"The Wizard's coming! He's coming!"

"He somehow got past the guards!"

"Glinda! He's here! Turn around! He just turned the corner…"

"He's walking towards us…"

Earlier that day, and after the Wizard's sudden and cryptic call to Glinda, a pervasive sense of dread filled the Emerald City palace. The council feared the worst. What was the Wizard going to do? Was he going to use the Winkie Guards to attack? Was an invasion of the Emerald City imminent?

No one knew what to think when Glinda interrupted its morning meeting with an update of the phone call she had with the Wizard.

"We should have dismissed the Wizard when we had the chance!", the council leader angrily cried out. "We never should have simply suspended him!"

"But we don't have the power to do that!", another retorted.

"What is the Wizard going to do?", another asked.

"Is he going to invade?" Numerous voices then interrupted each other at once as various mutterings and mumblings took place. The council was paralyzed with indecision. No one knew what to do.

"Now, we can't jump to conclusions", Glinda said as she rose from her seat. "I don't think this was the Wizard's intentions…"

"How do you know?", a member of the council blurted out. "This was a threatening phone call! We should have known it from the start! He's been in league with the Wicked Witch of the West all along!"

With the sole exception of Glinda, pandemonium then broke out among everyone seated at the conference table.

"But she isn't wicked anymore! She's helped her subjects in the Winkie Country!"

"No! This is a trap! It's all an elaborate trap and the Wizard took the bait!"

"She cannot be allowed back in!"

Glinda's quiet objections were drowned out as each member of the council continued to argue amongst each other.

"We need to do something!"

"But what are we going to do?"

Glinda's voice was then heard above all the others. "Everyone!" The room then became quiet.

"We are making assumptions. The Wizard did not speak about an invasion…" She then tried to calm the situation before it escalated further. "The Emerald City is under my protection. And I will speak to the Wizard. Cooler heads will prevail, I can guarantee you that."

The attendees then nervously glanced at each other, but there was no further conversation about the matter. Overall, they trusted Glinda's judgment. And if the Wizard did decide to start a dastardly and wicked invasion, then the southern witch would be the one who would stop him and foil his plans.

"We should still prepare for such a possibility", the council leader nudged her with her elbow as the meeting finished and the attendees began to disperse. "We should make sure the Emerald City guards are prepared…"

Glinda eyed her wearily. She didn't think the Wizard would invade, but she could not rule out such a possibility. Was he flying there right now on the backs of the Winged Monkeys? Truthfully, she did not know what he was thinking or what he was planning to do. She didn't know what to think anymore.

Shortly after he called Glinda, the Wizard began to organize the numerous papers that were scattered around the dining room table. The sounds of the birds could be heard chirping as they fluttered near the expansive bay window and the noises of distant plowing in the nearby fields. His elbow was planted on the table and his hand rested on his cheek. He then used his other hand to cover his mouth and stifle a big gaping yawn.

"Is there anything else you need of me?", Bella asked him as her eyes darted between him and the piles of papers he was organizing.

"Yeah. I need to cut myself in two." He then looked at her. The maid noticed that his eyes looked strained and his suit disheveled. He then gave her a ghost of a smile. "I am fine for now. But I need to…"

His words froze on his tongue. He didn't know what to do next. Where would he bring these papers? His hands darted for the small red book now in his pocket as he took it out and started flipping through its pages. The maid walked towards him as she peeked over his shoulder. "Where to bring these…where to bring these…", he mumbled to himself.

It took several minutes of searching and flipping through the pages, but the Wizard then came upon a section that discussed "repository stations" found in all four quadrants of Oz. And the closest one happened to be near the magical field that Theodora had taken him in the first few days when he visited her castle the previous year. The book directed him to drop off his papers there.

As he stood from his chair, Bella interjected. "If you need anything else, I will be at the castle today, but I only work part time now, so I won't be here for the next three days", she said with a smile on her face. "I also attend school part-time, and I currently do both. But the Mistress gives me extra pay for the time that I do work here. I think she wants me to work more, but she is also happy that I am at the school."

The Wizard gave her a bright smile. "That's great…"

"And if you need any help with dropping off these papers, please let me know. I haven't seen the Mistress yet, so she is probably still sleeping, but I am sure she will allow me to help you with whatever you need."

The Wizard interrupted her. "No, it is okay. I have it…"

Suddenly, the phone rang on the dining room table, which startled the maid. She had never heard a phone ringing before, nor did she even fully comprehend what this contraption was. To her and many other residents of Oz, this device appeared to be yet another magical invention that the Wizard created.

"What? What do you want", the Wizard snapped angrily as he picked up the handset and placed it to his ear.

"Wizard…", Glinda said as she maintained her composure on the other line. "Please, you don't have to go through with this. All can be forgiven if you…"

But the Wizard interrupted her as he began to lose his temper. "No! Glinda! No! I have done everything you asked for over these four years. You and the council. I am tired of it! This is a decision I've made, and it is *you* and the *council* who need to accept it. Failure to do so will result in dire consequences! Dire consequences I tell you, the likes of which this land has never seen!"

