The Minecraft Story: The Beginning: Chapter 57

Once the mutant enderman was killed, the remaining normal enderman immediately teleported away. A team of archers were sent to the walls to defend against the horde of monsters that had grown to one thousand strong. The pile of monster corpses, set up by Notch, held out vigorously against the horde. When the Sun rose up, the monster horde dispersed. The few that remained were shot dead by the archery team.

After the battle, it was determined that 284 civilians and 417 soldiers met their end. Over 1,000 people were injured.

However, it was also determined that 95% of the pigmen army was annihilated. The mutant zombie, creeper, and enderman were all killed as well.

The Battle of Redwater saw the highest number of casualties ever seen in the Southern Territories with a total of 701 deaths. However, even with the high casualties. The people of Redwater and the Southern Territories considered it to be the first victory for humanity since the first monsters arrived.

…

Franz had sat by Marcus's body all night long. His eyes had no more tears left to give and never once let go of his little brother's hand.

Thomas had taken the initiative to begin setting up relief efforts for the injured. With the help of the mayor, he guided the frightened people to set up temporary medical tents and soup kitchens. He also began making plans of recovering the bodies and figuring out where to bury them.

Notch had joined the archery team in dispersing the giant monster horde outside the walls. A few times he had to jump over and kill some monsters who were getting close to taking down the corpse wall.

"Franz," said Thomas. Franz turned around to see Thomas being held up with the help of a walking stick. "I never said anything, but I'm sorry about Marcus."

"Thank you, Thomas," Franz sniffed.

"He was a good man," said Thomas, "He was good to me and I'm proud to call him my friend."

"Thanks. And I'm sorry about Zacharius," said Franz, "He seemed like a good guy."

Thomas smiled, "He was, they both were. I…just…can't believe they're really gone. After everything we went through."

"Yeah. After everything we've survived in the past week, I was beginning to think we'd never die," said Franz, "But we all get our ticket punched eventually." There was a pause. "Have you heard about Lieutenant Daegal yet?"

"No," Thomas said with surprise.

"He's also gone," said Franz, "That mutant zombie got him."

Thomas sighed, "I know everyone is treating this like a victory, but it sure doesn't feel like one."

"No, it sure doesn't," Franz agreed.

"It never truly will," said Notch suddenly. "The price of war is never truly worth it. Which is why we need to end it. Daegal, Zacharius, Marcus… I will not let them die in vain. He did this, my brother. I promise to you both that I will kill Herobrine."

"We'd have to find him first," said Thomas.

"Yeah, he's probably ran away into some cave to make new monsters," Franz complained.

"Actually, that's exactly where he is. He's in a cave inside the mountains," Notch smiled, "He told me where he was going after our fight."

"Why would he do that?" asked Thomas.

"He's insane, I thought that has already been established," said Notch, "He said he wants to kill me in a specific place. Either way, I know where he is and I plan on going after him today."

"Yes, that's a good idea. That way, he doesn't have time to make more mutants," said Thomas excitedly.

"Exactly," said Notch, "Franz, I know you've lost your brother, and I am very sorry for your loss. Which is why I understand if you would not want to go, but if you do, meet me near the side gate around noon. Okay."

"Okay," said Franz while looking back at Marcus.

"Don't worry about Marcus, if you do decide to go, I'll make sure he's given a nice burial spot," said Thomas.

Notch and Thomas resumed their duties as Franz continued to sit near Marcus.

My brother is dead. Franz thought. He was the only reason I continued fighting. If only he had taken my proposition to run away from this war. But he didn't, he kept fighting until the end, just like he said he would. Franz covered Marcus's mangled body with a blanket. Keeping Marcus safe was the only reason I fought and now… What am I going to do? I had always said in my head that I'd leave if he was killed before me. But…I have no desire to leave…I have no reason to continue the fighting, but I want to anyway. Why? Franz looked back down at his brother. Maybe it's because he never stopped. He gave his life to save these people who we once called heretics. He's more of a man than I'll ever be. And I can't let his man's sacrifice go to waste. Notch will need help and I'm not going to stand by while he goes after Herobrine alone. Just as I wouldn't let my brother go alone. Franz stood up and began to walk away. He turned back one more time to Marcus. Goodbye brother, I'll see you soon.

…

Noon at the side gate…

Notch stood by the side gate with his horse. He was ready to venture out to the mountains. He mounted his horse and was about to ask the guard to open the gate, when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey big guy, you weren't just about to leave without us right?" Franz laughed.

Notch laughed, "Of course not, woah, I see you brought some friends." Behind Franz was a group of twenty-four knights.

"Yeah, they're the last remaining members of the Miter Knights," said Franz.

"You've lost that many?" Notch asked.

"They died for something greater, just like Marcus did," said Franz, "and we're prepared to follow in their footsteps." Franz turned to the knights. "Listen up! If you're here, then you are the final twenty-four of the Miter Knights out of two hundred. We've been through hell this past week. We've lost many. But today, we will end this once and for all with Notch!"

"The cave of which my weasel of a brother is hiding out in isn't far. We should reach it by the evening," said Notch.

"You heard the man, let's move out!" Franz yelled as the other knights raised their fists and cheered, "Guard, open the gate!"

The gates lifted open, and the Miter Knights charged outward. Franz could feel the wind flowing through his hair. It was as if Marcus was still there with them. He stared out to the distant mountains.

Just you wait, Herobrine. Franz thought. By the end of the day, you'll be bleeding on the floor from your throat.