face the Captain.
The trainees muttered to themselves over the ivory-haired challenger while Iron_Lung just grinned. "I LIKE YOUR SPIRIT, LITTLE MISS! SURE, USE ANYTHING YOU LIKE!"
Wynn nodded before withdrawing her iron sword. If the Captain said she could use anything, she'd be sure to take advantage.
"ATTACK WHENEVER YOU'RE READY!" Iron_Lung took a defensive stance as he shouted.
A silence settled over the training grounds as the two opponents sized each other up. Iron_Lung had no idea about Wynn's fighting style, while Wynn had her own well-thought out stratagem for victory. She knew she didn't have to go for a win, but nothing showed off skills more than a trainee defeating a Captain.
Ready to begin, Wynn rushed forth, her iron sword trailing behind her. Iron_Lung put all his weight into his sword, holding it defensively to meet Wynn's attack.
Only for Wynn to toss one of her splash potions at her feet. With unnatural nimbleness, she flipped over Iron_Lungs' head and delivered three quick strikes to his defenseless back before the Captain knew what hit him.
The watching trainees made several awestruck sounds at the woman's acrobatics.
"WHAT THE—" Iron_Lung stumbled onto his hands and knees, assessing the damage done, while Wynn backpedaled to a safe distance. "AWFULLY SPRINGY, AREN'T YOU!?"
Wynn gave a noncommittal hum while Iron_Lung recovered. She had some time before the Potion of Leaping wore off. She just needed to keep Iron_Lung on his toes.
"WELL, NOW IT'S MY TURN!" Iron_Lung stormed forward, his sword poised to strike. Wynn swung her sword towards the Captain's neck, only to stop and prioritize the boot about to make contact with her gut. She dove aside, lashing out with her sword in the hopes of landing a hit.
Instead, her sword passed harmlessly through the air as Iron_Lung had already leapt back. He was back a second later, delivering slash after slash upon the ivory-haired trainee. She tried to deflect them as best she could, but Iron_lung undoubtedly had more strength behind his attacks.
Just when he jumped to deliver a devastating Critical Hit, Wynn tossed an electric blue Potion of Swiftness at her feet and rushed away. The sword smashed loudly into the ground, making Wynn pale at what would have happened to her had she not dodged.
But she got over it fast upon seeing an opportunity. Iron_Lung had put all his strength into his series of attacks. Now he was panting and vulnerable.
Wynn darted forward, rolling beneath his feeble swing before delivering a devastating upward slash from his groin all the way up to his shoulder.
Iron_Lung was lifted off the ground for a mere moment, before crashing back down into the earth. The next instant, Wynn planted a boot on the Captain's chest and held the tip of her sword at his throat.
"Yield."
Iron_Lung watched the sword carefully before sneaking a glance to check his Health Meter. With a defeated sigh, he let go of his blade, admitting defeat.
That caused an uproar amongst the trainees.
"No way!
"Iron_Lung…lost!?"
"To a girl?"
Wynn twitched before turning her attention to the crowd of trainees. "Whoever just said that, please step forward." Her hand gripped her iron sword tightly, her amber eyes promising pain. "Now."
Properly terrified, the crowd pushed the sexist Crafter forward. Seeing the look in Wynn's eyes, the Crafter fled in the opposite direction, tripping once and scrambling back to his feet, before finally leaving the area.
Wynn looked pleased at that reaction and promptly sheathed her sword. She then extended a hand to help the Captain up.
"HA HA HA HA HA!"
Only to cringe as her eardrums were blown out.
"YOU'RE TOUGHER THAN YOU LOOK!" Iron_Lung complimented...loudly. "NOT GONNA LIE, I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA WIN THAT EASY! NOW I LOOK LIKE A COMPLETE IDIOT! HA HA HA HA!"
He was taking his loss surprisingly well. Still, Wynn was relieved that he wasn't the type of guy who would hold a grudge over a loss.
"THAT WAS A POTION OF LEAPING YOU USED, YEAH!?" I nodded in response. "THEN A SWIFTNESS POTION…VERY TRICKY!"
The Captain turned towards the other trainees. "SINCE I'M TUCKERED OUT FROM THAT FIRST FIGHT, WE'LL CONTINUE THE SCREENING PROCESS TOMORROW! AND THIS TIME, I'LL THINK UP AN OBSTACLE COURSE INSTEAD OF FACING EACH OF YOU MANO-A-MANO!" The trainees breathed a collective sigh of relief. "THOUGH, FAIR WARNING, AFTER THAT LAST FIGHT, MY EXPECTATIONS ARE WAAAAAAAAY UP HERE!" He raised his hand as high as it could go, causing a few trainees to gulp nervously. "NOW…ALL OF YOU ARE DISMISSED!"
As the trainees walked back to their homes, Iron_Lung turned to the ivory-haired trainee. "AS FOR YOU, WYNN_WHISPERS," he fished around his backpack before withdrawing a green-dyed leather helmet. "HERE!"
He lightly tossed it to Wynn who, after catching it, could only examine it questioningly. "Er…what's this for?"
