Chapter 4

I do not own anything from Wizard of Oz, the movies or books.

I want to thank everyone so far for the kind words about my mom. You guys are the best.

Also, apologies for the grammatical and spelling errors. I am at a desk job now, and it gives me time to write, but sometimes not time to proofread. I will try to be more vigilant.

Scarecrow found it ironic that they were hidden from any onlookers when taken to Emerald City. They left the yellow brick road, avoided all villages or cities on the way, and then were going through the tunnels.

"We don't want to upset the masses do we?" He asked sarcastically.

The captain turned to his former king and frowned. "You are still worshipped, so Ozma wants to make this as peaceful as possible and not upset your supporters."

"All of Oz you mean?" Dorothy asked in a hiss. Scarecrow was seeing the brave Dorothy beginning to come out again, and he was happy to see it.

"Does she really think the people won't eventually find out?" Scarecrow asked in anger.

The captain of the guard looked between the couple and said, "My lord, I have to follow orders. I still serve the crown. I can only promise the Savior will stay safe. Ordaran has no use for her from what I am hearing."

Scarecrow ignored the captain further. He did not believe him about Dorothy. Ordaran was known for slave trade and whoring no matter the woman. He was pretty sure Ordaran would take great interest in her being the Savior of Oz. If Drigka was bad, then Ordaran was ten times worse.

Aslan had tried to chew through the ropes that held him, but was overpowered by the Aglas soldiers. Those soldiers were extremely cunning and powerful. They were short in stature, but their height compared to their strength. They are very powerful and cunning soldiers.

Scarecrow had tried to get through to Glinda mentally as did Dorothy. Dorothy was finally able to get a message through to her and had used the necklace until the captain realized she was using it.

"Dorothy, we are trapped on Earth. Ozma has blocked us from coming back to Oz," Glinda said. "What is going on out there?"

"Ozma has betrayed us. We have been captured by her and she is going to turn over Scarecrow to the Lord of Aglas," Dorothy answered.

Before Dorothy could say more the captain tried to take the emerald necklace away from Dorothy, but it would not let him, and burned his hand.

Scarecrow wondered where Nick Tin Man and Lion were. He hoped that they were still alive. There had been no sign of them.

Scarecrow looked around at the tunnels he knew so well. They passed by the lake where he had first rescued Dorothy after Drigka captured her. Dorothy gasped a little at the sight. She hadn't been able to bring herself back down here after the war was over.

Finally, Scarecrow knew they took the turn for the throne room. Scarecrow tried to formulate a plan of escape. He wondered if they had captured Kronos and Phillipe as he had not seen them since last night. He knew in the tunnels there was no way to escape, but he might try something later.

Dorothy had a look in her eyes that began to worry Scarecrow. She was going to try to use the emerald he just knew it.

She stared ahead without saying another word to anyone including him. She was also planning something. He wanted to try to resolve this without magic, but he knew she had other plans. He has not had the chance to tell her that Ordaran knew magic as well.

Scarecrow was right. Dorothy was planning to use the emerald. First, she wanted to meet this Lord Ordaran. She remembered Scarecrow telling her sickening stories about him, and her curiousity was getting the better of her.

She was still reeling from everything that happened. She was acutally pretty shocked that Ozma would betray them like this.

She remembered when Ozma first came to the throne and the scared girl she had been to suddenly be thrust into ruling country. Ozma had been raised a princess but never had any real responsibility.

Things started to change pretty quickly as she settled into her new role as her family began to become her advisors instead of those who knew Oz better like Scarecrow, Oscar, Glinda, and everyone else. Dorothy and her spent hours talking into the night as old friends at first, but it stopped soon after Scarecrow and Ozma began to disagree on what to do.

Of course, Dorothy would agree with her husband though she never knew much about ruling a kingdom.

But, after seeing the war Dorothy had learned alot, and realized Scarecrow was just trying to keep Oz protected from another threat like Drigka.

It seemed so long ago now. It seemed like forever since the little girl with the pigtails arrived in Oz in her blue gingham dress, with her little dog, and her basket. So long ago...

The tunnel door opened to the throne room, and there was Her Royal Highness Queen Ozma sitting at the throne awaiting their arrival.

To her right was her cousin, Thoreon, and to her left her uncle Reginald, Thoreon's father. Dorothy often wondered if there was more to Thoreon and Ozma than they let on. It made Dorothy cringe at the thought, but it happened in her world too.

Ozma stood. Ozma and her family were fairies. They possessed immortality, and powers that Dorothy could not even fathom. However, their powers were also their curse, as Ozma's father took advantage of it at one time and died in the process from the witches turning it against him. They were immortal, but could still be killed by other means such as war. Dorothy couldn't remember the exact story. Her father had been a king at one time in Oz, and was defeated by the witches. Scarecrow remembered some of it. He had fought for the King when the witches took over, hence his curse to become a Scarecrow. This was why he was so surprised Ozma turned against him.

