Chapter 10
Dawn came and they were only about an hour from the Munchkin border and only about ten minutes from the border with Gillikin. They had made good time in the dark but the troops were feeling the effects of the lack of sleep. Elphaba suggested they at least pause for everyone to catch a quick nap. They were in the woods and had little danger of being spotted since they were still in Vinkun territory. Fiyero agreed and quickly the troops dispersed off the main road to catch some shuteye.
"How long until the Munchkins wonder if we're coming?" Elphaba asked her friend.
"I would think noon would be the latest we could put them off. How long is it to the capital?" Glinda asked.
"Only about two hours. The troops can sleep for at least two hours before they need to get moving again," her green friend explained.
"They need it. You and I were able to catch some sleep on the way but we should discuss the plan," the blonde pointed out.
"Not a bad idea," Elphaba smiled. The two quietly conversed and Elphaba kept an eye on the sun. It wasn't long before she shook Fiyero awake and he quickly set about waking the troops up.
"They could use a pick me up," her husband pointed out.
"They could and I wish we had something. Once they get moving again, they'll feel better," she said. He nodded and then made sure they weren't leaving anyone behind. With the crack of the whip, they were off and moving again only about fifteen minutes after Fiyero had started waking them.
"Once we hit the border, you and I are on our own," Glinda swallowed.
"The troops won't be far behind," Elphaba smiled slightly.
"I hope so because there is no telling what condition the Gale Force will be in," the blonde shivered slightly as her nerves began to fray.
"Hey. We're the most powerful people in Oz, both magically and politically. The Munchkins can't think that harming us will do anything for them. They know that your husband would come down on them like a ton of bricks. When they see me, then they'll know that the Vinkus would also come after them. They might not be the brightest bunch but even they aren't that stupid," Elphaba tried to calm her down the best she could.
"I suppose you're right but I'm not feeling any better about it," Glinda admitted.
"Milady's, we are only ten minutes from the Munchkin border," their driver announced.
"Ready?" Elphaba asked.
"As I'll ever be," the blonde grumbled. Elphaba only nodded and grabbed her broom. Glinda took deep breaths and tried to focus on making a bubble. She knew she had to calm down because she couldn't leave her best friend to defend them both. To be honest, the blonde was very confused as to why she was so nervous. It wasn't as if she hadn't done this before.
"We're here. Unnamed Godspeed," the driver said. With that, Elphaba and Glinda took to the skies. Fiyero watched as they headed for the capital. Then he turned to his troops and said,
"Be on your toes. We've officially left Gillikin and stepped into Munchkin territory." There was a lot of nodding but not much else. The troops were tired but basically now that they'd officially left the safety of the Vinkun borders, they were all on high alert.
As Elphaba and Glinda flew, they hardly spoke. Both of them were more worried than they cared to admit about this mission. It would only take fifteen minutes to get to the capital since they were flying and before they knew it, they could see the buildings. Moments later, the shooting started.
"Evasive action!" She shouted to Glinda.
To Be Continued...