Author's Notes: Hello! Sorry for the delay- as I said before, this chapter was really hard to write. I appreciate all the faves, follows, and reviews that have come in. Thank you all so much! Also, I have an important note I want to pass on to readers. I have altered the names of some of the original characters that I created for this story. They were mentioned in chapter 2, but I will go back and revise those names to match the new names. I am getting ready to write the next chapter, so I hope this new chapter does not disappoint! Enjoy!
Ch. 4 At the Tower of Spades
The township surrounding the tower was small, yet overflowing with life. Faceless moved through the streets with an ease rarely seen in the other territories. Alice and Ace fell in with the bustling crowd, weaving in and out among the passersby. Alice tightened her grip on Ace's hand. I refuse to let him get lost when we're so close to the tower! Though she couldn't see it, she could hear the smile in his voice.
"Now, now, Alice! Isn't it a knight's job to lead the way?" His hand, even in its glove, offered little defense against the evening breeze.
"In most cases, I would agree. But with your sense of direction, we might never make it!" Her voice cracked on the last word.
Ugh! I'm exhausted. We've been walking around for hours and it's starting to get cold. I had better not get sick!
Suddenly, something heavy fell on Alice's shoulders. Lost in her own thoughts, she hadn't realized that Ace's hand was no longer intertwined with her own. She paused and whipped around to see whether the hapless Knight was still behind her.
"Ah, do you not want my coat?" Ace asked. Alice looked down to discover Ace's coat draped across her back. The familiar smell of spice and the wilderness wrapped itself around her. "I may not always act it, but I'm still a knight." His fingers carefully fastened the front of the coat. Alice's heart fluttered inside her chest.
"Thank you," she mumbled, ducking her face into the collar. Alice snatched his hand and began to tug him towards the tower, her feet moving furiously.
In a matter of minutes, the pair arrived at the Tower of Spades. It rose several stories high, a gleaming white beacon in the night. At the entrance stood two guards dressed in long, military-style coats. Even without any defining features, surprise was evident on their faces.
"Ace, sir, what brings you back to the tower?" one of the guards inquired.
Taking Alice by the shoulders, Ace stepped forward. "We'd like to see the bosses. Are they in?" His nonchalance was unnerving. Both men shifted about, the silence palpable. For a moment, Alice glanced up at Ace.
If Ace was just here, surely there wouldn't be a problem with his returning to the tower. Then why does it feel so uncomfortable? Did their business with Ace end on bad terms? Or are the leaders of the tower as unstable as some of the other role holders? Fear trailed an ice-cold finger down Alice's spine, racking her body with a subtle shiver. Ace drew her closer to him.
Finally, the other guard spoke up. "Please come in. I'll inform Master Griffin of your arrival," his voice tripping over his hesitation. The guards ushered the visitors into the tower. Shielding her eyes against the light, Alice looked around the room. The walls were a serene shade of blue, standing on a marble floor of black and white tiles which resembled miniature spades. Decorative white pillars ran along the long hallway as if they were holding up the sky itself.
A faint whimper echoed through the hall. Is someone... crying? Shifting her eyes from left to right, Alice spied a quaking figure tucked behind one of the columns. As she walked towards the small body, she discovered that it was a boy not much older than Dee and Dum. Kneeling down beside him, she placed an affectionate hand on the trembling boy's arm.
"What's the matter?" she cooed. The youth gave a start at the sound of her voice and peeked over his shoulder. Large, doleful brown eyes stared back at her. Looking closer, Alice noticed a sprinkling of freckles across his nose and cheeks. The curls of sandy blonde hair which poked out from beneath his tweed cap tickled her face. She could feel herself melting. He looks so sweet, like a little angel.
"F-Forgive me, Miss. I d-don't want to trouble you. I'm just a little overwhelmed. There is so much work to be done! I'm h-hopeless. I c-can't help anyone."
"It's no trouble at all. And you mustn't speak so poorly about yourself!"
"You're much too kind, Miss. Are you an outsider?" he asked after one last hiccup.
"Yes, I am. My name is Alice Liddell. Who might you be?" But before the boy could respond, a nearly forgotten voice interrupted their conversation.
"Geez, Yearling, you sure look pathetic!" Ace laughed, looming over them. The boy cringed at the Knight's remark and Alice shot him a reproachful glare. Taking a few deep breaths, the lad composed himself enough to speak.
"M-my name is T-Thomas, Thomas Y-Yearling," he stammered. Alice smiled at him, pleased to see that he hadn't taken Ace's comment too seriously. Thomas pulled his cap from his head and began turning it over in his hands. "I am the Mock Turtle."
Confusion quickly replaced the smile on Alice's face. Perched on top of the boy's head were a pair of tawny ears. Thomas rose to his feet and a short tail began to swish back and forth. Mock Turtle? He has cow ears and a cow tail!
"Yearling!" Thomas immediately cowered behind Alice, his eyes glossing over with another wave of tears. A remarkably tall gentleman came to stand just in front of them, his copper hair cropped short. "Stop sniveling this instant. We have work to attend to." The recent addition to their party wheeled around to face Ace. "And what are you doing back here, Knight? Don't tell me you've lost your way again." With a huff, he crossed his arms over his chest.
