Thank you to Elsaba Thropp for reviewing. You'll have to read and see.
Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. I thought we needed to see a bit of embarrassed Elphaba again. And Nastoya is meddlesome, even in the book. I'm happy you liked the differentiation in how the ladies approach magic. And yes, having to work for it is a bit sad, but some of Elphie's great problems are those she took upon herself.
Thank you to Varia for reviewing. Elephants, remember to accentuate the E. ;)
Thank you to heatqueen for reviewing. I wanted the chapter to feel similar to the book when she meets Nastoya, which is very distinct. That goes the wall to making Elphaba's spirit animal a dragon as she refers to Elphaba as the Daughter of the dragon in the book.
Thank you to Nursejoy7 for reviewing. No, no magic herb. As for the rest, you'll have to read and see.
Thank you to RavenCurls for reviewing. A notable Fiyeraba venturing into Gelphie territory. Gutsy. You'll soon see that it is the superior ship. Or maybe Elpharic. And rally, not even an eyelash when I light Fiyero on fire? You people. Pfannee still has a large role to play, and by proxy Shenshen. Though I'm happy you like they're a couple. And you hush your mouth at the last part.
Thank all my readers for sticking with me. We're in the final stretch now with 12 chapters left (according to my outline), including this one.
As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and Critiques are welcome.
6/26/14
The trip from the northeastern Vinkus down to Kiamo Ko took the pair a little more than a week. The rafiqi had been left behind as Elphaba no longer felt the need for his services. They had parted cordially, and he would call on them in Kiamo Ko to make sure they got there safely. Glinda accepted graciously while Elphaba was annoyed.
In this part of the Vinkus there were no safe houses for them to stay in; they slept under the stars every night. The illusion ward proved useful to keep animals away from the pair, allowing them to sleep soundly. The first night, as they were eating their dinner of bread and cheese, Elphaba told Glinda of her revelation.
"Glinda, remember when you asked me how I knew where you were in the dark?"
"Yes."
"Do you remember what I said?"
"You said you could almost see me."
"It was more than that. I saw you, not completely as you were, but more like your inner you. I could also smell you; it smelled of roses and sunshine."
"That's very….interesting, but I don't understand what you are getting at. You are very used to me."
"Right, but it's happened more than just that time. When we were attacked at the Opera House I smelled something sweet, almost like peaches; when we've been practicing I've been catching flickers of light and smells; and when we were with Nastoya, I felt and saw a creeping cold. Just now, as we cast the illusion spell, I saw light and smelled poppies."
"I don't know where you are going with this."
"Glinda, somehow I can see and/or smell magic. Sometimes I think I almost taste it."
"Elphie, are you sure?"
"Positive. Have you heard of anything like this before?"
"No, but I have heard of some detection spells that could be similar. Maybe a tracking spell, too; I know they create almost a visual path of whatever is being tracked."
"So I'm not crazy."
"I highly doubt it. It sounds to me, and this is just speculating from what I know, that you aren't actually seeing, tasting, or smelling magic. You are sensing it somehow but your brain is interpreting as a sense because that is the only way it can makes sense of it."
"So why the differences?"
"I'm guessing different magic has different feelings. Remember what the book Duran gave us said, about the different elements and their combinations used to create spells?"
"Duran!" Elphaba exclaimed and jumped to her feet. Glinda crinkled her brow as Elphaba went to their packs. "His letter and that spell it had me cast. It all started after that. Aha!"
Elphaba came out with the letter in one hand and the spell book in the other. Glinda groaned.
"Elphie, do we really have to practice tonight?"
"Always, my sweet. Practice makes proficient."
"I thought it was practice makes perfect."
"No, because perfect practice makes perfect. Crappy practice makes crap. Now, let's see what the letter says."
Elphaba opened the letter intently while Glinda cuddled up to her. Elphaba glanced down at the blonde women with a raised eyebrow but Glinda just looked back with a smile.
"I can't see it, remember?" Glinda said with just a hint of amusement in her voice. Elphaba blushed.
"Oh, right. I forgot. Now, here we are." She said and began to read the letter out loud.
"'I see you see what you see. See what I did there?'" Elphaba groaned. "He really likes his bad jokes. 'Magic is a useful thing but it requires a bit of finesse to use. By being able to see magic you will grow quickly as a sorceress. It's also very useful when someone wants to cheat at cards.' He's never serious, is he?"
