make your journey much faster!” Cheshire cried as she placed the helmet on her head haphazardly and hastily pinned the badge on her dress.
Having grown dispassionate with their jests and the reality of her situation, Alice grew flush and then tears sprang from her eyes.
“You’re both rude despicable creatures and I have a mind to depart your company altogether! You have no respect for proper consumermanship! Had I not been with you I may have been able to ask the police pig men to escort me to safety instead.” She bawled as she tried to restrain her tears.
The Cheshire laughed mercilessly, “Have you not heard a word I’ve said? The card pigs are corrupt simple minded creatures that would sooner have you for dinner before assist you. The only reason they were even this far from their roost was because they were on orders to avenge the Prince of Diamonds fickle pride by capturing March Hare.”
Having heard the truth straightforward, Alice composed herself, “I suppose calling the card pigs, as you’ve termed them, would be of little use then.”
“Trust me, dearrr, you’re much better off with March although I have not yet determined what his interest is in you, beyond stealing another first kiss.” Cheshire crooned assisting Alice with her plight while using comforting tones.
March gawked and it was Alice’s turn to laugh as she asked, “And just how many first kisses have you stolen young March?”
“None at all thank you very much, they were all given to me,” March attested defensively as he became the laughingstock of commentary.
“Oh he stole mine and the Princess of Spades that I know of and Madeline would have given him her first kiss if he would stop kissing others.”
“Hush you,” March shushed Cheshire.
“Are you sure you want me to be so quiet? I’ve things to tell both Alice and you,” Cheshire teased March who gave in with determined silence but stuck his tongue out in indifference.
“The Tea Masters are aware you’ve acquired the package and have given you leniency regarding your time limit based upon your route.”
“I knew as much,” March replied keenly noting, much to his relief that Madeline only knew that he was delivering a package not a person.
“But did you know your admission is not based upon delivery of said package? The choice is entirely up to you.” Cheshire grinned at Alice ruefully.
Alice instantly felt an inherent fear as she considered her demise at the hands of the Prince of Diamond’s card pigs, zombies, or whatever else may lie beyond. Looking to March for reassurance, she saw his face set in grim determination. She realized the mission was a risk to his wellbeing and took time away from his goals. He seemed to be weighing his options.
“Anything else?” He asked as Cheshire leapt to a tree.
“The rest you know already for which there is none for the weary. Take care Alice and good luck,” she crooned and disappeared from site although Alice observed a trail that capered through the trees and disappeared as the artificial air, although she didn’t know it was artificial air, made the leaves frolic.
“Let’s go,” March uttered and set off at a pace that was much slower than before.
Mysteriously cowled figures surveilled March and Alice’s exit from the woods.
“He has conquered his first trial, friends” Sister Eaglet reported.
“His journey will be most interesting in deed. As for us it is time we were off and within distance for his next encounter,” Brother Dodo advised and as if they’d never been there the mysteriously cowled figures vanished into the waning light.
Alice followed behind March until she couldn’t contain her angst any further.
“What does that mean?” she asked feeling her time was limited.
“What do you think it means?” March asked without stopping.
Alice thought about what Cheshire had said and with trembling lips answered, “I’m not entirely sure but it sounded as if she said that my life didn’t matter much or at all. It matters to me though. You might not consider Second City a great place but I consider it home and I should like very much to return and be done with this place.”
“That’s your problem, Alice. Nothing is that simple. Cheshire did more for you than you know right now,” March answered without the jubilance he once had or the kindness he’d entreated her to when he shared his lunch. March stopped and his ears twitched. He turned to Alice with a smile and placed his hands one her shoulders.
“That card pig had a video surveillance lens on him. He recorded our conversation and it went to the Prince of Diamonds. We need him to think twice about sending someone else after us. A Tea Master without restraint is a dangerous thing. At least they won’t be trying to capture or attack you now. He’ll direct his vendetta against me alone. As for me, I know the Tea Masters better. It’s just another test. I told you I will bring you home Alice and now I’m going to tell you this. Be careful for what you wish. Second City may not be the same when you return.”
With that March relinquished her shoulders back to Alice.
“Cheer up though; we’re going to meet some of my friends. It’s getting late. The zombies will be out soon and we can start our journey tomorrow. Fair enough?”
Alice wasn’t sure what to say. She missed her family. She wanted to know the fate of Robert although she was sure he was dead. Mostly, she just wanted to be somewhere safe.
“Fair enough, March, I shall trust you have my best intentions in mind,” she agreed and without further delay the two set off.
The end
*****
Thank you for reading the Introduction to the Alice Zombie Series. Your participation is appreciated and it’s the author’s extreme wish that you were not bitten by any harvestmen, commonly known as daddy-long-legs or Opiliones, during this distraction. My sister-in-law was bitten by one once. No, really. Regardless, be on the lookout for more Alice’s Zombie Adventures in Under City during the coming weeks.
…And watch out for daddy-long-legs.
Read more of the Alice Zombie Series at: www.richardswebbooks.com
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Alice’s Zombie Adventures in Under City: Downward Spiral
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Alice’s Zombie Adventures in Under City: Forging the Zombapocalypse
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