The Dungeon

The master had wild blonde hair and wore a a cape of black about is shoulder which was covered in feathers and fur. His legs bore skin tight breeches all the same dark shade of black. His leather boots and leather gloves gave him a menacing demeanour. He looked at Robert in disgust. Then he gazed at the creatures who bowed before him.

"There's a stranger here" he said through gritted teeth.

"Master, allow me to explain" said Sir Didymus. "The gentleman was brought here by the goblins and he was soaked in beer so…"

The fox's sentence was drowned out by the man's yelling voice.

"So you bring a drunk man into my castle and sit him on my throne!!!"

"Master, I'd like to take this moment to say...I was against this from the start. I tried to stop them, but would they listen to me? No, no, no!" said Hoggle.

The Goblin King walked over to Robert who now looked petrified.

"Who are you! What are you doing here?"

"I was reading a book and…"

"You are not welcome here!!"

"I'm sorry" he said staring at the strange man.

"What are you staring at?"

"Noth-noth-nothing!" Robert answered as he stepped out of the chair and tried to run towards the door. But as he reached the door the caped man appeared magically in front of him, blocking his entrance. Robert gazed in fear.

"So, you've come to stare at the Goblin King, have you?"

"Please, I meant no harm! I just need to get home!"

"I'll give you a home!!" yelled the Goblin King as he picked him up by his shirt and carried him out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him, plunging the Throne Room, along with Hoggle and Sir Didymus into darkness.


As this was happening, Sarah was already near to the castle. She was surprised that the route of the Labyrinth hadn't changed. She expected to face countless obstacles like she did last time; changing tracks, hidden openings and wild creatures, but the Labyrinth looked relatively dead!! Through the torch-light she could see the drab open space the Labyrinth had become. Most of the walls had broken down. It was almost depressing the way the trees and shrubs had all expired. The sky was the colour of miserable grey and the ground was covered in dirt. It was like the Goblin King had given up, like he didn't care anymore!!

Soon enough she had arrived at the Goblin City. That was just as deceased. She passed a few goblins but they were more interested in drinking as much ale as they could rather than trying to stop her walking through. They all looked drained, like they had already caused enough mischief for the day. That put worry in Sarah's head. When she approached the castle she was hesitant to go in. She knew that there were certain people she didn't want to face. But then something caused her to think differently.

"Oh no!" she sighed when she saw part of her father's ripped shirt on the floor. That made her determined to get him back, no matter what she had to do. Five years ago Sarah could handle the Labyrinth because she had dreamed about it so many times. But her father never shared her love of fairy tales and games. He wouldn't be able to handle himself. She looked up at the threatening castle in front of her. Even though she really didn't want to go in, she knew she had to.


In the meantime, Hoggle and Sir Didymus were dwelling on the previous events.

"Couldn't keep quiet, could we. Just had to invite him to stay, didn't we? Serve him tea, sit in the master's chair, pet the pooch" groaned Hoggle.

"I was trying to be hospitable" snapped Didymus.

But both of the stopped talking when they heard someone enter the castle.

"Hello? Is anyone here? Hello? Dad? Dad, are you here?" she called.

Sarah walked straight past the Throne Room and proceeded up the staircase that rested at the front of the castle. As she made her way up the steps she failed to see little Chopper who was watching her from a corner. He smiled to himself than ran into the Throne Room.

"There's a girl in the castle!" he said to the dwarf and the fox.

"Yes, we can hear that there is a girl in the castle. But what is she doing here?" said Hoggle.

Chopper shrugged, then ran back out into the hallway. Hoggle and Didymus followed and looked up at the top of the stairs. They only saw a last glimpse of the girl before she disappeared but instantly they knew who it was.

"Sarah!" Hoggle whispered.

"My Lady!" said Sir Didymus.

"You know her?" asked Chopper.

"Yes, she's our…well, she was out friend" said Hoggle.

"She's pretty" smiled Chopper.

"Indeed she is. But why is she here, that's what…, wait!!" gasped Didymus. "Maybe she's the one! The girl we have been waiting for. Sarah has come to break the spell!"

Sir Didymus called for his dog and sat on his back. They began to run up the stairs, after Sarah.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute!" cried Hoggle as he followed him.

Chopper stayed a smiled to himself behind, not really understanding what they were talking about.

Sarah advanced down a narrow hallway, ogling at all the strange artistry of the castle. All of the fascination of the Labyrinth from before was beginning to charm her again. Hoggle and Sir Didymus snuck up behind her.

"She's going the wrong way!" said the fox. "She'll never find her father going that way."

Hoggle walked over a door that was situated at the left of the corridor and opened it slightly. It made a creaking sound causing Sarah to look behind her. Hoggle and Didymus quickly ran off, while Sarah entered the open door.

"Dad? Dad?" she called. "I-I-Is there anyone here?"

"Sarah?" her father's voice called, echoing around the dark room.

She moved the torch into the direction of the voice and gasped when she saw her father.

"Oh, dad!" Sarah said as she rushed up to him. She saw that he was locked up in a cage. This was obviously a dungeon.

