Chapter 5: A royal appointment.
Alice fell out of the portal with a thud onto the smartly polished floor which seemed to be made up of lots of squares. She remembered suddenly that this was the chessmen's realm and judging by the colours, she had landed in the white section. She had little time to admire the huge and majestic castle in front of her when a pair of over zealous rooks brandished their polarms and pointed them in her direction. "That's the trouble with rooks," thought Alice. "No courtesy! And too disciplined for my liking" She began to speak, slightly embarrassed as she was sitting in a heap on the floor.
"Don't you remember me gentlemen? It's me Alice!"
"Alice who?" snapped the guard aggressively. Rooks also had little short term memory.
"Just Alice! I managed to get you another queen when when the red forces executed yours? Then I was kidnapped by the hatter?" A thought arose. If these people (or pieces) were quick to act aggressively she wondered what condition the hatter would be in. Insanity was common for him but to be homicidal was not.
The pieces looked at each other as if trying to remember when it came to them. Thy had escorted her to the red lands and helped her fight off some of the invaders. The guards shouldered their weapons and saluted placing their free hands over the ramparts of their head (they were castles after all).
"Hail Alice," they chanted in unison "savour of the white kingdom and appointed custodian of the royal monarchy." They lowered their hands and snapped to attention. Alice was slightly overwhelmed.
"Er.. Thanks guys!" She said unsure of how to react, these were after all the praetorian guard of the chessboard. "Could you help me find the Queen and King, please I have some business with them."
One of the rooks glided forward, they had no feet after all. "Please follow me, Ma'am"
"No need for the ma'am soldier, just Alice will do for now"
"That would be un-proper addressing ma'am." And glided off in the direction of the castle. Alice simply shrugged her shoulders and followed him.
Chessland had changed greatly since the passing of the Red Queen. The sky was no longer the colour of the white and black floor, It had regressed to the majesty of the blue and white clouds with the sun beaming on high illuminating all the piece soldiers below it. In this land, there were no civilians or citizens. All pieces were of the military and duty bound to protect the saftey of the monarchy and the realm. The game was never ending with both White and Red in a state of perpetual turmoil until either side mustered enough troops to mount an attack (or in the case of the white, stage a defence since they always moved first). The interior of the palace however had stayed the same. Brick walls festooned with artistry and tapestries. It amused Alice to see that there were several pictures of her on several walls and even the Cheshire cat had his picture in their halls of the noble. He didn't appreciate this however as he felt like he could be anchored in this place forever and always liked to be on the move. Alice felt this was his feline pride being ridiculous, or it was more likely arrogance.
Around several winding staircases they walked , through courtyards which had pieces of different ranks drilling in tandem until they spotted her. Then a loud knight always orders his pawns,
"COMPANY, ATTENTION!"
She waved in gratitude, order to stand easy was given and the resumed their combat drills. Always the pieces were expecting an attack (or getting ready for one). Finally after an apparent eternity of walking, they arrived at the inner keep. Several knights and scores of pawns were on patrol around this building as this was obviously where the monarchy controlled their empire and it's appearance suggested so. A huge keep it was. Fortified against every possible attack with regiments of soldiers constantly on patrol in case they missed anything out. The rook turned and snapped to attention once more.
"Please wait here and I will announce your presence ma'am" bellowed the rook
"Carry on!" Ordered Alice, failing to hide a giggle.
The rook was not impressed but did as he was told. Alice was not fond of harsh discipline and too many rules but it was not a question here. She signalled a nearby rook who leaped towards her in total enthusiasm and rigidly stood in front of her.
"Hello there." She said calmly.
"Good morning ma'am!" replied the pawn. Her voice was slightly squeaky than all other pieces but if she performed well she would be considered being promoted to the rank of "Queen of the guard" if needed be. "You seem to be excreting more than usual here. Why is that?"
The pawn paused hesitantly as if this was not her place to answer. A convincing look from Alice changes her mind.
