A/N: A shout to my anonymous reviewers. Thanks for your words of support and condolence. As for Elphaba's bun oven... well more on someone's bun oven later. The Wizard Loyalists on the other hand, well they aren't all gone... ;)

A/N2: A shout out to James Birdsong. So glad you liked it. Thanks. :)

Chapter 3

"What are you guys up to?" Elphaba asked as she approached the group of soldiers in the courtyard. The smoke had mostly cleared and it revealed a cannon. That was not a new weapon, so she had to wonder what was going on, as the Gale Force members seemed to be reloading the cannon with a cannonball.

"Testing something Miss. I have to admit I don't fully understand it," Corporal Bly admitted.

"The Captain called it a smoke bomb. It's supposed to offer cover for troops, but we didn't use enough gunpowder. It weighs less than a regular cannonball," Lieutenant Zetti spoke up, explaining the situation.

"Ah and who developed it?" Elphaba wasn't sure how this was something they'd use very often but it also kept the men busy so maybe that was the point.

"The Vinkuns. They've incorporated it into their war strategy and the Captain thought we could too," Zetti explained.

"He's always thinking. Where is he by the way?" The green woman wanted to know.

"He's with Bayram. They're inspecting the Palace walls. Since the new gate has been installed, they don't want that to be the strongest part of the structure," Zetti told her, pointing in the general direction of where he'd seen them last. It wasn't far away but it was heading to behind the Palace.

"Very good. I shall join them. Thank you Zetti. Keep up the good work," she smiled at him.

"I'll do my best," he smirked and then she headed for the walls. Soldiers along the way pointed her to find the man she loved and his subordinate. Handing him the plates from Mr. Samuels, Elphaba said,

"A gift from our chef."

"Ah Samuels. I really like him," Fiyero smirked.

"I know you do. Can I ask about the smoke bomb?" She wondered.

"It probably would have been more helpful when we were under attack but to be honest, I think it'll have its applications. Dilek hasn't had a chance to try it in actual battle but in practice, he assures me it's quite practical. It could be used to cover a retreat or stop troops from shooting at each other or to quell citizens that are causing trouble. Figured we should test it out since we're mostly quiet around here," he explained.

"Well, a little warning would have been nice. Samuels and I got a good scare after the noise and the smoke," Elphaba gave him a look.

"Sorry about that. We were eager to check the walls. Our new class of stone masons are going to look over them later today and we're hoping they can point out repairs that need to be made and then have them make them," Lieutenant Bayram spoke up.

"Oh, very nice. I'm so glad that Glinda's programs seem to be working," the green woman smiled.

"It's a small step in the right direction," Fiyero nodded.

"Well, I'll leave you to it then. I'm off to see how Glinda is faring. We have a Council meeting later this morning as well," Elphaba reminded them. Fiyero was supposed to be there even though he was not thrilled about the idea.

"Oh joy," he was being sarcastic.

"Future King, you must remember that these meetings are part of your duties too," she smirked. Fiyero rolled his eyes and she laughed as she walked back towards the Palace's front door. On her way back though, Elphaba got the distinct feeling that she was being watched. Truth be told, it wasn't a foreign feeling, so she just brushed it off.

To Be Continued…