 Chapter 1 of Glenda of Oz. Glenda of Oz by L. Frank Baum In which are related the exciting experiences of Princess Osma of Oz and Dorothy in their hazardous journey to the home of the Flatheads and to the magic Isle of the Skeezers and how they were rescued from dire peril by the sorcery of Glenda the Good by L. Frank Baum, Royal Historian of Oz. This book is dedicated to my son Robert Stanton Baum. Chapter 1 The Call to Duty Glenda, the good sorceress of Oz, sat in the grand court of her palace, surrounded by her maids of honor, a hundred of the most beautiful girls of the fairyland of Oz. The palace court was built of rare marbles, exquisitely polished, fountains tinkled musically here and there, the vast colonnade open to the south, loud the maidens as they raised their heads from their embroideries, and gaze upon a vista of rose-hued fields and groves of trees bearing fruits or lay in with sweet scented flowers. At times one of the girls would start a song, the others joining in the chorus, or one would rise and dance, gracefully swaying to the music of a harp played by a companion. And then Glenda smiled, glad to see her maids mixing play with work. Presently among the fields an object was seen moving, threading the broad path and led to the castle gate. Some of the girls looked upon this object ambiously. The sorceress merely gave it a glance and nodded her stately head as if pleased, for it meant the coming of her friend and mistress, the only one in all the land that Glenda bowed to. Then up the path trotted a wooden animal attached to a red wagon, and as the quaint steed halted at the gate, there descended from the wagon two young girls, Osma, ruler of Oz, and her companion, Princess Dorothy. Both were dressed in simple white muslin gowns, and as they ran up the marble steps of the palace, they laughed and chatted as gaily as if they were not the most important persons in the world's loveliest fairyland. The maids of honor had risen and stood with bowed heads to greet the royal Osma, while Glenda came forward without stretched arms to greet her guests. We've just come on a visit, you know, said Osma. Both Dorothy and I were wondering how we should pass the day when we happened to think we'd not been to your quaddling country for weeks, so we took the saw-horse and rode straight here. And we came so fast, added Dorothy, that our heritage is blown and all fuzzy, for the saw-horse makes a wind of his own. Usually it's a day's journey from the Emerald City, but I don't suppose we were two hours on the way. Your most welcome, said Glenda the Sorceress, and led them through the court to her magnificent reception hall. Osma took the arm of her hostess, but Dorothy lagged behind, kissing some of the maids she knew best, talking with others and making them all feel that she was their friend. At last she joined Glenda and Osma in the reception hall, she found them talking earnestly about the condition of the people, and how to make them more happy and contented, although they were already the happiest and most contented folks in all the world. This interested Osma, of course, but it didn't interest Dorothy very much, so the little girl ran over to a big table on which was lying open Glenda's great book of records. This book is one of the greatest treasures in Oz, and the Sorceress prizes it more highly than any of her magical possessions. It is the reason it is firmly attached to the big marble table by means of golden chains, and whenever Glenda leaves home she locks the great book together with five jeweled padlocks and carries the keys safely hidden in her bosom. I do not suppose there is any magical thing in any fairyland to compare with the record book, on the pages of which are constantly being printed a record of every event that happens in any part of the world at exactly the moment it happens. And the records are always truthful, although sometimes they do not give as many details as one could wish, but then lots of things happen so the records have to be brief, or even Glenda's great book cannot hold them all. Glenda looked at the records several times each day, and Dorothy, whenever she visited the Sorceress, loved to look in the book and see what was happening everywhere. Not much was recorded about the land of Oz, which is usually peaceful and uneventful, but today Dorothy found something which interested her. Indeed, the printed letters were appearing on the page even while she looked. This is funny, she exclaimed. Did you know, Osma, that there were people in your land of Oz called Skizers? Yes, replied Osma, coming to her side. I know that on Professor Wogglebug's map of the land of Oz there is a place marked Skizer, but what the Skizers are, like I do not know. The Skizer country is way at the upper edge of the Gilkin country, with the sandy and passable desert on one side, and the mountains of Uggaboo on another side. That is a part of the land of Oz of which I know very little. I guess no one else knows much about it either, unless it's the Skizers themselves, remarked Dorothy, but the book says the Skizers of Oz have declared war on the flatheads of Oz, and there is likely to be fighting in much trouble as for the result. Is that all the book says? asked Osma. Every word, said Dorothy, and Osma and Glinda both looked at the record and seemed surprised and perplexed. Tell me, Glinda, said Osma, who are the flatheads? I cannot, Your Majesty, confess the sorcerers, until now I have never heard of them, nor have I ever heard the Skizers mentioned. In the far away corners of Oz are hidden many curious tribes of people, and those who never leave their own countries never visit by those from our favorite part of Oz naturally are unknown to me. However, if you so desire, I can learn through my arts of sorcery something of the Skizers and the Flatheads. I wish you would, answered Osma seriously. You see, Glinda, if these are Oz people, they are my subjects, and I cannot allow any wars or troubles in the land I rule if I can possibly help it. Very well, Your Majesty, said the sorcerers, I will try to get some information to guide you. Please excuse me for a time while I retire to my room with magic and sorcery. May I go with you, asked Dorothy eagerly? No, Princess, was their play. It would spoil the charm to have anyone present. So Glinda locked herself in her own room of magic, and Dorothy and Osma waited patiently for her to come out again. In about an hour, Glinda appeared, looking grave and thoughtful. Your Majesty, she said to Osma, the Skizers live on a magic aisle in the Great Lake. For that reason, because the Skizers deal in magic, I can learn little about them. Why, I didn't know there was a lake in that part of Oz, exclaimed Osma. The map shows a river running through the Skizer country, but no lake. That is because the person who made the map never had visited that part of the country, exclaimed the sorcerers. The lake surely is there, and in the lake is an island, a magic aisle. And on that island lives the people called the Skizers. What are they like, inquired the ruler of Oz? My magic cannot tell me that, confessed Glinda, for the magic of the Skizers prevents anyone outside of their domain knowing anything about them. The Flatheads must know if they're going to fight the Skizers, suggested Dorothy. Perhaps so, Glinda replied, but I can get little information concerning the Flatheads either. They are people who inhabit a mountain just south of the lake of the Skizers. The mountain has steep sides and a broad hollow top like a basin, and in this basin the Flatheads have their dwellings. They also are magic workers who usually keep to themselves and allow no one from outside to visit them. I have learned that the Flatheads number about one hundred people, men, women, and children, while the Skizers number just one hundred and one. What did they quarrel about, and why do they wish to fight one another, was Ozma's next question. I cannot tell your majesty that, said Glinda. But see here, cried Dorothy, it's against the law for anyone but Glinda and the wizard to work magic in the land of Oz. So if these two strange people are magic makers, they are breaking the law and not to be punished. Ozma smiled upon her little friend. Those who do not know near my laws, she said, cannot be expected to obey my laws. If we know nothing of the Skizers or the Flatheads, it is likely that they know nothing of us. But they ought to know Ozma, and we ought to know. Who's going to tell them, and how are we going to make them behave? That, returned Ozma, is what I am now considering. What would you advise, Glinda? The sorceress took a little time to consider this question, before she made her ply. Then she said, had you not learned of the existence of the Flatheads and the Skizers through my book of records, you would never have worried about them or their quarrels. So if you pay no attention to these peoples, you may never hear of them again. But that wouldn't be right, declared Ozma. I am ruler of all the land of Oz, which includes the Gilligan Country, the Quaddling Country, the Winky Country, and the Munchkin Country, as well as the Emerald City. And being the princess of the Fairyland, it is my duty to make all the people, wherever they may be, happy and content and to settle their disputes and keep them from quarreling. So, while the Skizers and Flatheads may not know me, or that I am their lawful ruler, I now know that they inhabit my kingdom and are my subjects, so I would not be doing my duty if I kept away from them and allowed them to fight. That's a fact, Ozma, commented Dorothy. You've got to go up to the Gilligan Country and make these people behave themselves and make up their quarrels. But how are you going to do it? That is what is puzzling me also, Your Majesty, said the Sorceress. It may be dangerous for you to go into those strange countries where the people are possibly fierce and warlike. I am not afraid, said Ozma with a smile. Tisn't a question of being afraid, argued Dorothy. Of course we know you're a fairy and can't be killed or hurt. We know you have a lot of magic of your own to help you. But Ozma, dear, in spite of all this, you've been in trouble before on account of wicked enemies, and it isn't right for the ruler of all Oz to put herself in danger. Perhaps I shall be in no danger at all, returned Ozma with a little laugh. You mustn't imagine danger, Dorothy. For one should only imagine nice things, and we do not know that the skeezers in the flat heads are wicked people or my enemies. Perhaps they would be good and listen to reason. Dorothy is right, Your Majesty, asserted the Sorceress. It is true we know nothing of these far away subjects, except that they intend to fight one another and have a certain amount of magic power at their command. Such folks do not like to submit to interference, and they are more likely to resent your coming among them than to receive you kindly and graciously as is your doom. If you had an army to take with you, added Dorothy, it wouldn't be so bad, but there isn't such a thing as an army in all Oz. I have one soldier, said Ozma. Yes, the soldier with the green whiskers, but he's dreadful afraid of his gun and never loads it. I'm sure he'd rather run than fight. And one soldier, even if he were brave, couldn't do much against 201 flat heads and skeezers. What then, my friends, would you suggest, inquired Ozma? I advise you to send the Wizard of Oz to them, and let him inform them that it is against the laws of Oz to fight, and that you command them to settle their differences and become friends, proposed Glinda. Let the Wizard tell them they will be punished if they refuse to obey the commands of the Princess of all the land of Oz. Ozma shook her head to indicate that the advice was not to her satisfaction. If they refused what then, she asked, I should be obliged to carry out my threat and punish them, and that would be an