"Recent events have persuaded us to upgrade tactics, Ma'am."
"Recent events?"
"The card guards are In a state of civil war since the loss of their queen and we are taking precautions should it venture into our domain."
Alice nodded "A very wise course of action, anything else"
"Only the perpetual threat from the evil red empire!"
"I see." Her voice became disgruntled. "As you were. Soldier"
"Yes ma'am." She shouted and bounded off in the direction of the parade grounds. A loud voice behind her made her jump.
"The Royal Presence will see you now Ma'am!" shouted the rook.
"Thank you!" and she stepped through the enormous gates
"Alice!" came an over enthusiastic little voice. The white king was charging towards her and proceeded to shake her hand to the point she thought it would fall off. "Nice to see you again your majesty. But what is this about "appointed custodian"?"
"It's a title that was granted to you after you helped us with the red forces. I would have given it to you personally but…."
"But the hatter appeared." Interrupted the White queen. An elegantly dressed woman adorned with purple jewellery. "What brings you back here, Alice" she enquired.
"I would like to ask a few questions to one of your bishops if you don't mind."
"Ah I see!" the queen said surprised. "On which subject, they are all quite knowledgeable you know!"
"A tribute to your education your highness." Alice knew inflating a monarch with pride was a sensible thing to do. "I wish to speak to them about the religion of wonderland"
The mood drastically changed in the keep. The King and Queen seemed insulted and the royal guards nearby were almost in shock. "We do not subscribe to that inferior religion!" snapped the queen very hostile. "Our military code is far superior to any theology."
"say something nice, say something nice" Alice mind insisted
"Of course it is your highness." She insisted quickly.
A large exhale was heard from some of the guards and the monarchs relaxed as well.
"I apologise dear Alice. You may find one of the bishops is the holy barrack. One of the pawns will escort you." She snapped her fingers calling for an escort.
"Thank you your highnesses." Alice curtseyed and lowered her head in respect.
A single pawn tottered forward and stood firm to attention. "Please follow me ma'am" she spoke.
She tottered off in the direction of a door near the back of the thrown room with a black and white coat of arms covered in what looked like a bishops stand. They both entered the majestic door into a large chamber illuminated by light pouring through stained glass marked with different chess pieces. Several pieces were standing before a bishop who was halfway through giving a sermon. Alice thought it would be prudent if they remained silent until he had finished.
His sermon continued:
"May the strength of purity bring added fortitude to our loyal troops in the field,
and also may the divine presence protect and keep our beloved King and Queen from harm.
Now go forth and serve your kingdom with loyalty, devotion compassion and honour. In the name of our kingdom. Serve well"
"We serve our kingdom and protect our King and Queen!" The congregation of pieces echoed.
"Go with honour" the bishop chanted.
The pieces saluted and proceeded out of the holy barrack back to the courtyard to commence with their training. Alice felt now would be the time to speak. She dismissed the pawn who hopped off following the precession into the courtyard. She approached the bishop in the sanctuary who was preparing for the next service. "Bishop," she began and knelt down "I am Alice and I seek your council."
"Yes my child, how may I help you?" He enquired in an enlightened and gentle voice
"I wish to know about the religion of wonderland." She replied.
He immediately clenched his fist and slammed it onto his chest as if a normal priest was crossing himself with shock. "My child, are you sure? It reveals a great evil."
"I'm sure!" Alice said with definate conviction as if nothing could change her mind.
"Very well then." I shall begin.
He ushered her to one of the pews and sat her down like someone who was about to inform someone of a death would and collected himself to tell the story. He didn't start.
Suddenly and without warning there was an explosion which sent the stained glass shattering down into the barrack. Alice instinctively leapt up and unsheathed her knife readying herself for combat in one swift notion. The priest had been knocked unconscious by a piece of supporting timber which had broken away from the window frame and he lay motionless on the floor but still breathing.
"What the hell is going out there!" she screamed to anyone who would hear her.
A knight yelled from outside. "The Red M'lady, the red are attacking the castle!"
