Chapter Three
A point of view
Sarah had shaken off the effects of the dream. She had to do that every month and it had become part of her makeup. The rest of the week had gone well. Now her second week of classes was starting. She was surprised when Toby had handed her Owl feathers yet again on the second Monday of the new school year. He'd been insistent, and not wanting to distress him she placed them in her pocket. Having spent a good deal of her Sunday reading from the text for Professor King's class, she thought that she was prepared.
The lecture hall was still empty when she arrived on Monday morning. She took a seat in the chair she'd sat in on that first day. Placing her book on the desk she opened to the chapter that covered Hades and his obsession with Persephone. She was reading the text yet again when Professor King entered the hall. He nodded toward her and went to his desk and removed his jacket. He then walked toward her and when he reached the desk turned the book and looked at the chapter.
"Preparing I see." He said shortly.
"Trying to." She countered. "But now I'm worried that I should have spent some time reading what Campbell has to say on the subject."
King smiled, "I'll wager that you, Miss Williams will be the most prepared in this class. The rest of these students don't strike me as being really interested in myths."
"I'm a little older than some of them." Sarah said quietly, "Perhaps that gives me perspective."
"Ah, life experiences." King mused, then leaning closer he whispered. "What experiences do you have that could prepare you for this class I wonder." Seeing some of the other students enter he pushed off and wandered back to his desk. He looked at his watch and when the hour struck, he began.
"Alright. The first myth we are going to cover is Hades and his all consuming need for Persephone…." He began his lecture.
Sarah took notes, for the first half-hour. Then shook her head and placed her pen down, and glared at the man speaking.
"Yes, Miss Williams?" he sighed.
"I think you're wrong." She said firmly.
The rest of the class gasped audibly, and stared at her, then at the professor.
"Really?" he challenged her. "Where am I wrong?" He leaned on his desk.
Sarah took a deep breath, "Persephone is not blameless in this tale. Nor is she some kind of perfect maiden! She's alone! Just as Hades is. She knows the rules, she's a Goddess for the love of… there is no way she could be tricked."
King took a step closer, "Miss Williams this is not a love story! This is a tale of power, of abduction and of lust. Pure and simple."
"Rubbish!" she countered hotly. "It's the story of a man and a woman who need each other!"
Point by point the pair dueled. Each time he came up with a point she would counter. The class took notes furiously and suddenly the bell rang. King pulled back from a heated comment. "Chapters six and seven for next class." He ordered as the students began to move to the door. Then he looked at Sarah, "Good arguments, Williams." His voice had turned to silk.
Sarah was still expecting him to goad her into another argument. "Thank you, sir."
He nodded, "I look forward to our next …discussion."
Sarah took a deep breath, calming her heart. "As do I, sir." She packed her books and gave him a curt bow. "Good day, Professor."
When she had exited, Jareth let the glamour down for a moment. "So it's a love story is it? Well, well, well… If you say so, my Lady." He laughed and the glamour returned before he could be caught.
Sarah was still fuming as she entered the bookstore on the side street off the park. She saw that Mr. Emrys was with a customer, and went to the back room to stash her belongings. She then went to the little office and checked on what invoicing he needed done. Half an hour later, when the stack was down to nothing, she took a break. She went to the little kitchenette and set up the tea things. Mr. Emrys always had tea at the same time each day. Working for him, Sarah had gotten into the habit and now was dying for a cup. She warmed the pot as he'd taught her, and then filled the tea bob with loose tea. Placing a cozy over the pot, she set it and the cups on a tray and carried them out to the little table that Mr. Emrys was already sitting at. He smiled up at her as she brought the service forward.
"Ah Sarah, is it tea time?" He clapped his hands together like a small child.
Sarah relaxed for a moment. "Yes, sir." She poured his cup, then hers, and took a seat.
Emrys sipped his tea, "Now that is what I call civilized."
Sarah sipped her tea, avoiding his glance.
"Oh my you are in a bad humor." The man observed. "What has caused you such distress?"
Setting the cup down she frowned. "I over reacted to something in class today." She took a deep breath and leaned forward. "We were discussing Hades and Persephone… and I went off on Professor King."
Emrys' eyes danced, "Oh, I'd have loved to have seen that my dear!" he snickered merrily. "He's not been here very long, but I'm told no one counters him. How did he respond?"
Sarah sighed, "He argued right back. Point by point, toe to toe, we were nearly shouting at each other by the end of class…. He says he's looking forward to our next discussion."
"Did he?" Emrys raised a cookie to his lips. "Well."
Sarah bit her lower lip. "He now probably thinks I'm some love sick school girl who does not know the difference between love and obsession." At Emrys' raised brown she stood up and sighed. "I said it's a love story."
"There are those who view it as such." Emrys acknowledged. "Sit down and finish your tea."
