Adventures in Otherlands: Neverland (1/3), Alice in Wonderland
The return of Alice was always expected by those who lived in Underland, so when she arrived --late, of course-- at Thackery’s tea table, no one hardly took notice.
Mally looked up from her teacup and gave Alice a half-shrug. “Ya can sit down if ya want, but all of the biscuits have been eaten.”
Tarrant rushed around the tea table to stand by Alice’s side and flashed her an apologetic smile. “I would have had Thackery bake some extra if Time would have told me when you were to arrive back in Underland.” A deep frown darkened his face; his now-orange eyes narrowed in distaste. “A most disagreeable fellow, he is.”
Alice gently lay her hand on his arm, banishing any further dark thoughts. “It’s quite alright, Tarrant. Tea is fine.”
The hatter quickly set to the task of preparing a cup of Thackery’s special brew for Underland’s Champion as Alice sat in the chair next to the head of the table. To her side, Thackery was muttering to his reflection in the teaspoon.
Alice was about to ask him if the conversation was interesting when Mally sauntered to the empty saucer that was before Alice. “Did ya do everything ya needed to do in Overland while Underland had no Champion?”
Alice’s eyes widened. Panic, one of the most detestable tea part guests, quickly invaded the lighthearted atmosphere and settled over the newcomer. Before she could ask about the welfare of the land, Tarrant quickly cut into the conversation.
“Mally,” he gently chided. He smiled reassuringly at Alice. “Everything has been fine since your departure,” he lisped. “Though we are all grateful you have returned.”
“Some more than others,” Mally wisely mused. The Hatter’s elation was impossible to ignore.
“Tell me, Alice,” Tarrant said as he handed her the teacup, careful not to send the liquid sloshing over the side, “have you come for a visit? Or, are you planning to stay a bit longer?” He punctuated his second question with a hopeful look.
She smiled widely at him. “I plan on staying here as long as Underland will have me.” There was much Muchness in her answer.
Underland breathed a sigh of relief at the understanding that its Champion hadn’t forgotten everything she had learned during her previous trip.
Tarrant clasped his hands and turned to Thackery who had finally finished his conversation. “Isn’t that wonderful news?”
“Nauw th’ queen will be havin’ her Champion back!” the hare crowed (which was a wondrous thing in and of itself considering the contentious relationships between the Aves and Leporids families).
Tarrant’s smile faltered slightly. The Champion was the hardest working member of the queen’s entourage. There would be expectations for Alice to protect the land, establish treaties with neighboring countries and be the Queen’s personal guard when she travelled from Marmoreal’s gates. Why she would hardly ever get the chance to join the mad trio for their afternoon tea!
And that was impossible to think about!
Being unlike Alice who was able to think of six impossible things before breakfast, Tarrant forced himself to think of very possible, high probable things (like finishing his cup of tea in Alice’s company). “But first,” he said, sliding into the chair next to Alice’s, “It’s time for tea.”
He barely had time to appreciate the smell of the Darjeeling when another unexpected (and unwelcome, if one was to ask for the Hatter’s opinion) voice cut through the air. “So, the Alice has returned.”
A wide smile floated above Tarrant’s hat. Alice looked up and flashed a pleased grin of her own. “I’m not too late, I hope.”
Chess came into full-view, still hovering in midair. “If you are talking about the welfare of Underland, all is how it should be. If you are speaking about certain haberdashers who are too Mad to recognize his feelings for a certain woman with much Muchness, I would say that you have arrived just on time.” He sighed dramatically. “Honestly, some days it seems as if Tar--”
“Clean cup!” the hatter suddenly announced causing Alice to jump up in surprise. “Move down!”
Her teacup which she had been holding came clattering on the saucer. The impact caused the cup to crack slightly on the bottom. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the broken cup.
“Mah cup!” Thackery shouted.
Alice pushed away from the table, leaving the damaged vessel by the biscuit crumbs. “I am so sorry, Thackery!”
The hare took no notice of her apology and grabbed the cup with trembling hands. The four of them watched silently as he examined the cup, turning it over in his hands several times.
Alice snuck a glance at Tarrant who had not turned away from Thackery’s stunned expression.
“Ye cracked mah cup!” His right eye twitched as he slowly turned towards Alice. Before she could respond, he let out a loud cackle. “It’s all cracked up like we are!”