Alice fell out of the portal with a thud onto the smartly polished floor which seemed to be made up of lots of squares. She remembered suddenly that this was the chessmen's realm and judging by the colours, she had landed in the white section. She had little time to admire the huge and majestic castle in front of her when a pair of over zealous rooks brandished their polarms and pointed them in her direction. "That's the trouble with rooks," thought Alice. "No courtesy! And too disciplined for my liking" She began to speak, slightly embarrassed as she was sitting in a heap on the floor.
"Don't you remember me gentlemen? It's me Alice!"
"Alice who?" snapped the guard aggressively. Rooks also had little short term memory.
"Just Alice! I managed to get you another queen when when the red forces executed yours? Then I was kidnapped by the hatter?" A thought arose. If these people (or pieces) were quick to act aggressively she wondered what condition the hatter would be in. Insanity was common for him but to be homicidal was not.
The pieces looked at each other as if trying to remember when it came to them. Thy had escorted her to the red lands and helped her fight off some of the invaders. The guards shouldered their weapons and saluted placing their free hands over the ramparts of their head (they were castles after all).
"Hail Alice," they chanted in unison "savour of the white kingdom and appointed custodian of the royal monarchy." They lowered their hands and snapped to attention. Alice was slightly overwhelmed.
"Er.. Thanks guys!" She said unsure of how to react, these were after all the praetorian guard of the chessboard. "Could you help me find the Queen and King, please I have some business with them."
One of the rooks glided forward, they had no feet after all. "Please follow me, Ma'am"
"No need for the ma'am soldier, just Alice will do for now"
"That would be un-proper addressing ma'am." And glided off in the direction of the castle. Alice simply shrugged her shoulders and followed him.
Chessland had changed greatly since the passing of the Red Queen. The sky was no longer the colour of the white and black floor, It had regressed to the majesty of the blue and white clouds with the sun beaming on high illuminating all the piece soldiers below it. In this land, there were no civilians or citizens. All pieces were of the military and duty bound to protect the saftey of the monarchy and the realm. The game was never ending with both White and Red in a state of perpetual turmoil until either side mustered enough troops to mount an attack (or in the case of the white, stage a defence since they always moved first). The interior of the palace however had stayed the same. Brick walls festooned with artistry and tapestries. It amused Alice to see that there were several pictures of her on several walls and even the Cheshire cat had his picture in their halls of the noble. He didn't appreciate this however as he felt like he could be anchored in this place forever and always liked to be on the move. Alice felt this was his feline pride being ridiculous, or it was more likely arrogance.
Around several winding staircases they walked , through courtyards which had pieces of different ranks drilling in tandem until they spotted her. Then a loud knight always orders his pawns,
"COMPANY, ATTENTION!"
She waved in gratitude, order to stand easy was given and the resumed their combat drills. Always the pieces were expecting an attack (or getting ready for one). Finally after an apparent eternity of walking, they arrived at the inner keep. Several knights and scores of pawns were on patrol around this building as this was obviously where the monarchy controlled their empire and it's appearance suggested so. A huge keep it was. Fortified against every possible attack with regiments of soldiers constantly on patrol in case they missed anything out. The rook turned and snapped to attention once more.
"Please wait here and I will announce your presence ma'am" bellowed the rook
"Carry on!" Ordered Alice, failing to hide a giggle.
The rook was not impressed but did as he was told. Alice was not fond of harsh discipline and too many rules but it was not a question here. She signalled a nearby rook who leaped towards her in total enthusiasm and rigidly stood in front of her.
"Hello there." She said calmly.
"Good morning ma'am!" replied the pawn. Her voice was slightly squeaky than all other pieces but if she performed well she would be considered being promoted to the rank of "Queen of the guard" if needed be. "You seem to be excreting more than usual here. Why is that?"
The pawn paused hesitantly as if this was not her place to answer. A convincing look from Alice changes her mind.
"Recent events have persuaded us to upgrade tactics, Ma'am."
