Chapter 29

I do not own anything from the Wizard of Oz or the Lord of the Rings.

Well, things seem to be calming down. So, now I have more time to write and edit this. I hope you all enjoy.

Dorothy walked through the fields in Kansas. She had no idea how she had gotten back there. One moment she was Drigka's mercy, and the next moment she thought she was floating through time and space, and then she landed almost right at her front door of the farm.

Am I dead? She thought.

No, you're not dead; a voice came back to her. You are under the power of the rubies.

Dorothy didn't know the voice that answered. She looked around and noticed that things were hazy, and seemed out of place.

She looked up and cried out a little as the doorway to the house opened and there stood Auntie Em and Uncle Henry smiling and waiving at her.

Dorothy felt immense happiness at seeing them again, and waived back.

"Auntie Em! Uncle Henry!" She called out. She began to run to them. All she wanted to do was hug them both.

Whether they were real or not she didn't care. She just wanted to hold them both even if for a moment.

As she began to approach the couple began to fade, and in their place were Theodora and Evanora.

Dorothy stopped and gasped. She wanted to run away, or take a shovel to their heads or something. Again, one of those witches tricked her with her family.

Dorothy felt the anger overwhelm her at both of them. They stood there for a moment gazing at her, and then both smiled at her in their evil way.

"That was a dirty trick!" Dorothy yelled, but she cringed when her voice echoed over the plains. She was not expecting that.

Evanora snickered a little, but Theodora stopped her. Dorothy realized that this was the first time she had ever really seen Evanora up close, and the sisters looked like twins, but Evanora's skin was still white compared to Theodora's green.

"Hello, my little pretty," Theodora said, but her voice was serious, and not the cackle that Dorothy remembered.

Dorothy was still seething with anger. "I have nothing to say to either of you," she said and began to turn away.

"We have much to say to you, Dorothy," Evanora chimed in.

"We need to talk to you, Dorothy," Theodora said.

Dorothy turned and said, "Talk to yourselves. I have to find a way out of this place if I am going to see you two."

"That's what we're going to talk to you about," Theodora said smiling.

"After that trick. No thanks. I will find my way on my own," Dorothy shot back.

Dorothy turned and started to walk away. Then she heard Evanora's voice over the field. "Dorothy! Would you have spoken to us if you had seen us right away?"

Dorothy turned around again and glared at the two sister witches. "No, and I have no intention of starting now."

"Dorothy, do you want to get out of here or not?" Theodora asked. "You will never find your way on your own."

Dorothy stopped for a moment, and thought. Why did the witches want to help her? How could she possibly trust anything they said?

"We have to help you, or we will be stuck here forever," Theodora said as if reading Dorothy's mind.

"We want our peace," Evanora chimed in. "You think we were evil? You have no idea what our brother will do if he wins this war."

Dorothy turned and walked back up to the two witches. "Why should I believe you?" She asked her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"You shouldn't, but if Scarecrow loses then Oz will be lost forever," Theodora said.

"We wanted control of Oz, but never wanted it this bad. Our brother betrayed us many times as well. We are the ones who banished him not anyone else," Evanora said.

Dorothy took a deep breath. She looked around, and realized she had no choice. She had to listen to what they had to say.

"So, how do I get back to Oz?" Dorothy asked after eyeing them for a moment.

Theodora smiled widely. "I knew you would listen to reason. Besides, you are definitely not that small and meek little girl anymore."

Dorothy frowned, but took the compliment for what it was. "Thanks."

"Take it for what it is, Dorothy," Theodora said smiling.

"Okay. Now what?"

"Alright. Only you control the rubies, so only you can make your way out of here. You believe that the rubies control you, you must overcome that mindset," Evanora said.

"Well, I am under their control or I wouldn't be here," Dorothy argued.

"Our brother made you believe that. You had the power all along Dorothy. This could have ended long ago," Theodora said.

"You sound like Glinda and the first time I had them," Dorothy said.

"It is as true now, as it was then," Theodora answered.

"The Scarecrow is coming for you. Listen for his voice, and follow it. Once you do, then you will be back in Oz, and you can destroy them once and for all," Evanora said.

"That will make me gain control again?"

"If you choose to hear his voice calling for you," Theodora said.

"How do I destroy them once and for all?" Dorothy asked looking around waiting for Scarecrow to call for her, and hoping she will hear him.

Theodora and Evanora suddenly glanced at each other.

"The drones have come to life," Evanora said.

Dorothy gasped. It was from her power that happened, but she had no control over it now. She was getting desperate now to get back and put a stop to this.

The wind began to swirl around the three women.

"We need to go soon," Evanora said to her sister.

"Wait! No! How do I destroy them?"

"If you want to destroy them Dorothy, you will know how," Theodora said.

The two sisters began to fade, and Dorothy began to hear a voice in the distance. Scarecrow?

"Please, I need to know more," Dorothy yelled over the winds.

Dorothy realized at that moment that the activity in this world was due to the rubies being used. She had to get back and destroy them and Drigka.

Both sisters looked over at the young woman, and smiled again. "You know what to do," Theodora said smiling as she picked up the voice in the distance.

