Chapter 9
"I do apologize for the show of force but the men whom I brought with me are loyal to me and at a time like this we need loyalty," Lord Arduenna said to the King and Queen after he and his troops entered the Palace walls.
"You're going to have to clear things up for us. Currently there are too many leaders in one place. People will start talking," King Tahir told him.
"Then it's a good thing Bonescraper is back. Do I want to know why my daughter and her family are here? Along with the Captain and his family?" It was obvious that news of what had transpired had not reached the Gillikin.
"Oh it is a long story but I'm guessing that yours is a long one too," Queen Ayla said.
"And you would be right," Arduenna nodded.
"Ayla, speak to Elphaba and the troops while I get our guest inside. Lieutenant Bahram, see that our allies get a place to sleep and something to eat. I believe we can send the civilians home," Tahir turned his attention to the two who stood next him.
"Yes your Highness," Bahram bowed and then quickly took off to handle what his King wished. Ayla gave her husband a smile and then headed to Elphaba and Fiyero.
"What's going on Mother?" Her son asked.
"We're not entirely sure just yet. Lieutenant Ash, I know you're retired but could you assist Lieutenant Bahram? The troops are to remain heightened at the walls. Right now Bahram is allowing the civilians to go home but something tells me that things are not well in the Gillikin," Ayla said.
"Of course your Highness, anything you need," Ash bowed and then whistled up to Chistery who came down off the higher parapet. Ash filled him in and then the two went about securing the walls.
"What do you need from me, your Highness?" Bonescraper asked.
"We will need security in all directions. Can you use your mighty wings and see if anyone approaches from any direction? It may do the rest of Oz some good to know you're back," Ayla winked.
"Yes your Highness," he smiled and then took to the skies.
"Ok, now that we got that all settled…" Elphaba gave her mother-in-law a look.
"Whatever Lord Arduenna wishes to speak about he mentioned that the troops were loyal to him and that loyalty was needed in times like these," Ayla said.
"Oh that can't be good," Fiyero frowned.
"I would agree. You think something political is going on inside Gillikin?" Elphaba wondered.
"Well he was surprised to see his relatives here along with Captain Khalil and his relatives so I would say, the announcement of Bartholomew's engagement has not reached him or the rest of the Gillikin," Ayla let them know.
"We had better get to the bottom of this and fast," Elphaba nodded. The Queen agreed and the three quickly headed inside. Once there they were directed to the King's study.
"So what is going on that caused you to travel so far and bring troops with you which could have started a war?" Tahir asked. Elphaba was listening but she was also watching Glinda. The blonde was decidedly uncomfortable and she had noticed that the daddy's girl had yet to say anything to her father. Arduenna swallowed hard, as if he couldn't figure out how to say what he needed to say.
"Out with it man!" Ayla's patience was waning.
"King Joe is dead and Queen Hyacinth is missing and no one knows how that could be," he finally said.
To Be Continued…