Veil of Shadows

Chapter 11. Burning Village

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"...are we there yet?"

"NO."

"Are we-"

"Speak again and I will go insane."

If Ranger asked if they were there yet one more time, Wolf would whack her over the head with something. Probably something heavy. Blaze looked over her shoulder at Wolf and Ranger, and shook her head. She turned to Steph and said "Why don't you scout ahead?"

Steph nodded and replied "I'll be back in under thirty minutes. If I'm not...I'm late, or dead." Dave grinned and said "We'll come looking if you're not back in thirty minutes." Steph glanced at Ranger, who was still annoying Wolf.

"FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY WE ARE NOT THERE YET."

Ranger shut up. "Thank you. I'll best be off." Steph said, a note of finality in her voice. They watched as Steph spurred her horse to a gallop and vanished into the trees ahead. The other ten rode along at a canter.

Wolf glanced at the map again. "Good news! Since we've been riding at a good pace nonstop for the whole day, we've cut off a day and a half from our time. Now we have approximately four and a half days or riding left."

Halfhearted cheers came from the ten Hero Squad members. Poppy spoke up. "Should we stop here and let the horses rest?" Myst added "They're probably tired, and we'll need them tomorrow." Ranger paused a moment, then said "If I remember correctly, there should be a town just over the next hill."

Wolf checked the map and replied "Yep. We can stay at an inn there for the night. It's less than ten minutes away." Blaze's face lit up and she said "I don't know about you, but I'm going to the inn. We'll meet Steph on the way."

Dave glanced to Patch, who said "Seems like a reasonable idea." Wolf stuffed the map back into her vest and said "In that case, onward to the village!" They all urged their horses into one last effort to get past the hill.

As they rode, a high-pitched scream came from in front of them, further up the road. "That's Steph!" Ranger said, and Wolf exclaimed "Come on!" And the horses, sensing the new air of urgency, put on an extra burst of speed.

Ranger suddenly stiffened. "Something bad is going on. We need to get to that town fast." She said as her Ender Sense went off. Then, they all paused. It was impossible not to detect the strong odor of smoke wafting on the breeze.

They rounded the bend in the path, and their blood ran cold.

The village was in smoking ruins. The buildings were smoldering wreckage. There was no trace of inhabitants. "Where's Steph?" Blaze whispered. Wolf soared higher in the air, trying to find where their friend was.

"Guys...you need to see this..." Wolf slowly flew over to an unmoving figure that lay limply on the ground. They all dismounted, leaving the horses by the road and entering the town on foot, following Wolf's directions.

Ranger drew her sword, not taking any chances. Her mind was already spinning unbelievable stories as to how and why this had happened, and what had happened to Steph. Stupid overactive imagination.

A note lay on the ground beside the unmoving body of Steph. It read:

"Greetings once again, Hero Squad. I assume you are intelligent enough to know who is speaking. This is what happens to those who fight against us. You have two choices: Join us and fight for the freedom of Minecraftia...or face total and utter annihilation. Choose wisely."

"I had hoped it would not come to displays of strength, but if it is necessary...I will do anything I can to protect my people. Though the methods may be harsh, they are for the greater good. A few civilian lives are nothing compared to the difference I could make."

"I strongly suggest you join my cause. You've seen what we can do. You've seen what lengths we are willing to go to. A handful of warriors will not crush my rebellion...not this time. This is my final warning: if you try to stop us, you will die."

"As ever, Shadow."