Chapter 36
Tanon was sitting at his desk putting together a petition on Elphaba's behalf when Ren entered the study.
"Sir, there's someone at the door for you. He says it's urgent," Ren said.
"Did he give you a name?" Tanon asked. "I'm a little busy right now."
"He said his name is Lothier, sir."
"Lothier," Tanon said surprised. He looked up at Ren. "Take him into the living room. I'll be there in a minute."
"Already done sir. Will there be anything else?"
"No, thank you Ren. As usual, you do an impeccable job."
"Thank you sir," Ren removed himself from the study as Tanon quickly straightened his papers, smoothed out his jacket and hurried to the living room.
Upon arriving in the living room, Tanon saw Lothier sitting on the couch with a large book bag in his possession.
"Lothier, to what do I owe this very unexpected pleasure?"
"Tanon, how are you?" Lothier said, standing up and extending his hand.
Tanon shook the hand and motioned for him to be reseated. "I'm well. And if you don't mind my saying so, you look rather well yourself."
"I've been feeling much better. There's still a lot of physical therapy ahead of me, but in time, I'm expected to make a full recovery."
"That's wonderful."
"Listen Tanon, the reason I've chosen to take myself out of hiding and come to you is because of the headlines I read this morning."
"You mean the one about Baraq escaping I presume?"
"Exactly. I was stunned to say the least."
"That's understandable."
"I've come here because I believe something to be of the utmost importance. Before, it wasn't really an issue for me, but now that Baraq has escaped, I have to mention this, and hopefully you'll agree with my concerns as well as my suggested solutions," Lothier said cryptically.
"So tell me then, what is it that has you so alarmed that you'd risk coming out of hiding to tell me?"
"The Grimmerie," Lothier said pointedly.
"I see," Tanon said regarding Lothier quizzically.
"Tanon, I believe that the Grimmerie must be placed under extreme security with twenty-four hour protection."
"What do you have in mind?"
"If you know where the book is, if Glinda hasn't already placed it in a secure location, I believe the best place for it is a repository at The Ozian National Archives. The Security Services Department is reknowned for its practices and abilities to protect our National Treasures, of which I believe the Grimmerie to be one."
"Go on," Tanon said.
"If you are aware of the location of the Grimmerie, please allow me to take the book to the Archives. It's for the protection of the book and the people of Oz."
Tanon thought for a moment. "Lothier, I do know where the Grimmerie is. In fact, it's in this house. Hold on while I go get it."
Tanon got up from his chair and began making his way to a desk at the edge of the foyer which housed the key to Glinda's closet. Very quickly, and without being seen, Ren, who had been listening to the conversation from his hidden position behind the wall, scurried away.
Tanon retrieved the key, and unlocked the closet. It was really the first time he'd even opened that door. Glinda had told him of the key, the closet and the Grimmerie, but because she considered it personal space, he had avoided going in there. Tanon had always respected Glinda's privacy. That was one of the reasons she trusted him with the information.
Locating the Grimmerie wasn't difficult. The leather bound book was sitting alone on a shelf in the back of the closet. In retrospect, Tanon agreed that the Ozian National Archives was a much more secure location than Glinda's closet. He agreed with Lothier's idea, but he didn't like the idea of sending Lothier out alone with such a powerful commodity.
He grabbed the book and headed back to the living room. Lothier stood up upon seeing Tanon enter the room with the revered item.
"Lothier, I agree with you that this should be in a more secure location. What's more, I agree that the Ozian National Archives are probably the best location for this book. However, I can't consent to having you take it there alone."
"I understand."
"Do you mind waiting while I summon Captain Terriak of the Gillikin Guard?"
"Not at all. I'll accept whatever assurances and conditions you need to get this done. It's not only important to Oz, but it's important to me on a personal level."
"Why is that?"
"Because of what I witnessed the last time around. The things I saw Baraq do, especially to Elphaba……" Lothier shook his head. "Despicable."
Tanon had heard Glinda's version of the events that had taken place at Baraq's castle. He knew he didn't get every single detail out of her, but he also knew enough to know that Baraq should never be able to get his hands on the Grimmerie again. He quickly wrote a note and called for Ren.
"Ren, I need a favor. I need this message delivered to Captain Terriak of the Gillikin Guard. Can you see to it for me?"
"Yes sir. I'll send Arrinda. I would deliver it personally, but I have much to attend to here."
