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Another terrible day at school. Grant slammed the front door behind him. His dad was still at work, and his mom was grocery shopping, so he had the house to himself. Grant threw his backpack against the wall and strolled into his room, his face red with anger. Why do they have to give out too much homework. And why did they give me a detention just for expressing my opinion? God, I hate school! Maybe a little gaming can lift my mood.
He powered up his DELL laptop and waited for it to load. Once the home screen popped up, Grant clicked on the 'Minecraft' icon. Minecraft, the only place I can find solace. Grant opened up a new world and watched the screen for a minute, until it loaded. When Grant's character spawned, he swam across the small waterway to the island. He climbed the hill to the forest. Grant went to work, chopping down trees to get more wood. He chose a high cliff for his shelter. Then, he began travelling through the world, collecting data on his map.
Before long, Grant reached a large desert. In the distance, he could see a village. Perfect. It took about a minute for Grant to reach the village. The first place he went to was the blacksmith building. Grant stole the armor and iron from the chest and left.
Suddenly, Grant realized the sun was disappearing over the horizon. The Minecraft day was almost over. Grant put on his armor and armed himself with an iron sword he had crafted. When night had fallen, Grant began treading carefully through the desert. He spotted no mobs for several minutes. Suddenly, something moved from the entrance of the forest. It was a large, black shape. Enderman.
Grant crouched down and approached the Enderman, whose back was turned. He stabbed the mob with the iron sword. What happened next occurred in only a matter of seconds. Dozens and dozens of Endermen appeared from the trees. They began swarming Grant's miner. Then, a harsh voice called, "Grant......"
Grant snapped off the headphones and paused the game. "Is anyone there?" Grant asked nervously, gazing around his room. Nothing. Grant un-paused the game and put on his headphones again. The Endermen moved closer. Grant began stabbing one with his sword. Before long, it was dead.
"Grant......"
Instinctively, Grant paused the game and threw off his headphones. Again, there was nothing. Was that voice somehow from the game; from beyond? Grant decided to continue playing, but to keep his headphones off. He cut down another Enderman. To Grant's surprise, he heard the voice erupt throughout the room, this time more horrifying.
"Grant!"
Grant covered his ears, fear on his face. The room was suddenly filled with a purplish glow. The floor began to shake. "What is going on?" Grant shouted. A hollow void appeared in the computer. Particles swirled inside the void. Grant was terrified. He suddenly found himself approaching the void. Diabolical laughter sounded from inside the void. Grant screamed as though he was being cut in half, and was sucked inside the void.

Grant woke up. He was on a small, block island. Where am I? Oh yeah, I was playing Minecraft and must've blacked out. But I feel different. Like I'm in the game...
Grant suddenly realized it. Somehow, he was inside Minecraft! Grant didn't know to feel elated, or scared. But how can he get out? I can't think about that now. I have to survive.
Grant walked, one leg after another. Surprisingly, it was easier than walking in the real world. Grant saw a desert not too far away. Mm, maybe I should find a village. If I could find a blacksmith building...
He continued thinking as he crossed the river to the desert. He began crossing through the sandy biome. In a matter of minutes, the heat began to pick up. Sweat beading down his forehead, Grant continued through the desert. Just like in the real world... In ten minutes, the heat became unbearable. Grant couldn't take it anymore. He fled the desert and splashed into a ravine. Ah...that's better.
Grant must've fell asleep in the ravine, for when he woke up, the sun was setting. He hurried to his feet, anxiety filling him. I have to find a place to hide! Grant scrambled out of the ravine and ran into the forest. Trees whipped past him as he ran. Occasionally, Grant looked around his shoulder to see if he was being followed. When he wasn't looking, however, he collided into a tree. Grant sat on the ground, dazed. There came a sudden movement in the bushes.
Deja vu.
A tall, black shape emerged from the trees.
"Grant..."
The fear returned to Grant. It was happening again. This time, it was real! Grant scurried away from the scene. He could sense the Enderman stalking him, teleporting closer and closer. Grant was more concerned about looking for the Enderman. He tripped over a grass block and began tumbling down a hill. Each block caused greater pain.
Grant landed with a splash into a river. He didn't dare return to the surface. The Enderman was nowhere in sight. Had it given up the hunt? Had it not noticed me in the water?
It must have. Grant returned to the surface, only to find the sun rising again. Grant back-stroked to the shoreline. He climbed up onto the block. Next time...I'll play creative.

Grant wandered through the newly lit forest. I can't handle another night running from Endermen. I need to build a shelter. He walked over to the nearest tree and began hitting it. Pain soared through Grant's hand. Grant fell back in agony. It looks so easy in the game! Why can't I punch this tree down?
Grant screamed in frustration. He stormed away from the tree. Grant travelled deeper and deeper into the woods. Maybe I can find a cave or something.
Suddenly, a green creature came out of the trees. A Creeper. "I have had enough of this stupid forest!" Grant shouted. "Stupid trees! Stupid Endermen! And stupid Creepers!"
Grant ran up and punched the Creeper. The mob flew back a few blocks, and turned towards Grant.
"Ssssssssssssssss!"
The Creeper exploded, and Grant was sent flying backwards. Grant groaned and surveyed the scene. Parts of the trees had been blown off by the explosion. Yes! Maybe Creepers aren't so stupid after all! Grant climbed to his feet and collected the wood. How do I craft, though?
With a sudden idea, Grant chucked a piece of wood at a tree. It smashed into several pieces. Sticks! Grant used the sticks and wood to make an axe. Now I can cut down some trees.
He began slamming the axe against the tree. In a matter of minutes, Grant had plenty of wood. Once satisfied, he walked through the forest until he found a large hill. He cleared out some unnecessary grass blocks and began placing his wood planks in a square. When he had finished the second layer, he realized that night was approaching.
It's not much, but at least it's a start. Tomorrow, I can kill some sheep and make a bed. Maybe I can go mining tomorrow too...
Grant strolled inside his unfinished shelter and waited. He started experimenting with his wood to keep him busy. Soon, he got bored and curled up on the grass.
Grant awoke some time later to footsteps outside his shelter. He scrambled to his feet. What is stalking me? An Enderman? Another Creeper?
Grant took out his wooden sword and exited the shelter. He was confronted by darkness. It was too dark to see anything. "Who's there?" Grant called bravely. "Show yourself!"
But nothing happened. Grant stood there, waiting for something to jump out at him. But nothing did. Uncertainly, Grant went back inside his shelter. There, he waited until dawn, his sword still drawn.

The morning sun rose pleasantly over the treetops. Grant yawned and stretched. He was still tired from the sleepless night. He couldn't keep his mind off of knowing that something was stalking him in the darkness.
Grant left his shelter and armed himself with his axe. He spent most of the morning working tirelessly on cutting down trees for his shelter. It was hard work, but Grant found pleasure in it. For once, he felt like his life meant something.
I promised I'd hunt some sheep for a bed. I guess I can get that done now.
Grant trekked through the forest. He occasionally saw some animals creeping through the forest, but it didn't bother him much. Soon, Grant emerged into a grassy plain. Pigs and cows were grazing, but he saw no sheep. He shrugged and strolled past the animals. He climbed a hill that overlooked the next plain. There was a watering hole, where a few chickens were gathering. There was a single pig, wandering aimlessly on the hills. And there, there was a sheep. It was on the next hill, its eyes wandering over the landscape.
Grant selected his wooden sword and stalked towards the animal. It was not suspecting an attack. Grant leaped next to hit and began beating it with the sword. The sheep yelped in terror, and blood began to ooze from the wound. It was more sickening than it was in the game. Grant almost felt sorry for the creature. He collected the wool, and moved on.
The next plain was abandoned, so Grant climbed over the next hill looking hopeful. There was a small pond, where chicken, pigs, sheep, and cows were crowding around gracefully. It was the most beautiful place Grant had ever seen. Still, he needed that wool. Grant did not want another creature to die in agony, so he spanked it with the end of his sword. The sheep fell into the water and squirmed anxiously. Grant waited for it to drown. When it finally did, Grant picked up the wool.
There came a sudden wail from a cow a few feet away. It slumped to the ground, an arrow sticking out of its back. The other animals scattered. Grant looked up the hill. A figure armed with a bow was standing alongside a barking wolf. The figure pointed towards a fleeing sheep, and the wolf darted after it.
Grant watched in wonder as the wolf jumped on top of the sheep and bit it on the neck. The sheep yelped and collapsed onto the ground.
"Good Diamond!" shouted the figure. "Heel, boy! Heel!"
Apparently satisfied, the wolf trotted back to its master. Grant sprang out of the water and hurried over to the figure.
"'Ello there!" the man called. "It's nice to see another player around here."
"Who are you?" Grant questioned.
"My name is Cole," said the man. "This is my pup, Diamond."
"That's funny," Grant commented. "You're both named after ores!"
"I'm not," Cole told him. "My name is C-O-L-E, not C-O-A-L."
"Oh," Grant said, his face reddening. "Well, do you want to..um...team up?" Cole gave him a suspicious glare. "I mean...um...stick together?"
"Oh, sure," Cole explained. "It gets kind of lonely here with only a puppy for company." The pup named Diamond came over to Grant and started rubbing against his leg. Grant bent down and patted the wolf on the head, who wagged his tail.
"Do you have a house?" Cole asked.
"Um, yeah," Grant told him. "It's not furnished, but..."
"Great!" Cole exclaimed. "Lead the way!"

