The Tales from the Five Kingdoms
The Heart of Glass

Chapter one

'If I were you, kiddo,' the bat remarked, 'I'd close your mouth. Dangerous, leaving it open like that. Never know what might pop in. Flies, midges, the odd moth. Furry things, moths. Not nice unless you’re used to them.'

Prince Marcus, second in line to the throne of Gorebreath, did as he was told. 'But where IS she?' his voice was shaking. 'One minute she was leaning against that tree, and then - WHOOOMPH! She was gone!' He rubbed his eyes. 'And was it that tree? Or that one? Oh no - I can't remember! Did you see, Marlon?'

'Cool it, kid,' Marlon said. 'Alf's ahead of you. Alf? Where are you?'

'Here, Unc!' The small squeak came from some way away, and Marcus stared at Marlon.

'What's he doing?'

'Hanging on a branch.' Marlon sounded smug. 'Marking the tree. Good work, Alf!'

Marcus shook his head. 'That can't be right. Gracie was right here. I know she was!'

Marlon sighed. 'Look at your map, kiddo. Where are we? The Unreliable Forest. Now, the thing about Unreliable Forests, in case you hadn't guessed, is that they're unreliable. See a handful of berries you fancy? Walk towards them, and - FFFFT! They'll be behind you.'

Seeing Marcus' doubtful expression, the bat sighed again. 'Try it for yourself. Got a hankie? Well, tie it to a branch.'

Unwillingly Marcus did as he was told. The scarlet handkerchief, emblazoned with the royal arms of the House of Gorebreath, fluttered in front of him ... and vanished.

'That’s gone too!' Marcus took a step backwards. 'What’s going on here?'

'Turn round."

Turning, Marcus was just in time to see his hankie waving bravely before the tree it was tied to made a sudden sideways leap and hid behind a substantial oak. The oak seemed to have no inclination to move, and Marcus leant against it feeling slightly breathless. 'That's weird,' he said. 'And how do I find Gracie?'

Marlon folded his wings. 'Kiddo,' he said, and he sounded far more solemn than usual, 'we need a plan.'