"I understand. Thank you Ren," Tanon said.
Ren nodded, and took the message. He did as he was asked for fear of raising any suspicions. People were already asking questions as to how the press received word of Glinda's arrival and intentions in the Emerald City. If anyone found out that it was he who tipped them off, his position would be compromised. He couldn't risk it. The money that Renegade was paying him was too great.
He was also sensing an opportunity to make his employ even more lucrative. If he could somehow steal the Grimmerie and deliver it to Baraq himself, he would be nicely rewarded. He would never have to come back to the estate as his future will have been monetarily secured. That was the plan he was determined to follow through on.
"Tanon, there's one more thing," Lothier said, reaching into his book bag. He pulled out the counterfeit copy of the Grimmerie and presented it to Tanon.
"What's this?" Tanon said, looking at the book in awe. It was a masterful duplication of the original, and unsettled Tanon just a bit.
"It's a forgery," Lothier said. "Let me reassure you, the spells and curses in that book are useless, although they are similar enough to the original that no one who wasn't intimately familiar with the book would ever know."
Tanon thumbed through the pages, amazed at the quality of the work.
"I think it would be best if this book were to stay here as a bit of a decoy. Most people believe the Grimmerie to be in this house. No one need know that the original is being kept under lock and key at the National Archives," Lothier suggested.
"That's a good idea. Thank you Lothier," Tanon said. He closed the book and took it back to the closet.
Ren was just turning the corner as Tanon reached the closet. He quickly jumped back behind the wall and out of view, keeping a watchful eye on Tanon. Tanon placed the forgery on the shelf in the closet, closed the door, locked it then returned the key to its place inside the desk at the edge of the foyer. That was all Ren needed to see. He would make his move once everyone was in bed for the evening.
The man had remained hidden as Kerrick rode off in the carriage. Very quickly, he headed across the street and into the hotel, taking care to remain inconspicuous. He watched as Glinda ascended the stairwell and headed for her suite. Keeping a slight distance between himself and the Gillikinese Aristocrat, he still managed to remain close enough to follow her until she reached her suite.
It was on the top floor. A secluded suite bound by triple firewalls all around. Perfect!
Elphaba finally gave up trying to get the broom to become cooperative. She was extremely sore from her misadventure and had long since banished Fiyero from being a spectator. Limping back into the camp, Elphaba gingerly sat on the log near the campfire. Dusk was beginning to settle in bringing a chill with it.
"Elphaba, it looks like you could use a little remedy for your aches and pains," Dr. Frinly said.
"Please, not another one of your pills," Elphaba replied dryly.
"No, not one of those pills, however, I've been experimenting with some of the herbs we have on hand. I think I may have something that will help you relax."
"And when you say relax, you meaaan….."
"Well, I will admit, there's a sedative affect. However, I promise, it won't be nearly as intense as those pills you had."
"A mild sedative and muscle relaxer huh?" Elphaba shrugged her shoulders. "Alright. Let's have it."
Dr. Frinly walked back to his tent and retrieved a small bottle. He returned to the campfire and gave the bottle to Elphaba. "Now then, you only need half of it. It will help you sleep, and I promise you'll feel much better in the morning."
"When should I take it?" Elphaba asked.
"Whenever you're ready to retire for the night. I suggest that you get something to eat beforehand."
"Thank you doctor. I appreciate that you work so hard to make sure that we're all taken care of," Elphaba said.
"I appreciate you saying that. I know that medicines aren't something you're particularly fond of."
"No, they're not, but I promised Glnda that I'd take care of myself. I plan on keeping that promise."
"Good for you," Dr. Frinly said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think dinner is almost ready."
Elphaba looked at the bottle then stared into the fire. She absently ran her hand over her stomach, giving substantiation to the feelings inside that were beginning to bother her more and more. 'I wish I had a firm grasp of what these feelings mean,' She thought. 'Oh Glinda, I wonder what's going on with you. I just hope that you're alright.'
A knock on the door startled Phanica. She jumped up and reflexively grabbed the hilt of her knife. Nessin cautiously opened the door.
"Hello. I'm here to see my brother, Veloc."
Nessin opened the door wider and let the man in, while Phanica visibly relaxed.
"Brother, how are you?" Renegade said. The men hugged each other fiercely. "It's been much too long."