unpleasant and difficult thing to do. I am sure it would be better for me to go peacefully without an army and armed only with my authority as ruler and plead with them to obey me. Then if they prove obstinate, I could resort to other means to win their obedience. It's a ticklish thing anyway, you look at it, Cy Dorothy. I'm sorry now that I noticed the record in the great book. But can't you realize, my dear, that I must do my duty now that I am aware of this trouble? Ask DOSMA. I am fully determined to go at once to the magic isle of the Schesers and to the enchanted mountain of the Flatheads and prevent war and strife between their inhabitants. The only question to decide is whether it is better for me to go alone or assemble a party of my friends and loyal supporters to accompany me. If you go, I want to go too, declared Dorothy. Whatever happens, it's going to be fun, because all excitement is fun and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Neither Osmar or Glinda paid any attention to this statement, for they were gravely considering the serious aspect of this proposed adventure. There are plenty of friends who would like to go with you, said the sorcerers, but none of them would forge your majesty any protection in case you were in danger. You are yourself the most powerful fairy in Oz, although both I and the Wizard have more varied arts of magic at our command. However, you have one art that no other in all the world can equal. The art of winning hearts and making people loved about your gracious presence. For that reason, I believe you can accomplish more good alone than with a large number of subjects in your train. I believe that also, agreed the princess. I shall be quite able to take care of myself, you know, but might not be able to protect others so well. I do not look for opposition, however. I shall speak to these people in kindly words and settle their dispute, whatever it may be, in a just manner. Aren't you going to take me, pleaded Dorothy? You'll need some companion, Osmar, the princess smiled upon her little friend. I see no reason why you should not accompany me, was her reply. Two girls are not very warlike, and they will not suspect us of being on any errand but a kindly and peaceful one. But in order to prevent war and strife between these angry peoples, we must go to them at once. Let us return immediately to the Emerald City and prepare to start on our journey early tomorrow morning. Glinda was not quite satisfied with this plan, but could not think of any better way to meet the problem. She knew that Osmar, with all her gentleness and sweet disposition, was accustomed to abide by any decisions she had made, and could not easily be turned from her purpose. Moreover, she could see no great danger to the very ruler of Oz in the undertaking, even though the unknown people she was to visit proved obstinate. But Dorothy was not a fairy, she was a little girl who had come from Kansas to live in the land of Oz. Dorothy might encounter dangers that to Ozma would be as nothing but to an earth child would be very serious. The fact that Dorothy lived in Oz and had been made a princess by her friend Ozma prevented her from being killed for suffering any great bodily pain as long as she lived in that fairy land. She could not grow big either and would always remain the same little girl who had come to Oz unless in some way she left that fairy land or was spirited away from it. But Dorothy was immortal nevertheless and might possibly be destroyed or hidden where none of her friends could ever find her. She could, for instance, be cut into pieces, and the pieces while still alive and free from pain could be widely scattered, or she might be buried deep underground or destroyed in other ways by evil magicians, were she not properly protected. These facts Glinda was considering while she pasted with stately tread her marital foe. Finally, the good sorceress paused and drew a ring from her finger, handing it to Dorothy. Where this ring constantly until your return, she said to the girl, if serious danger threatens you, turn the ring around on your finger once to the right and another to the left. That will ring the alarm bell in my palace and I will at once come to your rescue, but do not use the ring unless you are actually in danger of destruction. While you remain with Princess Oz and I believe she will be able to protect you from all lesser ills. Thank you Glinda, responded Dorothy gratefully as she placed the ring on her finger. I'm going to wear my magic belt which I took from the known beam too, so I guess I'll be safe from anything the skeezers and blood heads will try to do to me. Osma had arrangements to make before she could leave her throne in her palace in the Emerald City, even for a trip of a few days. So she bade goodbye to Glinda and with Dorothy climbed into the red wagon. A word to the wooden saw horse started that astonishing creature on their turn journey and so swiftly did he run that Dorothy was unable to talk or do anything but hold tight to her seat. All the way back to the Emerald City. End of Chapter 1 The Call to Duty This reading by Luke Nelson Chapter 2 of Glinda of Oz This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 2, Osma and Dorothy Residing in Osma's palace at this time was a live scarecrow, a most remarkable and intelligent creature who had once ruled the land of Oz for a brief period and was much loved and respected by all the people. Once a munchkin farmer had stuffed an old suit of clothes with straw and put stuffed boots on the feet and used a pair of stuffed cotton gloves for hands. The head of the scarecrow was a stuffed sack fastened to the body with eyes, nose, mouth and ears painted on the sack. When a hat had been put on his head, this thing was a good imitation of a man. The farmer placed the scarecrow on a pole in his cornfield and it came to life in a curious manner. Dorothy, who was passing by the field, was hailed by the live scarecrow and lifted him off the pole. He then went with her to the Emerald City where the Wizard of Oz gave him some excellent brains and the scarecrow soon became an important personage. Osma considered the scarecrow one of her best friends and most loyal subjects, so the morning after her visit to Glinda she asked him to take her place as ruler of the land of Oz while she was absent on a journey and the scarecrow at once consented without asking any questions. Osma had warned Dorothy to keep their journey a secret and say nothing to anyone about the skeezers and flatheads until their return and Dorothy promised to obey. She longed to tell her girlfriends Tiny Trot and Betsy Bobbin of the adventure they were undertaking but reprained from saying a word on the subject although both these girls lived with her in Osma's palace. Indeed only Glinda the Sorceress knew they were going until after they had gone and even then the Sorceress didn't know what their errand might be. Princess Osma took the saw horse and the red wagon although she was not sure there was a wagon rode all the way to the land of the skeezers. The land of Oz is a pretty big place surrounded on all sides by a deadly desert which is impossible to cross and the skeezer country according to the map was in the farthest northwestern part of Oz bordering on the north desert as the Emerald City was exactly in the center of Oz it was no small journey from there to the skeezers. Around the Emerald City the country is thickly settled in every direction but the farther away you get from the city the fewer people there are until those parts that border on the desert of small populations. Also those far away sections are a little known to the Oz people except in the south where Glinda lives and where Dorothy had often wandered on trips of exploration. The least known of all is the Gillican country which harbors many strange bands of people among its mountains and valleys and forests and streams and Ozma was now bound for the most distant part of the Gillican country. I am really sorry, said Ozma to Dorothy as they rode away in the red wagon, not to know more about the wonderful land I rule. It is my duty to be acquainted with every tribe of people and every strange and hidden country in all Oz but I am kept so busy at my palace making laws and planning for the comforts of those who live near the Emerald City that I do not often find time to make long journeys. Well, replied Dorothy, we'll probably find out a lot on this trip and we'll learn all about the skeezers and flatheads anyhow. Time doesn't make much difference in the land of Oz because we don't grow up or get old or become sick and die as they do other places so if we explore one place at a time we'll buy and buy know all about every nook and corner in Oz. Dorothy wore around her waist the gnome king's magic belt which protected her from harm and the magic ring which Glinda had given her was on her finger. Ozma had merely slipped a small silver wand into the bosom of her gown for fairies do not use chemicals and herbs and tools of wizards and sorcerers to perform their magic. The silver wand was Ozma's one weapon of offense and defense and by its use she could accomplish many things. They had left the Emerald City just at sunrise and the sawhorse traveled very swiftly over the roads toward the north but in a few hours the wooden animal had to slack in his pace because the farmhouses had become few and far between and often there were no paths at all in the direction they wished to follow. At such times they crossed the fields avoiding groups of trees and forging the streams and rivulets whenever they came to them. But finally they reached a broad hillside closely covered with scrubby brush through which the wagon could not pass. It will be difficult even for you and me to get through without tearing our dresses said Ozma so we must leave the sawhorse and the wagon here until our return. That's alright Dorothy replied. I'm tired riding anyhow. Do you suppose Ozma were anywhere near the skis or country? I cannot tell Dorothy dear but I know we've been going in the right direction so we are sure to find it in time. The scrubby brush was almost like a grove of small trees for it reached as high as the heads of the two girls neither of whom was very tall. They were obliged to thread their way in and out until Dorothy was afraid they would get lost and finally they were halted by a curious thing that barred their further progress. It was a huge web as if woven by a gigantic spider and the delicate lacy film was fast and stoutly to the branches of the bushes and continued to the right and left in the form of a half circle. The threads of this web were of a brilliant purple color and woven into numerous artistic patterns but it reached from the ground to the branches above the heads of the girls and formed a sort of fence that hedged them in. It doesn't look very strong though said Dorothy. I wonder if we could break through. She tried but found the web stronger than it seemed. All her efforts could not break a single thread. We must go back I think and try to get around this peculiar web Ozma decided. So they turned to the right and following the web they found that it seemed to spread in a rectangular circle. On and on they went until finally Ozma said they had returned to the exact spot from which they had started. Here is a handkerchief you dropped when we were here before she said to Dorothy. In that case they must have built the web behind us after we walked into the trap exclaimed the little girl. True agreed Ozma and enemy has tried to imprison us and they did it too said Dorothy. I wonder who it was. It's a spider web I'm quite sure turned Ozma but it must be the work of enormous spiders. Quite right said a voice behind them. Turning quickly around they beheld a huge purple spider sitting not two yards away and regarding them with its small bright eyes. Then they're crawled from the