"'If you're wondering where the spell came from, a friend of mine accidently concocted it after repeatedly testing spells on herself trying to improve her body and mind. She's a bit driven, to say the least. You can undo it if you wish; the counterspell is in the back of the book I gave you. You can cast it on others, too; however, it takes some getting used to as the spell's strength actually grows over time until it is fully developed. It is my recommendation you simply wait until there are no further changes for a while before casting it on someone else. The rest of the note is for Miss Glinda.' Wait, what? Why wouldn't he give you your own note?"
"I don't know, Elphie, but let me see it." She replied and Elphaba handed her the note. Words then appeared in swirling pink handwriting.
I bet you're wondering why I didn't give you a note. Well, it's because what I say only pertains to you if Elphaba has gotten this far. You are an exceptional sorceress, Miss Glinda, and very skilled; more so than Miss Elphaba. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true. She gets away with much do to her prodigious talent and as such does not see the finer points of sorcery. The spell was intended to help her with that. Now, I know Miss Elphaba is going to ask what this note says; you can tell her, or simply say that I don't think you need such a spell. Safest travels, Duran.
"Well, what does it say?" Elphaba asked impatiently. Glinda glanced up at her.
"Do you really want to know?"
"Of course."
Glinda read the note off to her.
"What!" Elphaba yelled, her voice echoing in the nothingness.
The next day their path was obstructed by rows of tents. Elphaba took one look at their banner and said darkly,
"Yunamata."
"Is that bad?" Glinda asked.
"Let's just say they're not the nicest group. Looks like we've been spotted."
A group of men had come tearing out of the encampment on horses. The women could see they were carrying bows and spears. Elphaba calmly shooed Glinda off the horse, and then dismounted herself. She held the reins in one hand and feigned calm. The men got to them and began to circle, yelling and jeering in an attempt to intimidate them. Both women stood tall, though Glinda scooted closer to Elphaba. Finally, the men stopped and dismounted.
They yelled something at Elphaba, who called back in Vinkun. The men got agitated and yelled again, and again Elphaba called back to them. Finally, one of them turned to another and said something. The young man hopped on his horse and rode towards the encampment. As they waited for him to return the men glared at Elphaba, who glared right back. They leered at Glinda, who simply tilted her chin in disdain. Finally, the young man returned with an old man.
"Greetings, Dark Witch." He said in Ozian.
"Greetings." Elphaba replied.
"I am here to help you speak to each other. Their first question is simple: why are you here?"
"We are passing through to Kiamo Ko."
"They ask why do you think you can pass through their lands so freely?"
"Last I checked, these weren't anyone lands." Elphaba replied testily.
"They disagree. All the Yunamata survey is theirs."
"Well, they can hold onto that if they want. I'm just passing through."
"And why should they let you?"
"Let's see them stop me." Elphaba snapped. The group of men seemed to understand her reply without the translation and out came the bows and spears. Elphaba's hand began to glow red but Glinda's covered it, extinguishing the rising flame.
"Sir, please tell them we mean no offense," Glinda said, "and that we don't want any conflict. However, you should also know we are under the protection of Princess Nastoya of the Scrow."
"And why should we care? The Scrow are nowhere near."
"The Scrow are actually no less than two days north of here."
With that there were nervous looks by the men. Chatter broke out from them, and then finally one stepped forward.
"We no care." He yelled in broken Ozian. "We no fear Scrow dogs. We capture Night Witch, and make trophy. We capture Day Witch, and make ours. We rule then!"
The other men broke out it no cheers of consent and Glinda looked at the translator.
"Isn't that a bit of a rash choice?"
"They are the first to spot you so they are able to make the choice for the whole tribe." He replied, shrugging. "It is the way of things."
"Well, dear me." Glinda said mournfully and sighed.
As Glinda exhaled she began to weave strings of magic to the weapons. She then inhaled sharply, and the men let out cries of surprise as their weapons flew to Glinda's feet. She shook her head again and turned towards Elphaba. Getting on her toes she placed a light kiss on the emerald woman's cheek.
"Don't make too much of a mess." Glinda said sweetly and looked at the translator. "You may want to come here."
The old man scurried towards her as she turned her back on the men and Elphaba. As he passed, Elphaba handed the reins to the translator and he took them nervously. As he stood next to Glinda she did not turn around, but pulled out a nail file instead.
"It's so depressing." She muttered to herself. There was a whooshing sound behind her and some startled gasps. Suddenly, a loud fwoosh of air and heat blasted by her, followed by a loud cackle. "All this travel has been killing my nails. And I just got them done a couple of weeks ago!"