"How did you find me?" he asked taking her hands through the cage.

"Oh, your hands are like ice. We have to get you out of here."

"Sarah, I want you to leave this place."

"Why, who's done this to you?" she asked. She knew the Goblin King was cruel but she didn't think he would do anything like this.

"No time to explain. You must go...now!"

"I won't leave you!"

Suddenly, a gust of wind entered the dungeon, blowing the door wide open. A shadow came into the room, which couldn't quite be seen in the dark. Then, a gloved hand clutched on to Sarah's shoulder and whipped her around causing her to drop the torch into a puddle. The room was almost pitch-black apart from a single beam of light shining from above.

"Who's there? Who are you?" she asked.

"The master of this castle" he answered.

She recognised his distinguished voice right away. It was the Goblin King! But he didn't seem to recognise her as he hadn't yet seen her face.

"I've come for my father. Please let him out! Can't you see he's terrified?"

"Then he shouldn't have trespassed here."

"But he can't handle it here!! Please, I'll do anything!"

"There's nothing you can do. He's my prisoner."

"Oh, there must be some way I can...wait! Take me, instead!"

"You! What makes you think you can handle it here?"

"Sarah! No! You don't know what you're doing!" yelled her father.

"Sarah?" whispered the Goblin King. "No, surely not…, it couldn't be…"

Sarah's hands were trembling.

"Come into the light!" the Goblin King demanded.

Sarah hesitantly stood up and made her way into the light-shaft. Her face appeared in the darkness and almost knocked him for six. He couldn't believe she had come back to the Labyrinth after all these years. She could only just see the outline of his face but he could see hers' clearly. He could tell she had grown. She looked much more daintier, yet she still kept her innocent gaze. For some reason though, she could not quite meet his gaze. The silence between them created a wave of tension that simmered between the two.

"He's your father" he asked, lowering his tone a little.

"Yes, he is, and you have to let him go" she cried tearfully.

"Sarah. How do you know this man!!" asked Robert. "Has he threatened you before?"

"I'll take his place. Just release him!!" she pleaded, ignoring her father.

"You…you would do that?" asked the Goblin King.

"If I did, would you let him go?"

"Yes, but you must promise to stay here forever."

She pondered over the situation for a second, but then regained her composure and lifted up her head, giving her a very innocent look.

"You have my word."

"No, Sarah. I won't let you do this!" shouted Robert.

"Done!" said the Goblin King as he swiftly moved of to unlock the cell.

Sarah collapsed on the floor with her head in her hands. The Goblin King hurled Robert out of the cage and began to drag him out.

"No, Sarah. Listen to me. I'm older than you, I've lived my life--

But before her father could finish, he was hauled out of the dungeon and down the stairs.

"Wait!" called Sarah.

"Sarah!"

"Wait!"

But it was too late. Sarah was now his prisoner!


A few moments later, the Goblin King came back upstairs. Hoggle and Sir Didymus began to follow him.

"Master?" asked Sir Didymus.

"What!"

"Since My Lady is going to be with us for quite some time, I was thinking that you might want to offer her a more comfortable room."

The Goblin King sneered at the suggestion.

"Then again, maybe not."

The Goblin King entered the dungeon where he saw Sarah crying.

"You didn't even let me say good bye. I'll never see him again. I didn't get to say good-bye."

He began to show a look of pity on his face.

"'ll show you to your room." he said quietly.

"My room?" she asked, surprised. "But, I thought--"

"You want to stay in the dungeon?" he said, angrily.

"No."

"Then follow me."

Sarah followed the Goblin King down narrow corridor as he lead her to her room. Hoggle and Sir Didymus followed. As they proceeded, Sarah began to lag behind. She looked at hideous sculptures on the walls and the light casting shadows on them. Frightened, she gasped and ran to catch up with the Goblin King, who was carrying a glowing crystal as a light source. He looked back at Sarah and saw a tear form at the corner of her eye.

"Say something to her" whispered Didymus.

"Hmm? Oh. I...um...hope you like it here."

The Goblin King looked at Sir Didymus for approval. He motioned for him to continue.

"The castle is your home now, so you can go anywhere you wish, except the West Wing."

Sarah suddenly started to look intrigued.

"What's in the West Wing?"

"It's forbidden!" he bellowed whilst turning around to scowl at her.

They reached a small door which the Goblin King opened. Light suddenly spilled out in the room. He held the door open and Sarah slowly walked in. It was a fine room alright, with a lighter tone than the rest of the castle. The white bed sheets looked comfortable enough. It was almost as if she was expected here. But, even though the bedroom was cosier than she imagined, she still was melancholic.

"Now, if there's anything you need, my servants will attend you."

"Dinner--invite her to dinner" the fox whispered in his ear.

"You…will join me for dinner" he said in an angry tone. "That's not a request!" he shouted.

He then left, slamming the door behind him. Sarah, terrified, ran over to the bed and flung herself onto it, finally breaking down and crying.


Back in the real world, Gunner and Larry were sitting in a tavern, downing as many beers as they could handle.