bushes a dozen more great purple spiders which saluted the first one and said. The web is finished oh king and the strangers are our prisoners. Dorothy did not like the looks of these spiders at all. They had big head sharp claws small eyes and fuzzy hair all over their purple bodies. They look wicked she whispered to Ozma. What shall we do? Ozma gazed upon the spiders with a serious face. What is your object in making us prisoners she inquired. We need someone to keep house for us answered the spider king. There is sweeping and dusting to be done and polishing and washing of dishes and that is work my people disliked to do. So he decided that if any strangers came our way we would capture them and make them our servants. I am princess Ozma ruler of all Oz said the girl with dignity. Well I am king of all spiders was their reply and that makes me your master. Come with me to my palace and I will instruct you in your work. I won't said Dorothy indignantly we won't have anything to do with you. We'll see about that returned the spider in a severe tone. In the next instant he made a dive straight at Dorothy opening the claws in his legs as if to grab and pinch her with the sharp points. But the girl was wearing the magic belt and was not harmed. The spider king could not even touch her. He turned swiftly and made a dash at Ozma but she held her magic wand over his head and the monster recoiled as if had been struck. You'd better let us go Dorothy advised him for you see you can't hurt us. So I see returned the spider king angrily your magic is greater than mine but I'll not help you to escape. You can break the magic what my people have woven you may go if not you must stay here and starve. With that the spider king uttered a peculiar whistle and all the spiders disappeared. There is more magic in my fairyland than I dreamed of remarked the beautiful Ozma with a sigh of regret. It seems that my laws have not been obeyed for even these monstrous spiders defying me by means of magic. Never mind that now said Dorothy let's see what we can do to get out of this trap. They now examined the web with great care and were amazed at its strength. Although finer than the finest silken hairs it resisted all their efforts to work through it even though both grills threw all their weight against it. We must find some instrument with which to cut the threads of the web said Ozma finally. Let us look about for such a tool. So they wandered among the bushes and finally came to a shallow pool of water formed by a small bubbling spring. Dorothy stooped to get a drink and discovered in the water a green crab about as big as her hand. The crab had two big sharp claws and as soon as Dorothy saw them she had an idea that those claws could save them. Come out of the water she called to the crab I want to talk to you. Rather lazily the crab rose to the surface and cut old of a bit of rock with his head above the water he said in a cross voice. What do you want? We want you to cut the web of the purple spiders with your claws so we can get through it. Answer Dorothy you can do that can't you? I suppose so replied the crab but if I do what will you give me? What do you wish Ozma inquired? I wish to be white instead of green said the crab. Green crabs are very common and white ones are rare besides the purple spiders which infest this hillside are afraid of white crabs. Could you make me white if I should agree to cut the web for you? Yes said Ozma I can do that easily and so you may know that I am speaking the truth I will change your color now. She waved her silver wand over the pool and the crab instantly became snow white all except his eyes which remained black. The creature saws reflection in the water and was so delighted that he at once climbed out of the pool and began moving slowly toward the web by backing away from the pool. He moved so very slowly that Dorothy cried out impatiently. Dear me this will never do. Catching the crab in her hand she ran with him to the web. She had to hold him up even then so he could reach with his claws strand after strand of the filmy purple web which he was able to severe with one knit. When enough of the web had been cut to allow them to pass Dorothy ran back to the pool and placed the white crab in the water. After which she rejoined Ozma. They were just in time to escape through the web for several of the purple spiders now appear having discovered that their web had been cut. And had the girls not rushed through this opening the spiders would have quickly repaired the cuts and again imprisoned them. Ozma and Dorothy ran as fast as they could and although the angry spiders threw a number of strands of web after them hoping to lasso them or entangle them in coils they managed to escape and clamber to the top of the hill. End of Chapter 2. Ozma and Dorothy. This reading by Luke Nelson. Chapter 3. Of Glinda of Oz. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. Glinda of Oz. By L. Frank Baum. Chapter 3. The Mist Maidens. From the top of the hill Ozma and Dorothy looked down into the valley beyond and were surprised to find it filled with a floating mist that was as dense as smoke. Nothing in the valley was visible except these rolling waves of mist, but beyond on the other side rose a grassy hill that appeared quite beautiful. Well, said Dorothy, what are we to do Ozma? Walk down into that thick fog and probably get lost in it or wait till it clears away. I'm not sure it will clear away however long we wait, replied Ozma doubtfully. If we wish to get on I think we must venture into the mist. But we can't see where we're going or what we're stepping on, protested Dorothy. There may be dreadful things mixed up in that fog and I'm scared just to think of waiting into it. Even Ozma seemed to hesitate. She was silent and thoughtful for a little while, looking at the rolling drifts that were so gray and forbidding. Finally, she said, I believe this is a mist valley where these moist clouds always remain, for even the sunshine above does not drive them away. Therefore the mist maids must live here and their fairies and should answer my call. She placed her two hands before her mouth forming a hollow with them and uttered a clear thrilling bird-like cry. It floated far out over the mist waves and presently was answered by a similar sound, as of a far-off echo. Dorothy was much impressed. She had seen many strange things since coming to this very country, but here was a new experience. At ordinary times Ozma was just like any little girl one might chance to meet. Simple, merry, lovable as could be, yet with a certain reserve that lent her dignity in her most joyous moods. There were times, however, when seated on her throne and commanding her subjects, or when her very powers were called into use, when Dorothy and all others about her stood in awe of their lovely girl ruler and realized her superiority. Ozma waited. Presently out from the billows rose beautiful forms clothed in fleecy, trailing garments of gray that could stir sleep be distinguished from the mist. Their hair was mist-colored, too. Only their gleaming arms and sweat-pallet faces proved they were living intelligent creatures, answering the call of a sister fairy. Like sea nymphs, they rested on the bosom of the clouds. Their eyes turned questioningly upon the two girls who stood upon the bank. One came quite nearer, and two her Ozma said, Will you please take us to the opposite hillside? We are afraid to venture into the mist. I am Princess Ozma of Oz, and this is my friend Dorothy, a princess of Oz. The mist-maids came nearer, holding out their arms. Without hesitation Ozma advanced and allowed them to embrace her, and Dorothy plucked up courage to follow. Very gently the mist-maids held them. Dorothy thought the arms were cold and misty. They didn't seem real at all, yet they supported the two girls above the surface of the billows and floated with them so swiftly to the green hillside opposite that the girls were astonished to find themselves set upon the grass before they realized they had fairly started. Thank you, said Ozma gratefully, and Dorothy also added her thanks for the service. The mist-maids made no answer, but they smiled and waved their hands in good-bye, as again they floated into the mist and disappeared from view. End of Chapter 3 The Mist-Maidens This reading by Luke Nelson Chapter 4 of Glinda of Oz This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 4 The Magic Tent Well, said Dorothy with a laugh, that was easier than I expected. It's worthwhile sometimes to be a real fairy, but I wouldn't like to be that kind and live in a dreadful fog all the time. They now climbed the bank and found before them a delightful plain that spread for miles in all directions. Fragrant wildflowers were scattered throughout the grass. There were bushes bearing lovely blossoms and luscious fruits, now and then a group of stately trees added to the beauty of the landscape. But there were no dwellings or any signs of life. The farther side of the plain was bordered by a row of palms, and just in front of the palms rose a clearly shaped hill that towered above the plain like a mountain. The sides of this hill were straight up and down. It was a belonging shape, and the top seemed flat in level. Oh ho! cried Dorothy. I'll bet that's the mountain Glinda told us of, for the flatheads live. If it is, replied Osna, the lake of the skisers must be just beyond that line of palm trees. Can you walk that far Dorothy? Of course in time was the prompt answer. I'm sorry we had to leave the saw horse and red wagon behind us, for they'd come in handy just now. But with the end of our journey in sight, a tramp across these pretty green fields won't tire us of it. It was a longer tramp than they suspected, however, and night overtook them before they could reach the flat mountain. So Osna proposed they camp for the night. Dorothy was quite ready to approve. She didn't like to admit to her friend she was tired, but she told herself that her legs had prickers in them, meaning they had began to ache. Usually when Dorothy started on a journey of exploration or adventure, she carried with her a basket of food and other things that a traveler in a strange country might require. But to go away with Osna was quite a different thing as experience had taught her. The fairy ruler of Oz needed her still for a wand, tipped at one end of great sparkling emerald to provide through its magic all that they might need. Therefore Osna, having halted with her companion and selected a smooth grassy spot on the plain, waved her wand in graceful curves and chanted some mystic words in her sweet voice, and in an instant a handsome tent appeared before them. The canvas was striped purple and white, and from the center pole fluttered the royal banner of Oz. Come, dearest, said Osna, taking Dorothy's hand. I am hungry, and I am sure that you must be also, so let us go in and have our feast. On entering the tent they found a table set for two, with snowy linen, bright silver and sparkling glassware, a base of roses in the center, and many dishes of delicious food, some smoking hot, waiting to satisfy their hunger. Also on either side of the tent were beds with satin sheets, warm blankets, and pillows filled with swans down. There were chairs, too, and tall lamps that lighted the interior of the tent with soft rosy glow. Dorothy, arresting herself at her fairy's friend's command and eating her dinner with unusual enjoyment, thought of the wonders of magic. If one were a fairy and knew the secret laws of nature and the mystic words and ceremonies that commanded those laws, then a simple wave of a silver wand would produce instantly all that meant work hard and anxiously forth through weary years. And Dorothy wished in her kind innocent heart that all men and women could be fairies with silver wands, satisfy all their needs without so much work and worry. And then