Chapter 8

I do not own anything from the Wizard of Oz.

So happy to be writing again here. It has really been good therapy dealing with the grief of my mom. She always said I had a big imagination even when I was a kid.

I have one more OC to introduce soon.

The group stood around the map in King Oran's meeting room. It was a beautiful room with dark mahogany design and Oran's coat of arms adorning the walls.

Dorothy, Tin Man, and Lion were planning on leaving in two days. Oran would have his armies ready to invade South Aglas if they heard no word from them in three weeks. The three friends were trying to figure out how to rescue Scarecrow once they arrived in Aglas.

"Aglas does not have tunnels to slip into that my spies have told me," Oran said.

Tin Man nodded and said, "We know. We are still working out those details."

Oran just shook his head and said, "I still think you could get defectors from Oz that are loyal to Scarecrow and we could do an invasion. Damian could gather his small army of Gargoyles."

Lion shook his furry head furiously. "No. That would take too long. We need to try this first. If you're right than an invasion is called for."

Oran eyed Dorothy. She had insisted on going, and he worried for her safety. She was not skilled in this kind of attempt or of war.

"We don't need to put innocent lives in anymore danger than we need to," Dorothy said speaking up from her notes.

"If you could alert all the defectors to Scarecrow to be battle ready, and come to Mifkit, then we can be ready by then if need be," Tin Man said to Oran. "Aslan, and you can lead the charge."

"Alright. I will do that," Oran said in agreement.

Oran looked back down at the map. "If you take this road then it should throw off any Aglas scouts for now," he said. "But there is one thing…"

Dorothy looked up again and asked, "What?"

Tin Man looked down at the map and sighed loudly. "We will have to go through the heart of where the shape shifters dwell."

"What in the world are shape shifters?" Dorothy asked in confusion.

"They are a free people who have the power to shift into animals or other beings," Oran explained. "I have met them. They can be reasoned with as humans, but not as animals."

Dorothy's eyes widened and her mouth turned into an "O."

"Lion will probably be negotiating that one," Tin Man said smirking at his long time friend.

Lion scoffed at Tin Man. "Says you."

"Is there a way around them?" Dorothy asked ignoring her friends.

"Not if you don't want Aglas capturing you too," Oran said to her.

"Then can they be reasoned with?" She asked.

Oran shrugged. "They can be. They are very mistrusting of outsiders on the free land there. They were once slaves of Ordaran's grandfather. It runs in the family with him," Oran said to her. "From what I have heard Ordaran leaves them alone, because they could defeat him easily."

"Well…..that's that. Lion will be in charge of that," Tin Man said.

Lion gave his friend a nasty look and growled a little.

"Otherwise, this path is not used by many travelers because of the mountain passes which are not hard, just hard to transport goods through," Oran said.

"How long should it take us to get there?" Dorothy asked anxiously. Leandra put a paw on her shoulder in reassurance.

"Two weeks on foot if the weather is right," Oran said.

Dorothy sat back and tried to fight the tears threatening her. Leandra squeezed her shoulder in comfort.

"We will be traveling by foot. The more we stay unnoticed the better," Tin Man said.

He knew deep down he could never talk Dorothy out of going. Though he wanted her to stay here, and have him, Lion, and Aslan go. His first goal was she staying safe. Scarecrow would have his head for bringing her, but she insisted.

This was when he missed Scarecrow's brains. Scarecrow was a great planner, but Tin Man was learning.

Lion stood and said, "Well, it's decided then. We leave at sunrise the day after tomorrow."

Dorothy knew that Lorna was making her some traveling clothes, but Dorothy was not in the mood to try them on. She was anxious to get going.

She wandered out of the castle, and spotted a creek outside of the walls where she sat for a while letting the running water soothe her troubled soul.

After a while she heard footsteps approach her, and smiled slightly as Lion, and Tin Man approached.

Lion nuzzled her and lay out beside her. Tin Man sat down beside her. Here were her friends finally almost reunited. The most important one was still missing which saddened Dorothy greatly.

She no longer had her gun, or the emerald necklace. She was now on her own with Tin Man and Lion. It was funny she could still feel the emerald's power within her sometimes.

"We wish you would stay here and stay safe," Lion said.

"That is not even a suggestion," Dorothy said a little offended. She knew they were just trying to protect her.

"I know," Lion said.

"We will get him back, Dorothy," Tin Man said.

Dorothy looked up at him. "I know we will."

Tin Man shook his head sadly. "I wish things were different. We tried to get word to you both."

Dorothy nodded. "There is more to this than just Ordaran's revenge on Scarecrow."

Lion looked over at Dorothy confused. "You think so? I didn't hear anything before Nick and I were captured."

Dorothy smirked in bitterness. "Who is the only one who could challenge Ozma if she say…..married out of convenience? Who could do her dirty work to gain more power while feigning innocence?"

Tin Man's eyes widened. "Of course. It makes sense."

"That would be Ordaran's ultimate revenge. Marry the Queen of Oz, and gain more power over the world," Lion said straightening up.

"Thoreon would be jealous," Lion mumbled.

Tin Man snickered. "Who am I to judge? I just worked for her."

Dorothy smiled. "It happens in my world all the time. Inbreeding is natural among royalty to keep bloodlines pure, and they keep their power."

"So, no one questions their lineage," Tin Man said.

"Exactly. However, because of it they go insane a lot," she said.

"So, if we see Ordaran with blonde haired children we'll know," Lion said.

