A/N: A huge shout out to Bookworm741. She reminded me to correct the summary and you will all note that it now says "mostly Khalinda" next to "Slightly Gloq". lol I certainly hope everyone enjoys this chapter. :)
Chapter 3
"Miss Fae, you are accompanying us on this trip, Sergeant Zetti informs me," Captain Khalil said as he mounted his steed.
"I am and Penny has agreed to come with me," Elphaba smiled as she enchanted her friend so she could match speed with the other enchanted horses.
"Miss Penny, you and your family have served us with distinction and bravery. I intend to see your brother gets the medal he so desperately deserved and I again offer my condolences," the Captain said.
"Thank you sir," she smiled slightly as Elphaba climbed on board.
"I believe you know the men in our detail, Corporal Stevens, Private Johnson, Corporal Emerson, Private Smith, and Sergeant Nowicki," Khalil introduced them all as part of protocol. Everyone needed to know each other if they were to act as a team and protect each other on the trip.
"I do. Gentlemen, it is good to see you. I know I probably do not need to tell you but I will anyway. The forest is a dangerous place, no matter what time of year, and you need to keep your wits about you," Elphaba gave a slight smile and the caravan was off.
The horses made quick work of the journey and soon they were at the river. Elphaba eased up on Penny as she surveyed the quick moving water in front of them.
"Can we get across without getting ourselves into trouble?" Brrr asked.
"Even with the increased speed of the horses, I fear the swollen river is not safe. We could try to go around but that would take longer than I would like. We need to get to Kiamo Ko before night fall," Elphaba shook her head.
"Any ideas?" Khalil wanted to know.
"I think magic is the only option," the witch admitted.
"You can create a bridge?" Sergeant Nowicki asked.
"Well not exactly," Elphaba smiled slightly and quickly began conjuring up a spell in a tongue that no one in the group recognized. In an instant a bolt shot forth from her wand and parted the waters in front of them.
"I can't hold it forever, go," she told them. Quickly the men crossed and she brought up the rear, the water sloshing back into place behind her.
"Great Oz himself," Corporal Stevens was amazed.
"That was exhausting," Elphaba admitted. It wasn't entirely true but she had to make them believe it was. This trip would take a toll on her as she struggled to keep her powers in check. Little by little she had been revealing her capabilities to everyone in the Village and she knew that one day it would come at a cost. What cost, she wasn't exactly sure but she had to make sure that it never actually came to that.
"I'm sure it was. It is good to have you on our side, Miss Fae," Khalil smiled and the group continued on. Unbeknownst to the group, two sets of eyes watched them as the rode away.
"She is a very powerful witch," the one man said.
"Yes but she leaves her Village to travel with the Captain and the Lion. They must be on a journey of great importance," the second man told him.
"Indeed. Probably to bring more weak minded Glinda-lovers to our forest," the first said as he lifted his gun from their hiding spot in the clump of trees near the riverbank.
"Save your bullets; you couldn't hit them at this distance. While the cat is away the mice will play. Let's go find the Mayor," his comrade said.
"Yes lets," the first muttered.
To Be Continued…
