AN: Fanfiction is having trouble with people updating the stories, so I have no idea when this will be viewed.
Also, do you guys prefer long chapters with a lot of content, or short chapters with less information to take in? I'm curious.
Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. Period.
Chapter 111
The Review
"Again, Lenz. You need to put more oomph into your shots."
"I am trying…" Lenz gritted out as he faced a solid wall, his bowstring tensed. His aim was set at an angle, the arrow pointing to the top of the wall.
"Try harder. You need to make the bowstring really snap. None of that drawn out, crap."
He loosened and tensed the string, getting a feel for the shot. Arc Shots were far more difficult than the archery he had taught himself. But if it would help him become a more capable archer, he had to try it.
He took a calming breath, his eyes fixed on something behind the wall, and he pulled back the loose string before quickly releasing it with a snap. So fast it could be missed with a blink.
The arrow cleared the wall, half of his practice shots usually did, but that wasn't his aim. The engineer quickly scurried around the wall to see where his shot had landed.
Behind the wall was a target etched onto the ground. And frustratingly, the arrow was nowhere near the center.
"Repeaters!" Lenz cursed, hurling his bow onto the ground. He winced as the bow left his fingers, the digits tingling painfully. Veronica noticed.
"I think we'll call it there for today." She walked up to the engineer and snatched his hand without warning, eliciting a yelp. "Your quick draw needs work. The time between tugging and releasing the bow string needs to be near instantaneous to pull off a decent Arc Shot."
Lenz pulled his hand free and massaged the joints. "Easier said than done. My archery is more suited for long range precision. Rapid fire takes too much of a toll."
"Your Arc Shots aren't exactly accurate, either. On a scale of one to ten, I'd rank them at a solid poopy diaper." She gestured to the target before pulling the arrow out and picking his bow back up. "But, practice makes perfect. Great archers don't just grow on trees, right Gray Eagle?"
"…Why must you call me that?"
"It's a title! All great archers need a title! So says the Golden Hawk of Daymonte! Kakaw!" She posed dramatically while holding out the arrow and bow.
"Right…" He accepted them sigh. "Is… is there any way to master Arc Shot faster? I know you said a hundred years, but—"
"Nope! No shortcuts!" She told him off while wagging a finger. "Master archers spend decades refining this skill, since it's the most effective method of gauging your shots. It'll teach you better than me about your own limits and what you can improve upon. It's like an archer's bread and butter!"
"But it is impossible!" Lenz argued. "I do not have the time to master this skill. And what happens if, on our journey, I encounter one of these master archers as a foe? What am I to do against someone who has perfected their Arc Shot?"
"Hmmm. You'd probably be boned."
Lenz's head drooped.
[Lenz]
"Boned indeed." I hissed under my breath as I held my bow up with trembling hands.
I was in a long room Ines had generously allocated for training purposes. Ahead of me were several crude walls erected by my pen pal with targets behind them. Even though Cobbert had advised us to get some rest for tomorrow's plan, I had shrugged it off, claiming I wanted a little practice before calling it a night.
That had been two hours ago.
I released the arrows with the same snap movements Veronica had drilled into me. It hurt my fingers shooting so rapidly, but my reflexes were certainly improving. It had hurt more when I first tried it.
If only my Arc Shots were improving as much. Not all my arrows cleared the walls, and the ones that did, predictably, did not hit the targets behind as intended. It was maddening. The snap, snap, snap of the bowstring representing each of my frayed nerves.
It was when my bow snapped completely that my patience did the same.
The brittle bits of stick and string disintegrated in my hands. Frustrated, I stalked over to the nearest wall and kicked it… stubbing my toe terribly. I limped away, a low whine of distress sounding between closed lips, as I collected my many arrows. There would be no more training tonight. Not without a bow. I would ask Cobbert for string to make a new one tomorrow.
As I turned to leave, I spotted a flash of green hair by the door. I could count the number of green-haired Crafters I had encountered on one hand, so it had to be…
"Jade?" I called out. There was a sharp "Erk!" before the green-haired woman backed up into view.
"Hey, Lenzington. Or Lenz. Whichever you prefer, guildmate."
"Lenz is fine. I dare say I have grown accustomed to it." I accepted.
"Got it. So what's up? Been training a bit?" She asked, leaning a bit on the doorframe.
"Only a little." I lied. "But I think I am tired now."
"Hmm. Hmm. And it wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that your bow broke?" She teased.
"…Perhaps a little." My eyes drifted from her knowing purple orbs.
Actually, even from across the room, my exceptional eyesight noticed that Jade had a thin layer of perspiration. And her hair, usually so tidy, was slightly unkempt. Even her chest was rising and falling in slightly labored breaths. All signs pointed to a workout of some sorts.
"Jade? Have you… been training as well?" I asked.
"Nope. Not me. Night."
Before I could ask anything else, she pushed off the doorframe and disappeared.
Strange. I thought. I am sure she looked like she exerted herself. Parkour training maybe?
While I pondered on that, a second Crafter showed up. A flash of brown hair that immediately got me thinking…
"Cobbert?"
"Wrong!" The Crafter in question revealed himself fully. "But good guess. Your consolation prize is nothing."
I shook my head. "Should you not be asleep, Soul? You need your rest for the Review tomorrow."
"Hey, I got stamina to burn. I eat my Wheaties. And what about you?" He walked up and poked my chainmail chestplate with his axe. "You need sleep, not this training. You're not the one who's gunning for Brandr."
"It is Ciro I am more worried about." I sighed before raising an eyebrow in Soul's direction. "You are still fixated on fighting that bounty hunter? Why? To what end?"
"To prove I'm better. I lost to that asshole once, I'm not gonna lose again." He patted his diamond armor and swung his axe emphatically, but I did not see him as any stronger.
"Have you forgotten you lost to him before, and that was with your precious armor?"
"Shut up! It'll be different this time. We'll have the drop on those guys."
"The element of surprise is invaluable, sure, but what then? Eventually, it will devolve into two muscle-brained idiots duking it out in a no-holds-barred slugfest." I said.
"Yeah! Sounds good to me!"
I slapped a hand to my face.
"Okay, so… maaaybe I'll need an edge or two." He conceded. "But that's why I'm here to train! And I've got potions."