"FOR OFFICIALLY JOINING THE RINGWOOD GUARDS!" Iron_Lung smiled warmly.
"Congratulations, Wynn." The newly made guard quickly turned to accept King Mann's praise. "Looks like all your practicing paid off."
"Thank you, Mann!" Wynn beamed happily. "It was really the potions that gave me the advan—"She suddenly stopped herself. Realizing how she was talking with the King of Ringwood she blushed and quickly bowed to rectify her slip-up. "T-thank you, Your Eminence."
King Mann let out a weary sigh. "Wynn, please. You don't have to call me that and act all formal."
"Forgive me, Your Eminence," Wynn apologized, looking at the ground and not the King's eyes. "But I am afraid I cannot drop honorifics."
"WISH YOU COULD HAVE BEEN AS POLITE WHEN YOU WERE BEATING THE PISS OUTTA ME!" The Captain commented, before tapping his head. "MAKE SURE TO WEAR THAT LEATHER CAP TO TRAINING TOMORROW! AND DON'T EVER LET ME CATCH YOU WITHOUT IT!"
"Er…why is that?" Wynn questioned with a raised brow. "Wouldn't an iron helmet offer better protection?"
Iron_Lung gasped as if outraged. "WHAT AM I HEARING RIGHT NOW!? LISTEN, LITTLE MISS!" He poked her in the forehead. "IT'S NOT FOR PROTECTION! THAT GREEN-DYED CAP IS A SYMBOL! IT'S GIVEN TO EVERY GUARD—NOT JUST TO DENOTE KINGDOM LOYALTIES—BUT TO CONNECT ALL OF US TOGETHER! NOT TO BE SCHMALTZY, BUT WEARING IT MEANS YOU'RE A PART OF RINGWOOD'S FAMILY! IT SHOWS THAT, WHEN THINGS ARE TOUGHEST, YOU STICK WITH YOUR FELLOW GUARD, READY TO TACKLE ANYTHING! READY TO FIGHT TOGETHER! READY TO DIE TOGETHER! THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS TO WEAR OUR COLORS!"
Wynn felt oddly moved as she gazed upon the simple leather cap. For something so small to have so much meaning…
She quickly took off her iron helmet and carefully placed the leather cap upon her head. It was strange. She knew it didn't have any enchantments, but she already felt stronger wearing it. Like there was a hidden fire burning within.
"THERE!" Iron_Lung patted Wynn roughly on the back while King Mann just chuckled at the interaction. "NOW YOU'RE LOOKING LIKE A RINGWOOD GUARD!"
[Wynn]
Why am I having these flashbacks now?
Unconsciously, I brought my hand up to my dyed leather cap as I remembered that day. The day I became a Ringwood guard. The day I learned the true value of the dyed leather.
Without realizing it, I had already taken out Cobb's dyed tunic. I gazed at it while idly tracing along the seams.
'I guess it wasn't my color after all.'
That was for sure. Cobb was no Ringwood guard. He wouldn't have tossed aside the dyed leather so easily if he knew what it meant: The brotherhood of the Ringwood guards.
He obviously felt none of that camaraderie. Especially if he was willing to throw his life away for a random village.
"It sure is quiet, tonight." I overheard Solara speaking. They were all gathered around a campfire eating steak.
"So?" Bitters questioned uncaringly. "It's always this quiet. What's your point?"
"No…I mean…" Solara hesitated. "Usually Cobb would be doing something disruptive and crazy right about now."
I watched as Bitters narrowed his eyes, even as the other guards chimed in.
"Yeah," Spencer chuckled with a mouthful of steak. "Remember that time he mistook lapis for diamonds? He looked so excited about it too."
"Or that time he angered a pack of wolves and had to sleep on a nerd-pole." Hollie added with a laugh.
"Or what about when he was getting tossed around by that Valley Beast?" Daniel commented. "At the time, I was worried he'd die…but thinking back it was really, really funny."
"Yes, yes." Bitters dismissed, not liking where the conversation was going. "That Newb was an endless source of entertainment. A clown brought along to lift our spirits."
"Hey, that's not what we're saying." Spencer spoke with a hint of anger. "I don't care if he was a Newb. Cobb was a good guy. And he helped us out whenever we needed it."
"Then why did he abandon us?" Bitters posed aloud, addressing the entire group. "That Newb was the one who broke off ties to us, in case any of you have forgotten. It was he who tossed aside the green-dyed leather—the very symbol of Ringwood—right in front of us. You all saw it."
The other guards quieted down, looking away somberly. It looked like they wanted to argue, but couldn't find anything to say.
Suddenly, Bitters turned to face me. "You did the right thing, Captain." He comforted. "That Newb was going to drag us all down. It's good that you left him there to di—because of your responsibilities." He hastily added.
Right. My responsibilities. That's what all the guards' lives were to me. My responsibility. To protect and make sure they got home safe.
But, then…wasn't Cobb my responsibility too?
His Eminence had ordered him to accompany me. To make the journey easier…but only at my urging. I was the one who convinced His Eminence to bring him along. If not for me, Cobb wouldn't have ever heard of Halstatt. Instead he would have been safe in a prison cell…far away from any Griefer army.
