Chapter Six

Frequently, when the Gales chose to gather within the great library for breakfast, there was a sense of closeness that often purveyed. Being a bookish sort, it only made sense that being surrounded by the rainbow of tomes that reached to the very top of the high ceiling would be a comfort. If time allowed, a chess or card game would be set in motion between the Tin Man and his brother by the fireplace, while the elder princesses bickered comically over the plush window seat. All of this was set to the backdrop of the youngest princesses wriggling center stage on the floor while their grandparents doted on them from the nearby settee, thereby completing the picture of warmth and familial intimacy.

It was no wonder then, why the Queen would choose such a place for such an important family meeting. As she'd sat in the council chambers the day before, she'd watched in silence as the puzzle pieces came together before her, unable to show any sense of alarm or urgency. It was not a frequent occurrence for the Queen, where something would trouble her so greatly that she would not sound some kind of alarm right away, but this particular threat was not one that could be handled with diplomacy, and so she'd maintained a sense of cool until she could finally be alone. She barely slept that night and had alternated between pacing the floor like a caged animal and attempting some form of meditation in an effort to calm her buzzing mind. It had been difficult to wait until morning, when she could finally consult with those who might actually be able to assist, and when the appointed hour finally arrived, she sprang into action with alarming speed for one so tempered by age and experience.

There was rapid, energetic rain pelting the windows of the palace when the members of Lavender's house awoke and made their way down to the library. If they had been paying any attention, they would have known that it had been raining since the night before, with very little break in between its waves of torrential downpours. Lavender knew, of course, that these small breaks only occurred in the moments when her frenzied brain allowed her some respite, but to all others, this odd weather was somewhat of a mystery. It was only her daughters that had any inking of the cause, and they were both nearly as troubled, for they had rarely, if at all, seen their mother so agitated. Although they had suspected that she was deeply troubled, given the nature and timing of her demand, they were in no way prepared for the manner of her arrival that morning. Although she had, by this time, recovered from the long annuals under the Sorceress's dampening spell - that greatly weakened her remaining powers and left her feeling almost perpetually fatigued- she usually was so metered and cautious with the use of her remaining light that one might almost mistake her as a non-magical being if it weren't for the fact that she was the Queen of the OZ, and the physical embodiment of light itself. Time was of the essence, however, and Lavender was in no mood for courtly shows of propriety.

Her daughters, sons, and those she had called to join them – Tutor and Raw, had all gathered in the library as requested, and had taken their places in silent anticipation of her arrival. Apart from Raw and Ambrose, who once again wore the regalia of the court, they were all dressed uniformly in shades of blue that were meant to show solidarity with the Tin Man once again. DG picked nervously at the sapphire satin of her dress as she considered the events swirling around them, and when Wyatt reached across the arm of her chair to clutch her hand affectionately, her eyes were startled for being pulled from her thoughts so abruptly. Azkadellia and Ambrose were oddly quiet as well, hardly even speaking although their heads were so close to the other as they waited. While Azkadellia sat cross legged in the chair opposite DG, balancing a saucer in one hand while she sipped absently at her tea, Ambrose leaned over the back of the same chair and stared at the cold fire place, as if it held some mysteries of the universe that could only be discovered by careful and patient study. Tutor sat in his usual position, in an armchair just to Azkadellia's right, and the old mentor only leaned his head back and shut his eyes while he sat, signaling that he'd most likely gotten very little sleep before arriving. Raw was the least comfortable of them all, having forced himself into a court coat for a second day, and finding it almost too restricting. Although he sat on the carpet before the fireplace, attempting to meditate as was his custom among so many humans at once, he felt as if he was being strangled, and a small growl rumbled out of him when he pulled at his collar, finding the periodic adjustments incapable of restoring his peace of mind.

The overall quietude that passed among them all might have been mistaken as serenity by the casual passerby, for they were ordinarily so friendly with each other. Noting their overall discomfort however, there was no mistaking the grave subtext about them, and nary a jest or smile could be found among them while they waited. Even in their silent anticipation, they were still not prepared for the Queen when she finally burst through the wide double doors, bringing with her a clap of thunder so loud that even Wyatt was startled into full waking. Equally startling was the monarch's fluid wave, sweeping behind her with such swiftness as she stormed forth that the doors obeyed with equal speed and quietude, shutting themselves firmly behind her before a shimmering shield went up to lock them all in and muffle their sound to the greater world. All within the room stopped midway through whatever they were doing to give the woman their attention, and even the usually stoic Tin Man was wide eyed at her manner.

"There is much to discuss," she announced bluntly as she stepped in the center of the room, wringing her hands while the blue silk of her column gown swished at her feet, "and we haven't much time."

