Chapter 25
Upon reaching the capital the next morning, Fiyero and Elphaba wasted no time in reaching the palace of King Faromeer. As the guard had spoken, their arrival was announced promptly and they were shown to a guest room. They had an audience with the new King of the Vinkus in an hour.
"I wish I had some background information on this Faromeer before we spoke to him," Fiyero confessed as he rubbed his aching kneecaps.
"You and me both but it seems we are not so fortunate," Elphaba commented.
"I'm interested to hear his opinion on the gate measures he's taken. Never in all my life could I come up with a reason for doing such a thing," her husband confessed.
"Yes well upon the tumultuous end to the rule of the Wizard and the many people who attempted to rule Oz afterward, perhaps he thought it best for safety reasons," Elphaba said. Fiyero nodded as he stood up and crossed the room to fetch his change of clothes. The two quickly removed their riding clothes and got into something more appropriate for meeting with a King.
"King and Queen Tiggular, your Majesty," the guard announced as the couple entered the Council Chamber. The current King of the Vinkus sat at the far end of the table and beckoned them over.
"It seems you have turned Kiamo Ko into the once grand palace it used to be. I know with the death of my father, it had fallen on hard times," Fiyero spoke first as they approached him. Of course he wasn't about to say anything about what had occurred there not so long ago.
"The passing of your father marked the end of an era, I'm afraid," King Faromeer gave a slight frown and simply nodded as his guests took their seats.
"Forgive me for not standing but I'm afraid it would be quite complicated to do so. The doctors have promised me a new leg but I fear they do not want to give me something until it is perfect," the King showed off his wheelchair by rolling away from the table and then rolling back under with the use of the table and his arms.
"What happened to your leg, if you don't mind me asking," Elphaba spoke up.
"I was out on a hunt and stepped on an illegal trap. First they took my foot then they were forced to move up to my knee after infection set in. My Council believes it would be a mistake to show the good people my injury and they have ordered the doctors to make something better than just a peg," Faromeer smiled slightly. He seemed an amiable man and Elphaba liked him.
"Enough about me, what brings you to the Vinkus? You are a King now, I understand, and married to a woman who was feared among these parts not so long ago. It is quite the accomplishment to turn your image around so quickly," he said.
"Well it isn't turned around that quickly. We have come here seeking allies. The more allies we have the better we will be. We wish to reunite Oz with all of her territories and create stability. Now should you wish to remain separate but an ally, we respect your decision. We have already made allies with Glinda in Quadling Country and we were hoping the Vinkus would be next," Fiyero explained.
"You are an Arjiki Prince after all. I am grateful for your offer but certainly it does not come with a price," Faromeer told him.
"The price would only be loyalty and perhaps your assistance militarily. We are in need of setting up an army and police force. Currently we have borrowed men from Glinda but we are hoping that the Vinkan army will spell them until we have recruited more from the Emerald City and her surrounding areas to fill such forces," Fiyero said.
"I will have to discuss your offer with my Council," Faromeer nodded.
"Excellent, that is all that we ask but I do have a question for you. Why are there gates and fences at the border?" The former Scarecrow asked.
"Things were becoming dangerous here with scores of people fleeing the Emerald City upon the fall of Glinda the Good. Her replacement made life difficult in the city and undocumented peoples were crossing our borders. Crime went up, as did the unemployment rate. The fences and gates allowed me to adjust both as the stream of people coming in slowed and the average family had a job, even if it was for a short while. Many of the men who worked on the existing fences will be working on the new ones come the winter thaw," the King explained.
"So the economy could use a bolster. Perhaps we can help with that," Fiyero smiled slightly.
"I'd like an outside opinion. Tomorrow morning after breakfast perhaps we can talk. I hate to cut the meeting short but I am due to speak to the doctors. I appreciate you taking the trip out here. Feel free to tour the palace and I will see you at dinner," with that the meeting ended and Fiyero and Elphaba headed back to their room.
"So do you believe him?" She asked once behind their closed guest room door.
To Be Continued…