But it wasn't just that. He was genuinely my responsibility. How many times had I told him which items do what and for what reason? How many times had I offered him advice or given him tools to prolong his life? I let him stay in my home for God's sake!
But I had done all I could. I had tried to convince him to leave, but he was as stubborn as his jackass. Well, if he wanted to stay then fine. Soon enough he'd see just what he was facing and he'd realize how stupid he'd been.
Then he would run away.
"…It still doesn't feel right." Hollie spoke up, catching my attention again. "We're just leaving him there—"
"You all talk about him like he was one of us!" Bitters snapped. "He threw away the tunic! He threw away our camaraderie."
"Well, we didn't really give him a reason to appreciate it." Liam interjected with a growl. "He looked at us for aid and we abandoned him. So he abandoned us."
"He abandoned us first. Not the other way around." Bitters sneered. "Him and that nerd he was stringing along were bad news from the start. Good riddance, if you ask me."
"Well nobody asked you." Liam shot back, shutting Bitters up.
…Abandoned?
Had I…abandoned Cobb?
No. No, he—he must have known I was doing everything in my power to help him! It wouldn't have looked like…
…
What were my last words to him?
'It's clear this village has finally found its idiot.'
My eyes widened in realization. With parting words like that—spoken as cold as ice—what would he think I thought of him? Would he have known I considered him a comrade?
…Would he think I despised him?
…
No. No, of course not!
He knew! He knew that I didn't want him to die! He knew that I regarded him as I would have any of my guards! He knew I didn't hate him!
…
…He had to have known.
A burglar hurried down a street, waving his sword madly to easily part onlookers. He didn't bother looking back, certain that he was still being doggedly pursued.
He quickly turned a corner and then slid down an alley, pressing himself into the shadows. He kept his panting breaths as quiet as possible, hoping his latest maneuver managed to evade his pursuer.
After a few moments of watching the streets from his hiding spot, noting the unaware Crafters that passed by, the burglar began to relax. It seemed like he had slipped away.
Seemed like.
The burglar was unprepared for the weight that impacted his back from above and sent his face into the dirt. The force standing atop his back promptly leapt aside, sword at the ready.
"You're under arrest for burglary." The ivory haired guard announced. Her amber eyes were glaring disdainfully upon the criminal before her. As if he was little more than a piece of filth on the road.
"H-hang on a second!" The burglar was on his hands, scrambling back until he hit the wall. "I-I-I didn't mean to. I-I was just…my wife and I are in debt! We needed these emeralds! More than those greedy assholes deserve—"
"I'm not here to listen to your sob stories." Wynn spoke coldly as she held her blade up to the burglar's face. "You broke into a home and stole what wasn't yours. You broke the law, so you'll be joining all the other criminal filth in jail."
"Please, have mercy on—" The rest of his plea was drowned out as Wynn rendered him unconscious with a sharp blow to the head.
After signaling her fellow guards with a firework and dragging the criminal to Ringwood's prison, Wynn made to return to her home feeling proud of her latest arrest.
"Wynn!" A familiar voice called out to her, and Wynn turned to see King Mann in all his eminence.
"Your Eminence." Wynn bowed respectfully, for she had nothing but respect for the man who first brought her to Ringwood. "A pleasure to see you out of your fortress. Come to observe the criminal filth that no longer plague Ringwood?"
"Actually," King Mann nodded to one of the interrogation rooms, "I'd like to speak with you in private. Nothing serious!" He hastily assured after seeing Wynn's apprehensive expression. "Just something I'd like to clear up."
"Of course, Your Eminence." Wynn easily acquiesced, following the King into the interrogation room. She wondered if he was about to congratulate her on her latest arrest.
"Wynn," His Eminence began after taking a seat. "I've…heard that you've made over a hundred arrests over the course of a few months."
"That's right." Wynn nodded happily. "Those criminals can't escape my watchful eyes."
"Yes…right…" King Mann rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "And you've been doing an amazing job, Wynn, nobody can deny that…It's just…" The King let out a tired sigh. "I just want to know if you're doing this for the right reason."
"…The right reason, Your Eminence?" Wynn was genuinely confused. What more reason did she need other than ridding the streets of criminals?
Criminals who would instill fear and instability in Ringwood.
Criminals who needed to be reminded of the rules and laws and to follow them explicitly.
Criminals who, if left unchecked, could end up like the type of Crafters that would burn a village down just for kicks.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, Your Eminence."
"Really?" King Mann questioned shrewdly. "So then, you weren't aware that the guard with the most arrests is slated to become the next Captain, should one of the previous Captains be deemed 'unfit for service'."
"…No. That's news to me." Wynn whistled innocently.
"I see." King Mann stroked his chin thoughtfully. "And I suppose you're not doing this out of some obligation you feel to serve beside me as one of my Captains. Nothing like that, correct?"
"…No not at all. Have you noticed how clean these interrogation rooms are?"
