Chapter 6: The Nameless Forest
AFTER escaping the monster cave without a hitch, the four continued on their journey to the Demon Lord’s castle.
“This place is giving me the heebie-jeebies, Hatta…”
“What, did you expect this to be a fun romp through the countryside or something?”
“Well, no, but still…”
Hatta and Haigha’s concentration started to wane as the attacks became more and more unpredictable.
“Silly question,” Alice started, “but is there anywhere we could stop and rest, Seb?”
“There is, actually. It’s a little out of the way, but an old friend of mine happens to live nearby.”
“In a place like this? Sounds promising. Take us there.”
“As you wish, my lady.”
Seb drove the coach down an overgrown path leading to a hut perched atop a small hill while the presence of monsters all but vanished.
“You have interesting friends, Seb.”
“He’s technically your friend too, my lady.”
“He is?”
“Less blabbing, more mov—” Hatta tried to step off the coach, only to be stopped by a surprise arrow landing a mere inch away from his foot. “What the blazes?!”
“The White Queen isn’t taking visi—” said a man who came up to the carriage and abruptly stopped in front of them. “Seb, is that you?”
“Long time no see, White.”
“I assume you’re a friend of his? My sincerest apologies.” The silver-haired man bowed. “I’m White Knight, the White Queen’s royal bodyguard, but you can call me White.”
“Just watch it next time, all right? The name’s Hatta, and that back there’s my sister Haigha. Pleased to meet you.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. And who might you be, little…lady?”
“Long time no see, White.”
“Seb, ah-ha, I just remembered I have…places to be. Toodles!” White tried to make a break for it.
“Hold it!” Alice caught him. “What’s the matter with you?”
“What’s the matter with me? What’s the matter with you?! Did you forget the time I went three whole days without a proper meal because you nicked the Queen’s treats and pinned it on me? Or the time I got thrown in the dungeon because you broke the Queen’s prized vase and blamed me? Or the time you—”
He kept rattling off all his grievances with Alice for what seemed an eternity, with Hatta quietly sobbing in sympathy.
“It’s okay, White. It’s okay now.”
“You’re right… I could keep going, but I think that’ll do for now.” Seb’s emotional support appeared to have done the trick. “So…need something?”
“We’re on our way to the Demon Lord’s castle, and we’d like a place to rest our weary bones for a bit,” Seb said.
“The Demon Lord’s castle? I won’t ask why, but you’re not going to get far without the White Queen’s help.”
“How come?”
“You’ll have to pass through the Nameless Forest—a forest cursed by the Demon Lord himself. The moment you step inside, your memories are gone, just like that. Then you walk back out, totally oblivious, and just walk right back in over and over again.”
“Is it some sort of illusion?” Seb asked.
“Illusions can be countered; whatever that thing is can’t. Only monsters, animals, and the White Queen can pass through unaffected. Of course, you could always try downing the Demon Lord. But you’d have to get to him first and—”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, ask the White Queen for help; we get it!” Alice said, cutting him off. “Where do we find her?”
“She should be out back, posing as a sheep.”
“A sheep?”
“The White Queen has a spellbook allowing her to shapeshift at will. She’s been getting in touch with her inner sheep recently.”
“I see. Hatta, Haigha, come with me. Seb, have dinner ready by the time we get back.”
“As you wish.”
“I can’t wait to taste your delicious cooking again!” White exclaimed. “Actually, let me help out.”
Seb and White got straight to cooking while Alice, Hatta, and Haigha headed off to find the White Queen.