Sarah looked at the letter and smiled before handing it back to her friend Stacy. New college graduates didn't often get book deals but Stacy Zimmerman was an authority on Irish folklore and had turned it into a mystery novel set in 1800's Ireland. Sarah had sat up many nights, helping edit the book and she was thrilled to be seeing Stacy get published. Soon they'd be parting ways for the summer and hopefully keep in touch. Stacy understood Sarah's fascination with the Fae even if she didn't know the reason behind it.

"I haven't told you the best part," Stacy giggled, pushing blonde hair from her eyes. "We get to go to Ireland."

"We - Ireland?" Sarah was confused. "What's in Ireland?"

"Well you know how I set the novel at Castle Blogmore? The owner told my publisher that I did a spectacular job with the details even though I'd never been there. So he said I should go there and see what my next novel could become. The publisher agreed and - two free tickets to Ireland."

"That's great, but why two?" Sarah asked, packing clothes for her trip home. Stacy grinned.

"I told the publisher that my research assistant was vital in writing my book and I'd be lost without her."

"Really? I'm your research assistant? Did you forget I majored in pre law?" Sarah smirked at her friend. "I have to go schmooze Dad's lawyer friends and hope for an internship."

"Silly girl - think - this is Ireland. We've talked about going there for the past four years of school. Now we can go - together. And I really do need someone to help me research, you'd even get paid."

"Paid - as in money?" Sarah was starting to warm up to the idea. But - Ireland? She thought about it and picked up the phone.

"Well, let me call home and ask Dad to overnight my passport. This could be fun."

JSJSJSJS

The dark robed figure watched the two girls through a crystal. Soon they would be where he could reach them, and learn their secrets. How did they know of Fae magic in a way few mortals did? And to write such a book, it was unthinkable. The plot centered on a relic that humans had forgotten centuries ago, or so he had thought.

He put the crystal away and began the long walk to his crypt, lost in thought. The girl Sarah seemed to have traces of Fae magic around her like a blanket of protection. It was not a strong trace, but it was there. He'd have to question her more intensely than the other girl, but that would be quite delightful. She would be a challenge and he had not had one of those in quite some time.

Usually he'd been stopped just when his interrogations had gotten to extreme for weak minded fools who wished to 'protect' his prisoners from what they considered torture. He grit his teeth in barely suppressed anger.

No matter...once he had the girls in his castle, he'd be free to question them without restraints or interruptions. Then they would die.

JSJSJSJS

Sarah looked in her mirror once Stacy had left on errands. She smiled and called Hoggle to see her. As the old dwarf appeared in the reflection she waved.

"Hi Hoggle," she called. His face split into a grin and he waved back.

"Hello again, have you packed for home?"

"Actually, I'm not going home - not yet. My friend Stacy got a chance for us to go to Ireland, Castle Blogmore." Hoggle's face turned serious.

"Blogmore? Sarah that place is cursed."

"Cursed? Don't be silly - it's a hotel, nothing happens there."

"Nothing you know about, but mark my words, it's cursed just the same. You be careful. Um, Hoggle's gotta go but I'll tell the others where you'll be. Just remember to have a mirror with you at all times. Can you do that?"

Sarah felt silly but something in her friends gaze made her pause just the same.

"Sure Hoggle, I promise." Her friend faded away and Sarah sat there, wondering at Hoggle's words. He's so overprotective, she thought, smiling. Every old castle must have some sort of curse or ghost story to it. It was Ireland after all. Still, she made sure she packed a small mirror in her luggage then went to call her father.

JSJSJS

"You are certain of this - Castle Blogmore," Jareth was saying to a nervous Hoggle.

"Yes yer Majesty, she's gonna go there for the summer. You gotta stop her."

"And just how do you propose I do that? Tie her to my bed? Though the idea has crossed my mind on occasion." Jareth got that far away look in his eyes and Hoggle rolled his.

"Focus Jareth, the girl's in danger. Lord Rhul's spirt is trapped there and Sarah's research was better than most seeing how she had access to your library."

"Well how was I supposed to know she'd help write that blasted book? She doesn't talk to me, you know. She thinks you stole the books and she was quite happy to think she was flaunting her disobedience before her king."

"Beggin the king's pardon, but you could maybe - talk to her?"

"Hegworth, I would like nothing more than to talk with her, and do much much more with her. But she has to invite me back into her life. You know the rules. I have no power over her."

"I think you do, you're just not ready to use it." Hoggle growled and walked out of the throne room.

Jareth stood there, frozen in shock. Had he been avoiding a confrontation with the girl, blaming her for his absence? Well, he would have to remedy that. He smiled into a crystall and watched his precious girl pack.

She'd have to sleep sometime and he'd be ready.