"Tell me, how did you get in contact with Glinda?" Mila asks suspiciously as she walks beside Fiyero.
Fiyero smiles and runs his hands through his hair. "Would you believe me if I said we met at school?"
Mila looks skeptical.
Fiyero chuckles. "I'll take that as a no." He starts recounting the entire story about the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Upland, how his parents were indebted to theirs, and how Oscar went to the Uplands for help spying on his daughter.
"Wait, so that man is the Wizard?" Mila asks, pointing at Mr. Upland.
"No, it's the other man."
"But he looks so ordinary," Mila says, frowning.
Fiyero shrugs. "He may look ordinary, but that's who he is."
They arrive at their hideout. Most of the men start looking for places to rest, while another group takes charge of preparing food. Most tasks are carried out without any direct orders from the Wizard. Mila stays close to Fiyero, wanting to know what will happen next.
Tibitt and Crope begin tending to the wounded.
The Wizard looks around, guilt weighing heavily on him as he sees the suffering around him. He feels responsible for it and angry at himself for failing to notice how his own guards had been treating the people of Oz, especially the Animals. "What do we do?" he whispers to Mrs. Upland.
Mrs. Upland sighs. "I was hoping Glinda would be here, but as Mila mentioned, she was taken away alone with Boris. I just hope she's all right."
"Why is this even up for debate? We go to the palace and attack. We have enough people," Mr. Upland says firmly.
"Wasn't Glinda's plan to minimize casualties?" Fiyero interjects.
"The situation has changed," Mr. Upland replies decisively.
"It's only changed because you're more worried about Glinda now," Fiyero retorts, stepping back immediately as Mr. Upland shoots him a deadly glare.
"I agree with Fiyero. We want as few casualties as possible." Mrs Upland says. "Dear, look at these men. They're exhausted. It's almost evening; they need rest, just like we do," Mrs. Upland says, trying to calm her husband down.
"How can you rest at a time like this?" Mr Upland ask
"We may be tired, but we still want to fight. We want revenge on Boris. He hasn't just hurt us but also our loved ones," one of the men says. The unison was clearly audible.
The Wizard gets tears in his eyes. All those people want to fight for him. He can't let them down. He'll have to think of something to make these people hope again and believe in him. Oscar swallows hard and nods slowly. "It's early evening. If we go to bed now, we might be ready by sunrise."
Mr. Upland nods in approval.
"I thought you didn't want casualties either?" Fiyero says, frowning.
"I don't. But I'm out of options. Glinda and Elphaba are stuck in there. Without those two, we'll never win this fight without violence."
"But maybe they've already found a way out?"
"Then where are they?" Mr. Upland snaps back.
Fiyero runs his hands through his hair, frustrated. He doesn't know, but charging blindly into the palace feels pointless. "Do we even know anything about the people inside? There are, what, 20 of us? How many do they have?"
"According to our butler's reports, they don't have many."
Fiyero rolls his eyes, knowing Mr. Upland will say anything to convince Oscar.
"Every day we wait, Boris continues his atrocities," Mila says. "The Animals' stories show this oppression has been happening for a long time."
Oscar feels guiltier with every word. How had he not noticed? Why didn't he intervene sooner? Why does he keep making cowardly decisions? "Tomorrow morning, we'll reclaim the palace," he declares. Before anyone can protest, he turns and walks away.
Fiyero is left dumbfounded. "But how are we going to attack? Do we have enough resources? How will we get inside? What about the civilians?" he asks frantically.
Mrs. Upland sighs. "I think he's letting his emotions take over. Give him an hour and come up with a plan. He'll listen better then."
"A plan? The plan is to free our daughter and get out of here," Mr. Upland grumbles.
Mrs. Upland sighs, taking her husband by the arm as they leave to see if they can help elsewhere.
Mila looks at Fiyero. "You might be right, but we can't just think about our own safety. We need to think of others too."
Fiyero sighs. "I know, but who will stop them without us?"
Mila shrugs. "There must be others willing to fight."
