The Trial of a Goblin King
Chapter 10
"You tricked me," Milly complained, "that ring you gave me isn't magic," she pouted.
Sarah smiled indulgently.
"Sure it is; everything can be magical in its own way. My mother is an actress, and she wore that ring on stage while playing Miranda in a production of The Tempest. She gave it to me when I was about your age and it always brought me good luck. Hopefully, it will do the same for you."
Jareth struck a regal pose as the girl began sketching his likeness. It didn't take him long to start fidgeting, as he hated being still.
"Out of curiosity," he inquired, needing something to occupy his mind.
"If I had answered your wish and taken away your baby sister, would you have chosen to run my Labyrinth to get her back, or would you have accepted my gift of your dreams instead?" His scrutinising gaze was fixed on her for any tell-tale sign of deception.
Milly paused in mid-sketch, pencil in hand, and cocked her head to the side in contemplation.
"Last night I dreamt I could fly like Peter Pan, and it was pretty cool," she pondered, "but I wouldn't chose that over my sister," her eyes met the Goblin King's displaying her sincerity.
Jareth nodded, satisfied with her devotion to her sibling.
"That's probably just as well, because the last girl who chose to run my Labyrinth got a lot more than she bargained for," he smirked.
"What did she get?" Milly asked, as Sarah threw him a questioning glance.
"My undying love and devotion," he winked at his fiancée.
She sighed with adoration and leaned in to kiss him, keeping it reasonably chaste in light of their company.
"Ew," Milly protested as she put the finishing touches to her drawing.
Sarah's brow crinkled as she gave deeper thought to the implication of being the last girl to run the Labyrinth.
"No one else wished a child away during those ten years?" she questioned.
Jareth tugged at his cuffs in a display of discomfort.
"I didn't say that, exactly," he was saved from explaining any further when Milly announced her portrait was finished.
"Well?" She beamed proudly expectantly awaiting their praise.
"Bravo," Sarah exclaimed.
It was an honest rendering and certainly captured the spirit of its subject.
The Goblin King narrowed his strange blue eyes and tilted his head from side to side.
"Hmm," he tapped his lips with his finger as he studied the sketch.
"I don't hate it," he eventually pronounced.
Milly tacked it onto the wall alongside other examples of her art.
"My friends will never believe I met the Goblin King," she stood back and admired her work.
Jareth and Sarah prepared to depart.
"Please do tell them, I'm more than willing to make house calls. But be sure they understand the high price that must be paid. Here before you, is the only mortal who ever won back the child she wished away. Your sister would doubtless have ended up becoming one of us too, although I dare say you would have fought bravely to win her back. No one should ever wish away what they're not willing to lose forever," he warned.
Milly nodded her understanding returning her attention to the picture.
A glittery breeze filled the room, and when she spun back around, they were gone.
Jareth noted his fiancée's quiet reflective mood with concern. After visiting Milly, they'd returned to the castle for dinner, and she'd scarcely spoken a word to him since.
"What is it, precious? Don't tell me you've already grown weary of my company," his playful tone belied the hint of vulnerability in his eyes.
Sarah was deep in thought about the workings of the Labyrinth and its king. It struck her, while they were talking with Milly, that she knew practically nothing about what happened to the wished away children. Falling in love with the Goblin King had caused her to enter into another hasty engagement without giving due consideration to all the pitfalls. She shook her head in despair over being so impulsive.
"Precious?" Jareth reached for her hand causing her to jump and withdraw from him.
His anxiety over her state of mind was growing.
"I'm sorry," Sarah apologised, noting his concerned expression, "I know you wanted me to wait until tomorrow before returning home to see my family, but I really think I ought to go now."
She was filled with an overwhelming desire to flee. Not forever, she just needed time alone and space to breath.
Jareth feared he was going to lose her again, and he would never risk that.
"I beg you, my Sarah, please don't go," he caught her hands in his as she leapt up from the table.
Tears sprang into her sorrowful green eyes.
"Tell me what I've done to pain you so, my precious, that I may attempt to make amends," he pleaded, his features wild with dread.
Sarah wearily slumped back into her seat, unable to leave her king in such distress.
"This is gonna sound real stupid, and I should have asked about it sooner, but with everything else that was going on," she raised a hand to massage her brow.
Jareth scrutinised her every move and expression.
"High Councillor Kalon mentioned you supplying the kingdom with unwanted children, is that really what happens to all those who get wished to you?"
He nodded, beginning to understand the source of her anxiety.
"There are plenty of childless fae couples who are grateful for them," he explained.
"What about their real families? How do you know they wanted it to be forever when they wished them away?" Sarah questioned, unsatisfied that the children really were unwanted. After all, Toby wasn't.
