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

“She’ll take great pleasure in taking off your head. I believe she wants to do the deed herself.”
    One of the Knights wrenched Alice’s right arm toward him and reached for the sword.
    â€œ RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR .”
    A thunderous growl rolled out of the stable door, and suddenly the Bandersnatch leaped out, as bloodthirsty and menacing as ever. Alice flinched and threw herself to the ground, but the monster soared right over her, biting and snapping at the Knights who had held her. Instantly the Knights scattered, yelling in fear.
    The Bandersnatch circled back and lowered his head to Alice. It took her a moment to realize what was happening, but as soon as she did, she jumped to her feet and climbed onto his back. His fur was as warm as the bloodhound’s, but spikier, as if tiny needles were embedded in it. She clung to his collar with one hand and held the sword aloft with the other as Stayne and the Knights stared, astonished.
    The Bandersnatch bolted across the drawbridge and out of the castle. Any Knights standing in their way abandoned their posts with screams of terror. Alice held on tight as they galloped out into the red desert, to freedom.
    On a nearby hill, she saw a familiar friend waiting for them.
    â€œHo, Alice!” he cried, his long ears flapping and his sad face lighting up with startled delight.
    â€œBayard!” she called. “To Marmoreal!”
    The Knave of Hearts breathlessly entered the Red Queen’s throne room. He knew this was not going to be a pleasant conversation.
    The Red Queen was waiting at the base of her throne, pacing angrily. Her face was fiery red and her fists were clenched. She whirled to glare at the Knave as he walked up to her and bowed.
    â€œMajesty,” he said, “Alice has escaped.”
    In a fury, the Queen slapped him.
    â€œOn the Bandersnatch,” he added.
    She slapped him again. He steeled himself for more.
    â€œWith the Vorpal Sword.”
    The Red Queen slapped him harder than she’d ever slapped him before. He gritted his teeth. The indignities he had to put up with! If only he could be king with no queen anywhere in sight . . .
    â€œHow could you let this happen?” she bellowed.
    â€œI may have underestimated her,” he admitted, although it pained him to confess such a thing. “But we have her conspirators: the Hatter and the Dormouse.”
    The Queen’s rage seemed to fill the entire great hall.
    â€œOFF WITH THEIR HEADS!”
    The White Queen’s castle was nothing like her sister’s. Where the Red Queen’s castle was dark and oppressive, the White Queen’s was light and airy.
    Sunshine spilled through the open windows, and sweet breezes carried the sound of birds’ chattering from outside. A flood of relief coursed through her as she entered the beautiful throne room and saw the Queen sitting on her throne. Everything about her kind face made Alice feel that perhaps this dreadful nightmare would turn out all right in the end.
    â€œWelcome to Marmoreal,” said the White Queen, smiling down at Alice and the Vorpal Sword.
    â€œI believe this belongs to you,” Alice said. She bowed and held the weapon up for her. The Queen took it with a nod of thanks and strolled gracefully over to the White Knight’s shining silver suit of armor, which was set up prominently near the throne. She placed the sword in the suit’s hand and turned back to Alice, beaming.
    â€œThe Vorpal Sword is home again,” she said softly. “The armor is complete. Now all we need is a champion.”
    The Queen gave Alice a significant look. Alice dropped her eyes and didn’t respond. Finally, the Queen went on. “You’re a little taller than I thought you’d be.”
    This Alice did have an answer for. “Blame it on too much Upelkuchen ,” she said, smiling.
    â€œAh, come with me,” said the White Queen, sweeping her long silver