Sarah shook her head, "I think I need a walk in the park, if you don't mind." She looked at the empty shop. "I'll be back in fifteen minuets."
"Fine."
Sarah strolled into the park, finding herself drawn to the footbridge. "Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back the child that you have stolen, for my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great." She said quietly as she passed over the bridge. For a moment she looked at the obelisk then rested against it. "Oh yeah, my kingdom is as great. I'm arguing about a megalomaniac who abducts the woman he wants, and I'm defending him! What the hell am I thinking of?"
When Sarah had finished her walk, she returned to the shop. There were a few people milling about and asking questions. But it was the tall man having a happy little chat with Emrys that caught her attention. Sarah looked at the pair of them and wondered what they could find to talk about, as they were different as night and day. She approached quietly. "I'm back Mr. Emrys. I could return the unwanted books to their places now." She looked at the man with light hair and smoky glasses covering his eyes. "Professor King." She greeted him quietly.
"Williams." He greeted her back, still leaning on the check out.
Sarah picked up the basket of unwanted books and walked to the back of the room. Sorting them she tried not to look at that pair in the front. There was something about that man that disturbed her. He made the hairs on her neck stand straight up. She paused and brought one book up to her face. She smelled the rich leather, and the sweet vellum. She'd have been hard pressed to explain to anyone that one of her guilty pleasures was the unique aroma of old books. She closed her eyes and let herself take the scent in yet again.
"What do you see?" a voice asked at her ear.
Eyes closed, she whispered back. "Knowledge." Then she opened her eyes slowly. Standing beside her was the foreign man in the well-cut clothes, smiling.
"You are such a strange woman, Williams." He almost crooned.
Sarah turned to him, "How so?" the look, and the voice was nearly coquettish, but she could not stop herself.
King replied. "I've known few women who get off on the aroma of old books, Williams. Nor have I known any who argued in favor of Hades."
Sarah blushed, "Oh." She turned back to her task. "Such a pity." She said doing her best Jareth impersonation.
King snickered. "Is it?" He took one of the books from the basket and pretended to read the binding. He handed the book back to her. "Until we meet again, Miss Williams."
Sarah watched as he departed the store, then wondered what had come over her that she'd flirted with him that way.
Two days later, she was again the first to enter the class. This time she had notes spread out and was making red marks on her pages. King entered, and went straight to his desk, to remove his jacket. Silently Sarah wondered where in London his clothes were made. She knew the cut of English garments thanks to her mother's boy friend Jeremy.
Her mind had wandered off to England and when she looked up, it was into Kings gaze.
"Williams, did you hear me?" he asked softly.
"What?" her voice was in that soft dream state.
"Where were you?" he asked again.
"England." She smiled. "A park just out side Somerset Ridge."
King nodded, "I know the one of which you speak."
Sarah closed her eyes, to escape for one more moment. "The last time I was there, it was spring. And the cherry trees were in full bloom." She sighed. "What a lovely memory."
King cleared his throat. "Confound it woman, now I'm homesick."
"Sorry, sir." She felt her eyes flutter, "Was there something you wanted?'
"Damned if I remember." He looked at the students coming in. "Oh hell, nearly time." He looked at his watch. "Ready to duel?" he asked her.
Sarah patted her notes. "Anytime you are, sir."
King turned and walked toward the front of the class. "Right. Let's get started."
He began his lecture and watched as Sarah took fresh notes and made markings on the ones she had in front of her. Student after student asked for clarifications, and King answered them all. Finally he looked her way, "Any comments Williams?"
"Just one sir. Horse pucky."
King sat on the edge of his desk casually and laughed. "Really?"
Sarah stood up. "If one follows that train of thought, one comes to the conclusion that the world is hopeless. Your arguments have no logic! No rule. Everything even the old myths and the Gods had rules."
"And you are still arguing that it's a love story." He countered. "How like a woman."
"Granted, I am a hopeful romantic…"
"Hopeful?" he taunted. "Woman you are over reading into the situation."
"Oh you're a cynic!" she tossed back at him.
He stepped away from the desk, advancing on her in almost a menacing fashion. "Cynic am I? Yes, I suppose I am. But better to be a cynic armed with truth and facts than to be a dreamy eyed gullible female." Sarah and Professor King both heard the gasps at the same time. She took her seat, as the bell dismissing the class rang. " Chapters nine and ten for Monday." He called out as bodies raced for the exit. He looked at the woman and took a long cleansing breath. "Damn it Williams! How the duce do you do that to me every time?" He asked her as he completed his advance to her position.
She looked up. "I promised myself this morning I was not going to let you goad me into a face off. Yet, you push one button and I'm ready to rip your throat out."
King smiled, "I'm enjoying this class too." He admitted. "You've a sharp mind, young lady. Hopeful romantic…I'll remember that."