Jareth pursed his lips as he reflected on his best course of action.
"I think a short history lesson is in order," he sprang to his feet and held out his hand.
She accepted his unspoken invitation, and they were transported in a glittering breeze to the hill overlooking the Labyrinth. It was bathed in the burnished orange light of the setting sun.
"Talk about déjà vu," Sarah craned her neck to see the castle they'd just left behind.
"It's further than you think," Jareth murmured in her ear, playing along.
He captured her in his arms and held her tight against him.
"My great-great grandfather, High King Odhran, was the one who created this place. In days gone by, all this was swampland for as far as the eye could see, interspersed with small habitable islands where the goblins dwelled. They are simple creatures, needing very little but feasting, drinking and mischief-making to fill their days. It was the latter that got them such a bad reputation. Their favourite entertainment was stealing human babies and replacing them with changelings. This went on unchecked for years until my great-great grandfather decided that something needed to be done to stop them from running amok. The fae crave order, and creatures of chaos like goblins are an affront to our kind. I've grown rather fond of their ways, but generally speaking, my people find them repulsive. The Labyrinth and Goblin Kingdom were created to bring organised structure to their activities. They still get to steal babies, but only ones who are wished away," Jareth explained.
"I can appreciate all that, having spent a little time with the goblins, I see how they aren't malicious just mischievous," Sarah was also fond of them.
"Creatures don't need evil intent to do harm; the goblins simply didn't consider the unfairness of their baby-stealing activities. I rather thought someone with your keen sense for injustice would be glad we have a system in place that at least gives the wisher the chance to win back their wished away child," his inclination to adopt a supercilious tone wasn't helpful to his argument.
"And yet, I'm the only person to ever succeed, and when I think how close I came to losing Toby forever," she shuddered.
Jareth kept her locked in his embrace, fearing she was having a change of heart about becoming his queen.
"Not everyone wants the chance to reclaim their child, and those who do try usually do so out of a sense of obligation, rather than a true desire to win them back. The children do not suffer and are eagerly adopted by loving fae couples, becoming fae themselves over time," he was unapologetic.
The light was fading fast as Sarah looked out on the gloomy depths of the Labyrinth. Her mind mulling over the reality of what becoming Goblin Queen would entail. She loved Jareth, of that there was no doubt, but the life that marriage to him would bring was a big transition from TV soap star. The magic she'd been gifted was something she needed training to use, and the prospect was daunting. Jareth assured her it would soon feel like the most natural thing in the world to summon up crystals and the like, but Sarah wasn't so sure. Then there was the business of becoming completely fae, and all that went with it, such as the increased life expectancy. It was a lot to wrap her brain around. All she wanted was to feel normal again for a while, in a familiar place.
"Take me home, please," Sarah requested, and she didn't mean to the castle.
They both knew she could wish herself gone at any time, but she wanted his blessing.
Jareth solemnly bowed his head and reluctantly did as she bid him.
"Where the hell have you been?" Robert Williams was uncharacteristically animated over his missing daughter's sudden reappearance.
"We've been out of our minds with worry."
Sarah could see her stepmother and Toby glaring expectantly in her direction with a mix of anger and relief.
"I'm so sorry I left without saying a word, but it was a spur of the moment type thing," she squirmed, knowing they wouldn't be satisfied with anything less than a full explanation.
"I couldn't marry Dirk, the whole romance was manufactured for publicity and I should never have let it get as far as it did," she confessed, her cheeks burning with shame.
Her stepmother Irene, scooped up a selection of newspapers and magazines, with Sarah's picture blazoned across the front page, from the coffee table.
"Well, if you wanted publicity, you certainly got it," she let out a sigh of disappointment.
Sarah could feel her eyes welling with tears, the whole situation was an awful mess all of her own making.
"I'm glad you're back, sis," Toby sensed she needed a hug and was happy to oblige.
She couldn't hold back the tide any longer, and wrapped her arms around her brother as she wept.
"I actually came back to tell you I am getting married, but not to Dirk, to someone else," Sarah sheepishly muttered.
Her family gaped in shock, and she thought she'd better save the part about her fiancé being a mythical being from another world for another day.
The phone rang off the hook once the word of her return spread. Her agent was the first one on the line, babbling excitedly about all the offers of work that were pouring in.
"Honey Pie, things couldn't have gone any better if I'd choreographed the whole thing myself," Bernie's voice was full of glee.
He told her Dirk was yesterday's news and that thanks to her disappearing act, she was in high demand for chat show appearances and the like. There were movie roles on the table, and even talk of her being the next Bond girl. It was everything she'd once dreamed of, but things had changed. Sarah's head was spinning, and she needed to find someplace to think things over. Her mother had a cabin in the country and it seemed like the perfect retreat. Jareth promised he would give her time alone and wouldn't come for her until she called.