"The armies have began the great battle," Evanora said.

Dorothy wanted to question them further, but they faded out.

"Dorothy. You need to move now!" She heard Theodora yell out to her.

Dorothy looked to her left, and she could see Drigka and Scarecrow now battling in the throne room. Yet, there was a force field she could see that surrounded the vision.

She looked up into the sky, which had grown, gray and stormy.

"Theodora! How do I break Scarecrow's spell?" She yelled again into the wind.

She thought she had heard laughter in the distance, but was not sure.

"Use the rubies!" A voice answered.

Dorothy looked around and the two witch sisters were gone.

She ran over the vision of the Scarecrow and Drigka fighting again, and tried to get through the force field, but it was not working. She cried out as she watched Scarecrow be overpowered by the Witch King.

"No!" She cried out as tears stained her cheeks.

"Scarecrow!" She yelled as he flew against a wall and was held there by Drigka's magic.

She sat on the ground as dirt and wind burned her eyes. She needed to calm down, and think.

She had to follow his voice, but how? He was busy right now.

She looked over again and Drigka had lit his sword with fire. Scarecrow struggled, but could not free himself from the hold.

Dorothy began pounding on the force field, and cried out as Drigka approached him with the fiery sword.

Finally, it happened.

At that moment, Scarecrow looked over at her, and Dorothy felt like he was really looking right at her though she was not there in mind. His eyes were sad, but still desperate.

"Dorothy…"

At that moment, she knew she heard his desperate call for her loud and clear.

Dorothy got up and did not say a word back to him. She walked over to a shovel that was sitting near her. Without another conscious thought, she picked up the shovel, and swung it with all of her strength.

The force field shattered in front of her like glass. She felt like she was floating once more, and then suddenly she came crashing down, and opened her eyes to Scarecrow being lit on fire.

Dorothy took a deep breath, and with determination she moved forward on the Witch King.

…..

Scarecrow moved through the tunnels. He could hear the chaos around him as Lion and Tin Man did their duty and began to burn the drones.

Scarecrow knew he was now in the west hall, and close to the throne room.

He decided to take a chance when things had quieted a little to take a peak into the hall.

He opened the door slightly, and looked around. He could not believe his luck.

As the creature was about to run past him, he grabbed her arm, and pulled her into the tunnel.

She cried out in surprise, and he immediately covered her mouth and held her in place.

The scared creature struggled against his hold, but he was stronger than her.

She finally turned and looked at who kidnapped her and gasped into his glove. Her eyes widened in the lantern light which was on the ground at the moment.

"Shhhhhh," he whispered releasing her.

Emmie almost shouted for joy, but covered her own mouth.

"Your highness! Oh praise the gods!" She whispered excitedly.

Scarecrow smiled at his long time spy despite the situation.

"What is happening?" He asked.

Emmie got serious and her black eyes narrowed in determination.

"Lion and Tin Man lit up the drones. I think they didn't get many of them, but enough to do some damage," she whispered.

"Did they escape?" He asked worried for his friends.

Emmie shook her head. "I am not sure. I was going to find out, because Drigka took Dorothy outside to bring them to life," she said worried.

"Are they activated?"

"Yes, they are now," she said sadly.

Scarecrow nodded. He expected that with what he had Lion and Tin Man do.

"Your highness," Emmie whispered bringing Scarecrow out of his thoughts.

He looked at his spy, and nodded.

"The munchkins have set something in the south tunnels," she said getting excited again.

Scarecrow looked around and smirked. So, it was going to begin, and he had to admit that he was disappointed he would not be there to help in the battle just yet, but something more important came up.

"Where is Dorothy now?" He asked. They heard rumbling around the hall, and stayed quiet for a moment.

"Her and Drigka are back in the throne room. That coward won't even fight himself," Emmie said seething.

"Oh he will. Is she alright?"

"She is fine from what I could tell, sire," Emmie said. "I have been keeping an eye on her, but she does not respond." She shook her head sadly.

Scarecrow nodded feeling his anger growing at the Witch King.

"Emmie, I want you to gather everyone you can and take the tunnels out of here. The munchkins have set Oscar's gun powder which could explode any moment."

Emmie's eyes widened and she nodded furiously. "This is it then? Did you receive the allies you sought?"

"Yes. I am not sure who could join on such short notice, but let's hope it is enough."

Emmie embraced Scarecrow, and said, "Good luck, sire. Dorothy is waiting for you."

He embraced her back, and said, "Go, and be safe. Glinda is on the other side of the poppy fields."

Emmie nodded. Both of them dared to open the secret door again, and things were quiet. She then snuck through and took off running in another direction.

Scarecrow made sure she was out of sight, and moved onto the throne room.

As he came up to the throne room, he could hear Drigka barking orders.

He stayed still and listened for a moment. He snuffed the lantern and unsheathed his sword. He would be going into the throne room blindly. He had no idea where Dorothy was, but he had to take the chance.

He listened again, and realized that things had gotten quiet.

Suddenly, he heard laughter in the background. It was Drigka, and it made Scarecrow's straw shiver.

Scarecrow froze as the voice came through the door.

