We’d been sparring for hours. Learning how the other attacked, and identifying our own weak spots. It was a common methodology for people who worked in teams, a fate I’d resigned myself to.
Well, kinda. When this mission finally got underway, I planned on calling the shots. Although I had yet to let Hatter in on that fact.
He’d nearly punctured me with a practice sword, when someone knocked on the door to the great room.
Hatter stopped and held up his hand. “Hold up a moment.” He twisted to face the door. “Come in!”
March Hare poked his head in, demonstrating that he knew better than to stride into a room during an active sparring session. “Henri? A moment, please?”
“Sure, March, what’s going on?”
March Hare shot a glance at me. “Perhaps we should discuss this in private?”
Hatter shook his head. “Alice is with us, and I don’t want to keep secrets from her any longer. Whatever you have to say, she may hear it.”
That got my attention. Just yesterday, I’d been in the dark about everything. I’d expected that sort of shielding to continue, and to learn only what was necessary to get the job done. Xavier worked that way; as a matter of fact, a lot of leaders where I came from took that approach.
But not Hatter.
Interesting . . .
March didn’t seem pleased, but he did as Henri said, entering the room with his strange half-hop, half-walk gait.
“It’s Alran. He’s reported an increase of soldiers leaving the castle today and marching out of the city. I thought it prudent to send a force to follow?”
“Absolutely. Five should do. Thanks, March.” Henri was about to turn back to me when the hare spoke up again.
“Actually, there are two more things.”
Hatter nodded. “Okay, shoot.”
“Herald made contact. He’s being kept at the castle past his shift times for reasons unknown. However, he wanted to apologize for leaving the princess at the tower.” March darted a glance at me. “He said he was frantic and late for duty. He didn’t want to lose his head.”
Henri sighed and shook his head. “I expected as much.” He moved over to an armchair in front of the hearth, collapsed into it, and laid his forehead on pressed together palms. I watched Henri, wondering what he would say.
I’d been upset at Herald for leaving me, but when presented with the information that he could have been killed for being late, my frustration fizzled. How could you blame someone for wanting to avoid execution? Plus, Dee and Dum had gotten me here fine. They’d probably been more entertaining, too.
I was about to say just that, when Henri lifted his head from his hands. “In times like this, I think it’s best that we show mercy and kindness where we can. Get a message to Herald that he’s forgiven. There will be no repercussions.”
March’s chest fell, and a relieved look came across his face. “Will do, sir.”
“And the last matter?” Henri prompted.
“The Habernail family is in need. Pete got taken to jail two days ago for mild disobedience. He’ll be in for three weeks. The mother is out of work at the moment, and there are five children. I was hoping that we might dip into the coffers and provide them with food until Pete is released?”
“You needn’t have asked,” Henri said right away. “Give them whatever they require. If the coffers run low after they’ve been taken care of, I’ll search for a new commission to replenish them. Make them your personal priority.”
March nodded. “With pleasure. I’ll do it right now.” He left the room.
In the last minutes, I’d learned so much about the rebellion, how embroiled they were in people’s daily lives, and how essential Henri was. It sort of blew my mind.
Only three years older than me, and he’s a real leader.
I shook my head. In the human world, many twenty-one-year-olds wasted their time, but here, Henri looked out for dozens of people.
“I’m sorry if my decision displeases you, Alice.”
I blinked. “What? Why would they?”
