Chapter 18
"You want to run that by me again?" Balfour asked after Glinda had read the contents of the message aloud.
"So it isn't just me then," Private Basheer said.
"Elphaba is somehow communing with a dragon. How quickly can we get troops to the Vinkus?" Glinda wanted to know.
"Too long to help with a dragon, even if you enchant the horses. We intended to send ground troops too who will only move as fast as their slowest man. We could then be leaving the Emerald City short on troops," Balfour frowned.
"Private, bring me the messenger Bird and the Captain, on the double," the blonde looked at the soldier.
"Yes ma'am!" Basheer was off like a shot.
"Balfy, we need to bring the Council and Ozma up to speed. Since this is a military matter, I will defer to Khalil's judgement but I think it best that I head to the Vinkus at once. We are down a very powerful witch and we still don't know if Zixi is really trustworthy," Glinda told him.
"You cannot go alone," he told her.
"I won't be. Khalil will be going with me. You'll need to command the troops," she said.
"Shouldn't I be the one to go with you? Khalil is a Captain after all. He was born to lead the troops," the Lieutenant gave her a look.
"The truth is if we are truly off to face a dragon, I need you to remain here with the troops. Ozma will need help and she needs to have a trustworthy man by her side to do it," she argued with him.
"Khalil has a family and he is plenty trustworthy," Balfour pointed out. They would not get to finish their argument as the Captain arrived with the Bird messenger, Boran, and the Private.
"Lady Glinda, Basheer tells me we're in trouble," Khalil said. He nodded at Balfour acknowledging his second in command's presence.
"Yes. The Vinkus believes that there is a dragon and it is busy communicating with Elphie, effectively putting her out of commission. The troops will not be fast enough to reach the Vinkus should a dragon try to fly into Oz. I must go and act in her stead. What I need from you is sound military options and we need to make sure the Council and Ozma are up to speed," the blonde told him.
"We promised reinforcements to the Vinkus. I suggest leaving the ground troops home. If you enchant a division of cavalry horses, they could reach the Vinkus in twenty four hours. It is the best we can do under the circumstances. Also, I would suggest you take Balfour with you. He knows the Vinkun troops and can interface with them and our men better than anyone. I can bring the Council and Ozma up to speed, while acting as Ozma's second, if need be," the Captain was quick to render his decision. Glinda looked like she might argue and Balfour was beginning to wonder just what was going through her head.
"All right, I will quickly pack a bag and then enchant the horses. Prepare the troops for reassignment. We leave in fifteen minutes. Boran, you will join myself and the Lieutenant in the bubble. I am sure that your King and Queen will need you," the blonde nodded. That leaves us no alone time to talk, Balfour inwardly frowned. Something was obviously bothering her and he wanted to know what.
Meanwhile, Elphaba moaned in her bed and Doctor Magi was quickly at her side. He'd been watching Zara but the little one was getting hungry and only her mother could feed her.
"Princess, are you all right? What of the dragon?" He asked.
"My head hurts but then again I suppose that is to be expected," she did not open her eyes when she responded nor did she answer his second question. The green woman heard Zara whimper and start to make a fuss and that made her slowly open her eyes.
"Someone is hungry but I'm not sure I can feed her on my own. I feel incredibly weak," Elphaba told the doctor. She was squinting and it was obvious that she was still dealing with residual pain.
"Not to worry, we'll be right back," Magi promised. He went off quickly in search of some aides, Havva, and the Prince.
To Be Continued…