Page 7 of Alec in Wonderland (Rainbow Tales #1)
“He said that you know what to do. Do you?” Alec asked as they headed back to the war camp.
“Yes.” Quinlen stopped to meet Alec's gaze. “There's a sword. It belonged to the King of Diamonds. The Queen of Hearts took it from his dead body after the Jabberwocky killed him and his queen.”
Alec recoiled.
“Yes, the sword has a tragic history. But Griel has foretold that you must acquire it if you are to kill the Jabberwocky. It's hidden somewhere in the Hearts Fortress.”
“The sword I need to kill the dragon is in the dragon's lair?” Alec grimaced. “That makes perfect sense.”
“What's a dragon?”
“That's what we call jabberwockies in my world.”
“You have jabberwockies in your world?! More than one?!”
“No. We have myths about dragons. But the descriptions of dragons match the Jabberwocky I saw in Griel's vision.”
“Ah.” Quinlen started walking again. “Myths. I forgot that your world is so boring. You must create stories of interesting things that never happened and fascinating creatures that never existed.”
“Quin?” Alec hurried to catch up.
“Yes?”
“Do you have any idea where the sword is? I mean, a specific location inside the fortress?”
“No. But Griel assured me you'll find the Vorpal Sword. I just need to get you into the fortress.”
“The sword has a name?”
“Of course.”
Alec rolled his eyes. “Of course.”
They left the woods, the shadows retreating to bow to the sun. Alec took a deep breath, as if he could fill himself with sunshine. He knew he should be terrified and confused, that all of this was impossible, and yet he'd never felt more alive or real. With every passing minute, the other world felt more like a dream. It was as if he'd finally woken up.
Soldiers bent their heads to Quin as he and Alec passed by. Alec looked at the men and women closer now, seeing details he hadn't noticed on his first journey through the camp. Things like helmets in the shape of chess pieces—mostly the traditional, domed and pointed tops of pawns. However, there were a few crowned by horse heads. He searched his mind for memories of the Chess Army but found none.
“Have I met the White King and Queen?”
“I don't know,” Quinlen said. “Maybe. I wasn't with you during your entire visit to Wonderland.”
“Are they good at, well, war stuff?”
“The Queen is a brilliant tactician, but the White King is, well, uninterested in war.”
“Uninterested?”
“Yes. He refuses to believe in anything he doesn't like.”
“Okay,” Alec said.
“It's not a bad way to live. He's always happy. But because of his deliberate ignorance, it falls upon the White Queen to lead the Chess Army. She has petitioned the Black Kingdom for help, but they haven't been very, er, helpful as of yet.”
“They want to see how the White Kingdom fares before they act?” Alec asked.
Quin shrugged. “If that's their tactic, it's foolhardy. If the White Kingdom falls, they'll have no allies and will have to face a conquering army alone. But kings and queens think differently than us. Especially the Chess Royals. They're very linear in their military tactics.” He slashed his hand downward. “It's as if they have certain moves that they can't deviate from.”
“Chess moves?”
“Any moves they make are chess moves by default because they are the Chess Royals.” Quinlen frowned. “But I don't adhere to those maneuvers. That's why they call me mad. That and my bombs.” He winked.
“What bombs?”
“Oh, they're my specialty. Hatter secret recipes. You know the shit we work with is toxic. If not handled properly, it can drive you mad. I'm a professional, so the madness has never taken me.”
“Uh-huh,” Alec said. “So, you're into chemical warfare.”
Quinlen blinked and cocked his head. “Chemical warfare. Interesting. I suppose the term is applicable. Here, I just call them mad bombs. The Flock drops them for me.”
“That's Cranor's team?”
“Yes, they're my elite fighting unit. I needed flying soldiers not just to drop bombs but also to fight the Jubjubs.”
“What's a Jubjub?”
“The Jubjubs are the flying soldiers of the Card Army. Their armor is winged. Pretty, shiny, frail-looking wings, but they're fucking strong. You'll see soon enough.” Frowning, he muttered, “Like fucking insects. Buzzing about. I hate that buzzing! Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz. I had to find soldiers to stop them. Pluck them from the sky. And what better soldier to deal with a flying insect than a raven?” Abruptly, Quinlen asked, “Do you know why a raven is like a writing desk?”
“No. Why?”
“Oh.” Quinlen frowned. “I thought you might.” He entered the main tent, leaving Alec to stare after him.
“Right. He's a professional. Never went mad. Not him,” Alec muttered and followed Quin into the tent. He stopped to look at the officers of the White Chess Army and shook his head. “They're all mad here.”