"Come out, Scarecrow! I know you're there!"

Scarecrow froze for a moment wondering what he should do. Should he try another route? Is Dorothy now really in danger?

Straightening with determination, he opened the door, and faced the Witch King waiting in the middle of the room for him.

"Welcome home," Drigka sneered. He had on a black shirt and black pants. His boots were a shiny black, and his eyes flashed when he spotted Scarecrow.

Scarecrow walked in slowly, and looked around. His sword in battle ready position waiting for Drigka to make the first move.

He looked around and almost fell over at the changes that Drigka had made. Instead of the welcoming room that he remembered, it was now gray and colorless.

"Where is she?" Scarecrow asked angrily. He did not see Dorothy at first.

Drigka nodded to the right. Scarecrow spotted Dorothy standing there motionless, and her eyes glowing the red he remembered the last time he had seen her. She was still in the same clothing as when she was captured.

"She did her job well," Drigka said smiling.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Why, she just brought my drones to life, my king," Drigka said laughing gleefully. "Did you really think that Lion and Tin Man would do much?"

"Only to get me in here," Scarecrow answered.

He began to move his way to Dorothy. Drigka still stood there smiling in triumph.

"Dorothy," he began to call not taking his eyes off of Drigka.

He could have sworn she turned her head slightly.

"Keep trying it, Scarecrow. You can't win," Drigka said his voice lowering in menace.

Scarecrow ignored the Witch King, and said, "Dorothy. Come on, I know you can hear me."

He was now getting too close for Drigka's comfort, and at that moment a sword appeared in Drigka's hand.

Scarecrow was getting desperate. He needed to grab Dorothy and get her out of here, but the Witch King was still in his way.

Drigka readied his sword.

"Dorothy! It's me!" He yelled over to her. He smiled as she began to waiver.

Suddenly, sword met sword as Drigka growled and attacked.

"She's mine!" Drigka said into Scarecrow's face.

"Dorothy! You need to hear me, love, you can fight this!"

"No!" Drigka yelled out and almost lopped Scarecrow's arm off.

Scarecrow was able to easily fend off Drigka, but Drigka was able to recover quickly. They went at each other for a while, and Scarecrow knew Drigka was starting to tire.

Scarecrow continued to call Dorothy's name, and he thought he spotted the glow from her eyes flicker.

Suddenly, the earth shook underneath both men sending them both flying to the floor.

Scarecrow smirked and recovered quickly as Drigka looked around in shock at the explosion.

Scarecrow got up and looked out to the balcony, but still aware of Drigka in the background. Dorothy still stood there in her trance.

Scarecrow felt the tears in his eyes as he spotted the armies in the distance. He could only watch in shock and awe for a moment as he could see the thousands of soldiers heading to battle the drones.

He began to waiver a little. They came! He thought not recognizing some of the markings on the soldiers. It had to be help from Middle Earth. He smiled and turned to Drigka who was recovering from his fall.

"Give it up, Witch!" He said smiling.

The rumbling of the attack began to shake the castle again, almost sending both of them to the ground once more.

Scarecrow began to run towards Dorothy as Drigka ran past him to see the commotion. He heard a foul curse, but ignored him.

"Dorothy! Come on, you need to hear me!"

He was so close to her, but he turned when a sudden "NO!" echoed through the room.

"Dorothy, stop him!" Drigka yelled out.

Scarecrow felt like he had hit a brick wall as Dorothy's eyes began to flicker again, but kept the glow. He felt like phantom hands had just grabbed him around his throat. He began to struggle against the ghostly hands as his feet were lifted off the floor.

Scarecrow continued to fight the spell, but could not. He was trapped.

Dorothy's arm was extended as she held him in the air. The Witch King began to laugh in glee at Scarecrow's predicament.

Drigka walked around him, and laughed even harder.

"Dorothy! Can you hear me? Stop this!" Scarecrow yelled out to her. She still did not move.

"I may not win this war, Scarecrow, but I will have the satisfaction of killing the Scarecrow King, and making the savior my wife," Drigka said still circling him. "No matter what."

Scarecrow began to struggle furiously, but to no avail, and no spell that he could think of could break it.

Drigka said something else, and suddenly Scarecrow was shoved against the wall. He maybe immortal, but he still felt pain. He cried out, and resigned for a moment.

"Dorothy, light my sword on fire," Drigka said with another laugh.

Dorothy put out her other arm, and fire began to form on her hand.

The fire made a beeline to Drigka's sword.

The sword lit in an orange and yellow glow as flames licked the metal.

"Good girl," Drigka said with a smile.

Scarecrow made one last attempt at a struggle against the spell that held him.

He looked around desperately for help, but he knew it wasn't coming. Everyone was too busy fighting outside.

He took one last look at Dorothy who stood there peacefully for a moment. I love you, he thought sadly. I'm sorry.

"Dorothy…." He muttered.

He then spotted it. The glow in her eyes began to fade, and she began to shake.

Yet, it was too late. Drigka was lighting him on fire. It would be over in moments.

A voice cried out in the background as Scarecrow closed his eyes from the burning smell.

"No! Scarecrow!"