"Brandr probably has potions too." I reminded him, earning an irked frown. "The Berserkers have the resources, the manpower, and the permission to fight us. They have everything." I smiled then. "It is why Cobbert and Floyd chose the plan that they did. It gives us the best chance of fighting them."
"Yeah, yeah. They're the geniuses. The mans with the plans."
I paused then. "Has it ever occurred to you to try the same?"
"Huh?"
"Instead of brute force, why not duel Brandr in a battle of wits?" I offered. "Not all enemies can be defeated in a head-on battle. Sometimes, it takes a subtler approach."
Soul laughed at that. "You think I should outsmart him? How would that work? Both of us have armor. We're equal. So what'll tip the scales isn't brains, but brawn!"
"Ah, I see." I said slowly. "So, without your armor, you would not stand a chance at all?" Soul went quiet when I said that. "It is comforting to know a warrior is only as good as their equipment."
"Oh… I… tch, give it a rest, would you?" He stumbled. "It makes sense that better equipment wins the day. All great Crafters have great equipment."
"And when Teal defeated you, did she do so with armor and swords, or her own two fists?"
Soul looked stricken. His defeat at Teal's hands was a great point of shame, one he never went into too much detail with anyone.
"How… how do you know about—?"
"Floyd filled me in." I answered. "That Lieutenant had no armor and weapons, and she still bested you."
"But she didn't outsmart me! She… she overpowered me." Soul admitted in a quiet voice, his fists clenching in shame. "That and what you're saying are two completely different things."
"Teal may have had the experience, but she proved susceptible to being outsmarted as well." I argued. "Floyd distracted her by playing to her weaknesses. Having her toy with him and making her think it was her idea. That allowed his allies to try and save you."
"Okay, so it worked once. Doesn't mean it will work again." He remained stubborn.
"Yes it will! Listen, Soul. There is an old redstone saying popular at my college." I started before reciting from memory. "'The moment Crafters found a problem they could not solve with brute force, was the moment redstone was discovered.'"
"That sounds like an exaggeration. Wouldn't they have discovered redstone long before then?"
"You are missing the point. Instead of lugging the same items up and down a mountain, you can simply create a chain of hoppers or a rail system with chests in minecarts. Blast mining can replace conventional mining. Archers can be replaced with turrets—though if you try that with me, I will sabotage said turrets." I added.
"But… but isn't that just being lazy? Having automated things do your work for you?" He shot back. "If using my brain makes my muscles slacken, I'd rather—"
"The brain is a muscle." I stressed, tapping my head. "And using it does not make you any lazier. Redstone innovations still required hard work, testing, and manpower." I patted his muscles for emphasis. "So if you are having difficulty fighting a muscle-head, use the muscle in your head to outsmart them."
Soul grew silent as he processed my words. "Brain over brawn, huh?" He made a face as if he seriously doubted it would work, but he relented with a shrug. "Meh, maybe… Not sure how I can outsmart somebody out of their armor, though."
"So long as you give it some thought. Who knows, it might just give you the edge you have been looking for." I suggested with a smile.
"Yeah… Thanks, I guess." He held up his axe, examining it and frowning to himself. Then he checked his backpack for gear. With my piece having been said, I prepared to leave the training room to get some much needed rest.
"Hey, wait."
Only to be stopped by Soul.
"Have you thought of something?" I said.
"Psh, no, I'm not a supercomputer like you." He laughed before gesturing to the walls. "Aren't you going to clean these up?"
"A-Ah! Of course. How silly of me." I hastily searched my pack for a pickaxe to break the cobblestone walls, but Soul beat me to it. He smashed through each one without breaking a sweat, reminding me of his superior strength. I supposed he earned it, what with swinging that heavy-handed axe over and over, plus his experience mining solid rock. It was no wonder he valued his own physical strength so much.
"What were you using these walls for anyway?" He asked before flashing a grin. "Hoping to put up walls between your enemies?"
"That is far too impractical to utilize in combat." This was not Fortnite, after all. "And no, I was practicing something more versatile. Arc Shot."
"Oh. Yeah. That's what I figured." Soul said evenly, though I knew he had no idea what Arc Shot was. "So how'd it go?"
"Lousy." I groused. "The few shots that cleared the walls could not hit the targets behind them. Veronica's training regime is taking too long. It will do little against Ciro_Che and his mysterious exploding bow."
"The bow explodes in his hands!?"
"No! The arrows he shoots explode! Or… perhaps it is the bow that enchants the arrows to explode." I sighed. "I am still no closer to discovering how he does it. Nor in how to defeat him in archer, should we meet in battle."
"Hmm." Soul hummed to himself before a knowing smirk spread across his face. "Well…"
"What is that look for?"
"Well…" He tilted his head, staring at me. "You say I should think with my brain instead of my brawn. Maybe you should try the opposite?"
"…Eh?"
"If you don't think you can beat him in archery, forget it and face him head-on!" Soul grinned as he flexed his arm. "Strong-arm him!"
"Strong-arm?" I laughed to myself. "Are you forgetting who you are talking to? My arms are like two wet noodles."
"Well, start using these noodles," he patted both my arms painfully, "instead of this noodle," he finished, jabbing my in the forehead. "Brawn over brain. Any guy using exploding arrows can't be tough in a fist fight. Probably…"
"True…" I acknowledged. Veronica said most master archers depended so heavily on the skill, that they ignored physical strength and swordsmanship. Or rather, 'a master archer did not need a sword to fight close-combat', whatever that meant.
But, still. How was I supposed to fight Ciro head-on? He would blow me up if I so much as took a step towards him.
"Just giving you something to chew on." Soul patted my back before demolishing the last of the walls.
I suppose I would have to sleep on it.
Not like it mattered. The odds of Ciro encountering me tomorrow were a lot lower than Soul encountering Brandr.
[Cobb]
With the next day being as nerve-wracking as it was, it was a miracle any of us got any sleep. We had to wake up early, too. Just so we could be ready. Lenz, Soul, and Jade all looked like they had stayed up a bit, but it must have been some kind of training. I didn't pry. Lenz had asked me for some bow materials, and I had no trouble handing them over. My archery sucked.
Today would be the day of the Review. The fate of Princess Alaqua and the Berserkers' continued occupation of Jolin hanged in the balance. We had gone over the plan in detail. Everyone knew what they had to do.