As the day went on, Grant realized having Cole and Diamond over wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. In fact, Cole was a big help. He and Diamond helped Grant collect wool for beds, and other things to make his home more homely.
They had also spent a little time mining, and had replaced Grant's wooden tools with stone ones. Diamond was great for killing cows and pigs for meat. Cole seemed to know what he was doing.
"Man, having a dog must be great," Grant told Cole.
"It is," Cole agreed. "Diamond is a great companion. He wards off mobs for me. But he's a bit of a wuss when it comes to creepers, though."
"Aren't all dogs like that?"
"You know what? Let's go get you a dog."
"You d--"
"Yes, I want to," said Cole. "Plus, I know the perfect spot!"
Grant followed Cole and Diamond through the forest. They travelled for what seemed like ours. Finally, they came to a winter forest. The trees and ground was covered in snow. It was beautiful.
"Come on," said Cole eagerly.
Grant followed closely behind. They arrived at the edge of a cliff. Down below, wolves were gathering in a clearing. It was breath-taking.
Cole led Grant down the hill towards the clearing. A few wolves gave them threatening glances, but didn't pay them any attention other than that. "Go ahead, mate. Choose on," instructed Cole.
Grant walked among the wolves. They all seemed to be in pairs, mates, someone to be with. But then, there was a wolf sitting alone, looking around at the others. Grant approached the wolf. It looked up at him expectantly.
It's a girl. Definitely a girl.
He could see it in the wolf's eyes. "Hey girl," Grant whispered. The wolf tilted its head and wagged its tail. "Do you want to come with me?" The wolf began licking Grant's face. That's a yes!
"I'll call you...Frost."
The wolf barked excitedly. Grant chuckled. "Come on."
The wolf followed Grant obediently back to Cole and Diamond. The two dogs seemed to hit it off right away. They seemed to be getting along well.
"It'll get dark soon," said Grant. "Let's get back to the shelter."
But they did not get back in time. It was dark, and they were lost.
"This is great!" huffed Cole. "How're going to find our way back in the dark?"
They came to the edge of a cliff. Down below was a desert. They were definitely lost.
"Whoa! What's that?" Cole acknowledged.
Grant looked over to the desert. There was a village, and it was on fire!
"Let's get down there," said Grant. "Maybe we can help."
Grant, Cole, and the two dogs scrambled down to the desert and hurried towards the village. They were met by panicked villagers and buildings burned to ash. To make matters worse, zombies were scavenging for carcasses to devour.
"A zombie siege!" said Cole breathlessly.
Grant surged forward and cut a zombie with his sword. It turned in surprise. Grant hit it right in the face. Green blood poured from the zombie as it fell.
"Look for survivors!" Grant commanded.
Cole followed Grant through the village. They saw a librarian huddle outside his building. "No! Please!"
Two zombies were approaching him. Cole and Grant leaped forward. Grant took down the one in front. Cole fought the other one. The librarian stared at Grant, wide-eyed.
"It's you!" he shouted. It's you? Grant was about to question him when the villager thrust a book into his hands. "Quick! Take this! Take this and go!"
Before Grant could respond, the librarian fled the village and disappeared. "Let's get out of here," Cole said. They rushed away, hoping they'd found their house safe and sound. The dogs bounded at their heels.
"What was that for?" Cole asked. "Why did that villager give you that book?"
"What I'm more concerned about," Grant told him, "is why he said 'It's you!' when he saw me. It seems strange. How does he know me?"
That was a question Grant never could get out of his mind,

Even though their beds had been constructed, Grant and Cole did not sleep that night. Diamond and Frost were easily enticed by sleep, however. They were curled up next to each other, snoring quietly.
Grant was holding the book the librarian had given him.
"That book is really strange," Cole commented.
"The whole thing is strange!" Grant told him. He turned the book over to the back cover. An etching of a triangle within a circle was on both sides.
On the front, three words were scrawled above the circle: THE ANCIENT CRAFT.
"The Ancient Craft..." Grant muttered. "Better check this book out. It must have some information in it, otherwise the librarian wouldn't have given it to me."
"It's worth a shot," Cole replied. "I'm going for a walk."
Cole left the shelter, leaving Grant with the sleeping dogs. Grant turned to the first page.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~THE ANCIENT CRAFT~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Long before the coming of the Miners, Minecraftia was ruled by super intelligent beings known only as The Creators. The Creators experimented with the creation of creatures, or as they call them: mobs, blocks, and tools. Of course, there are regular items, which are still in use today by the Miners. But there are some, thought to have been warped from existence, known as the Ancient Craft.

The Ancient Craft is the most powerful tools known to Mine-kind. It contains six very powerful objects that gives the wielder supreme power. This is the only book that contains and will contain the Ancient Craft. The reader is warned that some have become obsessed with the Ancient Craft for eternity.

Wow, Grant thought, this is some pretty amazing stuff. Grant looked through the book. A bookmark was placed towards the end of the book. Grant flipped to it and read.

~~IV: The Redstone Sword~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Redstone Sword is the most powerful sword of all time. The possessor wins all duels and battles against regular swords. Magic is the only useful thing against the Redstone Sword.

There is only one sword made of Redstone. The Creators realized that Redstone is a too powerful substance for swords, and was hidden deep within an abandoned mineshaft. Every mineshaft in Minecraftia has been searched, but no such sword has ever been found. There may not even be a Redstone Sword. That is left to the Miners to find out.

Grant closed the book. A Redstone Sword. Maybe I need this to help me...but with what?
At that moment, Cole came back into the shelter.
"Why do you look so excited?"
"Cole, put on some fresh clothes."
"Why?"
"We're going mining."

"How are we supposed to find an abandoned mineshaft?" Cole questioned. Actually, Grant had no idea, but he wanted to sound confident.
"We'll find one in no time," he assured.
"You better be right," Cole said. "I sure hope Diamond's alright. He hates it when I leave him alone."
"Just be quiet," Grant hissed. "We don't want to attract any mobs."
They travelled in silence for about an hour. They passed through desert after desert, plain after plain. Clouds swept through the night sky.
Grant could sense that Cole was losing his patience. Just a few more minutes. He scanned the area. They were in a deserted plain. To the right was a lake. To the left was an extreme hill. I always remember mineshafts being near extreme hills...
Grant led Cole through the plain. Before long, they were at the base of the extreme hill.
"Are we done searching yet?" Cole asked grumpily.
"Just wait."
Grant looked over the extreme hill. Was there a gap over there? He hurried over there. Grant was right. A deep ravine led deep into the earth. Wooden bridges could be seen stretched out over the gap. Yes!
"But how do we know that this 'Redstone Sword' is down there?" Cole interrogated. Grant gave him the plainest answer ever.
"We don't."
Grant led the way down a narrow slope down to the hidden mine. Cole followed closely behind. "Aren't there supposed to be like...tons of mobs down here?" Grant nodded. Cole let out a groan.
Soon enough, they reached the structured bridge. Torches were hung all around, but the caves were as dark as night.
"How are we supposed to search for this?" Cole asked.
"We could split up," Grant suggested.
"I guess," Cole shrugged.
Cole trekked down into the cave on the left. Grant approached the one on the right. His stone sword ready, Grant crept down the twisting passageways of the mineshaft. There was an eerie presence, almost as if someone was watching him. Without warning, a speck of purple dust landed on Grant's shoulder. Enderman.
Grant whirled around. But there was no Enderman in sight. Had it teleported away? Or was Grant imagining it?
Cautiously, he turned around a bend and began heading down a corridor. Mine rails were scattered all over the stone floor. Man, I hate mineshafts. They always give me the creeps.
Grant slinked around another corner. A groan sounded from not too far away. Grant ducked behind a wooden beam. A zombie stalked past, heading down another passageway. That was close.
Grant went in the opposite direction of the zombie, only to find a dead end. Great.
A triumphant growl sounded from behind him. Grant turned to see the zombie. It groaned in delight. The zombie had also brought a friend.
A skeleton placed an arrow into its bow and fired. Grant deflected it with his sword and charged. He stabbed the skeleton in the chest. It flew against the wall and lied there, dazed. Grant attacked the zombie next, slicing off its arm and then stabbing it in the ribs. The zombie collapsed. Suddenly, pain struck Grant. He screamed and slumped to the ground. He pulled the arrow out of his shoulder. The skeleton was still alive. The last thing Grant saw was the skeleton fitting another arrow into the bow.

