Oooh, suspense! Now we continue! :D
We Jump to a dark corridor, guards lining the walls like statues. Dim firelight casts shifty shadows along the stone surfaces.
The Spirit echoes caution, which, ironically, is a comfort.
I know You're with me, God.
"Where have you taken me?" I ask my captor.
"Shouldn't be too hard to figure out," he sneers, releasing me. The blade now placed at my back, he orders, "Move."
They proceed me down the end of the hallway to the throne room. Now that he mentions it, this looks like the hallway we were just in. This place…is like a dark replica of Jareth's castle, which means we've crossed over the border from the Light into the Dark! The doors open before us and we enter, my senses alert.
We come into a large room that has windows on either side. If there's any natural light, it's swallowed up by a hazy shadow which falls like a veil over the castle. Candled chandeliers hang far above us, much to the displeasure of bats clinging to cold corners. Guards are stationed throughout, sending the message that I shouldn't try to escape; with their wavering shadows, they look like ghouls. I'm stood before the throne, where a brunet man lounges confidently.
Now, where have I seen this before?
He wears a ghastly half mask and is dressed in elegant garb reminiscent of Jareth's masquerade attire.
Someone wants to be King, I think dryly.
"I trust you didn't have too difficult of a time getting here," the man remarks crisply, turning his attention in my direction.
"Oh, not at all," I reply with false sweetness, "with the punches and the knives, your goblins were the perfect gentlemen!"
A dry chuckle escapes him as he rises. Hands clasped behind his back, he strides towards me. Now that he has left his seat, the throne looks like the skeleton of a large, sharp-teethed creature ready to devour the sitter. Creepy.
"Christine," he remarks, disdain threading through his words, "your name is famous in this realm. The girl who charmed Jareth, the Goblin King; the very one who made him turn from his wicked ways to embrace the one true God!"
He now stands before me with a cold stare. "Hard to believe one girl can do so much damage."
"Well then," I answer, "I must be doing my job right." If he finds me amusing or irritating, he doesn't show it. Noting the lack of response, I shift gears. "So, why did you bring me here? Bait for Jareth, or do you wish to be 'charmed' too?"
He remains silent, choosing his words carefully. "You are correct in the former, but I have no interest in the latter. You have merely been brought here to draw Jareth to us. I doubt he would ever set foot in here willingly, so I thought I should provide some incentive." As he ends on the last word, he takes a gloved hand and tilts my face up to his.
With a burst of defiance, I tear away and twist back, using the momentum in attempt to punch him.
I never get to land the blow.
Hands grab my arms and shove me roughly to my knees. Although physically subdued, I glare at the leader in righteous fury.
He now towers over me in a mocking fashion. "I can see how Jareth met his match with you." The sneering mirth dies when he stoops to my level. His eyes flicker to my necklace then back to me, disgust evident in his countenance. "Nevertheless, Christine," he growls dangerously, "escape or interfere with my plans, deviate from the role I have assigned you in any way, and I will destroy you."
Behind my glaring mask, I suppress a shudder. He's telling the truth.
When he is satisfied I understand, he rises and instructs the guards holding me, "Take her to the dungeon, and make sure she stays there."
As the minions bring me to my feet, I attempt one last lunge at their leader. Savoring the shock flashing across his face, my victory is stifled when I feel a familiar pain pierce my side. Infected with forced sleep, I feel my knees buckle and I fall to the ground by the noble's feet. Even with my blurring vision, I can feel him regarding me coolly. The room spinning, I attempt focus on the villain's boots. Concentrate, now! Get up!
"So predictable," I hear him say as my distorted senses fail me.
Oh… I think fuzzily, he knew…I would attack…
Everything goes black.
I moan, not surprised to find I'm on a cold, stone floor. I grip my head, fighting back waves of dizziness. Breathing in deeply, my mind clears as the slumber draws back like a curtain.
"Of course it's darts…" I mumble, rubbing my aching side.
I look around, not surprised to find I'm in a cell. It's a rather large room with one wooden door, as well as a single opening in the ceiling—too far to climb out of. There's no bed or anything else, save a few skeletons manacled to a wall. The floor feels damp, and the place reeks of mildew.
I immediately go to the door, pulling myself up by the bars of the small window. Peering through, I see an intimidating goblin staring back. Ignoring him, I surmise I'm in another stone corridor.
Having established the present layout, I check my physical condition.
Arms, legs…are intact. Clothing is, too. Everything appears to be in place. No cuts or bruises. It looks like they just brought me straight here.
Okay. What are my options? I can't climb out, so what else can I do?
I eye the skeletons against the wall. Regardless of what that guy said, I'm gonna find a way out of here, and then I'll show him just how much damage I can do.
I go to the skeletons, noticing one of them has a leg bone that has been cruelly disjointed and shattered. Sorting through the pile below, I find a large fragment that has a sharp point at the end. Perfect.
Grabbing the piece, I make a beeline for the door. My determination is regretfully cut short when I realize I can only pick the lock from the outside. Disappointed, I toss the shard back onto the pile. So much for that plan.
I could try and get the guard's attention, but that guy's like Tuvok…
Using the little light I have, I examine the walls carefully, probing the damp bricks, feeling the lines between them. There has to be something out of the ordinary—a loose brick, a crack that could be widened, a tool I could use, something!
My detailed search, later including the floor, is unfortunately in vain.
This cell really appears to be fool-proof. I can't find anything to help me to escape.
Sighing, I walk under the skylight and sit down, watching the pale light filter through on violet beams. I close my eyes and shut everything out, seeking God's presence. Sure enough, the Spirit flickers in response. "Be strong and courageous," I recite, "do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Holy Father, You are my fortress of protection; I run to You in times of need for You give me hope, comfort and strength. I know You are faithful and that You are constantly at work. Darkness can never triumph over You. I trust in You and rest in the shadow of Your wings.
"Thank You for Your goodness," I continue aloud, "Please protect and guide Jareth and the new believers. Please guard him!" I feel worry rise up within me despite my attempt to remain calm. "I know You will provide, Lord. Whatever happens, You will receive the glory because You are sovereign. I give you that glory now. In the Name of Your Son, I pray these things, Amen."
Time passes when I finally rise, wiping escaped tears and sniffling. I check my watch, finding it's malfunctioning. In other words, don't worry about them, huh?
I rub the grime off my legs and decide to check outside. Going to the door, I find the guard hasn't budged.
If only I had a Portal gun, Lord…
Hmmm...who could this villain be? Please do not hesitate to review! I would love to hear what you think of the story thus far! Have a great day! :)