she imagined they would all have all their working hours to be happy in. But Osma, looking into her friend's face and reading those thoughts, gave a laugh and said, No, no, Dorothy, that wouldn't do at all. Instead of happiness, your plan would bring weariness to the world. If everyone could wave a wand and have his wants fulfilled, there would be very little to wish for. There would be no eager striving to obtain the difficult, for nothing would then be difficult, and the pleasure of earning something longed for and only to be secured by hard work and careful thought would be utterly lost. There would be nothing to do, you see, and no interest in life and inner fellow creatures. That is all that makes life worth our while to do good deeds and to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Well, you're a fairy Osma, aren't you happy? Asked Dorothy. Yes, dear, because I can use my fairy powers to make others happy. Had I no kingdom to rule and no subjects to look after, I would be miserable. Also, you must realize that while I am a more powerful fairy than any other inhabitant of Oz, I am not as powerful as Glinda the Sorceress who has studied many arts of magic that I know nothing of. Even the little wizard of Oz can do some things I am unable to accomplish while I can accomplish things unknown to the wizard. This is to explain that I am not all powerful by any means. My magic is simply fairy magic and not sorcery or wizardry. All the same, said Dorothy. I'm mighty glad you could make this tent appear with our dinners and beds all ready for us. Osma smiled. Yes, it is indeed wonderful, she agreed. Not all fairies know that sort of magic, but some fairies can do magic that fills me with astonishment. I think that is what makes us modest and unassuming. The fact that our magic arts are divided, some be inked given each of us. I'm glad I don't know everything, Dorothy, and that there are still things in both nature and in wit for me to marvel at. Dorothy couldn't quite understand this, so she said nothing more on the subject and presently had a new reason to marvel, for when they had quite finished their meal and contents disappeared in a flash. No dishes to wash, Osma, she said, with a laugh. I guess you'd make a lot of folks happy if you could teach them just that one trick. For now, Rosma told stories and talked with Dorothy about various people and who they were interested. And then when it was bedtime, they untressed and crept into their soft beds and fell asleep almost as soon as their heads touched their pillows. End of Chapter 4, The Magic Tent, this reading by Luke Nelson. Chapter 5 of Glinda of Oz. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 5, The Magic Stairway. The Flat Mountain looked much nearer in the clear light of the morning sun, but Dorothy and Osma knew there was a long tramp before them even yet. They finished dressing only to find a warm delicious breakfast awaiting them, having eaten they left their tent and started toward a mountain which was their first goal. After going a little way, Dorothy looked back and found that the fairy tent had entirely disappeared. She was not surprised, for she knew this would happen. Can't your magic give us a horse and wagon or an automobile? No, dear, I'm sorry that such magic is beyond my power. Perhaps Glinda could, said Dorothy thoughtfully. Glinda has a stork chariot that carries her through the air, said Osma, but even our great sorcerers cannot conjure up other modes of travel. Don't forget what I told you last night, that no one is powerful enough to do everything. Well, I suppose I ought to know that, having lived so long in the land of Oz, replied Dorothy. But I can't do any magic at all, and so I can't figure out exactly how you and Glinda and the wizard do it. Don't try, laughed Osma, but you have at least one magical art, Dorothy. You know the trick of winning all hearts. No, I don't, said Dorothy earnestly, but I really can do it, Osma. I'm sure I don't know how I do it. It took them a good two hours to reach the foot of the round, flat mountain, and then they found the sides so steep that they were like the wall of a house. Even my purple kitten couldn't climb on, remarked Dorothy gazing upward. But there is some way for the flatheads to get down and up again, declared Osma, otherwise they couldn't make war with the skeezers, or even meet them and quarrel with them. So, Osma, let's walk around the ways. Perhaps we'll find a ladder or something. They walked quite a distance, for it was a big mountain, and as they encircled around it, and came to the side that faced the palm trees, they suddenly discovered an entrance way cut out of their rock wall. The entrance was arched overhead, and not very deep, because it merely led to a short flight of stone stairs. They found a way to the top at last, announced Osma, and the two girls turned and walked straight toward the entrance. Suddenly they bumped against something and stood still, unable to proceed farther. Dear me, exclaimed Dorothy, rubbing her nose, which had struck something hard, although she could not see what it was. This isn't as easy as it looks. What has stopped us, Osma? Is it magic of some sort? Osma was feeling around, her hands outstretched before her. Yes, dear, it is magic, she replied. The flatheads had to have had it away from their mountain top from the plain below, but to prevent enemies from rushing up the stairs to conquer them, they have built at a small distance before the entrance a wall of solid stone, the stones being held in place by cement, and then they made the wall invisible. I wonder why they did that, used Dorothy. A wall would keep folks out anyhow, whether it could be seen or not, so there wasn't any use in making it invisible. Seems to me it would have been better to have left it solid, for then no one would see the entrance behind it. Now anybody can see the entrance as we did, and probably anyone that tries to go up the stairs gets bumped as we did. Osma made no reply at once, her face was grave and thoughtful. I think I know the reason for making the wall invisible, she said after a while. The flatheads used the stairs for coming down and going up. If there was a solid stone wall to keep them from reaching the plain, they would themselves be imprisoned by the wall, so they had to leave some place to get around the wall, and if the wall was visible, all strangers or enemies would find the place to go around it, and then the wall would be useless. So the flatheads cunningly made their wall invisible, believing that everybody who saw the entrance to the mountain would walk straight toward it, as we did, and find it impossible to go any further. I suppose the wall is really high and thick, and can't be broken through, so those who find it in their way are obliged to go away again. Well, said Dorothy, if there is a way around the wall, where is it? We must find it, returned Osma, and began filling her way along the wall. Dorothy followed and began to get discouraged when Osma had walked nearly a quarter of a mile away from the entrance, but now the invisible wall curved in toward the side of the mountain, and suddenly ended, leaving just space enough between the wall and the mountain for an ordinary person to pass through. The girls went in, single file, and Osma explained that they were now behind the barrier and could go back to the entrance. They meant no further obstructions. Most people, Osma, wouldn't have figured this thing out the way you did, remarked to Dorothy, if I'd been alone, the invisible wall surely would have stumped me. Reaching the entrance, they began to mount the stone stairs. They went up ten stairs and then down five stairs, following a passage cut from rock. The stairs were just wide enough for the two girls to walk a breast arm in arm, and at the bottom of the five stairs the passage turned to the right, and they ascended ten more stairs only to find at the top of the five more stairs leading straight down again. Again, the passage turned abruptly this time to the left, and ten more stairs led upward. The passage was now quite dark, for they were in the heart of the mountain, and all daylight had been shut out of the ruins of the passage. However, Osma drew her silver wand from her bosom and the great jewel edits and gave out a lustrous green tinted light, which lighted the place well enough for them to see their way plainly. Ten steps up, five steps down in a turn, this way or that. That was the program, and Dorothy figured that they were only gaining five stairs upward on each trip they made. Those flatheads must be funny people, she said to Osma. They don't seem to do anything in a bold, straight forward manner. In making this passage they forced everyone to walk three times as far as is necessary, and of course this trip is just as tiresome to the flatheads as it is to other folks. That is true, answered Osma, yet it is a clever arrangement to prevent their being surprised by intruders. Each time we reach the tenth step of a flight, the pressure of our feet on the stone makes a bell ring on the top of the mountain to warn the flatheads of our coming. How do you know that? demanded Dorothy, astonished. I've heard the bell ever since we started, said Osma. You could not hear it, I know, but when I am holding my wand in my hand I can hear sounds a great distance off. Do you hear anything on top of the mountain set to the bell? inquired Dorothy. Yes, the people are calling to one another in alarm and many footsteps are approaching the place where we will reach the flat top of the mountain. This mid-dorothy feels somewhat anxious. I thought we were going to visit just common ordinary people, she remarked, but they're pretty clever it seems and they know some kinds of magic too. They may be dangerous Osma, perhaps we better stay at home. Finally the upstairs and downstairs passage seemed coming to an end, for daylight again appeared ahead of the two girls and Osma replaced her wand in the bosom of her gown. The last ten steps brought them to the surface where they found themselves surrounded by such a throng of queer people that for a time they halted speechless and stared into the faces that confronted them. Dorothy knew at once why these mountain people were called flatheads. Their heads were really flat on top as if they'd been cut off just above the eyes and ears. Also the heads were bald with no hair on top at all and the ears were big and stuck straight up and the noses were small and stubby while the mouths of the flatheads were well shaped and not unusual. Their eyes were perhaps their best feature being large and bright and a deep violet in color. The costumes of the flatheads were all made of metal stuck from their mountain small gold silver tin and iron discs about the size of pennies and very thin were cleverly wired together and made to form T-trousers and jackets for the men and skirts and waists for the women. The colored metals were skillfully mixed to form stripes and checks of various sorts so that the costumes were quite gorgeous and reminded Dorothy of pictures she had seen of knights of old clothed and armor. Beside from their flatheads these people were not really bad looking. The men were armed with bows and had small axes of steel stuck in their metal belts. They were no hats nor ornaments. End of Chapter 5 The Magic Stairway This reading by Luke Nelson Chapter 6 of Glinda of Oz This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Luke Nelson Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 6 Flathead Mountain When they saw that the intruders on their mountain were only two little girls the flatheads grunted with satisfaction and drew back permitting them to see what the mountaintop looked like. It was shaped like a saucer so that the houses and other buildings all made of rocks could not be seen over the edge by anyone standing in the plane below. But now a big fat flathead