"Who does she think she is? That girl has screwed with the wrong guy." said Gunner.

"Darn right!" said Larry.

"She's trashed my bad boy reputation!" Gunner said, turning his chair away.

"I know, I know. More beer?"

"What's the point. Nothing helps. I'm just a loser!"

"Who you? Come on Gunner, you've got to pull yourself together! Everybody in college wants to be you! How can you say you're a loser!"

"Who are you trying to kid?" he said, sulkily.

"Alright, fine! Maybe you're right. Maybe you are a loser!"

"What did you say!" Gunner yelled.

"Well, if you can't even get Sarah, the class weirdo, to like you!! What chance have you got!"

Gunner's face was boiling up as Larry continued.

"You're so ugly, you have to sneak up on your own mirror!"

Gunner trust all of his energy into his fist and punch Larry right in the face. Then he got up out of his seat and walked the to exit of the tavern.

"That's it! I'm going to take Sarah to the dance, even if I have to drag her there by her pigtails!"

His voice was so loud the whole tavern stopped to look at him. Larry stood up and regained his composure. Even though his nose was blooded up, he smiled to himself.

"Reverse psychology, always works!"

When Gunner and Larry were out of the bar they noticed that there was a lone man wandering around in the cold night. He looked troubled.

"Help! Someone help me!" cried the man.

As he came closer, they realised that it was Sarah's father. Immediately they started laughing at him.

"What's he doing?" asked Gunner.

"Probably looking for his sixth wife!" said Larry.

"Yeah! That or his marbles!" joked Gunner.

Both of them sniggered as Robert approached them.

"You know my daughter don't you? Please! Please, I need your help! He's got her. He's got her locked in the dungeon!" said Robert.

"Who?" asked Larry.

"Sarah. We must go. N-not a minute to lose!"

"Whoa! Slow down, old man. Who's got Sarah locked in a dungeon?"

A Goblin King! A mean, nasty Goblin King!

Robert looked from Gunner to Larry, hoping they would take him seriously. There was a moment of silence, then Gunner and Larry broke out into an array of laughter.

"What the hell is a Goblin King?" asked Gunner.

"I know it sounds crazy boys. But he's real. He's an evil villain who lives in the middle of this giant maze and he uses the goblins to steal anyone who say's the magic words. You see, there's a book, a little red one. It's some kind of magic book because if you read it you get sucked into the story. You've got to believe me!!"

Again, Gunner and Larry erupted into laughter.

"No wonder Sarah's such a book freak. She was brought up by this guy!! Dude, are there like books in every corner of your home?" asked Larry.

"When I went to visit there. They did have…get this…a book shelf!!!" laughed Gunner.

The laughter continued while Robert fretted over his trapped daughter. Gunner and Larry then walked straight past him, knocking him over on to the floor as they did so.

"Will no one help me?" cried Robert.


Back in the castle, Sarah was still crying in the bedroom, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. She got up and walked over to it.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Chopper. I bring you a drink!"

Sarah didn't know who Chopper was but he sounded harmless enough to let him in. She let him in and was surprised when a little goblin entered with a drink in his hand.

"You're a goblin!"

"Yes!" he said enthusiastically, as if proud of his kind. Sarah sat down on the bed. Chopper followed and sat next to her. He gave her the drink and she sipped it thankfully.

"This is nice. Wait…a minute. It's not been poisoned has it!"

"No. Chopper not bad" he said, bowing his head.

"Oh. I'm sorry. It's just, I've never met a nice goblin before."

"Chopper nice! I can do tricks?" he said, chirping up again.

He stood up of the bed and attempted to stand on his hands.

"Well, that's amazing Chopper!" humoured Sarah.

Then, there was another knock at the door. Before Sarah could say anything, Chopper ran over to open it. However, Sarah smiled with joy when a friendly face entered the room.

"Sir Didymus!"

"My lady!" exclaimed Didymus in delight. "Oh it is you. We just knew it!"

"We?"

"Yes. Hoggle and I"

"Hoggle? Where is he?"

"Oh, he's making sure that the dinner is prepared thoroughly enough for you. We have a new chef, you know."

"That's nice" she said, looking sad.

"That was a very brave thing you did, my lady, taking your father's place like that" said Sir Didymus.

"But I've lost my father, my dreams, everything."

"Cheer up, my lady. It'll turn out all right in the end. You'll see."

"How can it be alright. I'm locked up in the castle! Why is he doing this!"

"You are just upset because of the shock, my lady You shall feel better soon." he said, ignoring her question. "But let's not think about the sad things right now. You have a feast to attend. There are a few frocks stored in that closet over there. You can pick one out if you like."

"I'm sorry Sir Didymus, but I'm not going to dinner."

" Oh, but you must!"

At that moment. Hoggle walked in.

"Hoggle!" Sarah said, perking up a little at the sight of her old friend.

"Ahem, ahem, ahem. Dinner...is served" he said


Author's Note: In the last chapter I used the name Geoff instead of Larry. Sorry if it confused you! I've now changed Geoff back to Gunner so I hope it's all been cleared up! Reviews please xx