Grant could smell something. Smoke? He opened his weary eyes to find him suspended in mid air. He was surrounded by iron bars. I'm in a cage! Down below, Grant could see some sort of a shrine lit on fire. The fire filled the room with warmth. Over a dozen black figures were wandering around the cavern. Endermen!
They must've trapped him there. Grant tried to shake the cage to get loose, but it didn't work. An Enderman looked up at him and laughed.
"Foolish human. You can't escape us!"
That voice...It was just like the voice he heard when he was playing it on the computer! Geez, last time I checked, Endermen couldn't talk.
The tallest Enderman of them all looked up at Grant.
"The preparations are almost complete! Then, we can take you to our master. Yes, the Ender Dragon will be very pleased with us."
The other Endermen erupted with laughter. The Ender Dragon? I'm doomed. Where's Cole when you need him?
At that moment, a creeper came crawling into the chamber. "Masssssster, an intruder hasssss been ssspoted outssside the chamberrr. Wwwhat ssshall we do?"
The Head Enderman looked at the creeper. "Let him inside. We shall give him a warm welcome," he responded.
The other Endermen began hooting loudly. "Assss you wisssh," hissed the creeper. Cole! He can get me out of here.
In half a minute, the creeper returned with two skeleton guards and an old man. Oh, it's not Cole.
"Welcome to our humble home!" welcomed the Head Enderman. "What is your name?"
"The name's Lance," the old man announced. "Although, I do not intend to stay very long."
"And why's that?"
"Because in a minute or two, I'll be escaping with your captive," replied the man named Lance. Maybe I am getting out of here after all!
The Head Enderman led out a hearty chuckle. "Small chance. Guards! Kill him. Oh, and the hostage, too."
Fear surged inside Grant. He was trapped with no way out. Three Endermen charged at Lance, who pulled out a diamond sword. He swiftly cut down the first Enderman, and then engaged with the other two. In a few seconds, they were down too. The skeletons raised their bows, and the creeper hissed.
Lance dove out of the way of the creeper's blast. The skeletons were less fortunate. They were caught in the explosion. The Head Enderman roared in rage. "Kill him, you fools!"
Grant noticed that an Enderman had flown up to him. The creature destroyed the iron bars and grasped towards him. Grant punched the Enderman straight in the eye. For some reason, staring at the bloodied, purple eye terrified him. Grant leaped from the cage and fell twenty blocks to the ground below. The pain was terrible, but Grant had to get out. He rushed towards the exit. Two Endermen came after him. It's all over.
Suddenly, Lance jumped in front of him and cut down one of the attackers. The other one lunged, but Lance swiftly knocked its head off of its neck with his sword.
"Let's get you out of here," Lance whispered. He grabbed Grant and pulled him down a passageway. Endermen began swarming after them.
Those eyes...
Lance pulled him around a bend, and they found the exit of the cave. They were on a bridge. A slope leading to ground level was a few feet ahead. "Get up there," Lance instructed. "I'll hold them off." Deciding not to argue, Grant climbed up the slope to the surface. He looked down to watch.
Lance had already cut down two Endermen. Five more were coming his way. If I don't act, they'll murder him for sure!
Grant pulled out his stone sword and rushed back down the slope. The Endermen were surrounding Lance. Grant jumped on top of the nearest one and began stabbing it with his sword. It was down before Grant knew it. The four others leaped into action. Lance cut down one instantly. Grant engaged with another. Soon, there was one Enderman left: the Head.
The Head Enderman lunged at Grant and sent a tentacle-like arm flying, sending Grant flying into the wall. The pain was excruciating.
Lance sliced the Head Enderman in the stomach. Its arms found Lance's throat. With incredible strength, the Head Enderman lifted Lance off of the ground. The diamond sword fell from Lance's grasp.
"The Ender race is and will always be superior," roared the Head Enderman. "Prepare to meet your end."
The Head Enderman began lifting Lance towards the edge of the bridge. I have to act fast.
Grant got to his feet and ran. He picked up the diamond sword and sliced the Enderman's back. It screeched in surprise and dropped Lance. Grant cut the Enderman again. It stumbled and fell from the bridge, screaming all the way.
Grant felt amazing, victorious.
"Great work, kid," said Lance. "Now let's get out of here."
"But where's Cole?" Grant questioned.
"You're friends fine," assured Lance. "I found him unconscious with a bunch of zombies crowding around him, but he's okay. Let us go and collect him."
"But what about the--"
"The Redstone Sword?" Lance finished. "It's not here."
"You know about it?" Grant asked in shock. "But where is it then?"
"I hid it," said Lance simply. "Now let's go."
Grant followed the old man out of the mineshaft.

It was a little after sunrise when they arrived at Lance's residence. It was a two-story cobblestone building with a chimney and many windows. Grant could tell that a lot of work had been put into the house. I wish I was that skilled at building.
"Is this seriously your house?" Cole asked in a dumbstruck voice.
"Don't get too excited," Lance explained. "It actually seems bigger than it actually is."
Frost and Diamond had been sticking to Lance's heels ever since they first saw him. They sure love visitors.
Lance pulled open the front door to reveal an oak wood parlor. There comfortable-looking, red wool sofas, a clock hanging on the wall, and large chests.
"Your rooms are upstairs," Lance explained. "Oh, and we do have another tenant staying here. I think you three should get acquainted."
Grant found the staircase in the small corridor leading to the kitchen. He clambered up the stairs with Frost right behind him. Cole and Diamond were a little ways back. Grant stepped into a long hallway. There were several doors. I'm going to have to choose one.
Grant tried the first door. It was only a bathroom. The second one was a closet. He skipped the next two doors and chose the next one on the left. Grant opened it to find someone already in the room. She was bending over a chest.
"Sorry, this room's taken," the girl said without looking at him.
"Oh, well...My name's Grant," Grant told her.
"You can call me Jay," the girl explained. "My real name's Jamie, but I like Jay better."
"Oh, okay," Grant said a little awkwardly. "I'll see you later."
Grant left the room and continued down the hall. He choose the last door on the right. The room had a green carpet and a four poster bed. There was an empty portrait frame on the wall. This is nice.
Grant placed all of his items inside the large chest against the wall.
There came a sudden shriek from down the hall. "Get out, you stupid mutt! Stay away from Kali!"
Grant rushed down the hall to Jay's room, Frost right behind him. Diamond was stalking around the room, trying to get to a tabby cat stuck on top of the bed post.
"Diamond, stop!" Cole tried to plead with his pup. Diamond let out a bark. Cole grabbed his dog and pulled him away.
"Tell your dog to stay away from my cat!" shrieked Jay. "She doesn't like them."
"Well, then maybe she should get used to them!" Cole yelled back.
"Just...get out of my room!"
Jay slammed the door in Cole's face. "She's a nice girl, ain't she?" Cole said sarcastically, storming down the hall to choose his room.
Grant decided to go downstairs. Lance was sitting down on an armchair, reading a book entitled: THE ANCIENT CRAFT.
"Hey, that's my book!" Grant said.
Lance looked up from the book. "I remember first reading this," Lance told him. "That was twenty years ago. The Redstone Sword has always been my favorite."
"Can you tell me where you hid it?" Grant questioned, slinking down onto a sofa. Frost curled up on the floor.
"In due time," Lance answered. "First, I need to tell you all why you're here. Can you send for Cole and Jamie? They need to hear this too.

Lance and his friend Cedric ran through the village. Villagers turned to watch them, whispering: "Oh, it's them again."
The two friends did not stop until they reached the library. A villager was in the process of checking out a book entitled: HERBS AND PLANTS OF MINECRAFTIA.
Lance and Cedric looked throughout the library. Finally, Cedric spotted an ancient, red covered book. Lance ran over to look too,
"THE ANCIENT CRAFT," Cedric read aloud. "I've been looking for this for a really long time."
"Why is this book so important?" Lance asked.
"Don't you know? The Ancient Craft contains the six most powerful items known to man! Look: The Potion of Influence, The Ender Gem, The Flare Bow, The Redstone Sword, The Seed of Chaos, The Obsidian Armor. It's all amazing!"
"They have to be imaginary, right?" Lance asked.
"No, they're all real!" said Cedric. "I've always wanted to have them."
"But aren't some of them...evil?"
"Are you with me or not?" Cedric questioned.
Lance hesitated, and then nodded.

"That's how it started," said Lance. "Cedric and I set out on a quest to recover the Ancient Craft. It was a life of wandering around, and I hated it."
"Did you ever find them all?" Cole asked.
Lance nodded. "We did. But Cedric hid them all in new locations, guarded by perilous challenges and mobs. You'll be a fool to go after them. Now let's continue the story."
"Cedric became obsessed with the Ancient Craft. He was going mad. When he did find them all, he still was not satisfied. He wanted more. So, Cedric decided to use the most powerful of the Craft: The Ender Gem. With it, you can resurrect the Ender Dragon. ("Whoa," said Cole.) Cedric thought that if he resurrected the Dragon, it would do his bidding. He was wrong. Just as the Ender Dragon came alive, it ate Cedric and took off."
"It ate him?" Jay asked in surprise. Lance nodded.
"The Ender Gem was destroyed in the process. Now there are only five of the Ancient Craft left. I spent years and years searching for the others, but I did not find any. Of course, I was the one that had the Redstone Sword. Meanwhile, the Ender Dragon had grown very powerful. I needed a hero, someone to help me slay the Ender Dragon. And why have one hero, when I can have three?"
"Us?" Grant said.
"Indeed," answered Lance. "Our first step in destroying the Dragon is to take back the Redstone Sword. We leave in the morning."
"That's it?" asked Cole. "What if we can't kill the Dragon. How do you know that we can?"
Lance turned to look at him. "I don't."