"And," King Mann continued on, even as Wynn admired the interrogation room's ceilings, "Are you imprisoning any minor thugs that fall under your definition of 'criminal' simply to make more arrests in a shorter amount of time?"
"…No comment."
King Mann let out another sigh. "Wynn, I thought you wanted to be a guard to protect Ringwood, not to ascend to the rank of Captain. Why are you so fixated on the position?"
Wynn looked at the ground, her eyes darting as she struggled to find an answer. "I owe you a great debt for giving me something to cling to…after I lost everything." Wynn turned her blade over in her small hands. "True, I wish to serve by your side…but that's not all.
"Criminals keep popping up all over the Kingdom, and I feel it's because the guards are not as strict as they can be. They are far too lenient, permitting horrible acts to occur without any desire to intervene.
"And I can't stand that." She suddenly tightened the hold on her sword. "It's because I wish to protect Ringwood that I stay tough. I enforce the laws so stringently so Crafters know: Crime doesn't pay."
Having said her piece, Wynn watched as King Mann reflected on their conversation. His face took on an expression of deep contemplation.
"…I believe you, Wynn." King Mann nodded. "Before, I wasn't quite sure whether your actions were done out of an ambition to become a Captain or a genuine desire to protect Ringwood." He gave a kind smile. "I'm glad to see it was the latter."
He rummaged in his backpack for a bit before withdrawing a thin metal weapon. The sight of it confused Wynn, as she never saw anything like it before.
"This is an iron rapier." He explained, holding it out for Wynn to examine. "By that awestruck look on your face, I take it this is new for you." Wynn nodded numbly, still focused on the elegant weapon. "I probably shouldn't be showing favoritism like this…but there were enough emeralds in the budget…Or at least I wrote the records to say there's enough emeralds in the budget…"
"Your Eminence…" Wynn looked up in alarm. "Did you…did you fabricate budgetary records!"
"SHHH!" King Mann silenced while glancing left and right. "You want those advisers to hear you? And I didn't fabricate anything. I just…stretched the truth."
"By how much?"
"I maaaay have added a zero or two to the amount of emeralds we have in the treasury."
"Oh God…Your Eminence…no…" Wynn looked like she was about to faint.
"Relax. This was an investment. After all," he grinned, "the new Captain will need a weapon like this."
Wynn perked up at those words. "There's a new Captain? Who?"
"You, Wynn."
"…M-me?"
King Mann brought up Wynn's hand to hold the rapier. The smooth feel of polished metal felt familiar in Wynn's grip.
"I know you feel indebted to me, Wynn. And while I'd very much wish to make you forget about that debt and move on, I know I won't be able to change your mind." He looked the newly appointed Captain in the eye. "So if you truly wish to protect Ringwood, then I will gratefully accept your skills."
Wynn suddenly felt a drop of water land on her hand. The same hand holding her new rapier. It took a second for her to realize that it was a tear.
She was crying. Actually crying. For the first time in…she didn't even remember how long.
King Mann's face switched to apologetic in an instant. "Whoa! Hang on! Don't cry! Was the rapier too much? I knew it was too much to take in at once! How stupid of me!" He rapped a fist against his skull, but Wynn stopped him before enveloping him in a hug. "W-Wynn?"
"Forgive me, Your Eminence…" Wynn muffled into his shirt. "I know…this isn't exactly proper etiquette for thanking a King…But…but…"
The King's expression softened as he placed a hand atop Wynn's head. "I understand." Nothing more needed to be explained as the new Captain continued her hug. "I'm just glad you like the rapier this much."
There was a short pause. "Your Eminence?" Wynn mumbled into his shirt again. "What would you have done if I refused the rapier?"
King Mann's face paled. "Well…this isn't the type of gift you can return…If you didn't take it, I suppose it would have been the second most wasteful purchase I made."
"What was the first?"
"Three words. Solid gold bathroom."
Wynn laughed at the sheer absurdity of it, King Mann joining in with his own chuckles. So much had happened in the span of a few minutes. New weapon. Promotion to Captain.
But most importantly, King Mann had finally accepted Wynn to serve by his side.
And Wynn would serve him loyally.
"Hey, watch out. Here comes Captain Wynn."
"Ugh. The woman with a stick up her ass. Joy."
"Careful. If she hears you, she might imprison you for 'Contempt of Captain'."
"What? She can't do that…can she?"
"Best not to test her. She looks pretty angry."
Wynn marched through the crowd of Crafters, making her way up the plateau, past the barracks, and into the King's fortress. Sitting atop the throne, was His Eminence.
"Ah, Wynn." King Mann smiled wearily. "How good to see you. How was your latest mission to Daymonte?"
"Why are you stepping down as King?"
Wynn wasted no time getting to the point. She had heard the rumors and thought little of them, until Iron_Lung verified them to be true. And seeing how the smile fell from King Mann's face, she knew it was serious.
"Wynn…I—"
"I thought we agreed that I'd serve by your side." Wynn continued, her amber eyes narrowing in betrayal. "To help this Kingdom prosper. So why are you abandoning me now?"