DG and Azkadellia glanced nervously at each other, and neither was certain how to approach their mother. Normally, their father would be on hand when Lavender was upset and was the most apt at calming her. Since he was not there now, they were both more than a little apprehensive.

Wyatt could see his wife, biting her lip nervously at her sister from their positions in chairs flanking the great fireplace, and then he glanced at the Queen, who was pacing between them as DG might when she was working on a difficult problem. A minute sigh escaped him, and he realized that he'd have to say something to assuage her, as this was usually his role with his own wife. "Why don't you start by telling us about the miners, Your Majesty, and what they have to do with the travel storms? I assume that this is why you wanted to speak with us this morning. You're not really worried about Longcoats, are you?"

Lavender was astounded, and she could hardly help her own wide-eyed amazement at Wyatt's powers of observation. After all, she'd been so outwardly composed yesterday that few people had seemed to notice her discomfort, but then, Wyatt Cain wasn't just any person. It was a relief, really, to be so easily understood, and Lavender very quickly deflated. DG took this opportunity to get her mother a cup of tea, and the woman took it gratefully as she sat down on the couch with a heavy sigh.

"No, Wyatt, I am not concerned about Longcoats. Not yet, at any rate." She paused to take a sip of tea, and while she did, her brow furrowed while she determined how much to tell them all. She took another sip while she considered, and finally looked up to catch Azkadellia's eyes. "I first have to tell you, for everything described within the council chambers seems to point to its reappearance, that there is an old creature, a hunter if you will, who has appeared periodically within the vast timeline of the OZ. He is very strong, and very cunning, but since he has no need of worldly power- only souls to feed on - he has usually been relegated to the realm of boogey men and nightmares. The last time he appeared within the OZ, events began very much the way they have been reported in Munchkin County of late, but I am troubled, because to my knowledge, he was captured just before DG's birth."

She had maintained her connection with Azkadellia during this explanation, and Azkadellia could sense that she had several questions forming – not truly for her, but rather for the sorceress, who would have known about a being so equally ancient and dangerous as the witch that had enslaved her. "Malfalba never mentioned this hunter, mother, and she herself never really participated in any hunts other than the one for DG and the emerald. What do you want to know?"

The Queen then glanced at Tutor, who had been taping his finger on his lips while he shut his eyes in deep thought. Without even opening his eyes, he replied for her, his voice dark and thoughtful. "You'd like to know who caught all the mages for the Sorceress, wouldn't you? And you'd like to know if I've determined yet how many mages are left now."

"Yes," the Queen replied shortly. "I need to know if there is any possibility that this creature has somehow been let loose, and even if it is not him, I need to know what the intentions are of the person responsible for these storms."

All eyes had been on Tutor in that moment, expecting that the old mage would have some reply. He seemed pained however, as if he was recalling a difficult nightmare, and he shuddered deeply while he struggled to reply. Instead of him, Azkadellia spoke, as quietly and demure as if she were a child. "Mother, what light-wielders there were besides those of us in this room were wiped out annuals ago, but I don't know much more than that. The Sorceress expressly wanted very little to do with that process, calling it dirty work, and she left Vizor and Zero in charge. The only other mages alive at that time were those that served her, and I believe they were all caught soon after the eclipse."

The Queen sighed, sounding both relieved and saddened. Having Azkadellia relay this should have relieved some burden from Tutor too, but when he finally opened his eyes, they were filled with worry, and he spoke gravely. "Unfortunately, that does not account for who might be causing these storms. It is possible that some mages escaped the Sorceress, but it is also possible that some escaped us as well. I will tell you now, what I was prepared to tell the counsel. Although we've made some progress in the past few annuals, in determining the status of the known mages from before the time of the Sorceress, we've had more success identifying young mages and placing them in apprenticeship programs."

"What's stopping you from finding the others?' DG asked innocently.

Tutor sighed, "Many of the records listing magical families and individuals were stolen from the Hall of Light when the Sorceress took Central City. Apart from those records, we've had to rely on what we could find in the Dark Tower. If a mage were unfortunate enough to be taken prisoner by the Sorceress, we were easily able to obtain verification of their status by way of incarceration and execution records. In a few rare cases, their employment records were also found as well, but if they managed to elude the Sorceress, we have no way of knowing where they are now unless they've volunteered the information."

Wyatt was lost in thoughts of his own while this topic persisted, which spiraled around the face of Lord Palmeroy, smug and self-satisfied in his attempts to usurp Ozian law enforcement. It occurred to him that a mage, whether it be this hunter or someone else, would be useful to him, and could be used for all kinds of purposes, including a smear campaign to improve his own position. Then his mind returned to the miners mentioned by the mining guild counselor, and his original question returned to the forefront of his mind.

"Your majesty," Wyatt interrupted suddenly, "you never mentioned why the miners' disappearances were so significant. This happened before, didn't it?"

