Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland by T.T. Sutherland

herself on me!” the Knave lied, talking fast. He knelt before the Queen in the great hall, surrounded by curious courtiers and footfrogs who were rather enjoying the spectacle of the great Knave of Hearts in trouble for once.
    â€œI told her my heart belongs to you,” Stayne wheedled, taking the Queen’s hand. “But she’s obsessed with me!”
    The Queen turned bright red with rage. “Off with her head!” she screamed.
    In the Queen’s dressing room, the Dormouse was trying to pick the lock of the chain around the Hatter’s ankles. Her hatpin kept bending in the sturdy lock, and she made a small noise of irritation.
    â€œStand back, Mallymkun!” said a voice from the door.
    The Dormouse and the Hatter both looked up at once. Standing in the doorway was Alice, victoriously wielding the Vorpal Sword high over her head. She gave the Hatter a triumphant look.
    â€œHow’s this for muchness ?” Alice asked. She swung the sword toward his chain.
    â€œNo! No!” cried the Hatter, wrenching the chain out of her way. Alice staggered forward and blinked at him in surprise. He hurried on, trying to explain. “It mustn’t be used for anything but—”
    â€œArrest that girl for unlawful seduction!” cried another voice. The Knave of Hearts stood in the doorway, pointing at Alice. His Red Knights clattered in behind him and headed straight for her.
    â€œHatter!” called the Dormouse. Alice raised the sword to fight, but—
    â€œTake it to the White Queen!” the Hatter cried.
    â€œI’m not leaving without you!” Alice objected.
    â€œGo!” he called out.
    But Alice was hesitant. The Hatter grabbed two bolts of fabric and threw them, knocking the Red Knights down. The Knave then unsheathed his sword. The Hatter picked up a mannequin and used it to block Stayne’s blows. Stayne hovered over him, driving him back against the table. The Hatter reached over his shoulder and grabbed a powder puff. He paused for only a moment before he began to swipe Stayne across his face. Then the Knave grabbed the manequin and threw it over his shoulder. Quickly, the Hatter spun around and grabbed a perfume bottle with a sprayer and, brandishing it, jumped on a chair to bring himself to the same height as the Knave.
    â€œRun, Alice!” the Dormouse called out.
    Stayne stopped dead, and the Dormouse recognized her mistake immediately. The Knave looked at Alice, revelation spreading across his face.
    â€œAlice?” he said slowly.
    â€œRUN!” bellowed the Hatter.
    Alice had no choice. She fled out the door with the Knights in hot pursuit.
    Stayne’s voice boomed down the hall.
    â€œSEIZE HER!”

Chapter Fourteen
    Alice burst out into the courtyard with Stayne and the Knights right behind her. She pounded across the cobblestones, but before she could reach the front gate, another squadron of Knights galloped out in front of her.
    She skidded to a stop, surrounded by Red Knights on all sides. Alice swung the sword in a circle, keeping them all at a distance. Her hair was tumbling into her face and her makeshift curtain dress kept tripping her as she spun.
    Stayne’s malevolent chuckle sent a chill down her spine. Alice turned to face him, holding the sword as threateningly as she could.
    â€œAlice,” the Knave sneered. “Of course! Why didn’t I see it? Well, it has been a long time.” He looked her over from her toes to her large head towering over him. “And you were such a little tyke then.” His expression became cold as he held out his hand. “Give me the sword.”
    â€œStay back!” Alice cried, slashing at him. But with her attention focused on Stayne, she didn’t see the Knights coming up behind her until two of them had grabbed her arms. She fought and kicked and struggled, never letting go of the sword hilt.
    â€œThe Queen will be so pleased,” said the Knave.