"No, I'm not abandoning you, Wynn! It's not—"
"Then why!?" Wynn shouted, abandoning any attempt at properly addressing the King. "You're the best King Ringwood's ever had! Better than Notch! So why?"
At the latest question, King Mann sunk into his throne. "I'm tired, Wynn." In that moment, he looked a hundred years older. "I've served as King for so long…longer than most Kings have been allowed. And…I'm sorry to say it, but I'm ending my reign."
"But…" Wynn clenched her fists in frustration. "You can't! If you go…how will I ever repay you for what you've done?"
"You already have, Wynn." King Mann assured. "A thousand times over. I cannot express how grateful I am to you. You were always there, supporting my decisions…lessening my burden…it's thanks to you I've lasted this long, as is. But…" The King looked away. "I'm…just not as spry as I used to be. Not in age, I mean. The stress of being King is just…too much for one man to handle."
"Then we'll handle it together." Wynn begged. "Please…there's no point in being a Captain if I can't serve beside you."
The King chuckled sadly. "Listen to yourself. Are you the same Captain that swore to protect Ringwood?"
Wynn faltered at those words, looking away. She had meant them…but…without His Eminence…
"Did you know," King Mann began with a reminiscent gleam in his eyes, "the first King of Ringwood, Notch, had two Captains. One of them was Iron_Lung. And when Notch stepped down as King, the Captain passed to his heir.
"And then that heir passed the title and Captain to his heir, who then passed it on to the next heir, so on and so forth until they reached me." King Mann smiled. "They all were willing to pass along the title, confident that Ringwood would survive. No…confident isn't the right word. Rather, they had absolutely no doubt in their mind that Ringwood would thrive.
"They entrusted the Kingdom to their heirs…but also to their Captains." King Mann smiled. "Which is why, I'm not worried for Ringwood's safety. I have faith in my heir…but more importantly, I have faith in you, Wynn. You, my most trusted Captain."
Wynn had a dejected expression on her face as her amber eyes watered. "But…" she sniffled. "But I don't want to serve an heir. I want to serve beside you."
"I'm sorry Wynn." King Mann spoke, his voice heavy with sadness. "I know I'm being selfish, but—"
"No…" She sobbed. "You— *sniff* —you could never be selfish. You're too good."
King Mann smiled warmly as he picked himself off of the throne. Even an action involving such little effort was tiring for him. He dragged his feet forward to stand in front of his trusted Captain.
"Wynn…I know you've repaid your debt to me…so I must ask this be a favor. You don't have to agree—"
"I'll do it." She sniffled. "Whatever it is. I'll do it."
"…The new heir I picked. His name is MilesPerMinute." The very mention of his replacement made Wynn tense up. "He's…admittedly not the brightest, but he has a genuine goodness that's hard to find anywhere else. I know he'll act in Ringwood's best interests…but just in case, can you please watch out for him? Serve by his side as you have mine?"
Wynn hesitated, thinking of the responsibilities she'd have to face as the new King's Captain. She would have to watch out for him, make sure he makes the right choices, advise him if necessary. And that was without counting her own responsibilities as Captain.
Why couldn't Iron_Lung help with it!?
Though…if what His Eminence said was true, Iron_Lung has been helping with it. If he was Notch's Captain…he must have watched over every single heir since that day.
All the Kings of the past trusted him. Just like King Mann was trusting Wynn.
"I will do my best…Your Former Eminence."
[Wynn]
My eyes were starting to mist from the latest flashback. I remembered how devastated I was after hearing the news. Not because of there being a New King, but because, for a second, I feared that King Mann was abandoning me. That he didn't want me by his side anymore.
In truth, he relied on me more than he let on, and sought to ease the next heir's job by passing me along. With all that faith on my shoulders…I was the best Captain I could be. King Miles was no King Mann, but I remained loyal to Mann's wishes.
But that just brought me back to how I thought Cobb must be feeling. He had asked me for help, but I refused. And then I had taken his gear.
I suppose in his eyes, I was abandoning him.
But that hadn't shaken his resolve. He had insisted on protecting Halstatt. With sticks if he had to.
It was pointless, though. He didn't have a chance. I was almost glad I didn't have to see his face full of despair when he realized how hopeless it was.
"…Y'know what would be cool?" Micah asked, earning everyone's attention. "If Cobb someone managed to stop that army."
Spencer chuckled. "I was just thinking the same thing."
Bitters scoffed as if someone had told him diamonds grow on trees.
"It'll certainly boost his reputation." Noah mused, thinking it over. "Defeating Carys_Angel AND an army of Griefers? The only thing that would make it better would be if he did it with his fishing rod."
That earned a laugh from all the guards and I couldn't stifle the giggle in time. It almost made me want to believe it was possible.
Micah wasn't done, however. "But seriously, though. He has a chance to win, right?" She looked around at the guards who were considering it. "I mean, he doesn't do anything in the traditional sense—"
"And he employs strange tactics—"
"But he's full of surprises." Micah reasoned. "He might just be able to pull it off."
"I'd sure want to see that." Solara commented, taking a bite out of her steak.
"What do you think, Captain?"
I looked up to see the expectant stares of the guards. "What do I think?"