All eyes returned to Queen, who grew very pale at the question, and she swallowed hard before she replied. "Yes, it did, and many times more than I could find definitive record of." She huffed loudly when she considered something internally, and her jaw hardened in a way that denoted some form of internal anger. "The last such occurrence was when I was just a girl, and when I put the pieces together, that young men in particular were being targeted, my mother insisted that I remain silent."

DG's brow furrowed in confusion, and her eyes darkened. "Why would she say that? I don't understand."

"Don't you DG?" Azkadellia cut in gently, "this isn't an enemy army that can be fought on a battlefield. Its darkness, and fear at its most elemental. This is the kind of enemy that thrives on chaos. Not power." She then turned to her mother and asked, "Grandmother was afraid of the counsel dividing, wasn't she?"

The Queen sighed, and her eyes read of a great sadness. "I'm afraid so. You see, your Aunt Katherine had just had an accident no more than a few cycles before that left her without her memory or her light, and the counsel was already up in arms about her assumed abdication and my ascension to the throne. I was considered a bit of a loose cannon, as your father would put it, and your grandmother was concerned that news of such a creature on the loose could turn the country against us."

"Why didn't you or Uncle Matthew ever tell us about our aunt? I mean, where is she now?" DG cut in, her expression both hurt and incredulous.

"To be honest, my love, it was all too painful, and besides that, once I took the throne, I myself was discouraged from seeing her by her doctors, because of her precarious mental state." Lavender glanced up at DG, her eyes apologetic and her voice choked with pain. When she paused to clear her throat momentarily, DG reached forward to grasp her free hand, and she continued now with her resilience restored, "I wished to see her again once I was freed from my own prison, and I should have told you both, but I could not bear it. Especially when I found that many of the patients from her ward, including her it seems, did not survive the Sorceress' reign. It was a grave error."

Lavender sniffled in a rather unqueenly manner, while DG and Azkadellia could only sit by in complete shock. While true that Lavender had been a victim of her mother's choices, just as her daughters had been of Malfalba, it was difficult to swallow all the same. Even given the Gales' benevolence and fairness while in power, it was easy to see how someone might use such bouts of darkness for their own advantage, and it was equally easy to see why Lavender's mother would want to keep it quiet. Wyatt's mouth twitched unhappily, and he continued to consider these facts carefully. If he was right, someone with a very long memory indeed was attempting to use this dark portion of the Gale family history against them, but to what end, he could not determine. Certainly, undermining the Gales worked in Lord Palmeroy's favor, and he was almost positive that the Lord would be asking for some increase to his own power base in today's session based on past remarks he made about the crown's apparent ineffectiveness. He was too young, however, to have personal knowledge of such past events, and not close enough to it besides to have any inkling of the emotional vulnerability it revealed in the monarch. Without more information, however, he just couldn't see a way forward.

"Who knew about this hunter-demon and your mother's decision to keep it quiet? Anyone who might benefit from undermining you today?" Wyatt asked absently, staring off into space all the while until he finished his thought, at which point he met the monarch's troubled gaze with complete clarity of mind.

Lavender was quick to answer. "There were only a handful of individuals that knew then about what I have just revealed to you, and many of them are now gone. Of that group, only Ahamo's whereabouts are known. The only other individuals who knew, beyond the monster himself, where Elijah Thomas and Ezra Gultch, who were responsible for catching him in the first place, and they're now both on the Otherside, as you know."

Wyatt grimaced and his eyes were stormy. This was not the kind of information he wanted to hear, because if he was right, it meant that the monster itself could be somehow toying with them. Knowing the Gale family as he now did however, he wasn't sure that he expected anything less than some epic showdown of good versus evil. It made it all the more important that they had as much information as they could gather before they dealt with whoever was responsible, and this would definitely take more time than the counsel was willing to provide.

"Counsel will tear apart if they know, they still very afraid of the dark, will listen to Palmeroy if fear win." Raw rumbled from his place near the fireplace.

Since Raw had barely spoken since his arrival that morning, it was a surprise to hear him speak now to almost all who were sitting in that room, except Wyatt. When Raw spoke, his eyes only flickered momentarily on his friend, and Wyatt carried on where Raw left off almost seamlessly, as if the two were sharing a brain. "We're going to need them though, if we want their approval to send an envoy to Munchkin County to investigate. I wouldn't mind their stamp on things just in case my digging leads me to Palmeroy's front door, and although I don't think he's our puppet master, he's definitely got the purse to fund whoever is behind all this. It all seems a little too coincidental not to have been planned."

Raw nodded in silent agreement and he returned to his silence now while he pondered a solution.

