A/N: A shout out to my anonymous reviewer. More on Fiyero's parents and our Fiyeraba soon. ;) Glad you liked it!
Chapter 12
When Fiyero heard that Elphaba basically collapsed he wanted to run to check on her. Lieutenant Zetti promised him that she was ok and that Private Schultz was keeping an eye on the green woman. It quelled his urge somewhat, but he knew that the meeting with his parents needed to be finished and the Wizard dealt with.
Glinda had brought the meeting back into order and they quickly got back to their discussions. Finally, about an hour later, they finally reached the topic of the Wizard. The blonde decided that a coffee break was in order and Lieutenant Bayram made sure that someone was fetching the hot drinks. He had joined the meeting at Councilman Barat's insistence. This was not part of Sergeant Zeki's investigation and his presence would not taint anything.
"So, what are we to do with the Wizard?" Glinda wanted to know as the coffee was being passed out. Everyone shifted around the room so that they had access to a table or flat surface to set down their hot drinks. Glinda was sitting behind Morrible's desk.
"A public trial needs to be held. This needs to be as transparent as possible. As it has become apparent, his followers will not take his arrest lying down," Ayla said.
"Yes, that is true, but we can't even keep people inside these walls safe. I have no idea how we're supposed to move to the courthouse, outside the walls," the blonde told the room.
"We can offer our assistance. I think you should reach out to the Quadlings and your parents to see if anyone could be spared for assistance. I don't think the Munchkins will be all that thrilled but you should reach out. You need to take their temperature. I mean no offense to the gentlemen in the room," King Tahir said, looking at Councilman Arif, Mopsi, and Popsi.
"None taken. I cannot think of many Munchkins being thrilled to hear that the man they most identified with is guilty of treason. There are reasonable Munchkins to be sure but not all of them hold seats of power in the new government," Arif said.
"I worry that Oz may be fractured beyond repair. I do not possess the glue to put it back together," Glinda spoke up.
"On the contrary, Lady Glinda. If anyone can piece Oz back together it is you. You are one of the most beloved ladies in the entire country. People will listen to you, where they will not listen to others," King Tahir told her.
"I don't know where to begin. Even when given the truth, we have so many who refuse to recognize that truth. How do I break the spell? I worry that should the Wizard get convicted, we could be on the brink of civil war," the blonde was being completely honest.
"That may be something that cannot be avoided but we will try to do everything in our power to prevent it. That is why we need to reach out to the Quadlings and the Gillikin," Ayla said.
"The Quadlings may not be so receptive, your Highnesses. Councilman Pepi attempted to murder Miss Elphaba and Private Schultz showed him the error of his ways. Regrettably, Pepi was a Wizard sympathizer but also the Quadling member of the Council," Councilman Barat explained.
"Error of his ways?" Tahir raised an eyebrow and looked at Fekri, the man he trusted to be the Vinkun representative in the Council. Fekri formed his fingers in the shape of a gun and placed his index finger to the middle of his forehead. Tahir's eyes went wide and he nodded.
"Miss Elphaba then tended to me while I attempted to regain my composure," Councilman Arif told them.
"This Private Schultz has grown quite attached to Miss Elphaba has he not?" Queen Ayla wondered.
"He has but that is why I selected to keep him as part of the Gale Force. He is loyal, follows instructions, and has compassion. I told him to keep an eye on Elphaba and he has done everything I have asked of him and then some," Fiyero spoke up.
"I think he is due for a promotion," his father said.
"It's already in the works," Fiyero nodded.
"Lieutenant Bayram, please retrieve our Bird friends. We need to get messages to other parts of Oz. Perhaps it would help if the Councilmen and myself work to craft the letters carefully," Glinda spoke up.
"Ayla and I will help craft the letter to the Quadlings," King Tahir offered.
"That would be much appreciated," the blonde smiled.
To Be Continued…