Kidnapping of Sarima

The kidnapping of Sarima, the Dowager Princess of the Arjikis, and her family was a calculated military operation carried out by Commander Cherrystone and the Gale Force during Elphaba's absence from Kiamo Ko. The event shattered the fragile peace of the mountain stronghold and left Elphaba burdened with guilt and a sense of failure, as she had been away visiting her sister Nessarose in Munchkinland when the soldiers struck.

Causes and Background

The kidnapping was not a spontaneous act but the culmination of a long-term strategy by the Wizard of Oz to neutralize the Arjiki ruling family and secure control over the Vinkus. Commander Cherrystone and his reconnaissance unit had been stationed at an outpost near Red Windmill for years, ostensibly conducting surveys but effectively keeping Kiamo Ko under surveillance. The soldiers had ingratiated themselves with the household, particularly with Nor, who had grown fond of them, and with Liir, who served as their water boy. Elphaba had been deeply suspicious of their presence and had repeatedly clashed with Cherrystone, but Sarima, adhering to the mountain code of hospitality, had refused to turn them away. The Wizard later confirmed to Elphaba that the garrison at Red Windmill was maintained specifically "to keep you in check," revealing the strategic intent behind the military presence.

What Happens

The kidnapping was set in motion when Nor, having discovered Elphaba's absence, informed the soldiers that the Witch was gone. Cherrystone and his men then marched to the castle and demanded that Sarima, her five sisters, and her children—Irji, Manek, and Nor—accompany them to their base camp, claiming it was for their own protection against a possible military incursion. The sisters resisted fiercely: they barricaded the dining room, set fire to the chapel wing to draw attention, and Three broke every bone in Cherrystone's wrist with a sharpening stone. Five and Six rang the alarm bell, but the shepherds were too far away to respond. Two tried to tie messages to the crows, but the birds refused to leave their roosts. Four proposed boiling oil but could not get the flame high enough. Despite their desperate efforts, the soldiers prevailed, and the entire family was taken away in chains. Nanny, deemed too old to march, was left behind, and Liir, who had grown fond of the soldiers, was also left, though he later disappeared, presumably to follow them. The villagers were scattered, and the castle fell silent.

Consequences and Aftermath

The kidnapping had devastating and lasting consequences. Sarima and her sisters were never seen again; the Wizard later told Elphaba that they were all dead, possibly murdered by an underling without authority. Irji, the heir to the Arjiki chieftainship, was executed by a method called the Paraffin Necklace, a public affair meant to make a statement. Nor was kept alive as a political prisoner, chained and bent over, her hair cut short and welts visible on her scalp, serving as the Wizard's "protection" against Elphaba's anger. The loss of the Arjiki ruling family left the tribe without leadership, and Elphaba, unable to rescue them despite years of effort, was consumed by guilt. The event also deepened her hatred of the Wizard and hardened her resolve, though she was powerless to undo the damage. The kidnapping marked the end of any hope of reconciliation with Sarima, who had never forgiven Elphaba for her role in Fiyero's death, and left Elphaba to raise Liir in a castle haunted by absence and regret.