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“My guess? The Emerald Palace.”

“We have to go get him.”

“Sure. But you don’t just charge into the Emerald Palace.” I go to the one front window of the cabin and peek out. “We’re surrounded by soldiers. Looks like Bayla is at the head.”

“Who’s that?”

“Captain of the Cardinal Command. And also a witch.”

“Powerful?”

“Extremely. She has the gift of persuasion. She’s very good at—”

“Tinman!” Bayla shouts.

“Crice.”

“We ask that you and your companion come outside at once. No one will get hurt.”

I grit my teeth and move away from the window, but I find myself going to the front door.

Dorothy whispers, “What are you doing?”

“I told you she’s good.”

My thoughts are a spiral. I know Bayla’s magic is trying very hard to command me, but I’m a stubborn asshole who does not like being commanded.

I plant my feet, but my body starts trembling from the effort of resisting.

Bayla must have burned a shiny gem to work this fast.

My hand goes to the doorknob.

“Stop!” Dorothy says.

“I can’t!”

“Come outside quickly!” Bayla adds. “Bring Dorothy Gale with you.”

I turn the handle. Dorothy tries to prevent me, but I take a fistful of her shirt with my metal hand and wrench us both outside.

There are at least ten soldiers in front of us, but I’m guessing that’s not the entire regiment. Probably there are several more in back, hiding in the shadows. I’m certain we’re surrounded.

“It’s up to you,” I whisper to Dorothy.

“What?” she whispers back, but even as she says it, I see the recognition dawn in her expression.

She shifts her weight and wraps her hand around my wrist.

“Thank you, Tinman,” Bayla calls from the clearing. “Now if you and your companion would kindly come off the porch.”

I take a step. Teeth gritted, I say, “Now.”

Dorothy puts her feet together and clacks her heels.

The floor is yanked out from beneath me. The cabin, the forest, Bayla and her soldiers, all of it disappears.

There’s a pressure in my chest and a spinning whirl in my head.