“What's wrong, Nick?”
He pointed upward. “Winged monkeys.”
Her stomach clenched. She'd had a very bad experience decades earlier when attacked by flying monkeys. Insidious little creatures. Very vicious, as only sentient beings could be. They weren't very large, yet they were stronger than a grown man.
“Why would they attack us?” she asked. Dorothy watched them a long moment, finally understanding why they didn't look right. Now she could make out their monkey bodies with large feathered wings. “It's my understanding they don't serve any Witch.”
Their king also refused to acknowledge Dorothy's sovereignty.
“They serve only the Monkey King, but claim the Misty Mountains as their own,” Nick said. “They attack any soldiers they find in their domain, including Jezebelle's troops.”
“Will they leave us alone if we fly a flag of truce?”
“No,” he said. “Once we entered their territory, we became invaders. Too late for a truce.”
“Well,” she said, giving him a dirty look. “It would've been nice if someone told me we weren't allowed to enter the Misty Mountains.” Nick started to open his mouth. “Don't say you thought I already knew. I'm not from Oz!”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Dorothy rolled her eyes and continued up the road. She'd pissed off Nick, so he'd be an ass and “yes, Your Highness” this and “no, Your Highness” that with her until he got over himself. He did catch up to ride next to her, ordering two troopers immediately ahead of them and two close behind.
“Two more formations,” Nick said after a few moments, pointing to their right.
The indicated V-formations were coming over the adjacent mountain. The Misty Mountains weren't particularly high or rocky. They were mostly grey, but with the bright green starting to bud. The winged monkeys were flying nape of the earth around the east side of the mountain. And they were coming straight at them.
“Damn.” She rose up in her saddle and twisted back to address her troops. “I want peace with the winged monkeys! Please don't kill any of them.”
“That puts us at a disadvantage, Your Highness,” Nick said.
“I want peace, Nick. I have too many enemies as it is.”
He just nodded before addressing the troops. “Captain Coldburrs! Let loose a flight of arrows as a warning before they close with us.”
Dorothy started to object, but the cavalry officer proved too fast. Within seconds he barked the commands, and a thickly packed flight of arrows arched out in the valley, falling well short of the incoming flying monkeys. And it did make them slow, but they also split up into a dozen smaller formations of three each. Some went high, others low.
“Here they come!” Captain Coldburrs shouted. “Present Spears!”
All of the soldiers hooked their bows over their saddlehorns, before taking up their ten-foot long spears. The four troopers protecting Dorothy pressed up tight around her, lifting their spears up to keep the winged monkey's at bay.
The vicious little bastards came in fast, screaming viciously. One and all held long, curved knives. They swooped and swirled around the Ozian troops, but most of them went after Dorothy's little group. It looked like they'd be able to fight them off, when one of the winged monkeys grabbed the reins of the soldier to Dorothy's left front. And the horse and solider were dragged away.
“Nick, don't let them kill him!”
Before anyone could act, Dorothy spurred her mount forward. She pulled a pistol and emptied it at the winged monkeys, though being careful to not hit them. The little fiends released the reins and flew away in all due haste. Indeed, they all broke off their attack while screaming like banshees.
Nick surged past her, followed by the entire troop. The soldiers quickly surrounded Dorothy, spears pointed at the winged monkeys slowly circling. Two of the monkeys flew away at high speed. She watched them meet up with a group of eleven flying monkeys halfway to the next mountain over. And then they all returned.
Lion's roar thundered through the cool mountain valley, and Dorothy heard the beastmen racing through the forest all around her. It had the makings of an epic battle. And then she spotted a familiar hat.
One of the winged monkeys wore the golden hat. It sparkled with diamonds, with a band of blood red rubies. She'd worn that hat once, and knew whoever possessed it controlled the winged monkeys. Last she'd seen or heard of the hat, Glinda still had it.
“I am Jojo. King of the Winged Monkeys,” he shouted. “Declare yourselves!”
“What does he mean by that?” Dorothy asked.
“He wants to know who we are and who we serve,” Nick said.
He started to shout his answer. Dorothy stopped him with a hand on his arm. Knowing Nick, his reply would be filled with defiance. He and her soldiers were one and all agitated and ready to fight.
