Time after Time

Chapter One: A Prophecy Revealed

Mirana frowned, looking at the man that stood in front of her throne. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice full of concern. The man nodded. He wasn't much to look at-he appeared to be about forty, with a shock of graying brown hair and wide, bushy eyebrows. In fact, he looked like anyone's uncle. But he was one of the most important members of the White Queen's Court. His position was inherited, passed down from generation to generation. He was the Keeper and Reader of that most sacred of all Underland texts-the Oraculum, which had been restored to its rightful place in the Library at Marmoreal following the Frabjous Day. Since that Day, the Oraculum had been relatively quiet, only commenting on ordinary activities. But this morning had been different.

The Keeper spoke in a soft voice. "I read it over three times to see if there had perhaps been some error. However, it appears as though everything is correct, and Underland is once more in danger."

Mirana thought for a moment, and then stood. "Take me to the Oraculum, so I may read for myself what you saw." The Keeper bowed, and escorted Mirana into the massive library.

She entered, making her way straight to the pedestal that the Oraculum rested on. She focused on it, letting the pictures flow into her head, and sighed in resignation. She turned to the Keeper, a solemn look on her face. "You were right. Now comes the most difficult part-we shall have to inform Lord and Lady Stayne of the dangers they will be facing." She went out to the hall and summoned a servant. "Go and tell Lord and Lady Stayne that I would like to see them in the Library as soon as possible." The servant bowed, and then left the palace. Mirana returned her attention to the Oraculum, and to the picture that was the cause of all her worry. It showed a woman, sword in hand, facing a creature that seemed to shift and change in appearance. Standing behind the woman was a man bound in chains that seemed to be cutting into his flesh. Mirana sighed deeply. 'I can only hope that they are strong enough.'

She turned at the sound of footsteps, smiling slightly as Alannah and Stayne entered the Library. Alannah curtseyed. "You sent for us, Mirana?"

Mirana sighed, and gestured them forward. "I did. I have something that I need to show the both of you. As you know, the Oraculum has not predicted anything of great import to Underland since it predicted the Frabjous Day." At their nods, she continued. "However, this morning, the Keeper noticed something that he felt needed to be brought to my attention, and I am now bringing it to yours."

She pointed at the scroll. Alannah and Stayne, their curiosity piqued, came forward and looked at where she pointed. Alannah went pale, recognizing not only herself in the picture, but also the creature she was facing. "That…..that…." she couldn't finish, and pressed herself against Stayne, trembling in terror. He read the pictures, frowning at the man in chains. "Majesty, is that me?"

Mirana nodded. "Yes, and that means you will not be able to help Alannah in the final battle against that creature. However, she will need you. If that creature is what I dread to believe it is, then Underland could be facing a greater danger than it has ever faced before."

Alannah gulped. "Why me? Alice is the Champion! She slew the Jabberwock! Why doesn't the Oraculum name her? Why is it me?"

Mirana sighed. "I don't know. But you cannot go against the Oraculum. You know that. And, unless I'm mistaken, you know what that creature is."

Alannah's eyes widened in fear. "Majesty, please. I have young children! I am not a warrior. I'm a Healer. I cannot do this!" she sobbed. "Please, don't ask me to face that monster!" She gave a strangled sob, pressing herself against Stayne. "I can't…"

Stayne wrapped his arms around her, looking over at Mirana. "There must be another way, Mirana."

Mirana shook her head. "There isn't. Alannah, you must do this. If you do not, then Underland itself will vanish-along with your children."

Alannah trembled. "I have no choice! Oh Time!" She walked over to the Oraculum and looked again at the picture. She shut her eyes, and spoke in her dark brogue.

"He softly and silently vanished away/for the Snark was a Boojum, you see."

Stayne looked up, startled. "I thought the Boojum was a myth! My father used to tell me stories about it."

Alannah shook her head. "No, it's very much a reality. Of course, no one knows what it looks like, as it has the ability to take whatever form it pleases. There have been stories of people being deceived and then killed by the Boojum. It would take the form of someone they loved, then lure them into a trap and kill them. You remember that expedition to Snark Island years ago?" Stayne nodded. "Well, one of the men encountered a Boojum, and to this day no one knows what became of him. My father was acquainted with the Captain of that expedition, and he learned quite a bit about the Boojum from him. He told me about it in turn. Of course, this was before he decided that married life didn't suit him."

Stayne frowned. "You say it can take the shape of anything or anyone? Then how do you tell who is the real person and who is the Boojum?"

Alannah smiled. "The one thing it cannot change is the color of its eyes. They are always bright yellow. That is how you know."

She turned to Mirana. "Majesty, I am more terrified than I have ever been in my life. I know that I could very well be walking to my death if I undertake this quest. I wish with all my heart that I could refuse. However, I know I cannot. Therefore, I accept the challenge. If I can, I will try and rid Underland of the danger that threatens it."

Mirana came forward and hugged her. Stayne spoke up. "I am going with her. Even if I cannot help fight the Boojum, I am not about to let the woman I love go on this journey without me, and I will harm anyone who tries to stop me."

Mirana smiled, and then looked into Alannah's eyes. "I will watch after Katarina and Michael. They will be safe with me until your return."

Alannah took a shuddering breath. "Thank you. Ilosivic, we had better go prepare ourselves." She curtseyed to Mirana, and they left the Library, heading for the Armory.

When they arrived, Alannah swayed, sobbing. "Ilosivic, I cannot do this! I…."

Stayne came forward and wrapped his arms around her. "Alannah, I will be with you every step of the way. I wish too that you were not the one named in the Oraculum, but think of the consequences if you do not. Underland itself will vanish, and all will be lost."

Alannah shuddered, and then took a deep breath. "You're right." She walked over to the far wall, pulled a sword from its' hanging, and strapped it to her side. "What are we waiting for?"

Stayne smiled, and they left the Armory to begin their Quest.