I just hoped everything would go to plan.
"Thanks for letting us stay here, Ines." I nodded respectfully to Lenz's pen pal. "Without you, we'd probably be out on the streets… Or roots?"
"Wasn't a problem. For wanted criminals, you guys clean up after yourselves nicely." She smiled back before gesturing to the guards and tax collectors she still had caged. "You think you could do something about them? I would, but they'd probably attack me, or something."
"Yeah, we'll make sure they get out of here safe." Floyd added as he sidled up next to me, along with a yawning Jade. "They'll come in handy for our plan."
"Ominous." Ines commented before shaking my hand, then Jade's, then, with a bit of hesitation, Floyd's. "Sorry. You don't seem like the monster everyone makes Hackers out to be, but—"
"You don't have to apologize." Floyd said automatically. "I get it. It's… just how things are. Hopefully, I can feel a little better about what I am after today."
"Whether you fail or succeed, I know you will." She nodded before turning to say her final goodbyes to Soul and her pen pal. She even handed him some enchanted books, which Lenz seemed to take a great interest in.
"You nervous?" Jade caught my eye with her own.
"Wouldn't make sense not to be." I admitted. "We're still taking a big risk."
"It's a good plan. It'll work." Floyd assured.
Jade looked unsure. "…You really think Captain Enyeto will listen to the anonymous tip we sent him? Even if he heeded our warning about Dahlia's assassination plan, there's no guarantee he'll follow our advice to the letter. And our plan kind of depends on him doing what we told him to do."
"He'll do it." Floyd assured. "He cares about Jolin. I'm sure he'll listen to our advice."
"I guess we'll find out." I said with a sigh before I turned to Floyd. "Listen. I know I said I supported you on this, but even I think this is reckless. Any sign that Enyeto ignored our advice, and I think we should just leave this place behind us."
"What? But… what about the Berserkers?"
"The Berserkers can get bent for all I care. You people are my priority. You're the ones that are part of my World."
"Your World?" Floyd and Jade echoed.
"It was different in Halstatt when only I was at risk most of the time." I explained. "We're risking our whole guild on this. And I know that's only five people, but four of those five matter a lot to me." I stressed, earning a pleased hum from Jade and a guilty look from Floyd.
"Sorry…" He muttered. "I don't want any of you doing this either. This is something I have to do, though."
"I know. But, I'm the leader here, and being a leader means valuing your lives over anything else. I'm giving this a try, but only because we have a decent plan. Understand?"
He nodded.
"Good. I just hope we aren't making a huge mistake."
A ghost of a grin flitted across Floyd's face.
"With our luck, we probably already are."
[Carys]
It was fortunate I had my own personal room on the Asmodeus. Lunar Castle was big and all, but I usually had to keep hidden for fear of my identity being leaked. Carys_Angel was a criminal of Ringwood, and the Angel of Death was the mortal enemy of the Endward Cult.
As I should be.
So, while Jillian ruled Nitebane and kept things on track, I studied the scene from the shadows. Safe and secure… and bored.
I couldn't very well go flaunting my existence in public. Instead I either had to train with Kal in the dungeon or else keep to my personal quarters on the airship. It was restricting, but it would not be for much longer. I was only waiting for Wing and Luis' report from Ringwood. After that, I'd be free to pursue leads on cultists. There was an upcoming meeting to decide just that amongst my inner circle of Paragons.
In the meantime, there was only one thing to occupy me aside from training.
The elusive identity of the Billionth.
For the life of me, I couldn't figure him out. There was absolutely zero benefit to him saving Halstatt, or at least none that I could see. There could have been deeper things at work, though I doubted it.
Not to mention, he had not identified with a guild. Jillian's connections had yet to identify a guild affiliated with him. Nothing from the Berserkers, and I desperately hoped he wasn't amongst the Scouts. Those Crafters had a few screws loose.
Worse still, it seemed his trail had gone cold. Jillian had her web of influence tuned to the slightest inkling of that name, but the Billionth had gone quiet.
Had he been dealt with by the Hackers? Or was he just in hiding for fear of the fallout? I hoped neither were the case. I would have been disappointed to hear someone as strong as him be cowed so easily. Arguably, what I was doing could be called 'hiding', but I was unafraid of the Hackers. Hell, I wanted them to show their faces, just to have something to do. With Kal beside me and Nitebane's defenses being bolstered every day, I wanted something to test them out on. Something to sharpen my teeth on.
Instead, I was hunting down leads on the fabled Billionth.
Why was I absent when that Lieutenant decided to invade!? I internally cursed, thinking of when Teal_Larkspur attacked Jillian before escaping. Had I been there, that encounter wouldn't have ended nearly as well for the cultist.
There was also the matter of… him.
I gnashed my teeth at the mere thought of that man. It had been a few weeks now, and he and his Hacker underling had yet to be brought in. Jillian had said Teal claimed credit for ending the Hacker, but the words of a cultist had to be taken with a grain of salt. I was certain those two fools were still alive. Just as certain as I was that my anger was still burning hot.
But I didn't need to think about King_Cobb. His time would come, as would any of his friends. What was more important was the Billionth.
For the record, I wasn't mad at him for stealing my title of First Hacker Killer. No matter what Kal or Anibal claimed. I had no resentments towards him at all. I just wanted to fight him for training purposes.
Really.
Plus, I wanted to recruit him. My inner circle of Paragons all lead varying teams. Alpha was combat, Beta was support, Gamma was weaponry, Delta was largely information gathering, Epsilon was stealth. It was a diverse selection to choose from.
But this Billionth offered something that none of my other lead Paragons could: Balance.
Often times, war came down to manpower or the availability of resources. But how often could one man change the course of a battle? How often could one man laugh in the face of overwhelming odds and somehow still secure victory, even when it seemed hopeless?
The Billionth was that man.
He fought against a thousand Griefers and a Hacker (something that I wished I would get the chance to do), with paltry forces scraped together by a dinky village. He didn't need pre-planning or months or preparation. He had little time, low resources, and everything against him, and he still prevailed.
He made the most of what little he had. The ultimate Dark Horse.
And if he could do all that, imagine what he could do with the might of the Paragons backing him up.
Whatever he had, I wanted it. I wanted to see what he was really capable of. I needed to see him in action. Which was why I was getting increasingly frustrated to find that his trail had gone cold!
