Fiyero was the first to move, striding confidently across the bridge. His heart broke as he came to the two women. Everything inside him told him to stop; to offer condolences; to be human. But he was the chieftain of the Kiamo Ko, Crown Prince of the Arjiki. Most likely soon Crown Prince of the entire Vinkus. He could not show weakness, especially in front of the Yunamata. And so his heart broke as he walked past the sobbing women without sparing them a glance to come before the Yunamata delegation leader.

"The Arjiki have been proven true." Fiyero stated with finality. "The Yunamata proved false. As is my right, I claim my prize: the submission of the Yunamata to the Arjiki."

The Yunamata leader's lip curled.

"The chieftains may not agree with your assertion, Chieftain." he drawled venomously. "They might think witchcraft was involved."

"Your own shaman witnessed it. You think you can go back on your word so easily?" Fiyero snapped.

"Not I; but the Yunamata clansmen have a highly independent streak." he replied with glee.

"They would risk war?" Fiyero warned. The leader shrugged.

"It would be better for some to die than bow to an Arjiki." he hissed. He glanced past Fiyero. "The question is: would the Arjiki press the issue? I doubt those two whimpering women would have the stomach for -eagh!"

The man clutched at his throat. Fiyero turned to see Elphaba's clawed hand and burning gaze.

"Elphaba!" Fiyero cried.

The two Yunamata shamans started to chant. Great tendrils of light formed in front of them. Elphaba did not bother to move her free hand, but tore the spells apart with the fury of her mind. They flickered out to the horrified expressions of their casters. Elphaba stood, raising her hand in the process. The man lifted off the ground, still clutching at his neck.

"I do not know you." Elphaba growled as she walked towards them.

The two shamans tried to do something again, but Elphaba cut quickly with her free hand, quelling the magic. Raising it, the shamans and the rest of the delegation rose into the air. Unlike the first, they were not being strangled. As she came almost level to Fiyero her hands roar to life with fire. Fiyero involuntarily stepped back. He had never seen her command multiple spells a hand. The level of hatred was something he had not seen before either.

"But I recognize one of you. A year ago I passed by the Yunamata, who threatened Glinda and myself." Elphaba curled a finger on one of her hands and a Yunamata floated forward. He kicked his legs helplessly as he was singled out. "Perhaps you recall my exact words. If not, let me remind you."

Elphaba reached out for the man. He broke into a sweat as the fire clawed at him. It danced in Elphaba's eyes, giving full view of her fury and madness.

"I said 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 barked viciously. Her voice pitched higher as she drawled her next threat. "So tell me one thing, little ant: why should I stay my hand now. Hmm? Why should I not toss you into the ravine, and lay waste to anyone who claims to be Yunamata? Do you have an answer for me?"

The man looked over at the delegation leader. He was of no help, just struggling to breathe. Elphaba bared her teeth.

"No answer? How about anyone else?" she snapped. None replied. "Still nothing. How about you, representative?"

The man gasped as the chokehold on him was lifted. Taking in vast gulps of air, he glanced at his own shaman. The two stared back helplessly, eyes wide in fear. He glanced at Glinda, who did not raise her head to the spectacle. Finally, he looked at Fiyero. The Arjiki Prince stared emotionlessly back. Finally, Fiyero shrugged.

"I could intercede on your behalf," Fiyero started, "if you were bound to the Arjiki. However, as you are not, I cannot."

"You will let her wipe out an entire tribe of people for your ambition?" the leader hissed. Fiyero steely gaze answered.

"You were willing to lie, intimidate, and hire an outside sword to capture and probably kill them, to feed your own." Fiyero retorted coldly. "Do not roll the dice if you cannot pay the cost, kinsmen."

Elphaba smiled, her teeth on full display. She reached a clawed hand towards the leader. The man was brave; no one could fault him. It took until Elphaba's hand grasped his clothes, and they started to smoke, before he broke.

"Fine! The Yunamata agree to submit to Arjiki!" he cried.

"Good." Fiyero nodded. "Elphaba, drop him."

