It was early morning. The sun was barely above the horizon and the sky just starting to lighten and the stars finally fading away, losing their nightly twinkle.
Hatter climbed from his side of the bed, pulling the covers back over his sister. It was starting to get chilly at night with fall approaching, so to keep warm they slept together. He knew they would have to leave Charlie's camp soon and go to stay with Jack at the casino for the winter. More than likely it would have to be today. Hatter went to the "bathroom" and relieved his bladder.
Just as he was about to climb back into bed, he saw Jack come into the camp area with a few Suits following him. Coming over to the Royal he made a shushing motion. "Rabbit's still asleep. Glad you came, 'cause I was gonna contact you about our winter stay."
"David Hatter, you and the child will have to come with us," one of the Suits said.
David looked at Jack, "What's going on?"
The Suit grabbed Hatter by the arm. "Let's go."
"Get your hands off of me," he said, his voice slightly raised and his teeth clenched. The noise made his sister stir in her sleep.
"Get the girl," Jack told another one of the Suits. Breaking out of the Club's grip, David said to Jack, "Let me get her." Jack looked at Hatter and replied. "Very well. Pack only what is required. The Palace will supply the rest. Then wake her and get her on the Scarab. She can sleep on the way."
Moving around camp, he stuffed a few of his things, as well as hers into a knapsack. Putting on a thick jacket he sat down on the edge of the bed. Then he rubbed her back and gently shook her awake. "Hey Rabbit," he whispered. "Time to get up little one." She whimpered a bit before snuggling deeper into the covers. He picked her up blankets and all before carrying her onto the Scarab.
