Chapter 11
That evening Adalet had Asli and his immediate subordinates attend dinner with Fiyero and herself. Elphaba was still resting and though the Prince had not wanted to leave her side, Doctor Magi had insisted he eat something. The poor medical man had been on his feet all day attending the wounded and dinner was the first time he'd be sitting down for more than five minutes in the past twelve hours.
"Is everyone accounted for?" Adalet asked as the chef began bringing out the meal.
"Avantador said that he and the Griffins have cleared the field of the dead. He is starting fires so that they may be disposed of. All Vinkun troops are accounted for," Asli informed her.
"Where does that leave us?" She wanted to know.
"Out of thirty-five hundred, you have five hundred wounded and seven hundred and fifty dead," the Captain explained.
"It would have been much worse if not for Avantador, the Griffins, and the Flying Monkeys," Fiyero said.
"Agreed," Asli nodded.
"How many of the enemy, remain?" Adalet inquired.
"Our spies were pretty close on their estimate. As far as we can figure, they started with forty-five hundred, and are now down to the thousand we hold captive," Sergeant Licek told them.
"A lot of people died and I do not know if it was worth it," Asli shook his head.
"It only showed the entirety of Oz that the Vinkus and the Arjiki remain strong. Those that were captured how do they breakdown?" The Queen asked.
"Regrettably, you were right. Most of those in our custody were from other Vinkun tribes. Some are from Gillikin and there are a few Quadlings dotted here and there," Licek heaved a sigh.
"We must determine if they were of their own minds and bodies or if Burcin's students forced them to fight. I'll not accuse people of treason if they had no say in the matter," Adalet said.
"That is a slippery slope, if you'll pardon me for saying so," Asli pointed out.
"I would agree with the Captain. It may show weakness and despite such a decisive victory," Lieutenant Nihil, leader of the Vinkun soldiers from the south, spoke up.
"Am I to execute all one thousand? What does that say?" The Queen argued.
"That will certainly not win the heart of the people," Fiyero said.
"Perhaps it is something to table until all of the wounded are treated and the further determination of their role in the war is made. There is only one student left of Burcin's and it is without question that she will hold the answers. Perhaps once faced with the truth and the consequences of her actions, she will show us the path forward," Doctor Magi said in between bites.
"Wiser words were never spoken. Elphaba is the only one qualified to handle her. Let me check on her after dinner and then we can go from there," Fiyero offered.
"You are right son. Please give her my best. I must meet with the builders and see what we can do about shoring up the walls outside the Palace," Adalet said.
"I will send word to Glinda that we are secure here. We will stay as long as we are needed," Asli told her.
"Excellent. Thank you Captain. I am waiting on word from the surrounding areas in regards to their safety and am asking no one travel to the capital, until everything is sorted out. With any luck that will be sooner rather than later, thanks to you and your men," the Queen smiled. Suddenly Chistery burst through the door, a look of terror on his face.
"Doctor Magi! We need you! Miss Elphaba won't wake up!"
To Be Continued…