"It took some time getting back to the castle, but I made it there just fine. I'm here for her," Ace jerked his thumb towards Alice. "In case you hadn't heard, Mr. Gryphon, this is the Outsider." Realization struck both the Outsider and the Gryphon.
Despite his obvious youth, Griffin's sharp features gave him the commanding appearance of someone older. His face softened into a polite smile, however, as he extended his hand to Alice. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss. I am Lionel Griffin, I work alongside Yearling here at the tower."
Reciprocating the gesture, Alice shook Lionel's hand. "Hello, I'm Alice Liddell."
They seem friendly enough. Though I have to admit, they are pretty weird. At least they haven't pulled-out any guns or knives or swords just yet. Alice mentally recounted how easily the other residents would brandish their weapons at the drop of a hat. She began to eye Thomas' cap with suspicion.
"So what brings you to the tower, Miss Liddell?" Lionel had turned his attention to Alice.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion. All of you appear very busy." The room had slowly begun to buzz with faceless men and women hurrying about as they carried stacks of papers and discussed seemingly important matters. Alice clasped her hands in apology. "I was familiarizing myself with the area and wanted to get to know the residents. Ace helped me find the Tower of Spades so that I might meet you." Though I suppose "help" is a bit of an exaggeration. The Gryphon's lip curled as if he had heard her private joke.
"I am flattered that you took the time to visit us," Lionel bowed his head in grand style, "Master Dodgson will be pleased to meet you. He is the Head of the Tower of Spades. Yearling and I are his subordinates. Yearling is responsible for internal affairs within the territory, while I handle negotiations and business transactions with the other territories. It is up to Master Dodgson to make the final decision on all matters."
Mr. Dodgson sounds like a rather important role-holder. He must be the leader of this territory, just like Vivaldi and Blood. Hopefully his personality is a little less... volatile. Two small hands cupped her own.
"Don't worry, Miss Alice. Master Dodgson is very kind. He takes good care of everyone," Thomas had nestled himself next to Alice and smiled at her reassuringly.
"Yes, please don't fret, Miss Liddell. Master Dodgson is the most gracious gentleman I know," Lionel offered.
Slowly, and unconsciously, Alice turned her head to peer over at Ace. The entire room seemed to be held on bated breath, awaiting the Knight's approval.
"Sure, sure. Charles is a fine fellow," Ace chuckled in a low voice.
Leaving no time for further hesitation, Thomas began to lead Alice towards a gilded staircase, with Ace and Lionel following closely behind. The troupe passed through a series of spade-shaped archways and up two more flights of stairs before they finally reached the double-doors of Dodgson's office.
Ah! I'll want to make myself presentable if I am to meet the head of Spade Tower.
Alice undid the fastens of Ace's coat and shrugged out of the sleeves. Folding it over her arm, she returned the garment to its owner. "Thank you, Ace, for letting me borrow your coat," Alice spoke, bowing her head in gratitude and to hide her embarrassment.
"I must say," Lionel interjected, "I was astonished to see such consideration from you, Ace. It seems our Outsider has sparked a change in you." Flashing a smile at Alice, he disappeared behind the door. Thomas looked from Ace to Alice with unspoken curiosity and the silence which followed stretched-on for an impossibly long time. No matter how tightly Thomas squeezed her hand, Alice could not erase the feeling of unease that was brewing.
The Gryphon poked his head out from between the doors. "Master Dodgson will see you now."
A pale, slender man sat perched behind an oak desk. In spite of the imposing position Charles Dodgson held, his appearance was surprisingly modest. He was an older man- about as old as Gowland- with a mop of brown curls and wire spectacles. Gentle gray eyes gazed back at the visitors, welcoming them into the room.
"Master Dodgson, this is Miss Alice Liddell," Lionel announced with a sweep of his hand. "Yearling and I must return to our work, if you will excuse us." Dodgson gave a small nod of consent. As he latched his hand around Thomas' elbow, the Gryphon turned to Alice. "Miss Liddell, it was lovely meeting you. I look forward to seeing you again. I have no doubt you will prove to be an interesting addition to Wonderland." Casting an amused glance in Ace's direction, Lionel carted Thomas out of the room.
"Good bye, Miss Alice!" Thomas managed to call out before the double-doors closed.
Slowly, and somewhat awkwardly, Dodgson rose to his feet and crossed the room to where Alice and Ace stood. "Good evening, Miss Liddell," he spoke in a hushed tone, his voice scarcely louder than a whisper. "It is an honor making your acquaintance. I have heard much about you from Nightmare." For a moment, Dodgson quietly examined Alice. "He said you were young, but I had no idea you were so young. Alice, exactly how old are you?"
Unprepared for the sudden turn in the conversation, Alice began grasping for words. "W-well, I'm seventeen. At least, that's how old I was when I arrived in Wonderland. Time passes in such a strange way that it's impossible to tell how long I've been here. Why do you ask?" She waited for Ace to interrupt with a playful quip about her age or Mr. Dodgson's intentions, yet he remained silent. Something doesn't feel right. Ace hasn't said a single word for a while now. Is he mad? Or does Mr. Dodgson actually make him feel... nervous?