"I believe an envoy sanctioned by the council is exactly what we need, and I might just call for it, if you'll approve, your Majesty." Ambrose burst out thoughtfully, pausing only for the Queen's approval before he continued. "You said it yourself, Cain, we need more information. I believe it is the most sensible course of action really, and since the counsel hates spending money almost as much as they hate taking responsibility, I will suggest that we allow the Queen to choose the members of this fact-finding mission, as a sign of good faith. Now we just need to figure out who should go."

"Well, that's obvious, don't you think?" DG cut in sardonically. She paused to catch a wink from Wyatt, and she added, "Wyatt and I will go. That will satisfy the counsel, I'd think, since I can provide healing, and Wyatt can address the security issues. What do you think, mother?"

The Queen squeezed her daughter's hand before she released it in standing, and she paced thoughtfully for a moment more before she spoke. "I agree with all that has been said, but with one caveat. What we have spoken of here cannot be repeated outside these doors. I did not understand my mother before, but I do now." She paused to look down at her feet, and she huffed rather loudly before she looked up again, her jaw now hard and her eyes blazing. "Unlike her, however, I will reveal the truth, but this is not the time. Doing so now will only play into the chaos being created around us. Do you all understand?" She concluded with finality ringing in her voice.

When Lavender spoke, her resolve seemed to visibly grow, and when she turned to eye each of them in turn for confirmation of their understanding, her eyes were sharp and regal once more. The questions and self-inflicted guilt were all but a memory it seemed, and only fierce determination remained in her expression. Besides this, the rain seemed to have eased, and light was beginning to stream through the windows, signaling an end to the storms. It was heartening to the rest of them, and they felt equally strong when they each voiced their agreement. It was enough to carry them through to the council session, which they all approached with certain clarity of mind and singular purpose that outweighed any previous concerns. The morning seemed to fly by from then, and in the blink of an eye it seemed, they were all once more within the council chambers, resuming their seats from the prior day.

Much was unchanged from the previous day within the chambers. The Queen sat upon her dais once more and presided over all with a quiet and graceful countenance. The counsel itself retained its semi-circular floor plan, and the princesses observed all from the viewing gallery above. The only real difference today was the addition of a long, rectangular table at the semi-circular base of the room, before the counselor's desks and faced by the speaker's dais, where the witnesses sat in a row ready to give testimony.

The first of these witnesses was a small, mousy man, who DG recognized as the Treasury Secretary. He wore thick glasses and sported a thin mustache that twitched like whiskers when he spoke, further adding to his rodent-like appearance. He'd been called to address the counsel's questions regarding funds available to the country for programs, and what the secretary had said seemed to bring a certain bubbling rancor down to a simmer. Although the state of the nation's coffers was not bleak, they were still growing, albeit slowly and when asked if there was some way that funds could be doubled in a short time, the man had been oddly resolute for one so outwardly meek.

In a high yet firm voice, the small man had stated rather bluntly, "Counselors, the economy is still so fragile, and many Ozians are rightly just beginning to have some savings once more. I cannot recommend an increase in taxes to pay for any frivolity or unproven measures. The raids within Munchkin County have already driven up prices so much that we are precariously close to a recession as it is. If this body calls for any kind of increase at this time, you may expect not only a recession, but a revolt."

The governing body had thanked the secretary then, sounding almost contrite for the unexpected scolding given by the man. Next had been Tutor, whom they consulted more out of cursory deference to the Eastern Guild than out of any real concern, focusing primarily on the appearance of travel storms within Munchkin County.

"Can you tell us anything about these travel storms?" They'd asked, giving away their lack of knowledge on the matter with how casually they'd asked the question.

DG glanced at her mother and the Ozmanian priestess, finding them both appearing somewhat aloof and detached as they looked down on the old teacher before them. It was an act, she knew, intended to keep their own knowledge secret. Fortunately, Tutor had noted it too, and answered with sincere, if not scholarly blandness designed to bore the counsel.

"Travel storms, as you know, are easily made by even the youngest of mages." Tutor replied with a sigh, "Unfortunately, since we are still in the process of training our young mage population, these kinds of events will continue to be a minor nuisance that can be easily rectified."

"Do you want us to believe that this trickery is unrelated to these Longcoat sightings, Secretary?" Red Hat asked skeptically.

Tutor turned briefly to glance at the small man who'd jumped from his seat like a popped spring. "No, Red Hat, I would not want to insult you or this body. Of course, there is always a remote chance that a mage might have been employed by someone with less innocent aims. What I am telling you is that it is unlikely."

Tutor then explained exactly what he'd said to the Queen that morning, save any hint regarding missing mages. Fortunately, what he had said seemed enough to quell the small statured delegates from the Eastern Guild, and they sat down with some relief when Tutor had finished his explanation.

