Chapter 53

"Tell me Renegade, do you remember the way through the catacombs that will bring us to the back entrance of Southstairs?" Baraq asked.

"I think so. I made note of some markers along the way, just in case that Rodderin fellow tried to betray us and we needed to find our own way back," Veloc responded "Also, I still have his keys."

"Wonderful!" Baraq replied as he clapped his hands together.

"Mind you, I don't know which key goes to which lock, but I'm sure we'll manage somehow," Veloc responded to Baraq's obvious elation.

"Yes, I'm sure we will. Now then, how do you feel? You've had a busy day already," Baraq asked.

Veloc shrugged his shoulders. "I feel fine."

"Good then. I want to get to the Emerald City as soon as possible. Now that we have something that resembles a plan, I'm becoming impatient. We should have Madame Morrible out of that prison before morning," Baraq decided.

Veloc nodded in agreement. "We can do that if we leave right now, but I want to warn you about your tendencies towards impulsiveness lately. It's gotten you into trouble a lot, and we need to be meticulous about this prison break."

"My impulsiveness has also raised me to the stature that I currently enjoy. I can control it however, make no mistake about it."

"Even where Glinda is concerned?" Veloc asked challenging Baraq.

Baraq's demeanor changed instantly. Gone was the childish giddiness he felt about springing Madame Morrible and implementing his plan to take over Oz. Instead, a more serious mien was in place. "I do admit to reckless abandon where Glinda is concerned. Have you ever been in love Renegade?"

"I've never allowed myself the luxury," Veloc replied. "I chose my path early in life. Romance was not an inclusion."

"Then you have no idea how the beauty of a woman can captivate you and hold dominion over you," Baraq pointed out.

"I also don't know what it's like to have my mind, emotions and reason controlled by someone other than myself," Veloc responded. "You see Glinda and you become a different person. This is your greatest flaw, and mark my words, it will be your undoing."

"Glinda is still very much a part of my future plans, but you're right. My approach needs to change. I will state right here, right now that I will no longer give myself over to impulse where Glinda is concerned. However, since she is in my plans, I'm going to count on you and your skill for contrivance to help me."

"Sir, if you don't mind my saying so, the mind altering experiment was a very good idea, and most likely your only hope to have Glinda willfully at your side. It was just executed poorly," Veloc said. "I would propose that along with Madame Morrible, we free my brother and proceed in that direction."

Baraq smiled and nodded appreciatively. "You make a good point, but we're forgetting one thing."

"What's that?"

"Our friend, Phanica, has your brother's tools," Baraq pointed out.

"Then he'll simply have to make some more," Veloc said confidently.

"He can do that?" Baraq asked.

"Oh yes. In fact, if we can get Glinda to Quox, we'll be in great shape," Veloc said knowingly.

Baraq smiled widely. "Let's get going then. I'm becoming restless in this wretched place."

"I'll ready the horses," Veloc responded. He quickly left the room and exited the house.

Baraq picked up the Grimmerie and began flipping through the pages. 'If I find what I'm looking for in here, we may not need any keys. Morrible will be on my team, and Glinda...ah yes, Glinda.' Baraq never finished the thought. He simply smiled, held the book tightly and followed Veloc out of the house.


Kerrick pulled the carriage down the long, rock covered drive as Torio had instructed him to do. Within moments a stone wall with a wrought iron gate surrounding a very large house came into view. Two guards stood outside the gate. They pulled their spears across their bodies, readying themselves to greet the new arrivals.

"OPEN THE GATE!" Torio yelled as he stuck his head outside the moving carriage.

The men looked at one another then hurried to do as instructed. Without breaking his speed, Kerrick thrust the carriage through the now open gate and pulled up to the doorstep of the home. Two men came running outside to greet the carriage.

Torio exited the carriage with Elphaba in his arms and Glinda right behind him.

"Is Dr. Frinly here?" he said as he hurried up the stairs.

"Yes, he's in the lab," replied one of the men.

"Bring him to the large guestroom. Hurry!" Torio vociferated as he rushed Elphaba through the open door.