"Where did you hide the sword, anyway?" Cole questioned.
The group was trooping through a flaring desert in a single-file line. Lance was in front, Grant and Frost were behind him, Jay and her cat, Kali, were next. Cole and Diamond were bringing up the rear. Lance did not look back as he spoke.
"You sure ask a lot of questions," he grumbled. "For your information, it's hidden deep within a harsh jungle filled with man-eating spiders and hidden booby-traps that will surely kill you if you don't follow my orders."
Cole's face went pale, as if he had seen a ghost. Grant couldn't help chuckling to himself. They trekked for a while, with only cacti and each other for company. Finally, Lance announced that they would rest once they made it up a hill.
Grant was grateful. He plumped down next to a prickly cactus, and Frost curled up in his lap. Grant stroked the dog softly.
"How are we supposed to get to the jungle, anyway?" Cole asked.
"Can't you shut up for five seconds, boy?" Lance asked furiously. Cole looked downward at the sand. "That's better," said Lance.
"Actually, I'd like to know how we get there, too," Jay cut in.
"Oh, all right!" Lance commented with a sigh. "We're heading to Clove Wharf near the Triakasun Village. The people there know me well, and will be happy to lend us all boats. Happy?"
Jay nodded slowly.
Grant wondered why Lance was acting so irritated lately. Lance fished a loaf of fresh bread out of his survival pack he had brought with him. The smell of the bread was enticing. Grant took his slice and devoured in mere seconds. Frost licked the crumbs that had fallen onto his lap hungrily.
"Is everyone finished? Good." Lance added the last part before Cole could interrupt. He still had a particularly large piece of bread that he had not eaten yet.
The group began the journey once more. "We are close to the village," Lance explained. "My friend Curtis will be more than happy to see me."
On the journey, they passed a small canyon with flowing water. Grant longed for a drink, but the group moved on without stopping. Before a long, a well came into view. And beyond the well was a teeming village. Lance led the way to the village. There were large houses built onto the sea.
"Welcome to the Triakasun Village, home of Clove Wharf," Lance pronounced. "Now, let's go find Curtis."
Grant followed closely behind Lance, looking at the Wharf in utter wonder.
"There's Curtis!" Lance said, leading them towards the water. The villager named Curtis was sobbing deeply into his hands.
"Lance, my friend!" Curtis screamed, still sobbing. "I am sorry!"
At that moment, the door to the village houses flew open. Several Endermen flew out into the open. "Ambush!" Cole yelled.
"What the hell is this, Curtis?" yelled Lance in rage.
"They knew you were coming!" Curtis sobbed. "I couldn't stop them."
Two Endermen grabbed Jay, while two others snatched Cole. Grant unsheathed his stone sword. "No!" Curtis shrieked. "If you fight them, they'll kill me!"
"That's your problem, you two-faced traitor!" yelled Lance, pulling out his diamond blade.
Grant attacked the Endermen holding Cole. Once the first one was down, the other lunged at him. Grant stabbed it square in the chest. Purple blood began oozing out of the Enderman. It screamed as it collapsed. Lance had already freed Jay, and was going after another Enderman that was charging at Curtis. He cut it down without a second thought.
"Get out of my sight," Lance roared.
Curtis fled the scene, terror stuck on his face.
"Let's find some boats and get out of here," suggested Jay. She turned to punch an Enderman in the jaw. Cole pulled out his stone sword and led Jay, the cat, and the dogs over to Grant and Lance.
"Follow me," ordered Lance.
They ran through the chaotic village until they arrived at the boathouse. "Take a boat and get out!" commanded Lance. Jay and her cat took the first boat, put it in the water, and began sailing out into the sea. Cole and Diamond took the next one. Two Endermen began charging towards Grant, Frost, and Lance.
"Go!" Lance yelled.
Grant grabbed a boat and put it in the water, sweat pouring down his face. Frost hopped in and Grant jumped in beside her. The boat set out to join the others. Lance had apparently killed the two Endermen, but more were coming. He jumped into a boat and took off.
"We're safe!" Cole yelled in triumph.
"No we're not!" said Jay. She pointed towards the horizon. Five squids were roaring towards them. Riding the squids were Endermen.
"This day keeps getting crazier and crazier," grumbled Cole.
The squid jockeys were getting closer. One pulled up right to Grant's boat. Grant closed his eyes and waited to be killed. Suddenly, the Enderman let out a high-pitched screech. An arrow was sticking through its neck. Grant turned in amazement. Jay was holding a bow in her hands. She loaded another arrow into it and shot it at an incoming squid. The rider stumbled and fell into the deep water.
"Quickly! To that island!" Cole pointed out.
There was a jungle island not too far away. In no time at all, Cole's boat hit the shoreline. Jay fired another arrow, taking down another Enderman. Her boat hit shore as well. Grant's and Lance's boats made it only ten seconds later.
"Run, before they catch up to us!" Grant ordered.
The group bounded into the jungle, running for their lives.

Grant dashed through the overgrown trail, dodging tree branches and roots. His heart felt like it was about to burst. In a few moments, the Endermen will catch up, then we'll all be goners.
Lance turned onto a path on the left. Grant struggled to catch up. His pace was lessening. Cole and Diamond caught up to him and Frost. Jay was a few blocks back, carrying her frightened kitten all the way.
"She's holding us back," Cole muttered.
"Are you serious?" Grant burst. "She just saved our lives back there."
Cole grumbled, "Lucky shots."
Lance was getting farther ahead of them, and Grant was sure he saw a speck of purple dust disappear behind them.
Grant tried hard to quicken his pace. In the process, he tripped over an extended tree root and fell flat on his face. Cole did not notice. Neither did the two dogs. By the time Grant got to his feet, Jay was on his side.
"I hate running!" she complained.
There came a crashing from the bushes directly behind them. "Faster!" Grant urged. Jay hustled a few blocks ahead of Grant. Grant looked into the bushes and saw nothing. He ran back up to Jay. They followed Cole's shape around twists and bends, even over creeks. It was tiring work. Grant would've rested several times if his life wasn't at stake.
Suddenly, Jay stopped in her tracks. "Where'd they go?" she asked, panic covering her face. Cole had vanished from view.
"We better hurry," Grant said. There were two paths. "Go left," he suggested. The two of them ran around a bend on the left and...SMACK! ran straight into an enormous web. Kali the cat became ballistic. She bounced out of Jay's grasp and bounded into the brush.
"Kali! Come back!" Jay pleaded. The cat did not return. "This is hopeless!" sobbed Jay.
Grant noticed a movement in the trees. And in the bushes. What was that hissing sound? Grant looked up at the tree above him. A giant spider was poised there, ready to strike.
"Jay," Grant hissed. "Give me your bow."
Without hesitation, Jay handed over the bow and several arrows. Grant loaded an arrow into the bow and took aim at the spider. Concentrate...now!
Grant let the arrow fly. It sailed past the spider. Missed! Instantly, the spider leaped from the tree and landed a few blocks away. Three more spiders came out of the bushes. "We're doomed!" screamed Jay. Grant loaded another arrow and fired. Direct hit! The spider in front was hit in the eye by the arrow. It screeched hysterically and collapsed. The other spiders charged. Being stuck in the web, Grant could not move. Jay whined in terror. A spider lunged at Grant. Grant grabbed an arrow and stuck it into the spider's throat. It wheeled around and collapsed, writhing on the ground. Another spider landed on top of Jay and hissed excitedly. Grant whacked it with the bow. The spider fell, and then turned its attention to Grant. Jay gave it a hard kick in the side. The spider hissed and scuttled away, obviously hurt.
"We did it!" Jay shrieked. "That was amazing."
"It was nothing," said Grant, his face turning as red as a tomato. He used an arrow to cut himself free from the web. Next, he cut Jay loose.
"But how are we going to get back to the others?" Grant asked.
Jay did not answer. She took her bow and arrows back from Grant and began heading back down the trail. Grant followed.

Dusk was approaching quickly. By now, Cole and Lance could be far away. Grant began to grow worried. What if they died? Then, it'd be all my fault. Grant sucked in a deep breath and hurried back to Jay's side. She too looked worried.
"I hope they're all right," Grant said.
"Yeah," replied Jay blankly. "I wonder where Kali could be now. She's probably dead, that poor thing." For some reason, anger began to boil inside of Grant.
He burst, "Cole and Lance could be dead by now, and all you worry about is your stupid cat!"
Jay looked at him, remorse in her eyes. Tears began to trickle down from them. Grant regretted what he had said the moment he spoke. That cat must mean a lot to her. Jay began to sob fiercely and ran down the trail.
"Jay, I'm s--"
But it was already too late. Jay had vanished from view. Now, Grant was alone. He ran down the trail after her, but she was still nowhere to be seen. Grant began to cry as well. He might've lost the only hope for friendship with Jay. And what if I never see her again, or Cole, or Lance?
This made Grant cry harder. He walked up to a nearby tree and punched it. The pain only made Grant angrier. He kicked at the ground and punched the tree harder. He felt his fingers snap on contact, but Grant didn't care. Grant sprinted off the trail and into the wilderness, never looking back.
Night had finally arrived, and Grant was running aimlessly through the jungle. What is even the point anymore? I want out of here!
"Do you hear me?!" Grant screamed to the jungle. "I want out of here! I want out!"
Of course, he was met by silence. Grant screamed in rage. He threw himself onto the ground and lied there, his eyes squeezed tight. Before he knew it, Grant drifted into a dreamless sleep.

"Do you think he's still alive?"
Am I still dreaming, Grant thought. Just in case it's real, I'll keep my eyes shut.
A warm hand began touching Grant's face.
"Yes, I believe he is just sleeping."
"Good," said a new voice. "Fresh meat! We haven't had it in so long!"
Are they going to eat me? Grant thought.
An instant later, Grant felt himself being lifted off the ground and carried into the jungle. Tree branches punched his face as he was being carried. Grant tried not to make a sound. It seemed like hours before Grant felt himself being placed on the ground.
"What shall we do now, Chief?" a voice asked.
"We must wait until he awakes," said the man called the Chief.
Grant decided to wait a few minute before opening his eyes. When the time arrived, Grant sucked in a deep breath and opened his eyes.

