Oz Victorious
Chapter Fourteen: Headed West
Making his way through a frozen valley in the wake of the Mountain, Oz directed the Gump forward. Having redawned his disguise, the Wizard clenched his hood over his face, trying to block out the snow. Around the two, frozen trees and brush glistened under the light of the sun. Iced branches and blades of grass shined with their own crystaline beauty. "We're almost to Gillkin Country," the Wizard declared. "I can feel it...Katrina used to tell me about the people...that's why she took on the name of the North." The Gump grunted, trotting through the ice. "After this, I think we can go back home...Oz is finally united." Gently petting the head of the Gump, Oz looked ahead to a warmer country.
After several hours, the company witnessed the snow gradually melt, making way for lush green pastures and healthy, fully grown trees. Crossing a small brick bridge, the Gump shook off a small dusting of snow flakes, dropping them into the stream below. Extending from the bridge was a road made of clean, pure white bricks. Looking out to his side, the Wizard watched several wooden cottages and red brick houses. "Hello?" Oz called out, looking into the sunlit sky. It was mid-day, and several different groups of people and animals were walking around the area. "I come from the City of Emeralds...I come from the Wizard of Oz." Several trees turned themselves towards the man and his mount.
"Welcome to Gillkin Country!" a woman with golden blonde hair cried out, outstretching her arms. "We have heard news of your travels. Please, make yourself at home here."
"Thank you," the Wizard warmly replied, leaping off the Gump. "Are you the leader of this country?"
"Yes, sir," the woman answered. "And I hear tales that you're a friend of Katrina's."
"I certainly am," Oz replied. "She's spoken very well of this country and its people. I must say, it's an honor." The Gump snuffed back and grunted. "Oh, do you have a stable for my friend to stay in?"
"Follow me," the golden-haired woman responded, gesturing for the two to follow her lead.
Tying his mount's leash to a wooden pole hanging from the ceiling of a community stable, the Wizard turned back to the kindly woman. "Thank you," he said. "I don't even know your name."
"Call me Kerthal," the woman answered. "What name do you go by, stranger?"
"They just call me the traveler," Oz answered. "And I have a proposal for you from the Wizard himself." Handing the woman the contract, the blond man watched her expression change several times as her eyes scanned the text.
"A council of Oz," Kerthal declared. "My, oh my, that sounds exciting. I've heard good things about the Wizard...but I require more than just a friendly smile and some good stories before I make my decision."
"...Would a talk with Katrina the Good persuade you?" Oz asked, concentrating on the Emerald City.
"It is good to see you again, Kerthal," the good witch said, her voice echoing. Turning around, Kerthal saw her old friend; her entire form glistening with pink light. "I see you've met my friend."
"Yes I have," the golden-haired woman answered. "He's quite the charmer. Tell me more about this council of Oz." The Wizard looked over at the Gump, smiled, and rubbed his snout.
In the end, Kerthal signed the contract, the Wizard and Katrina's magic surrounded and protected the Gillkin Country, and Oz settled into a suite for the night. "Thank you, Katrina," he whispered before closing his eyes.
Come morning, a small parade was held in honor of the country's new alliance. Mounting his rested Gump, the Wizard waved to the crowds. "First stop is back home for you, boy," the man said. "Then we start rebuilding." Heading eastward, the company avoided the frozen valley, drawing closer to the Emerald City. At last, they returned to Winkie Country. "Thank you," Oz told the people. "The Gump has been a marvelous companion."
"Thank you, mister," the Gump replied, his deep voice warm and grateful.
"...I didn't know you could talk," the Wizard replied, shock showing in his voice.
"You didn't ask," the green creature answered.
The people chuckled, then returned their animal back to his home at the stable.
"After I send supplies from the other countries, we begin rebuilding," Oz called out. "Then, if the council agrees, we rebuild the Yellow Brick Road to reach Winkie Country." The crowds cheered and clapped their hands as the Wizard walked away; making his way back to the Emerald City.
Upon his return to the kingdom, Oz rallied the countries he'd allied himself with. Munchkinland, after a series of talks with Addie and the rest of the council, decided to delay the construction of their newest Golem, and ration their supplies. Gillkin Country and Quadling Country united to bring needed supplies to Winkie Country and Munchkinland, in addition to the restoration efforts in the eastern country. In time, Golems were built around every province in Oz, each standing staunchly and boldly in front of their countries. Robot armies were constructed in all countries, serving as the second line of defense. Once Winkie Country was rebuilt, an addition to the Yellow Brick Road was undertaken by builders around the land. While terror of the Wicked Witches still existed, the leaders of the countries were finally able to rest easy, knowing they were under the protection of Oz and Katrina. After years of toil and sweat, the land of Oz finally found itself at peace under the Wizard's rule; The council thrived, as did its people.