The guests around the tea table let out a sigh of relief as he held up the cup proudly. “Do ya think it’s mad too?”
Tarrant flashed a toothy grin. “Maybe.”
“As much as I do hate to break up a delightful tea party, the White Queen has requested Alice’s presence in Marmoreal right away,” Chess announced.
The look of disappointment that passed over Tarrant’s face was impossible not to notice. Why it seemed as if Fate itself made sure Alice never stayed too long as the tea table!
“Oh! Of course,” Alice said regretfully. No one at the table missed the sorrowful glance she cast in Tarrant’s direction except for the Hatter himself. She stood up and straightened her dress. “I suppose I have made her wait a while for her Champion to return.” She faced the tea party guests. “I’m afraid I don’t remember the way to Marmoreal. Underland seems quite different when one is two inches tall.”
“I would be glad to go with you,” lisped Tarrant a tad too eagerly. Chess rolled his eyes and Mally let out a small mouse-sized groan.
“I’ll go with ya two.” Mally cast a look at Tarrant. “No need stayin’ here wonderin’ what the queen wants with ya before ya have had time for a proper drink o’ tea.”
Thackery shook his head, still clutching his now-favorite cup. “I’ll nauw be goin’. There’s tea to be drinkin’ in ma cracked cup!”
Alice turned towards Chess. “What about you?”
“It would be fun to see Tarrant tongue-tied during the trip, but I’m afraid Absolem has already demanded that I find his hookah that somehow went missing when he was in Overland watching you,” Chess replied.
“Hey!” Mally cried, putting her hand on her hip. “Didn’t I see ya usin’ it?”
“Me?” The cat was already starting to evaporate. “Why, Mally, I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Tarrant humphed indignantly and leaned close to Alice. “That slurvish cat kept it to himself the whole time the two of you were gone.”
Alice smiled widely. “Then it’s a good thing I have returned,” she whispered playfully.
“Yes,” the Hatter said as Mally scampered up his arm to sit on his ever-present top hat. “That it is.”
**********
The journey to Marmoreal took longer than the three of them expected thanks to the actions of several overly zealous Street Sweepers that kept brushing away their path. It was just past Brillig on the second day when the exhausted traveling companions stepped through the castle gates.
Baynard took in their appearance and lowered his head apologetically. “I’m sorry that we weren’t able to send the Bandersnatch to pick you up, Champion. He was charged with a most important task just before your arrival.”
Despite her weariness, Alice’s eyes widened. “Is something wrong? Is the White Queen in danger?”
“She is safe, but her tea supply is dangerously low,” Baynard replied solemnly.
Alice let out a sigh of relief while Mally and Tarrant gasped in horror. “Has she been that preoccupied to let such a travesty happen?” the Hatter asked worriedly.
The canine nodded. “Things are being stirred up by the house of diamonds; they are claiming their borders are vulnerable to attack.” He lowered his voice. “Some say they can see a pirate ship in the far distance.”
Alice, having become familiar with the immoral men on those wretched vessels, shivered. “Is the land safe?”
“For now. Come, Champion. We shouldn’t keep the queen waiting any longer.”
Tarrant gestured for Alice to take the lead as he and Mally exchanged a worried glance. They hadn’t had any outsiders from any land other than Alice for a millennium. The legend of the Lion King coming to Underland was still one of the most told stories in Underland.
They walked though the castle, gaining the attention of people and doorknobs as they past. The news that the Queen’s Champion had returned was circulating around the castle. By the time Baynard had led her to the throne room, an entourage had surrounded the four of them.
People, animals, and several doorknobs that were fortunate enough to be installed near the throne room watched Alice curiously. It was a small chess piece--a red pawn--that finally spoke.
“You’re late!” She punctuated the statement with a huff.
“It’s an Alice trait,” Mally replied, rolling her eyes. “She’s always late.”
“But worth the wait.” Tarrant’s eyebrows rose in jolliness. “Did I make a rhyme?”
“You did, Tarrant.” Mirana was standing at the now-open door with a small smile on her face. “It was a lovely rhyme. And you are quite right, waiting for our Champion has been worth it.” She glided towards Alice. “Is everything in Overland well?”
Alice looked at Tarrant and shook her head slightly. Though her recent travels had been discussed by the three of them on the way to Marmoreal, the Champion didn’t want to share the details with such a captivated audience. “It is as well as it is going to be,” she answered evasively. She straightened her shoulders. “Chess said you wanted to speak with me as quickly as possible.”