stood before the girls and in a grubbed voice demanded What are you doing here? Have the skeezers sent you to spy upon us? I am Princess Ozma ruler of all the land of Oz. Well I never heard of the land of Oz so you may be what you claim or turn the flathead. This is the land of Oz part of it anyway exclaimed Dorothy So Princess Ozma rules you flathead people as well as all the other people in Oz. The man laughed and all the others who stood around laughed too. Someone in the crowd called. She'd better not tell the supreme dictator about ruling the flatheads friends? No indeed they all answered in positive tones. Who is your supreme dictator? answered Ozma I think I'll let him tell you that himself answered the man who had first spoken You have broken our laws by coming here and whoever you are the supreme dictator must fix your punishment come along with me He started down a path and Ozma and Dorothy followed him without protest as they wanted to see the most important person in this queer country The houses they passed seemed pleasant enough and each had a little yard in which were flowers and vegetables Walls of rock separated the dwellings and all the paths were paved with smooth slabs of rock This seemed their only building material and they utilized it cleverly for every purpose Directly in the center of the Great Saucers stood a larger building which the flathead informed the girls was the palace of the supreme dictator He led them through an entrance hall into a big reception room where they sat upon stone benches and awaited the coming of the dictator Pretty soon he entered from another room a rather lean and rather old flathead dressed much like the others of this race and only distinguished from them by the sly and cunning expression of his face He kept his eyes half closed and looked through the slits of them at Ozma and Dorothy who rose to receive him Are you the supreme dictator of the flatheads inquired Ozma Yes, that's me, he said rubbing his hands slowly together My word is law I'm the head of the flatheads on this flathead land I am princess Ozma of Oz and I have come from the Emerald City to stop a minute, interrupted the dictator and turned to the man who had brought the girls here Go away dictator fellow flathead, he commanded return to your duty and guard the stairway, I will look after these strangers and bowed and departed and Dorothy asked wonderingly is he a dictator too of course was the answer everybody here is a dictator of something or other they're all office holders that's what keeps them contended but I'm the supreme dictator of all and I'm elected once a year this is democracy you know where the people are allowed to vote for their rulers a good many others would like to be a supreme dictator but as I made a law that I am always to count the votes myself I am always elected what is your name? asked Ozma I am called the sue dick which is short for supreme dictator I sent that man away because the moment you mentioned Ozma of Oz in the Emerald City I knew who you are I suppose I'm the only flathead that ever heard of you you have more brains than the rest Dorothy was staring hard at the sue dick I don't see how you can have any brains at all sheer mark because the part of your head is gone where brains are kept I don't blame you for thinking that he said once the flatheads had no brains because as you say there's no upper part to their heads to hold brains but long long ago a band of fairies flew over this country land and when they came to the flatheads the fairies were sorry to find them all very stupid and quite unable to think so as there was no good place in their bodies in which to put brains the fairy queen gave each one of us a nice can of brains to carry in his pocket and that made us just as intelligent as other people see he continued here is one of the cans of brains the fairies gave us he took from a pocket a bright tin can having a pretty red label on it which said concentrated brains extra quality and as every flathead have the same kind of brains asked Dorothy yes they're all alike here's another can from another pocket he produced a second can of brains did the fairies give you a double supply and acquire Dorothy no but one of the flatheads thought he wanted to be the sous-dic and tried to get my people to rebel against me so I punished him by taking away his brains one day my wife scolded me severely so I took away her can of brains she didn't like that and went out and robbed several women of their brains then I made a lot that if anyone stole another brains or even tried to borrow them I fed his own brains to the sous-dic so each one is content with his own can of brains and my wife and I are the only ones on the mountain with more than one can I have three cans and that makes me very clever so clever that I'm a good sorcerer my wife had four can of brains and become a remarkable witch but alas that was before those terrible enemies the skeezers transformed her into a golden pig good gracious, cried Dorothy is your wife really a golden pig she is the skeezers did it and so I've declared war on them in revenge for making my wife a pig I intend to ruin their magic island and make the skeezers the slaves of the flatheads the sous-dic was very angry now his eyes flashed and his face took on a wicked and fierce expression but Osno said to him very sweetly and in a friendly voice I'm sorry to hear this will you please tell me more about your troubles with the skeezers and perhaps I can help you she was only a girl but there was dignity in her pose and speech which impressed the sous-dic if you are really Princess Osno of Oz the flathead said you are one of that band of fairies who, under Queen Lerlene made all of Oz a fairy land I have heard that Lerlene left one of her own fairies to rule Oz and gave the fairy the name of Osno if you knew this why did you not come to me at the Emerald City and tender me your loyalty and obedience asked the ruler of Oz well I only learned the fact lately and I've been too busy to leave home he explained looking at the floor instead of into Ozmo's eyes she knew he had spoken of falsehood but only said why did you quarrel with the skeezers it was this way began the sous-dic glad to change the subject we flatheads love fish and as we have no fish on this mountain we would sometimes go to the lake of the skeezers to catch fish this made the skeezers angry for they declared the fish in their lake belong to them and were under their protection and they forbade us to catch them this was very mean and unfriendly in the skeezers you must admit and when we paid no attention to their orders they set a guard on the shore of the lake to prevent our fishing now my wife roared a flathead having four cans of brains had become a wonderful witch and fish being brain food fish better than any one of us so she vowed she would destroy every fish in the lake unless the skeezers let us catch what we wanted they defied us so Roar prepared a kettle full of magic poison and went down to the lake one night to dump it all in the water and poison the fish it was a clever idea quiet worthy of my dear wife but the skeezer queen a young lady named Kuio hit on the bank of the lake and taking Roar unawares transformed her into a golden pig the poison was spilled on the ground and the wicked queen Kuio not contented with her cruel transformation even took away my wife's four cans of brains so she is now a common grunting pig without even brains enough to know her own name she said asma thoughtfully the queen of the skeezers must be a sorceress yes said the suedig but she doesn't know much magic after all she is not as powerful as Roar a flathead was nor half as powerful as I am now as queen Kuio will discover when we fight our great battle and destroy her the golden pig can't be a witch anymore of course observed Dorothy no, even had queen Kuio left her the four cans of brains for Roara in a pig's shape couldn't do any witchcraft a witch has to use her fingers and a pig has only cloven hoofs it seems a sad story was asma's comment and all the trouble arose because the flatheads wanted fish that did not belong to them as for that said the suedig again angry made a law that any of my people could catch fish in the lake of the skeezers whenever they wanted to so the trouble was through the skeezers to find my law you can only make laws to govern your own people asserted asma sternly I alone am empowered to make laws that must be obeyed by all the peoples of Oz poo cried the suedig scornfully obey your laws I assure you I know the extent of your powers princess asma of Oz and I know that I am more powerful than you are to prove it I shall keep you and your companion prisoners in this mountain until after we have fought and conquered the skeezers then if you promise to be good I may let you go home again Dorothy was amazed by this efferenti and defiance of the beautiful girl ruler of Oz who all until now had obeyed without question but Ozma still unruffled and dignified looked at the suedig and said you did not mean that you are angry and speak unwisely without reflection I came here from my palace in the emerald city to prevent war and to make peace between you and the skeezers I do not approve of queen ku eo's action in transforming my wife rora into a pig nor do I approve of rora's cruel attempt to poison the fishes in the lake no one has the right to work magic in my dominions without my consent so the flat heads and the skeezers have both broken my laws which must be obeyed if you want to make peace said the suedig make the skeezers restore my wife in her proper form and give back her four cans of brains also make them agree to allow us to catch fish in their lake no returned Ozma I will not do that for it would be unjust I will have the golden pig again transformed into your wife rora and give her one can of brains but the other three cans must be restored to those she robbed neither may you catch fish in the lake of the skeezers for it is their lake and the fish belong to them this arrangement is just and honorable and you must agree to it never cried suedig just then a pig came running into the room uttering dismal drunks it was made of solid gold with joints at the bends of the legs and in the neck in the jaws the golden pig's eyes were rubies and its teeth were polished ivory there said the suedig it gazed on the evil work of green kuio and then say if you can prevent my making war on the skeezers that drending beast was once my wife the most beautiful flathead arm mountain and a skillful witch now look at her fight the skeezers fight the skeezers grunted the golden pig I will fight the skeezers exclaimed the flathead chief and if it doesn't osma as a boss forbade me I would fight just the same not if I can prevent it asserted osma you can't prevent it but since you threaten me I'll have you confined in the bronze prison until the war is over said the suedig he whistled and forced out flatheads armed with axes and spears entered the room and saluted him turning to the man he said make these two girls bind them with wire ropes and cast them into the bronze prison the four men bowed low and one of them asked where are the two girls most noble suedig the suedig turned to where osma and dorthy had stood but they had vanished end of chapter 6 flathead mountain this reading by loop nelson chapter 7 of glinda of os this is a livery vox recording all livery vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liveryvox.org this reading by loop nelson glinda of os by elfrank bomb chapter 7 the magic isle osma seeing it was useless to argue with the supreme dictator of the flatheads had been considering how best to escape from his power she realized that his sorcery might be difficult to overcome but when he threatened to cast dorthy and her into a bronze prison she slipped her hand into her bosom and grasped her silver wand but the other hand she grasped