Ozma had to be at least over two hundred years old, but looked no more than seventeen. Her light blonde hair was braided back and surrounded the official Oz crown made of gold and emeralds. Today she wore a gown of silver, which fell past her feet. Her face was slim with high cheekbones, and pale pink lips. Her eyes were a gray color that Dorothy could only say were mesmerizing.

Her uncle and her cousin were not much different. Reginald's hair was now a white color, but Thoreon had a straw blonde hair color. Otherwise, their facial features were similar.

Dorothy and Scarecrow were brought to the foot of the steps. Dorothy remembered well when Drigka was here. All of his changes were now erased, and the coat of arms for Oz was back all over the room.

They were untied and made to kneel in front of the queen. Dorothy could not read Ozma's facial expressions.

Aslan stayed tied up, and growled lowly.

"Both of you may stand," Ozma began. She had a light, very feminine voice.

Scarecrow helped Dorothy stand, and he did not say a word. He was observing what was going on in the room.

Dorothy knew he was wondering where Ordaran was.

Ozma came down a few steps and stood in front of the couple. She looked between them for a moment and said, "This had to be done, Fiyero."

"What had to be done, your grace?" He asked in a steady voice.

Ozma looked around and then back at Scarecrow. "You made many enemies as king, and I continue to clean up your messes."

Scarecrow's eyes narrowed. "Many enemies?"

Ozma turned to him again, and said, "Yes. I have had to do things that hurt me to better this land."

"I do not understand your meaning. You have broken old alliances that have been our friends for thousands of years," he said.

"Yes, to protect the best interest of Oz," she answered waiving her hand in the air. "Now, I must make new ones to continue that."

"With a man who slave trades?" Scarecrow asked. Dorothy could see the anger beginning to set in his eyes.

"We all have to sacrifice for the greater good," Ozma answered.

Scarecrow's face was beginning to turn red with anger.

"Excuse me, your grace," Dorothy said before Scarecrow could speak again.

Ozma looked towards Dorothy. "You may speak, Dorothy."

"When you play games upon a throne within a kingdom, sometimes the best interests are of the people not of the crown. You should not have to die to win," Dorothy said.

Ozma began to retort when a voice came from behind them. "The Savior is smarter than you gave her credit for Ozma," the male voice said.

All eyes turned to the man standing in the door. "Ordaran..."Scarecrow said beneath his breath. Dorothy's eyes widened in realization.

The soldiers in the yellow uniforms bowed to their lord. Ozma and her family smiled slightly, and Dorothy heard a grunt of satisfaction from Reginald.

Scarecrow began to shake a little. His blue eyes began to desperately look around.

Dorothy knew her time was coming to activate the emerald. Where were Tin Man and Lion?

Lord Ordaran of South Aglas. Wow, was all Dorothy could think.

His skin was a brown color of years in the sun. His hair was cut short and black as night. He had a small mustache and big brown eyes. He would take any woman's breath away with his exotic good looks.

He wore dark gold pants and black boots. His tunic was a light gold with crests of his land sewed into it. He had on a red shirt underneath the tunic, but both were low cut, which showed part of his well-muscled chest.

He walked over and bowed to Ozma kissing her hand. Ozma almost giggled in reaction, making Dorothy groan inwardly.

Dorothy was expecting someone ugly, and deformed, not this.

Drigka had been handsome, but this man would make a woman and a man swoon.

Ordaran walked up to the couple. Scarecrow held his gaze steady. Dorothy still could not look him in the eyes.

"So, it's true. The Scarecrow King is human once more," he commented with a grin that Dorothy did not like. His accent was something that Dorothy could not pinpoint from her world at least.

"What do you want from me, Ordaran? The banishment was because of your treatment of your people. I think that was a fair desicison..."

Ordaran laughed lightly. "The Scarecrow King of Oz was not the only one who pays his debts or had his debts paid to him. So, here I am in Oz once more."

Ordaran turned and walked around Scarecrow. "I really thought I would have no need for my revenge, Scarecrow. I thought Drigka would take care of that for me. No, I came back for justice for what you did to my land. The riches and food that you denied my people with your embargos."

Scarecrow could not help himself he scoffed loudly. "Obviously, if you want justice Ordaran, you've come to the wrong place."

Scarecrow turned his eyes to Queen Ozma as he said that. Thoreon growled lowly and said, "That is treason."

Ordaran laughed again. "That will be resolved soon enough, Thoreon."

Scarecrow then turned to Ozma and Ordaran who were now standing next to each other.

"What is the deal you made?"

Ozma smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "Forgive me, Fiyero. You have served this country well, as King, and as a citizen. However, I must protect my interests and this land. Ordaran had agreed to a trade."

Dorothy felt her heart sink. What kind of trade was she talking about? Dorothy could feel her anger starting to boil.

"One moment, Ozma," Ordaran said. "Before you say anything I have another decision to make."

Ozma did not like being interrupted, but she let Ordaran speak.

Ordaran finally came up upon Dorothy. She heard Scarecrow curse under his breath. He walked full circle around her and said, "So, this is the savior I have heard so much about."