The White Queen nodded. “Please, follow me.” She waved her hand, beckoning Mally and Tarrant forward. “The two of you are welcome to join us, of course.”
The rest of the faces in the crowd fell.
Tarrant nodded and Mally scowled. “Baynard said you ain’t got no tea.”
Mirana’s hand dropped slightly. “This is true, but I do have a wheel of Drewllyd cheese to offer you.”
The mouse’s eyes lit up. “Then let’s get goin’, Tarrant! Don’t keep the queen waitin’!”
The three humans exchanged an amused grin at Mally’s new found eagerness. The White Queen ushered them in and closed the door behind them. She knelt in front of the doorknob. “Make sure no one comes in until we return.”
“My keyhole is sealed!” he assured her.
She smiled gently as she walked past the large ivory throne to the glass table. Carefully, she picked up the large brass key.
Alice looked around but saw no other doors than the one that they had just walked through. She squinted towards the floor, but saw no mouse-sized passageways. Besides, without a bottle of Pilshiver, none of them--with the exception of Mally--would be able to fit through such a tiny hole!
Her curiosity was satisfied when the White Queen pulled back a large tapestry which looked like a large map of Underland. Behind it, there was a door that was flush against the wall.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen sunlight,” the doorknob said, squinting in the bright light.
“We won’t take long,” Mirana assured him, holding up the key.
The knob stayed still long enough for the White Queen to unlock the tumblers. When she removed the key, he turned to Alice. “Put that tapestry back where it was before, would ya? That dreaded sunlight is going to make my paint start fading!”
“Well, aren’t you a vein one!” Mally huffed.
Alice smirked at Mally’s comment but nodded. “Of course,” she assured the knob.
Now that his demands were met, the knob turned slightly and the door opened. The White Queen led started leading them down the narrow hallway. Alice, true to her word, moved the tapestry to its previous position as a cluster of fireflies blew tiny pillars of fire, lighting their path.
Alice turned to Tarrant questioningly.
Having become quite proficient in hearing unspoken questions (and several other Mad voices in his head), Tarrant answered her, “We’re going to the wine cellar. It’s the only place in the castle where the walls don’t have ears.”
“It’s not much further,” the White Queen added as the path descended steeply.
Alice grasped for Tarrant’s shoulder as the grade of the slant became nearly impossible for her to navigate.
“You would think a Champion would know not to wear slippers!” grumbled Mally.
“I’m not!” insisted Alice as she stumbled forward slightly.
“Seems like they’re slippery enough to me,” muttered the mouse.
“You’ll have to forgive Mally. It’s been nearly a whole day since she’s had a proper cup of tea,” Tarrant interjected. He reached up and plucked Mally from the brim of his hat. “Isn’t that right?”
Mally crossed her arms. “I didn’t say nothin’ she didn’t need to hear.” She frowned in Alice’s direction. “I think she’s just tryin’ to get close to ya, Tarrant.”
Alice pulled her hand back quickly at the accusation. “I am not!” At Tarrant’s stricken look, she cleared her throat. “I was leaning on him for support.”
Her reply seemed to please Tarrant who smiled widely, the gap in his teeth showing itself. “And I will always be glad to support you.”
Mally rolled her eyes; Mirana smiled politely. She lifted back a large, heavy curtain at the end of the passage, revealing another secret door. The doorknob’s eyes widened at the sight of them. “Your Majesty.” He cleared his throat. “Is everything well?”
“It is now.” She placed a hand on Alice’s shoulder and the tension in the White Queen’s stance faded away. “My Champion has returned.”
Alice smiled at the knob. “A pleasure to meet you.”
The Doorknob looked less than impressed by the young woman standing in front of him. “This is the one who slew the Jabberwocky?” he asked in disbelief.
“Aye,” Tarrant rushed in, his Outlandish accent entering in the conversation. “And a great job she did too.”
The hardware gave her one final look of doubt. “If you say so.” Then he rotated to the left and spun around, causing the door to open.
The room was pure white--of course--and despite being underground, the room was illuminated with bright lights courtesy of the sunflowers planted in pots throughout the room. An intricate table with the familiar shapes of hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs was surrounded by a dozen white high-backed chairs. A throne, smaller in scale than the one they had passed, sat at the head of the table.