the hand of dorthy but these motions were so natural that the suedig did not notice them then when he turned to meet his four soldiers osma instantly rendered both herself and dorthy invisible and swiftly let her companion around the group of flatheads and out of the room as they reached the entry and descended the stone steps osma whispered let us run dear we are invisible so no one will see us dorthy understood and she was a good runner osma had marked the place where the grand stairway that led to the plane was located so they made directly for it some people were in the paths but these they dodged around one or two flatheads heard the pattering of footsteps of the girls on the stone pavement and stopped with bewildered looks to gaze around them but no one interfered with the invisible fugitives the suedig had lost no time in starting the chase he and his men ran so fast that they might have overtaken the girls before they reached the stairway had not the golden pig suddenly ran across their path the suedig tripped over the pig and fell flat and his four men tripped over him and tumbled into a heap before they could scramble up and reach the mouth of the passage it was too late to stop the girls there was a guard on each side of the stairway but of course they did not see osma and dorthy as they sped past and descended the steps then they had to go up five steps down another ten and so on in the same manner in which they had climbed to the top of the mountain osma lighted their way with her wand and they kept on without relaxing their speed until they reached the bottom then they ran to the right and turned the corner of the invisible wall just as the suedig and his followers rushed out of the arched entrance and looked around in an attempt to discover the fugitives osma now knew that they were safe so she told dorthy to stop and both of them sat down on the grass until they could breathe freely and become rested from their mad flight as for the suedig he realized he was foiled and soon turned and climbed his stairs again he was very angry angry with osma and angry with himself because now that he took time to think he remembered that he knew very well the art of making people invisible and visible again and if he had only thought of it in time he could have used his magic knowledge to make the girls visible and so it captured them easily however it was now too late for regrets and he determined to make preparations at once to march all his forces against the skeezers what shall we do next? asked dorthy when they were rested let us find the lake of the skeezers replied osma from what that dreadful suedig said I imagine the skeezers are good people and worthy of our friendship and if we go to them we may help them to defeat the flatheads I suppose we can't stop the war now remark dorthy reflectively as they walked toward their own trees no the suedig is determined to fight the skeezers so all we can do is warn them of their danger and help them as much as possible of course you'll punish the flatheads said dorthy well I do not think the flathead people are as much to blame as their supreme dictator was the answer if he is removed from power and is unlawful magic taken from him the people will probably be good and respect the laws of the land of os and live at peace with all their neighbors in the future I hope so said dorthy with a sigh of doubt the palms were not far from the mountain and the girls reached them after a brisk walk the huge trees were set close together in three rows and had been planted so as to keep people from passing them but the flatheads had cut a passage through this barrier and osna found the path and led dorthy to the other side beyond the palms they discovered a very beautiful scene bordered by a green lawn was a great lake fully a mile from shore to shore the waters of which were exquisitely blue and sparkling with little wavelets breaking its smooth surface where the breezes touched it in the center of this lake appeared a lovely island not a great extent but almost entirely covered by a huge round building with glass walls and high glass dome which glittered brilliantly in the sunshine between the glass building and the edge of the island was no grass, flowers or shrubbery but only an expanse of highly polished white marble there were no boats on either shore and no signs of life could be seen from the island well said dorthy gazing wistfully at the island we found the lake of the skeezers and their magic isle but i guess the skeezers are in that big glass palace but we can't get at them end of chapter 7 the magic isle this reading by luke nelson chapter 8 of glinda of oz this is a libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox.org glinda of oz by elfrank balm chapter 8 princess osma considered the situation gravely then she tied her handkerchief to her wand and standing at the water's edge waved the handkerchief like a flag as a signal for a time they could observe no response i don't see what good that will do said dorthy even if the skeezers are on that island and see us and know we're friends they haven't any boats to come and get us but the skeezers didn't need boats as the girls soon discovered for on a sudden an opening appeared at the base of the palace and from the opening came a slender shaft of steel reaching out slowly but steadily across the water in the direction of the place where they stood to the girls this steel arrangement looked like a triangle with the base nearest the water it came toward them in the form of an arch stretching out from the palace wall until its end reached the bank and rested there while the other end still remained on the island then they saw that it was a bridge consisting of a steel footway just broad enough to walk on and two slender guide rails one on either side which were connected with the footway by steel bars the bridge looked rather frail and dorthy feared it would not bear their weight but osma at once called come on and started to walk across holding fast to the rail on either side so dorthy summoned her courage and followed after before osma had taken three steps she halted and so forced dorthy to halt for the bridge was again moving and returning to the island we need not walk after all at osma so they stood still in their places and let the steel bridge draw them onward indeed the bridge drew them well into the glass domed building which covered the island and soon they found themselves standing in a marble room where two handsomely dressed young men stood on a platform to receive them osma at once stepped from the end of the bridge to the marble platform dorthy and then the bridge disappeared with a slight clang of steel and a marble slab covered the opening from which it had emerged the two young men bowed profoundly to osma and one of them said queen kuyo bids you welcome, oh strangers her majesty is waiting to receive you in her palace lead on, replied osma with dignity but instead of leading on the platform of marble began to rise carrying them upward through a square hole above which just fitted it a moment later they found themselves within the great glass dome that covered almost all of the island within this dome was a little village with houses, streets, gardens and parks the houses were of colored marbles prettily designed with many stained glass windows and the streets and gardens seemed well cared for exactly under the center of the lofty dome was a small park filled with brilliant flowers with an elaborate fountain and facing this park stood a building larger and more imposing than the others toward this building the young men escorted osma and dorthy on the streets and in the doorways or open windows of the houses were men, women and children all richly dressed these were much like other people in different parts of the land of os but that instead of seeming merry and contented they all wore expressions of much solemnity or of nervous irritation they had beautiful homes splendid clothes and ample food but dorthy had once decided something was wrong with their lives and that they were not happy she said nothing however but looked curiously at the skeezers at the entrance of the palace osma and dorthy were met by two other young men in uniform and armed with queer weapons that seemed about half way between pistols and guns but were like neither their conductors bowed and left them and the two in uniforms led the girls into the palace in a beautiful throne room surrounded by a dozen or more young men and women sat the queen of the skeezers kuyo she was a girl who looked older than osma or dorthy, fifteen or sixteen at least and although she was elaborately dressed as if she were going to a ball she was too thin and plain a feature to be pretty but evidently queen kuyo did not realize this fact for her air and manner betrayed her as proud and haughty and with a high regard for her own importance dorthy had once decided she was snippy and that she would not like queen kuyo as a companion the queen's hair was as black as her skin was white the eyes as she calmly examined osma and dorthy had a suspicious and unfriendly look in them but she said quietly I know who you are for I have consulted my magic oracle which told me that one calls herself princess osma the ruler of all the land of os and the other is princess dorthy of os who came from a country called kansas I know nothing of the land of os and I know nothing of kansas why, this is the land of os cried dorthy it's a part of the land of os anyhow whether you know it or not oh, indeed answered queen kuyo scornfully I suppose you will claim next that this princess osma ruling the land of os rules me of course returned dorthy there's no doubt of it the queen turned to osma do you dare make such a claim she asked by this time osma had made up her mind as to the character of this haughty and disdainful creature whose self-pride evidently led her to believe herself superior to all others I did not come here to quarrel with your majesty, said the girl ruler of os quietly what and who I am is well established and my authority comes from the fairy queen lirlene of whose band I was a member when lirlene made all os a fairy land there are several countries and several different peoples in this broad land each of which has its separate rulers kings, emperors, and queens but all these render obedience to my laws and acknowledge me as the supreme ruler if other kings and queens are fools that does not interest me in the least replied kuyo disdainfully in the land of skeezers I alone am supreme you are impudent to think I would defer to you or to anyone else let us not speak of this now please answered osma your island is in danger for a powerful foe is preparing to destroy it the flat heads I do not fear them their supreme dictator is a sorcerer my magic is greater than his let the flat heads come they will never return to their barren mountaintop I will see to that osma did not like this attitude for it meant that the skeezers were eager to fight the flat heads and osma's object in coming here was to prevent fighting and induce the two quarrelsome neighbors to make peace she was also greatly disappointed in kuyo for the reports of sudik had led her to imagine the queen more just and honourable than were the flat heads indeed osma reflected that the girl might be better at heart than her self-pride and overbearing manner indicated and in any event it would be wise not to antagonize her but to try to win her friendship I do not like wars your majesty said osma in the emerald city where I rule thousands of people and in the countries near to the emerald city where thousands more acknowledge my rule there is no army at all because there is no quarreling and no need to fight if differences arise between my people they come to me and I judge the cases and award justice to all so when I learned there might be war between two far away people of os I came