A/N: A shout out to James Birdsong. Thanks so much for reading!
Chapter 15
It happened that morning. The last three days had passed quickly and the letter arrived on the final day, right in the dining room, where everyone was eating breakfast. Elphaba swallowed and looked at her husband. He was a little green around the gills. His parents seemed calmer than she expected.
"Alert the people. Have them brace for what is coming. If this turns ugly, we'll need everyone of fighting age available to fight," Elphaba said.
"Agreed. You don't think your status would help quash anything they try?" Fiyero asked.
"I certainly hope it is enough. Do you think the Griffins will be here in time?" She wondered. They'd sent a message via Bird to the Griffins, but the Bird had yet to return and that was making them concerned.
"Prepare as if we're on our own with just you, Zara, and Bonescraper," he said. Elphaba nodded – he was right. Quickly Fiyero got up and headed out into the hallway where he alerted the solider guarding the door to tell everyone that a royal announcement would be forthcoming in the next thirty minutes. The soldier popped off down to the hall to spread the word. Fiyero returned to his seat and took Elphaba's nearest hand in his and gave it a squeeze.
"All right we have seven days, let's get to work," King Tahir told them. Queen Zixi had been quiet but quickly spoke up,
"I will return to my people and warn them as well. I will check in on the Griffins on my way."
"Much appreciated your Highness," Queen Ayla smiled.
"Of course, all hands on deck," Zixi winked, then snapped her fingers and disappeared.
"Not sure about her hands…" Zara spoke up.
"Yes, well I have yet to have any luck with proving she's anything then what she says she is," Elphaba shook her head.
"What did Vice Ruler Ozma have to say?" Ayla wanted to know.
"Her family goes back many years and she is certain that one of her cousins had indeed travelled to Ix, but her mother has yet to find the diaries that the cousin kept of her travels. I should have asked Ozma sooner, but I didn't think we'd ever have to deal with her in a deal like this. Mutual aid is one thing, but actual binding contracts is another," the Princess heaved a sigh.
"She's given us no reason not to trust her, other than the fact that she's been less than forthcoming with details about herself and her kingdom," Lieutenant Bahram pointed out.
"I like to know as much as I can about my opponents and my allies. Leaves little room for error," Elphaba admitted.
"You cannot calculate everything, no matter how much you try," Fiyero chuckled.
"Can't hurt to try though," she said.
"Very true. Well we best make hay whilst the sun shines," Chistery hopped down off his chair and headed for the door.
"Please speak to Ash and see if he'll once again grace us with his presence," King Tahir said.
"So much for his retirement. I swear we had less trouble when he was on duty," Chistery smirked.
"Well there are not many of his caliber, present company excluded, of course," Ayla winked.
"At least we aren't chopped liver old chap," Bahram teased Chistery.
"There are worse things to be sure," the Flying Monkey chuckled. The room quickly emptied out, there was work to be done and not a lot of time to do it in.
To Be Continued…