On the far wall of the room was a banquet table full of squimberry tarts, cheeses, and other Underlandian specialties (Though sadly it seemed as though the Bandersnatch hadn’t returned with the tea supply). Mally scampered down the length of Tarrant’s body and made her way to her promised snack.
Mirana waited until Mally had her hands--and cheeks--full of cheese before gestured to the empty seats. “Please, sit down.”
Tarrant, raised with proper Underlandian etiquette, sat in the chair without moving it, cramming his body between the arms of the chair and the edge of the table. Once he sat down, he scooted the seat back several inches from the table.
Alice looked at him curiously. “Don’t you pull the chair out before you sit in it?”
Tarrant frowned, his eyebrows pressed together. “Why of course not! Their backs are terribly ticklish! If one were to grab them from behind, they might fall over in laughter.”
Alice eyed the chair carefully before following Tarrant’s example. After a couple of soft grunts and grumbles, she lowered herself in the seat then pushed the chair back.
Mirana remained standing (It was highly doubtful she would have been able to navigate herself into and out of her throne without assistance.) and smiled sincerely at Alice. “First of all, let me welcome you back to Underland, my Champion. I assume Tarrant and Mally have filled you in on everything that has happened since your departure.”
Alice nodded. “Yes. They told me that there are now Dukes and Duchesses over the Club, Spade, Diamond and Heart realms.” She swallowed. “Tarrant also told me about what happened to the Red Queen and Stayne.”
“Oh yes,” the White Queen sighed. “Dying of boredom.” She shook her head sadly. “There is no worse kind of death to an Underlandian.”
“They got what was comin’ tae them,” Tarrant muttered, his eyes turning orange.
Alice placed her hand over his to calm him. “If I may ask, your Highness,” Alice said, steering the conversation away from such terrible topics as the Red Queen “If everything is well within the borders of Underland, why do you seem so worried?”
A small frown flittered over Mirana’s lips. “Your observation skills are noteworthy, Champion.” She took a deep breath. “There have been some...disturbing reports about a dark power growing to the west of the Outlands. If we were to come under attack, I do not think we would be prepared.” She glided across the room to stand in front of Alice. “We need to start securing treaties with nearby benevolent lands.”
“And you want me to secure them?” Alice looked slightly panicked. “If my return to London has taught me anything, it’s that I am dreadful at negotiating.” She shook her head. “Making trade agreements--or treaties--is positively awful.”
The White Queen considered her words before reaching out and touching her hair. “Perhaps it will be different now that you are no longer in Overland. I have faith in you, my Champion.”
“So do I,” Tarrant heartedly agreed.
Three expectant pairs of eyes turned to the dormouse who had cheese carefully placed on the table in front of Tarrant. She eyed Alice for several silent seconds. “I do too,” she finally said. “Ya did slay the Jabberwock, after all.”
“And I believe Alice can do it as well.” Chess slowly appeared before them, a wide smile in place. He faced Mirana. “Can I suggest Neverland? Their chief leader is already familiar with the part of Overland where Alice is from.”
Mirana clapped her hands together. “Your suggestion is wonderful, Chess.” She reached up and scratched behind his ears. “Neverland would be a perfect place to start.”
“He’s from London?” Alice asked, dumbfounded.
Chess nodded. “Yes, though he didn’t have the misfortune of being raised in such a drab place. He was saved from that atrocity when he was but a baby.”
Alice bit her lip, still looking perplexed. “Do I have to go to this Neverland alone?”
Mirana chortled, her laugh sounding melodic. “Of course not! Anyone who wishes to travel with you is free to go.”
“I’m willing,” said Chess, surprising everyone in the room.
Tarrant shot him an annoyed look. “I thought ye donnae like politics.”
“True, but I am a cultured feline. Traveling to neighboring countries is the cat’s meow.”
Alice turned to Tarrant, hope in her eyes. “And you?”
He reached out and touched her hand briefly. “Of course.”
“If the Hatta is goin’ than I’m coin’ with ya too,” Mally declared from the tabletop.
“Excellent!” The White Queen smiled widely. She leaned towards Alice and lowered her voice. “I would ask that you mention your true purposed for traveling to no one. Mad people tend to be one thought away from becoming Paranoid.”
Alice nodded.