"I want to make sure this dog is on a leash before I do." she hissed.

"He is not being let off; merely a reprieve until we get the full Chieftains together to formally submit." Fiyero replied. "Now drop him."

Elphaba glared insolently at him for the command. However, Fiyero would not back down from her here. He could not. Words traveled between the two without speaking. Elphaba's hands extinguished, and the Yunamata group fell to the ground.

"Then they've earned a stay of execution." Elphaba answered. "For now."

"Thank you." Fiyero nodded. He turned to the Yunamata leader. "As for you: you all will be my guests until we reach an accorded time to meet my father with the rest of the Chieftains for the ceremony. You will inform them immediately, however."

"Your will be done, Crown Prince." the man growled.

Fiyero gave him another look before turning his back on him. The dismissal was plain. Fiyero walked back to where the now silent Glinda hunched over the body of Duran. Elphaba was at his side. Fiyero looked down at the man that delivered the Arjiki control over the Vinkus. The man who died to protect the two women near and dear to him. Fiyero watched as Glinda gently pushed a stray lock from Duran's brow.

Fiyero motioned to his retainers at the far end of the bridge. As the group moved in their direction, Fiyero knelt down. He reached out to Glinda. The blonde looked into his eyes. Fiyero had not seen them so full of pain since...since that day in the cornfield in Munchkinland. Taking her hand in his, he gave it a squeeze. The woman allowed it, but did not return the gesture.

"I will have him taken to our place of honor." Fiyero spoke gently to her. "He will be given full rites as the Arjiki would."

"Into the flames, then." Glinda sniffed. "He will be cremated."

"Yes. Tonight under the stars." Fiyero acknowledged. "His effects will go to you. Unless…"

"They will stay here until I can reach the Dogs of War." Glinda replied. "They will need to know."

Fiyero nodded, not completely understanding. His retainers had appeared with a wicker shield between them, decorated in the Arjiki colors. Fiyero stood, gently pulling on Glinda's hand. The woman was reluctant at first, but her training had taught her to separate body from mind. She stood next to Fiyero, looking down at the still body of Duran.

"Lift him up, brothers." Fiyero commanded. "For though he may not have been of our clan, he was our brother at the end. We shall honor him as such."

The men knelt down, gently lifting Duran's body onto the shield. One glanced over to the corpse of Mikel.

"And him, Prince?" the man asked. Fiyero looked at Glinda.

"Him as well." Glinda's voice, though thick with pain, was strong. "He was his closest friend and brother for over two hundred years, and until the end. They should go to their peace together."

The men nodded. One waved, and a man fetched another shield. The men moved Mikel onto it. They lay their swords across their bodies, folding the hands over their hilts like the last knights of old they were. With that, the men lifted their burdens to their shoulders. Starting a low, slow chant in Arjiki, they began to carry them into Kiamo Ko. The assembled Vinkuns bowed their heads for the warriors who fought and died. The two women followed behind.

In the rear, Fiyero joined in the lament of the fallen. For though Duran's death brought safety to those he cared about, and a boon to his clan, it was the first death under Fiyero's leadership as a chieftain. His lament was not only the loss of the man he barely knew, but his own of what remained of his innocence. For though it was the first death he was responsible for he knew it would not be the last. As he sang along with his clansmen, he gave a silent prayer for strength to endure whatever amount of blood on his hands would come.

As the shield bearers descended into Kiamo Ko's depths, the women stopped outside the arched door. Carved into it were images and symbols of the Arjiki. Both women knew that only a select few were allowed in the catacombs. Non-Arjiki were never. Fiyero stopped with them.

"Come." he said. "Let us go and get something to eat. We have a long night ahead of us."

The two let him lead him to the dining hall.. The idle chatter lowered as they saw the trio enter. As Fiyero took the head table and the women sat with him, an attendant came over. Fiyero thanked him for the glasses of water, and asked for food. He quickly hurried away. The three sat in silence. Both women looked exhausted to Fiyero. Elphaba seemed defeated in a way he had not seen in a long time. Glinda looked...dim. A small-as-life he had never seen in her. Fiyero was thankful when food was placed in front of them.