Wherever he was, I was certain I'd need him to finish the cult off, once and for all.
The Hackers already lost someone to him, and it wasn't hard to imagine what became of those that dared to cross him.
I just wish I could see it firsthand.
[Berserkers HQ]
"Another message from the Captain, ma'am. He's requesting a meeting."
"Eh. I'm kind of busy at the moment." Dahlia drawled as she kicked her feet up onto the desk. The Berserker bearing the message looking slightly concerned. "I don't think I can schedule a meeting with him. What with all the work I have to do."
"But ma'am. This is the tenth message he has sent. Shouldn't you—"
"If he's waiting for a response on ten messages, he can wait for a response on eleven more." She stretched her back, making a luxurious showing of how relaxed she was. Today, the Berserkers' future would be secured. Everything was set up, and there was still an hour to noon. Enyeto had a lot of nerve trying to schedule a meeting with her just before the Review.
Of course, Dahlia knew it was a tactic of some sort. To try and trip her up by having a meeting minutes before the Review. Maybe Enyeto would even grovel in an attempt to sway her to backing off of Desideratum. As fun as that would have been to watch, he should have known better. Dahlia would never schedule a meeting with him unless there was something she needed.
So she would happily ignore his summons.
Instead, she went over the plan in her head. She had gone over it a hundred times with the assassination squad—a small band of thirty masked Berserkers. One of them, the quickest and cleverest, was given the enchanted kill sword.
At the beginning of the Review, Dahlia would graciously allow Princess Alaqua to get the ball rolling with her anti-Desideratum talks. She would sit still, patiently hearing her out, along with Ciro, Brandr, and unnamed grunt number four.
And then, midway through her argument, the assassination squad would bust in. They'd handle the guards provided as security, break into the main chamber, and, with all the council and representatives watching, slay the Princess where she stood. The rest would be put up as hostages until the Berserkers swooped in and saved the day.
The timing would need to be natural, so the Berserkers at HQ couldn't act until the call for aid was made. Once the crisis was announced, they could hurry over and take control of the situation. The guards would come out looking worse for allowing such an assassination to happen under their watch, and Dahlia would look oh so innocent.
Speaking of, it was nearly time to go. She would have to leave now to get to the northernmost tree on time. The last thing she wanted to do was be late to the single most important moment for her guild.
Dahlia rose from her desk before taking off her diamond armor and placing it on an empty stand. The core representatives could not wear armor to the Review, nor could they have weapons on their persons. Captains could, since they were part of security, and valets like Ciro, Brandr, and unnamed grunt number four. (Might be a good idea to learn his name.)
Entering the hallway, Dahlia smiled seeing her valets all lined up, complete with weapons, armor, and other battle items.
"Dean!" Dahlia suddenly exclaimed, pointing at the nervous looking grunt beside the two important ones. "That was your name!"
"Uh, yes ma'am." Dean nodded, looking meek and out-of-place beside Brandr and his bulging muscles.
"Alright, now that we know who everyone is, we'll be heading out." Dahlia gestured for her entourage to follow her, trusting that the assassination squad would know when to strike and the Berserkers would know when to save the day.
They'd better after all the time she spent explaining it to them.
As the group of four went out the front door, they encountered an unpleasant reminder.
"DOWN WITH DESIDERATUM!" A rioter shouted, bolstered by a chorus of roars. It seemed that the rioters had stayed the night, knowing that this was the last day to protest Desideratum. They were getting in their last licks.
"Alright, deadbeats. Clear out." Brandr chastised as he forcibly shoved some protestors. They shouted some colorful curses, but could do little to retaliate, unless they wished for retaliation in turn.
With a bit of doing, Dahlia and her entourage cleared the crowd of angry protestors and continued on to the Gift Tree. From there, they could cross to the northern tree, where the Review was being held. The assassination squad was already there, waiting to strike.
Dahlia felt Ciro nudge her from the side. "Don't forget our deal." He hissed with narrowed eyes. "This day goes over well, I want my Journal Entry."
"Of course. I brought an ender chest." She patted the item at her belt. "It's safe and sound, I assure you. And I trust you brought that little trinket with you? Just in case things take a turn for the worse."
In reply, Ciro tapped the exploding bow at his hip.
"Wonderful." Dahlia smiled.
"Don't tell me you think Cobb and Floyd will try something." Brandr questioned with an arched brow. "Those deadbeats are too pussy-wimp to cross us."
"It pays to be prepared." Dahlia said sagely as her entourage crossed the wooden bridge onto the spiraling pathway of the Gift Tree.
Dahlia figured she wouldn't run into Captain Enyeto on her walk, thinking he was either waiting at the site of the Review, or at Fort Regal, escorting the King and Princess.
Imagine her surprise when he stepped out from around the tree, looking calm and collected. Just her luck.
"Ah, Captain Enyeto. How good to see you again." She replied with forced politeness.
"Dahlia." Enyeto gave a curt nod to each of her entourage. "I take it you're here on your way to Fort Regal? For the meeting I requested?"
"Meeting? Oh, I'm terribly sorry." Dahlia said with overexaggerated remorse. "Your ten requests must have gotten lost in translation. So sorry."
Dahlia expected thinly veiled anger bubbling beneath his stoic face, but, instead, was surprised to find his features the very picture of calm.
"Ah. Then it is a good thing I met you down here." The Captain smiled politely. "You see, it was rather a pressing concern. Ill news concerning the Review."
"…What? What news? What ill news?"
"Well, you see, the location has been changed."
…
Dahlia's brain ground to a halt. But she must have misheard him!
"It's... I… you… what?"
"It's rather embarrassing to admit, but it was the Princess' decision to change location. The fires at the bazaar really shook her up. She didn't feel safe having the Review at the outlying trees, even with the guards on standby." Captain Enyeto continued as he watched Dahlia's face steadily grow paler. "King Ahote agreed, saying that safety was paramount. It was so last minute, he entrusted me to let all the representatives know of the change. That was why I wanted to schedule a meeting with you so badly." His polite smile turned the wrong side of his vicious.
"It's a shame you didn't answer right away. But, then again, I did try to contact you ten times."
Dahlia snarled. "And you didn't think to warn me about the location change instead of sending a request for a meeting to tell me about the location change!?"