Doctor Miller had been called next, as a matter of course in leading up to the largest areas of concern for the counsel. Although the man had not been called to the morning meeting with the Queen, he was full of his usual professional dispassion all by himself and answered most questions with an air of polite skepticism that knocked down most of the council's nervous pandering all by itself. It was a concern, of course, that illnesses were popping up within Munchkin County. They appeared isolated, however, and showed little sign of spreading to the larger population beyond the borders of the towns where they appeared. This led the good doctor to assume that rushed judgement was not needed, rather careful isolation and review by medical professionals was in order. Certainly, he suggested, someone should be sent to ascertain the situation and provide additional resources and staff as necessary.

"It is too premature," he cautioned, "to rush to any real judgement, and I cannot in my professional opinion issue a diagnosis until more information can be had. It is simply not possible."

It was an unsatisfying testimony in the eyes of Lord Palmeroy and some other members of the council. Clearly, they'd hoped for more affirmative responses from the doctor, and more credence to their fears of outbreak. The doctor was simply unwilling to pander to their panic, and his words did much to throw cold water over the fire they had tried to stoke.

By the time Cain was called to speak, these same counselors were almost sullen with the other witness' insistence on objective discourse that their usual flair for the dramatic was muted. It was unfortunate for them then, that Lord Palmeroy had already made a fatal misstep in using Wyatt's own security report as cursory evidence to support his claims regarding the ineffectiveness of state security within in county, for the Tin Man was already prepared to set the record straight.

"General Cain," the speaker began respectfully, "thank you so much for being here today."

"I am honored, Speaker." Cain replied courteously, his own hands resting over a copy of his report that he'd laid out on the desk, intentionally signaling his readiness to the smug counselor from Munchkin County.

"General, I know that you are a very busy man, so I will keep my questioning brief. As you are aware, there is some concern from the Munchkin delegation regarding security within their region and how this might affect greater security throughout the Zone. Can you address this and the purported sightings of Longcoats along the borders of GIlliken and Munchkin Counties?" The speaker asked pointedly, yet with a courteous edge that belied his personal feelings regarding the matter.

"Yes Speaker, I would be glad to." Cain replied easily, and tapped on the report once more before he began. "I'd like to first draw attention to the report in my hand, speaker, which I provided to this body at the beginning of this last legislative session. I have to thank the senior delegate from Munchkin County for refreshing me on it, since much of what I would testify to now is contained within that report."

There was a rumble of excitement in the collection of delegates behind him, and Cain ignored them in order to summarize what was now a known element to all within the counsel. "As you are aware, from this report, the state of the joint armed forces is, in general, very strong at this time. Our enlistments in both the military and the ranks of the Tin Men are up, and graduation rates in both academies are at over ninety-five percent since of the issuing of this report, which at that time, listed them at ninety percent."

"And what of these security issues Lord Palmeroy cited from your report?" the Gilliken delegate rumbled.

Cain's eyes were just a pointed as the Gilliken delegate's and his did not flinch when he replied. "It is interesting, Counselor Runeford, that Lord Palmeroy should cite my report as a reference for security issues within his region, primarily because the subject of the issue I addressed was the reported interference between his security and law enforcement within the region."

The displeased rumble only increased, and Lord Runeford sat down, looking somewhat satisfied at Cain's reply. This only incensed Lord Palmeroy, however, and he began to stand, intending to rebut the General. Cain did not even turn to look at the man, and when he continued to explain his findings, he addressed the dais rather than the Lord, and it was as if he had eyes in the back of his head for the manner of his speech, which was commanding and informed. "Lord Speaker, it seems to me that it would be appropriate to address the statistics of the findings which lead to my assessment." The speaker nodded before he waved off the Munchkin delegate, who now appeared sheepish and somewhat green.

"Since the Lord's security detail was granted expansion by this delegation, we have seen a sizeable increase in petty crime within the metropolitan areas. According to the Tin Men within the region, personal property theft has seen a steady increase, and civil complaints ranging from threats of domestic violence to bribery of officials has outstripped all other calls made to the Tin Men in this region by three to one where there was previously very little. Of more concern, however, is the fact that my officers have not been able to perform their duties effectively, due to interference from Munchkin security."

Wyatt cleared his throat and straightened before he continued and his voice was deep and serious now as he spoke. "I have had numerous calls from my commanding officers in all branches asking for guidance in this matter, which is why I requested this council's assistance from the onset. There have been numerous documented cases, all reflected in that report, of my officers being asked to leave the scene of an investigation by Lord Palmeroy's service. Rather than create conflict, my men have been instructed by this body, by way of me, to cooperate despite the risks it poses to both the citizenry involved, and our service members."

The rumble was suddenly gone, and many seemed to hold their breath, as if waiting for an even larger bomb to drop.