"YOU!" came a cry from the corner of the room. Rodderin was staring wide-eyed at the man who just entered the room. "You're his brother?"
"Well, hello Rodderin. Fancy meeting you here."
"I can't believe this," Rodderin said. "Vindio is your brother?"
Veloc looked at Vindio. "You know each other?"
"Of course, I am the prison interrogator afterall," Vindio said with a sinister smile. He walked over to Rodderin and bent down so that they were face to face. "I want to thank you, really. Were it not for the fact that you broke two of our high profile prisoners, I would have never been elevated into the position of Head of Prison Operations."
"So that's why the locks weren't changed."
"Exactly. The old Head of Prison Operations was fired immediately. I lobbied hard for the position. Obviously, it fell under my authority to see that the prison was secured. I fear, however, that the requisition for new locks has been misplaced. An unfortunate turn of events which allowed you to break back into the prison so easily and free our esteemed leader here."
Baraq smiled at the show of respect.
"Vindio, I assume by the case in your hand that you brought the items I requested," Veloc said.
"Indeed I did," Vindio replied. He turned away from Rodderin and walked over to the coffee table in the living room. Placing the bag on the coffee table, he carefully unlatched it and opened it up, extracting a bottle from among its contents. "I believe you'll find this very useful." he said, handing the bottle to Veloc.
"Ahhh, chloroform," Veloc said, holding the bottle up. "This is perfect."
"You're going to use that on Glinda?" Phanica said.
"Exactly. I hardly think she'll come willingly or quietly," he said.
"I wouldn't mind being the one to administer it," Phanica replied.
"Sorry, but I can't risk you being seen. You're too well known at the moment," Veloc answered back.
"Oh, and you're not? Mr. Fake judge!" Phanica retorted.
"Point taken Phanica, but the fact of the matter is, the plan is already in place. I'm better at covert operations than you are."
"Well what in Oz am I doing here if I can't participate in the fun stuff?" Phanica spat.
"Patience my dear," Baraq joined in. "I have definite plans for you if all goes well. Not the least of which is having you preside over the Gillikin State. That is what you want isn't it?"
"You know it is," Phanica replied. "But you also know my disdain for Glinda. I'd love to help bring her back here. I want my face to be the last one she sees before she's delivered into your hands."
"How about a compromise. Instead, how about being the first face she sees when she wakes up from the chloroform induced sedation."
Phanica smiled. "Delicious."
"It's settled then. Veloc, as soon as your man arrives with the information, I want you to head out," Baraq said.
No sooner had he spoken than there was another knock on the door. Nessin opened it cautiously until he saw that it was the man they'd been waiting for.
The man entered quickly.
"You have the information?" Veloc asked.
"Emerald City Hotel. The Ozma Suite. It's secluded and private. You shouldn't have any problems."
"Good man." Veloc reached into his coat pocket and extracted an envelope full of currency. He handed it to the man who accepted it with a smile, nodded and left.
"I'm off then. Vindio, you'll finally be able to put your procedure into practice," Veloc said.
"What procedure?" Phanica asked.
Vindio looked at Baraq then turned to Phanica. "I think we can all agree that Glinda would never willingly be with Baraq. There's a history there that prevents it."
"Yeah, so?" Phanica said.
"So the only way to get rid of that history is to get rid of the memory of it. We're going to erase her memory and reprogram her mind so that she believes that she's in love with Baraq."
Baraq smiled broadly. "This is really amazing. The fact that you're able to do this is incredible."
"It's still in the experimental stages. I can't guarantee the outcome," Vindio said.
Baraq stood up straight and walked over to him. "I want you to make sure that you don't turn her into a vegetable. I don't need her whole memory erased. Just her memories of our altercations and….." he thought for a moment, "and her memories of Elphaba."
"Well, there is one way we can test the procedure before actually administering the drugs to her," Vindio said.
"And how's that?" Baraq asked.
Vindio looked over at the man bound on the chair. The rest of the group followed his eyes to Rodderin.
"You'll perform the procedure on him first," Baraq said.
Vindio nodded.
"Genius," Baraq added with a laugh.
"Wait a minute," Phanica interrupted. "We still need him. He's the only one who knows how to get us through the catacombs."
"Information I'm readily willing to sacrifice in order to have Glinda at my side," Baraq said happily. He turned to Veloc. "Now go get her, and bring her to me."