“I am Dorothy, Empress of Oz,” she called. “We come in peace, King Monkey, and only request safe passage.”
“Dorothy Gale of Kansas?” he asked.
She paused. Admitting that had caused her so much trouble in the past year. Still, she couldn't lie.
“Yes.”
That set the winged monkeys off in another bout of screaming and swirling around and around. They settled down after a moment, and King Monkey dropped down a little closer to her.
“Dorothy Gale of Kansas who killed Elba, Wicked Witch of the West?”
“I am.”
That set the winged monkeys off yet again. They swirled upward in a whirlwind of beating wings and chattering voices. King Monkey went with them, right to their very center. Dorothy fought the urge to cover her ears.
“I swear, I'll skin a monkey if any of them craps on me,” Nick muttered. He turned to Dorothy. “I don't know what monkeys are like in Kansas, but in Oz they like to throw their dung at people. Both the regular and winged variety.”
“Our monkeys do the same thing,” she said. “But we don't have flying monkeys where I come from.”
“Lucky you.”
The swirling cloud of winged monkeys suddenly disbursed. They flew to the trees above Dorothy and her troops. They all began shaking the limbs and screaming at the top of their lungs. Meanwhile, Jojo and four others drifted down towards her. To Dorothy's surprise, they landed on the road before them, their king took off his hat, and… Bowed.
“Dorothy Gale of Kansas, you honor us by your visit,” Jojo said. “We do not curse your name as others do. Instead, we honor you for freeing our people from the Wicked Witch of the West. For that we are in you debt.”
He bowed again, and all of the other monkeys shook their limbs and screamed again.
“I wish they'd honor you more quietly,” Nick muttered. He gave a signal, and the soldiers all put away their weapons. Their long spears strapped on their mount's left side, pointing back at a 45 degree angle. “Make a hole!”
The troopers between Dorothy and King Monkey moved aside. Nick rode side-by-side with her up to the King of the Winged Monkeys. Dorothy dismounted, and approached King Jojo and bowed in return. Then Monkey King folded his wings back, they stepped up close, and Dorothy embraced him.
“I am honored, King Jojo,” she said. “And I promise we mean you and yours no harm. We are here in search of an ancient citadel.”
“Citadel?” he repeated, eyes glazing over in thought. “A citadel is a castle that is part of a city's defensive walls. Correct?”
Dorothy paused, and glanced back at Nick. The only “citadel” she ever knew about was some kind of college or something for US Marines. She had always assumed it was just another name for a castle or fort. Nick nodded, so she turned back to Jojo.
“Yes, it is.”
“I know the place, then,” Jojo said. “There are many ancient castle ruins, but only one citadel in the Misty Mountains. You will find it at the ghost city of Anark, but I must warn you against entering the city. It is haunted.”
“Haunted by what?” Nick asked. “Ghouls? Goblins? Ghosts?”
/> Yeah, it was spoken in a mocking tone. Monkey King stiffened. So did Dorothy.
“We'll have no more disrespect toward my friend Jojo and his people, Nick. Understood?”
It was Nick's turn to tense up and glower. King Jojo relaxed.
Dorothy turned back to the winged monkey. “Please forgive us. Nick is an old soldier and sometimes is a bit brusque.”
“He is of no concern. We do not like Tin Woodman much, either,” Jojo said, eyes fierce as he glared at Nick.
“Now, if I showed you a map, could you show me where to find the ruins of Anark?”
“I can, but I strongly recommend you avoid that terrible place.”
“Thank you, great Monkey King,” she said. “But, alas, it is imperative I find that ancient city before the Wicked Witches destroy us all.”
Chapter 17
The wind thundered in Glinda's ears as she soared high above the forest land below. Her long strawberry blonde hair streamed out behind her like a banner. She wore head to toe red leather to protect her from wind burn, and used magic to protect her eyes, face, and hands. Her flying carpet streaked across the sky at a comfortable speed, set to traverse the fifteen hundred miles in about four hours. Nothing too stressful, so she could arrive at nearly full-strength.
“Where are you?” she muttered, looking left and right for the telltale signs of a marching army.
