Back to Wonderland

Five.

"How do I get it out?"

"Well, first we have to get down there... hold on to me."

I wrap my arms around his waist for dear life.

Shut my eyes.

I get the brief sensation of falling, then we land.

I open my eyes.

Take back my arms, somewhat reluctantly.

We approach the executioner's block.

"I feel like it's my execution Stayne wants, not yours."

 Tarrant squeezes my hand reassuringly.

"Once you have the Vorpal Sword, you'll be unstoppable. Just like last time."

He smiles, a quiet sort of smile.

I pop up the bloody block.

"My sword."

I pick it up.

"Well, well, well. Look at what we have here."

Stayne's voice has even more of a cruel note to it now.

I point the sword at him.

"Alice, and my prisoner."

"I won't hesitate to kill you like Hatter did. Like Mirana did."

"Yes you will. You'll hesitate, and I'll live to see another day yet."

Before he could blink, I leap in and slash down both sides of his face, leaving him bloody.

"Let this be a reminder, Knave. I will have your head."