XXX
Boq throws his arms around the girls' necks. "Sweet Oz, I'm so glad to see you again. What happened?"
Mrs. Underhill pushes her children behind her, but she's too late to stop Boq.
Mr. Underhill pulls Boq away. "Careful, boy. We don't want to get involved with the Governor's family, and that green skin probably means something too."
Nessa goes pale. Glinda and Elphaba step back. Boq breaks free. "These are my friends, Dad. I've told you about them. Elphaba doesn't hurt anyone."
"She's the daughter of the Governor who burned down our home," Deq says, peeking out from behind his mother.
Boq gives him a scathing look. "If you had been paying attention, you'd know she's the daughter of the Wizard."
"What gives you the right—" Elphaba begins, but Glinda stops her with a shake of her head.
"Let's not argue now. We're all on the same side. We're all tired and confused. Let's find shelter and rest. The sun is nearly down, and it was freezing up in the air," Glinda says reassuringly.
"Why should we trust you? I suspected you were the Uplands' daughter, and now that I see you, I know it," Mrs. Underhill says.
Boq rolls his eyes. "Glinda has told us everything. She's saved me more times than I can count. I trust her."
Mrs. Underhill steps forward. "But Boq?"
"I'm sorry, Mom, but I joined this mission, and I want to see it through."
"Boq?" Nessa asks cautiously. "What do you mean byy mission?"
Boq turns red and glances nervously at Glinda and Elphaba. "She didn't know?" he asks.
Glinda shakes her head.
Nessa looks around at everyone. "What don't I know? I demand to know what's going on! I'm tired of everyone keeping secrets from me," she says angrily.
"Nessa, please," Elphaba tries to calm her sister.
"You keep quiet! You're the worst of them all. I never should have come with you. I should have listened to Father," Nessa snaps.
Glinda tries to defend Elphaba, but Elphaba raises a hand. "Nessie, will you at least listen to us?"
"I won't listen to you," Nessa says defiantly, crossing her arms.
Elphaba looks at Boq and nods.
Boq hesitates, confused. He doesn't understand women. Nessa says she won't listen, but Elphaba gives him the signal to talk, and Glinda is staring at him with a piercing look.
"Nessa, your father sent me to watch over you," Boq says softly.
Nessa's eyes widen, and her stiff posture falters. "What are you saying?" she whispers.
Elphaba tries to step forward, but Glinda holds her back. Glinda believes Nessa needs to hear and process this on her own.
Boq looks around helplessly. Sweet Oz, he wishes he didn't have a heart right now. It hurts so much. He understands why he lied for so long, but he also feels freer now. Unintentionally, Nessa had been suffocating him. It had improved recently, probably thanks to Glinda, but it was still more than he wanted.
Boq steps closer to Nessa. "Your father—"
Nessa abruptly spins her chair around.
"Nessa, please. You have to believe me. Your father offered me an opportunity my family couldn't refuse. But with everything we've learned—"
Mr. Underhill frowns. He knows what kind of knowledge his son means.
"What do you mean?" Nessa demands angrily, still not facing him.
Boq looks to Elphaba and Glinda, who both nod. "Your father thought you were in danger. He sent me to protect you, to make contact with you. But now we know he's working with Boris. He knows I know who he is and what he does. He burned down my parents' house.'' He doesn't know if it's clear how he tries to explain it to Nessa, but with everything, he has no choice.
"That's a lie!" Nessa snaps, spinning back around to glare at Boq. "I'll prove you're lying. My father would never work with someone like that. He will never...'' Nessa shakes her head. She can't believe her father did that. He's her idol, her role model, Her father... ''My father is a good man.'' Nessa doesn't want to look at the group of people opposite her. But somewhere she also feels guilty. What if it's true. What Oz did. What must people think of her. It's a disgrace. Isn't it bad enough that her sister is green, her mother had an affair and that she herself is in a wheelchair. The only good thing in her life was her father. He can't be bad. He raised her. Nessa bites her lip. When she thinks back to her upbringing, she sees more Elphaba than her father. But she can't think that now. She has to defend her father. Right? ''He would never do something like that. He is...''
