Chapter 8

                                    

                                          
            
                          
Cheshire pulled me out the door and down a dark path almost completely shrouded by bushes. I hurried to keep up with him, running slightly behind as he dragged me along, still holding my wrist. Five minutes later, we came to a tall hill, steep in front of us. He gave me a quick smile before running up on all fours, tail flicking behind him. I frowned, but followed him. "Where are we going?" I asked as I caught up to him.
                          
"You'll see. Just be patient," Cheshire said.
                          
Answers like that were terrible, but I didn't argue and we soon reached the top of the hill. I had only barely caught my breath when Chesh pulled me towards a tree playfully. "Come on," he urged.
                          
I followed him, and when we got to it, he changed to a cat for easier agility. I frowned up at him from the ground. "How am I supposed to get up there?" I asked.
                          
He grinned and it was so dark it was almost like his grin was the only part of him I could see. "Just climb," he said.
                          
Tentatively, I reached up and grabbed a branch that looked sturdy enough to hold my weight. Cheshire guided me through the large tree carefully and we eventually got to the highest branches. Chesh walked in front of a hole in the tree's trunk. "Go through here," he told me. Then he disappeared inside.
                          
The hole was much more cat-sized than it was human-sized, but I followed him and hoped I didn't get bitten by a spider. When I saw Cheshire's tail disappear through the other end of the hole I came out on big plant-made platform at the very top of the tree. It was padded with fresh leaves, making it soft to sit on, and there were flowers growing on vines that gave the place a sweet scent. I looked around in awe. "It's so beautiful up here," I said.
                          
Cheshire smiled at me, human again, and leaned towards me. I was unsure of his intentions as he placed his fingers under my chin, but then he lifted my head to the sky and I gasped softly as I stared up at the star covered sky. My eyes lit up wonder at the sight. Cheshire leaned back on his arms and smiled as he watched me. After I had gotten my first fill of the masterpiece before me, I looked at Chesh. "Thank you," I said.
                          
He looked at me, and I swore he almost looked serious. "Are you any more relaxed now?" he asked.
                          
I looked back up at the stars. "Yeah," I said. We watched the sky together, pointing out odd constellations that I didn't know and making up silly names for them, until we fell asleep under the stars, his arms wrapped around me to starve off the cold as I snuggled closer.
                          
*******
                          
It was still pitch black outside when Cheshire sat up and looked around the forest. Alice was sleeping next to him and he couldn't resist running a hand though his hair. He was beautiful when he slept. Then Chesh frowned and crawled towards the hole that lead out of the tree and down to the forest floor. He had business to attend to.

                          
Quietly, he made his way to the ground on deft paws and headed into the thick trees that surrounded the one he had been sleeping in just a few moments before. Five minutes of walking later, and he came to a tree that had a crow with three legs carved into it. Cheshire sniffed at the base of the tree before shifting human so he could see higher up.
                          
Suddenly, from the trees behind, a voice asked, "What do you have for me this time?"
                          
Cheshire bristled, but remained where he was. He didn't look at the intruder, already knowing who it was. "We're leaving for the castle tomorrow. That's all I have," he said.
                          
The stranger chuckled. "That's all? Usually you have lots to tell me," he said.
                          
"I don't have anything else," Cheshire repeated. "Go find someone else to toy with."
                          
With a laugh that sounded like smoke, the person edged closer. "You like to toy, but don't like to be toyed with. Ironic." He sounded amused. When Cheshire remained silent to his taunts, the man sighed. "It almost seems like you don't like talking to me. Is something wrong?"
                          
"Nothing that concerns you," Cheshire growled.
                          
The stranger simply laughed, unfazed. "If you say so. Thanks again," he said. Then he was gone.
                          
Cheshire would have rolled eyes, but he was too tired. Theses exchanges left him exhausted and he happily headed back to where Alice slept. By the time he got there, the sky was a light orangish-pink color as the sun rose. He climbed silently back up and sat down next to Alice where he had been before, gently shaking him awake. "Hey. You have to see this," he said.
                          
Alice stirred and opened his eyes as Cheshire helped him sit up. "What?" he asked, blinking at the feline.
                          
"Watch this," Cheshire said and turned to the south-east.
                          
Alice followed his gaze and they watched the sun rise up until it poured out over the hills and trees, bathing everything in a bright yellow light. Alice smiled at the sun, shielding his eyes with the shade of his hand. "You're right about one thing. This is a wonderland," he said.
                          
Cheshire nodded, content to see him smile. They were still watching the sun when Cheshire's ears perked up. He frowned and looked over the edge of the platform. Alice followed him. "What's wrong?" he asked.
                          
As they watched, they saw Rab racing towards the house. Cheshire stood. "We have to go. Now," he said, grabbing Alice's hand and pulling him to his feet. They climbed down the tree and ran towards home as fast as they could. When we got there, Rab was already standing in front of the door.
                          
"What is it?" Cheshire asked.
                          
Rab turned to face them. "Bad news. The queen is holding the trial earlier than we thought," he said.
                          
The look of horror that crossed Cheshire's face told Alice this was not good. He grabbed Alice's hand. "Then we have to leave. Come on, Alice," he said.
                          
He started to pull Alice along with him, towards the direction of the palace, but Rab stepped in front of them. "You'll keep him safe?" he asked, glancing at Alice.
                          
Cheshire squeezed Alice's hand. "Why wouldn't I?" he asked. Then he started running, Alice following at his heels.
                          
*******
                          
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