Despite this, there was a near pleading tone in Cain's speech now as he completed his testimony. "Speaker, I do not mean any disrespect here, and overall, my goal remains the same. To provide this body with the knowledge it requires in assisting me in our shared oath to protect this country and its people." Cain continued, "So with respects to how this issue affects the OZ as a whole, I have to say that while I cannot confirm any Longcoat sightings, I cannot say a threat does not still exist. I leave it to you, however, to decide what to do with the information I have provided, and I pray that you will grant me the opportunity to investigate it further, myself, if possible."

To say that shots had been fired in those chambers would not have been an understatement, and the resulting shocked silence continued to reign while all within processed the General's grave condemnation. It was so quiet that one might hear a pin drop, except none seemed to want attention drawn on themselves. Even if the speaker himself felt that enough had been said, his own dedication to order prevailed, and he scanned the faces of the delegation with an air of appraisal, looking for one that might have disagreement with the General's testimony. When there did not appear to be any further argument from Lord Palmeroy or any other delegate, the Speaker turned his gaze to Cain once more, and he nodded in a show of respect and spoke in a near whispered rumble. "General Cain, as always, you honor us with your service to this country." His tone increased now, and his shoulders squared up in an authoritative manner when he spoke again. "As for the charges you have leveled within your report, and here today, I cannot find argument. You have demonstrated time after time your utter devotion to accuracy and the rule of law, and I find no reason to doubt what you have said. What's more, given that the Munchkin delegation has, themselves, used your reports as an authority in their own arguments, I can find no further reason to cross reference you at this time. Thank you General."

If Cain had turned in that moment, he would have seen a fair number of faces showing signs of agreement with the assessment given by the speaker. As it was, he maintained his own study of the dais, searching for both personal approval and permission to be dismissed. He was internally heartened by the speaker's expression, which was almost one of pride, and a twinkle could be seen that threatened his face with a smile, if not for the man's outward devotion to remaining impartial. The Queen showed no such impartiality, however, and allowed the smallest of smiles to show in her lavender eyes as she nodded gracefully to Wyatt in appreciation. It was a small victory, to be sure, but enough to have deflated Lord Palmeroy's position, Wyatt thought, but what would come next would determine just how much he'd managed to achieve.

"The time for witness testimony is at an end," the Speaker announced then, "and all assembled may now return to their seats among the counsel."

The cabinet members then rose from their place at the witness table, and without a sound, marched as a procession back to their seats, while a handful of counsel chamber guards removed the table and chairs which they'd just vacated. During this brief transition, hushed voices rumbled like angry bees throughout the chamber, and many council members could be seen conferring hurriedly with their cohorts over what DG suspected was her husband's testimony. Wyatt was never one to mince words, of course, but he'd just about thrown a gauntlet today even by his usual standards. He'd been so direct, that Lord Palmeroy was still silent and sullen, and DG wondered what new plots were working within the man's mind as he outwardly stewed.

It wouldn't be long before they all knew exactly what the intent of the reviled delegate was, and as soon as the Speaker announced that he would open the floor to counselors wishing to propose resolutions for vote, he was the first to rise.

"Mr. Speaker, the delegates of Munchkin County request the floor at this time," he rose, issuing a cursory request to be heard.

The Speaker only nodded his approval, while a raised eyebrow also denoted to man's skepticism. Lord Palmeroy ignored this, and turned instead towards his colleagues, ready to issue an impassioned plea. "My fellow legislators, while I have heard and heeded the advice of the Treasury and Security Secretaries as you have, I have taken the message in a different light. General Cain is right. Conflict between Munchkin Security and the Royal branches has created a serious problem within my county, and while I am just as concerned as the Treasury Secretary is about our economy, I feel that action must be taken right away to stem the bleeding on this issue. The Tin Men and Royal Army cannot cope on their own – the country is still recovering, as they said, and our law enforcement is still in training. I propose, that to compliment this fine force, and address the immediate issues, that this council grant greater authority to counties in matters such as their internal governance and security. I urge you to not only consider this, but approve it as a way of ensuring our future, and preventing future calamities that have left us so vulnerable in the past, when the Queen and her forces were otherwise unable to assist the populace." He paused to scan the crowd, looking as earnest as DG had ever seen him, and she might have believed him except for his prior performances. It hardly mattered anyhow, for there were few faces showing any less skepticism than the Speaker had, and once the lord seemed to intuit this, he spoke in closing, sounding both resolute and penitent. "I yield the floor." He announced simply, before sitting once more and staring forward as if waiting for a verdict to be passed on him personally.

Following the Munchkin Counselor, the Mining Guild issued a request for more spending on the military, citing little interest in greater authority but a desire for more forces given their recent disappearances. Meanwhile, the Central City representative suggested that tax incentives to small businesses might attract more commerce, and thereby ease the supply issues on the market. The usually silent Winkies from the west of the country were less interested in business incentives, and moved for credits for families and small farms, in hopes that cottage industry would help bolster the already taxed system.

