Title: The Child of Prophecy

Author: Lady Ione Athene & Tigerose

Rating: R for violence (and in case my Jareth muse wins my co-Author over... /evil grin/ What/innocent smile for good measure/)

Disclaimer: Repetitive statement that we don't own the Labyrinth and its characters…

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iii. The Meeting:

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A misty cloud of violet power appeared before the small company while beside it the air seemed to distort and shimmer. Within the sphere of purple, a centauress took shape and the hazy aura around her dissipated as she became clearer. The golden Apollo appeared in an aura of shining blue mist beside her. Perfectly in tune with each other, both centaurs slowly bowed their heads as their fists came over their hearts. Upon looking up once more they extended their hands toward the group palm upwards in friendship. It was the centaurian version of a salute and bow, for their bulky equine bodies did not allow them the same formalities of the Faye and humans.

"Welcome, King Shadderocke, General Paine, Captain Tig," the female centauress greeted nodding to each as she spoke their names. "It is an honor to see thee in the Labyrinth again." Her equine sides expanded breathing in as the centauress felt Sheba's attempts to fight back. She is fighting me, Apollo. The centauress spoke silently through mindspeak meant for her son alone. By Athena, the girl has spirit!

"You have caught us by surprise, milord," Apollo added. "We have not yet chanced to meet one of your party." He lazily swished his creamy tail from side to side as he looked toward Sheba curiously.

The female centauress focused on the young girl who was still valiantly, though perhaps rather foolishly, trying to fight her. She worked her thought gradually into the young girl's frightened mind. It was hard work for fear was certainly a powerful wall. Soon she felt it give for the girl's human power was nowhere near a match for the centauress yet. She voiced a few thoughts in a gentle soothing voice a bit louder than the other thoughts crowding the girl's mind. She swept a few of them away as one would a pesky fly quieting them so the girl could hear her better.

Do not fight me, child. It is for the sake of everyone present that you are being confined. Peace, you are not under attack...

The girl felt the demon that seized her grow nearer and stronger. She fell to her knees again trying to force it out, dropping her precious broadsword. She heard words crystal clear in her mind, very different then the whispers she was used to. Her head ached tremendously as she fought fruitlessly. She didn't want to hear the gentle words, but she was losing the battle. She looked pleadingly at the rest of the Jaborean party. She was failing miserably on this mission. The general whispered as she staggered to her feet, "why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well?" She carried her broadsword uselessly at her side. General Paine then introduced Sheba. Captain Tig claimed she wasn't usually so clumsy nor acted this oddly, for he had seen her skill in the practice field.

Although it left a sour taste in her mouth, the young woman admitted defeat and stood up facing the centaurs. She didn't know what to make of the strange creatures. What she found most surprising was the female centaur's clothing, or lack thereof. The green warrior flushed in embarrassment. She was used to men's bare torsos, but on a woman, it was disgraceful. It tarnished her honor, but then so could Sheba's army life if she didn't know how to protect herself. She thought she was doing a good job of it until now. That presence in her mind still felt wrong. Who are you? Sheba asked the presence.

Ione listened to the General's introduction and the Captain's apologies though she was still focusing a bit more on her mental war of wills with Sheba. She very nearly sighed in relief when the human stopped fighting her, but for now she would keep the young woman hedged in. Ione's composure held true, but she smirked inwardly when the girl's thoughts flowed to her concerning her attire. She wondered briefly what the girl would do if she were not required to hide her form in the kingdom. In their kingdom it was no disgrace to show her perfection. When she visited Olympia, she and Apollo would be completely devoid of any clothing whatsoever! She was surprised at Sheba's lack of training. As a young warrioress, she could understand her losing her composure by jumping into a different realm. But she was curious why no one had yet trained this girl to reign in her thoughts. She was doubly surprised when she heard the girl reach out with her thoughts purposely. So the girl had the power of mind-speak as well as telekinesis. Wonders never cease!