People were crowded all around him. No, not people: villagers! But what were villagers doing in the jungle?
"He's awake!" called the nearest villager.
A villager wearing a crown of feathers stepped forward towards Grant. "What is your name, son?" the Chief asked.
Grant decided that he did not trust the villager. He needed a fake identity. Grant told him the first name that popped into his head.
"C-Cedric."
The Chief gave Grant a stern look, and then nodded. "You are lucky that we found you," said the Chief. "The monsters surely would've killed you."
"Who are you, exactly?" Grant questioned, moving himself into a sitting position.
"We are the Free Peoples, The Untamed," explained the Chief. "We abandoned our villages long ago, and have formed out own tribe here: in the Jungle of Acuta Rahm. Welcome to our home."
Grant got to his feet. Large cabin-like homes were all around him. In the middle was a campfire blazing gloriously. It was a wonderful place.
"Do you know where my friends are?" Grant asked.
"We have seen no one else in the jungle," the Chief said honestly.
Grant hung his head low. Where are they, then? They must have been killed by some monsters. I am truly alone. The Chief noticed Grant's saddened expression.
"Cheer up, Cedric," the Chief told him. "You have us now. Put your past behind you."
Grant nodded. He would have to adjust to his new life as one of The Untamed. It won't be easy, but I'll make it work.
The Chief put a hand on Grant's back and guided him towards the cabins.

"Cedric! It is time to get up."
Grant (or as he is now known: Cedric) opened his eyes, returning from a dream of stone brick castles and tall towers. This was unusual, for Cedric rarely had dreams since he had received his new identity. Cedric sat up in his bed and stretched.
The door to the cabin bedroom opened, and the Chief strolled in. Ever since, the Chief had taken Cedric as his own, he had paid Cedric many visits. Cedric even lived in the Chief's cabin, which was the largest of the Free Peoples.
"Good morning, Chief," Cedric said warmly. The Chief smiled.
"I hope you had a pleasant sleep?" the Chief asked openly.
Cedric decided not to worry the Chief with dreams. He never particularly liked them. "Dreams are nothing but our imaginations taking control over our thoughts," he would often say.
"Yes, I did," Cedric responded.
"We are having our morning meals in the Central Cabin. The Scouting Party is leaving for a long expedition today," the Chief explained. "Of course, you already know this. You are the greatest Scout the Free Peoples have ever known."
Cedric blushed. His skills at Scouting had always mastered the others. He quickly got dressed and joined the Chief outside the cabin.
Together, they strolled through the clearing towards the Central Cabin. It was a particularly humid day in the Jungle of Acuta Rahm. Cedric liked it that way. Some villagers were already seated when they arrived.
"Morning, Chief!" they would greet. "How do you do, Cedric?"
Cedric would always say the same reply, "Fine."
He sat down on the right of the Chief. On the left was Parjay, supervisor of the Scouts.
"Are you ready for our expedition, Cedric?"
Cedric nodded in response. "Aren't I always?" Parjay chuckled. Cedric chatted with other Scouts to pass the time until morning meals.
When everyone was seated, the Chief tapped his glass. "As you all know, this morning meal is dedicated to the departure of our Scouts for their three day expedition!" There were several cheers and claps. The Chief silence them with a wave of his hand. "Let's all wish their journey treats them well." There was a moment of silence. Then, everyone began eating.
Cedric gobbled down his mushroom stew and special cakes for the Scouts. As each Scout exited the Central cabin, they were handed a survival pack full of food and supplies. Cedric joined the others at the edge of the clearing.
"Alright, we're losing daylight," announced Parjay. "So, let's get a move on! You all know your orders. Cedric and Kial up front. Chop, chop!"
Cedric couldn't help but feeling excited. What would they discover this time? One thing was for sure, Scouting expeditions always had an adventure or two, waiting for the right time to present itself.

The hot morning droned on as the Scouts moved single-file through the jungle. An occasional animal darted from the trail into the brush. Other than that, nothing happened.
It wasn't long before Parjay called for the first rest stop. They were on a high hill overlooking a waterfall. "Take a load off," Parjay told the Scouts. "Vanquish some of your hunger if you must."
Cedric opened his survival park and pulled out a fresh pork chop. The meat slid down his throat. Pork chops were always his favorite.
Once Cedric finished his snack, he stood up and stretched his legs. They were already sore from jogging through the jungle. Cedric strolled over to the base of the cliff. The water trickled down into a pool. Suddenly, Cedric noticed dark shapes moving through the trees.
"Parjay, come quick!" said Cedric. The supervisor hustled over to the Scout. He made it just in time to see a figure duck behind the brush.
"We've got movement down on the tree line!" Parjay ordered. "Kial, Sanche, get down there."
"On it!" responded Kial. He and Sanche hustled down a slope towards the water pool.
"What do we do, boss?" a Scout asked.
"Get your weapons ready, and come with me," Parjay commanded. They headed down the slope where Kial and Sanche went half a minute before. Cedric unsheathed his golden sword, a gift from the Chief. He arrived at Parjay's side. The Scouts made it down to the base of the waterfall. They turned onto a beaten pathway. Cedric saw the shapes of Kial and Sanche turn a corner. The Scouts followed them. "Halt!" Parjay hissed.
The Scouts stopped in their tracks. A troop of Spider Jockeys were wandering in a clearing. Kial and Sanche had taken cover in the brush. Sanche had his bow loaded, and Kial's iron sword was at the ready.
"What is your command?" a Scout asked.
"Wait for my signal," whispered Parjay.
Everyone went behind cover. Cedric went to a tree just in front of the clearing. There were eight Jockeys in total, each skeleton had a bow in their hands. The spiders were guiding them in circles around the clearing.
"We shall camp here," announced one of the skeletons. A spider hissed from nearby.
"Can't we prepare to strike now?" asked an impatient skeleton.
"Patience!" hissed the Head Skeleton. There was silence after that. Cedric looked over at Parjay. The supervisor looked back and nodded.
"NOW!"
The Head Skeleton turned just an arrow embedded itself in its shoulder. "Attack!" it yelled.
The other Jockeys aimed their bows randomly and fired. Somewhere, Cedric heard a Scout go down with a groan. The battle was on.
Being one of The Untamed, Cedric had time to practice his swordsmanship. He bounded out of hiding and charged. A spider wheeled around towards him. Cedric stabbed the rider through the chest. The skeleton fell onto the ground. Then, Cedric began beating the spider until it collapsed. Another Jockey turned towards Cedric and fired an arrow. Cedric dodged and charged. He jumped on top of the spider directly behind the skeleton. Cedric swiftly knocked the head off of the skeleton and stabbed through the spider. Nearby, the other Spider Jockeys fell from losing to the other Scouts.
"Quickly!" Cedric heard Kial cried. "We need to get out of here!"
Cedric hustled over to the other Scouts. Parjay was laying on the floor, an arrow stuck in his chest. "No!" Cedric yelled. Parjay's eyes were rolled in the back of his head.
"The expedition is cancelled!" Kial announced. "Help the wounded and the fallen." Cedric lumbered in the back of the group. Parjay...dead.
Cedric tried to keep his mind off that. His mind changed to this: What were the Spider Jockeys doing in the jungle? And what did they mean by 'prepare to strike'? They must be hunting for something. But what?

It took a while for the Scouts to return to the village, especially because some of the Scouts had to be carried because of injuries or death. Cedric was in the back, overcome with grief. It's my fault he's dead. If only I wouldn't have seen the Jockeys, he'd still be alive.
Cedric had a close relationship with the Scout supervisor. He was uplifting and always a good friend. Now who do we have? Kial has elected himself as leader. It should be me.
The Scouts trudged through the jungle, which seemed to have a darkish glimmer ever since the fight. There must be a battle coming.
"Cedric!" Kial shouted. "Try to keep up."
Cedric looked up. The group was over twenty blocks ahead of him. Cedric groaned and quickened his pace the slightest bit. A Scout halted and waited for Cedric to catch up. Cedric recognized him as Sanche. Sanche had a deep cut in his forehead.
"You alright, Ced?" Sanche asked. "Something's wrong. What is it?"
"Nothing," growled Cedric, pushing Sanche out of the way and storming away. Shock smeared Sanche's face.
Before long, the wooden gates leading to the land of The Untamed came into view. Villagers were crowding around them, wondering why the Scouts were back so early.
"Give us some room!" Kial barked.
The villagers cleared the entrance as the Scouts entered the village. At the very end of the crowd was the Chief.
"What happened?" the Chief questioned. "Where is Parjay?"
"Parjay is dead!" Kial announced. "As well as five others."
There came gasps throughout the crowd.
"It cannot be," murmured the Chief.
"There was a battle," Kial continued. "Spider Jockeys...by the waterfall. They were talking about some sort of strike."
The gasps grew louder. "Then the Scroll was correct," he whispered.
"What Scroll?" Kial asked.
"You better come with me, Kial," the Chief commented. "Cedric, you too!"
Cedric limped forward to Kial's side. The Chief took them to the other end of the village to a small shack. Cedric followed Kial inside. The Chief opened a trapdoor, revealing a staircase leading down into a tunnel. Kial went first. Cedric went next, followed by the Chief.
The tunnel was cold. A harsh wind sprayed Cedric, stinging his forehead. The Chief strolled in front of the two Scouts, and guided them down the tunnel to a small chamber. A piece of parchment was sitting on a stand.
"Behold, the Scroll," whispered the Chief.
Cedric peered in for a better look. "Go on, read it, Cedric," whispered the Chief.
Cedric cleared his throat and read:

There will be a time, a time when Acuta Rahm turns dark, and the heat lessens, when everything will change. It has been foretold by the Visions of the Creators, that there will be a great battle, a battle to decide the fate of Acuta Rahm, as well as Minecraftia itself. The natives will team with an unlikely aid to defend their home. The enemy will outnumber, but their power will be matched. Acuta Rahm's fate hangs in the balance of an old legend, a legend started since the beginning of time. This is the Scroll of Acuta Rahm.

