Chapter 3
Sergeant Khalil rode out on his horse, a white flag flying over him. He could tell the soldiers at the walls were ready for battle and he hoped he wouldn't get shot. Now as he stopped at the same place he'd stopped only a little over a week before, he wondered if what he was about to do would work.
"Khalil you crazy bastard! Are you trying to get yourself shot?" A familiar voice called out. The Sergeant looked up and almost had a heart attack.
"Lieutenant Balfour?" He couldn't believe his eyes.
"In the flesh," Balfour chuckled.
"I saw them shoot you," Khalil said, still unsure how this was possible.
"They also patched me up," the former Gale Force soldier explained.
"They did an excellent job. I'm glad to see you're alive. Although I must admit, what news I must deliver does not allow me for much happiness," the Sergeant told him.
"So Morrible wants her pound of flesh eh?" Balfour wondered. He kept stringing the man along, allowing the men beneath the parapets to ready one of the surprises that the Queen had mentioned earlier.
"She and the Wizard but I'm sure you know that," Khalil said.
"So where is the fish woman? I mean you gotta do all of the dirty work?" The former Gale Force soldier asked.
"The life of a soldier, you know that," the Sergeant said. Balfour nodded, knowing quite well what he meant.
"Back again to deliver terms Sergeant?" By now the Queen had arrived at the wall.
"I am. If you deliver the witches to us, the Wizard will overlook your transgressions," Khalil explained.
"Witches? Which witches would that be Sergeant?" Ayla played dumb.
"Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West, your Highness," he said.
"The Wizard and Morrible tried to kill dear Glinda so that's a no. As far as the Wicked Witch, hard to hand over what I do not have. Tell me – did the Wizard and Morrible read my letter or did you need to read it to them?" Ayla wondered and the men at the wall chuckled.
"To be quite honest, I have never seen Morrible turn a shade of red before," Khalil chuckled which led to more chuckling by the Vinkuns.
"Since I will be sending you back to them without anything, I will make an offer to you and your men. Anyone who wishes to defect and join us will be treated as soldiers are meant to be treated, with honor and respect. Those that stand and fight with the Wizard or Morrible will be given no quarter," the Queen said.
"Come on Kahlil, join the dark side. We have better cookies," Balfour shouted to him which caused most men to laugh. Khalil couldn't help but smirk at his friend before responding,
"Desertion is a capital offense, not to mention what happens to their families. How can you make such a demand?"
"If they are going to die anyway, they might as well do it for a cause and not for someone who views them as property to be kept under their thumb. Should we defeat Morrible then their families won't have to worry," Ayla pointed out.
"How long do we have to respond to your offer?" The Sergeant asked.
"You have one hour unless you can produce Morrible first, then of course, we'll take her off of your hands for you," the Queen smirked. Khalil nodded and took off back toward the troops awaiting his return.
"You think anyone will defect?" Balfour wondered.
"You did. There is no reason to think that others won't follow. Khalil seemed to have half a mind to do so. Even if no one does, if the rumor goes around that we're looking for a few good men and we're offering them a chance to be free, they may take it. If they don't, then they already know what the alternative is. Also, were you serious about the cookie thing?" Ayla gave him a look.
"Free cookies always taste better your Highness," the former Gale Force soldier winked. She laughed and nodded. She started heading away from the wall when there was a shout,
"A tornado!" People started running for cover.
"Morrible," Ayla smirked. The game was officially afoot.
To Be Continued…