*
Chapter Eight:
Lion Country
*
As they approached the Lion's camp, they could see the warm glow of abig fire. The Lion was laying by the fire, propped up on some cushions,roasting marshmallows. When he saw them approaching, he jumped up andbounded over to meet them.
"How wonderful to see you all!" he said as he embraced each in turn.When he got to Dorothy, he gave her an extra big hug. "This is really apleasant surprise, Dorothy. I wasn't expecting to see you again. Atleast, not for a long time."
"Being back in Oz is just as much of a surprise to me," replied Dorothy."It's true I had been thinking of you all an awful lot; and I did missyou all terribly. Perhaps my longing to see you all again had somethingto do with it; I'm sure it did. But it seems I have a definite mission,and that is the real purpose for my being here."
"Well now," said the Lion. "How interesting. Let us sit by the fire andI'll make you some hot chocolate and marshmallows and you can tell meall about it."
After everyone had settled around the fire (everyone, that is, exceptthe Scarecrow, for fire made him very nervous), Dorothy told the storyof her return to Oz. The Lion listened intently without interruption.When Dorothy was finished, he thought for a moment: "You know," he saidat length, "it's interesting to note that you have helped each of ushere; you have helped the Munchkins and in fact all of Oz by getting ridof two very evil witches. And now you are ready to do battle again onbehalf of our wonderful land. We have much to be grateful for. It seemsyou are playing a very important role in the history of Oz. You arealmost a savior."
"Please!" said Dorothy. "I am just an ordinary person trying to helppeople. I don't want you to think of me as someone unusual. I am doingno more than any good friend would. Besides, I have grown to love Oz andall of you more than words can convey."
At that, Dorothy became quite pensive.
"Is anything the matter, Dorothy?" asked the Lion.
"Well, I am somewhat concerned," replied the girl. "The Wicked Witch ofthe Deep South is a mean one. There's no telling what she might do toeveryone because of me."
"Now don't fret so, Dorothy," the Lion replied. "She's not going tofrighten us into deserting you. We'll stick by you through thick and thin."
"Thick and thin what?" said the Scarecrow, genuinely curious.
"It's just an expression," said the Tin Woodman, giving him a nudge.
"Oh!" responded the Scarecrow. "Oh, yes."
"We won't let that old witch get us down, Dorothy," said the TinWoodman, patting her on the back.
"No indeed!" echoed the Scarecrow. "Don't you worry your pretty littlehead, Dorothy."
"Well, I know you're tired," said the Lion. "Let's turn in. Everythingwill look a lot brighter in the morning. We'll discuss our plans rightafter breakfast."
The Lion brought out some more cushions and blankets. He ordered sixleopards and six tigers to stand guard around the camp. The Tin Woodmanand the Scarecrow stood by Dorothy's bed (they always stood guard atnight because they don't need any sleep themselves).