There were more noises and yells (intermixed with a cackle or two) from behind her as Glinda buffed and filed her nails. Finding it quite hopeless, she put it away and turned back around. Elphaba stood with both hands alit, grinning ferally. The men were scattered about in a daze, but no worse for wear. Glinda knew that the fireballs Elphaba had thrown were more air and illusion than actual fire. She never used actual fireballs unless it was a dire circumstance.
"That's quite enough, Miss Elphaba." Glinda said properly.
Elphaba looked over at Glinda and a strange glint came into her eyes. Elphaba turned back and thrust out a clawed hand. The leader of the group of men, the one who had spoken, lifted up off the ground. Her gave a startled cry of fear and began to shake as Elphaba levitated him in front of her. She stopped him close and her fist became alight again. This time Glinda could feel the heat and realized it was real fire.
"Now, my dear fool," Elphaba said, drawing it out in a high pitch similar to her cackle. "What did you say about making me a trophy, and making Glinda yours? Not looking like it is going to happen now, is it?"
That voice sent chills up Glinda's spine. Glinda had only heard that voice from Elphaba at her worst, when she was closest to actually being the Wicked Witch.
"Elphie," she breathed. Elphaba craned her neck towards her and Glinda could see the eyes were dilated. "Elphie, let him go. He can't do anything to us."
"Too true. But better to make sure he remembers, otherwise they come back. They all do."
"Elphie, leave him be. Now." Glinda put some sternness into her voice. Elphaba's eyes focused and she opened her hand. The man dropped heavily to the ground. He stared in terror as Elphaba towered over him.
"We will be leaving now." Elphaba said slowly, deeply. "Don't try to get in our way. And I swear, if you; if any of you, ever get in my way or try to harm me or mine again, I will burn your entire encampment to the ground."
Elphaba let the fire go out of her hand but not her eyes. She pivoted on her heels and swiftly mounted the horse, taking the reins from the interpreter. She helped Glinda mount the horse behind her and turned it towards the south. With a click of her heels the horse began to lumber off. As the men watched the retreating pair, their weapons suddenly burst into flames and they were left with nothing but ashes.
The Adept did not let her disappointment over take her. She had hoped the Yunamata barbarians would have at least worn Elphaba out, or distracted her for longer than the few moments they did. It had not been long enough for the Adept to exploit the situation to capture them. The Adept moved to continue the hunt.
A few days later the women ran across another Vinkun tribe. This one, the Zyma, was a much smaller tribe than either the Yunamata or the Arjiki. As such they were much more mobile. They had much interest in both Elphaba and Glinda; Elphaba for exotic looks and Glinda for her blonde hair. The pair was in need of provisions so they spent the day bartering.
In the end, Elphaba filled their water skins and Glinda helped heal some of the sick members in exchange for what they needed. That night at their celebration, the women and the tribe traded gifts. Elphaba got a headdress of woven yarn, hair, and beads while Glinda was given a circlet of silver. In exchange Glinda magically gifted many of the women with crystal and sequined dresses. Elphaba, however, was asked for a braid of her hair. After much coaxing, she gave them a small one.
The next morning as they rode away Glinda played with her circlet while Elphaba fidgeted with her hair. She did not like it despite all of Glinda's assertions that she looked cute and now had at least some bangs to style. They were still unaware of the shadow that followed them across the plains.
Two days outside of Kiamo Ko they met another small tribe. The Garamana, as they called themselves, stuck mostly to the hills and peaks of the Great Kells. The sole territory they could exclaim as theirs was a small mountain pass through the Great Kells into the Thousand Years Grasslands. The tribe knew of Elphaba and, since they were on good terms with the Arjiki, let them stay.
As the tribe was less nomadic than their cousins, the Garamana had an actual permanent settlement. The two women were in awe as they approached it by a narrow trail. Named Thage Kar, the town was structured as a large V with steps on each side cut into the slopes, and in those steps the structures were cut. Elphaba could see houses, and shops, and even goat farms. Glinda was overwhelmed by the architectures cut into the rock. There were arches, triangles, buttresses, and columns. It was an architect's dream and nightmare. For a lover of architecture like her, it was inspiring.
The two women were led to a small inn. It was more of a house than an inn; it had two bedrooms, a bathroom, a large dining area, and a kitchen. There was even a makeshift bar set up to one side. Glinda rented them the entire inn. She offered a lower amount than she would have actually paid and expected the innkeeper to haggle, but he accepted with a look of glee. Glinda was sure that she had not adjusted for the distance from the Emerald City well enough. With the key in their hands, the two women settled for a nice night in.