She straightened up. “I will have the preparations made right away. Tomorrow, you shall start your quest.”
***********************
Next Part
Mally looked up from her teacup and gave Alice a half-shrug. “Ya can sit down if ya want, but all of the biscuits have been eaten.”
Tarrant rushed around the tea table to stand by Alice’s side and flashed her an apologetic smile. “I would have had Thackery bake some extra if Time would have told me when you were to arrive back in Underland.” A deep frown darkened his face; his now-orange eyes narrowed in distaste. “A most disagreeable fellow, he is.”
Alice gently lay her hand on his arm, banishing any further dark thoughts. “It’s quite alright, Tarrant. Tea is fine.”
The hatter quickly set to the task of preparing a cup of Thackery’s special brew for Underland’s Champion as Alice sat in the chair next to the head of the table. To her side, Thackery was muttering to his reflection in the teaspoon.
Alice was about to ask him if the conversation was interesting when Mally sauntered to the empty saucer that was before Alice. “Did ya do everything ya needed to do in Overland while Underland had no Champion?”
Alice’s eyes widened. Panic, one of the most detestable tea part guests, quickly invaded the lighthearted atmosphere and settled over the newcomer. Before she could ask about the welfare of the land, Tarrant quickly cut into the conversation.
“Mally,” he gently chided. He smiled reassuringly at Alice. “Everything has been fine since your departure,” he lisped. “Though we are all grateful you have returned.”
“Some more than others,” Mally wisely mused. The Hatter’s elation was impossible to ignore.
“Tell me, Alice,” Tarrant said as he handed her the teacup, careful not to send the liquid sloshing over the side, “have you come for a visit? Or, are you planning to stay a bit longer?” He punctuated his second question with a hopeful look.
She smiled widely at him. “I plan on staying here as long as Underland will have me.” There was much Muchness in her answer.
Underland breathed a sigh of relief at the understanding that its Champion hadn’t forgotten everything she had learned during her previous trip.
Tarrant clasped his hands and turned to Thackery who had finally finished his conversation. “Isn’t that wonderful news?”
“Nauw th’ queen will be havin’ her Champion back!” the hare crowed (which was a wondrous thing in and of itself considering the contentious relationships between the Aves and Leporids families).
Tarrant’s smile faltered slightly. The Champion was the hardest working member of the queen’s entourage. There would be expectations for Alice to protect the land, establish treaties with neighboring countries and be the Queen’s personal guard when she travelled from Marmoreal’s gates. Why she would hardly ever get the chance to join the mad trio for their afternoon tea!
And that was impossible to think about!
Being unlike Alice who was able to think of six impossible things before breakfast, Tarrant forced himself to think of very possible, high probable things (like finishing his cup of tea in Alice’s company). “But first,” he said, sliding into the chair next to Alice’s, “It’s time for tea.”
He barely had time to appreciate the smell of the Darjeeling when another unexpected (and unwelcome, if one was to ask for the Hatter’s opinion) voice cut through the air. “So, the Alice has returned.”
A wide smile floated above Tarrant’s hat. Alice looked up and flashed a pleased grin of her own. “I’m not too late, I hope.”
Chess came into full-view, still hovering in midair. “If you are talking about the welfare of Underland, all is how it should be. If you are speaking about certain haberdashers who are too Mad to recognize his feelings for a certain woman with much Muchness, I would say that you have arrived just on time.” He sighed dramatically. “Honestly, some days it seems as if Tar--”
“Clean cup!” the hatter suddenly announced causing Alice to jump up in surprise. “Move down!”
Her teacup which she had been holding came clattering on the saucer. The impact caused the cup to crack slightly on the bottom. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the broken cup.
“Mah cup!” Thackery shouted.
Alice pushed away from the table, leaving the damaged vessel by the biscuit crumbs. “I am so sorry, Thackery!”
The hare took no notice of her apology and grabbed the cup with trembling hands. The four of them watched silently as he examined the cup, turning it over in his hands several times.
Alice snuck a glance at Tarrant who had not turned away from Thackery’s stunned expression.
“Ye cracked mah cup!” His right eye twitched as he slowly turned towards Alice. Before she could respond, he let out a loud cackle. “It’s all cracked up like we are!”
The guests around the tea table let out a sigh of relief as he held up the cup proudly. “Do ya think it’s mad too?”