"Let's eat and then we can lie down for awhile." Fiyero urged.

"I don't want to eat." Glinda whispered.

"Glinda, you need food." Fiyero urged.

"I don't want food." she responded fiercely. "I don't want sleep. I want to find out who made this happen."

"We will, Glin." Elphaba soothed. "We just need time and to regain our strength."

"I don't want time, or need to regain my strength." Glidna snapped. "I need someone to answer for this. Someone put Mikel and Durandal on this path. Someone did it by manipulating us; by trying to kill us. And I want to know who."

"We will." Fiyero agreed. "Now you have a safe place to work from-"

"I don't need a safe place. I need answers! I need to know who did this!" Glinda glared at him. Fiyero leaned back.

"Glinda-"

"No pretty words will bring him back, Fiyero. No pretty words will keep us safe. Keep my children safe. Only finding who did this and putting an end to it once and for all."

"Glinda, we don't even know who it is." Elphaba replied.

"We'll start at the top and work our way down."Glinda answered. "First we'll wring it out of the Throne Minister and see where it leads."

"You can't just interrogate the Throne Minister, Glinda." Fiyero replied.

"And why not? Do you think they can stop me?" she retorted. "I'll burn down the Emerald City if need be."

"Glinda breathe." Elphaba interjected.

"I'm breathing just fine."

"Glinda, we need you to stay calm. Not go flying off the handle." Elphaba finished. Glinda looked at her. The fire in her eyes was still there, but it cooled at the words.

"Yes." she agreed. "That would not do, would it?"

"No, it would not. We'll end up in a right mess."

"Yes, we would." Glinda took a deep breath. "Okay, we act with patience and prudence. But we don't let this lie."

"I promise we won't, Glinda." Elphaba reached over and grabbed her hand. The green woman gave it a squeeze, and Glinda squeezed it back with a nod. "But first food and then a nap. We have to honor him tonight."

"And then tomorrow we go to work."

"Yes. And then tomorrow we go to work."

Fiyero gave a sigh of relief. The fury in Glinda was not something he had expected. The fact Elphaba even seemed shocked had startled him. But the green woman had managed to bring her out of it. Seemingly now out of words, the trio finished dinner in silence. As they made their way out of the hall, Fiyero stopped.

"I must go prepare for tonight." he explained. "It is my duty as chieftain."

"Thank you, Fiyero." Glinda said, and placed a hand on his arm.

"You're welcome. Get some rest, the both of you. Tomorrow you have a lot of work to start."

"That we do." Elphaba agreed.

That evening, a line of torches descended from Kiamo Ko. It wound its way through Red Windmill, and eventually to a small clearing overlooking the Kells. The torch bearers were warriors and retainers of the Arjiki. Between them were two shields with the cloth shrouded remains of Duran and Mikel. The shieldbearers were all Fiyero's personal retainers, including a recovered Gawae. As they entered the clearing, a large pile of wood and straw became visible. The pyre had been built during the day, and liberally doused with lantern oil shortly before their arrival. It would catch quickly and burn hot.

Under the clear sky of a thousand stars, the Arjiki shaman began to chant the last rites of warriors as the two men were reverently placed on the pyre. Soon the entire clearing had begun the chant. Elphaba and Glinda stood alone, strangers consigning a shortly known friend to the fire.

As the chants continued, Fiyero stepped forward with a torch. His strong voice rang out. Both women knew he was calling on the mens' ancestors to accept them at their side as both had fallen valiantly in battle. Once finished he turned to the two witches, holding out the torch.

"It is tradition for kin to do so." Fiyero told them. "He was closest to the two of you."

"Duran was the sword of witches." Glinda answered. She raised a hand. "He shall be sent off as such."

Elphaba nodded and raised her own. She glanced at Glinda.

"Ready?" Elphaba asked

"Yes."