"Then why did you come along?" Glinda interrupts.
"You stay out of this. This mess is all your fault." Nessa says angrily, glad she has found someone else to vent her anger, sadness and disbelief on.
"No," Glinda says, refusing to tolerate Nessa's accusations. "This started with Boris and your father. Oz, it started with your mother's affair with the Wizard. But that's all in the past. What matters is how we deal with it now. The point is, your father is working with has made the choice to work with a criminal and has done Oz knows what. We do not know his role in that collaboration. What we do know is that he is happily with Boris and Madame Morrible in the palace of Oz, knows what terrible plans to carry out.'' Glinda began to speak softly but louder and louder. She hoped that Nessa would change her mind.
"But—" Nessa starts, though her voice wavers.
"No buts, Nessa," Glinda says more gently. "You came along for a reason. Deep down, you know what's happening in the palace is wrong. Deep down you know that we all want what is right. What is right for Oz and everyone who lives here. That means we have to be fair to each other's actions and choices.''
"And deep down, you also know your father is involved. Why else would he receive secret letters?" Boq adds.
Tears fill Nessa's eyes. "It can't be," she says, sobbing.
Elphaba steps toward her sister, but Glinda stops her again. "She needs to process this herself. We need to find shelter. Tomorrow, I am going back to the palace. I need my rest first."
Elphaba's eyes widen. "You're insane," she nearly shouts.
"Shhhh!" several people hiss.
"Let's find a place to stay. Boq and Nessa need time to talk," Mr. Underhill says before a new discussion arises and they are discovered by their volume.
Boq looks at his father, shocked,
"You need to resolve this, son."
Boq lets his arms fall limply. He bites his lip and nods.
"We're not leaving until I've talked you out of your crazy plan," Elphaba says, grabbing Glinda's hand. She hadn't heard Mr. Underhill's words. She was too shocked by Glinda's words. How can that child think of going back to that nasty palace. They need to come up with a plan together and get their strength back. Elphaba thinks in panic
Glinda looks at Elphaba in surprise. "But you're not coming with me. I'm ending this chaos myself. You don't have to worry. I'll make sure everything is okay."
Elphaba laughs humorlessly. "You must have lost oxygen in your bubble."
Glinda raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms. "What exactly do you mean by that, Elphaba Thropp?"
"I mean you're not going to the palace alone. I'm saying we need a plan first."
"Maybe I already have a plan."
"What kind of plan? The one you thought of five minutes ago? Is it as brilliant as all your other plans?"
The remark hurts, and both know it. Elphaba immediately regrets it but can't bring herself to apologize yet.
"I think we are standing here safe and sound, Elphaba. So my plans clearly work."
"Without me, neither of us would be here. If you'd been honest from the start, none of this would have been necessary."
Mr. Underhill gives up trying to interrupt. With a sigh, he sits beside his wife, both watching the two arguments unfold: Boq trying to convince Nessa of her father's betrayal, and Elphaba trying to stop Glinda from her reckless plan. He wonders how he ended up in this mess. After a few minutes, he's had enough.
"STOP IT, ALL OF YOU!"
Everyone looks at him in shock.
"Listen, we're all hungry and exhausted. We're going to find shelter now," he says, looking at his wife, who nods. "We'll eat in silence, just like our walk to the house. Once the little ones are in bed, we can talk."
Everyone wants to protest but wisely holds their tongues. The arguments have achieved nothing so far. But everyone remains determined to keep fighting for what they believe in.
XXX
Boris, Madame Morrible and Frex are executing their plans.
Chin had found the route by which the prisoners escaped. A number of people are now closing it up. The palace is now extra secure, while Boris is thinking of his training for the guards. Frex is answering letters for Munchkinland. He regularly looks at the door in the hope that someone has found his beloved daughter.