Sarah rose to her feet, gathered her papers and books and placed them in her case. "I'm sure you will."
He moved to stand at her side. "Just be aware. I'm more dangerous then you think. I only look civilized."
Sarah let her eyes drift up to his, "A man should be more dangerous then he looks. It makes for a very interesting…"
Fingers moved to her lips. "One more word, Williams, and I won't be held responsible for my actions."
Sarah pulled back and for some reason curtsied to him, turned and left she lectures hall.
King watched her exit. "Too bad there's no full moon tonight my love." He said in a low and dangerous voice. "I would love to invade your dreams and give you a taste of your own medicine." He walked back to the desk.
Sarah listened to her folks chatter at the dinner table. Toby looked sullen, having gotten a poor grade on a math test. After dinner Sarah offered to help him with his homework, and led him off to the study. By nine he was worn out and went off to his bed. Karen and her father also went up. Sarah told Karen she was going for a walk. It was at night that she missed her companion, Merlin the sheepdog. She reminisced over the long walks taken at night with her childhood companion. Now it was different, she was no longer a child, and the dog had long since gone to his rewards.
Yet again she was drawn to the park, over that same footbridge to the glen and knolls. This time she didn't recite the words as she crossed the bridge. This time she just walked quietly. Standing still for a moment, she smiled and closed her eyes. The park was quiet expect for the wind in the trees. The leaves were now turning brilliant colors, and rustled in the breeze making a strange song. Sarah listened to the rhythm for a moment, then gave in. She stretched out her arms and began to move. She'd have been happy to continue when something on the air changed. A foreign scent filled the space, and a sound drew her attention. Eyes flew open and went toward the source of the sound.
Leaning on the obelisk, clapping gloved hands together stood the Goblin King. His face was mildly amused. "Well, well," he drawled, "Look at you."
Sarah closed her eyes tight, then opened them, but he still stood there. "No." she whispered. "No."
"Not happy to see me? Sarah, I'm so disappointed." He teased.
Sarah looked at him. "What do you want, Jareth?"
He smiled as she spoke his name. "What does anyone want Sarah?" He pushed off the obelisk, and began to stroll toward her. "What do you want, Sarah?" He stopped within feet of her.
Sarah made a quick inventory of her last few thoughts. "I didn't call you."
"No, Sarah, you didn't call me."
"Then…"
He laughed, "Sarah, you are not the only person on this miserable planet to wish a child away."
Her heart sank for a moment. "You're here to steal away another child."
Beautiful mismatched eyes darkened. "I don't steal." He maintained. "I never take what is not freely offered!" A gleam came to his eyes. "There are, after all, rules my dear Sarah."
Sarah blanched at having her own words tossed back at her. "I stand corrected." She turned to where he had been standing and he was gone. She felt a sense of loss. Then a breath at her ear nearly felled her.
"Sarah." He had said.
"Why do you have to do that!"
Gloved hands enfolded her; "Did I give you a fright, my dear? Was it me speaking or the thought of me not being there?" Slowly he pulled her against his chest.
Sarah didn't resist, "Both."
Jareth bestowed a kiss to her head, "If I had more time, I'd explore that new honesty you are working so hard at." He turned her to face him, and raise a brow, "But I must away to the Labyrinth. You know how that is, don't you, my dear?" He looked as if for a moment he was going to laugh, then the smile faded. He knotted fingers in her hair, pulling her head back. "Just time for one kiss I'm afraid, sweet heart." He lowered his lips to hers. Taking possession of them as if he'd always had the right. When she tried to pull away, he held her tight and deepened the kiss to one that was punishing. Then released her so quickly she nearly fell. "Ah sweet Sarah, I look forward to our next meeting. Give my regards to …Toby." And he vanished.
Sarah cried out and stomped her foot. "Damn!" She raced home, locking the door as she entered the house as if the devil himself were on her trail. Climbing the stair, she entered the room her brother was already asleep in. She knelt at his side, cursing herself again forever having brought Jareth into their lives. Half an hour later, when she was assured he was safe she went to her own room.
Jareth, in owl form, sat in the branch of the tree. Musing over his lie to her, there was no child to pick up. He watched as she prepared for bed, and watched for a bit while she slept. Until the call of the sky became too much for him, and he took to wing.
On Friday Sarah went into the bookshop early. She had no classes on Fridays and could spend the entire day at the bookstore. Mr. Emrys let her copy pages from different volumes from time to time for the paper she was working on. This morning as there was little happening he'd given her permission to work on her article. By noon she was nearly finished with her edits. Mr. Emrys smiled as he picked up the parcels to be mailed off.
Sarah heard the bell and left her research, "Good day, welcome to …" her words froze in her throat.
"Good day to you too, Williams." King held out a list to her. "I was wondering if any of these are available."
Sarah read over the list, "You want all of them?"
"Yes." He crossed his arms.