Torio hurried through the living room where Fiyero, Falia, Iriiq and Solis were in conversation. All four looked up at the ensuing commotion.

"Elphaba? ELPHABA!" Fiyero yelled as he jumped up and ran over to Torio and Glinda.

"Help me get her to the first bedroom down the hall," Torio said.

Fiyero ran down the hall and threw open the door to the first bedroom. He quickly pulled back the covers of the bed and moved aside as Torio gently put Elphaba down.

Glinda what happened?" Fiyero asked.

Glinda just shook her head and put her hand over her mouth. She couldn't speak as it took everything in her to fight back the tears. Fiyero walked over to her and wrapped her up in a big hug.

"Please everyone, I need you to leave the room," Dr. Frinly said as he hurried inside.

"But…" Glinda was about to protest.

"Glinda please, I need room to work," Dr. Frinly said.

"Come on Glinda. Falia and I will make you some tea," Fiyero said as he gently ushered her out of the room.

Torio nodded to Dr. Frinly and turned to leave.

"Not you Aldebaran," Dr. Frinly said stopping Torio in his tracks. "I'm going to need your help."

"Honestly Dr. Frinly, what can I do?"

"You know full well what you can do." Dr. Frinly gently removed the bandages around Elphaba's arm that had already bled through and assessed the damage. "Right now, you're her only hope. We don't have the necessary supplies to treat this. At the very best, we may need to amputate, at the worst..."

"Doctor, you know I haven't done anything like this in over a decade."

"Al, I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important. If you don't try, we may lose her."

Torio looked at the woman lying on the bed. He'd heard so much about her over the years, but this was the first time he'd ever come in contact with her. He'd always hoped to meet her, but not like this.

"Please, will you just try?" Dr. Frinly asked staring at his old friend.

Torio closed the bedroom door, took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. He looked at Dr. Frinly with a warning glance. "I have no idea how this is going to turn out. I may cause more harm than good."

"It's all we've got," the doctor replied.

Torio took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll do it."


Glinda was pacing back and forth in the living room. She was wearing down the carpet behind the couch which faced the fireplace. In front of the couch was a long, wooden coffee table and behind the table, on each side of the fireplace were a couple of easy chairs. She kept glancing down the hall at the door to the bedroom. The love of her life was behind that door, and she had no idea what her true condition was. Glinda was scared. Her mind raced as the images of Elphaba's recent injuries came flooding to her. Injuries acquired in the short time since they found each other again. In fact, she began to wonder if her presence wasn't more harmful to Elphaba's well being.

Falia entered the living room carrying a tray with a teapot, some cups, sugar, creamer and spoons. She carefully sat the tray down on the coffee table.

"Glinda, come on. Let's sit down and have some tea," Fiyero said holding out his hand to the blonde woman.

She stopped pacing, looked at his hand and decided to take the offered extremity. Fiyero ushered her gently to the couch. Glinda sat on the right end of the couch, Fiyero the middle and Falia on his left. Iriiq and Solis opted to leave the group to themselves.

Falia made a cup of tea for Glinda and handed it over to her. "Here you go dear."

Glinda accepted the calming concoction gratefully, but still couldn't help looking down the hallway once again.

"Glinda," Fiyero said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sensing that you need one of our 'train' talks."

Glinda looked at Fiyero and smiled at the mention of a 'train' talk. She remembered how comforting it was to talk with Fiyero on the train from The Emerald City to Gillikin.

"Where's Kerrick, Tanon and Sarina?" Glinda asked, noting their lack of presence for the first time.

"They were shown to their rooms," Falia answered. "They'll probably rest there until dinner time. They wanted to stay but we told them we'd keep them informed. It's plainly obvious that they're all very tired."

Glinda just nodded and stared blankly at the floor.

"Glinda? Do you want to talk?" Fiyero asked.

Glinda took a sip of her tea then rested the cup on her lap. "I do have a question, and I need you to be honest with me," she said looking into Fiyero's eyes sincerely.

Fiyero looked back at Falia briefly then turned back to Glinda. "Alright, what is it?"