They all nodded, prompting her to stand up.
"I think he doesn't have a chance."
A few of the guards flinched in shock at how bluntly I put it. They glanced at each other questioningly.
"You all seem to think Cobb is some experienced warrior." I continued, wanting them to understand the reality of the situation. "That he had the skills to defeat enemies a thousand times stronger than himself. That he might somehow be experienced enough to handle the current situation.
"Well he isn't." I walked up to the campfire to stare down upon them all. "He's a Newb. His victory over Carys wasn't even his. A friend of his pulled her into lava." I knew this was breaking what he had told His Eminence, but I didn't care. Best to have everything out in the open and set everyone straight. "He committed several crimes the first day he set foot in Ringwood. He lied to get out of jail time; he joined this envoy mission to get out of jail time. And he made mistake after mistake because he is a Billionth-numbered Newb."
After my long tirade, I gazed at the guards' expressions as I caught my breath. Most of them looked everything from shocked, to confused, to bewildered. Solara looked like her role model was just revealed to be a criminal, which for all intents and purposes was true.
Meanwhile, Bitters looked beside himself with glee. "See!?" He shouted to nobody in particular. "I told you he was just a talentless Newb! But this is even better! A criminal! My God, and we let that scum sleep in our camp!"
I slowly turned away, expecting the fallout from my revelation to be enough to silence them about Cobb for good. No more reminders. He made his choice, and I made mine.
"…Even so," a guard chimed in, and I was surprised to hear it was Micah. "He was a criminal…but he helped us anyway."
"Wha—so what?" Bitters sneered. "That doesn't change anything. He broke the law! The Captain just said—"
"If he was a criminal," Micah reasoned, "And he was forced on this mission…he didn't have to help us. He would have been blameless if he did nothing. But he…he fought to prove to us that he could cross that basin full of Creepers."
I remembered how desperately Cobb wanted to prove himself. How much he wanted to help.
"And the Valley Beast…sure he didn't know what it was capable of, but he volunteered to take care of it." Micah continued, looking for reassurance from the other guards. "And even now, he's willing to lay his life on the line to protect a village full of innocent Testificates. Does that sound like something a criminal would do?"
"Maybe…" Daniel contemplated, "maybe he was trying to make amends. Like to atone for his crimes."
"Hold up!" Spencer suddenly shouted. "Are you saying, he didn't really kill Carys_Angel—that Cobb is just a Newb—and yet out of a group of battle-hardened guards, he's the only one willing to fight a hopeless battle!?"
A few guards looked embarrassed at that speculation and looked away in shame.
"He's not going to fight." I promised.
"How do you know, Captain?" Solara asked, looking at me expectantly.
"Because…because I know, alright?" I defended weakly. "Look, Cobb—Cobb is…once he sees that army him and the rest of the Crafters in Halstatt will run away. He's not stupid enough to die fighting."
"Are you sure about that?" Solara pressed, causing me to falter. "Because it looked to me like he was determined to fight to the end."
I opened my mouth to argue, but no words came out. The culmination of all my doubt centered on that one point. Cobb was determined. And deep down…I think I already knew he'd stay and fight…even if he was facing ten thousand.
"…Fuck this." Spencer groaned as he walked up to the stable now surrounded by a wall.
"And where are you off too?" Bitters questioned sharply, to which Spencer glanced at him coolly.
"I'm going back to help that Newb." The guards jerked their heads up in surprise and my eyes widened.
"Spencer." Bitters threatened lowly. "Captain Wynn has ordered us to leave Halstatt to its fate. Think carefully before you—"
"I don't need to think about this one bit!" Spencer shouted, pointing to all the guards. "If you lot are fine with letting an inexperienced Newb fight a battle while you all run away, then have fun with your future husbands and wives. Because frankly, I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing a Newb was about to fight a battle he can't win!"
"Spencer…" I tried to reach out to the guard, but someone brushed past my shoulder.
"Wait, Spencer. I'm coming too."
"Solara!" Bitter exclaimed, equally shocked. "Have you lost your mind!? Going back to help a criminal?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Criminal or not, what Cobb is doing is right. He's not letting his crimes dictate who he is. He's trying to help. And I'd feel pretty lousy knowing he'd die without anyone helping him."
Then Micah stood up. "Yeah. Cobb's a good guy. He's not criminal scum in the least. Not like those Griefers he's facing."
"Don't forget about me." Liam growled out, fixing his sword to his belt. "Can't let Cobb and that nerd have all the glory, right?"
"LIAM!" Bitters looked positively outraged at the swell of support the Newb was getting. I was equally in shock. They were all willing to lay their lives on the line for Cobb. Even after hearing the truth about him. "Liam, you cannot be considering going back! It's a death sentence."
"If Cobb and Lenzington are fighting, so will I."
"You barely even know Cobb, or that nerd! Why, that nerd has no sword skills! That nerd has no combat capabilities! That nerd—"
"That nerd admitted to being weak!" Liam shouted gazing upon the guards still undecided. "We're guards! We've sworn an oath to protect people from villainous scum. Yet Lenzington is the only one who stayed behind to help take on an army of Griefers! What's that say about the rest of us!?"
