Chapter 26
As it would turn out, Khalil's mistrust of the Munchkins was unfounded. Mopsi's troops arrived the next morning and helped clean up the dead men and the burnt forest. Queen Ayla ordered that all the captured men should be charged with treason. One the side, she ordered an investigation to see if the person or persons who incited the men to fight, could be found.
Three more days would pass before it was announced that the verdict in the trial of the Wizard was ready to be handed down. The Queen, Fiyero, and Glinda would need to be there along with Lieutenants Khalil and Balfour. Elphaba insisted that sitting in a wheelchair in a dress was not too much stress and that she was actually feeling much better than she had a few days prior. Using her magic had seemingly reawakened her and she'd proven it by the increase in her appetite and the less pale color in her cheeks.
"Oscar Diggs, also known as The Wizard, you are hereby found guilty of crimes against humanity and Animals," Judge Doruk of Munchkinland announced.
"Does the defendant have any final words before his sentence is determined?" Judge İskender of the Vinkus asked.
"Only that I did what was best for Oz. While I tried to make this a better place, Morrible plotted behind my back and for that I am being punished," Oscar said. Elphaba frowned. Even in the face of everything he helped perpetrate, the Wizard still thought he was right. The judges did not look kindly on his response.
"This tribunal sentences you to twenty years of hard labor in Southstairs whereupon you will be released and permanently banished from Oz. Let it also be known that all the Lands beyond the Great Dessert Barriers shall be made aware of your crimes. We imagine you will not be welcome in those countries upon your release either," Judge Snow from Quadling Country frowned.
"Where exactly is my client supposed to go then?" The defense attorney, a Mr. Guerue wanted to know.
"Perhaps wherever he came from will want him back," Judge Havva from Gillikin shook her head and indicated for the guards to take the Wizard away. As the only female on the panel, and one of the few leading military women from her country, Havva had worked hard to get where she was and she viewed this appointment as an opportunity to not pass up. The other judges appreciated her candor and her knowledge.
As he was being led away, Oscar reached inside his coat, and Elphaba shouted to the guards to stop him. If he intended to poison himself right there in court, he had another thing coming. The guards grabbed his hand and forced whatever it was out of it.
"Search him and arrest his lawyer!" Ayla stood from her seat in the gallery and issued the order. Quickly, Mr. Guerue was taken into custody.
"What was in his hand?" Elphaba asked the men, once Fiyero had wheeled her up to them.
"This little green bottle. Never seen one like that before," the one said. He handed it to her and they dragged Oscar away along with his lawyer.
"Fae… isn't that…" Fiyero trailed off, his tone barely audible.
"It can't be Yero…" she shook her head, her tone just as low. It wasn't possible. Glinda left her seat as the crowd dispersed. Ayla went to make the announcement of the verdict and the blonde joined her friends.
"Are you guys ok?" Glinda asked.
"We need to talk," Elphaba said. She carefully showed her friend the bottle. Glinda shook her head. It couldn't be.
"Come on," Fiyero told them. He turned Elphaba's chair toward the courtroom doors.
To Be Continued…