Sarah went back to the computer closed down her article and brought up the inventory. One by one she keyed them in and marked down on the list which ones were in stock, all but one. She took the list and went to the mythology and lore section of the shelves. Pulling the ladder back to where she knew she was going to need it. She moved up the ladder and began to pull the books requested. She looked down at the man, "Would you mind?" She handed them to him one after another.
"I'm very surprised that you have most of these." He said as he took the books.
"Mr. Emrys prides himself on having a good stock." She said softly, reaching for a book that didn't want to budge. "Blast." She leaned farther then extended and again fell into arms that had been waiting. The shock of having been caught this second time drew a gasp from her.
King held her for a moment longer than was really necessary. "We seem to be forming a pattern." He still didn't relinquish his hold.
Sarah looked up and felt the color flood her cheeks. "Thank you." She whispered.
King lowered her feet but didn't let go. "That's twice I've saved your life, one more time an it belongs to me." He teased.
Sarah felt even more color flood her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Professor. That last book is stubborn." She pointed to the last book on the shelf.
King pulled the ladder over and went up it himself and pulled the book free with ease. "The advantages of being male, Williams. Some things know better than to fight you off." He said as he came down.
Sarah picked up the rest of his books. "The one that's not here, is on order and should come in next week. Would you like me to have it set aside for you, sir?"
King watched her move, feeling stirrings he was finding hard to disguise. "Yes, thank you."
Sarah rang up his order and processed his bill. She packed the books in a bag and handed the receipt to him. "Will that be all, sir?"
"Williams, have you ever thought of being a student aide?" he looked at her in earnest.
"No sir, I have very little time. I take class, I work here, and I'm working on an article to be published." She answered honestly. "Most of the professors want someone who can devote a lot more time than I have."
"I see." He nodded. "What about discussion groups, or group studies?"
Sarah sighed, "Professor King, you've seen me in class. Do you really think I'd fit in a study group?"
"In the right kind of group, I think you'd be an asset." He returned. "You're no ones yes man." He wrote down a time and address. "I have people in on Friday evenings on occasion. We have dinner and discuss a multitude of subjects. I'd like for you to join us. I'm having one of these evenings tonight."
Sarah looked at the address. "That's very kind of you, but why?"
King leaned on the desk, "You have a good mind, and I like arguing with you."
He picked up his books, "Drinks are served at Seven thirty, be on time, you know I hate to be kept waiting."
"Professor!" She took hold of his arm before he was out the door. He paused, turned and looked down at her. "What kind of attire?"
He smiled, "Dressy, but not formal." He bowed to her and departed. "It's just my opinion, but there are few enough occasions that warrant dressing up in this world."
Sarah began to think she'd lost her mind, she looked at the card in her hand and went to do a map search on the computer for directions from her parent's house to the address. She smiled up at Mr. Emrys and told him she had to leave an hour early. He gave her leave. Sarah arrived home to find a note stating that her parents and Toby had driven over to Karen's sisters for the weekend. Karen reminded her that it was planned, and she'd said she could not take the time. Karen also said there was a casserole in the fridge for her, and wished her a good weekend.
Taking the stairs quickly up, Sarah went to her closet and began to leaf though the dresses she'd collected over the last few years. She knew there was one that made not only a good impression but also a solid statement. It was a dress her mother had found with her on a weekend in New York. It was a designer dress, from an after five collection. A fitted bodice, a flared out skirt that moved like a wave, and a little jacket that just made it look too good to be true. She found it, and let her fingers caress the soft blue-green fabric. She had shoes that went with it beautifully, even a purse. For once she was glad her mother had insisted on buying everything that went with the outfit.
Sarah freshened up, and slipped into the dress. Redid her makeup with light touches, and darkened her lips for the evening. Linda, her mother, had said darker lips at night were the sign of a sophisticate. She looked at her vanity, and picked up the expensive perfume she rarely used. She lightly put the scent on at her pulse points and a bit in her hair. She looked at herself in the mirror, wanting to make the right impression on these other scholars and teachers.
Taking the directions and reading them over one more time, she locked the house and pulled her car out of the family drive. She drove to the address listening to a radio program called 'The sounds of Love'. It was hard for her to explain to friends that she preferred the soft rock sounds to the hard with it sounds they liked. The shows host spoke in a low and what he thought was a sexy tone.
"This one goes out to Sarah, from her special someone….Here's to you Sarah."
Greeen Eyed Lady, lovely lady
Strolling slowly towards the sun
Green eyed lady ocean lady
Soothing every wave that comes
Green eyed lady, passion's lady
dressed in love she lives for life to be
Green eyed lady feels like I never see
Setting suns and lonely lovers free
Sarah nearly pulled the car over, then chided herself. "Sarah, get a grip there are tons of girls named Sarah out there, and lots of them have Green eyes!"