It took over half a day's driving to get from her father's house to the country. The cabin was nestled in a thick pine forest, and after unpacking her bags, a nature walk beckoned. The air was fresh for a late summer's day and a light breeze seemed to follow her on her trail. Sarah picked a spot to rest and take refreshments in a sun dappled glade. She leant back against a tree trunk, her eyes growing heavy and she struggled to stay awake.
"Sarah," a familiar feminine voice called out to her.
She couldn't be sure it wasn't all part of a dream as she looked around for the source. The trees around her swayed in the wind and loose leaves fluttered to the ground.
"Viridianne?"
Jareth's mother was suddenly before her as if she had sprung from the verdant surroundings.
"Hello, my dear, I do hope I'm not intruding, but I must speak with you," she radiated warmth and vibrancy.
"Is Jareth okay?" Sarah felt panic rising at the thought he might not be.
Viridianne smiled.
"Do not fear, he is well, although he misses you dreadfully."
They had only been apart for two days and Sarah missed him too, so much it hurt.
"I understand your need for solitude at this time; however I must caution you that your absence has not gone unnoticed. The High King has decided to honour the judgement of the Wardens of the Labyrinth, but Lord Grimbald is determined to keep stirring the pot. He is proceeding with caution for the time being, but be assured, he will seize upon any perceived weakness for his own gain. The power of the Labyrinth has been waning for years as fewer mortals wish children away to the goblins. In order for you, Jareth, and your children to be protected, you need to be a united force, and a way to revive the declining magic must be found," Viridianne warned.
As uneasy as she was with the child stealing aspect of being Goblin Queen, Sarah had already decided she couldn't live without her king.
"I'll stand beside your son no matter what, you don't have to worry about that," she vowed.
Viridianne stepped closer towards her and reached out to touch the pendant she'd gifted her. It appeared to glow as her finger brushed against it.
"You have the spark of new life inside you," she glanced down at her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's stomach.
"I'm pregnant?" Sarah gasped as the words clicked with her.
The wood nymph nodded.
"Just barely, but my grandchild is growing stronger day by day," she beamed.
Sarah's hand rested against her flat abdomen as she tried to discern any notable change, and an expression of wonderment lit up her face.
"You will make a wonderful mother and I know my son will be overjoyed when he hears he is to become a father," Viridianne assured her.
Her acting career was over; Sarah knew her heart wasn't in it anymore. The pregnancy news came out of the blue, but she was fast warming to the idea of having a baby. Her thoughts were racing, and a number of ideas sprang to mind for how they could revive the Labyrinth's magic. Sarah always wanted to write a book, or maybe a movie script. What better subject than her adventures with the Goblin King?
"Everything is gonna work out just fine, I know it," she smiled.
Viridianne believed in her wholeheartedly, and after planting a soft kiss on Sarah's cheek, she faded back into the forest.
"You don't haves to marry him, y'know," Hoggle still hoped to talk her out of it.
Sarah smiled affectionately at her friend.
"I know I don't have to, but I want to," she patted her slightly rounded stomach.
Her exquisitely embroidered, cream silk, empire line bridal gown was sleek and stylish.
"I was determined not to look like a meringue when I walked down the aisle, and if we'd waited any longer I'd be wearing the marquee tent for a wedding dress," she giggled.
Their nuptials had suffered a slight delay while her family got accustomed to the idea of the Goblin King from her play book being real. Sarah hadn't yet dared to break the news of her pregnancy to them, and intended to wait until they were less freaked out by the idea of having fae in the fold.
The little dwarf sighed and resumed his work of putting the finishing touches to her bridal bouquet.
"Just so you know, I'll be keeping my eye on that rat, to makes sure he treats you right," he warned.
"What was that, Hedgewart?" Jareth appeared next to his fiancée in a puff of glitter.
His affected stern expression made a poor job of concealing the smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding," Sarah shrieked, grabbing a throw from the bed to block his view of her dress.
"I swear I didn't see a thing, precious, only your dazzling beauty," Jareth lied.
He looked extremely handsome in a royal blue Georgian style top coat, with an embroidered cream waistcoat and matching breeches.
"I came to inform you that I have safely transported your family here. I left them in Sir Didymus's capable paws," he smirked.
"I bet my stepmother was thrilled, she hates dogs," Sarah couldn't help but be amused.
"Wait a minute, who's guarding the wedding cake?"
She panicked, as the goblins had already managed to eat all the leftover frosting and she didn't trust them not to finish the job. It was partly her fault in the first place for getting them hooked on sweet treats.
