Chapter 4 – Her Name is Alice
When I felt myself become aware of my surroundings, I noticed that I heard nothing. Just the wind rattling a few leaves, but no birds or animals or voices. I opened my eyes to find myself on the floor of a dead forest, everything dull and gray and lifeless. I stood, pushing myself up from the pile of dead leaves. I noticed that the trees had given way, and seemed to form a path. It was rocky, but I didn't have any other option. I began to follow it, taking care to not trip and hurt myself.
After a few hours of walking, I began to grow tired. Suddenly, I could smell smoke, and I noticed a line of it rising over the trees. It seemed to be close, so I began to run for it. Pushing through dead bushes and brambles, I came upon a camp, the smoke rising from a roaring fire. I looked around, but saw no one. Shrugging it off, I sat close to the fire and warmed my hands. As I started to warm up, I began to contemplate how I would figure out where I was. Not long after I began to think this, I heard shouting coming from nearby. It sounded like a bickering couple, and their voices were getting closer. I hoped that these people were the owners of this campsite, and maybe could help me.
As the two made their way into the clearing, I was able to observe them before they noticed me. The woman was short, with long and red wavy hair, wearing a very worn gown, which I guessed looked much better at one time. She also seemed to have a fat head, which didn't really suit her body. The man on the other hand, had long black hair, and was very tall. His clothes were dark, but also showed much sign of wear. He was also very unshaven. They were yelling at each other quite loudly, but it struck me as odd that they walked in unison and very close together.
"Um, excuse me?" I said meekly, feeling rude for interrupting their conversation, and even more so for listening.
"What?" They both shouted, looking at me.
I looked between the two angry faces, afraid to say anything.
"Well, speak up, girl! We haven't all day!" the woman said fiercely.
"Well, it's just... I was wondering if you could tell me where I am... I've lost my way you see..."
"Your way? Ha! Around here everything is MY WAY!" she shrieked at me.
"Oh, shut up, will you?" You aren't queen anymore! The only thing you're queen of is the dirt you sit on!" the man mocked.
I was so confused, I didn't know what to say. I turned away from them to head back the way I was going, when the woman stopped me.
"Wait," she said. "I know you. Where have I seen you before?"
I turned back toward them.
"I'm not sure, ma'am. I've no idea where I am, and I've never seen this place before. Perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else?" I said.
"No," said the man with a smirk. "You are very familiar. Those eyes, that style of dress... I believe I know you as well."
"Well, then, who is she?" the woman asked.
The man began to walk towards me, her following closely. Only then did I notice that they were handcuffed together.
"She's been here before. She made a big mess of things, made life difficult for many people." he continued.
"Oh, no! I'm sure that wasn't me!" I said. "I've never intentionally made anyone's life hard!"
"Oh, but you have, my dear. Irasibeth, you must have a good eye. You do know this girl." he said, and grabbed the back of my head. Yanking out my hairclip, he said, "Her name is Alice."