Chapter 18

"Is there medical aid that I can render?" Elphaba asked as they moved inside the tent that had been set up.

"I think we have everyone's wounds mostly handled. We travelled from Up Town to Tattypoo, hoping for help and we found it. They have been most helpful and welcoming," Philador said as they walked to a table with some chairs around it. The man who had seen them earlier brought over some tea and Philador offered them some. Once all the cups were full and passed around, Philador started to explain what had happened.

"After the first rally and the shooting of innocents, another rally was planned but things never got off the ground. A small group of people were fanatical and we believe that they are the ones that fired at the soldiers which caused all heck to break loose," the man explained.

"Days before we were going to rally in the streets again, a house near the castle walls caught fire. As the fire brigade attempted to put it out, help came from the palace walls. Soldiers and citizens alike and for a moment, it looked like we may be able to come together. Then shots rang out at those trying to put out the fire. That basically made fighting the fire a secondary thought. People dove for cover and by the time the shooting stopped, the house next to the one which had started on fire, was aflame.

"The shooting continued to pin everyone down and soon more buildings were on fire. By then the shooting had stopped but putting out what had started was simply not possible. People began to flee and I found myself in charge of a group of people who had fled north. The others must have fled south and then fled to the Vinkus for concern that the fire would not stop. I'm surprised that we were able to get away to be honest. By the time we reached Tattypoo, I expected the fire to be on our heels but it never came," Philador said.

"We put it out with the help of Bonescraper," Elphaba explained.

"You probably saved all of Gillikin then. You encountered no one shooting at you?" The man seemed surprised.

"No but we did find bodies with bullet holes in them," Fiyero spoke up.

"So whoever started this figured it was finished," Philador heaved a sigh. He was tired and no one could blame him for it. However, there were more details that both the Prince and Princess needed to know about.

"We have heard that the King is dead and the Queen is missing. Can you confirm this?" Elphaba asked.

"What?" Genuine confusion crossed Philador's face.

"Lord Arduenna and Lady Larena escaped to the Vinkus, asking for help. Their source is the Council so it is not a firsthand account but has anyone seen the King or Queen?" Fiyero wanted to know.

"Truth be told, we have burn victims. One of them could be the King or Queen but given what happened to them, it would be hard to tell. King Joe and Queen Hyacinth haven't made too many public speaking events lately given the situation in our country. Believe me when I say we wanted change but we certainly did not want it like this," Philador shook his head. He seemed like a trustworthy man and he certainly could have left the injured to die but he did not.

"I hate to interrupt but we are in need of the Princess' talents. One of the injured men is dying and the doctors cannot stop it," the man from earlier appeared.

"Thank you Trot. Please come quickly," the group stood up and they followed the man to the person in need.

"Princess, I fear he's been through too much trauma," the doctor said.

"Let's see what I can do. At least minimize his pain," Elphaba smiled slightly and got to work. Fiyero pulled both men back so his wife could concentrate.

"How do you know if any of the fanatics are not in this group?" He wanted to know.

"We can't. We don't know everyone personally. You think some of them escaped with us and the others that went south?" Philador wondered.

"Someone or some people possibly killed the King, Queen, and the Council. This group is highly trained and motivated and could be lurking inside your group," the Prince told them.

To Be Continued…