"Do not fret, my precious one, I have everything in hand," Jareth waved away her concerns.
"I tolds you not to leave him in charge," Hoggle grumbled as he and the Goblin King eyed each other with hostility.
"Now then you two, stress is bad for the baby," Sarah chided them.
"You're both to be on your very best behaviour until we get this wedding done and dusted."
"For you, my precious, anything," Jareth fixed her with his best smouldering gaze.
"Save it for the honeymoon," she winked, "now, scoot, and tell my father to wait for me outside the great hall."
He smiled and bowed before disappearing in a shower of glitter.
"Oh, and make sure no one lets anything slip to my family about the baby," Sarah wasn't sure he heard.
It was obvious he hadn't, or couldn't prevent it, when she descended the staircase and saw the stony expression on her father's face.
"You're pregnant?" Robert Williams was hurt more than upset that they were no longer as close as they once were.
Sarah cringed.
"I thought it best to drop one bombshell at a time, I was gonna tell you all after the wedding," she reached for his hand.
"I had to hear it from whatever the heck that great hairy thing with horns is," he complained.
"Ludo?" Sarah was surprised; she expected Sir Didymus or one of the goblins to let the cat out of the bag, but not him.
"I'm sorry I didn't get to tell you myself, but it's good news, right? You're gonna be a granddaddy," she smiled.
"Will it be - I mean, what will it be? The father is - what was it again? A fairy?" Robert was still getting his head around the whole other world situation.
Sarah couldn't help smirking.
"It will be a baby, of course. Jareth doesn't have two heads or anything, does he?"
Her father couldn't help but break into a grin.
"I guess not," he held out his arm for her to take, "we best not keep him waiting though, he might turn us into frogs, or something," he winked.
"Ready?" Robert patted her hand affectionately as she nodded.
Sarah was beaming with happiness as she walked down the aisle on her proud father's arm. It tickled her no end to see Irene sat next to Ludo and Sir Didymus. Her stepmother kept throwing her furry companions odd glances and made a discreet attempt to squirt a little perfume over them. Toby grinned, amused by the whole scene. Jareth was awestruck by his bride's beauty as he waited at the altar to take her hand.
The Goblin Kingdom finally got its queen, and there was much rejoicing. None were happier than the royal couple themselves as they sealed their union with a loving kiss.
Five months later, the crowds gathered once again to eagerly await the cries of their new born prince or princess. They first heard a lot of expletives from their queen, followed by groans of pain from their king, as Sarah punished him for insisting, once again, that they name their child after him, regardless of its sex. After ten hours of labour, a healthy baby boy was delivered, and they named him Jarett. It means one who rules, and was close enough to Jareth to satisfy the king.
THE END.
Thank you to every single person who took the time to read this fanfic, and especially to those who left a review. I had a bit of a crisis midway through, and you all helped spur me on to get over it.
I hope you all enjoy this final chapter, please do let me know what you think.
I have a couple of new Labyrinth fanfics on the go, and I'm hoping to publish a Christmas themed one-shot in the near future.
Thanks again one and all - Mrs P.
Note added 10th December 2014 - Thank you for all the reviews that have come in for this final chapter. I just read a quote on writing criticism which I think sums it up well: Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger. - Franklin Jones.
I do take on board all criticism, probably the bad more than the good. I debated whether to add this comment or not, and perhaps it is unnecessary as I'm not trying to justify the short comings of my writing. Anyway, for all those who were disappointed with this final chapter, or felt the story was rushed, I just wanted to say this...
I'm in favour of brevity, both as a writer and a reader. Some people can write 50 or more chapters and have nothing vital to the plot happening in half of them. I'm not criticising, as I'm in awe of those writers who can do that and still keep the story interesting. I simply don't get as much time to write as I would like. Caring for my two boys, who are severely disabled, and battling health problems of my own, means I have to grab five minutes writing time here, there, and everywhere. Often, I write while I'm waiting for dinner to cook, or during the night when I'm up because one of the boys has had an epileptic seizure etc. I spend as much time and effort on my stories as I can spare, but it does tend to concentrate my mind on the plotting. I don't have patience for taking too many detours, or adding too many flourishes. If you want whole chapters about nothing in particular, that's not really what I do.
This story was intended to be light-hearted with numerous nods to soap opera plot cliches, hence Sarah's hasty pregnancy and wedding drama. I guess if I have to explain it, then some people didn't get it, so I take that as a failing of my writing.
Anyway, to all those who enjoyed this fanfic, I'm glad you got it. To all those who didn't, I'm sorry, and I take your criticisms on board. Thank you - Mrs P.