Madame Morrible is practicing her magic. She is trying to learn a few spells by heart, which she thinks will be useful. She doesn't know what to prepare for. But memorizing a few routes out of the palace can't hurt. She also prepares an emergency kit. Every now and then she walks into Boris' room to learn more about his plan. Knowledge is the most important thing in this situation. She tells Boris her progress that she has made to win over the people. She also has to make her own position important. Boris is known as someone who throws everyone out on the street if it pleases him. Madame Morrible sighs as she leafs through her magic book again. She is exhausted, but knows that she has to keep going.
Boris rubs his chin. He knows he needs more time to train his soldiers better. His whole plan is based on the fact that his opponents are waiting and waiting for reinforcements. Although he cannot imagine who will help them. He knows that the plan involves a lot of risk. That is why he has made sure that the inhabitants of the Emerald City are as close to the palace as possible.
Boris stands up and looks out the window. If he estimates that Elphaba, Glinda and the Wizard are right, they want as few casualties as possible. He imagines how the discussions will go to stop him, without the inhabitants of the Emerald City being bothered by it. That is why he is glad that he is in charge everywhere, together with Frex and that they are on the same page. Anyone who does not listen is immediately arrested. Disobedient behavior is dealt with quickly. In a way he is glad that Frex is so upset about Nessa, now Frex agrees with his decision much sooner.
He looks at his paperwork. On the one hand, he wants to put his plans into action very quickly. He wants to implement the new laws. He wants to raise taxes so that he has more money. But everything has to wait because he wants certainty first. As long as the Wizard is still around somewhere, he has to be careful.
He is annoyed that Glinda has been given the name of Glinda the Good. The news has spread a little too quickly for his feeling. Fortunately, he has been able to tarnish Elphaba's name. With Frex on his side, it was no problem at all to change people's opinions. If he now plays the rumors well and tells that Elphaba has bewitched Glinda, people will go after Elphaba. It would save him so much work to find them. He smiles. Despite his doubts about Madame Morrible's actions, he cannot complain about what he has achieved in such a short time. He had not expected so much power. He had not expected that everything would feel so good. Yes, the work is annoying, but it also gives him a good feeling to command people. He likes his new position as leader of Oz. Feeling good, he goes to sleep for a few hours. He has done more than he thought he would and knows he needs to rest. Oz knows he needs it.
Frex can't sleep well. He keeps thinking about his beloved Nessa. He knows that Elphaba has done something to her. As soon as they find his beloved daughter, they can really deal with Ephaba. He will also tell Boq what he thinks of him. If he had the chance, he would turn him into a tin man. Then he would take Glinda's name away, because of her it all started. All the positive thoughts give him new energy. He gets out of bed and goes looking for a map. Where did they take his beloved Nessa?
XXX
Fiyero walks around and sees that everyone is getting some rest. He hopes that the attack will go well, but he has his doubts. How will they get the inhabitants out in time? Do they have enough material? Are the people rested in time? Are Elphaba and Glinda even there?
"We can definitely win."
Fiyero turns around and sees Mila standing there.
"It's not that I don't think we'll win, it's that I think of all the losses. Every life we lose to a war is one too many. It's not worth the war at all."
Mila looks at him skeptically. "I thought you were a prince. You exist because of the wars."
"It's not like I had any influence on it, otherwise the other people would have the country for free." Fiyero notices that he is getting frustrated.
"We're not fighting for new land, we're fighting to protect our families." Mila has to convince him, because if one person doubts, maybe not everyone will join. They need everyone against Boris.
"What's in it for your family if you're gone?" Fiyero asks sadly.
"What's in it for my family if they don't live in freedom but only in fear?" Mila answers after a few seconds, because that question had surprised her.
Fiyero bites his lip.
"It's not that we don't know what we're fighting against or what we're fighting for. But most of them have spent half a day in jail. Some together with the Animals who told us different stories. It's terrible to hear it. We don't only have a duty to our family but also to the inhabitants of Oz. If the Wizard can't protect us with his magic, we have to do it ourselves." Mila tries to convince Fiyero. They start talking louder and louder.
