Darkness Abroad

As the final chapter in this section of the novel, it is longer than most, but is filled with interesting information. Turtle Heart begins to speak of the ‘horrors’ in Quadling and he says this many times that Elphie learns the word and speaks it. This is her first word. Everyone should be proud of her! Turtle begins speaking of the rubies that a in Quadling and if the officials that are taking over the town and building roads find out, they will begin mining. (Hmm, rubies? Sounds like something from the film.) Elphie continues to repeat the word ‘horrors’ and that inspires Turtle to go to Emerald City and speak out on behalf of everyone in Quadling. Frex also decides to do something brave. He decides he is going to become a missionary in Quadling County. This means that both relationships that Melena had going on are broken in a sense. Melena announces that she is pregnant again, but in secret tells Nanny that she is unsure who the father is. Nanny in return gives her a pill, that she insists will ensure the next child is not green or discoloured. At this point Nanny is also facing troubles of her own. Worrying that animals are going to attack. Her fear comes true at the end of the chapter when Elphie goes missing. Turtle continuity says; "she is not far, she is not here” (Maguire) When they find her, she is near the lake and is holding the piece of blown glass, and beside her is a "strange hybrid of tiger and dragon, with glowing orangey eyes” (Maguire) In the glass, Turtle sees that the Wizard of Oz is coming and with him, he does not bring joy, he is bringing Oz into a darkness.