here to settle the dispute and adjust the quarrel no one asked you to come declared queen kuyo it is my business to settle this dispute not yours you say my island is a part of the land of os which you rule is on nonsense for I've never heard of the land of os nor of you you say you are a fairy and that fairies gave you command over me I don't believe it what I do believe is that you are an imposter and have come here to stir up trouble among my people who are already becoming difficult to manage you two girls may even be spies of the vile flatheads for all I know and may be trying to trick me but understand this and proudly rising from her jeweled throne to confront them I have magic powers greater than any fairy possesses and greater than any flathead possesses I am a crumbic witch the only crumbic witch in the world and I fear the magic of no other creature that exists you say you rule thousands I rule one hundred and one skeezers but every one of them trembles at my word now that osma of os and princess are here I shall rule one hundred and three subjects for you also shall bow before my power more than that in ruling you I also rule the thousands you say you rule Dorothy was very indignant at this speech I've got a pink kitten that sometimes talks like that she said but after I give her a good whipping she doesn't think she's so high and mighty after all if you only knew who osma is you'd be scared to death to talk to her about it Queen Cuyo gave the girl a super silliest look then she turned again to osma I happen to know said she that the flatheads intend to attack us tomorrow but we are ready for them until the battle is over I shall keep you two strangers prisoners on my island from which there is no chance for you to escape she turned and looked around the band of courtiers who stood silently around her throne lady rx she continued singling out one of the young women take these children to your house and care for them giving them food and lodging you may allow them to wander anywhere under the great dome for they are harmless after I have attended to the flatheads I will consider what next to do with these foolish girls she resumed her seat and the lady rx bowed low and said in a humble manner I obey your majesty's commands then to osma and Dorothy she added follow me and turned to leave the throne room Dorothy looked to see what osma would do to her surprise and a little to her disappointment osma turned and followed lady rx so Dorothy trailed after them but not without giving a parting haughty look toward queen Cuyo who had her face turned the other way and did not see the disapproving look End of Chapter 8 Queen Cuyo Read by Kara Schellenberg www.kray.org on May 29th 2009 in San Diego, California Chapter 9 of Cleanter of Ours this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information and to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Ellie Cleanter of Ours by Earl Frank Brom Chapter 9 Lady Aurex Lady Aurex let osma and Dorothy along the street to a pretty marble house near to one edge of the glass dome that covered the village she did not speak to the girls until she had ushered them into a pleasant room comfortably furnished nor did any of the solemn people that met on the street venture to speak they were seated Lady Aurex asked if they were hungry and finding they were summoned and made and ordered food to be brought this Lady Aurex looked to be about 20 years old although in the land of Ours where people never have changed in appearance since the fairies made it a fairy land where no one grows older dies it is always difficult to say how many years anyone has lived she had a pleasant attractive face as Solomon said as the faces of all skeezers seemed to be and her costume was rich and elaborate as became a lady invading upon the queen Osma had observed Lady Aurex closely and now asked her in a gentle tone do you also believe me to be an imposter? I dare not say replied Lady Aurex in a low tone why are you afraid to speak freely inquired Osma the queen punishes us if we make requests that she does not like are we not the London in this house? the queen can hear anything that is spoken on this island even the slightest whisper declared Lady Aurex she is a wonderful witch as she has told you and it is fully to criticize or disobey her commands Osma looked into her eyes and saw that she would like to see more if she dared so she drew from her bosom her silver wand and having met her the magic phrase in a strange tongue she left her room and walked slowly around the outside of the house making a complete circle and waving her wand in the mystic curves as she walked Lady Aurex watched her curiously and when Osma had again entered the room and seated herself she asked what have you done? I have enchanted this house in such a manner that Queen Curio with all her witchcraft cannot hear a word we speak in the magic circle I have made Osma we may now speak freely and as loudly as we wish without fear of the queen's anger Lady Aurex frightened at this could I trust you? she asked everybody trusts Osma exclaimed Dorosy she is true and honest and your wicked queen will be sorry she insulted the powerful ruler of all the land of Oz the queen does not know me yet said Osma but I want you to know me Lady Aurex and I want you to tell me why these kisses are unhappy do not fear Curio's anger for she cannot hear a word we say I assure you Lady Aurex was thoughtful for a moment then she said I shall trust you Princess Osma for I believe you are what you say you are our supreme ruler if you knew the dreadful punishments our queen inflicts upon us you would not wonder we are so unhappy these kisses are not bad people they do not care to quarrel or fight even if the enemy is the flatheads but they are so cold and fearful of Curio that they obey her slightest word rather than suffer her anger hasn't she any heart then? asked Dorosy she never displays mercy she loves no one but herself asserted Lady Aurex but she trembled as she said it as if afraid even yet of her terrible queen that's pretty bad said Dorosy shaking her head gravely there's a lot to do here Osma in this forsaken corner of the land of Oz first place you have got to take the magic away from Queen Curio and from the awful sudic too my idea is that neither of them is fit to rule anybody cause they are cruel and hateful so you'll have to give the kisses and flatheads new rulers and teach all their people that they are part of the land of Oz and must obey above all the lawful ruler Osma of Oz if done that we can go back home again Osma smiled at her little friend's earnest council but Lady Aurex said in an anxious tone I am surprised that you suggest these reforms while you are yet prisoners on this island and in Curio's power that these things should be done there is no doubt but just now a dreadful war is likely to break out and frightful things may happen to us all our queen has such concede she thinks she can overcome the sudic and his people but it is said sudic's magic is very powerful although not as great as that possessed by his wife Rora before Curio transformed her into a golden pig I don't blame her very much for doing that remark Dorosy for the flatheads were wicked to try to catch your beautiful fish and the witch Rora wanted to poison all the fishes in the lake for the reason I don't suppose there was any reason except just wickedness replied Dorosy tell us the reason said Osma earnestly well your majesty once a long time ago the flatheads and the skeezers were friendly they visited our island and we visited the mountain and everything was pleasant between the two peoples at that time the flatheads were ruled by three adepts of sorcery beautiful girls who were not flatheads but had wandered to the flat mountain and made their home there these three adepts used their magic only for good and the mountain people gladly made them their rulers they taught the flatheads how to use the canned brains and how to work metals into clothing that would never wear out and many other things that added to the happiness and content Curio was our queen then just as now but she knew no magic and so had nothing to be proud of but the three adepts were very kind to Curio they built for us this wonderful dome of glass and our houses of marble and taught us to make beautiful clothing and other things Curio pretended to be very grateful for these favors but it seems that all the time she was just jealous of the three adepts and secretly tried to discover the arts of magic but she was more clever than anyone suspected she invited the three adepts to a banquet one day and while they were feasting Curio stole their charms and magical instruments and transformed them into three fish a gold fish, a silver fish, a bronze fish while the poor fishes were grasping and flopping helplessly on the floor of the banquet room one of them said reproachfully you will be punished for this Curio for if one of us dies or is destroyed you will become shriveled and helpless and all your soul magic will depart you frightened by this threat Curio at once caught up the three fish and ran with them to the shore of the lake where she cast them into the water this revived the three adepts and the swim away and disappeared I, myself, witnessed this shocking scene continually the oryx and so did many other skeezers the news was carried to the flatheads who then turned from friends to enemies they so thickened his wife Rora were the only ones on the mountain who were glad the three adepts had been lost to them and they at once became rulers to the flatheads and stole their canned brains from others to make themselves more powerful some of the adepts magic tools had been left on the mountain and these Rora ceased and by the use of them she became a witch the result of Curio's treachery was to make both the skeezers and the flatheads miserable instead of happy not only were the so thickened his wife cruel to their people but our queen at once became proud and arrogant and treated us very unkindly all the skeezers knew that she had stolen her magic powers and so she hated us and made us humble ourselves before her and obey her slightest word if we disobeyed or did not please her or if we talked about her when we were in our own homes she would have us dragged to the whipping posts in her palace and lashed with knotted crots that is why we fear her so greatly this story filled Osma's heart with sorrow and Doros' heart with indignation I now understand said Osma why the fishes in the lake have brought about war between the skeezers and the flatheads yes, Lady Oryx answered now that you know the story it is easy to understand the so thickened his wife came to our lake hoping to catch the silver fish or the gold fish or bronze fish any one of them would do and destroying it the pride Kuyo of her magic then they could easily conquer her also they had another reason for wanting to catch the fish they feared that in some way they re-adapt might regain the proper forms and then they would be sure to return to the mountain and punish Rora into thick that was why Rora finally tried to poison all the fishes in the lake at the time Kuyo transformed her into a golden pig of course this attempt to destroy the fishes frightened the queen for her safety lies in keeping the three fishes alive I suppose Kuyo will fight the flatheads with all her might observed Dorosy and with all her magic added Osma thoughtfully I do not see how the flatheads can get to this island to hurt us said Lady Oryx they have poisoned arrows at your big dome and break all the glass in it suggested Dorosy but Lady Oryx shook her head with a smile they cannot do that she replied why not I dare not tell you why but if the flatheads come tomorrow morning you will yourself see the reason I do not think they will attempt to harm the island Osma declared I believe they will first attempt to destroy the fishes by