Fire shot from each of their hands, streaking past Fiyero on either side. There were gasps, soon stolen by the inhale of air as the pyre roared into existence. The heat burned them, causing all to step back. Its light sent spots dancing in front of their eyes. The smell of lamp oil and burning wood mixed with the incense and spices the bodies had been packed with. Pieces popped and crackled as they burned.

As the fire began to settle into a comfortable burn, Glinda began to whisper herself. Elphaba quickly picked up on it, and added her own pair sang in harmony. Glinda seduced the air to come while Elphaba coaxed the flames to grow. Soon, it began to twist and turn. The mourners retreated as far back as they could. Some watched the fire; some watched the witches.

The pyre grew into a pillar of fire, twisting towards the heavens. Steam rose from the cool ground. The witches did not relent until they watched every last piece of anything turn to ash and drift over the edge to the plains below. Only then did they let the notes of the spells ring in ending. When the fire finally died, the heat was the only thing left to mark the passing of two great warriors.

With that, the women were asked to tell stories of the pair's lives so others may be inspired. Glinda started first, recounting the story of their creation. Elphaba joined in later with how they met. Though they had only a few encounters, the two women were natural storytellers and managed to hold their audience captive for the rest of the night. Above them, the stars shone in appreciation.

Glinda sighed as she left the bathroom. The air was cool in the early fall of the Vinkus. The fluffy blue house robe she wore provided quite a bit in the way of warm against it. As she pulled her drying hair up she caught sight of a letter on her pillow. Walking over, she picked it up and saw the familiar handwriting on it. She opened it.

Glinda,

If you're reading this, I have died. Don't mourn me too long. A warrior such as myself lives for just causes to fight for. You were the most just cause I had ever known. The short moments we spent together were some of the happiest for me. But this all you know, and more. Keep our travels secret, and when she is ready, let Miss Elphaba know of them.

To the business of the letter. All the belongings I've left behind go to you. I've no one I really can trust with them otherwise, as some are much too sensitive to those who don't understand. There's a little home in the Glikkus District of Shiz that I used as a base of sorts for the last decade or so. That will go to you as well along with everything in it. I've enclosed its location.

Finally, I transfer the Dogs of War to you. They will serve as your personal retainers from here on out. You've relied on normal staff for much too long, and do need some who are loyal only to you. I also will transfer my list of associates, not full Dogs, to you as well. You've met some of them. However, you'll discover that in Shiz. Otherwise, send a letter to a man named Andre de Phillipe in Frottica. He lives over the Tilted Bucket on High Street. He is one of my captains and will make the necessary arrangements. You will need the code phrase. I will write it at the end, and with that will bid you my fondest farewell. Remember you are strong, my dear Glinda.

Signed,

Durandal Fanel

"To be, or not to be; that is the question; Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer; The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles."

Glinda wiped the tears from her eyes. She could hear him speak those words. But he was right; she needed to be strong. That would start first by bringing the Dogs to her. With their protection, she could move on from Kiamo Ko. Despite the healing between the two, Elphaba and her were not together. She was with Fiyero. Glinda accepted that, but would not play third wheel. Sighing, she set herself to the tasks at hand.

Glinda walked over to the room Duran had been using as his. There was not much in there. He had not brought any extra clothes with him on their sprint to Kiamo Ko. He had a few tailored in the little over a month he had been there.

However, over one sat the purple scarf he had so adored. Glinda ran a finger over it. It was old and worn, but treated with care. She knew it was because it had been from a special person. Otherwise, his hat, his assortment of concealed weapons, a pair of pistols and some ammunition for them was all he had. They had saved his sword and belt from going to the pyre with him. It sat there next to Mikel's.

Strangely, there was a third one. Glinda had never seen it before. It was in a rugged leather sheath, more so than the other two. What really stuck out was the form of it. The sheath was wide, denoting a thicker blade, and it had a cross shaped guard. It looked like a sword of cavaliers and knights. Glinda wondered if it had been his when the age of knights reined. There was something about it that made her approach. Made her want to feel it. Glinda reached out a hand…

"Miss Glinda?" came the sweet voice of Sarima. She spun around.