"Recent events?"
"The card guards are In a state of civil war since the loss of their queen and we are taking precautions should it venture into our domain."
Alice nodded "A very wise course of action, anything else"
"Only the perpetual threat from the evil red empire!"
"I see." Her voice became disgruntled. "As you were. Soldier"
"Yes ma'am." She shouted and bounded off in the direction of the parade grounds. A loud voice behind her made her jump.
"The Royal Presence will see you now Ma'am!" shouted the rook.
"Thank you!" and she stepped through the enormous gates
"Alice!" came an over enthusiastic little voice. The white king was charging towards her and proceeded to shake her hand to the point she thought it would fall off. "Nice to see you again your majesty. But what is this about "appointed custodian"?"
"It's a title that was granted to you after you helped us with the red forces. I would have given it to you personally but…."
"But the hatter appeared." Interrupted the White queen. An elegantly dressed woman adorned with purple jewellery. "What brings you back here, Alice" she enquired.
"I would like to ask a few questions to one of your bishops if you don't mind."
"Ah I see!" the queen said surprised. "On which subject, they are all quite knowledgeable you know!"
"A tribute to your education your highness." Alice knew inflating a monarch with pride was a sensible thing to do. "I wish to speak to them about the religion of wonderland"
The mood drastically changed in the keep. The King and Queen seemed insulted and the royal guards nearby were almost in shock. "We do not subscribe to that inferior religion!" snapped the queen very hostile. "Our military code is far superior to any theology."
"say something nice, say something nice" Alice mind insisted
"Of course it is your highness." She insisted quickly.
A large exhale was heard from some of the guards and the monarchs relaxed as well.
"I apologise dear Alice. You may find one of the bishops is the holy barrack. One of the pawns will escort you." She snapped her fingers calling for an escort.
"Thank you your highnesses." Alice curtseyed and lowered her head in respect.
A single pawn tottered forward and stood firm to attention. "Please follow me ma'am" she spoke.
She tottered off in the direction of a door near the back of the thrown room with a black and white coat of arms covered in what looked like a bishops stand. They both entered the majestic door into a large chamber illuminated by light pouring through stained glass marked with different chess pieces. Several pieces were standing before a bishop who was halfway through giving a sermon. Alice thought it would be prudent if they remained silent until he had finished.
His sermon continued:
"May the strength of purity bring added fortitude to our loyal troops in the field,
and also may the divine presence protect and keep our beloved King and Queen from harm.
Now go forth and serve your kingdom with loyalty, devotion compassion and honour. In the name of our kingdom. Serve well"
"We serve our kingdom and protect our King and Queen!" The congregation of pieces echoed.
"Go with honour" the bishop chanted.
The pieces saluted and proceeded out of the holy barrack back to the courtyard to commence with their training. Alice felt now would be the time to speak. She dismissed the pawn who hopped off following the precession into the courtyard. She approached the bishop in the sanctuary who was preparing for the next service. "Bishop," she began and knelt down "I am Alice and I seek your council."
"Yes my child, how may I help you?" He enquired in an enlightened and gentle voice
"I wish to know about the religion of wonderland." She replied.
He immediately clenched his fist and slammed it onto his chest as if a normal priest was crossing himself with shock. "My child, are you sure? It reveals a great evil."
"I'm sure!" Alice said with definate conviction as if nothing could change her mind.
"Very well then." I shall begin.
He ushered her to one of the pews and sat her down like someone who was about to inform someone of a death would and collected himself to tell the story. He didn't start.
Suddenly and without warning there was an explosion which sent the stained glass shattering down into the barrack. Alice instinctively leapt up and unsheathed her knife readying herself for combat in one swift notion. The priest had been knocked unconscious by a piece of supporting timber which had broken away from the window frame and he lay motionless on the floor but still breathing.
"What the hell is going out there!" she screamed to anyone who would hear her.
A knight yelled from outside. "The Red M'lady, the red are attacking the castle!"