Chapter 22
"Are you sure about this?" Kelebeck asked once Fiyero explained the situation. With all Griffins and Flying Monkeys at the walls, the Palace would be in good hands.
"It is what Elphaba says she needs you to do. I trust her and so should you," the Prince said.
"You can do it daughter. You are young enough that you will have strength after you do it. Princess Elphaba has chosen wisely," Lale, her mother, spoke up, having overheard the conversation.
"I've never done this on my own," Kelebeck said.
"I will go with you but you can do it," Lale smiled at her. Quickly the two Griffins moved with the Prince to where he left Elphaba on the Palace steps.
"Ah there you are. We haven't a moment to lose. Heal me Kelebeck, I know you can," Elphaba smiled weakly.
"I will do my best," the young Griffin swallowed and then took her front foot; her index claw extended and touched the top of Elphaba's head. Lale watched as her daughter chanted in the ancient Griffin tongue. Fiyero watched in amazement as Elphaba's color improved and she sat up straighter.
"That should do it. How do you feel Princess?" Lale asked.
"Like myself. Thank you very much Kelebeck. Now I must ask you another favor," the green woman said.
"You want to go toward the dragon," Kelebeck knew that it would be the only reason why she would risk using the healing properties of the Griffin's claw.
"I do. I may be the only one who can stop what is happening," Elphaba nodded.
"By the time you reach the border, the dragon could be on its way here and the troops all dead," Fiyero pointed out.
"Have you ever seen how fast a Griffin can fly while under an enchantment?" His wife smirked.
"Bahram! Fetch me my rifle and the nausea medicines!" Fiyero shouted to the Sergeant.
"Yes your Highness!" Bahram ran into the Palace and was back inside of five minutes. While they waited, Elphaba enchanted Kelebeck.
"Lale, thank you for letting me borrow your daughter. I hope that we can bring your husband and brother-in-law back to you," the green woman smiled, once she was seated on the young Griffin's back.
"I think I have very little say in it. Kelebeck would go even if I told her 'no'," Lale chuckled while her daughter blushed. Fiyero swallowed the medicine and Kelebeck helped the Prince up onto her back.
"Shall we?" Elphaba asked.
"Hang on your Majesties," the young Griffin smiled as she took flight. Soon they were zooming across the Vinkus and Fiyero hoped that the medicine would work. Flying was really not his thing.
An hour later, they arrived at the border, only to find what they expected to find, had not come true. Kelebeck landed and they quickly dismounted. Fiyero wobbled on his feet, completely unsteady. Elphaba grabbed him and held him up.
"Father!" The young Griffin called out seeing her father a short distance away. Altan looked toward them. Quickly, the elder Griffin made his way to her side.
"Kelebeck! Why are you here? You brought the Prince and Princess?" He was very surprised.
"I figured you needed help with the dragon. We saw the fireball from the Palace," Elphaba spoke up.
"It would seem your talk with the dragon has solved our problems. The dragon beat back the enemy and then double checked the spells surrounding the border. The Vinkus is secure. The only question that remains would be how do we get the troops from Ix home," Altan explained.
"Oh good," Fiyero smiled and then promptly turned his head and vomited.
"Oh Yero," Elphaba helped him sit down and Kelebeck went about seeing if she could help relieve his nausea.
"So what about the dragon? Where did he go?" Elphaba wanted to know.
"He said that he had some business to finish. I know not what he meant and I did not want to ask," Altan admitted.
To Be Continued…