It was in the midst of this squabble for funding that Ambrose arose from his place on the dais, and requested a chance to be heard. Although it was unusual for senior members of the legislature to call for resolutions, it was not a barred action. For this reason, although there was some surprise, the speaker allowed it, if only to stop the squabbling among the counselors on the floor.

"With all due respect to the members of this session who have brought resolutions, I don't believe it is wise to discuss spending money at this time. In the long term, I believe that tax incentives to all Ozians would be a just and fair measure that would benefit all, but we must remember why we are here. We were called to answer an immediate threat, for which we still do not have a clear answer." Ambrose paused to breathe, and his dimpled smile was nowhere to be found when logic ruled his next words. "It is for this reason that I call to heed the advice of our senior experts from the medical and security communities, and propose that a special envoy be sent to Munchkin County, by the crown, to investigate these matters more closely, so that we might better determine a solution."

Raw stood from his seat, and held his head high when he growled deeply, adding with such firmness that all could not help to gawk at the usually passive counselor, "The Viewers Guild seconds motion, and asks more. We propose two representatives of counsel's choosing come too, make certain will of people safe. Raw go, help heal. Soothe. Doctor Miller be good too, check hospital. Check supplies. I sit now."

With Raw's manner of address being what it was, many had great difficulty not showing some small sign of amicability to the viewer, and an approving murmur moved through the chamber at the end of his request. The Speaker was even moved to smile and nodded in deference to the viewer as he sat down in time with Ambrose, who had still been standing while his friend spoke, and sat down with his own pleased smile to indicate that he'd completed issuance of his own resolution. It was a pleasant note to end on, and the speaker then quickly called for a short recess, after which the long-awaited vote would be called.

The recess itself seem to pass so quickly, and so few people moved further than a few steps from their own seats, that quorum was hardly needed. That said, when time lapsed, and the Speaker returned to his own place to strike his gavel on the desk, his voice boomed with authority, and alerted the legislators to return to their seats as a teacher might his students.

"Recess has expired, and quorum will now be called," he announced.

A voice rang out, calling out from the back of the chamber, for which few turned, "Chamber monitors confirm the presence of all legislators. Quorum is achieved."

The speaker gazed up the center isle over the top of his spectacles to rest on the chamber guards standing just before the closed doors, and he replied gruffly, "Very well." His gavel hit the marble plate once more, and he added authoritatively, "This session is hereby reconvened." He paused to peer over a page resting in his hands, and he commanded loudly, "The chair will take votes for motions brought before this counsel by a simple count of yea or nay, which will be taken as the council member's name is called. With that, the first motion for consideration is from the senior Munchkin counselor, calling for greater county authority over matters of security within their borders."

It was a swift count, with very little pause between each member as they called out their nearly homogenous stance against Lord Palmeroy's resolution. This had very little effect on the outward appearance of the lord, and apart from his stony expression, he showed very little disappointment. Some of this could be rationalized by the counsel's general lack of support for any measure that called for funding, for it seemed that the Treasury Secretary's scolding had done almost as much as Cain's testimony in slowing their enthusiasm for spending as a whole. This was most prevalent in the overwhelming support for Ambrose and Raw's resolutions which passed with near complete approval in much the opposite of Lord Palmeroy's measure.

It was such a victory, that DG could barely maintain her decorum. The sound of the gavel striking the air once more, and the speaker's voice booming with finality as he announced the end of the sessions acted very much like a pressure valve for her though, and she could not resist a relieved sigh at the very least. This gave her an opportunity to gaze around her, where she discovered similar reactions among the spectators and counselors alike. There seemed to be a collective relief washing though them all, as if a major bullet had somehow been dodged. Perhaps, she considered, it was not only her family that felt the weight of judgement passing over them. Rather, their very way of life had been put on a kind of trial it seemed, and for now, it appeared to have passed the crucible. Even though she knew it was far from over, she still felt some vindication for Lord Palmeroy's defeat, and she hoped that it was a precursor to something larger. This sobering fact was only a footnote, however, for her elation in that moment was so great that she could not be dour.

She could hardly wait to reunite with Wyatt, and she shot down the stairs without even stopping to see if Gates was behind her. When she found Wyatt, he was standing in the center of the hallway below, loosely surrounded by counselors wishing to greet him now that the proceedings were over. When he saw DG approaching, her face glowing with happiness, he found he could not speak, and simply grinned as she approached at full speed. In usual fashion, the Cains were more than happy to throw decorum out the window in that moment and laughed as they were caught up in each other. This utter joy was catching, and even the most serious looking counselor, Lord Runeford himself, could only stand by with a smirk hidden by his beard when his conversation was interrupted by the princess's arrival.

