A/N: Wishing those who celebrate a Merry Christmas!

A/N2: Shout out to my anonymous reviewer! Into Munchkinland we go. ;)

Chapter 24

Luckily, Sheriff Lenx was a Munchkin of his word and guided them back to the turn where the supposed bandits had disappeared. The three then continued on their way, crossing the border before way before sundown. They continued through the Pine Barrens but as the sun began to fall behind the horizon, they pulled over and quickly pitched their tent.

"We should be to Bright Lettins before lunch tomorrow," Norris figured as Popsi tended the horses and Mopsi got working on dinner. The Corporal was working on the fire, making sure to keep it contained in their makeshift pit. He'd made sure to put some of the decent sized logs down as seats. It would keep them off the ground but also hopefully be more comfortable as the day's heat left with the sun.

"Good. I don't like having to pitch a tent, but at least we're not too far from our destination," Mopsi said.

"Much safer off the road than on it in the dark. Still, we should establish watches," Norris told them.

"Not a bad idea. The horses are in good shape for the evening," Popsi let them know.

"Excellent. Dinner will be ready soon. Hopefully, we can all get some sleep afterwards, at some point," Mopsi said.

"I know that I don't have any right to ask but why did we get sent on this mission?" Norris wanted to know.

"Well as you can imagine, the question of the possibility of future heirs has come up. The doctor doesn't have any records prior to recently and, with any luck, Nanny, could help fill in any blanks," Mopsi lied – well partially, he supposed. Of course, the Munchkin wasn't about to bring up the real reason regarding the Clock of the Time Dragon.

"Oh. Yes, I suppose that would be tricky business. Still, I don't see it being a sticking point," Norris said.

"No, but having records would also help future medical issues. It's a bit of a long shot but you could see how she couldn't come herself," Mopsi said as he chopped some vegetables.

"She doesn't want to endanger Nanny," Norris nodded.

"Indeed. Especially if it turns out, she can't be helpful. Not worth the risk," Mopsi put the vegetables, meat, and broth into the pot, which ended up over the fire.

"So, another question I shouldn't be asking – why do the Munchkins hate her so much? Has she not proven who she is to them?" Norris asked.

"There's mistrust on both sides. She grew up here. You've seen what happened when the lies were told. Now imagine someone of her stature and color growing up here," Popsi piped up.

"I mean no offense but Munchkins…" the Corporal started.

"We have our prejudices that is for sure. Nanny was one who could see past it. Some in her own family couldn't," Mopsi explained. Norris shook his head.

"It would have been so easy to fall into the stories; to become what everyone thought of her," he said.

"We are lucky that she was not the wolf in sheep's clothing like the one who I will not name," Mopsi said, stirring dinner.

"Agreed," Norris nodded. The horses whinnied and he grabbed his rifle to go check it out.

"Who's there?" He called out and a Hawk appeared, walking on the ground.

"I thought it was you. Sorry for the sneaking. I had to land nearby and work my way over," the Hawk said.

"Aenoheso, you sly devil. Do they know you flew the coop?" Norris asked of the Gale Force Bird.

"I was given permission. An extra set of eyes can't hurt," the Hawk winked.

"Come by the fire. We've got some dinner on," Norris said.

"I had some before I left. Any bandits about?" Aenoheso wondered.

"We bumped into a Sheriff who was looking for some, but we've seen none," the Corporal let him know. They made their way to the fire and quickly made introductions.

"Do you have news?" Popsi asked of the Bird.

"I do. The leaders are headed home but the honorable Bfee received confirmation that the Nanny you are seeking is indeed in Bright Lettins. He even managed to get an address. Seems that after the collapse of the previous government a census was taken and when Bfee asks, his assistant delivered. The assistant was not told of the mission, only that an old friend wanted to confirm Nanny's safety," Aenoheso explained.

"Excellent. Our trip will hopefully be much quicker," Mopsi smiled as he stirred the dinner pot. He noted that it was almost ready and grabbed the bowls that they'd packed. They ate dinner and chatted. While Popsi and Norris got ready for bed, Mopsi was cleaning up. Aenoheso put a claw on the Munchkin's hand and Mopsi could see that he carried a letter.

"For your eyes only," the Hawk whispered. Mopsi nodded and stuffed the letter into his pocket.

"I'll take the first shift boys. I can't lie down right away after dinner – the heartburn and all," the elder Munchkin told them as two returned from the spot they'd chosen as their latrine.

"Get me up when you can't hold on," Norris told him.

"Will do," Mopsi smiled and watched the two enter the tent.

"I'll keep you company," Aenoheso told him with a wink. As soon as Mopsi was sure his other two companions were sleeping, he pulled out the letter and read it by the light of the fire – the Clock of Time Dragon location had some visitors. No indication of compromised cave but the more you can get out of Nanny, the better. We may need to end this once and for all. Elphaba.

To Be Continued…