The terrain began changing from the prairies of Oz, to the forests of Munchkin County. The Great Muddy River was a silvery ribbon ahead. Jezebelle's vast host was in the process of crossing that mighty river. The river was too wide for bridges at that location, so the Wicked Witch had to ferry her soldiers across in boats and barges. It'd already been a week, and reports from her Sa'Kor with the Munchkin host said it could be another week or two before the entire army was on the west side of the river.
“Jezebelle is the perfect Witch for Munchkin Country. Foolishly prideful, and not very bright,” she said. “I could've crossed that river in three days.”
Part of Jezebelle's problem was the antiquated feudal system still in place. The other Countries had modernized, replacing pure feudalism with more centralized command and control. Great Families remained the defacto rulers of their domains in Munchkin Country, and fought each other as often as not. Jezebelle spent most of her time keeping the peace, instead of ruling with an iron fist.
The Munchkins are vulnerable to surprise attack, she thought. Lion's beastmen, or Nick's Iron Brigade, will decimate them before the great Lords even get into their suits of armor.
She'd learned that both Lion and Nick Chopper had secretly left the city. Her Sa'Kor hadn't yet found out exactly when they left, or why. Did Dorothy send them on a secret mission? Were they going to harass the Winkies or Munchkins? Maybe a surprise attack on Glinda's own army?
Well, they can't sneak up on my army, Glinda thought with a grin. I'm not that foolish.
Unfortunately, Wanda was a hothead, and Jezebelle was that foolish. She immediately sent warning bubbles to both Wicked Witches, and then set out to “help” Jezebelle.
A very wicked smile tugged at the corners of Glinda's mouth. Oh, how she planned to help her sister-witch Jezebelle. Just the thought caused her insides to tingle, and she felt a little something down between her legs as she knelt on that flying carpet.
“Jezebelle won't know what hit her,” Glinda whispered, and then bit her lip. “Wanda's going to be so pissed when she learns I stole Jezebelle away from her.”
As excited as she was about her plans for the sexy Wicked Witch of the East, Dorothy's two missing companions dominated her thoughts. She remembered how ruthlessly and efficiently they had been as Scarecrow's generals. Neither ever lost a battle, and forced both Wickeds and Good Witches to bow to Scarecrow's will.
A very low cloud of smoke guided Glinda. The Munchkin Host's campfires were like a beacon to anyone flying above. The smoke hung over the river, slowly being disbursed by the gentle breezes. Soon Glinda could make out the boats ferrying the men and horses across the river, as well as their monstrous baggage train. Countless wagons had lined up at the launch sites. And then as she grew nearer, Glinda spotted the Wicked Witch's sprawling blue pavilion upon a hilltop overlooking it all.
Lifting her hand to her face, a pink bubble appeared on her palm. “Sister, I approach your camp and would meet with you.”
The message bubble streaked away as she slowed her flying carpet, altering direction to circle the sprawling encampment. A few minutes later a blue bubble arrived. Glinda poked it with her wand.
“Greetings, sister, and be welcome. Attend me in my pavilion.”
“I'm going to attend to you, alright,” she murmured.
Glinda veered to her left and began her descent into the Munchkin camp. Everywhere she looked men and women looked up and pointed. Yes, she was making quite an entrance. Whether they loved or hated Cardinal Witches, everyone became excited when one flew in like that.
As she drew closer, Glinda spotted armored knights and their retinues standing guard around the pavilion. A dozen young women, all gorgeously dressed in flowing silk under gaudily decorated cuirasses, encircled the pavilion as well. She hadn't seen Jezebelle's Companions, all Lesser Witches, in over a decade.
“Welcome to the Sapphire Court, Glinda Upland,” a tall, stern Companion called as Glinda landed.
Glinda remained kneeling on her carpet a moment, looking around. It was awfully muddy, and it was hard enough walking in heels as it were. So she cast a spell that made her levitate up, and glide toward the entrance.
“Greetings, Companion. Announce me.”
The brunette quickly moved over and pulled the flaps aside so Glinda could float inside, and then followed her. She found the interior hot and stuffy, but the ground was covered in thick rugs. Utilitarian camp furniture filled the space, with several seating areas and a large table. Curtains hid the back of the pavilion.