The Adept sat on a step in the marketplace. She had followed the two witches to Thage Kar and was almost grateful when they had decided to spend the night. It would give the Adept time to recover. Following a horse on foot was exhausting no matter how slow it was plodding. The Vinkus was not a safe place to sleep either.
A shadow fell over the Adept and she looked up. There stood a Vinkun woman bedecked in a long dress accented with scarves and beads. Her dark hair was done in many braids with beads woven in. The Adept could see a slight smile on her face.
"We don't get many of you in these parts." She said kindly.
"I am a student from the north, seeking truth."
"Well you are in luck; I am a student from the West, and it is I who you seek."
"Is there someplace we can speak privately?" the Adept of the North asked and the Adept of the West laughed lightly.
"There's no real privacy here, but there is a little shop I know of that makes eavesdropping hard. Come; I'll even pay."
"You're too kind."
As the two women walked towards the Adept of the North noticed the Adept of the West greeted each person warmly and with a smile; sometimes she even inquired after a family member. The Adept of the North also noticed no one seemed to find it odd that the Adept of the West walked with her. As they sat in the little bakery and ordered some rolls the Adept of the North let down her hood and pulled off her mask.
"It is quite hot here." She said jovially, and the Adept of the West laughed.
"Quite. But you would find it worse if you did not cover up. The sun is not kind to skin as pale as yours."
"As I am aware. I find it strange that no one cared I was with you."
"They are used to it as I usually greet outsiders. Benefits of a classical education."
"Shiz?"
"No, private tutors from Shiz."
"Expensive."
"My father wanted me to have a good education."
"Your father must care a great deal to invest so much."
"Only for the tribe's advancement, I assure you!" the Adept of the West laughed. "It would not have happened without that silly man falling for that girl."
"Oh?"
"Yes. His father paid mine much in compensation and to secure a new deal. My father had hoped I would move into Emerald City courts someday."
"But not now?"
"There's not much in the way of courts in the Emerald City right now." She replied with a slight smile on her lips. The Adept of the North chuckled.
"No, there is not. Do you know why I am here?"
"I'm guessing you're tracking the two witches."
"I am. I'm looking to get close to them."
"That would be difficult. Not many outsiders are seen here and three together would instantly attract attention. Do they know your face?"
"Unfortunately. They do not know it is I, but as they know me I would not show up here."
"I see. Well, I have a meeting with them later tonight."
"For what?"
"Oh, the usual meet and greet; welcome to the city, pleasure to have you, etcetera, etcetera." The Adept of the West said with a sigh.
"Bores you?"
"Yes. I understand I play an important role in the tribe and for the Madame, but I wish for more."
"Don't we all."
"How is it?"
"How is what?"
"How is it to do sorcery? The Madame promised to teach me, but she was thrown in prison first."
The Adept of the North searched the Adept of the West's face for any sign of deceit. The young woman may be looking for some information to turn into Morrible to raise her status. However, looking at that face and into those eyes she realized that there was only genuine curiosity, and some need.
"Sorcery is a grind to learn, a chore to practice, and tiring to do. Now take all of that, and add an overly demanding woman who holds something over your head at every loss. That is what it is like to learn from the Madame."
The light of excitement dulled in the Adept of the West's eyes.
"Oh." She said. "I did not realize it was such. I've just always wanted to learn so much."
"Why not get private lessons?"
"All the money we had went to my education, and then some. Not to mention good sorcery teachers are rare."
"That is true."
"So about the witches." The Adept of the West said brusquely. "What do you need to know?"
"Anything about their schedule and plans."
"I will see what I can find out." The Adept of the West said, and stood. "Do you have accommodations?"
"No. I was planning on camping out."
"That won't do. I'll pay for a room for you. It will be little more than a bed, but it will be inside."
"Thank you." The Adept of the North paused as she stood up. "Why are you still devoted to her now you know she won't give you what you want?"
The Adept of the West smiled sadly.
"It is because of her we are where we are today. Besides, it would not do good to sever ties now she is in power, would it?"
Elphaba was relaxing in the bathtub with Glinda. As she held her love close she marveled at the skill of her. The bathtub at first had been little more than a basin for water to sit. There had not been any faucets and barely a drain. The water had to be pulled from the well in the basement. Glinda had taken one look, wrinkled her nose, and pulled out her wand. She transformed the two rooms in one large one with an arch separating them, and had expanded the bathroom. The tub was made taller and wider, and Glinda had added a mirror. Finally, she had enlarged the bed into a four poster. Elphaba had made her promise to put it all back when they left.