Cedric looked up from the Scroll.
"It's true, then?"
The Chief nodded. "There is one thing I do not understand. What is this old legend? It makes no sense to me."
"Me neither," said Kial.
Cedric knew, but he kept quiet. The key to winning the war would be the greatest weapon of all time: the Redstone Sword.

The villagers seemed to be getting restless. No one went inside their cabins. Everyone was chatting nervously. Cedric trudged through the crowds. Everyone looked at him. Some even gave him a forced smile. Cedric nodded in return. He hustled to the Central Cabin.
Inside were the Scouts, the Chief, and a few other villagers.
"We do not know when or how we're going to be attacked," the Chief confessed. "We are literally hopeless, unless we find this legendary item. I fear we may not have enough time."
"We're all going to die, aren't we?" a villager groaned hopelessly.
"We may, but at least we would go down fighting!" came Kial in an uplifting voice.
"I like your enthusiasm, Kial," the Chief congratulated. "We have a few fine men out here, and we intend to win this battle. Now, has anyone ever heard of a legendary item that may be of use to us?"
There was silence. Cedric hesitated, and then stepped forward.
"I think I know of such a thing."
"What is it, Cedric?" the Chief asked eagerly. All eyes turned towards the Scout.
"I think...I remember something about a...Redstone Sword," Cedric replied. "It's glued in my memory for some reason."
The group of villagers erupted with laughter.
"A Redstone Sword? That's preposterous!"
Cedric was hurt. Why wouldn't they believe him. "It's true!" he shouted. The villagers laughed louder.
"That's a good one, Cedric!"
"Enough!" roared the Chief. "Has anyone have any other ideas?" Their was silence. "Then this Redstone Sword is our only hope," the Chief announced.
"Come on, Chief! You honestly don't believe this, do you?"
"If you do not stand with your Chief, you are against him," the Chief shouted.
The villager closed his mouth.
"Now, preparations need to be made," the Chief ordered. "We need Arrow Dispensers ready, Fire Charge Dispensers ready! We also need Scouts, Warriors, and Bowmen! There is no time to lose. Get started, every last one of you! Cedric, Kial, I need a word with you two."
As everyone piled out of the Central Cabin, Cedric and Kial stepped forward towards the Chief. "I will leave you two the task of finding the sword," the Chief told them. "Cedric, do you have any idea of where it is?"
"I remember...it's somewhere in the jungle," Cedric told him.
"Well that won't get us anywhere," the Chief said, looking disappointed. "Well, get to searching!"
Cedric and Kial exited the Central Cabin.
"Are you sure about this sword thing?" Kial asked, apparently unconvinced.
"I think so," Cedric said quietly.
They headed towards the gates. "This jungle is huge. Where should we start?" Kial asked.
Cedric had no idea. Suddenly, there was a movement in the bushes. Cedric and Kial both drew their swords. A figure stepped out of the bushes, his hands up in the air.
"Grant? Is that you?" the boy asked.
Grant? Who's Grant?
Cedric realized that the boy was looking at him. "My name's...Cedric, not Grant," he said plainly.
The boy gave him a strange look. "Don't you remember me, Grant?" the boy asked. "It's me! It's Cole!"
Cole? That name sounded familiar...
"I--"
"Are you messing with us?" Kial asked roughly. "There's no Grant around here. Let's see what our Chief has to say about this."
"Hold on just a minute!" came a gruff voice.
Another figure stepped out of the bushes, followed by another. Two wolves and an ocelot followed them out.
"Don't you remember us?" asked a girl. "It's Jay."
Jay?
One of the wolves trotted over to Cedric and started rubbing up against his leg. I know you... "F-Frost?"
The wolf wagged his tail.
Memories started flowing back into Cedric's mind. Cole...Jay...and Lance!
"I...remember!" Cedric shouted. My name is Grant.
Grant ran forward and embraced Cole, and then Lance, and finally: Jay.
"Can we stop this reunion and get a move on?" Kial said grumpily. "We have a sword to find!"
"You don't mean the Redstone Sword?" Lance questioned. Grant nodded.
"We know the way," said Cole. "It's in a temple somewhere nearby. We'll be there in no time!"
Finally, there was hope for the Free Peoples! And there was also hope for Grant's past as it came flooding back to him.

Together Grant, Cole, Kial, Jay, Lance, Frost, Diamond, Kali travelled down the jungle pathway. Lance was leading. Grant and Jay were next. Kial and Cole were bringing up the rear.
"So, you found your cat, huh?" Grant said to Jay.
"Yeah," she said softly.
"I'm sorry what I said," Grant told her. "I was be--"
"No, you were right," Jay cut in. "I was worrying about Kali when I should have been more concerned about Cole and Lance. Grant, I'm sorry I stormed off on you like that."
"That's okay," Grant said.
They trooped around a bend and down a steep slope. Frost, Diamond, and Kali seemed to be enjoying themselves in the jungle.
Grant looked up and noticed the sky turning darker. The wind was beginning to pick up as well. Just like in the Scroll...
"We need to hurry," Grant said to Lance.
The group picked up the pace to a strong jog. Animals skittered to get out of the way.
"Are we almost there?" Kial asked irritably.
"And I was beginning to think Cole was the impatient one," Lance grumbled.
Suddenly, Lance came to an abrupt halt. Grant almost slammed into him.
"We've got company," Lance growled, pulling out a diamond sword. Grant pulled out his gold one, Cole his silver, Kali his iron, and Jay her bow.
More than a dozen zombies were lumbering down the trail. Grant and his friends ran out to meet them. In a matter of seconds, the zombies were killed.
"That was fun!" Cole said excitedly.
"It's not over yet!" Jay pointed out.
A wave of more zombies, skeletons, and spiders were charging towards them.
"We cannot kill them all!" Lance instructed. "Quickly, into the jungle!"
As the skeletons let loose a barrage of arrows, the group dove into the brush. Lance led them through the overgrown jungle towards a river. Grant could hear the mobs pouring after them.
"I know a shortcut," Lance told the group.
Grant followed him across the river and up a hill.
"The temple is over the second hill on the right," Lance told the group. "I'll draw them off."
Lance dashed into the brush. The mobs spotted him and gave chase. Grant led the group down the trail. We have to get that Redstone Sword...and fast!

The wind lashed out against the group as they travelled through the darkened jungle. Grant had to look over his shoulder after every step to make sure they were not being followed. Everyone's weapons were drawn. You could almost feel the tenseness in the air.
The two puppies were wandering ahead of the group, while the cat preferred to stay close to her master. Grant clenched his golden sword tightly.
As he led the group through the dense trees, Grant couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with anticipation. The Redstone Sword is close...I can almost sense it. What were Lance's directions? Oh yeah, second hill on the right...
When they came to the hill, Grant was filled with eagerness. The group followed him up the slope. When Grant reached the top, he saw an enormous moss stone pyramid. Vines smeared the pyramid like a canvas. The temple...
"We made it," Cole breathed.
Grant, followed by Cole, Jay, the dogs, the cat, and Kial, trudged up the staircase to the mouth of the temple.
Intense heat awaited them as they entered the first chamber. It was a blank room, with nothing concealed. "Watch out for traps..." Grant muttered to no one in particular.
He turned into the next room. That was bare too, except for a staircase descending into a bottom level.
"I don't like this," Jay murmured, her hands wrapped tightly around her bow.
"I want to go first," said Kial sternly.
Grant allowed him to pass. If I want anyone to die, it would be him... Grant thought cruelly. He never liked Kial. He was a complete show-off at Scout Training, and he always was the bossy type.
Grant followed Kial down the staircase. He stepped onto a moss stone floor. Skeletons were slumped up against the wall. Grant heard Jay trying to control her breathing. He had to admit, it was a little creepy.
Kial stepped forward onto the central block.
CLICK.
"Kial!" Grant shouted. "Look out!"
But it was already too late. An arrow whizzed through the room. Kial ducked. The arrow missed him by inches.
"Arrow trap!" Grant yelled. "Run!"
He took off towards the narrow doorway. Arrows whipped past him at incredible speed. Luckily, Grant was able to join Kial in the next room. Diamond, Kali, and Frost scurried after them, meowing and barking all the way.
Cole slowly came in, assisting an injured Jay. An arrow was stuck in her side.
"She's hurt!" Cole sighed. "Great going!" He said roughly to Kial.
"It's not my fault she can't dodge an arrow!" Kial retorted.
Before Grant knew what was happening, Cole punched Kial right above the eye, and the Scout went sprawling on the floor. Jay was moaning helplessly.
"Quit it!" Grant commanded. Cole looked like he was about to punch Kial again, but slinked back after Grant's shout.
"What the hell was that for?!" Kial yelled.
"Kial, you stay here and look after Jay and the animals," Grant instructed. "Cole, let's go. We're searching for the sword."
Kial snorted, and got to his feet. He gave Cole a threatening glance, and walked over to Jay.
Grant and Cole turned into the next room. There was another staircase leading down to an underground tunnel.
Cole took a deep breath and followed Grant down the stairs. Stone brick walls were on theirs sides, and they were standing on a sandstone floor. Grant led the way through the narrow corridor. They turned into another room. Standing in the center of the room was a figure dressed completely in chain armor. He held a diamond sword and a menacing stare.
"So, you've made it past the arrow traps, have you?" asked the figure.
"Who are you?" Grant questioned.
"I am Glad'rir, guardian of the Redstone Stone. You cannot collect the sword without beating me in a duel," replied the figure. "Shall we begin?"
Cole gripped his stone sword and charged. He swung his sword, which was blocked by Glad'rir's blade. As fast as lightning, Glad'rir sent his foot flying into Cole's stomach. Cole went flying against the wall.
In a rush of anger, Grant ran forward and swung his sword at Glad'rir's shoulder. It left a mark, but did not seem to pain Glad'rir much.
"You'll have to do better than that!" he sneered.
Glad'rir swung at Grant. Grant ducked and rolled. The diamond sword hit the floor. Grant took this advantage to attack. He cut his sword into Glad'rir's back. The guardian howled in rage, and kicked Grant the same way he kicked Cole. Grant went sprawling on the ground.
"I shall enjoy killing you," Glad'rir hissed.
Cole jumped and landed on Glad'rir's back. He brought his sword down on Glad'rir's head. The guardian collapsed to the ground, blood oozing from his wounds. Grant looked astonished.
"Where'd you learn to do that?" Grant asked.
"Instinct," was Cole's reply.
Grant got to his feet. He and Cole travelled down the next corridor. At the end was a stone plinth. On the plinth sat a sword with a red blade. The Redstone Sword.
"Greetings, possessor or possessors of the Redstone Sword!" came a mighty voice. "You have been rewarded me for surviving the challenges of the temple. But you can only use me if you desperately need it. I bid you great luck. With me in your hands, you can do many great things."
"Wow," Cole muttered.
Grant placed a hand over the sword and took it. "Remarkable," he said.
"Do you mind if I hold on to that?" Cole told him. "I'd like to give that Kial guy a reminder not to mess with me."
Grant smiled.