The Captain slapped a hand to his forehead with a laugh. "You know, I actually didn't think to do that. I guess that's why the Berserkers are the competent ones. My sincerest apologies."
Dahlia resisted the urge to lunge for his throat. This was bad. Her mind was whirring as she tried to think.
Seeing how his boss was still reeling, Ciro stepped forward. "So where is the Review being held now?"
"Beneath Fort Regal." The Captain replied, pointing up the tree to the canopy of leaves. "There is a small bramble of thick leaves, just below the canopy. Almost like a hanging net. The council holds meetings there all the time, and security will be tighter since it's a smaller area to cover. Both the King and the Princess agreed, there is no safer place."
"Th-that's…" Dahlia's smile was brittle. "…terrific."
This was bad, bad, bad! Why in Notch's name would they change the location!? And on such short notice? The assassination squad was lying in wait near the northern tree only for the Review to be scheduled somewhere else! Was this just the Princess' paranoia, or had someone tipped them off about the plan?
They had to be alerted. Otherwise the plan would be in shambles!
"Well, we better get moving." Captain Enyeto motioned to go. "The Review is in a few minutes. The five of us should be the last ones there."
Dahlia's entourage shuffled around awkwardly, knowing full well why they couldn't. They all looked to her on what to do. What was the new plan?
"I… suppose we should. Oh!" Dahlia made a show of surprise before patting around her belt. "I could've sworn I had my notes. I must have forgotten them."
"It must be terrible for you to swear you had something, only for it to get away from you." Captain Enyeto spoke with an odd focus on the bounty hunter.
"Ha. Ha. Yes." She cleared her throat. "Dean, do you think you could make a quick run to the HQ to get my important notes?" She stressed with urgent eyes. Dean caught on, and made to leave, but Enyeto snagged him back.
"No time. We'll all be late if we don't hurry. And we wouldn't want to miss the Princess' opening argument." The Captain hinted before fixing his eyes on Dahlia's squirming form. "Is something the matter, Dahlia? You look paler than usual."
"I'm fine…" She growled something else under her breath before following Enyeto up the tree. The others followed. Her mind was a whir as she struggled for what to do.
As she ascended the stairs, she tried to calm herself. This was still doable. Sure, a wrench had been thrown into things, but all that had changed was the location. Instead of the northern tree, it was the central Gift Tree. With tighter security. And, judging by his tone and how he was focusing on her, the Captain had definitely been tipped off about something.
But he would never call her out on it. Not without concrete evidence.
She needed to remake the plan. If the board had been redone, she simply needed to move the pieces around.
It was when they reached the entrance to the canopy that Dahlia spoke up.
"Actually…" she began, gesturing both to Brandr and Dean, "these two were just here to escort us to the Review. They aren't actually coming in with us."
"Oh?" The Captain raised an eyebrow. "Well, you could always use more security… You know how incompetent my guards can be."
Oh yeah, he definitely knew what was up. He would never call his own guards incompetent. The line would have to be drawn from him kicking and screaming. And to admit I was right about it?
Two could play at that game.
"I'm sure your guards are wonderful, Captain. You don't give them nearly enough credit." Dahlia flashed a brilliant smile to the confused brown-garbed guards covering the entrance. "And, you said it yourself, less area to cover, right? We're in their capable hands."
While the Captain searched for a rebuttal, Dahlia spoke fast. "Dean, Brandr. Go get my important notes. And if you can't find them, let everyone know to make the search easier. Bring the notes back here when you get them. Understand?"
The hidden message was obvious. The two nodded quickly before scampering down the wooden pathway. Enyeto's protests were left hanging on his lips as he ushered Dahlia and Ciro inside.
Okay. The plan was still in motion. It would be a little late, but Brandr and Dean would let the assassination squad know and they would attack the Review. The Princess might get through more of her argument than Dahlia hoped, but it would still be the same result.
That was, if nothing else got in the way.
'You shouldn't underestimate us. People that do usually get burned.'
Nnnnnnn…
[Brandr]
"Hey! Dean! Where are you going?" The meek man half-turned in confusion. "Dahlia said she wanted the notes she left back at the base."
"Um…" The meek man shuffled. "I thought that was just code for us alerting the squad in the northern tree, Brandr sir. About the location change."
Brandr blinked in dawning realization before his face heated up in embarrassment. "O-of course. I was just… testing you."
"Very good, sir. But we should really hurry." Dean pretended to believe him as the pair hurried to the northern tree. They crossed onto the suspended bridge linking the northern tree to the Gift Tree. It was crowded with Crafters, however, who went out of their way to impede two obvious Berserkers wearing diamond armor.
"Out of our way! Move it!" Brandr shouted, pushing Crafters aside to make way for him and Dean.
However, one Crafter pushed back. Hard.
Brandr skidded back, crashing into Dean and bringing the meeker man along for the ride. He looked up and his eyes flashed in recognition, then anger.
"The prodigal deadbeat returns, eh Soul?" Brandr taunted as he withdrew his diamond sword. Soul mimicked the action with his diamond axe. "You here for a rematch?"
"I'm here to win!" Soul growled as he lashed out with a high axe-swing that Brandr barely blocked.
"Dean! Keep moving!" Brandr advised the meek man. "Get to the northern tree. This guy obviously showed up to stop us."
Brandr drank a Potion of Strength to break the deadlock of their weapons, but Soul replied by throwing a Splash Potion of Strength at his feet. They were evenly matched. And, instead of helping, the bystanders gave the two space, maybe even going to alert the guards.
"Dean! Go!" Brandr urged, causing the meek man to dart around Soul.
"No you don't!" Soul pushed off the weapons and spun around before slashing Dean across the back. The meek man cried out in pain as he was thrown onto the railing on the side of the bridge. Soul went to finish him for good, but Brandr stopped him by bodily tackled his exposed back.
The two went tumbling over the railing and fell out of sight.
[The Brambles]
Dahlia, Ciro, and Captain Enyeto were all ushered into the corridors of twisted wood and leaves that made up the Brambles. It was just under Fort Regal and was illuminated by the noon day sunlight streaming through the leaves. Most meetings held here were during the day to allow this.
Dahlia noticed the place was crawling with guards. And, like Enyeto had said, they were packed together with less area to cover, resulting in a stronger defense.