Dorothy thought for a moment. "No…..this is something Ozma would have to do to keep up the façade. Get the heir, and maybe a spare, then the other kids can be whatever she wants."

Tin Man rubbed his chin. "Where did you learn all of this? I knew royalty was odd, but not that odd."

"That's because Scarecrow would not have let that happen," Lion said. "That's why he almost married Myra. She had no relation to Oz."

Dorothy smiled. "No, he wouldn't. When I was studying in school. I traveled abroad through a country called Europe, and found out the history there. Although, in my home country does not have royalty it happened there too. Still is."

Tin Man looked over at Dorothy. "How did you know about Ozma and Thoreon then? You and Scarecrow left the castle before the rumors began."

Dorothy shrugged. "It was so obvious."

Lion yawned. "So glad I'm not human."

Dorothy laughed lightly.

"So, I think you're right. The question is what do we do about it when we rescue Scarecrow?" Lion asked.

"I just want Scarecrow back first," Dorothy said.

Both Tin Man and Lion nodded. That was their first priority.

…..

The next morning Dorothy was summoned to the King's workroom. Dorothy took a deep breath. This would be the first time her and Oran would speak alone. She had been practicing her words, but suddenly realized they failed her.

The aide let her in, and closed the door behind her.

She waited patiently waited for the king to acknowledge her.

The King stood and smiled at her.

"You wanted to see me, your grace?" She asked curtsying to him.

"I did. Please have a seat."

Dorothy sat down. Her heart pounded in her ears, and she cursed her nervousness.

"I hope you slept well," he said. She was surprised by the small talk.

Dorothy sighed. "I would have any other time, but now…."

Oran nodded sympathetically. "I understand."

Dorothy felt her throat begin to close. "I lie awake all night thinking about what is being done to him."

"I wish there was some comfort I could bring, but I did get word that he is still alive this morning," Oran said.

Dorothy brightened a little. "He is?"

Oran smiled widely. "Yes. That is all I know."

Dorothy began to sob quietly. Oran handed her a tissue, which she gladly accepted.

"I figured you should know first," he said.

Dorothy wiped her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."

Oran's face became very sad, and he looked to his left. Dorothy turned to see what he was gazing at. The huge portrait of Myra on the wall stunned her.

Oran turned back to her. "Dorothy, no parent should ever to have to bury their child." His voice began to shake a little.

Dorothy's gaze softened on the King. "No, you're right."

Oran looked down and said, "I thought I was doing the right thing by her. I couldn't save her mother, so I spoiled her thinking she deserved it for not having her mother, but I was wrong."

"But, those I hurt along the way did not deserve it. I will spend the rest of my life making up for it. That is why you sit here with me now. I can only hope than one day you and Scarecrow will forgive me. Drigka was evil, and Myra did tell me that, but she had her greediness too."

"What you have done for us is more than enough to forgive, Oran," Dorothy said with a smile.

Oran shook his head. "It will never be enough for me."

"You really don't know how grateful I am for your help," Dorothy said.

That Oran smiled slightly. "I know Ozma's family. They are not good creatures. They have been known to kill their own."

Dorothy gasped at the news. She didn't know that.

Oran nodded. "Yes. That is why I thought Scarecrow was making a huge mistake by not challenging the throne."

Dorothy took a deep breath. "Part of that was my fault. I refused to become queen."

Oran laughed a little. "I understand. It is not easy work."

"I know."

"Ordaran is formidable foe. I wish you would stay here," he said to her. "Besides, if Ozma finds out I freed you, then Ordaran will know you are coming. That is why I worry."

"No. I want to get him. I swore to him I would," Dorothy said. "No matter what."

Oran sighed. "I knew you would disagree."

Oran leaned over his desk. "Remember Dorothy. Ordaran is very cunning. Keep your wits about you at all times no matter what you see," he said.

Dorothy nodded. "I will."

"By the way," Oran said smiling. "I know an old wizard over the hills. I think he knows Glinda. He is going to help me try to open the portal to bring Oscar and Glinda back."

Dorothy gasped with delight. She missed them so bad, and could really use them right now.

"If they can get back this will change everything," she said.

Oran nodded and smiled back at her.

"Yes, it will."

The King and Dorothy sat and talked for hours after that. Dorothy could not believe the change in King Oran of the Mifkits. He was the classic example of how one can redeem ones self if given a chance.

Dorothy really felt she had made a new and loyal friend today.

That night she was restless. The news spread that Scarecrow was still alive. Relief swept the group. They could only pray they would get to him in time.

Lorna and Loila cried to Dorothy that night as they helped her pack. Kronos wanted to go and help save his master, but Tin Man said it was better that they travel by foot.

….

Ozma received the news that King Oran had tricked her. She cursed the throne that old man sat on. Dorothy Gale was now free. She would send word Ordaran that Dorothy Gale was coming for the Scarecrow.

She worried about her throne. If Dorothy and her friends were successful then it would be over for her.

She had to do something and soon.

….

Ordaran received word from Ozma that the Savior was free and on her way.

He smiled. He would await her arrival.

Ozma was desperate in her note, and said they should marry quickly to secure the alliance making Ordaran laugh out loud.

She feared the savior.

He crumpled up the note and threw it on the floor laughing as he did so.

He had no intention of marrying the fairy queen. He had every intention of taking over Oz eventually.

He looked over at the naked woman awaiting him, and motioned her to join him. He had other plans for the night.

His last thought before he was distracted was how strong Scarecrow was. It amazed him, but soon the former King would lose.