"Yes?"

"What would you care to do with Master Duran's effects?"

"How do you know about that?"

Sarima gave her a sad smile.

"He asked me to deliver the letter to you if he should fall in combat." she responded.

"Why you?" Glinda asked. The smile disappeared and Sarima looked away. "Oh no, Sarima. Don't tell me you were the one who made Gawae ill?"

"He was so insistent!" Sarima whispered. "And his conviction was hotter than anyone I've ever met before. He knew only I could slip the cacepi syrup into his drink in the morning without someone getting suspicious. I still feel so ashamed of myself, but so relieved as well."

"I won't say it is okay." Glinda said after a moment. "But I can say I am relieved as well. I don't wish to think about what may have happened if he had not fought."

"Thank you, Miss Glinda." Sarima dipped her head. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes. Please have Duran's effects moved to my room." Glidna answered. Seeing Sarima move towards the strange sword, she hurriedly added. "Except for that. I shall take it myself."

Sarima gave her a strange but almost...disappointed look before beginning to move the clothes. Glinda let out a breath she did not know she was holding. Moving towards the sword again, she felt that same odd attraction. Realizing she should check if it was magic, she opened her witch sight. The items held a faint shimmer from having been near him so long. Almost like the scent left after a person has left the bed. However, there were faint other glows. Examining the bag, Glinda found nothing more than a couple of small enchanted things to make travel easier. The sword itself held no glow.

Reaching out to pick the weapon, she thought she felt it almost throb in her hand. Pulling back, she once again opened her witch sight. Once again, there was nothing. Glinda wove her own magic around it, trying to coax any reaction. There was none. After a few more moments, she let her magical gaze drop and picked it up.

The weapon seemed to feel warm in her hands. Glinda dismissed it. There was nothing there. She also dismissed the feeling that the walk from his room to hers seemed to stretch far longer than she remembered it should and the whispers she heard from those around her. Or she assumed around her; the staff was good at being inconspicuous today. Entering her room, she placed the sword in a favored corner, and went about collecting her things for travel.

Her hand paused over two particular items. There was no reason to take them on the trip, but Glinda could not part with them right now. Sighing, she scooped them into her hand and slung her pack across the back. There was little time to waste if she was to travel to Frottica today. Her bubble did not move as fast as Elphaba's broom.

She found the green woman walking towards her own room. Elphaba stopped.

"Oh, I was just coming to see how you were." she said. Glinda smiled.

"Leaving."

"Leaving?" Elphaba asked, shocked. "Do you think that's wise? With everything going on, it's safer here."

"Yes, but I can't stand to be here." Glinda paused. She started moving towards the exit. Elphaba fell into step with her. "There's too many emotions tied up in this place right now. I think some space will do me good."

"It's not because-"

"Yes, to all of it." Glinda stopped her. "But it will be better soon. I promise."

"With your pregnancy-"

"I'll be taking my bubble, don't worry. The strain will be minimal."

"Oh." Elphaba paused. "Where will you go?"

"Home." Glinda answered. "Frottica home, specifically. Duran left his retainers to me."

"Well, that will be good at least." Elphaba paused near the open doors to the courtyard. Glinda did as well. "He did have a knack for planning ahead."

"That he did." Glinda forced a sad smile. She reached out and placed something in Elphaba's hand. The green woman turned it over to see one of Duran's sending stones. Her's, specifically. "You should keep this. To remember him by."

"You know…" Elphaba said as she looked at the stone. "It took a long time for me to trust him. Maybe even up to that last day. But it's strange to think he's not around."

"I know." Glinda stood on her tiptoes to give Elphaba a peck on the cheek. "I'll keep in touch."

"Please let me know you got to Frottica safely." Elphaba answered. Glinda nodded.

"I will."

With that the blonde haired woman walked out the door and into the courtyard. A wave of her wand, and her bubble appeared around her. Elphaba watched until it was a speck in the sky and was gone.