Dad
You did?? The same way?
Eddie
Kind of. While I distracted him, Norville blasted him.
Eddie
Mankill looked shocked that Norville was there.
Dad
There’s probably some code in the characters that expects Norville to be dead.
Dad
You just threw everything in the game into a tailspin.
Dad
From now on nothing is guaranteed.
Dad
Everything that I knew about the game doesn’t matter anymore. It’s all changed.
Eddie
We’re in the castle staircase. Right before the top floor where we see the Leader.
Dad
The Leader should be there at any moment.
Eddie
So you don’t know how to defeat the Leader?
Dad
No. But there’s got to be a way. Every video game has a way for the main character to win.
Dad
Even if it’s some tiny thing.
Dad
All you have to do is find it.
Dad
Did you take Mankill’s amulet this time?
Dad
Good. So what are you going to do now?
Eddie
I’m following Norville. We’re going up to the top.
Eddie
I know what you’re going to say. Be careful.
Dad
Yes, be careful. I hope the same way works to defeat him now.
Eddie
I told Norville that the Leader is only expecting to see me. I’m going to take the front.
Dad
What? NO! As long as Norville is there, let him do it!
Dad
He’s much more experienced than you.
Eddie
No, Dad. This is my fight.
Eddie
And the Leader won’t be expecting Norville. We’ll have the element of surprise.
Eddie
But the game probably won’t even let him win alone. It has to be me at the end.
Dad
Everything in the game has changed! Who knows what it will do? Let him try!
Eddie
If you were here, you’d take the lead.
Dad
No, I wouldn’t! I’d let him go!
Dad
I hate that I’m not there. Either to help you, or to ground you for not listening!!
Eddie
Don’t worry. I’ll be back
Dad
Eddie? What’s going on?
Dad
Okay, Eddie, I’m starting to worry. Are you there?
Dad
Eddie! Please answer!
Eddie
The Leader and Norville. I used Mankill’s amulet as a shield.
Eddie
I started to get close, but then Norville came out and blasted the Leader.
Eddie
Knocked him off his feet.
Eddie
Then the Leader turned his attention from me and is fighting Norville.
Eddie
I think the Leader is winning!
Dad
So what are you doing?
Eddie
I froze. I don’t know WHAT to do!
Eddie
I’m still at the top of the castle. When the Leader went to Norville, I ran and hid. I’m not invisible or anything.
Dad
No, you wouldn’t be. All the power is gone and you were supposed to beat the Leader once and for all by yourself, using all the strength from your journey.
Eddie
Oh great. I can’t do it. The Leader is powerful and Norville is struggling.
Eddie
The Leader is talking to him. Telling Norville that he’s going to kill him.
Eddie
And then catch me. And then get you back.
Eddie
Yes. He seems to know all about you.
Dad
Eddie, you have to attack now!
Eddie
Dad, I can’t. I’m scared.
Dad
I know you are, but while all his attention is on Norville, this is your chance.
Dad
He’s probably weakened from Norville’s blast. THIS is your opportunity!!
Dad
Do you still have Mankill’s amulet?
Dad
Okay, I want you run straight at him. Hold the amulet up as a shield.
Dad
Attack! I mean it! ATTACK!
Dad
Yes! Between you and Norville, the Leader can’t focus on both. The two of you can defeat him together.
Dad
Use the amulet and charge him. Get the axe ready for when you’re close.
Dad
Eddie, the staff he’s using for magic only works if it’s in one piece. You know what to do with the axe.
Dad
Take a deep breath and do this!
Eddie
Okay, I’m going now.
Dad
What is? What happened??
Eddie
We beat the Leader!! Norville and I beat the Leader!!
Dad
OMG Eddie!! Tell me everything!
Eddie
Just like you said! Norville and I worked together.
Eddie
Norville blasted him while I got close.
Eddie
I chopped the staff in half.
Eddie
The second I did that, Norville’s staff took all the Leader’s powers.
Eddie
After that, it was easy to beat him.
Eddie
Well, not easy, but easier.
Dad
That’s amazing! Eddie, I’m soooo proud of you!!
Eddie
Norville is taking over the game!!
Eddie
He’s taking over and he’s going to be in charge.
Dad
Norville is going to be in charge of all the orcs and trolls?
Dad
Norville is turning bad?
Eddie
NO! That’s not what I meant.
Eddie
He’s going to be in charge, but he’s changing the game.
Dad
I don’t understand. What do you mean?
Dad
If he’s working with trolls and orcs and mercenaries, then it’s going to change him.
Eddie
No. He’s changing the game. It’s going to be a fun game for kids from now on.
Eddie
The player is going to have to learn about getting along and trading and building with diverse species.
Eddie
It’ll be for younger kids. Everyone will work together.
Dad
I don’t believe it. Wow! And the old Leader?
Eddie
Well, he’s going to spend some time in the dungeon. LOL.
Eddie
And then Norville will decide if he’s going be a part of the game or not. It all depends on the Leader’s attitude. 😊
Eddie
There’s more. Norville is shutting down the gateway to you.
Eddie
He’s changing everything about the game, so there’s no memory of you ever playing it.
Eddie
He doesn’t want anyone to ever bother you. Us. Ever again.
Dad
Eddie, I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am. You did amazing. I knew you could.
Dad
So, what happens now?
Eddie
Norville just hugged me and gave me the Leader’s amulet.
Dad
He did? Does that mean what I think it means?
Eddie
Yeah. It means, I’m coming home.
Dad
That’s the best news I’ve ever heard.
Dad
Can you thank Norville for me?
Eddie
You can thank him yourself.
Eddie
Before he takes full leadership of the game, Norville said he wants to see his old friend.
Dad
What? Are you saying what I think you are?
Eddie
Yeah, Dad. Expect two for dinner.
Dad
I’m stunned, I can’t believe it.
Eddie
And he says to remind you that wizards have huge appetites.
Eddie
We’ll see you soon, Dad.