Scarecrow started to approach Ordaran, but was grabbed from behind by his soldiers making Ordaran smile.

"Do you want her or not?" Ozma asked.

Scarecrow began to struggle against the soldiers. "Don't even think about it!"

"Do not fear, Scarecrow King. It is not the savior I want, though she would make a great addition to my...house," Ordaran said."Even though I like my women young, and she is a little older she would do."

Dorothy looked over the handsome lord, and raised her chin in defiance. "Never."

Ordaran chuckled. "Do not fear, Dorothy the Savior. I know Ozma has other plans for you."

Dorothy's eyes widened in fear over what was coming next. She looked over at Scarecrow who continued to struggle against the Aglas soldiers.

It was now or never.

Scarecrow looked between Ozma and Ordaran and said, "I will give you anything you want, please just let her go."

"I have what I want, Scarecrow. You." Ordaran smiled to Dorothy again.

Ozma walked up to the couple and said, "We have made a trade. Ordaran will give me all the protection I need as long as I rule and he will take you with him. I do have other plans for Dorothy and your other friends."

Ozma nodded in the distance. There was yelling and Dorothy knew who it was right away.

Through the door came Tin Man and Lion, both restrained in chains. Aslan roared in despair and tried to escape again, only to be subdued. Both Tin Man and Lion looked forlorn, and defeated. Dorothy felt a great sadness wash over her. She had never seen that look on their faces, even when Drigka was winning the Great War.

"Let them go, and I will willingly be Ordaran's prisoner," Scarecrow said.

"No!" Dorothy screamed. Tears began to well up in her eyes. Fear overtook any logical thinking. She would not lose him again. She began to feel the power of the emerald within her body once more.

The emerald and Dorothy began to communicate mentally. It asked her what she wanted to do, and she answered.

Flashes began to surround her. It seemed like everyone froze for a moment while the power of the emerald surrounded her.

"Stop her! She is using the emerald!" She heard Thoreon scream.

Dorothy would never use the emerald to kill, but she would use it to help in their escape.

"I don't think so," Ozma said. Dorothy heard Scarecrow cry out, and Dorothy suddenly felt this tremendous pain hit her in the chest.

Dorothy didn't know what happened next, all she knew was the emerald was out of her grasp and everything looked blurry.

She opened her eyes and looked around, she could hear some chaos around her though it was muted.

All she could describe was as she sat up was she was now in a bubble.

She could see Scarecrow trying to fight off the soldiers in the room, but was helpless. She began to try to crash through the bubble she was trapped in, but to no avail. She reached down and checked her neck and gasped. The necklace was gone.

Ozma walked up to her and almost looked sad holding it in her hand. She slipped it around her neck, and said, "I didn't want this Dorothy."

Dorothy began to cry out and bang her hands against the wall the of the bubble.

Scarecrow was now fully subdued and his hands now in chains. Dorothy began to sob uncontrollably and sank to her knees seeing her husband like that.

"Well, now that we have order again. Dorothy, I will tell of my plans for you later. Ordaran we will be contact..."

"Yes, your grace," The Aglas Lord said smiling.

"Nick Tin Man Woodsman, General Lion, and son Scout Aslan. You are all hereby banished from Oz for the remainder of your lives. Lion, I would suggest you inform your pride," Ozma said.

Lion roared loudly in anger. He then turned to Scarecrow, and said, "We will find you, and put you back where you belong!"

Scarecrow shook his and said, "Just take care of her." Referring to Dorothy.

Lion nodded. Dorothy sat sobbing and finally stood. She needed to find the words. She would find him; she swore that with every fiber of her being.

He finally turned and looked at her. Through the blurriness of the bubble she could see tears running down his face.

"I love you, Dorothy. With all my heart and soul," he said sadly.

Dorothy sobbed again. "I will find you, I swear it."

"I just want to hear the words," he said softly as the soldier of Aglas began to lead him away.

Dorothy had to catch her breath. She banged her fist against the bubble again, and said, "I love you."

Dorothy could only watch helplessly as Scarecrow was led away in chains. Ordaran walked up to her and said, "You are very brave savior. I will make sure you live."

"I don't want your help. Let him go!" Dorothy said angrily.

A dark eyebrow rose. "I will anyway, savior. Remember the game of thrones comment? You were wrong, but yet, so right."

Tin Man, Aslan, and Lion began to yell as they were led away by Oz soldiers. Ordaran returned to Ozma, Thoreon, and Reginald. They spoke for a while, but Dorothy could not hear their words.

Suddenly, the bubble began to dissipate, and Dorothy began to feel something cold around her wrists. Dorothy wanted to scream as cuffs began to appear, and chains were around her.

So, I modeled Ordaran after Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, not the one from the book, but the actor from the TV show who will appear in season 4. If you know the show and the books by George RR Martin, they are amazing. I highly recommend them. Dorothy and Scarecrow will be separated for a while, but I am going to include flashbacks of them together in happier times. We still have a long way to go.