Tarrant flashed a toothy grin. “Maybe.”
“As much as I do hate to break up a delightful tea party, the White Queen has requested Alice’s presence in Marmoreal right away,” Chess announced.
The look of disappointment that passed over Tarrant’s face was impossible not to notice. Why it seemed as if Fate itself made sure Alice never stayed too long as the tea table!
“Oh! Of course,” Alice said regretfully. No one at the table missed the sorrowful glance she cast in Tarrant’s direction except for the Hatter himself. She stood up and straightened her dress. “I suppose I have made her wait a while for her Champion to return.” She faced the tea party guests. “I’m afraid I don’t remember the way to Marmoreal. Underland seems quite different when one is two inches tall.”
“I would be glad to go with you,” lisped Tarrant a tad too eagerly. Chess rolled his eyes and Mally let out a small mouse-sized groan.
“I’ll go with ya two.” Mally cast a look at Tarrant. “No need stayin’ here wonderin’ what the queen wants with ya before ya have had time for a proper drink o’ tea.”
Thackery shook his head, still clutching his now-favorite cup. “I’ll nauw be goin’. There’s tea to be drinkin’ in ma cracked cup!”
Alice turned towards Chess. “What about you?”
“It would be fun to see Tarrant tongue-tied during the trip, but I’m afraid Absolem has already demanded that I find his hookah that somehow went missing when he was in Overland watching you,” Chess replied.
“Hey!” Mally cried, putting her hand on her hip. “Didn’t I see ya usin’ it?”
“Me?” The cat was already starting to evaporate. “Why, Mally, I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Tarrant humphed indignantly and leaned close to Alice. “That slurvish cat kept it to himself the whole time the two of you were gone.”
Alice smiled widely. “Then it’s a good thing I have returned,” she whispered playfully.
“Yes,” the Hatter said as Mally scampered up his arm to sit on his ever-present top hat. “That it is.”
**********
The journey to Marmoreal took longer than the three of them expected thanks to the actions of several overly zealous Street Sweepers that kept brushing away their path. It was just past Brillig on the second day when the exhausted traveling companions stepped through the castle gates.
Baynard took in their appearance and lowered his head apologetically. “I’m sorry that we weren’t able to send the Bandersnatch to pick you up, Champion. He was charged with a most important task just before your arrival.”
Despite her weariness, Alice’s eyes widened. “Is something wrong? Is the White Queen in danger?”
“She is safe, but her tea supply is dangerously low,” Baynard replied solemnly.
Alice let out a sigh of relief while Mally and Tarrant gasped in horror. “Has she been that preoccupied to let such a travesty happen?” the Hatter asked worriedly.
The canine nodded. “Things are being stirred up by the house of diamonds; they are claiming their borders are vulnerable to attack.” He lowered his voice. “Some say they can see a pirate ship in the far distance.”
Alice, having become familiar with the immoral men on those wretched vessels, shivered. “Is the land safe?”
“For now. Come, Champion. We shouldn’t keep the queen waiting any longer.”
Tarrant gestured for Alice to take the lead as he and Mally exchanged a worried glance. They hadn’t had any outsiders from any land other than Alice for a millennium. The legend of the Lion King coming to Underland was still one of the most told stories in Underland.
They walked though the castle, gaining the attention of people and doorknobs as they past. The news that the Queen’s Champion had returned was circulating around the castle. By the time Baynard had led her to the throne room, an entourage had surrounded the four of them.
People, animals, and several doorknobs that were fortunate enough to be installed near the throne room watched Alice curiously. It was a small chess piece--a red pawn--that finally spoke.
“You’re late!” She punctuated the statement with a huff.
“It’s an Alice trait,” Mally replied, rolling her eyes. “She’s always late.”
“But worth the wait.” Tarrant’s eyebrows rose in jolliness. “Did I make a rhyme?”
“You did, Tarrant.” Mirana was standing at the now-open door with a small smile on her face. “It was a lovely rhyme. And you are quite right, waiting for our Champion has been worth it.” She glided towards Alice. “Is everything in Overland well?”
Alice looked at Tarrant and shook her head slightly. Though her recent travels had been discussed by the three of them on the way to Marmoreal, the Champion didn’t want to share the details with such a captivated audience. “It is as well as it is going to be,” she answered evasively. She straightened her shoulders. “Chess said you wanted to speak with me as quickly as possible.”