"Oh. No reason. Plain curiosity, I suppose," Dodgson smiled at the foreigner, an unnamed feeling drawing at the corners of his eyes. For a man of his standing, he seems remarkably fragile. More so than even Nightmare. And why would Nightmare bother to tell Mr. Dodgson about me? But before she could dwell on this question further, another thought struck her.
"Mr. Dodgson- er- Sir. I hope you don't mind my asking, but if I may... What is your role in Wonderland?" She was soon relieved to see Dodgson's eyes alight with humor and child-like glee.
"It is no trouble at all, my dear girl. Among the ones with duties, I am what many refer to as 'The Dodo'," the gentleman replied with great satisfaction.
Before she could contain herself, Alice burst into a fit of giggles. Try as she might to cover her mouth and prevent further humiliation, her laughter was boundless. Good lord! I've got to stop. He is the leader of Spade Tower! And I'm laughing at him! As if in answer to her prayers, a soothing hand laid itself on her back.
"So even 'Sweet Little Alice' can forget her manners," Ace teased in a voice soft as crushed velvet. "Forgive her, Mr. Dodo Bird. She's a shameless girl! Really, just the worst," his hand coming to rest on her head in mock-admonishment. Alice began rubbing her arm, averting her eyes from Mr. Dodgson. I am so ashamed! I've only just met him and yet I am behaving rudely. It was foolish of me to laugh out loud like that, but Ace doesn't need to treat me as if I'm a child! Unfortunately, her protruding bottom lip did nothing to convince anyone of her maturity.
"I am so very sorry for my behavior, Mr. Dodgson," her voice shrinking along with any shred of dignity she had left. Then a whimsical, almost otherworldly sound began to rise through the air. Daring to lift her eyes, Alice discovered that Dodgson was laughing as well. It was the thin, effervescent resonance of a man not accustomed to laughter.
"Alice, you are a charming girl," he chuckled into his hand. Leaning forward, Dodgson brought himself level with the bashful young foreigner. "You need not apologize for anything, especially your own laughter. And please, call me Charles." In spite of the light mood, Alice could only bring herself to nod. "Now, it is late and I am sure you are both tired. I'll have a room made-up for each of you." Dodgson hastily exited the room in search of a maid. It seems I really am just a child. Charles is very kind, like a father. Well, like a father should be.
Only when Ace began twirling a strand of her hair did Alice remember that he was still in the room. "Awww! How cruel you are, Alice. Neglecting me and spending all of your time talking to the Dodo." You were the one who didn't say anything! With a resigned sigh, she batted his hand away; his eyes, however, still held her. "I suppose that's to be expected. Making friends with Yearling and the Gryphon as well... You're really kind, huh." Alice's hand began to shake. Kind? I'm not being kind! He makes it sound like, like... like something else! I am doing exactly what I set out to do- acquainting myself with the area and the new role-holders.
The mounting tension was cut short upon the arrival of two smartly dressed maids. "If you'll please follow us, Sir Ace and Miss Liddell, we will take you to your rooms."
While walking down a corridor of identical doors, Alice noticed a small staircase concealed between two pillars. How strange. What would a staircase be doing there? Then again, this is Wonderland. Many things are not as they should be. The maids came to a halt in front of one of the many doors.
"This is your room, Miss," one of the maids bowed her head. "Will you be needing anything else?"
"Oh, no thank y-"
"Sir! Please don't do that in the hallway!" The other maid was frantically clutching at her face. Oh no. No, no, no, NO! Alice snapped to attention, dreading the cause of the maid's panic and knowing all too well what it was.
Ace had pitched a tent in the middle of the corridor and was busy at work trying to light a fire. "Ha ha ha! It's no worry! I am fine on my own." Oblivious to the chaos that was unfolding, he sat down in front of the fire.
"Ace! How many times have I told you? You never start a fire inside other people's homes! You shouldn't even do it in your own home!"
The knight's eyes grew wide, making him look all too innocent. "What? She said to make myself comfortable."
Alice smacked her palm to her forehead. "She meant for you to relax in your room! Not set fire to the tower!"
By this time, both maids had scurried off. So much for first impressions. The day's events started to take their toll as Alice collapsed next to Ace. "Whatever. You've already scared them off. And I'm too tired to take another step." Her eyes slowly drew to a close, her chest rising and falling to a drowsy rhythm. In her last waking moments, Alice could feel an unmistakable warmth washing over her.
Ace had drawn his arm across the girl's shoulders, pulling her closer to him. Seconds later, Alice's head rolled over to rest on his side. "Out like a candle," he breathed, brushing aside a stray lock of her honey-blonde hair. The fingers which moved gentle as a caress came to an abrupt stop. The Knight inspected his hand, balling it into a tight fist. "Sweet, naïve Alice. If you're not more careful, someone could take advantage of you. Someone like me." He cast a humorless, crooked smile at the embers of the dying fire. A single wisp of smoke rose in the air, swirling and twisting with no direction, before evaporating into nothing.