A/N: A shout out to James Birdsong. Thanks!
Chapter 26
It was mid-afternoon by the time the group entered the Emerald City. The guards at the mighty gate where confused to see only the Sergeant and the Private. They had asked what happened to the Captain and the Sergeant told them, he had a message to deliver to Lady Glinda, per the Captain's orders. Satisfied that the Captain was still alive, they then questioned the Groundhog, wanting to know what exactly he was doing there. Once again Zetti stepped in and said he was part of the message and was not to be touched. Penny kept her mouth shut and no one questioned her presence, which both she and Elphaba were grateful for. Surprisingly the men did not question about the Scarecrow but then again, they probably figured they'd get the same answer they got before.
Now as they approached the Palace gates, Zetti told them he had a message and that if they interfered with anyone in the group, they'd have Lady Glinda and the Captain to deal with. These men were not as stupid as the men at the main gate and quickly let them through, especially upon seeing the Scarecrow.
The group dismounted and their horses were quickly taken to the stables for food and rest. Elphaba whispered to Penny to stay calm and that they would be on their way again soon. The horse could only nod and Elphaba hoped that her friend would be all right. As much as Glinda would have let the Horse into the Palace, the rest of Oz would be in an uproar and that was the last thing they needed as the "Wicked" Witch would hopefully be making an appearance soon.
"We are in a bit of a hurry. Is Lady Glinda available?" Sergeant Zetti asked as they were led into the Palace by her personal guard.
"She's been located and she is ready for you. Is the Captain all right? Seems like he should be here," the guard, who went by the name of Bartholomew, asked.
"He's fine but he needed Roth and I to deliver a message. You know how he takes things personally," Zetti half smiled as they went up the stairs toward the main meeting room.
"I do. It must be very important if he did not come himself," Bartholomew nodded.
"Indeed," the Sergeant nodded back as they were let into the room. The guard promised to be right back with Glinda and he left them alone.
"I will need to meet with Lady Glinda on my own, once the message is relayed," Elphaba spoke up.
"Understood. Hopefully this goes well and we can be on our way," Roth said.
"My guess is that we won't be able to leave until the morning and that may be tricky. Unfortunately there is no way we'll make Kiamo Ko again by nightfall and I do not trust the woods, nor do I trust the people who hide in them," Elphaba told them.
"That is understandable. The Gale Force is feared but when sleeping out in the open…" Zetti trailed off. Everyone knew he meant that bandits or Glinda's opponents would make easy work of the sleeping soldiers. Outside the City was a dangerous place at night.
"Bartholomew tells me you are in a hurry, so I apologize for being late," Glinda smiled as she entered the room. Zetti and Roth were on their feet in an instant and bowed to the blonde.
"At ease, boys. You have a message from Captain Khalil?" Glinda wanted to know.
"We require additional troops, along with medical supplies, to our location as soon as possible. The King of the Animals has been found and requires our protection, Lady Glinda," Sergeant Zetti spoke first.
"More troops? King of the Animals? Goodness. You know how thin we are stretched as it is, Sergeant. How many did the Captain think you'd need?" Glinda seemed troubled.
"At least fifty, ma'am," Zetti said.
"Oh dear. All right well I will call up some of the best men we have. I think by morning we could have fifty, ready, willing, and able. Now does the King intend to make a trip to the Emerald City? We have much to discuss," Glinda smiled.
"King Brrr will only leave when his people are safe," Elphaba spoke up for the first time and it was then that Glinda really seemed to take notice of her. She was obviously confused as to how there was a female Scarecrow and was about to ask when Elphaba spoke again.
"I am not the one you seek but I carry a message from him. He will not return to the Emerald City."
"He sends you in his place?" Glinda asked.
"I will not be staying either. When the troops leave, I will leave with them," Elphaba told her.
"Does the Captain know that?" Glinda wanted to know.
"He does and he agreed to leave him be on the condition that you and I discuss something in private," Elphaba said. It was at this point, Glinda started to become suspicious of what was going on.
"How do I know you speak the truth?" she asked.
"Trust me when we talk alone, you will understand," the Scarecrow smiled slightly.
"All right. Sergeant, get what you need together. In the morning, you and the troops will leave for wherever the King is hiding. Please tell the Captain I wish to see him as soon as possible," Glinda said. The Sergeant nodded before grabbing Private Roth and Sam and heading out of the door.
"Now what is it you wanted to discuss?" Glinda asked.
To Be Continued…