A tolling of bells told Elphaba it was time to get out. She lightly pushed Glinda off of her and stood. As she got out she felt light touches across her legs and rear and she playfully slapped them away. There was a huff from the tub.
"We will have guests soon, my sweet. We need to get ready." Elphaba replied drying off.
"If we must." Glinda sighed.
"You are the one who persuaded me to have a meeting with the tribe leadership. To help bring them to our cause, if I remember correctly." Elphaba said as she finished. She went into the other room to grab her camisole.
"Yes yes. No need to use my own words against me." Glinda huffed again from the bathtub and got out.
Elphaba turned to reply but caught sight of Glinda. She could not remember what she was going to say. Glinda noticed and giggled. She lightly padded over to Elphaba and gave her a quick kiss.
"I love it that you do that." She said, and then flounced back into the bathroom to dry off.
Released from Glinda's spell, Elphaba continued to get dressed. She put on a black dress, but this time one had many layers of red, purple and gold sewn into it, and an attached purple cape. Glinda called it her wicked dress as it was similar to the one she wore when they met again after all those years the first time. It had been a bit Glindafied as she was the one who transformed one of Elphaba's frocks into it. After tying the hidden strings, Elphaba donned her witch's hat.
"Mmm. Now that is yummy." Came Glinda's voice from behind her.
Elphaba turned to find Glinda in just her camisole. Elphaba smiled and glided over to Glinda. She swept her blonde lover off her feet and into a deep dip accented with a very deep kiss. As she brought Glinda back the blonde exhaled deeply.
"Good?" Elphaba asked with a quirk of a smile.
"Woo. One more of those and we're getting nothing done tonight."
"Well, then, best leave it at that."
"Wicked thing."
Elphaba cackled.
The two witches were waiting in the dining area when the delegation entered. Elphaba was standing with her hands on her hips and her face impassive while Glinda sat demurely in a gold and red dress. She rose when they walked in.
"Welcome. I thank you for meeting with us." She said.
"It is our pleasure." Said the man at the front of the group.
Elphaba now had time to look at them properly. There were three men and one woman; the men looked older and were dressed in various levels of splendor, with the man that greeted them the most splendid. Their long tunics and baggy pants were crisscrossed with beads, talismans, and sashes. The lone female was in a long dress with many scarves. She too was bedecked in beads with some even woven into her hair.
"My name is Glinda Arduenna Upland, and this is my friend Elphaba Thropp." Glinda said as the group seemed at a loss.
"We have heard much of your work, Your Goodness. Our people speak highly of your support in the city." The lead man said.
"I am happy that I can help them."
"My name is Jugurth and I am the Shepard of the Garamana people. This is my friend Basae, and his brother Maeko."
"It is a pleasure to meet you." Glinda said, bowing her head in acknowledgement.
"And this," said Jugurth, drawing her forward "is my daughter Sarima."
Both women stiffened slightly. Elphaba's eyes narrowed in interest.
"Sarima." Elphaba said. "Is that name common out here?"
"Not uncommon." Sarima replied lightly. "Her Goodness' maid was named Sarima, after all."
"Yes she was." Glinda replied definitively. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sarima."
"The pleasure is mine." She replied and curtseyed. "If I may inquire on the nature of Your Goodness' visit so we could assist her?"
"We are traveling to Kiamo Ko." Glinda replied. "I have some business to attend to there."
"In relation to Your Goodness' fiancée?"
"Sarima!" Jugurth said. "That's far too personal a question."
"Yes, something of that." Glinda replied. "Did you know the Tiggulars?"
"Not really." Sarima replied. "I only met Fiyero once."
"So you are that Sarima." Elphaba's voice came. "I thought as such."
Glinda blanched slightly. Sarima turned to Elphaba with smile.
"Yes, I am. What made you think so?"
"You are near Kiamo Ko, are of a smaller tribe and control a very vital access point through the Great Kells. It all matched."
"I see you knew the Crown Prince."
"We were friends at Shiz."
"Oh, I always wanted to attend Shiz! Alas, it was not meant to be."
"Miss Sarima, I wish to apologize." Glinda broke in. The group looked at her confused. "Had I known Fiyero was promised to someone else I would not have pursued him."
"No need to apologize." Sarima replied lightly. "Fiyero had a chance to marry for love, which is much more than most of us here get in the Vinkus. I begrudge neither of you it."
