Dorothy said, "Why don't we leave these two alone for a while to get acquainted? We'll walk slowly, Lion," she said, "so you can catch up. Miss Lion is welcome to join us if she wishes." "Thank you, Dorothy," said the Lion. The female lion looked quite pleased by the invitation. "Well, I'm very happy for you both," replied Dorothy. "Now you each have someone to share your life with." "She is a very lovely soul," said the Lion, looking into his companion's eyes. "It seems as if we were just made for each other." "I'm sure you were," replied Dorothy. "I'm sure you were." * Chapter Twenty-two: A Political Discussion * The journey back to Oz was quite uneventful. Everyone just enjoyed each other's company as they talked of many things. "You know," said the Tin Woodman at one point, "one of the most pleasant aspects of life is having good friends: someone you can talk to who understands you, and with whom you can share your hopes and dreams and innermost thoughts." "Yes, friendship is a wonderful thing," said Dorothy. "I was quite a lonely little girl on the farm until I met all of you. Now I have the most wonderful friends in the world." "Thank you, Dorothy," said the Scarecrow. "We all feel very fortunate to have you as a friend, too. You have taught us many things." "Well, thank you," said Dorothy. "I know I have learned an awful lot from all of you. And we have all learned tremendously from the friends we have met on our journey." "I know I have learned a great deal lately," said the Witch. "Thanks to all of you." "Thank you," said Dorothy. "I think all people everywhere learn from each other. That is part of the joy of life. If there could be no friendly exchange of thoughts and ideas with others, life would not be too meaningful." "It would be terrible to live one of those countries where people can only read news that the government allows them to read," said the Tin Woodman. "Or where they cannot voice criticism of government programs and policies." "The government in those countries must be terribly insecure and fearful," said the Scarecrow. "I would say that would have to be true," answered Dorothy. "Hmm," said the Witch. "Much like my own kingdom was. A rule of fear instead of a rule of love." "When people are afraid to say anything against their system of government or their leader, then that is a rule of fear, yes," said Dorothy. "Why could I not see that at the time?" said the Witch. "Because," replied Dorothy, "your love for yourself, or at least your love of power, was stronger than your love for others." "I had no love for others," said the Witch. "Only contempt." "Exactly," said Dorothy. "Thank Heaven you saved me from myself," answered the Witch. "Now I am loved for myself. The power I care for no longer." "Don't you see," replied Dorothy, "once you have given up the power, you receive it. You have more power now than you ever have had." The Witch raised her eyebrows questioningly. "I do?" she said.