Page 71 of Witch Queens: Tales from Oz

Dorothy’s face was the picture of innocent confusion.

“Whatever are you talking about? I am only trying to find a way for my little dog Toto and me to get home.”

Her sickeningly sweet voice grated on my nerves, “Why did you kill the Munchkin’s?”

She blinked, “I could never hurt those adorable little people. After all, they went on and on about how killing you had released them from captivity.”

My jaw was starting to ache from clenching my teeth, “They are not oppressed, just damn lazy. And I am not dead!”

Dorothy’s lower lip pouted, “No, I can see that you are very much alive.” She shrugged her shoulders, “It’s a pity that, but some things can’t be helped.”

Scarecrow took a step forward, “Did you just threaten, Indy?”

“Oh, goodness, no!” Dorothy feigned shock, “I could never do such a thing!”

“What do you want with Oz?” I demanded.

For the first time, there was a tiny crack in her armor. It was so quick, so brief, that had I not been staring at her, I would have missed it. The flash of hatred and ill will in her gaze was baffling. What could Oz have done to her to cause such hatred?

“I only wish to go home,” Dorothy said coldly. “There is nothing here for me.”

The childish lilt in her voice was missing this time.

“Then leave,” I spat. My magic was tingling in my fingers, but I knew better than to get myself into a fight against an unknown witch. If Dorothy left of her own accord, everything would just go away.

Her smile was as malicious as it was depreciating. “Poor Bastinda, doesn’t know all the ins and outs of the world. One cannot merely leave Oz. Nothing is done without permission from the Trustees.”

“They won’t let you leave?” I was astounded. “Who are they? I will make them!”

Dorothy’s laugh was akin to nails scraping down a chalkboard, “You fool, do you honestly think that you will save the day? That you alone, are enough to change the world? Some things cannot be fixed. They are unalterable.”

“I will get them to agree. I know my father is one, who are the other two?”

Dorothy narrowed her brown eyes, “Nessa Rose has given her permission, as has your father, but the Wizard of Oz refuses even to discuss it. He won’t see me, or anyone for that matter.”

“Is the violence only to gain his attention?” I gasped.

She smirked, “Maybe you aren’t as stupid as you look.”

I didn’t know the Wizard well, though, he did indeed live in Emerald City. His castle was not far from Father’s palace. But he was said to be a miser. Part mad with grief from losing his family hundreds of years ago, and more than a little bit insane from living too long on the earth.

“We will go to him for you,” I promised, ignoring Scarecrow’s sharp inhalation. "But you must leave Munchkin Land. I cannot have you destroying my people.”

“But it is so fun!” she pouted.

“And I want my damn shoes back,” I demanded.

Dorothy shook her head, “Not going to happen.”

“Are we really arguing about shoes?” Scarecrow tried to interject some sense.

I huffed, “Fine! Keep the damn shoes, but you will leave my territory if you wish for us to try and help you.”

Dorothy pretended to consider, and I wanted to wring her neck right there.

“Deal!” She said happily, “I will just go into the northern country, that is your sister Mombi’s land isn’t it?”

I didn’t like the way she was grinning, “You promised to stay out of trouble.”

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