Oz Victorious
Chapter Eleven: Unification
Walking down the Yellow Brick Road, feeling the wind on his neck for the first time in so long, Oz watched as Munchkinland grew closer with each passing step. Addie had done her job, and was on her way back to the castle; safe and sound. Entering the golden city, the Wizard looked around at the builders assembling materials. Several men and women, short in stature, were returning from neighboring countries with supplies; borrowed with money the Munchkinlanders did not have. The original Golems still stood proudly in front of the city, serving as the watchful guardians of the people. I don't even know who's in control around here... "Excuse me," the Wizard said to a tall man carrying a long hammer. "Who currently runs this country?"
"Xorck's been in charge since the war," the tall man answered, his voice carefree and kindly. "You new to these parts, mister?"
"Sort of," the blond man answered. "Thank you." Nodding, the man departed to continue his work. Scanning the area for any sign of authority, Oz came across a small man wearing a metal with a large blue ribbon attatched. "Pardon me," the Wizard said, approaching the man with restraint and respect. "Are you Xorck?"
"Yes, sir," the small man answered with a smile, proudly displaying his ribbon.
"I-I come from the Emerald City," Oz introduced himself. "I'm a representative of the Wizard. Here to talk with you about the Golems."
The smile faded from the man's face. "Please, follow me to my office," the country's leader requested, leading the Wizard to a tall red and gold tower. The two entered, listened to the door shut behind them, then took their seats on opposite sides of a gold-trimmed, dark wooden desk. "The Wizard has sent you?"
"Yes, sir," the blond man answered. "He wants me to discuss a proposal with you. I've been given very specific instructions."
"And what might this proposition be?" the small man asked.
"Well, the first issue is the matter of the construction of new Golems," Oz began, his voice calm. "I've been told the people had a disagreement with their supervisor from the Emerald City?"
"Our people fear the return of the Witches, mister messenger," the country's leader explained. "While Oz rules the Emerald City, we're on our own here."
"Didn't the good witch provide the country with a protection spell?" the blond man politely objected.
"Should Victoria or Jadeyn return, will the spell be enough?" the small man asked, obviously having his doubts.
"I'm...not sure," Oz admitted. "But that is the second point I was sent to raise. The Wizard wishes to make a deal with you-with all of Munchkinland...you see, he wants to help defend your country...all the countries in Oz. But he can't do that unless you agree to join forces with him."
"...What's the catch?" the man asked. "What does he want in return?"
"A position of authority," the Wizard confessed. "In exchange for access to the Emerald City's supplies, resources, and influence, the Wizard asks for the loyalty and support of the Munchkinlanders..."
"He seeks to be our king?" Xorck demanded. "Is that what this is about?"
"Essentially," the blond man answered. "But his rule doesn't mean you'll lose your position...you'll be a part of something much larger. A council...a law-making guild run by the Wizard and carried out by the people."
"Does Oz imply desperation on our part?" the small man asked, growing displeased.
"No, sir," the Wizard answered. "But he does know your country and others are in danger of the Wicked Witchs' wrath. The war gained for the people the Emerald City, but only temporarily dispelled the Wicked ones. Should Oz's power be extended, he could help you build an army, raise funds, increase supplies. On behalf of the Wizard, I ask only that you value his opinion on matters such as major decisions and the construction of Golems."
"...Tell me more about this council," the leader decided. "Will the leaders of every country be present?"
"Yes, sir," Oz answered.
"And we'll all have a say in the policies of Oz in general?" the small man continued.
"As long as the Wizard is given the authority to oversee each meeting and weigh in on the decisions being debated," the blond man answered. "I realize the power being handed to the Wizard is great, but this will benefit every citizen of Oz."
"...Our country is poor," the leader replied. "What's to say Oz will not impose taxes or tribute?"
"Only the promise of a wizard," Oz answered. "The promise of one reborn. I know it sounds like a gamble, but the Munchkinlanders, of all people, should trust the Wizard."
"Such power isn't easily parted with," Xorck declared. "Wartime friendships or not. All things considered, your proposal is outrageous. You expect us to elevate, not only one man, but a man from outside of Oz to the position of a god?"
"Oz is no god, and he doesn't play one on TV," the Wizard answered with a smile. Silence and a sense of confusion met the joke. "...Oz does not intend to become a god, only a fellow ruler. He has the people's best interest in mind and heart. According to prophecy, the Wizard is said to be the savior of Oz."
"I don't make my decisions based on the belief in prophecies and myths," the small man declared. "However, Munchkinland does require supplies and political support...Buy can we truly trust magic over Golems and soldiers?"
"It was magic that ultimately won the war," Oz replied. "...Do you agree to the Wizard's terms?" Xorck nodded. Pulling out a scroll, the Wizard handed the Munchkinlander a quill. "Please sign your name, and the Emerald City and Munchkinland can begin their partnership." Giving a brief smile, the small man took the quill and signed his name in Ozian symbols. "Thank you." Now Oz begins again...
Pulling his hood over his head, the blond man proceeded down the yellow road, mapping out his destinations. I've gotta pull this off. This is why I'm here. Gazing into the scarlet sunset, the Wizard let in a deep breath, and prepared to enter Quadling Country. Addie, Trina, the council, and I are gonna make it.