A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers!
Chapter 7
Tin Man walked down the Yellow Brick Road and into Oz. He'd left Fiyero back at the village, claiming he was a helper that he'd hired. The lie seemed to go over well and no one noticed whom the man with the beard really was. Both of them had feared that if the former prince was recognized they'd both wind up in the stockade.
"Tin Man, it's good to see you. What brings to Oz on this fine day?" A friend from the Gale Force asked as the metal man approached the main gate to the great building that once housed the Great and Powerful Oz.
"I must speak with Lady Glinda. Urgent matters from our neighbors to the south, Besim," he said.
"Our neighbors contacted you? They must have traveled a long distance," Besim smiled.
"Indeed they did but I must speak to Glinda," Tin Man smiled hoping his old friend wouldn't see right through him.
"Of course. I shall announce you," the Gale Force guard opened the gate and escorted his friend to the main chamber. He knocked upon the door and guards inside opened it.
"Lady Glinda the Good, I have a messenger with urgent news from our neighbors to the south," Besim announced.
"Let the messenger step forward," Glinda rolled her eyes on all the pomp and circumstance surrounding such trivial items. However, she had to allow them to occur as Oz was a place steeped in tradition despite everything that had changed.
"Lady Glinda," upon the clunking of metal the good witch looked up. She recognized that face.
"Guards! Leave us!" She ordered. The men gave her a look but did as they were told.
"What news do you have from our neighbors to the south?" Glinda asked as she came closer to her old friend.
"An emergency Glinda. One I'm afraid only you, yourself can handle," Tin Man said indicating with his hands that the words for her ears only.
"An old friend, Scarecrow, has come to me. The one he loves has been injured and is in serious need of a doctor. Unfortunately, the status of this woman is not looked upon very well in these parts. Perhaps it is because of her skin color," Boq whispered. Glinda's eyes went wide.
"It cannot be," she shook her head.
"You must come with me immediately. There is no time to waste. We shall pick up Scarecrow on the way," Tin Man smiled, hoping she would listen.
"Immediately, I shall summon the leaders of our neighbors and inform them of my visit but not of the stop I have to make." Glinda nodded and quickly called the guards back into the room.
"I have immediate business to attend to. Prepare my coach! I shall leave at once. General Cihangir will be in charge in my absence," she ordered.
"Yes Lady Glinda," the guards responded and quickly headed for the stables.
"Besim, a moment please," the good witch called him back.
"Yes, Milady?" He asked.
"You are my most trusted guard. I must ask you to journey with me, Tin Man, and his friend from the south," she told him.
"Of course, whatever you ask. I will bring the coach around front," Besim smiled and was off like a shot.
"Are you sure we can trust him? He is a good man but…" Tin Man whispered.
"If he should turn on us, I have you to dispatch him. I need someone to drive the coach and Besim is the only one who can keep a secret," Glinda told through her teeth. Minutes later, the three were off and heading to pick Fiyero up. Glinda may not have been ready to meet her ex-boyfriend and hence why Tin Man had said nothing but once they were out in the village, she would not turn around. Elphaba meant everything to her and she would not let her down.
The carriage raced down the Yellow Brick Road soon reaching its destination. Boq got out of the coach and went inside a small house to retrieve 'Scarecrow'. It was only upon entering the carriage did Glinda get a good look at him.
"Hello Glinda," Fiyero gave her a smile. What he got in return was a slap across the face.
To Be Continued…