The guards checked their persons for weapons, and Dahlia momentarily wondered if they would confiscate Ciro's explosive bow. The archer reluctantly handed it over, but seemed pleased when they didn't notice anything different about it. Whatever odd enchantment he had on it seemed to be undetectable to the naked eye. It was an odd item, but one Ciro was staunchly attached to; he snatched it back the first second he could.
After getting the all clear, the two Berserkers and Captain were led into the main chamber, where the representatives were already waiting. They consisted of all eleven members of the council, Princess Alaqua, King Ahote, and Captain Burmish. They were all sat at a circular table in the center of the room, the only empty chair reserved for Dahlia. A canopy of leaves extended overhead.
Dahlia took her place on the left-side of the King while Princess Alaqua had her spot on his right. The Princess shot her a distrustful look, but Dahlia smiled back benignly. It wouldn't do to open hostilities before she even began to speak.
The two Captains took position at the entrances, ensuring the people at the table would be safe from threats. Ciro stood behind Dahlia, his mouth hidden by his facemask and his mismatched eyes observing the scene cautiously.
It was then that the clocks ticked noon, and King Ahote rose to start the Review.
"Thank you all for coming today. I know this location change must have been an inconvenience to some," a few council members huffed with folded arms, "but in the interest of safety I believe we can afford to make a few sacrifices."
Alaqua whispered something under her breath, but the King chose to ignore it and continue.
"Since there are a few new faces to the council, I will go through the Review spiel that I'm sure most of you know by heart." There were a few chuckles at that from the veteran council members. "This Review is to discuss the laws—both existing and non-existing—that govern the Kingdom of Jolin and protect the lives of the people. Here, everyone has a voice, and a right to say their piece. It is for that reason that I ask all of you here to keep an open mind," his eyes flicked to the Princess, "and to consider what is best for the Kingdom's survival and safety."
The Princess frowned at those words, glancing both to Captain Enyeto and then to Dahlia. She took a deep breath before nodding in understanding. The council did the same.
"Alright, then. The first topic of discussion…" The King glanced down at a book laid before him. He visibly winced. "The first topic is… the continuation of Desideratum. Are there any—?" Instantly, two hands shot up. Dahlia and Alaqua. "—takers." The King finished with a sigh. "Princess Alaqua. You may start us off."
"Thank you, your Highness." Alaqua nodded before getting to her feet. She hastily flipped through a few notes in a book before stowing it away and clearing her throat. "Desideratum, as many of you are aware, is a law that has persisted in Jolin for hundreds of years. It began following a Hacker attack that left Grum murdered and our Kingdom in shambles, and although it aided the people by hiring specialized bounty hunters to deal with threats, I believe that the law has overstayed its welcome."
Alaqua looked around at the council she desperately wished to sway. With the King against her, they were her only chance of repealing the law.
"I believe that Jolin's guards and response time have improved to the point where having a specialized team of bounty hunters is simply excessive. The Berserkers have done their jobs well, I admit," she conceded with a nod to Dahlia, "but almost too well. They immediately pounce on any criminal, no matter how meager the crime. Is it economical having an experienced guild on standby anytime someone steals a loaf of bread or is late on their taxes? The law was passed to act as a crutch for Jolin's exceeding crime rates, not for such inconsequential crimes. I would argue that Jolin has progressed past the point of requiring Desideratum any longer."
[Cobb]
"Ugh, so much talking. This is worse than listening to Lenz yammer on about engineering."
"Er… standing right here, Cobbert."
"…Sorry."
"Hm."
"Cobb, could you kindly shut your yap? I'm trying to hear them." Jade said… pretty meanly. I faked a sniffle and she instantly backtracked. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for. Look, I just don't want to get overheard. There are two armed Captains down there."
"Right." I whispered back. The three of us had snuck into the leaf ceiling of the Brambles, right over the table the representatives were discussing on. We couldn't have done it without Jade. Her parkour skills made navigating trees and branches easy. I just did what she did, often less impressively, and Lenz… well…
There was a lot of throwing and catching to get Lenz up here.
But we absolutely couldn't have done it if the Captain hadn't heeded our anonymous tip and changed the location of the Review to the Brambles. Operation: Ol' Switcheroo was working beautifully… for now.
I could tell we had tripped up Dahlia. She looked tense and nervous. And she only had Ciro with her instead of Brandr. Soul would keep any Berserkers from warning anyone while Floyd was doing his thing nearby. Our job was to watch out for the Princess; we were the last line of defense, should Dahlia or Ciro go for a subtle kill while the representatives were distracted.
Unfortunately, that meant we had to listen to the Review in its entirety. It was so boring. They were cranking out five syllable words. Economical. Desideratum. Inconsequential. Immediately. Continuation. If they started to use the six syllable words, I'd lose it.
[The Brambles]
"Furthermore," Alaqua continued, "Desideratum is proving to be detrimental to the Kingdom's morale. It had bred widespread discontent amongst the population as the people are expected to relinquish the wealth and resources they've earned simply because a bounty hunter says so. And the extent Desideratum grows by the day. Dahlia abused its ambiguity to seize Flawwed_Floyd, a criminal captured and detained by Jolin's own guards. It isn't right for the Berserkers to claim whatever they want!"
"If I may," Dahlia stood up from her seat, her charcoal eyes fixed on the Princess. "Desideratum is hardly a tool my guild uses to pillage your people, Princess. Our work is dangerous and unrewarding, and we need funds to better equip ourselves. The people of Jolin should be proud knowing they are the lifeblood flowing through our guild's veins. Why, without them, we would have no way of combating increasingly dangerous criminals."
"It's excessive." Captain Enyeto hissed, joining into the debate for the first time. He gestured to Ciro. "Look at him, wearing diamond armor. The most our guards can afford is iron."
"Well, perhaps if they were more capable, there would be a reason for them to be better equipped." Dahlia hinted with thinly veiled malice. The Captain clenched his fists in fury. "Better troops need better gear. It wouldn't do to clothe a newb in diamond and a veteran in leather."
"Nor would it suffice to hunt rabbits with TNT cannons." Alaqua replied wisely, maintaining the picture of poise. "I maintain that Jolin doesn't need so much security. We're safe enough with the guards protecting us."