I stand before you, Sheba. The centauress looked directly into the young woman's eyes. She knew her violet gaze was soul-searching due to her powers. She rarely looked a person directly in the eyes unless she wished to use that to her advantage. My name is Lady Ione Athene, but you may call me Ione.

Apollo could feel his mother conversing with the human girl though she did not let him hear what was said, and he picked up where the captain had left off in the conversation.

"I must ask then why you have brought a newcomer to the Labyrinth. Since she is one of power, we are skeptical of your reasoning. We are even more concerned with the unruly use of the said power she displays. As protectors of the Labyrinth, we are displeased by this to say the least. We should like a bit more information on her before we allow her within the Labyrinth's walls or before our king." The centaur's proud bearing allowed no question of this fact, which was his right as one of the Elder Knights.

From within the castle, Jareth watched the proceedings with interest. He was certainly curious about this human girl now. Ione and Apollo were clearly wary of her with good reason. He shook his head slowly. He had cleaned the throne room out for the visitors' arrival, and the squabbling goblins were once more relegated to the city surrounding the castle. He was a tad impatient for the group to come. Since Shadderocke never traveled to his kingdom lightly, there must be a good reason for the visit. He was also curious why the human king had brought fewer guards this time. Surely the king did not place too much trust in the inadequate power of that child!

Sheba stepped backwards when she saw the female centaur watching her intently. She knew how others felt when facing the general, like everything they were was laid bare and dashed upon the ground. But she heard the strong presence in her mind again and had to listen carefully. Though like the whispers she was used to, this voice never faded away. It was always strong and commanding. Sheba dropped her eyes from the other woman's and saw on a glance that she never moved her mouth. Sheba didn't know of any who could do that, but she realized that her first question was not spoken. You're like me, Lady Ione. The young woman's eyes lit up at the realization. Is that why the general chose her for this? He knows of her strangeness, but does he know these strange horse creatures can do that too? She looked to him questioningly, but he wasn't paying attention to her. He was talking to the male centaur explaining that Sheba was a skilled but green recruit and thought that a peaceful mission would be best for her first field trial.

Apollo was increasingly curious about his mother's conversation with the girl after he heard her first question. But the elder centauress was keeping the girl's confidence, which was understandable. He focused his attention on the general's explanation of their intent on bringing her in the first place.

Ione smiled inwardly. Had the girl truly never met someone similar? Yes, Sheba. We are similar... in gifts if not in form.. Ione intruded a sternness to her next thought to the girl. However, my son and I are not 'horse-creatures'. There was no malice only a firm resolve that washed into the words. Apollo and I are centaurs.

Moving her thought without to her son, she informed him that it was safe to allow the girl entry. She then retreated back to the girl's attention knowing Sheba was unable to hear her thought unless allowed. She hoped the girl had someone to help her with that. Who trains these powers of yours in your world? The centauress was curious, but certain they wouldn't just let the girl wreak havoc.

Apollo heard his mother's approval and then relayed her message to the general. "Your reasoning seems solid enough. As she seems to have calmed, I deem it safe to allow her entry." The palomino centaur turned his attention to the king once more. "Would you care to allow us to transport you or would you prefer to walk

to the castle?"

What powers do you mean, Lady Ione? Sheba then took mental inventory of all her traits good and bad. She was an excellent swordswoman. At that thought, she noticed she was still dangling her broadsword by her side. She smiled apologetically at the centaurs and returned it to its sheath. She then returned to her mental inventory. She couldn't even try a bow and arrows. That brought up an uncomfortable memory of shattered arrowshafts and many injured recruits. The girl hung her head and rubbed her elbows. I didn't mean it! Could that be what power the centaur was speaking of? But all it does is break things and hurt people. That's why the centaur seized her mind. I'm sorry, Ione, terribly sorry. The girl rubbed her elbows more furiously. Everyone was ignoring her, except Ione. She knew the female centaur was always watching her, even if it wasn't visible.

King Shadderocke said to Apollo, "Transport would be welcome. It is a long way to the castle by foot."