Page 67 of Witch Queens: Tales from Oz

“I shall have the guards questioned immediately,” Gregory said, motioning for one of his servants to do his bidding. “I doubt she was allowed inside of the gates, but if she were to attempt to enter, my men will know. How is it possible that she came to Oz?”

I glanced at Scarecrow unwittingly, “It is my understanding that she is from a faraway land called, Kansas. But as to how she came or what means she used to bring an entire house with her, I am not sure.”

“What kind of witch is she?” Glinda asked hesitantly. “We have never had another witch outside of the family.”

Gregory raised a brow, “Feeling threatened?”

“Uncertain is all,” she replied, “I don’t like the idea of witches doing bad things. It might give us a reputation.”

“Everyone knows that witches are the kindest, gentlest of creatures,” Gregory extended a hand toward my sister and I wanted to vomit.

I must have made a sound because he turned to glare at me.

“However, present company has given me a reason to question this theory.”

I smirked, “Ah, Greggy-poo, I hadn’t thought you had noticed!”

His face reddened, but before he could respond Scarecrow interjected.

“There are a few ways one can travel in and out of Oz, but it is not an easy task.”

“How?”

I was glad that Glinda had blurted out the question and not me.

“It takes a great deal of magic, which it appears, she may have. But one also must have permission from one of the trustees of Oz.” Scarecrow turned to one of the servants to indicate that his wine glass needed refilling.

“Trustees?” I had never heard this before, “Who are they?”

Scarecrow shrugged, “That would be something to ask your father. It usually takes three magical beings to be powerful enough to keep a place as large as Oz off the map.”

“Are you saying that there is a whole other world just beyond the borders?” I asked incredulously.

He smiled, and my stomach fell into my feet. Scarecrow’s eyes lit as if he knew the effect he was having on me.

“There is nothing beyond our borders,” Glinda replied rashly. “It is impossible for anything to live or even survive out there.”

Scarecrow lifted a brow but didn’t speak.

How could my sister be so stupid? Scarecrow had come from the outside, had she forgotten that?

Shaking my head, I turned to Gregory, “How long before we will know anything from your border patrol?”

“I would imagine sooner rather than later,” he mused, “More creamed corn?”

**

IT WAS AS DESSERT WASbeing served, that Gregory was suddenly called from dinner.

Glinda whipped her head to hiss under her breath, “Why couldn’t they just tell him here? What do you suppose is going on?”

Scarecrow turned his head as if he couldn’t hear her overly loud whisper.

I rolled my eyes, “Glinda, why are you whispering?”

“He’s not family!”

Good Lord.

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