Grant watched Cole marvel over the Redstone Sword. The sword was indeed enticing. Grant could almost feel it beckoning him.
"We should get back up to Kial and Jay," Grant told Cole, who nodded feebly.
They trekked down the long corridor. Grant took one last look at Glad'rir's carcass before heading down the next passageway. All was calm, too calm. And then...
BOOM!
An explosion rocked the temple. Grant lost his balance and fell to the hard ground. The Redstone Sword was released from Cole's clutches. Part of the passageway had been blown away. Standing in the hole was an Enderman.
Grant quickly snatched the Redstone Sword and swung it at the attacker. The swipes of the sword seemed to have no affect on the Enderman. Why isn't it working? The Enderman hovered closer to Grant. Oh yeah...I have to desperately need it.
"I...need it!" Grant shouted.
Immediately, Grant felt the sword strengthen. A powerful warmth coursed through his body. The Redstone Sword began to shimmer.
With great confidence, Grant swung the sword. All that was left of the Enderman was a pile of purple dust.
"Wow," Cole breathed.
"Let's get up to the others," Grant said. "They might be in trouble."
The two of them sprinted down the passageway to the staircase. When they finally clambered up to the room where the group split up, they found a desperate Kial trying to fight off a small group of attacking zombies. Jay was collapsed on the ground. The pain from the arrow was still weakening her. There was a pool of blood around her.
Grant charged and joined Kial. With the power of the Redstone Sword, Grant demolished the attacking zombies.
"So, it's true," Kial said breathlessly, marveling the sword.
"Watch out!" Cole shouted.
There was another explosion, and everyone was flown to the ground. An army of creepers stormed into the temple.
"There's too many!" Kial shrieked.
"Cole, take the sword!" Grant yelled. He tossed his friend the sword and picked up Jay's body.
The group ran out of the room and into the next chamber. The arrow trap was still working. Arrows shot across the room. One of the arrows hit a creeper, which caused an explosion. Several others went down. But there was still too many creepers to count.
Still carrying Jay, Grant hustled the group out of the temple. A horde of zombies and skeletons were waiting for them. This is not good...
They were trapped.
"What should we do?" Kial asked. "There's no way out!"
The skeletons began loading their bows. "Which one ssshall we kill firssst?" hissed the creeper.
"How about the one with the sssshiny sssword?" hissed another.
A creeper began heading in Cole's direction. Despite having the Redstone Sword, Cole looked utterly terrified.
"Ssss..."
The creeper was preparing to explode. In desperation, Cole swung the sword. The creeper flew back into the crowd and exploded. Zombies and skeletons went down with it.
"Kill them all!" yelled a creeper.
The mobs charged. A skeleton aimed an arrow at Grant, who was defenseless. Suddenly, a figure slammed into the skeleton and knocked him to the ground.
"Lance!" Grant yelled.
Their friend was back to rescue them. Lance ran over to them. "We have to move," he said. "The village is under attack. The war has begun."
Grant nodded. Lance led the group towards an opening in the ground, cutting zombies, creepers, and skeletons down as he went. Their army was decimating. The group was able to escape the circle of mobs and break into the jungle. They crashed through the trees. Grant felt Jay stir.
"Grant?"
"Just hold on," Grant told her.
They headed through the jungle. In a matter of minutes, the gates of the village came into view, though there was not much left of it. The walls surrounding the village were burning. There was indeed a battle going on.
Out of the frying pan...and into the fire.

"Grant, you have to get Jay to a safe place," Lance instructed.
"No," Jay said weakly. "I can still fight."
"Jay--"
"I want to fight," Jay said sternly.
There was a heavy explosion nearby. Lance decided not to argue anymore. Grant set Jay on her feet. She fitted an arrow into her bow. Grant was about to pull out his golden sword when Cole put his hand on Grant's arm.
"You should have the Redstone Sword," Cole told him.
Grant nodded, and they exchanged swords. He didn't want Cole to be stuck with a stone weapon. A gold one would be much better.
"Alright, split up and kill as many mobs as you can," Lance pronounced.
Grant was the first to charge into the burning village. Weaponless villagers were scattering around, trying to avoid the mobs. Grant spotted a pair of Endermen and charged. One of them turned just in time to teleport away. But Grant was able to get to the second one.
"I need it!" Grant shouted as he leaped into the air.
The Enderman vaporized as the sword hit him. Grant turned to see the first Enderman charging his way. He beat the mob as easily as the last one.
Grant surveyed the battlefield once again. A group of spiders were attempting to break into the Central Cabin, which was boarded up. One spider was even on the roof.
Grant ran and stabbed the first spider. It squealed in agony and was vaporized. Three other spiders jumped at Grant at the same time. Grant held the Redstone Sword in front of him. Something like a shockwave appeared and knocked the spiders back, killing them on impact.
Wow...
Grant heard something running at him. He turned, but it was too late. The creeper exploded, and Grant flew into the air. He flew onto the roof of the Central Cabin. The roof shattered, and Grant fell inside the cabin.
A villager ran over to Grant. It was Sanche.
"Cedric, you're back!"
Grant groaned, and realized the Redstone Sword was not in his hands. "Where's my sword?" he panicked.
There suddenly came a loud hissing noise. Two spiders jumped inside the cabin. Grant rolled out of the way. One of the spiders came after him, while the other skittered towards Sanche. Grant scrambled to his feet and ducked behind cover. The spider came around the barricade and pounced. Grant fell to the floor, pinned by the spider.
Suddenly, a board crashed on top of the spider. The beats collapsed.
"Are you all right, my son?" the Chief asked.
Grant nodded. "We need to get out of here," Grant told him. "I lost the sword when a creeper attacked me."
There came another explosion, and four Endermen poured into the Central Cabin. Sanche had apparently killed his opponent, for he and two other Scouts charged to meet the Endermen. But as they reached the mobs, a high-pitched scream echoed from one of the Endermen. A raspy voice filled the cabin.
"Fools! You have attempted to evade my invasion by force. For that, you have paid. Your home is destroyed. All hope for Minecraftia is lost. The portal has been opened. I am coming..."
Grant felt his heart thudding in his chest. Immediately, the Endermen drew back. In fact, all of the mobs were leaving the village.
Grant exited the Central Cabin. Lance, Jay, Kial, Coal, and the animals ran over to him.
"Have any of you seen my sword?" Grant asked.
"I have it," Jay confessed.
"What?"
"I saw it fly through the sky," she told him. "It landed right next to me, and I took it."
"You should've seen it!" Cole exclaimed. "She took down six Endermen with one stroke!"
"It was nothing," Jay said, her cheeks turning red.
"Did you hear that voice?" cut in Kial.
"Yeah," said Grant. "Who was that?"
"It was the Ender Dragon," Lance whispered.
"What?!" Grant said, turning pale. "Then that means..."
"Yes," said Lance. "The Ender Dragon is coming to the Overworld."