Glinda paused for a moment. "Seeing Elphaba like this, and remembering everything that's happened to her since we've been together it's all too much. She's constantly putting herself in danger, and all on my account."

Fiyero just stared and listened, but he already had an idea where this was going.

"What I need to know is, before we found each other, when it was just the two of you, was she ever injured? Like this I mean?"

"The truth?" Fiyero said. "The truth is no, not like this."

Glinda was visibly deflated.

"But she was oft injured. We all were. It's just the nature of what we do, and each of us understands that." Fiyero held his fingers under Glinda's chin and gently lifted until her eyes met his. "Now I want you to listen to me Glinda. I can see the wheels turning in your head already and I want you to know something. Yes, it's true, Elphaba has been more seriously injured since the two of you have gotten together, and so have you. But she has been happier than I've ever seen her ever since that day at the castle.

You have no idea how loyal she was to you before that day, even though she never thought she'd see you again. The day you showed up, she was a new woman. I've seen the way you two look at each other. I know the connection you two share, and I've never known a love as binding and as strong as what you two have. There's a glow about her, a sparkle in her eyes that wasn't there before, and if yo don't mind my saying so, I see it in you as well. So if you think for one clock tick that you're going to leave her and somehow save her from herself, trust me when I tell you that you won't be doing her any favors.

What you can do is stand by the woman you love, the woman who's given so much to be with you, the woman who would rather die than see any harm come to you. Don't you abandon her Glinda. As noble as your gesture would be, it would still be misplaced."

Fiyero moved his fingers away from Glinda's chin. Her eyes began to tear as her head dropped down. She had indeed entertained the thought of letting Elphaba go if she were to somehow pull through this. She thought of it as a very difficult but gracious sacrifice. Something she could do to save her Elphie. Fiyero made her see things differently, and now she was a bit ashamed that she would even contemplate such a thing, no matter how briefly.

"You're right," she said glancing back up at Fiyero and Falia. "You're absolutely right."

"She's going to be ok Glinda," Fiyero said giving her arm a pat.

Glinda smiled at him. "Sweet Oz she has to be," she replied. "I don't know what I'd do if..."

Once more she glanced down the hall. This time there was an unmistakable light emanating from the crack between the door and the hardwood flooring. It was bright with a purple and greenish tint. Glinda jumped up from her seat. She quickly put her tea down and rushed towards the door.

"Glinda wait!" Fiyero called after her. He was right on her tail and managed to catch her and pull her back before she could burst through the door.

"Fiyero let go of me!" Glinda cried.

Fiyero held onto the struggling blonde. Glinda tried her best to wrench free from his grip. She had to know what was going on behind that door. He was just about to let go when Dr. Frinly opened the door. Glinda stopped struggling and Fiyero let her go. Falia put her hand on Glinda's shoulder.

"Fiyero, I need your help. Glinda, wait here," Dr. Frinly said.

Fiyero followed into the room leaving the door slightly ajar. Glinda wanted so badly to walk through that door, but the fact that Dr. Frinly had asked her to wait and didn't seem too upset was slightly comforting to her. She would reluctantly abide.

Within moments Fiyero and Dr. Frinly emerged with a very disoriented and weak Torio on their arms. They stopped in front of Glinda who looked at Torio with a frightened confusion. He looked back at her and smiled weakly.

"She's going to make it," he said in a hoarse voice.

"Can I see her?" Glinda asked.

Dr. Frinly looked at Torio who nodded affirmatively. Glinda smiled and put her hand on Torio's cheek as a gesture of gratitude. She would have hugged him if not for his weakened state.

"Come on, let's get him to his room," the doctor said.

Fiyero and Dr. Frinly helped guide Torio down the hallway with Falia close behind as Glinda hurried into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

Glinda could feel her heart pounding through her chest as she slowly made her way to Elphaba's bedside. Elphaba's arm was neatly wrapped with new gauze. There wasn't a hint of blood in sight. Even her pallor had begun to return to a more greenish color. Her color.