"I think some fights aren't worth it. There could be other ways.'' He can't understand how someone can think like that. His own experiences are coming to the surface. He has to convince Mila. He doesn't want to give up his life story, but if it's a chance to stop her, he has to do it.
''Like?''
''We can find Boris's weak spots, blackmail him, bribe him. I don't know, but not starting a war.''
''You're far too naive.'' Mila is only getting more frustrated.
''You have no experience. People do everything to protect their own interests. The only interest is self-interest.''
''And that from the mouth of a prince. I thought you were protecting your country by fighting wars. Shouldn't you be putting your own interests aside for your people? I thought you were the one leading this war.''
''I serve my people in my own way and what have those wars brought us?'' he asks bitterly.
Mila looks at him, not understanding.
Fiyero sighs. ''My family hasn't had a war in a long time. But that doesn't mean there aren't any discontents. My great-great-grandfather was the last to wage war against a tribe so they could join the Vinkus. Many innocent people died. A story was passed down from father to son in one of the families that lost their sons and fathers. That deep-rooted hatred caused my brother to be murdered.''
Mila gasps for breath. She doesn't know what to say. Fiyero stares into space.
''I was so overcome with sadness. That's why I'm in this world. That's why I try to learn everything I can to prevent as many wars as possible. A war is terrible for the people who have to fight in it. But it's also terrible for the next generation who have to lose a loved one. This is just a story, I'm sure there are more people who are angry with my family. People who fight in a war come out differently. Children who don't recognize their parents anymore because the parents are too traumatized. I don't want that on my conscience. Then I'd rather be a stupid, shallow prince, than someone who starts a war for a useless reason like more power. I don't want anyone to lose their loved ones for something like country or power. I want to protect the children, and especially my children.'' Fiyero hopes that he finally gets through to Mila. The story still hurts him a lot.
''Do you want children?'' Mila asks in surprise, before she could think about it. ''Sorry, that's not a question after such a story.''
Fiyero chuckles. ''Doesn't matter. It's refreshing to be asked a different question for once. But yes, I have to have children because of the heir to the throne thing, and also I really want a child of my own.''
Mila blushes and nods. She thinks for a moment. ''Fiyero, I understand your doubts. I don't want to think about losing my loved one. I can't imagine the grief you've had. But life in captivity isn't pleasant either. This is something everyone wants to fight for. We're not interested in power. We're interested in freedom. In opportunities to develop. Oz, know what strange rules Boris is going to come up with. Now it's the Animals. He's going to change the rules for the Vinkus in a moment.''
Fiyero bites his lip. ''I want it to be done differently.''
Mila opens her mouth to say something in response, but Fiyero raises his hand. ''But I've heard your arguments. I'll help, but as soon as I see another way, I'll take this one.'' He thinks of Glinda and Elphaba who can somehow make everyone go away.
''I think you overestimate Boris. These people only want power and belittle others.'' Mila says determinedly.
Fiyero shrugs. ''There are more people in the game.''
Mila frowns. ''Like who?''
''Frex who is sensitive to Nessa. Madame Morrible who is looking for recognition and talent. Horus, who does everything for Boris because he once helped his family. Chin does it because he comes from a criminal family, but he has a fight with them. I have yet to discover the other three.''
''How do you know that.''
Fiyero walks over to Mila. ''I'm good at my job. Also, because of all my connections as a prince, I know where to ask for the information.''
''When did you do that? You were with us the whole time.''
Fiyero grins. ''I've done it before. This isn't the first time we've had a run-in with these people. Besides, it's also a matter of observation and people skills.''
Mila raises her eyebrow and crosses her arms. ''Oooh yeah? What people skills do you have? You think Boris can still be persuaded.''
Fiyero walks around Mila. ''You're an only child from a wealthy family.''
Mila drops her arms. ''How?''
Fiyero grins. ''You have good skin and you're well-fed. Plus, you know how to sit neatly like a lady.''
Mila frowns again. ''That doesn't mean anything. Everyone in the Gale Force is well taken care of.''