The smell of smoke and burning landscape engulfed Minecraftia. Everywhere the group travelled, there was a sign of an attack. The jungle had been "unlivable" ever since the villagers fell. Clove Wharf had been burned to the ground. There was no sign of life anywhere.
They were at war...with the End. How could they beat the End?
It all seemed hopeless. The group trudged through the barren desert. The heat did not give them mercy. Once or twice, Grant almost passed out from exhaustion.
How can I live like this?
The sky turned dark, and they had nowhere to go. The mobs would find them for sure. Grant took the Redstone Sword out of his pocket and examined it. It seemed to have lost its shimmer, for Grant did not need it yet.
An occasional growl of a zombie, or rattling of a skeleton's bone was heard, but no mob was ever seen during the journey.
Lance was guiding them at a slow pace. It seemed like forever until they found the end of the desert. After wandering through the plains for an hour, Lance's house came into view.
Grant was relieved that he would finally have a nice, warm bed to sleep in. The group headed into the parlor.
"What are we supposed to do now?" Kial asked. "There's a war going on, and we're stuck here. We should be fighting."
"You go ahead," Cole grumbled. "No one's stopping you."
Kial gave him an angry glance.
"We shall take refuge here for some time," Lance told them, "and figure out what to do. For the mean time, get some sleep."
Grant was happy to accommodate. He began heading down the hall. "Grant?" Lance called. "Could you come back here for a minute?"
It must be important.
Grant slinked back into the parlor and sat down on the sofa. "I sense that things are not right," Lance said in a hushed tone.
"What do you mean?" Grant asked.
"Shh!" Lance whispered. "Well, for one: the Ender Dragon has found a way to get to the Overworld. Secondly: there seems to be something troubling your friend, Cole. He's been acting rather strangely ever since you disappeared within the jungle."
"Why would you say that?" Grant said quietly.
"He's slipped out on us twice, and didn't return until a few days later," Lance explained. "Something is seriously going on."
"Should I ask him about it?" Grant asked.
Lance shook his head. "Let's leave that for a later time," Lance responded. "I just thought I should let you know. I am concerned for him."
Grant nodded. "Thanks for telling me."
"You're welcome," finished Lance. "I believe you need some sleep. Feel free to sleep in as long as you like. We've got nothing planned for tomorrow."
Grant exited the room and headed upstairs. Jay, Cole, and Kial were already in their rooms. Grant walked quietly to the end of the hall and into his room. Frost was already curled up on the floor, snoring peacefully.
Grant climbed into bed, thoughts flowing through his head. What was Cole doing when he slipped away from the group? It seems odd. Something is definitely up with him. But what?

Wind blew fiercely in Grant's face, almost knocking him off balance. He clung to the wooden ladder like a cat to a tree. The top of the obsidian pillar was almost in reach. Grant placed the next piece of the ladder in front of him and continued to climb. Two more ladders to go, Grant thought. He placed the final pieces and lifted himself onto the pillar's summit.
There was the crystal, kept safe behind iron bars. Grant revealed the Redstone Sword. He took it out of his pocket and slashed the bars, which shattered on impact. Sweat escaped from Grant's matted hair. He prepared to swing the sword at the crystal.
Suddenly, a ravenous roar cut through the air like a knife. Grant turned. The Ender Dragon was swooping towards him. Grant was about to cut the beast when the Ender Dragon sped up and caught him off guard. The right wing of the Dragon knocked him back, and Grant knew he was falling, falling off the pillar to certain death.

Grant woke up with a start. The dream seemed so real, like it was actually happening. Grant's hair was dripping with sweat, just like in the dream. He tried to control his breathing, but his heart continued to repeatedly try to break out of his chest. Grant glanced over at the clock. It was nearly ten o'clock in the morning. He really had slept in.
I might as well get up now.
Grant put on some fresh clothing and went out the door, Frost at his heels. Everyone else must have already woken up. All of the bedroom doors were opened. Grant hurried down the stairs and found everyone in the kitchen. The sun was shining immensely through the shades. Jay, Cole, and Kial were eating at a counter, while Lance was drinking from a potion bottle.
"What's that?" Grant asked.
"Awkward Potion," Lance told him.
"What's in it?" Grant asked, sitting down next to Kial.
"Just random ingredients," Lance explained. "It has no effects. Want to try some?"
"Maybe later," Grant replied.
"So, what do you want to eat?" Lance asked. "Mushroom soup? Bread?"
"Soup will be fine," Grant said.
Lance nodded and started preparing some.
"So, what are we supposed to do today?" Jay asked.
"Whatever you wish," Lance told her, "as long as you stay within sight of the house."
Lance brought over Grant's soup. He ate several spoonful's in a matter of seconds. Cole excused himself from the table and wandered over to the parlor.
Jay and Kial finished a few minutes later and joined Cole. Grant waited until they were out of sight.
"Do you still have no idea what Cole's up to?" Grant whispered.
"No," Lance said, shaking his head. "Nothing strange has happened since the jungle. We'll just have to wait and see."
Grant drained the rest of his soup down his throat and went over to the parlor. The room was empty. They must have went outside.
He opened the door and went out. Grant could see three shapes heading down the hill towards a pool of water. He followed them down. Grant found them deep in conversation.
"I know, but why would the Dragon want to come here?" Jay questioned. "It makes no sense!"
"You know what the monster can do," said Cole. "He'll probably want to destroy everything in sight. You know, so no one can oppose him."
"That's true," Jay agreed. "I still don't get it though."
Grant caught up with the group. "I don't know about you, but I need to go for a swim," Cole commented. He took off his shirt and jumped into the cool water.
"I'm going to have a look around," Kial declared.
"I'll come with you," Jay said.
The two of them trekked away from the water. Maybe I should ask Cole about what he's been doing. Grant jumped into the water after Cole, who was doing a lap across the pool.
"Hey, Grant," Cole said when he spotted him. "How come you ran off in the jungle?"
"I didn't run off," Grant said coolly. "I got lost." Cole nodded hesitantly. "Speaking of the jungle," Grant pressed, "how come you kept running off from the group?"
Cole gave him a surprised look. "Ah...what are you t--talking about?"
"Lance told me," Grant explained. "He's concerned about you."
"Tell that old man to mind his own business," Cole said cruelly.
"What is up with you?" Grant asked. "First, you fight with Kial, then you can't give an answer to a simple question, but get cruel about it instead."
"Shut up!" Cole exclaimed. "Get away from me."
With surprising force, Cole shoved Grant. Grant fell backwards under the water. Keeping his mouth shut, Grant pushed forward to the surface. Cole was gone.
Grant crawled under the water and reclaimed his shirt. He pulled it on as he sprinted across the plain. Grant could see Jay and Kial at the entrance to a swamp. He ran over.
"Jay?" he shouted. "Have you seen Cole?"
Grant suddenly realized that Jay was crying, and there was a bruise on Kial's face.
"What happened?" Grant asked.
"It was Cole," Jay said, shuddering. "He was going to run into the swamp. He said something about you...and Lance. Cole said he was going to run away!" Tears continued to pour from Jay's eyes. "Kial tried to stop him, and...Cole hit him...hard."
Kial grunted as he rubbed the bruise.
"And then, he took off," Jay finished.
Grant felt terrible. It was his fault Cole ran. If only he would've kept his mouth shut...
"Jay, I--"
Grant was cut off by an ear-splitting scream. He turned. Fear engulfed him as Endermen began to pour out of the swamp.

"RUN!"
Grant, Jay, and Kial took off across the plains towards Lance's house. They could hear the Endermen teleporting closer and closer.
"We need to get inside!" Grant exclaimed. "The Redstone Sword is in my room!"
"I'll keep them back," Kial replied. "You get the sword."
"Kial, no!" Jay shouted.
"Just go!" Kial growled.
He slid to a stop and turned to face the Endermen. Grant didn't dare look. He and Jay ran to the house. Jay threw open the front door and they ran in. Lance hurried over to them.
"What's going on?" Lance asked. "Where are Cole and Kial?"
"Cole ran away, and Endermen are attacking the house!" Jay panicked. "Kial's holding them back."
"I shall assist him," Lance proclaimed, drawing his diamond sword and dashing out of the house.
Grant and Jay hurried up the stairs. They made it to the end of the hall. Grant rushed into his room and opened the chest. All that was inside was a few pieces of meat and some wood.
"It's not here!" he exclaimed.
Jay's face went pale. "Where could it have gone?" she questioned.
Grant thought. Who could've taken the sword? Hatred began to boil inside of him as he came up with the solution.
"Cole! And I lent him my golden sword, too. Why am I so stupid?"
"We'll have to fight with what we have," she said quietly.
There came a crashing noise from the floor below. The Endermen had entered the house. "I'll grab my bow," Jay said quickly. She dashed out of the room.
What can I fight with? Groaning, Grant pulled the wood out of the chest. With it, he crafted a wooden sword. How can I kill Endermen with this? But it was his only hope.
He strolled into the hall to the sound of more crashing downstairs. Jay came out of her room with a bow and many arrows.
"Let's go," she said.
The two of them sprinted down the stairs to find two Endermen rummaging through the kitchen.
"Give us the sword, puny human!" an Enderman demanded in a cold voice.
"It's not here!" Grant yelled back.
"Then, you shall die," said the second mob.
The two Endermen lunged forward. Jay unleashed an arrow, which stuck to the first Enderman's shoulder. It squealed in agony and grabbed Jay by the throat. Grant stabbed the beats with his wooden sword. It shrieked and teleported away. The second Enderman snatched at Grant. Jay's arrow hit it square in the eye. Jay released another arrow, which hit the Enderman's chest. The mob was vaporized, all that was left was a circular object on the floor.
"What's this?" Grant asked, picking up the object.
"It's an Eye of Ender," Jay said breathlessly.
The door behind them flew open. Lance and Kial ran inside. "There are too many," Lance told them. "We have to evacuate!"
Lance led them out the back door, revealing a grassy backyard. They sprinted through the plains. Grant suddenly heard an explosion. He turned to see that the house was on fire. No...
"Where is the sword?"
"What?" Grant snapped back ahead of him.
"The Redstone Sword!" said Lance. "Where is it?"
Grant cleared his throat. "Cole must've taken it before he left."
"Well, that's not the only thing he's taken," Lance commented.
"What do you mean?" Kial questioned.
"The Book of the Ancient Craft is missing."
"What?!" Jay shrieked. "What would he need that for?"
"I have no idea," Lance said. "But we have other things to worry about. It is the Beginning of the End. I fear the Ender Dragon's army may prevail after all."
Grant gulped. We're doomed. There is no way we can kill the Ender Dragon. It is too powerful. We are all going to die.