They all fell silent. Each (even Jack) knew they were at the mercy of this King, and had to do as he said. Jack whined a bit, and looked to Tik-Tok and Mac before looking as stern as a pumpkin headed man could and clenched his tree branch fists as best he could. "I find horsie!" he declared bravely.
"Er... yeah... you take care of yourself, Jack." Mac leant in closer, speaking into one of Jack's eye sockets. "You too Billina."
"Mac. This place isn't like home at all." the small chicken replied quietly.
And for the second time, Mac watched sadly as one (technically two) of his friends vanished into the room. Tik-Tok, Mac, and the King waited again. As before, a low rumbling noise filled the air after long enough, meaning Jack had tried once already and failed. Mac could all but imagine the pumpkin head walking through all these breakables, being lost and confused over which way to go, or what to pick. And poor Billina, hiding in his head as well. It was then second rumble filled the air.
"One turn left." the King said in a merry voice, who for some reason seemed to had become not only a bit younger, but also more human since the Gump had lost. His features weren't so rocky, but he was still one with the rock. Maybe it was a trick of the lights? Mac lost his concentration since the violent shaking of the room confirmed his fears. Jack had lost. Now he, and Billina, had been turned into ornaments in the collection. The King let out a bark of laughter, and clapped his hands which now, most definitely, looked more human.
"Next! Copper Block there."
"No wor-ry Mac." Tik-Tok said, "Tik-Tok no fail." he grinned at Mac, before turning and hopping away through the tunnel and into the room.
Thus leaving Mac and the Gnome King alone. Mac looked at the King, who definitely looked more solid and human. "I'm just wondering something..." Mac said.
"What is that?" the King asked, puffing on his pipe.
"You seem to be only in control of rocks and things... but how'd you turn the people of Oz into statues?" he asked.
"Ah, good question. I was waiting for you to ask me that. I can do those things, because of these." since he was now more human, and seemed to be now properly sat in a seat and wearing clothes he pulled back on the royal robes covering his legs. There, on his feet, were some very familiar shoes.
"My shoes!" Mac gasped, for they were indeed. The sparkling, red ruby shoes that had once belonged to the Wicked Witch of the East were now perched on the feet of the King of Gnomes.
"No, no." the King shook his finger as his feet vanished back into the robes. "Mine. You see one day they just... fell out of the sky. And since they are made from rubies, which my Gnomes make, that makes them mine now. And when that straw headed dolt took control of the land I knew I was better suited for it. So I simply... wished the whole city into stone! Simply marvellous, isn't it?"
Mac just glared at the King. He knew now, the only hope that Oz had returning to normal was him, and Tik-Tok. Even if there is the tinest shred of hope left flickering in the darkness, it's better then nothing.
To be continued
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