"My Lady," Jugurth cut back in, "if I may ask, why are you traveling with the Witch?"
"I ask you not to call her that." Glinda replied sternly. The group looked taken aback. Elphaba walked over and placed a hand on her arm.
"Glinda, out here that is just what they call me. It doesn't hold the same connotation as in the other parts of Oz."
"Oh." Glinda said, and looked bashful. "I apologize."
"No need; we understand that the title is…less than flattering nearer to the Emerald City." Sarima said.
"To answer your question: I was kidnapped a few months ago by a dark sorceress. Miss Elphaba was instrumental in helping my parents free me."
"So she is not wicked?" Sarima asked.
"No." replied Glinda. "When I worked as Throne Minister I found out that many people were erroneously charged by the Wizard's Administration. Miss Elphaba was one of them. She was merely a victim of someone's malevolence."
"But did she not melt?" asked Sarima.
"No." Elphaba replied. "Tales of my melting were widely exaggerated."
"I guess that proves that stories are just that; stories."
"To answer your question, Miss Sarima," Glinda said, "Miss Elphaba is helping me through the area as she is much more familiar with it than I."
"I see. Could we offer you a guide?"
"No need. I know the way well." Elphaba retorted.
"If you change your mind, feel free to ask."
"Thank you." Glinda replied.
"One final thing." Sarima said. "Tonight is our yearly festival for the summer solstice. We would be honored if you joined us."
Elphaba looked at Glinda. The two women had been feasting and dancing for the better part of a week and were tired, but both knew to turn it down would be rude. Elphaba would never admit it, but Glinda's training had slightly modified her behavior. Though she would never enjoy going to a party, she understood now that there were times when it was the right thing to do.
"We would be happy to." Elphaba said.
"Then come! Festivities start soon!" Sarima said and put out an arm. Glinda took it and she led the way out the inn with Elphaba in tow.
"Miss Sarima," Elphaba said as they were walking.
"Yes?"
"Do you practice any type of sorcery?"
Sarima turned and looked at Elphaba with a strange look.
"No, I do not. I always wanted to learn, though."
"Do you know anyone that does?"
"If I did, I would have had them teach me." She replied, turning back around.
"Don't you have shamans?" asked Glinda.
"Not any that are specifically for the tribe. We use the services of traveling shamans."
"And you never tried to learn from them?" Elphaba asked.
"Here in the Vinkus the shamanistic tradition is for men only. Perhaps if we had our own, but the wandering mystics are very traditional in nature."
"I see." Elphaba said. Her tone was neutral but Glinda knew she was not pleased with that answer.
"I don't trust that Sarima." Elphaba said later that night as they were getting prepared for bed.
"You're just biased because she was engaged to Fiyero." Glinda replied.
"It's not that. She smelled of magic."
"You sure?"
"Yes. It was slightly sweet."
"Strange. Could it have been from the shaman's blessing at the festival?"
"That was after I smelled it."
"Perhaps they had their house blessed and you picked that up."
"Perhaps. But I still don't trust her."
"You don't need to. We'll be gone tomorrow morning."
"True. And remember to put everything back."
"If I must."
The women left Thage Kar the next day and rode south. Their shadow followed. After a full day of riding the cliffs of Kiamo Ko loomed above them. That is when Glinda noticed it. They were on the wrong side of the Kells to take the path up to the castle.
"Elphie, how are we going to get up there? I mean, we can try to use my bubble but I've never taken anyone with me before." Glinda asked worriedly.
"Its fine, my sweet. There's a hidden path on this side I used many a time. How did you think I brought Dorothy up?" Elphaba replied with a smile.
"I don't know. You had the flying Monkeys grab her?"
Elphaba cackled.
"The Monkeys can barely carry themselves let alone a little girl. Come, we will take it to Red Windmill."
Elphaba steered the horse over to the Kells. The rocks and cliff faces seemed impassable but Elphaba knew just the way. A small footpath appeared before them, barely big enough for the horse. Elphaba cautiously urged the horse upward, letting the animal find its own footing. It took them more than a few hours to navigate up the mountain but they emerged in one piece near the town of Red Windmill.
The women dismounted and slowly entered the little village as dusk descended. There was no one moving about, but the pair could hear the noise of people in the vicinity. As Elphaba turned to head down the main street that led to Kiamo Ko, a villager almost ran into them. He blinked at Elphaba, who stared cautiously back. The young man, for that is what he was, turned around and ran down the street yelling. Those he passed turned stare at the pair.
"Well," Elphaba said drily. "There's no place like home."