Chapter XI The Wicked Witch of the West

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As the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, the intrepid adventurers gathered their belongings and set out to find the soldier with the emerald-colored whiskers. With the soldier as their guide, they navigated the labyrinthine streets of the city, finally arriving at the Guardian of the Gate. With a flick of his wrist, the Guardian swung open the gate, granting the friends passage. Grateful for his assistance, they bid him farewell and turned their gaze westward, embarking on a journey over fields of velvety grass adorned with delightful daisies and vibrant buttercups. The Emerald City quickly faded into the distance as they pressed forward.

But as they ventured deeper into the unknown, the once radiant land grew shrouded in an ominous darkness. The desolation that lay before them was a stark contrast to its former splendor, now marred by decaying trees and ruined homes. It was evident that this land had once basked in the warm embrace of the sun before succumbing to the witch's tyranny. Dorothy couldn't help but voice her concerns, "It's so dark here, I fear we may have lost our way." The Scarecrow, ever the optimist, replied, "I don't see her castle yet, but we must be getting closer."

Meanwhile, deep within the ominous confines of her fortress, the sorceress reveled in the exhilarating thrill of stumbling upon Dorothy and her companions traversing her mystical realm. Her mystical crystal ball lay shattered, leaving her with only a solitary working eye to survey her vast domain, albeit offering a mere glimpse of the sprawling land of Oz. Rising regally from her ornate throne, the Wicked Witch of the West unveiled herself—a bewitching sight, an enchantress disguised as an aging yet glamorous sorceress, with a wild mane of fiery red curls. Bedecked in a resplendent gown of black and gold, she wore a neckpiece adorned with gleaming golden spikes, ominously poised to impale any foolhardy soul who dared approach her. One of her eyes glowed with an eerie blue light, radiating an otherworldly aura, while the other, forever blind, retained its natural hue. With a malevolent grin stretching across her face, she proclaimed, "Finally, I have ensnared you, Dorothy Gale." Fueled by an unyielding determination to confront her prey, the Wicked Witch of the West strode purposefully through the labyrinthine corridors of her fortress, making her way towards a dimly lit courtyard shrouded in mystery and trepidation.

Once outside, the witch produced a whistle from the depths of her dark cloak and blew it with a commanding force. In an instant, a pack of wolves came bounding towards her, their long legs, fierce eyes, and razor-sharp teeth bared with ferocity. "Dorothy Gale and her companions have trespassed in my domain," the witch hissed. "Destroy them all, except for the ruby slippers adorning the girl's feet. Bring them to me!" Without hesitation, the wolves dashed off at breakneck speed, followed closely by their malevolent master.

 Bring them to me!" Without hesitation, the wolves dashed off at breakneck speed, followed closely by their malevolent master

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The travelers caught sight of the approaching wolves, their hearts gripped with fear. Sensing the impending danger, the Tin Woodman stepped forward, asserting, "This battle is mine. Stand behind me, and I shall face them head-on." Following his instructions, the others positioned themselves behind the valiant Woodman, who firmly grasped his impeccably sharpened axe. As the leader of the wolf pack lunged towards him, the Tin Woodman swung his arm with precision, severing the wolf's head from its body, ending its life in an instant. Time and again, the Woodman's axe descended upon each wolf that dared to challenge him, until forty lifeless bodies lay strewn before him.

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