Of course, even to the Wizard himself, his statements bore the resemblance of gross exaggerations rather than reality. He knew he was not going to take drastic action—at least not what Glinda or anyone else had suspected—but rather, his plan was to engage in a course of action that no one would anticipate. But this is how the Wizard had always operated, even when he was in the circus.

Her voice remained steady but became slightly fearful. "Consequences like what?"

"You will have to find that out, now won't you?"

The southern witch sighed. "Wizard, do you have any idea the chaos you have caused around here with this silly endeavor of yours? The council here thinks you've gone mad! Nobody here knows what you are doing!"

"And that's exactly the way I like it!"

He then slammed the phone down onto its holder. His piercing stare then locked eyes with the maid. "Do not under any circumstances answer this". He unplugged the device and then barged out of the room. His back was turned to the maid as he held the papers firmly in his hand and his voice rang out. "I will be back later tonight!"

There was a knock on the door. There hadn't been a knock on this door for a long time. Centuries, even. Maybe a millennium! In fact, the Freagle couldn't remember the last time someone came into the repository station. Why would they? Everyone in Oz always behaved so well that they never fought amongst each other. The Freagle, a magical creature with the head of a frog, the wings of an eagle and the body of a human, stood to attention. It wore a plaid blue sweatshirt and pajama like pants. "Achem…c-c-c-come in…", it hesitantly said to the sounds of the knocking. It was honestly startled and taken aback by the sound of a visitor.

The door slowly swung open as the Wizard entered. Inside the little red book had contained a map where each repository station was located within Oz. There was one in Winkie Country, one in Quadling Country, one in Gillikin Country and one in Munchkin Country. Finally, there was also one in the Emerald City, whose location was hidden within the basement of the grand and majestic city library. No one had told the Wizard about this location, nor any of the others. This only added to his resentment and anger towards the city. Clearly, Glinda and the council knew of its existence and decided not to tell him about it.

Like many other small buildings located in remote areas of the magical country, the station was housed in a nondescript and plain wooden hut. The Wizard didn't even know if this was the right place until he opened the door. "Is this…is this the repository station", he asked.

"Why yes! It certainly is!", the Freagle responded in a high-pitched squeal. "No one has come to visit me in so so long a time! Why, perhaps, maybe not even since the Fairies themselves…"

"So, if no one has come by, what have you been doing here?"

"Standing watch! Yesssssireeee! Standing watch! I also make cool trinkets! Did I tell you that I make cool trinkets? Oh, and cookies too! Hee hee! I make cookies…cinnamon cookies! With swirls!"

"Well, I have something for you", the Wizard said as he began to raise his papers.

"Ohhh yesss, I see. I see. Well, leave them down right on this big desk in front of me and Freddy the talkin Freagle will have a look at 'em, yes? Oh, Freddy happens to be me!" It then shot the Wizard a huge grin as it raised its hands in a child-like manner.

"Num num num num nummmmmm", the Freagle sang a tune as it began to flip through the papers. "Ohhhhh, you are the Wizard! Ahhh yes, the Wizard of the Emerald City! Not many Wizards we have around here in Oz, no sirree!" The creature continued to analyze. "Hmmm, you are missing a comma on the second page. And this verb conjugation on page 8 is somewhat awkward…"

"Is it acceptable?"

"Hmmmm…..hmmm hmmm hmm hmmm hmmmm…yes, it appears to be! Hmmm hmmmm hmmm hmmm…the caption is correct…even though you are missing a period on line 35…" The Freagle then took a rubber stamp and applied it to the top of the first paper, which left an embossed seal of two lions each touching the side of an emerald gold-plated crown, the official seal of Oz.

The Freagle then looked at him with its small eyes. "Now, you need copies. Copies you need!"

"I only have one…"

"Oh! But you are the Wizard! Certainly, you can use your magic to create more!"

The Wizard then grinned. "Oh yes! I do know magic! Great and wonderful enchanted magic! Magic so huge that even the Faeries themselves will blush!"

"Oooooooohhhhhhh! Magic, I do like to see!"

But the Wizard raised his finger to object. "Not now."

"Why not?"

"Because…"

"Because why…"

"Because…" The Wizard then rolled his eyes, trying to think of how to get what he needed. Time was not on his side, and he only had four days until the new budget went through—a budget that the Wizard himself had requested—and the council appointed its own new ministers. And if this happened, it would be very hard to reverse this decision even if his position was restored again. He did not—he could not—take the time necessary to make copies.

"Because…I can't show my powers to you…until *you* prove yourself you are worthy!"

"Oohhhh and how will I do that!" He could tell that the Freagle was entirely gullible, like many Ozian residents.

"You must…make me the copies! And then I will show my magic to you!"

