Note: Here is the next chapter. Think of it as my holiday gift to you! Enjoy! I hope it fits because I don't have a gift receipt for you. :D

A campfire burned a small patch of light through the darkness. Fiyero and Pagani huddled close to its meager warmth. The frozen ground had made tracking the soldiers difficult, but not impossible. With Pagani's recollection of the path the company had taken to Kiamo Ko and Fiyero's impeccable hunting skills, they were able to find a trail.

In order to catch up to the soldiers, they traveled while their quarry slept. Fiyero made sure they rested only when absolutely necessary. Their growling stomachs were the cause of the current respite. He handed Pagani a small parcel of food before digging into his own.

Pagani stared thoughtfully at his food while he ate. What would happen when they found his troop? Would Fiyero calmly try to negotiate the release of the prisoner or would he wipe out anyone he could with the rifle and take off with her? He shuddered at the thought of the latter.

"Is something wrong?" asked Fiyero, noticing the young man's distress.

"No, Sir," Pagani replied quietly.

"You don't have to be afraid of me. I'm not going to hurt you, especially since you're helping me rescue someone I care deeply about. I am more grateful than you could ever know."

"We haven't gotten to her yet. I could be leading you into a trap or in a completely different direction." Pagani regretted the statement as soon as he uttered it.

Fiyero chuckled. "You have a point, but remember…I'm the one with the rifle."

With that comforting thought, they doused the fire and continued on their way.

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Morning brought no relief for Elphaba. The remnants of her nightmares still clung to her mind like dusty cobwebs. Mostly, they had been about Ellus finishing what he started. But the one that had frightened her the most was the one where Fiyero had sneered at her in disgust when she confessed her violation. She knew it was irrational, but she couldn't shake the sorrow the image caused. She desperately wanted her oils so she could cleanse herself body and soul, but they were far behind in Kiamo Ko.

A very tired-looking Selzar knelt behind Elphaba and began untying her hands. "The Commander told me to let you stretch before we moved on," he explained at her questioning look.

"Thank you," she said as she slowly moved her aching arms.

Selzar helped her stand before returning to his comrades. Elphaba stretched while she watched the men pack up the tents and clean the campsite. She marveled at their efficiency, begrudgingly impressed. She was glad she hadn't underestimated them.

In no time at all, the troop was packed and ready to go. A sullen Ellus seemed to have the largest pack of all. He glared at Selzar while the kind, young soldier came back to bind Elphaba's hands once more.

"Watch your back," Elphaba warned Selzar quietly. "Someone isn't very happy with you."

"I know. Don't worry," he responded with a small nod.

He led her to a spot in the middle of the troops and went to stand in the rear. Ellus was up front behind the Commander where could easily be monitored. A quick march began and Elphaba kept up as best she could. It wasn't easy, but she didn't dare complain. Thoughts of Fiyero and their unborn child nestled in her womb kept her feet moving.

Meanwhile, Fiyero and Pagani journeyed on. Fiyero prayed they would catch up to the Gale Force in time. He hoped Elphaba was being treated kindly. He had heard his fair share of rumors about the cruelty of the Wizard's men. He hoped she wasn't being abused. If anything happened to her or their child, the Wizard and any who harmed them would pay dearly.

"Sir?" asked Pagani, laying a hand on Fiyero's shoulder.

"What?" he spat angrily. His anxiety about Elphaba's well-being made him testy. The young soldier flinched back from the venomous tone of the prince.

"We're close to the troop. I can hear them marching up ahead," he said.

Fiyero stopped to listen. He could hear the heavy footfalls of the men about a quarter of a mile away. "Good work, Pagani." He clapped him on the shoulder.

"How are you going to rescue her?"

"Don't worry. You're not part of that plan. I have it figured out. We only need to worry about staying close to your comrades," said Fiyero.

"As soon as she is imprisoned in the Emerald City dungeons I will set her free," he thought to himself.

"Come on," he said out loud. "Let's not lose them now."