Fiyero shakes his head. ''Not like you. You have been well taken care of since birth. But you don't have a good relationship with your parents. You said 'loves one' instead of 'parents'.''
'What? When?'' Mila stammers, feeling vulnerable. 'Stop,''
'I think you were raised by your grandparents, but they are too old or deceased and that is why you joined the Gale Force, to escape your parents.'' Fiyero continues unperturbed.
Mila gets tears in her eyes and walks away angrily.
Fiyero bites his lip. 'I should have stopped when I had the chance.'' He whispers to no one. He knows he should apologize, but first he needs to get some rest. He has had a few tough days too.
XXX
Mr. Underhill sat at the table with the young adults. His wife had taken the children upstairs, believing it was best for one of them to guide the conversation. During dinner, everyone had been lost in their own thoughts, except for the two youngest children, who quietly chatted and asked many questions, particularly about Elphaba's home. Mr Underhill was gathering everyone to continue the conversation. He found everyone in another room with their eyes closed. Somehow he felt the urge to let the children sleep. They have been through a lot in a short time, but he also knows that they really want to have this conversation. Choices will have to be made. He woke everyone up gently. Nessa was the first to wake up and went outside for a while, she had to think carefully about what she wanted first. Mr Underhill knew that Nessa had not eaten anything. He was most worried about her, but he keeps his thoughts to himself.
"Alright, we've all had time to think about the plans and what's been said," he began. Everyone was sitting at the table
Everyone nodded slowly.
"Who wants to say something?"
Everyone exchanged glances.
Boq cleared his throat. "Nessa, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I hope you understand my actions better now."
Nessa's eyes immediately filled with tears. "I just don't understand. Why would he do something like that? Burning down your parents' house?"
"Because he's pure evil," Glinda whispered.
Mr. Underhill shot Glinda a look that silenced her immediately.
Nessa continued undisturbed. "But I also know that none of you would lie about this. The story is too absurd. Right?"
The final remark made Glinda think Nessa still wasn't fully convinced, but it was a start. Everyone nodded. Elphaba reached out her hand to her sister, who sat across from her. Nessa gratefully took it.
"Did Father really not hurt you when you were in the palace?"
Elphaba gave her sister a small smile but said nothing. She didn't know what to say.
"Elphaba, it's important that you're honest," Mr. Underhill said kindly.
"I don't know what to say," she admitted honestly after a brief silence. "I was terrified, not knowing what would happen. But in a way, I wasn't scared at all. My mind is still a mess. I remember Madame Morrible, Boris. But I never saw Fa— I mean Frex."
Glinda takes Elphaba's hand and squeezes it.
"It's okay Elphie. We'll get them back. I promise you," she says softly.
Elphaba squeezes Glinda's hand. "But not at your expense."
Glinda bites her lip. "Elphie, sacrifices will have to be made. I won't let you anywhere near that palace."
Elphaba pulls her hand away. "Do you really think I'll let you go?"
"It's not like I'm going there defenseless. I know these people and this world Elphie."
Elphaba glares at Glinda. "You're crazy and way too naive. These aren't children you're going to take on."
"Elphaba's right," Boq says.
Glinda glares at him.
Boq flinches a little, but stays confident. He doesn't want to let his friends down. ''Glinda, think about how you would react if Elphaba just went to the palace. With dangerous people like Boris, Madame Morrible and Frex.''
''My father is not dangerous. He's lost.'' Nessa defends her father angrily. ''He didn't hurt Elphaba.''
''Nessa I know you're lost, but giving someone mental anguish is also hurting someone.''
''He wouldn't...''
''But he did it to Elphaba and to other Munchkins, like my family. My family won't lie about this.'' Boq interrupts Nessa.
''But.''
''Nessa, accept it. Think about your childhood. What did your father do for you and what did he do for Elphaba?'' Glinda says irritated. ''And by the way I'm not crazy.'' she says angrily to Elphaba.
''You're going to the palace without a plan.''
