"So that's the long and short of it," Hatter concluded the tale of his return trip.
Jack had listened silently but intently. He seemed to be considering something before speaking. "I know your situation more intimately than you may suspect. You remember that I was in Alice's world for six weeks. If my mother hadn't sent agents to retrieve me I'm not certain that I would have had the will to return on my own. Trust me. It is easier being away from it all. You made the right decision in coming back."
"I don't plan on staying. I just want to kick this so I can return to Alice."
"I think I may know of someone who can help you," Jack stood, opening the door and gesturing for Hatter to follow, "let's see if it's easily done as said."
As they walked, Hatter fell into step beside Jack, "At the Hospital of Dreams you mean?"
"Well, they could cure you well enough but it would hardly be of help considering that you intend to go back. No, given the circumstances, we need a more permanent solution."
Jack didn't elaborate but Hatter did not question further, waiting to see what cards Jack had up his sleeve.
Once outside the building he stepped into a cobbled street, getting the distinct impression he'd been here before. There were new buildings, to be sure, and the presence of people in the midst of conducting a civilization. It was so very different from the decaying and desolate place that he, Alice and Charlie had spent a few desperate days.
Hatter had heard stories when he was young about the glory of the old city that earned a reputation as 'the kingdom of the knights', seeing it for the first time with Alice had kindled a sense of patriotism in him. But now, as he followed Jack through it's streets in the process of reconstruction, Hatter felt as though part of him had come home.
"Things are different with you running the show, eh?" Hatter mused as they walked.
The prince of Hearts smiled, "Officially, my mother is still queen. While she remains imprisoned, I have taken over the duties of running the kingdom as Regent until such time as I ascend to the throne of Wonderland as king."
He watched the people that they passed going about their everyday routines with a sense of pride. He and Alice had helped to make this peace possible. "So things are better, then?
Jack sighed, "Not entirely. I'm currently in negotiations with ambassadors and various dignitaries from a neighboring kingdom. Apparently, the succession for their ruler is in question and they have asked that I deliberate. They hope that my support for a specific individual or another will encourage and secure peace treaties between our nations."
"Well, that's a step forward. I'm sure none of them would've approached the Queen. They'd have to crown whoever still had a head left."
Jack chuckled. "Diplomacy was never her forte."
Hatter heard something below the din of the town that made his blood run cold and a pit of dread settle into his stomach. There were shouts and the sounds of swords clashing. He took off at a run towards the sound, ignoring Jack's startled shout.
He ran as fast as he could, ran as though a jabberwock was chasing him. He hoped that he could find some way to stop whatever was breaking the peace of this place. He rounded a corner, dodging around a woman on the street and came upon what used to be the throne room. The vision before him stopped him in his tracks. The Red King's skeleton was gone, replaced by a copper statue in his former regal glory. The place was paved into an expansive courtyard and in the center of this, surrounded by a group of people, two knights did battle.
A knight in red armor was steadily forcing back his opponent whose armor was a brilliant white. The powerful blows clanged loudly off the white knight's shield to resound off the surrounding buildings. The crowd encircling the two combatants shouted and cheered on the fighters. The white knight deflected a blow by swinging his sword in an arc, creating an opening and he began to go on the offensive driving back the red knight. He side-stepped, striking the red knight with his shield. The red knight fell to the ground, a sword point at his throat before he could recover his footing.
Jack caught up with Hatter, who waited fearfully for the killing blow.
The red knight gave a loud, frustrated groan, "Yield!"
To Hatter's relief, the white knight, sheathed his sword and pulled off his helmet to reveal the smiling face of Sir Charles Eustus Fortheringale Malfoy the Third. Charlie held his hand out and helped the red knight to his feet, patting him on the shoulder heartily. The red knight pulled off his helm quickly as though he blamed the thing for losing the fight.
Hatter gazed in shock. The red knight was a young man, more of a boy really, and yet he had fought so fiercely.
"They should be done with morning drills now. Come," Jack ushered Hatter along.
"Highness!" Charlie bowed as he saw them approach, the crowd did likewise. Hatter noticed that these men and, to his surprise, women in the group were holding wooden practice weapons.
Jack smiled and extended his hand in greeting to the old knight. "How goes the training?"
"As well as can be expected. They are progressing though not quite so far nor so fast as our red knight." Charlie said, giving the red knight a nudge with his elbow. The boy gave a quick, curt bob of his head, obviously still sore about losing the fight. "And do mine eyes deceive? Is that… Harbinger?"
"Charlie," Hatter greeted with a grin, reaching a hand up to his brow before remembering that he had no hat to tip. He awkwardly lowered his hand.
"I had foreseen that our paths would cross again one day and here you stand," The white knight rejoiced, glancing around, "well if you're here, where is Alice?"
Hatter frowned with the pang he felt at just hearing her name. He hoped again that he hadn't made a dreadful mistake in coming here.
The red knight snorted derisively, brushing his auburn locks out of his eyes with the back of his hand. "This? You must be joking. This is the Hatter, the harbinger who helped Alice of Legend defeat the Queen?"
"Sirrah," Jack addressed the red knight sharply before Hatter had a chance to respond, "This man has done more for our kingdom than you can possibly imagine. You would do well to show more respect."
Charlie, who had been sputtering mutely with rage finally collected his thoughts, "Too right you… you iniquitous rapscallion! Another word against this noble fellow and you'll be cleaning the stables for a week!"
The red knight stiffened, standing up straight in salute, "My apologies, Highness. Sir Charles…" It did not escape Hatter's notice that the boy had failed to apologize to him. Still, Hatter was moved by these men who defended his reputation, even when apparently just his appearance was enough to tarnish it.
"As to your question, perhaps," Jack started, turning to face Charlie, "we can explain better after you've dismissed your students."
Charlie saluted, turning sharply, "Company dismissed!" The crowd began to disperse, the red knight bowing again to the prince and shooting Hatter a dangerous look before joining his comrades in arms.
Hatter waited until the boy was well out earshot before speaking. "Charlie, I'll be straight with you. I'm in a bad way and I came here for help."
Charlie paled. "Is Alice in danger?"
Hatter shook his head, smiling reassuringly. "No, she's fine."
"Hatter has returned to us in great need. He was forced to leave Alice's world because he was becoming addicted to the potent emotions of Oysters." Jack explained. "I had heard tell once of a legend that the knights who mined the Stone of Wonderland and made the first trips through the Looking Glass had developed, out of necessity, a way of shielding themselves."
Charlie stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Yes, I do recall a technique I learned when I was but a squire. It was conceived so that emotion would never rule the battle though it takes time and a great deal of mental discipline to master. Are you up to the challenge?"
Hatter nodded, hope budding in him. "Anything that gets me back to Alice."
"Then," Charlie said, resting a hand on his shoulder, "we shall find you suitable accommodations and on the morrow we can begin your training."