Garden Ogre
By: Wilona Riva
Disclaimer: Labyrinth belongs to Jim Henson.
Besides Sarah, there have been many, many, runners of the Labyrinth. This is not a story about them. This is about a child wished away by an angry parent. When the father failed Jareth's test, it is the unfortunate job of the Goblin King to explain to the child was is about to happen to him. Meet the rare child who understands the Goblin King.
"These are interesting," the Goblin King said, holding up a jar to his line of sight and peered inside. "But what is it, may I ask?"
"Seeds and nuts," the young boy dressed in a brown tunic, red outer robe, and brown leather sandals replied. "Marglo and I collected them from the garden. Has my father come yet?"
Jareth sighed and put down the jar alongside the other twenty blue ones. Marglo was proficient at extracting the oils from the contents of his garden. Perhaps this little one would be a welcome apprentice to the goblin apothecary.
His mis-matched eyes focused on the boy's youthful brown ones. "Have a seat, Fahd," he motioned toward the rickety three-legged stool by the fireplace. "I have something important I have to explain to you."
Fahd sat down, a chill running down his spine. "Is my father still coming?"
Jareth sighed. This was never easy. "I sent your father home, Fahd. He could not solve the puzzle of the Riddle Gnomes. The thirteen hours are over."
"I understand," came the quiet reply. "At least he tried. Mother will grieve for a time, but they have my brother and sisters to comfort them."
Jareth lifted the boy's gazed to meet his own. "You are one of the brighter children I am pleased to have met. Your father failed to reach the castle at the center of the Labyrinth in the allotted thirteen hours. When that happens, they are within my power. Are you understanding, so far?"
Fahd nodded. "He becomes your prisoner."
"As such, yes, but your father fought valiantly. He put his heart and soul in trying to make it here to save you," Jareth explained. "I sent him home; it was not right to keep a warrior's spirit like his within my kingdom."
"What's going to happen to me now?" Fahd asked, his voice trembling slightly with fear.
"You will change, become a child of the Labyrinth Herself."
"When?"
"Now," Jareth answered, summoning a crystal. "Hold this, for but a moment. The pain will be brief."
Fahd composed himself, then reached out for the crystal. Jareth placed it into his hands. What manner of creature will this boy become, I wonder?
Fahd began to contort, his bones cracking and popping as his new shape began to emerge. Half the height of a human child with green fur covering everything but the tip-top of his head, hands and feet, Fahd was becoming a gentle giant with long slender fingers and small pointed feet.
Jareth was amazed. It had been quite some time since the Labyrinth had created a garden ogre.
"Fahd? Can you comprehend my voice, child?"
"Yes, majesty," came the musical voice of the garden ogre. "What have I become?"
"A rare garden ogre," Jareth told him. "How would you like to stay and help Marglo take care of my gardens. He'll show you have to navigate the Backwards Hedge Maze."
"I'd love it."
Jareth summoned another crystal and handed it to the garden ogre. "Fahd, this crystal will show you everything you need to navigate the shifting gardens."
"Thank you, Jareth."
Jareth smiled. "You're welcome, child."