5

Esmeralda poured the tea after they had seated themselves at the low table. "I have been thinking . . . Since this trouble has involved those from Oz, perhaps they should be the ones to settle it. I believe if you could talk to Ozma, who is a most beautiful and agreeable princess, empress, whatever her title, she would likely agree to help you search for the lost slippers."

Chibi-Usa sighed, "Do you have a way to talk to Ozma from here then?"

"No, no, I don't. Still . . ." she paused, her finger tapping on her chin. "I have it. You shall go to see Prince Ev. No now he is called Evardo XV since he took the throne after his mother retired. A most agreeable young man."

Looking at the sorceress skeptically, Chibi-Usa asked, "How can he help me?"

Esmeralda beamed, "Since Ozma took the throne, communications between Oz and the surrounding kingdoms have greatly improved. There are signal towers around Oz at the edge of the desert near each kingdom. And similar places in all the kingdoms. They have some way of sending messages. Ev can send a message to Oz for you. Perhaps Ozma has a way that you can come to see her." Esmeralda clapped her hands, "Yes, that shall work, you can start for the capital in the morning."

"Where do I need to walk now," Chibi-Usa groaned. She was getting very tired of walking all over these worlds.
Esmeralda pointed out the door, "It's just down that way, follow the river to the valley of trees and you will surely find it. Only half a day's journey or so, if you walk quickly."

Chibi-Usa nodded, one night here with this annoying sorceress and she would be on her way again.