And the conversation goes the other way again, thinks Mr. Underhill. You can't keep up with those teenagers.
"Alright. That's clear, you're not crazy and Elphaba is worried about you. Now let's move on to Glinda's plan."
Everyone turned to look at Mr. Underhil in surprise. "What, we need to move the conversation forward," he says.
Glinda takes a deep breath. "There's nothing to explain. I'm going to the palace tomorrow before sunrise. I'm going to create a diversion and use a trick to put Boris in jail. Once he's out of the way, the rest will follow soon," she said confidently.
"Without backup?" Boq asked.
"You've all done enough. This is my fight."
Elphaba began to laugh.
Glinda glared at her.
"Don't talk nonsense, Glinda. This is everyone's fight. And what is your plan? How are you going to lure them away with a trick? These are not children or students. These are serious people. You can't take them on alone."
"Yes, I can."
"Elphaba's right," Boq said.
Glinda tried to respond but didn't get the chance.
"Why do you think she can't handle it alone, Boq?" Mr Underhill asks.
"Well, as it stands now, it's Frex, Boris, and Madame Morrible. Those are serious opponents. If I was them, I'd organize a search party and secure the palace tightly. You won't just walk in. They will be expecting us. There will be people standing together in disguise, so that they will be prepared for anything."
Glinda tried to argue but closed her mouth again. She hadn't considered what Boq pointed out. Maybe she should have thought things through more. "If I use the bubble to get to the attic, they won't expect that."
"What do you think, Glinda? Of course, they'll expect that. They've been running a secret organization for years. One is a school principal, and the other is the Governor of Munchkinland. They have far more experience than you think," Elphaba said indignantly. "Besides, I don't understand why you won't let us help. We're too deeply involved."
Glinda looked down at her hands. She struggled to explain how she felt without bursting into tears.
Everyone looks shocked. Elphaba feels a little guilty but is glad that she got through to Glinda.
"We want to help you. We also want nothing to happen to you," Elphaba says gently.
"But this is all my fault," Glinda says through her sniffling.
"Then it's also my fault," Boq says. "I would have gotten involved with Frex anyway, because he approached me without knowing about you."
Glinda thinks for a moment. She can't just shake off the feeling of guilt.
Elphaba throws her arms around Glinda. "Nobody blames you for the chaos that is happening in the Emerald City. But you have to accept that we are coming along to help you. I agree with Boq. The palace will be heavily guarded, we may have to wait a long time before the security is reduced."
Mr Underhill bites his lip. He has a different theory, but wants to give the other one a chance first. Nessa is still too lost in her own thoughts. She fights with herself to let go of her father. It remains difficult, because he has always been there for her.
''But how many guards do they have left?'' Glinda asks after she has thought for a moment and has regained control of her emotions.
Elphaba and Boq look at each other confused.
''Uhm, I don't know.'' Boq says.
''In that short period I saw a lot of guards in the dungeons. If I were Boris I would only have the guards with me who are on my side. It is not as secure as you think.''
Mr. Underhill smiles. That is what he wanted to say.
Elphaba opens her mouth and immediately closes it again. She had no answer. ''What about us? I mean, how weak are we?'' Elphaba asks carefully.
Glinda looks Elphaba in the eye. ''That is why I want to do it myself. You have endured much more these past few days. We have had reasonable sleep and meals. You suffered a little more.''
Elphaba swallows and nods. ''It's not just about me now. We're three people. How do you want to take on the Gale Force? They may be a lot less people, but that doesn't mean we're going to win.''
''I have a feeling we're not as alone as we think.''
Elphaba throws her arms in the air. ''That's way too impulsive.'' Elphaba says tiredly. ''How can you make a plan based on your feelings?''
''Have you never done anything based on your feelings?'' Glinda retorts.
Before Elphaba can say anything, Glinda starts listing things off. ''Your magic is all about your emotions, when you ran into the alley without any backup, I felt like something was weird about me. Should I continue.''
Elphaba looks at Glinda angrily, but shakes her head anyway.