The White Queen nodded. “Please, follow me.” She waved her hand, beckoning Mally and Tarrant forward. “The two of you are welcome to join us, of course.”
The rest of the faces in the crowd fell.
Tarrant nodded and Mally scowled. “Baynard said you ain’t got no tea.”
Mirana’s hand dropped slightly. “This is true, but I do have a wheel of Drewllyd cheese to offer you.”
The mouse’s eyes lit up. “Then let’s get goin’, Tarrant! Don’t keep the queen waitin’!”
The three humans exchanged an amused grin at Mally’s new found eagerness. The White Queen ushered them in and closed the door behind them. She knelt in front of the doorknob. “Make sure no one comes in until we return.”
“My keyhole is sealed!” he assured her.
She smiled gently as she walked past the large ivory throne to the glass table. Carefully, she picked up the large brass key.
Alice looked around but saw no other doors than the one that they had just walked through. She squinted towards the floor, but saw no mouse-sized passageways. Besides, without a bottle of Pilshiver, none of them--with the exception of Mally--would be able to fit through such a tiny hole!
Her curiosity was satisfied when the White Queen pulled back a large tapestry which looked like a large map of Underland. Behind it, there was a door that was flush against the wall.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen sunlight,” the doorknob said, squinting in the bright light.
“We won’t take long,” Mirana assured him, holding up the key.
The knob stayed still long enough for the White Queen to unlock the tumblers. When she removed the key, he turned to Alice. “Put that tapestry back where it was before, would ya? That dreaded sunlight is going to make my paint start fading!”
“Well, aren’t you a vein one!” Mally huffed.
Alice smirked at Mally’s comment but nodded. “Of course,” she assured the knob.
Now that his demands were met, the knob turned slightly and the door opened. The White Queen led started leading them down the narrow hallway. Alice, true to her word, moved the tapestry to its previous position as a cluster of fireflies blew tiny pillars of fire, lighting their path.
Alice turned to Tarrant questioningly.
Having become quite proficient in hearing unspoken questions (and several other Mad voices in his head), Tarrant answered her, “We’re going to the wine cellar. It’s the only place in the castle where the walls don’t have ears.”
“It’s not much further,” the White Queen added as the path descended steeply.
Alice grasped for Tarrant’s shoulder as the grade of the slant became nearly impossible for her to navigate.
“You would think a Champion would know not to wear slippers!” grumbled Mally.
“I’m not!” insisted Alice as she stumbled forward slightly.
“Seems like they’re slippery enough to me,” muttered the mouse.
“You’ll have to forgive Mally. It’s been nearly a whole day since she’s had a proper cup of tea,” Tarrant interjected. He reached up and plucked Mally from the brim of his hat. “Isn’t that right?”
Mally crossed her arms. “I didn’t say nothin’ she didn’t need to hear.” She frowned in Alice’s direction. “I think she’s just tryin’ to get close to ya, Tarrant.”
Alice pulled her hand back quickly at the accusation. “I am not!” At Tarrant’s stricken look, she cleared her throat. “I was leaning on him for support.”
Her reply seemed to please Tarrant who smiled widely, the gap in his teeth showing itself. “And I will always be glad to support you.”
Mally rolled her eyes; Mirana smiled politely. She lifted back a large, heavy curtain at the end of the passage, revealing another secret door. The doorknob’s eyes widened at the sight of them. “Your Majesty.” He cleared his throat. “Is everything well?”
“It is now.” She placed a hand on Alice’s shoulder and the tension in the White Queen’s stance faded away. “My Champion has returned.”
Alice smiled at the knob. “A pleasure to meet you.”
The Doorknob looked less than impressed by the young woman standing in front of him. “This is the one who slew the Jabberwocky?” he asked in disbelief.
“Aye,” Tarrant rushed in, his Outlandish accent entering in the conversation. “And a great job she did too.”
The hardware gave her one final look of doubt. “If you say so.” Then he rotated to the left and spun around, causing the door to open.
The room was pure white--of course--and despite being underground, the room was illuminated with bright lights courtesy of the sunflowers planted in pots throughout the room. An intricate table with the familiar shapes of hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs was surrounded by a dozen white high-backed chairs. A throne, smaller in scale than the one they had passed, sat at the head of the table.
