The End Of MINECRAFT (Being the Final Volume Of the Minecraft Trilogy)

Decisions, Decisions

"It looks like we're faced with quite a few decisions here," Steve opened. Immediately, he regretted that choice of words. It wasn't inaccurate, just merely the understatement of the century.

Jack snorted, "Well, that's the understatement of the century." Steve sighed. At least they were in agreement.

There were probably twenty people that sat around a table in one of the meeting rooms within Stremfort's great hall. Steve recognized many of them. Several of his warrior friends were there, including Jack, Lucas, Artie, and Amos. Steve's newfound ally Alex was present as well. Jameson, Westlodge's leader, was one of many village elders there. Theos, the old magician who had proved a worthy ally, was there.

They were gathered around a large table in the chamber that had been converted into a war room in past few months of the battle against Herobrine. Charts and maps lined the walls, with data concerning the war effort adorning most of them. Some bookshelves had been constructed, with Theos lending many books about challenges they faced. One large map covered the table, major bases, troops, and resources for both sides represented by 3-D models covering it. Also on the table right now was one of those thick books of Theos's.

This particular thick book was open to two very old pages, in which several aspects of endermen were discussed. Steve glanced over to those pages before continuing.

"We now have a crucial opportunity to strike at the Ender Dragon," began Steve again. "We've found strong evidence that this mythical beast is fueling war against our people for who knows how long. Now, with both an ender pearl and a heat rod in our possession, we have the capabilities to create an eye of ender."

Theos nodded. "Yes, you are correct, Master Steve. According to the ancient texts, the Ender pearls are endowed with a strong magic that, when exposed to the intense heat of such a pigman weapon, will reveal a map to the nearest End Portal. Also, it is believed that the pearl's teleporting abilities can be used as a compass."

"And are these ancient texts to be believed, Master Theos?" questioned Laos, the head elder of Stremfort. "Is this information reliable? Or are we not merely fools chasing superstition while our enemies conspire to destroy us?"

"Master Laos," cut in Steve. "A year ago, we could have asked these questions. Now, though, we have been living in times like those described by your old texts. We've fought Herobrine, we've seen creatures thought long extinct-- heck, I just happened to go to the Nether! After all this, I'll take reports of the Dragon's movements a bit more serious.

"However, as Magistrate Laos pointed out, we must decide if we want to risk leaving ourselves exposed at such a crucial time. Herobrine has assembled an army, and it seems he won't rest until he has wiped out civilization as we know it. According to our spies, he has sent out a pronged attack, and his largest force seems to be heading straight for us. Stremfort is easily one of the most important cities of the west, strategically as well as culturally.

"If we deplete our forces waging war on the End, Herobrine is given the chance to waltz in and obliterate our cities and villages. Stremfort is not alone. He'll start with the largest villages, sure but once they're gone, he'll go smaller. He won't rest until he's 'purified' Minecraft. Though I feel it important to stop the Ender Dragon, I am afraid now is just not the time."

"I'll say," agreed Laos. "I have no interest in making invasion easier for our foes. Some cities already under siege. I don't expect the same fate." Steve nodded grimly.

"Unless," came another voice, this one belonging to Jameson, who had not spoken yet this whole meeting.

"Unless..." echoed many.