Chapter 14. The Winged Monkeys

The castle of the Wicked Witch and the Emerald City weren't connected by any path or road. When the four travelers tried to find the Witch, she noticed them. She sent Winged Monkeys to carry them to her castle.

It was much harder to find their way back through the big fields of buttercups and yellow
daisies than it was being carried.

They knew they had to travel east, towards the sunrise. They started in the correct direction. But at midday, they lost their bearings with the sun directly overhead. Unable to distinguish east from west, they lost their way in the fields.

Despite this, they continued to walk. At night, the moon came out and glowed brightly. They slept among the fragrant yellow flowers until morning, except for the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman.

The next morning, the sun was hidden behind a cloud. Still, they started their journey as if they knew their direction.

"We'll arrive somewhere if we walk long enough," Dorothy declared.

However, days went by, and they saw nothing but the scarlet fields. The Scarecrow started to complain.

"We are definitely lost," he grumbled. "Without finding our way, I'll never get my brains in the Emerald City."

"I won't get my heart," the Tin Woodman added. "I can't wait to reach Oz; this journey feels very long."

The Cowardly Lion whimpered, "I lack the courage to walk forever without reaching any place."

Dorothy started to lose hope. She sat down on the grass, looking at her companions. They sat down and looked at her. Toto, for the first time, was too tired to chase a passing butterfly. Instead, he panted and looked at Dorothy as if questioning their next move.

"Maybe we could ask the field mice," Dorothy proposed. "They might know the way to the Emerald City."

"That's a great idea," the Scarecrow exclaimed. "Why didn't we think of that before?"

Dorothy used a small whistle given to her by the Mouse Queen. Soon, they heard the soft patter of tiny feet. Numerous grey mice, including the Queen, hurried towards them. The Queen inquired in a squeaky voice,

"How can I assist my friends?"

"We're lost," Dorothy stated. "Can you tell us where the Emerald City is?"

"Certainly," the Queen responded. "But it's quite far. You've been moving away from it." She then noticed Dorothy's Golden Cap. "Why not use the Cap's charm to call the Winged Monkeys?" she suggested. "They can take you to Oz within an hour."

"I didn't know it had a charm," Dorothy replied, surprised. "What is it?"

"The charm is written inside the Golden Cap," the Queen explained. "But if you call the monkeys, we'll have to leave. They're mischievous and enjoy bothering us."

"Will they harm me?" Dorothy asked with concern.

"Oh, no. They must obey the wearer of the Cap. Goodbye!" She ran away, with mice trailing behind her.

Dorothy looked inside the Golden Cap and found words on the lining. Believing these were a charm, she read them out and wore the Cap.

"Ep-pe, pep-pe, kak-ke!" she uttered, balancing on her left foot.

"What did you say?" the Scarecrow asked, confused by her actions.

"Hil-lo, hol-lo, hel-lo!" Dorothy continued, now standing on her right foot.

"Hello!" the Tin Woodman replied, unfazed.

"Ziz-zy, zuz-zy, zik!" Dorothy said, standing on both feet now. With that, the charm was complete, and the sound of chattering and wings signaled the arrival of Winged Monkeys.

The King respectfully bent down to Dorothy and asked, "What is your command?"

"I want to go to the Emerald City," the young girl replied, "but we're lost."

"We'll take you there," responded the King. Immediately,  two monkeys grabbed Dorothy and flew away with her. Other Monkeys gathered the Scarecrow, Woodman, and Lion. One tiny Monkey grabbed Toto, who attempted fiercely to bite him and followed the others.

Initially, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman felt scared of how the Monkeys had treated them before. Seeing no harm this time, they relaxed, admiring the beautiful gardens and woods below.

Dorothy comfortably sat between two large Monkeys, one being the King. Their hands formed a chair, ensuring she wasn't hurt.

"Why do you have to obey the Golden Cap's charm?" she asked.

"That is a long story," the King said, chuckling. "We've got a long journey, so I'll tell it."

"I'd love to hear it," she replied.

"We were once free," he began. "We lived happily in a big forest, flying from tree to tree. We ate nuts and fruit, doing what we wanted without any master. Maybe some of us were a bit naughty, pulling the tails of animals, chasing birds, and throwing nuts at people in the forest. We were carefree, happy, and full of fun. We enjoyed every minute. This was long before Oz came to rule this land."

"In the North lived a beautiful princess and powerful sorceress, Gayelette," he continued. "She used her magic to help people and never hurt anyone good. She lived in a gorgeous ruby palace. Everyone loved her, but she was sad because she couldn't find anyone to love. All the men were too dumb and ugly for a girl so beautiful and wise. But then, she found a handsome, smart boy. She decided she'd marry him when he grew up. She brought him to her ruby palace and used her magic to make him strong, good, and lovely. When he became a man named Quelala, he was the wisest and best-looking man in the country. Gayelette loved him deeply and quickly prepared for their wedding."

"My granddad was the King of the Winged Monkeys living near Gayelette's palace," the King continued. "He loved jokes more than food. One day, before the wedding, he saw Quelala by the river. Quelala was wearing a fancy pink and purple outfit. My granddad decided to play a prank. On his command, the monkeys grabbed Quelala and flew over the river. Then, they dropped him in the water.

"'Swim out, my guy,' my grandfather shouted, 'and see if the water has stained your clothes.'  Quelala wisely swam to shore, not upset at all. He laughed as he surfaced. But when Gayelette ran to him, she saw the river had ruined his silks and velvet."

"Gayelette was mad and knew who was responsible," he continued. "She ordered the Winged Monkeys to be brought to her. She first wanted to tie their wings and drop them in the river, just like Quelala. But my granddad pleaded, knowing they'd drown. Quelala also spoke up for them. So, Gayelette let them off, but on one condition: they would have to obey three commands of the Golden Cap's owner. The Cap was Quelala's wedding gift, costing Gayelette half her kingdom. Naturally, my granddad and the monkeys agreed. That's why we must obey the Golden Cap's owner, whoever they are."

"And what happened to them?" Dorothy, very intrigued, asked.

"Quelala, the first owner of the Golden Cap, made the first requests," the Monkey answered. "His wife didn't like us, so he told us to stay out of her sight after they married. We were happy to do that because we feared her.

Nothing else happened until the Wicked Witch of the West got the Golden Cap. She made us enslave the Winkies and kick out Oz from the West Land. Now you own the Golden Cap and can make three wishes."

Dorothy saw the Emerald City's green, shiny walls ahead as the Monkey King ended his tale. She was amazed by the Monkeys' fast flight but was happy it was over. The creatures gently put them down at the City gate. The King bowed to Dorothy, then quickly flew away with his band.

"That was a fun ride," the little girl said.

"Yes, and it helped us escape our problems," the Lion replied. "It's lucky you took that magical Cap!"