On the far wall of the room was a banquet table full of squimberry tarts, cheeses, and other Underlandian specialties (Though sadly it seemed as though the Bandersnatch hadn’t returned with the tea supply). Mally scampered down the length of Tarrant’s body and made her way to her promised snack.
Mirana waited until Mally had her hands--and cheeks--full of cheese before gestured to the empty seats. “Please, sit down.”
Tarrant, raised with proper Underlandian etiquette, sat in the chair without moving it, cramming his body between the arms of the chair and the edge of the table. Once he sat down, he scooted the seat back several inches from the table.
Alice looked at him curiously. “Don’t you pull the chair out before you sit in it?”
Tarrant frowned, his eyebrows pressed together. “Why of course not! Their backs are terribly ticklish! If one were to grab them from behind, they might fall over in laughter.”
Alice eyed the chair carefully before following Tarrant’s example. After a couple of soft grunts and grumbles, she lowered herself in the seat then pushed the chair back.
Mirana remained standing (It was highly doubtful she would have been able to navigate herself into and out of her throne without assistance.) and smiled sincerely at Alice. “First of all, let me welcome you back to Underland, my Champion. I assume Tarrant and Mally have filled you in on everything that has happened since your departure.”
Alice nodded. “Yes. They told me that there are now Dukes and Duchesses over the Club, Spade, Diamond and Heart realms.” She swallowed. “Tarrant also told me about what happened to the Red Queen and Stayne.”
“Oh yes,” the White Queen sighed. “Dying of boredom.” She shook her head sadly. “There is no worse kind of death to an Underlandian.”
“They got what was comin’ tae them,” Tarrant muttered, his eyes turning orange.
Alice placed her hand over his to calm him. “If I may ask, your Highness,” Alice said, steering the conversation away from such terrible topics as the Red Queen “If everything is well within the borders of Underland, why do you seem so worried?”
A small frown flittered over Mirana’s lips. “Your observation skills are noteworthy, Champion.” She took a deep breath. “There have been some...disturbing reports about a dark power growing to the west of the Outlands. If we were to come under attack, I do not think we would be prepared.” She glided across the room to stand in front of Alice. “We need to start securing treaties with nearby benevolent lands.”
“And you want me to secure them?” Alice looked slightly panicked. “If my return to London has taught me anything, it’s that I am dreadful at negotiating.” She shook her head. “Making trade agreements--or treaties--is positively awful.”
The White Queen considered her words before reaching out and touching her hair. “Perhaps it will be different now that you are no longer in Overland. I have faith in you, my Champion.”
“So do I,” Tarrant heartedly agreed.
Three expectant pairs of eyes turned to the dormouse who had cheese carefully placed on the table in front of Tarrant. She eyed Alice for several silent seconds. “I do too,” she finally said. “Ya did slay the Jabberwock, after all.”
“And I believe Alice can do it as well.” Chess slowly appeared before them, a wide smile in place. He faced Mirana. “Can I suggest Neverland? Their chief leader is already familiar with the part of Overland where Alice is from.”
Mirana clapped her hands together. “Your suggestion is wonderful, Chess.” She reached up and scratched behind his ears. “Neverland would be a perfect place to start.”
“He’s from London?” Alice asked, dumbfounded.
Chess nodded. “Yes, though he didn’t have the misfortune of being raised in such a drab place. He was saved from that atrocity when he was but a baby.”
Alice bit her lip, still looking perplexed. “Do I have to go to this Neverland alone?”
Mirana chortled, her laugh sounding melodic. “Of course not! Anyone who wishes to travel with you is free to go.”
“I’m willing,” said Chess, surprising everyone in the room.
Tarrant shot him an annoyed look. “I thought ye donnae like politics.”
“True, but I am a cultured feline. Traveling to neighboring countries is the cat’s meow.”
Alice turned to Tarrant, hope in her eyes. “And you?”
He reached out and touched her hand briefly. “Of course.”
“If the Hatta is goin’ than I’m coin’ with ya too,” Mally declared from the tabletop.
“Excellent!” The White Queen smiled widely. She leaned towards Alice and lowered her voice. “I would ask that you mention your true purposed for traveling to no one. Mad people tend to be one thought away from becoming Paranoid.”
Alice nodded.
She straightened up. “I will have the preparations made right away. Tomorrow, you shall start your quest.”
***********************
Next Part