poison or some other means if they succeed in that the conquest of the island will not be difficult they have no boats said Lady Oryx and Kuyo who has long expected this war has been preparing for it many astonishing ways I almost wish the flatheads would conquer us for then we would be free of our dreadful queen but I do not wish to see the three transformed fishes destroyed for in them lies our only hope of future happiness Osma will take care of you whatever happens Dorosy assured her but Lady Oryx not knowing the extent of Osma's power which was in fact not so great as Dorosy imagined could not take much comfort in this promise it was evident there would be exciting times on the morrow if the flatheads really attack the skeezers on the magic isle end of chapter 9 Lady Oryx recording by Elly May 2009 Chapter 10 of Glinda of Oz Glinda of Oz this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 10 Under Water When night fell all the interior of the great dome streets and houses became lighted with brilliant incandescent lamps which rendered it brightest day Dorothy thought the island must look beautiful by night from the outer shore of the lake there was revelry and feasting in the Queen's Palace and the music of the royal band could be plainly heard in Lady Oryx's house where Osma and Dorothy remained with their hostess and keeper they were prisoners but treated with much consideration Lady Oryx gave them a nice supper and when they wished to retire showed them to a pretty room with comfortable beds and wished them a good night and pleasant dreams what do you think of all this Osma Dorothy anxiously inquired when they were alone I am glad we came was the reply for although there may be mischief done tomorrow it was necessary I should know about these people whose leaders are wild and lawless and oppress their subjects with injustice and cruelties my task therefore is to liberate the skeezers in the flat heads and secure for them freedom and happiness I have no doubt I can accomplish this in time just now though we're in a bad fix asserted Dorothy if Queen Cuyo conquers tomorrow she won't be nice to us and if the suede conquers he'll be worse do not worry dear Ser Osma I do not think we are in danger whatever happens and the result of our adventures is sure to be good Dorothy was not worrying especially she had confidence in her friend the princess of Oz and she enjoyed the excitement of the events in which she was taking part so she crept into bed and fell asleep as easily as if she had been in her own cozy room in Osma's palace a sort of grating grinding sound awakened her the whole island seemed to tremble and sway as it might do in an earthquake Dorothy sat up in bed rubbing her eyes to get the sleep out of them and then found it was daybreak Osma was hurriedly dressing herself what is it? asked Dorothy jumping out of bed I'm not sure answered Osma but it feels as if the island is sinking as soon as possible they finished dressing while the creaking and swaying continued then they rushed into the living room of the house and found Lady Arex fully dressed awaiting them do not be alarmed said their hostess Cuyo has decided to submerge the island but it proves the flatheads are coming to attack us what do you mean by submerging the island? asked Dorothy come here and see was the reply Lady Arex led them to a window which faced the side of the great dome which covered all the village and they could see that the island was indeed sinking for the water of the lake was already half way up the side of the dome through the glass could be seen swimming fishes all stalks of swaying seaweeds for the water was clear as crystal and through it they could distinguish even the farther shore of the lake the flatheads are not here yet said Lady Arex they will come soon but not until all of this dome is under the surface of the water won't the dome leak? Dorothy inquired anxiously no indeed was the island ever sub sub sunk before? oh yes on several occasions but Cuyo doesn't care to do that often for it requires a lot of hard work to operate the machinery the dome was built so that the island could disappear I think she continued that our queen fears the flatheads will attack the island and try to break the glass of the dome well if we're under water they can't fight us and we can't fight them asserted Dorothy they could kill the fishes however said Osmo gravely we have ways to fight also even though our island is under water claimed Lady Arex I cannot tell you all our secrets but this island is full of surprises also our queen's magic is astonishing did she steal it all from the three adepts and sorcery that are now fishes she stole the knowledge and the magic tools she has used them as the three adepts never would have done by this time the top of the dome was quite under water and suddenly the island stopped sinking and became stationary see cried Lady Arex pointing to the shore the flatheads have come on the bank which was now far above their heads a crowd of dark figures could be seen now let us see what Cuyo will do to oppose them continued Lady Arex in a voice that betrayed her excitement the flatheads pushing their way through the line of palm trees had reached the shore of the lake just as the top of the island's dome disappeared beneath the surface the water now flowed from shore to shore but through the clear water the dome was still visible and the houses of the skeezers could be dimly seen through the panes of glass good exclaimed the suetic and I brought with him two copper vessels which he carefully set down upon the ground beside him if Cuyo wants to hide instead of fighting our job will be easy for in one of these copper vessels I have enough poison to kill every fish in the lake kill them then while we have time and then we can go home again advised one of the chief officers not yet, objected the suetic the queen of the skeezers has defied me and I want to get her into my power as well as to destroy her magic she transformed my poor wife into a golden pig and I must have revenge for that whatever else we do look out! suddenly exclaimed the officers pointing into the lake something's going to happen from the submerged dome a door opened and something black shot swiftly out into the water the door instantly closed behind it and the dark object cleaved its way through the water without rising to the surface directly toward the place where the flatheads were standing what is that? Dorothy asked the lady or ex that is one of the queen's submarines was the reply it is all enclosed and can move under water Cuyo has several of these boats which are kept in little rooms in the basement under our village when the island is submerged the queen uses these boats to reach the shore and I believe she now intends to fight the flatheads with them the suetic and his people knew nothing of Cuyo's submarines so they watched with surprise as the underwater boat approached them when it was quite near the shore it rose to the surface and the top parted and fell back disclosing a boat full of armed skeezers at the head was the queen standing up in the bow and holding in one hand a coil of a magic rope that gleamed like silver the boat halted and Cuyo drew back her arm to throw the silver rope toward the suetic who is now but a few feet from her but the wily flathead leader quickly realized his danger and before the queen could throw the rope he caught up one of the copper vessels and dashed its contents full in her face End of Chapter 10 Underwater Chapter 11 of Glinda of Oz This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information, auto-volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Lucy Perry Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Barm Chapter 11 The Conquest of the Skeezers Queen Cuyo dropped the rope tottered and fell headlong into the water sinking beneath the surface while the skeezers in the submarine failed to assist her and only stared at the ripples in the water where she had disappeared A moment later there arose to the surface a beautiful white swan This white swan was of large size very gracefully formed and scattered all over its white feathers were tiny diamonds so thickly placed that as the rays of the morning sun fell upon them the entire body of the swan glistened like one brilliant diamond The head of the diamond swan had a bill of polished gold and its eyes were two sparkling amethysts Hooray! cried the suedic dancing up and down with wicked glee My poor wife Rora is avenged at last You made her a golden pig, Cuyo and now I have made you a diamond swan float on your lake forever if you like for your web-feet can do no more magic and you are as powerless as the pig you made of my wife Villain! Scoundrel! croaked the diamond swan You will be punished for this Oh! what a fool I was to let you enchant me A fool you were and a fool you are laughed the suedic dancing madly in his delight and then he carelessly tripped over the other copper vessel with his heel filled on the sands and were lost to the last drop the suedic stopped short and looked at the overturned vessel with the rueful countenance That's too bad, too bad he exclaimed sorrowfully I've lost all the poison I had to kill the fishies with and I can't make any more because only my wife knew the secret of it and she is now a foolish pig and has forgotten all her magic Very well! said the diamond swan scornfully as she floated upon the water and swam gracefully here and there I am glad to see you were foiled your punishment is just beginning for although you have enchanted me and taken away my powers of sorcery you still have the three magic fishies to deal with and they'll destroy you in time mark my words the suedic stared at the swan a moment then he yelled to his men Shoot her! shoot the saucy bird! They let fly some arrows at the diamond swan but she dove under the water and the missiles fell harmless when Kuya rose to the surface she was far from the shore and she swiftly swam across the lake to where no arrows or spears could reach her the suedic rubbed his chin and thought what to do next nearby floated the submarine in which the queen had come but the skeezers who were in it were puzzled what to do with themselves perhaps they were not sorry their cruel mistress had been transformed into a diamond swan but the transformation had left them quite helpless the underwater boat was not operated by machinery but by certain mystic words uttered by Kuya they didn't know how to submerge it or how to make the watertight shield cover them again or how to make the boat go back to the castle or make it enter the little basement room where it was usually kept as a matter of fact they were now shut out of their village under the great dome and could not get back again so one of the men called to the supreme dictator of the flatheads saying please make us prisoners and take us to your mountain and feed us and keep us for we have nowhere to go then the pseudic laughed and answered not so I can't be bothered by caring for a lot of stupid skeezers stay where you are or go wherever you please so long as you keep away from our mountain he turned to his men and added we have conquered queen Kuya when made her a helpless swan the skeezers are underwater and may stay there so having won the war let us go home again and make merry and feast after many years proved the flatheads to be greater and more powerful than the skeezers so the flatheads marched away and passed through the row of palms and went back to their mountain where the pseudic and a few of his officers feasted and all the others were forced to wait on them I'm sorry we couldn't have roast pig said the pseudic but as the only pig we have is made of gold we can't eat her also the golden pig happens to be my wife and even were she not gold she would be too tough to eat End of Chapter 11 The Conquest of the Skeezers Recording by Lucy Perry in Bath on June 13th, 2000