"Normally, I would agree." Dahlia drawled, twirling one of her lavender twin-tails. "Though, considering the recent fire in the bazaar just the other day, I find that presumption eschewed."
The other representatives murmured quietly, causing Alaqua to curse.
Seeing no reason to relent, she continued. "One of the most dangerous disasters to ever threaten this Kingdom is fire. It is one of the reasons why the punishment for arson is so severe. If left unchecked, all of Jolin could go up in smoke. It almost did the other day. But my Berserkers were on the scene, ready to stop it."
"Guards were there too."
"But who arrived on the scene first?" Dahlia shot back, causing Alaqua to go quiet. "Who risked their lives to enter smoldering wrecks to save trapped citizens? Who climbed burning branches to pat out fires and contain the crisis? And if they had to utilize fire resistant potions and gear requisitioned from Crafters to do so, wouldn't that be put to good use?"
Most of the councilmen nodded in assent while only two remained quiet. Alaqua looked crushed at how they were all swayed to the Berserker's side. The King, for his part, looked on sadly. He already knew the Berserkers and Desideratum were a necessary evil to keep his people safe.
"The potions requisitioned from your people saved lives that day! And the Berserkers worked hand-in-hand with the guards to ensure there was not one casualty from the actions of criminals. Yes, criminals!" Dahlia shouted, to the shock of the councilmen. "It was two associates of King_Cobb and Flawwed_Floyd that started the fire that day. My Berserkers tried to apprehend them, but prioritized containing the fire over capturing them, a decision I wholeheartedly stand by."
Her charcoal eyes glinted darkly, going for the kill. She turned to the Princess, ready to silence her talks once and for all.
"Floyd was taken to prevent such a tragedy. Had we had time to interrogate him sooner, we might have been able to strike against the perpetrators. Instead, the requisition was delayed because—"
"Now wait just a moment!" Alaqua called out, alarmed.
"—Because Captain Enyeto wasted our time having us needlessly ask the King for permission!" Dahlia finished, relishing at how the representatives glared at the Captain traitorously. "We tried to protect Jolin from threats—threats that the Princess claims no longer exist." Alaqua scowled at her words. "But, as we can all plainly see, these threats do still exist! This Kingdom's safety is an unrelenting, and burdensome responsibility."
There was a low whine from the ceiling at the six syllable word.
"But it is a responsibility my guild has taken seriously since Desideratum first began. We would never do anything to jeopardize the safety of Jolin. And we most certainly wouldn't let petty grievances," Dahlia shot Alaqua and Enyeto a subtle glare and a victorious grin, "stand in the way of the greater good. What more evidence do you need that Desideratum is a necessity?"
"Nothing." King Ahote spoke resolutely, causing Princess Alaqua to jerk her head in desperation. "I've heard enough on this topic."
"Please, your Highness." She pleaded. "Don't do this. Desideratum can't—"
"I said that's enough, Alaqua." He spoke with no room for argument. The councilmen nodded with varying degrees of acceptance. In the corner, Captain Enyeto sulked.
Dahlia delighted in the soul-shattering expression on the Princess' face. Oh well. She wouldn't be feeling crushed for much longer. She wouldn't be feeling anything else for much longer either.
"I think I speak for the representatives here when I decree this issue resolved. Desideratum is to remain. Ahote nodded with a sigh. "It is for the best…"
Alaqua's head fell, hidden tears creeping from the corner of her eyes.
Dahlia took a moment for her eyes to stray to the doors. Brandr and Dean should have alerted the assassination squad by now. What was taking them so long?
The Review continued, albeit in a more subdued tone, as the councilmen brought up several pressing concerns. Enyeto and Alaqua stayed silent, offering only a nod at times. Ciro's mismatched eyes watched them all sullenly.
It was an hour after Desideratum talks—while Dahlia was discussing the rioters stationed outside Berserker Headquarters and interfering with their work—that a guard burst through the room in alarm.
"Excuse me for the intrusion!" The guard bowed frantically to the King and councilmen. "But we have a situation outside! All representatives must remain seated!"
Ah, it's about time. Dahlia thought as she fought to suppress a smile.
"What's the matter?" Captains Enyeto and Burmish hurried forward, Burmish looking more surprised than Enyeto.
"There are people in masks trying to break into the Brambles!" The guard explained worriedly. "They are heavily armored and… and have already slain some of my comrades. The ones still breathing are defending the main corridors leading here. We need help, though."
The councilmen overhearing this began to chatter and mutter in worry, glancing to the King and Captains for protection. Alaqua's and Enyeto's eyes, however, slid to Dahlia, with clear distrust. It was then that she was certain the two had been tipped off about the assassination plan. They suspected her all the more now, but they had little evidence to prove her involvement.
Still, she had to keep up appearances. "Have you sent someone to alert my guild? I'm sure they could send some backup to help."
"We've sent messengers both to the barracks above AND to the Berserkers, but it'll take time for them to get here." The guard explained. "We need help, now. Especially since Floyd nearly succeeded in breaking in through the west wall."
"Your guards won't be enough. The best thing to do is wait for the Berserkers to arrive and hope… for the…" Dahlia's eyes suddenly widened in alarm, her mouth clicking shut.
She and Enyeto reached the same conclusion at the same time. "Wait, did you say Floyd was out there? As in Flawwed_Floyd?"
"Yes sir. I recognized him from when we apprehended him last time." The guard nodded. "Plus… he was sort of shouting 'I'm Flawwed_Floyd, look at me, I'm Flawwed_Floyd!' for everyone to hear."
Dahlia's dark eyes widened comically. Ciro cursed under his breath.
"Hang on…" The King began slowly, putting two and two together. "I thought Floyd had been imprisoned…"
"And then seized by the Berserkers." Alaqua finished, turning her gaze to the lavender-haired guild-leader. "I thought you said you had him. So how is it that he's free?"
The other councilmen had the same thought as they all turned their attention onto Dahlia.
"I-I… he… he must have…" She struggled for an excuse, but her mind was a blank. All she could was replay the news in her head.
Floyd had revealed himself to get her into trouble!
He must have also been the one to tip Enyeto and Alaqua about the assassination plan!
They were the reason everything was falling apart. Just when things were going so smoothly!
'You shouldn't underestimate us. People that do usually get burned.'