As stormy as General Cain's expression had been before DG's arrival, he was positively beaming now, and kissed his wife's hand lovingly after he set her down. The transformation was truly inspiring to the stoic counselor. He found himself oddly intrigued by the young princess whom he'd never met before and realized quite suddenly how compelling her presence truly was, finding the tales of her effervescence understated for how catching her mood was.

"Princess, it is an honor," the Lord proclaimed while she curtsied before him.

DG simply beamed, "Oh no, Lord Runeford, I am honored by you. I was so impressed with how you approached adversity within the counsel. I have to admit that this is something I am still learning to do, but on that note, I have to apologize, because I believe I interrupted your conversation just now."

"Your Highness," Lord Runeford replied kindly, "with such light being thrown on my face, I can only smile and revel in the warmth, like a flower emerging from its winter bed to greet the sun."

"That's pretty poetic Klaus," Cain laughed, "I never knew you were so eloquent."

DG's mouth hung open. "You mean you two know each other?" DG exclaimed, "how did I not know this?"

Wyatt and Lord Runeford exchanged a cryptic glance, and Wyatt simply shrugged. "Lord Runeford and I were in the Tin Man academy together for a time before he got bored and transferred to the Royal Army. He's retired now, but I recently convinced him to help us train new units in Gilliken County."

DG's eyes were wide, and her mouth was still open while the words failed her.

It was then that a smile finally broke the Lord's stoic façade, and he spoke suggestively, "Yes, I believe I mentioned the Royal Rangers in my address to the counsel. They're mine."

"Oh, come on Klaus, they're the army's, but I'll give you this, no one whips a mountain ranger into shape quite like you do. That is, apart from the Gales. I've never seen anyone happier about snow than you two." Cain laughed.

Runeford and DG exchanged a smile of their own now, and Lord Runeford chuckled before he took the princess's hand and kissed it chastely in parting. "Your Highness, now that we have been introduced, and I know how much you enjoy the winter, I hope you will pay us a visit soon. Bring your Tin Man with you too. Perhaps we can turn him into a winter-convert yet."

"Good luck," DG replied sarcastically, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

The lord then stepped away to join his entourage, and the group disappeared down the long hall. It hardly seemed possible that anything could ruin their mood now, and the pair prepared to depart as well, with their arms linked and smiles still brightening their faces. They'd only just taken a step forward when Lord Palmeroy appeared, and he approached them with such outward deference that it would have been unseemly to ignore him. They paused as he approached then and waited with regal forbearance for him to speak.

"General Cain, Princess Dorothy," he addressed them both formally, bowing low as a show of respect to the pair, "I wanted very much to apologize to you both now that the session is over."

DG's previously untapped patience seemed to have returned, and when she replied, her tone was warm and forgiving. "Lord Palmeroy, there is no apology needed. You were only doing what you felt you needed to in the best interests of your community. I believe we can both respect that."

Cain was so impressed by DG's maneuver, and surprised too, and he endeavored to keep his expression impassive while she spoke. Even so, it was a relief that the lord's attention was on his wife instead of him, as he could feel the beginnings of a proud smile threatening his face despite his best efforts. A cough escaped him instead, and he covered his mouth as he cleared his throat, hoping that none would notice his slight misstep.

It was successful, and by the time the lord had risen from his courtly show of affection on DG's hand in response to her kindness, Cain was stoic once more. The Lord then turned to Cain, and a bit of youthful eagerness could be seen when he addressed him. "General, I hope that you will take the time to visit Munchkin Security's headquarters if you are in Munchkin County soon. I would like very much to correct the errors you discussed in your report and during your testimony, and I can think of no one better than you to assist in that endeavor. Will you come?"

Cain did not hide a smile now, and he nodded in reply before he spoke. "I think we can arrange something Lord Palmeroy, but for now, you'll have to excuse us. My wife and I have a little catching up to do now that our duties are complete for the moment."

The Lord bowed to DG and Cain before they turned away, looking almost relieved to have had positive interactions with them both. It hadn't gone unnoticed by either of them; the eagerness with which the lord had ingratiated himself to them, and they were both inwardly so suspicious that they could hardly contain themselves. It was lucky too, that he had been so outwardly gracious in his willingness to invite Cain to Munchkin County, even without knowing for certain that Cain would be named envoy. It made their job at least somewhat easier, and that would be one less door they'd be knocking down, when the time came to hunt down the mysterious Longcoats and their mage. For now, it was enough to have one battle behind them, and rest ahead, for even without seeing it, they could feel the brick route coming up to meet them. In their minds, they could both imagine its golden bricks, stretching ahead as it led them on yet another adventure, where their partnership as well as their wits would be tested. This challenge was anything but daunting for the pair, for their love of adventure was so central to their being that they nearly relished the opportunity, and both appeared clear eyed and eager as they marched away hand in hand.