Glinda sat down gently on the bed next to Elphaba. She lightly touched the bandages then moved her fingers upwards along Elphaba's shoulder, and lightly up her neck until she reached her cheek. Glinda let the back of her fingers tenderly caress Elphaba's left cheek then moved her hand over to the right cheek. She cupped Elphaba's cheek and moved her thumb in gentle circles over the smooth green skin before moving her fingers above Elphaba's ear through her silky hair.

"We never seem to get a break do we?" she said quietly. "I want you to know that I'm going to be here for you. Whatever it takes, whatever we have to do, I will always be with you. I love you so much."

Elphaba didn't move, but unlike times in the past, Glinda felt reasonably assured that her love would indeed pull through this. She couldn't quite place it, but there was something she trusted in Torio's eyes. She liked his eyes. They were green, just like her Elphie, although she did notice that they seemed to have lost some of their sparkle when he emerged from the room. Whatever he had done for Elphaba had taken a lot out of him. She needed to thank him for that.

Glinda leaned forward and gently kissed Elphaba on the lips. She lingered there for just a moment as it seemed so long since she'd felt those lips against hers. Pulling back she stared down at the green woman and continued to stroke her hair.

As she did so, Elphaba began to stir. "Elphie? Open your eyes sweetness," Glinda called softly.

Elphaba took a deep breath and began to blink her eyes open. After a moment she was awake and looking into Glinda' s eyes.

"Hi baby," Glinda said with an adoring smile.

"Glinda," Elphaba whispered and smiled. "I found you."

Glinda laughed. "I believe I found you, dearest." She cupped Elphaba's face in her hands and bent down to capture those green lips.

Elphaba tried to reach up and put her arms around her love. The movement of her left arm caused her to wince.

"Oh sweetness, I'm sorry," Glinda said as she quickly pulled back.

"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault," Elphaba replied as her voice began to regain some measure of clarity.

"You must be in such pain right now," Glinda replied, lightly touching the bandages that covered Elphaba's injury.

"It's only a flesh wound," Elphaba replied.

"Miss Thropp, don't make me smack you on your injured shoulder just to prove my point."

"You'd do that wouldn't you Miss Upland."

"I would, but I'm also prepared to kiss it and make it better," Glinda responded mischievously.

Elphaba smiled and stared at the rosy cheeked woman in front of her. "It's so nice to have you back," she said in the most sincere tone.

"There's no place I'd rather be," Glinda replied with a smile as she pushed Elphaba's hair behind her right ear.

Glinda could see that Elphaba's eyelids were becoming heavy. "I think you still need to rest dearest," she said.

Elphaba smiled and nodded her head slightly in reluctant agreement.

Glinda got up and moved around to the opposite side of the bed where she gently crawled up on the mattress and settled in next to Elphaba.

"Mmmmm," Elphaba smiled with a contented sigh.

Glinda lifted her head. "I think I'll just lie down with you. But before we take a nap, there's something I really want to do," she said as she reached out to touch Elphaba's face.

Glinda put her hand behind Elphaba's neck, leaned in and kissed her love slowly, softly and deeply. Elphaba was careful not to move her arm this time. Instead she just enjoyed the delicate feel of Glinda's velvety lips and the mellifluous movement over her tongue as it lovingly caressed her own. It seemed like forever since they were able to kiss each other like this.

Glinda could feel her skin prickle as she deepened her kiss. The green woman had such an intense effect on her, sending chills through her entire body. She slowly extricated herself from the kiss, holding onto every last bit of it as she tugged at Elphaba's bottom lip before letting go.

"Mmm, that was nice," Elphaba said as they released from one another.

"There's plenty more where that came from." Glinda stroked her hair and smiled down at her. "Now then, close your eyes sweetness. I'll be right here when you wake up."

Elphaba stared at Glinda for just a moment longer before giving in to her exhaustion. She closed her eyes and within moments, Glinda could hear the heavy breathing that indicated she had fallen asleep.

Glinda just continued to stare at her love. Just being next to this woman made her feel like the luckiest person in all of Oz. Soon enough she began to recognize her own fatigue. She snuggled up closer to Elphaba, leaned her head slightly against her arm and closed her eyes. As Glinda began to drift off her last thought was of just how contented she felt. She was with her love, at last.