A silence permeated the air as the remaining guards, except Bitters, looked even more ashamed. I felt a stir of warmth in my chest at how much Cobb meant to my guards.
Daniel coughed to clear his throat. "Liam's right. Ringwood's fallen guards and Captains would turn over in their graves if they knew a nerd had more courage than all of us combined. It'd be an insult, really."
"Damn right it'd be!" Spencer agreed. "And I'd hate myself a little too if we didn't at least try to help fight those Griefers off. Cobb's one of us!"
"Yeah!"
The other guards all voiced their support, except for Bitters who was vehemently trying to dissuade everyone. "This is madness! Captain, do something! Your guards are rebelling against your orders!"
At once I stood up to my full height, commanding the attention of all the guards. They looked like they were ready to get back to Halstatt, even if they had to drag themselves there.
This was what it came down to. My loyalty to my Kingdom, or my camaraderie with my men—my comrades.
My responsibilities to my men or my responsibilities to my King. Whichever one hurt Ringwood the least to fulfill would ultimately be my choice.
"I can't allow this." I spoke with absolution in my tone. "I can't allow my men to risk their lives in a fight that Ringwood should have no part in."
Immediately, a couple of groans and arguments began to arise. Bitters smirked triumphantly.
But a few of them—the smarter ones—waited for me to finish.
[Cobb]
"Ugh…" I groaned, wiping sweat off my forehead. "Soooo many trees…not enough durability." At those words, my axe broke.
Lenz and Cosmic were already hard at work making the trap. They first built a sort of scaffolding so they could build the signs across the quarry. They'd put the gravel on later and wire it up when it was done. But they needed a lot of signs. A looooooot of signs to cover that quarry. We needed more Crafters chopping down trees if we wanted to finish in time.
I shook the soreness from my hand, even as the Village Leader arrived.
"You know, if you need a new axe, I can give you a diamond one." The Village Leader offered, kindly holding it out to me.
"Wow, diamond gear? Thanks I—" He retracted his hand as soon as I reached for the tool.
"That'll be twelve emeralds."
"Are you fucking serious?" I asked incredulously.
"I'm sorry." The Village Leader apologized. "Testificates aren't permitted to haggle. One price only."
"Well, I don't have any emeralds." I mumbled sadly. "I had to give them all away."
"Oh, well in that case, I could give you some emeralds to trade with me."
"Wow, thanks. That'd be—" I was already reaching for the emeralds before stopping myself. "What's the price?"
"No price." The Testificate promised, causing me to look hesitantly between his face and the emeralds. Eventually I shrugged and reached for the emeralds…
Only for them to be snatched away. "That'll be three diamonds."
"For fuck's sake!"
"I'm sorry! Again! It's the deal at work, I can't—"
"GRIEFERS!" A chilling scream called out, snapping my attention back to the village. It was night time, but I could just make out the horses riding in. They were all clad in armor and looked ready for battle.
No! The trap isn't done yet! I internally cursed as the Village Leader hurried away. I thought we had until tomorrow before the Griefers showed up!
Brain: Just when I thought we might win, the Griefers show up fashionably early. What a couple of pricks!
I sprinted towards the Griefers, Billy and Lucas beside me, as we prepared for an epic battle.
Only…why were there less than ten enemies instead of a thousand?
A flash of ivory hair caught my eye and I immediately dropped my sword in shock. "Wynn?"
"That's Captain Wynn." She corrected as she rode her horse towards us. "I hope you haven't forgotten how to address me in my absence."
I was so happy I didn't care how snobby she was being. "You…you came back…"
"Only because this lot were coming back regardless." She gestured to her guards even as they dismounted their horses and assessed the situation from a calm Billy and a flabbergasted Lucas. "I couldn't very well let them die."
"…Oh. I see." I mumbled dejectedly as I stared at the ground. So she hadn't come back for me. She came back for her men. I guess that makes sense…
Suddenly, something soft hit me in the face before landing in my hand. It was my dyed tunic.
"I couldn't let you die either. Even if you say otherwise, you're one of us." Wynn looked away in embarrassment, her arms folded tight. "So…you better put that on…if you want, I mean. You don't have to if you don't—"
"Well," I hummed happily, holding up the tunic. "It does match my eyes." I laughed as I saw the Captain's composed face begin to break into a smile. She couldn't hide the relief in her eyes as I put on the tunic, the leather fitting around me comfortably.
"Your jackass has the rest of your gear." Wynn pointed to my trusty steed Ace. "It was weighing me down anyway."
"Thanks, Captain. I really owe you one." I nodded as I returned my gear to my Inventory. "Honestly though, I can't believe all the guards agreed to come back and help."
"Well…" Wynn glanced aside. "Not all the guards. Bitters decided to get to Ringwood on his own."
"You mean…he left?"
"I believe his exact words were, 'You're all fucking nuts, and you, Wynn, will be demoted for this.' Can't say I blame him." She shrugged.
"Wait…demoted?" I questioned fearfully. "Is that bad?"