Jezebelle and a dozen men surrounded the large table, and they all turned to regard Glinda with wary eyes. Except for Jezebelle, who smiled brightly.
“Great One, your sister Witch, Glinda Upland,” the Companion announced in a very official tone.
“Be welcome, sister,” Jezebelle said, coming around the table to greet her guest.
Glinda dropped her feet to the ground and settled down. She met the Wicked Witch halfway, giving her a warm hug. And then she kissed the platinum blonde on the corner of her mouth. That gave Jezebelle pause.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, sister,” Glinda said. “But you always were the most beautiful of the Cardinal Witches.”
Jezebelle had chosen a metallic blue bustier and matching thigh boots, with a slit skirt of sky blue. A solid silver collar encircled her slender throat, with a glittering sapphire. Glinda could feel the magic radiating from that powerful defensive enchantment.
“And your silver tongue has always been your most potent weapon, sister.”
Glinda caught her eyes and gave her a sultry look. She felt the connection, and from Jezebelle's expression, the feeling was mutual.
She pressed up close, whispering in the Wicked Witch's ear, “My tongue's most potent talent is not as a weapon, my dear.”
“So,” Jezebelle said, noticeably breathless. “To what do we owe the honor of your visit?”
“Our enemies are afoot, and up to some kind of mischief,” she said, heading over to the table. After Jezebelle introduced everyone, Glinda turned to regard the table. It was a mockup of Munchkin Country and Oz. The Witch swirled her wand over the table, causing everything to shrink until Gillikin, Quadling, and Winkie Countries were also on the table. “Neither General Nick Chopper nor the Warlord Lion have been seen in the last few days. My intelligence says they have left Emerald City on some secret mission.”
“Are they coming after me?” Jezebelle asked. “Is that why you're here?”
“I don't know where they are, or what they plan,” she replied. “But I intend to find out and stop it. Though, honestl
y, I suspect Dorothy sent one to help Diana's army, and the other to help with Olivia's. Their battle skills are second only to Scarecrow.”
“Do you want me to turn south and engage Diana?”
Glinda caught the other Witch's eyes. Such a beautiful shade of blue, too. She held Jezebelle's eyes just long enough to make it sizzle.
“I want you…” she said. And then broke eye contact, and said, “I need your army to continue marching on Emerald City. Though, I'd really like you to spread out and burn every Ozian village and town to the ground as you pass through.”
“Don't worry about that, Great One,” one of the Munchkin Great Lords said. “We excel at pillaging and plundering. We'll leave a scorched earth in our path.”
“Excellent. Tomorrow, I'll see what I can do to help you get your host across the river faster,” she said. “Maybe seeing this magnificent army bearing down on Emerald City will force Dorothy to recall her two greatest generals.”
Glinda tapped a spot in Gillikin country with her wand. A doll sized figure of Olivia rose up. “Olivia is marshalling her army here.” Moving over to Quadling Country on the mockup, she tapped another spot near the border with Oz. “Diana's army is already assembled, and waits right here. I'm not sure why she hasn't started for Emerald City yet.” Finally, she tapped a spot in Winkie Country, right on the border with Oz. “Wanda's army is on the move as we speak. I expect them to cross into Oz this afternoon. She'll be smashing against the walls of Emerald City within a week.”
Glinda looked around the table. No one seemed alarmed or concerned. Finally, she tapped a spot deep inside Munchkin Country.
“Meanwhile, the Munchkin army is mired in the mud here, so will arrive too late to be of any use if we don't do something quickly,” she said.
“Where is your army?” Jezebelle asked. Glinda indicated a spot to the southwest of Emerald City. “Oh. Wow. You're fast.”
“We have a reputation to maintain,” Glinda said. “I've hidden my force as well as I can while I await the arrival of East and West. I need you to hurry. Wanda and I cannot defeat the combined might of North, South, and the Grand Imperial Army. We need Munchkin, and fast.”
Wrath of a Wonderfully Wicked Witch (Return to Oz With a Vengeance Book 2) Page 11