Glinda looks satisfied. ''Maybe someone should go back to your parents.'' Boq suggests cautiously.
Glinda nods slowly. ''But who's going to play postman now?''
''I'll go.'' Mr. Underhill says after a short silence. ''I'm still pretty fit and you need your rest more than I do.''
Everyone looks at each other. ''Okay, that would be nice. Then we have more backup.'' Glinda says.
''What are we going to do in the palace?'' Nessa asks. ''I mean are we going to put everyone in the dungeons?''
Glinda bites her lip. ''I hope everyone just surrenders, but maybe Elphaba and I can do something with a sleeping spell.''
"What spell?" Elphaba asks in surprise.
"I thought you wanted to attack with a distraction." Nessa says in surprise, unable to follow the conversation.
"Yes, that's it." The idea just formed in Glinda's head. She has been thinking and listening. Nobody wants to attack. Nobody wants unnecessary victims. "There must be a spell in the Grimmerie." Glinda says enthusiastically.
Elphaba starts to blush. "I have no idea."
Glinda rolls her eyes. "Then go and look."
Elphaba looks around uncomfortably. "It's actually a funny story. You can probably laugh about it heartily later."
"Elphaba," Nessa says in a warning tone.
Glinda looks at her intently. "Where is the Grimmerie."
Elphaba laughs uncomfortably. "I don't know."
"What do you mean I don't know?" Glinda says angrily as she jumps out of the chair.
"Do you want the definition of 'I don't know?'" Elphaba asks, trying to calm the situation.
Glinda shoots an angry look at Elphaba. "This is no time for jokes. This is serious. Where is that damn book?"
"Okay, I need more explanation. What is the Grimmerie and why is that thing important?" Mr. Underhill asks, trying to get the situation under control.
"The Grimmerie is a magic book. It contains the lost language of magic. Anyone who can read it has powerful magical powers." Glinda says without taking her eyes off Elphaba. "Where did you lose it?"
"I'm thinking. I guess in the palace. When we were trying to escape from Nessa's room."
"How?" Glinda asks desperately.
''It wasn't exactly a peaceful moment,'' says Elphaba, now starting to get angry too. ''I was busy trying to escape. There were other things that were more important and I couldn't take that book with me.''
Glinda throws her arms in the air. She knows Elphaba is right. She's just annoyed that she finally had a good plan, but it can't go through because they lost the book.''
''Maybe there's a book here or somewhere else where it's easier to find?'' asks Boq.
Glinda and Elphaba look at each other. ''Maybe it's in Shiz,'' Glinda suggests cautiously. ''In Madame Morrible's room.''
Nessa shakes her head. ''When you left, Madame Morrible was cleaning her room. When I asked about it, she was very rude,'' says Nessa.
''We can fly in the morning,'' says Elphaba cautiously. ''We know which room we need to be in. I know where the book is.''
'Do you think they'd leave such a powerful book there?'' Boq asks.
Elphaba growls ''I don't know.''
''We're going to do it.'' Glinda says decisively. ''Mr. Underhill, you're going to take the message to my parents to get to the palace on time. They'll be the distraction Elphaba and I need.''
''What can we do?'' Boq asks hopefully.
''I want to help too.'' Nessa says cautiously.
Glinda has no idea what to tell them to do. Boq can be useful, but Nessa can't. She's the unstable factor in the game.
''Maybe you can put things in order in Munchkinland.'' Mr. Underhill suggests.
Everyone looks at him in surprise.
''Munchkinland is now ungovernable. Once everyone hears that Frex has been captured, there will be a lot of chaos. They need a strong leader to talk to them. Boq can help you.''
Everyone nods approvingly. Boq actually wants to help out in the palace, but he also knows that he has to get back in Nessa's good graces.
They go over the details again. When Mr. Underhill goes out into the night looking for the Uplands, the whole house is quiet and fast asleep. He has been given some guidelines on where to look. He hopes that everything will turn out well. When he is done, he goes back to Muchkinland to help his son.
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