"Ohhhhh! Nummm nummm nummm nummmm…." As the Freagle started making odd verbal sounds and spoke again, the Wizard sensed this was a tic of some sorts but kept his curiousness to himself.

"Well, the Magistrate assigned will need a copy of! And so will we! And so will the people you named in this document. Yes, yes, a lot of people named. A lot of copies. I have not seen something like this since as long as they stationed me here!"

But the Wizard's response was quickly interrupted by the creature. "Ahhhh yes, well, need not worry. I can make copies, yes, yes, yes, I will!"

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you…"

The Freagle then flapped its big wings and flurried over to a nearby back door, which it entered and then closed. After many minutes of the Wizard patiently waiting, the door opened once more.

"Hmmm, problem! Problem we have!"

Oh no, the tired humbug thought to himself. What now…

"You were suspended as the Wizard! Suspended you were! Wizard being naughty. Naughty Wizard! Naughty you were…naughty! Naughty! Naughty!"

"Yes, but that's what the papers say!"

"Yes, ummm, the problem is, you won't be allowed back into Emerald City because of it. Barred you are the last time you left the city. Your hat embedded with magic won't work for you re-enter. Ummmmmmm…"

The Wizard's voice started to plead. This was not good. "So what can be done?"

"Magistrate for Quadling Country will see you now. Witch she is! All magistrates are witches, they be! Appointed by past rulers of Emerald City, they are!

The Wizard nodded in appreciation. "Great…"

"Go through back door and come back. Your copies be ready when you come back out…ohhhh and Wizard…about that magic…"

His back now to the Freagle, he slowly turned around. He shot the creature a wink as he lifted his top hat from his head. A white dove appeared and started fluttering towards the excited creature. "Keep it", the Wizard said softly. "It's a gift."

"Oooooooooo magic! Magic! Magic! Magic!"

The Wizard entered a dark hallway. The door behind him then suddenly closed on its own. It would have been complete blackness had the multi-colored effervescent bubbles not light the way. These were the same bubbles that he saw in the field with Theodora. He knew that a witch was close.

"Come in…", a soft, but commanding voice then beckoned him to enter an adjoining room at the end of the hallway. "Come in, the Wizard from the Emerald City. I have been expecting you. I greet you so…"

"You have", the Wizard asked as he entered a dark and expansive room. At first, the only thing he saw were the cold stone and desolate walls of the space. But as he moved deeper into its interior, a bright brilliant white light glowed from across him. A young and beautiful woman sat on what appeared to be a hollowed-out throne made of stone. Long silver strands of hair gently cascaded down the side of her head. She wore a long silver dress.

"I have", she responded. "I know why you are here. You are facing a power struggle, one of many. Those near you are marked by jealousy, envy, and greed. They believe themselves to be pure unadulterated beings of Goodness, but they are struck by something else. They are the mask of a friend, the face of a foe..."

"And just who are you?"

"I am Gloma. Some call me the Black Queen. Others call me the Witch of the Black Forest. But most call me the Good Witch of the West…"

The Wizard remembered who she was. He remembered when he met the Winkie resistance in their hidden location in the Dark Forest. They were praying to her.

"Yes", the Wizard blurted out. "There are those in this very land who venerate you…"

"Some may venerate me. But unlike other witches in Oz, I do not descend from a powerful bloodline of Faeries. As such, I could not help them, but to merely observe from a distance. My kin were much weaker, but by not reveling in power, they maintained their pure intentions. But the families who did seek power became corrupted by it. They paid a price, for wickedness was then forever woven into their bloodline for all eternity, which was then passed down in each proceeding generation. My ancestors did not have the stain of wickedness flowing through their veins. By not being seduced by powerful magics, we paid our own price, which was one our adversaries saw as weakness..."

For the Wizard, this made sense. It explained why Evanora was born a hag, why Theodora struggled with both her Good and Wicked sides and why the royal family seemed to be blessed with vast untold riches yet cursed with heartbreaking tragedies and even dangled on the fringes of insanity. The entire family seemed to have a strange King Leir vibe to it.

"I know why you are here. You found the red book, created by the Faeries many moons and seasons ago with many changes to it since. You desire to restore your status as the Wizard. I have watched your progress closely, especially with your attempts to redeem the fallen one many dub my counterpart in the west. I may be able to help you on your journey."

"How?"

"I presume you still have the stone that the witch gave you in the preceding year?"

"Yes."

"Give me the stone", Gloma said as she extended her hand. "And I will get you back into the Emerald City…"

It was a quick process, but once the Wizard did as he was told, the stone briefly emitted a bright silver light. The brilliant light faded quickly thereafter, but the witch was satisfied. "It is done. Go, and you will have access to the Emerald City, but only for only 24 hours. Once you leave thereafter, you will not have access again until this matter has been resolved."

"And will you be hearing my request?"

"That is beyond my purview. Go and my assistant who guards this passage in my realm will give you an update on what comes next…"