There was a triumphant, but subtle laugh from the ceiling that almost went unnoticed.
Almost. One person noticed, his mismatched eyes narrowing as he glanced up.
"Captains!" The guard stressed, pointing to the exits. "The masked assailants are getting closer! We need help!"
"Burmish, you provide support. I'll stay and guard the representatives." Enyeto commanded. To which the other Captain nodded before leaving. "And Dahlia, I demand an explanation for why Floyd is on the loose!"
"Is… now really the best time to be asking such—?"
"I'm not asking, I'm demanding." He spoke firmly. "You broke protocol to seize one of our prisoners, only to let him go!? Is this how your Berserkers intend to keep Jolin safe? By letting Endward Cult Lieutenants run rampant!?"
"I-I…"
"Answer the question, Dahlia!" Princess Alaqua piled on, standing to her feet and pointing an accusing finger at the guild-leader. "We all sat and listened to you criticize the Captain. Well, what do you have to say in your defense?"
They were coming at her from all sides. Even the councilmen began to look outraged in the face of such blatant negligence. Dahlia had nothing. No way to explain any of it. The assailants needed to break through now and distract everyone. The assassin needed to take Dahlia's life now to get rid of the trouble Floyd had heaped onto them.
She backed up in her seat, her fingers brushing against Ciro's cloak—
Ciro! Her last ally!
"Ciro do something!" She hissed under her breath, her eyes darting to the accusing glares being sent her way. "Our deal is still on. You want that Journal Entry don't you? Then do something! Right now! Anything!"
"I got just the thing in mind." Ciro whispered back as he subtly brought his explosive bow, the Yanhua Gong, into his hands. He slid them behind his back in a show of relaxed calm, his fingers tugging the string all the way back and loading an arrow.
Which he shot right at the leafy ceiling.
"WAAAAAAH!"
The flimsy leaf ceiling was blown apart and three bodies were knocked loose like apples from a tree. Cobb, Lenz, and Jade all fell down onto the table, landing hard and groaning before taking notice of all eyes on them.
"Um... We were looking for the bathroom?" Cobb tried.
Inventory (Cobb): 1 Fishing Rod {Backlash} [Knockback II, Luck of the Sea III, Unbreaking III], 64 Cobblestone, 47 Cobblestone, 5 Dirt, 19 Torches, 37 Coal, 12 Jungle Wood Logs, 64 Jungle Wood Planks, 16 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Clock, 1 Water Bucket, 6 String, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green, Mending I, Unbreaking I], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Boots, 5 Emeralds, 2 Gunpowder, 8 Rotten Flesh, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Jolin Entry Pass}
[EXP: 23]
Inventory (Floyd): 1 Iron Sword, 1 Diamond Helmet [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Boots [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Leggings
[EXP: 29]
Inventory (Lenz): 1 Bow, 1 Shears, 2 Levers, 1 Flint and Steel, 1 Stone Button, 5 Redstone Torches, 9 Redstone Repeaters, 3 Redstone Comparators, 28 Redstone, 18 Blocks of Redstone, 2 Hoppers, 3 Pistons, 2 Sticky Pistons, 21 Cobblestone, 1 Minecart, 1 Compass, 25 Gunpowder, 1 Leather Cap [Dyed Green], 1 Chainmail Chestplate [Blast Protection I], 1 Chainmail Leggings [Blast Protection I], 1 Chainmail Boots [Blast Protection I], 44 Arrows, 16 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Stick, 1 Crafting Table, 16 Sugar Cane, 18 Cooked Chicken, 8 Paper, 5 Ink Sacs, 3 Leather, 9 Emeralds, 1 Book {Airship Piloting 101}, 1 Book {Notebook}, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Jolin Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}
[EXP: 6]
Inventory (Soul): 1 Diamond Axe, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 64 Iron Ingots, 57 Iron Ingots, 12 Gold Ingots, 1 Milk, 1 Diamond Helmet, 1 Diamond Chestplate, 1 Diamond Leggings, 1 Diamond Boots, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Bed, 1 Furnace, 1 Anvil, 35 Torches, 1 Splash Potion of Swiftness {1:07}, 1 Splash Potion of Invisibility {2:15}, 1 Splash Potion of Fire Resistance {2:15}, 37 Dirt, 64 Cobblestone, 34 Cobblestone, 50 Coal, 36 Jungle Wood Planks, 48 Emeralds, 53 Steak, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Jolin Entry Pass}, {Ringwood Entry Pass}
[EXP: 48]
Inventory (Jade): 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection IV], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV], 1 Iron Sword, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 25 Baked Potatoes, 23 Cooked Porkchops, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 24 Coal, 36 Torches, 38 Jungle Wood Planks, 64 Cobblestone, 29 Cobblestone, 16 Obsidian, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Bucket, 1 Compass, 1 Clock, 17 Emeralds, 1 Ender Chest, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Jolin Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Dover Plains}, 1 Paper {Lazuli Entry Pass}
[EXP: 25]
Inventory (Noman): 1 Diamond Chestplate {Severe Shield}, 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness I], 1 Black Shield {Slight Shield} [Blue Cross], 1 Bow [Infinity], 34 Birch Wood Planks, 35 Iron Ingots, 19 Sticks, 13 Torches, 1 Bucket, 1 Crafting Table, 7 Beetroots, 8 Bread, 40 Cooked Mutton, 1 Birch Fence, 1 Bed, 1 Book {Notch Mission II}, 1 Book {Artifact List}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Book {The Art of Peace}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Dover Plains Entry Pass}, 1 Map {Dover Plains}, 1 Map {Mesa}, 1 Compass, 64 Arrows, 2 Glass Bottles, 5 Sugar, 7 Enchanted Golden Apples, 1 Diamond Helmet, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Blue] {Weak}, 1 Diamond Leggings, 1 Diamond Boots, 64 Emeralds, 64 Emeralds, 64 Emeralds, 60 Emeralds, 2 Bones
[EXP: 7]
Beetroot the Horse
AN: The old 'I was looking for the bathroom' excuse. Foolproof.
"Um... we were looking for the bathroom?" Cobb tried.
"Oh, it's down the hall that way." The King pointed. "Second door on your left. Can't miss it."
"Thank you. Sorry for falling. You guys keep doing what you're doing!" The group quickly left.
"I can't believe that worked."