Chapter 8
Everyone hurried to the Palace Walls, concerned as to why their neighbor would be sending troops into the Vinkus. Bonescraper had taken to the skies to make sure those approaching knew he was there. It might be enough to scare them off of whatever half-cocked scheme they were going to try. The troops kept coming however, so he flew back to the Palace.
"They are at least an hour out. Since you did not receive warning that they were coming, I would suggest sounding general alarm. I will post myself between you and them," the dragon told Elphaba.
"Excellent advice and thank you Bonescraper," Elphaba smiled at him before he headed down to the road. The green woman signaled to Lieutenant Bahram and the soldier nodded before ordering the men further down the wall to ring the bell in the tower. The bell rang loudly and clearly and troops came scrambling out of the barracks. The walls surrounding the Palace were soon full of soldiers armed and ready. The lower town was evacuated to inside the safety of the walls and everyone worked to get all civilians sheltered inside the Palace.
"What could the Gillikin want with us?" Fiyero asked his wife as they stood at the wall. He had his trusty rifle and she had her broom. The children had been sent inside for their safety with the exception of Adem, who as the oldest, refused to leave his father's side. The lower town was completely evacuated and everyone was secured. It would be only minutes before Bonescraper encountered the first soldier.
"Fact of the matter is we don't know how Glinda and Balfour found out about Izzy. If we knew that, then perhaps we would know why our supposed ally sent troops in our general direction," Elphaba said.
"I highly doubt this has anything to do with the girls. If it did, Ozma would have sent a letter telling her that the Emerald City was marching on the Palace. We all know how most Ozians think about anyone or anything different than what they view as normal," he pointed out.
"Well at last check we hadn't pissed them off so what else could it be?" She asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine. They'd have to be stupid to try and launch an attack with Bonescraper out there," Fiyero shook his head.
"But if it were a diplomatic mission then they'd have written. Your folks didn't mention a letter or messenger," Elphaba pointed out. Before he could answer, former Lieutenant Ash arrived at the royal couples' side.
"Lieutenant, you should be with the civilians. Attempting to enjoy your retirement," the green woman said.
"I'm bored. Mind if I join the party?" He was honest and Fiyero couldn't help but chuckle.
"We could always use one more. Bored huh?" The Prince asked.
"Well that and I figured I'd check and see how bad Bahram has been screwing stuff up," Ash smirked.
"I heard that you old coot!" Bahram shouted from a few feet away.
"He hasn't done any more damage than usual," Chistery joked from his spot above on the higher parapet of the tower where they kept the pitch for pouring over the walls.
"Oh I see how it is. Just you two wait," Bahram pretended to be wounded.
"Good to know we can still joke at a time like this," Elphaba chuckled.
"Well we don't even know what this is so I suppose it helps ease the tension," Fiyero smirked. That's when they heard it,
"Stand down troops of the Vinkus! Lord Arduenna approaches!" It was Bonescraper. Lieutenant Bahram looked to the King and Queen who stood to his left and they nodded.
"At ease lads and ladies!" Bahram shouted. Quickly, the rifles were slung behind shoulders but no one moved from their position.
"Another entreaty do you suppose?" King Tahir asked his bride.
"I have no idea," Ayla frowned.
To Be Continued…