Scarecrow, Lion and Tinman hid behind some boulders overlooking the cliff to which the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle stood, looming menacingly over the dead tree and rocky terrain below. They were clothed with guard uniforms, which they had previously “borrowed” from some passing guards.

“Oh, I can’t stand to think of how scared our Dorothy must be…” Tinman interrupted the silence, tears beginning to well in his eyes. Scarecrow glanced at him, his voice stern with warning. “Oh, now don’t you start crying. You’ll just rust up, and we don’t have the tin can.” At Scarecrow’s reminder, Tinman gave a solemn nod in acknowledgment, blinking away the tears brewing.

However, they both soon realised the absence on their left. Without hesitation, they hurried after the cowering lion and dragging him back to the boulders, crouching behind them once more so they were hidden from view. Lion opened his mouth to stutter out a protect to be interrupted by Toto’s persistent barking, trotting down the path towards the castle. “I think Toto’s trying to lead us somewhere. He’ll know where Dorothy is!” Scarecrow muttered as he stood, walking after the little terrier and gesturing for the others to follow.

The group followed a line of patrolling guards into the castle, splitting from the line upon noticing Toto running down the hall, pawing and whining at a large, wooden door.

Lion lifted Toto into his arms, nervously glancing around. Scarecrow pressed his ear against the wood, listening for a moment before lifting his head to speak. “Well, we’ll have to know she’s in there for sure.” Scarecrow knocked on the wood, trying to budge the door open as he called. “Dorothy?! Dorothy!”

Hearing Scarecrow’s voice, you replied almost immediately, unable to hide the relieved tone in your voice. “I’m here, I’m here!”

Scarecrow stepped back upon ensuring you were inside, allowing Tinman to step forward with his axe raised, warning you to back away before swinging the axe against the door, splintering the wood.