Minecraft by Nick Eliopulos

Author:Nick Eliopulos [Eliopulos, Nick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Published: 2022-07-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Even Johnny seemed wary to walk among the trees of the dark forest. Bobbie sensed the slightest hesitation on his part, a subtle tug upon his lead as they approached the tree line, as if he were dragging his feet.

She wanted to give him a pep talk. But as the dark oak trees loomed before them and the inky blackness of tree-shrouded night opened to receive them, it was all she could do to suppress a shudder of fear.

She’d almost gotten used to the darkness of night. But the forest offered a deeper darkness, its thick canopy of leaves blocking out any hint of the moonlight.

“This is creepy,” Bobbie whispered as they entered the forest. “But…nothing to worry about, right?”

“Oh, there’s a lot to worry about,” said Ben. “Keep your eyes open—this place is probably crawling with monsters.”

The trees grew close together, so they had to walk single file instead of side-by-side. Bobbie let Ben walk in front so that she could remain between him and Johnny.

“It isn’t much farther,” Ben said, consulting the map. “We might actually make it there without any hassle.”

Bobbie knew as soon as he said it that they were doomed.

There was a twang sound, and a rush of air, and suddenly the tree next to Ben appeared to sprout a new limb.

Not a limb, Bobbie realized. An arrow.

“We’re under attack!” she yelled, and Ben told her, “Run!”

She did as he suggested, happily—but there were so many trees, and it was so dark. She made it only a few steps before Johnny’s lead became tangled, wrapped around a trunk they’d passed on opposite sides.

The fastest way to untangle him was to drop the lead. But she worried too much about getting separated in the forest. It would be too easy for him to disappear into the gloom.

But maybe that gloom would work to their advantage. Maybe they’d already evaded their attacker.

No such luck. Bobbie looked back in the direction they’d fled from. She could see movement in the gloom—a shock of white, a ghoulish face, and a bow, aimed directly at her.

Before Bobbie could react, Ben was there, stepping in front of her and batting the arrow aside with his shield.

“Wow, thanks,” said Bobbie.

“I’d say don’t mention it, but I live for the praise,” said Ben, and he ran ahead, closing the distance between him and the attacker in four quick strides. Bobbie watched to be certain he had the upper hand before she turned away and set to untangling Johnny’s lead. For his part, her brother simply stood in place, blinking.

“One skeleton down,” said Ben. “I got some more arrows from it. And look. It’s fresh!” He held a bone out to Johnny, who sniffed it with suspicion before snatching it from Ben’s grip. He sat down in the dirt and set immediately to gnawing on it.

“You know, that’s still creepy,” said Ben.

“I’m sorry,” said Bobbie. “I was no help at all.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Ben said. “You drew its fire long enough for me to get into striking distance.

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