Chapter 6

The view outside the window of the room was at least somewhat interesting to her. Sarah slumped back into her chair. At least, Amelia, the Innkeeper's wife, had allowed her out of the bed, with help of course. Her legs still felt like jelly, even with rest. Well, she had only been resting for a short time. So of course, she still hadn't recovered, but she still hadn't recovered, but she had to get out of that bed.

This felt almost like a very bad pout of the Flu. She pulled the cover around her. At least, the chair was comfy.

The town below her felt somehow familiar, but the people and creatures felt wrong. Sighing, she just pushed the thought away. Right now she needed to regain her strength.

"Ma'am, I've brought you some more soup."

Sarah turned slightly towards the voice as Amelia sat the soup on the small table beside the chair. "Thank you, Amelia."

The woman slowly stood up. "I think after you've eaten, you should return to bed. You shouldn't overtire yourself."

"I'll think about it." Sarah nodded.

"I can always try to find you a book, but I'm afraid we don't have any except for the children's school books."

"I'm fine, thank you. I'll ring when I'm ready to get back in bed." Sarah shook her head quickly.

The woman bowed slightly. "I'll leave you to enjoy your soup then."

Sarah listened as Amelia's footsteps grew distant and the door shut behind her. Glancing, at the bowl of soup, she frowned. She did need to keep eating, but even though the soup was good she really didn't feel up to eating it.

Snuggling deeper into the cover surrounding her, Sarah closed her eyes. A nice little nap would allow the soup to cool anyway.

XOXOXOX

Jareth frowned at the scene before him. The stone building before him was barely standing. It was beyond a ruin. The entrance way barely looked to be tall enough or wide enough for him to get through.

Gran tilted her head slightly. "It's deteriorated more than I thought."

"There are creatures living in that?" Jareth shifted the keg of ale.

"This is only the entrance." Gran walked towards the slanted stone doorway. "You may have to crouch down for a while." She disappeared into the darkness inside.

Jareth groaned as he crouched down to follow her. Did she think this keg was easy to carry?

Soon the sound of tiny feet hurried past him. How could any creature get past them in such a small tunnel? Whispers and laughter followed after the footsteps.

"We're here to speak to Stilx." Gran never stopped even when the sound of metal hitting stone and metal joined the other sounds.

Ahead, Jareth could barely see a dull point of light.

"Follow us, Grand Lady."

Grand Lady? More than likely, it was what they called Gran. Who was she really?

After a few minutes of walking along the tunnel, Jareth and Gran walked into a massive chamber. In the dim light, Jareth could make out creatures of different sizes standing against the walls and in yet more tunnels. To one side of the chamber, there was what appeared to be a throne. A creature with grayish green skin sat watching as Gran walked up to him.

"Hello, Stilx. I can't say I'm surprised you're still in charge."

The creature gave a slight nod. "What brings you here, Grand Lady? You have not entered our realm in years."

So these creatures were the goblins. Jareth survived them slightly better as his eyes adjusted to the light. Most were about three feet or smaller.

Gran snapped her fingers. "Come here."

Jareth walked up to her side quickly. "Sorry." He needed to be careful. This was unknown territory for him after all."

"I have brought Lady Reina's son. He has returned to rule over this land."

The goblin tilted his head slightly. "You sure he's Lady Reina's son? He doesn't carry the amulet."

Gran reached into her pocket. "That's what you're worried about." She began to pull out a leather strap. "You know she left it in my care." At the end of the strap was an oddly shaped crescent moon amulet.

The goblin sat up. "So he's really our king?"

Gran sighed. "Yes."

The goblin stood up looking around the massive room. His gaze returned to Jareth. The goblin slowly walked towards him and suddenly knelt down on one knee about a yard from him.

Slowly all the other goblins in the chamber knelt down.

"Long live the Goblin King!" Soon filled the chamber echoing as more and more voices joined in.

Gran glanced over her shoulder at Jareth. "We might not have needed the keg after all."

Jareth frowned as the leader slowly stood.

"You brought us ale? Good. We'll have it as part of our celebration." He held his arms out to take it.

Gran nodded before Jareth handed over the keg, which looked huge compared to the small goblin.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The goblin nodded. "Grand Lady, is there more you wish to tell us?"

"No." Gran shook her head. "I only have a request."

"Ask. I'll do what I can."

Gran gave a slight nod. "Thank you. We have a lady recovering from an unknown illness. I need someone to stay with her."

Jareth frowned. "What about the Innkeeper's wife?"

Gran glanced back at him. "Amelia has enough to do with running the inn." She turned back to Stilx. "Is there anyone you would suggest?"

Stilx slightly raised an eyebrow. "I think I know of someone." He looked past Gran and Jareth. "Ansi, would you be able to do it?"

A female goblin about the same height of Stilx almost tipped toed up to him. "I am, but what if you need me here?"

Stilx smiled. "You aren't our only healer. Besides, Grand Lady needs the help."

The goblins slowly nodded. "Very well." She turned to Gran. "I will come with you."

Gran nodded. "With one exception, if you need her, you will send word to the Owl."

"Of course."

Gran gave a curt nod. "Very well. I expect to see you at the assembly."

"I will be there. It'll be fun to ruin their rumors about us." Stilx laughed.

"Yes, it will." Gran looked back at Jareth. "We're finished here. Hopefully, Sarah hasn't exhausted herself too much."

Jareth frowned as Gran turned and began to walk into the tunnel that had brought them to the chamber. Sighing, he followed after her. What had he gotten himself into?


Review if you please.

Feeling a bit under the weather, but I did get a chapter, well maybe two, written. I can say this I'm taking a break in at least January from posting new things. I need time to recover from the holidays and inventory. Check my profile or facebook for updates. I'm planning to return in February.

Thanks for everything. Oh, Merry Christmas!

CL