"It's a problem for later." She dismissed. "Right now we need to focus on the Griefer army showing up tomorrow night. I take it since you're so calm that you have some kind of plan?"
"You could say that…" I answered evasively, straying a look towards the half-finished trap.
"Then we'll help in any way we can. So what do you need? Miners? Someone to fortify defenses? Archers posted on the walls?"
"I need you guys to make signs."
"Right…what?"
"I know it sounds crazy, but I can explain."
Wynn looked perplexed, but, upon seeing my determined expression, allowed me time to explain.
"Well, see…there was this guy named DayCarts…and he…did something with signs—no wait, it was that other guy that did the sign thing—but anyway, DayCarts…he…he put gravel on top of signs…and then…um…something about gravity…then he hooked up redstone things to it…we only needed one piston…and a lot of redstone terminology I couldn't understand—BUT it makes a super-ultra-mega-big trap that—pitfall trap—that we can use to stop those Griefers!"
"…"
"…It made a lot more sense in my head."
Inventory (Cobb): 1 Wooden Shovel, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 1 Stone Sword, 1 Golden Sword [Sharpness I, Unbreaking I]{Weak}, 1 Wooden Pickaxe {Weak}, 1 Fishing Rod {Weak}, 1 Flint and Steel, 8 Cobblestone, 12 Flint, 22 Torches, 64 Oak Wood, 64 Oak Wood, 44 Oak Wood Planks, 8 Oak Wood Stairs, 1 Oak Wood Door, 1 Clock, 45 Dirt, 1 Water Bucket, 10 String, 1 Ender Pearl, 1 Bone, 3 Baked Potatoes, 10 Pumpkin Pies, 19 Cookies, 1 Cake, 1 Pumpkin, 1 Chainmail Helmet, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green, Unbreaking I], Iron Leggings, Iron Boots, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 9 Rotten Flesh, 4 Item Frames, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Temporary Entry Pass}
[EXP: 12]
Inventory (Ace the Ass): 8 Lapis Lazuli, 34 Iron Ore, 10 Gold Ore, 13 Coal
Inventory (Lenz): 1 Bow, 1 Shears, 3 Levers, 4 Wooden Buttons, 3 Stone Buttons, 5 Redstone Torches, 29 Redstone, 7 Redstone Repeaters, 3 Redstone Comparators, 1 Hopper, 1 Dispenser, 3 Blocks of Redstone, 2 Pistons, 10 Cobblestone, 10 Torches, 55 Signs, 5 Sticks, 3 Redstone Lamps, 1 Minecart, 1 Compass, 12 String, 25 Gunpowder, 12 Carrots, 29 Arrows, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Pumpkin, 1 Book {Notebook}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Entry Pass}
[EXP: 0]
Inventory (Reginald the Ass): {Empty}
AN: Backstory. 'Nuff Said.
Hopefully, I wrote this with enough emotion. Let me know what you think.
This Chapter switched between first person for the characters and third person for the flashbacks. I hope it wasn't too confusing to follow.
I've put off the Griefer Army long enough. Next Chapter, they'll finally arrive.
Halstatt vs Griefers. It's going down.
Omake: One of Us
Solara smiled as she saw Wynn walk up to Cobb. The two had forgiven each other, just not with actual words. They were both stubborn enough that'd they'd acknowledge each other's apology without either of them having to say anything. Kind of like an unspoken agreement to forget about it.
Remembering what Wynn had said back at the camp, it's obvious how guilty she felt about leaving Cobb.
"I can't allow this." Wynn spoke with absolution in her tone. "I can't allow my men to risk their lives in a fight that Ringwood should have no part in."
Immediately, a couple of groans and arguments began to arise. Bitters smirked triumphantly.
"Which is why," she continued, already forming a smile. "To minimize risks, I will come with you, and lead you all to victory."
The guards couldn't believe the reversal in the Captain's orders. From strict to supportive in a second.
"WHAT!? Bitters screeched, whirling on the Captain. "Captain! What are you saying!? This goes against our orders!"
"One of my orders is to ensure you all get back safely." Wynn reasoned, already fixing her rapier to her belt. "And as much as I hate to admit it...that includes Cobb too. He's just as much a comrade as any of us. Not to mention I'd rather not have to knock out all my guards just to keep them from going to Halstatt." The guards chuckled awkwardly at how little doubt Wynn had in her tone. She honestly could have knocked them all out if she wanted to. "If any of you don't want to do this, you're free to return to Ringwood. I won't stop you."
Nobody but Bitters moved. And he was only backing away in horror. "You...You're all fucking nuts, and you, Wynn," he pointed a finger at the Captain. "You'll be demoted for this. Mark my words."
"Already marked." Wynn called back indifferently. "If you're not coming, take your horse now. Just remember that together...we might be able to pull out of this."
"Oh, I'm pulling out of this, alright!" Bitters growled, mounting his horse. "Far out of this." And with a spur, he took off into the woods, not even bothering to dismantle his shelter.
Wynn let out a sigh. "Well, I'm sure that won't cause problems later."
AN: Dawwww. She does care!