The Great Goblin Revolt
Chapter 11
"What the hell was I thinking?"
Sarah huffed with exasperation as she stared at the frothy gown she was about to wear. It was beautiful but completely impractical; what if she needed to use the bathroom? Even the meringue dress she once dreamed of wearing thanks to a drugged peach paled in comparison. The strapless bodice with a sweetheart neckline was elaborately embroidered with a flower and leaf pattern. There were yards of satin and tulle in the skirt with hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny diamonds sewn all over it. Sarah tilted her head to try and determine the exact shade of the dress as the material shimmered through a whole kaleidoscope of colours when it caught the light. She concluded it was ivory with perhaps a hint of the palest green. It really was straight out of a fairy tale, and once upon a time, she would have been happy to play the part. But now, it wasn't acting, it was all too real.
Tomorrow was the start of the Firebird Festival and the day of the challenge. During the past week with Jareth, she had tried to push it from her mind. Not an easy task, considering he'd been teaching her all about fire frogs, flame flies, smoke snakes, and other nasty flora and fauna she would need to avoid. Accepting the gift of temporary magic, until she became fae and possessed her own, was another sticking point. Sarah was determined to stand by her principles and not do anything she regarded as cheating. If Jareth didn't have faith in her to succeed on her own terms, she couldn't see how they could ever hope to make their marriage work. He argued it was all immaterial if she lost, but still, she would not relent. At that moment, it seemed ridiculous to her that she'd ever agreed to participate in such a spectacle. It wasn't as if she would be leaving anything of consequence behind. Her family, she could visit whenever she wanted, Jareth assured her. As for her glittering career; copy editing was something she fell into while intending to try her hand at writing a bestseller. The book never emerged. Instead, there were numerous aborted attempts at bodice rippers that made her cringe. Promotion to a senior editor was the best she could hope for at work, and she had already been passed over numerous times, watching younger colleagues elevated ahead of her. At least in this world, she had the chance to be a queen. Maybe she could use her position in fae society to exert some influence regarding female equality. Jareth had already warned her about making waves. But she told him to think of the daughters he might father, and how wrong it would be to limit their scope of achievement because of their gender. Sarah took another look at her gown; she was determined not to lose herself in a frilly fantasy, there was too much at stake.
The room she was in made up part of the Goblin Queen's suite. She argued she didn't belong there, not yet, but the king insisted. It was a lavish set of rooms, and perhaps the fanciest in the whole castle. Not even Jareth's matched it, probably due to his fondness for rustic furniture made out of dead animal parts. The past week with him had been mostly magical and, against her expectations, she'd begun to feel at home. To her relief, the goblins and the rest of the denizens of the Labyrinth appeared to be warming up to her. Sarah already had three loyal friends, four if she counted Ambrosius, which she absolutely did. When it was just her and the Goblin King with his subjects, she felt at ease. The thought of being introduced to fae society filled her with dread. Of course, she was already acquainted with High Queen Morrigana, and they'd met under much less favourable circumstances than a formal ball. It would be her first introduction to "the competition" and she hated having to think that way. What if Lady Callida wasn't the total bitch she was imagining her to be? It was unlikely they would wind up being friends, given the situation they found themselves in, but not impossible. There was only one other time in college when Sarah had competed against another girl to get a guy. But she was nineteen back then and inexperienced in every way; at the age of twenty-eight, it seemed to hint of desperation, and wasn't good for fostering sisterhood between the female fae. If she believed she could ever love anyone else as much as she loved Jareth, she would have walked away. Winning the challenge was the only way to get what she wanted, what they both wanted, and she was determined not to fail.
After a tussle with her gown and assistance with the lacing fastening from a couple of female goblins, she was dressed. Turning her attention to putting the finishing touches to her makeup, she was wrenched from the task by a frantic knocking at her door. Expecting it to be Jareth, she bid him enter.
"Hoggle, whatever is it?" Sarah questioned, surprised to see him and concerned about his fretful appearance.
Her friends were welcome to visit her in the castle, but she hadn't seen much of them as the Goblin King monopolised her time and attention.
"I've gots to talk to you," the little dwarf nervously glanced behind him to make sure they were alone and closed the door. Looking her up and down, he blushed, "You looks beautiful."
"Thanks," she giggled, "I'm guessing that's not what you came here to tell me, though, is it?"
He shook his head.
"I'm worried abouts you," he confessed, "Did the rat tells you what happened to Lorelei? She was mortal too, and she would have died during her challenge if King Baldan hadn't turned her into a mermaid. The Firebird ain't called that for nothing," the dwarf warned. "There'll be lava pits, poisonous gases, scolding hot springs and maybe even dragons, between you and it."
Sarah checked her hair, which was fastened up in a wavy up-do and secured with jewelled combs, staying focused so as not to betray her anxieties.
"I know you don't think much of Jareth, but he loves me and I love him," she said as she turned to face her old friend. "He did tell me about Lorelei and about all the kings and queens who came before him. It won't be easy, I do know that, and I've been preparing as best I can."
The little dwarf breathed out a heavy sigh.
"Ain't none of my business, anyways," he sniffed, trying to sound aloof, but the concern clouding his bright blue eyes gave away his true feelings.
"Oh, Hoggle, I know you care about me. We're friends, aren't we?"" Sarah gestured for him step forward and she placed a tender kiss on his creased brow.
"Urgh," Jareth was suddenly in front of them, grimacing with disgust. "Must you do that, precious?"
The little dwarf was stricken with panic and tried to make his escape, terrified the ground would open up underneath him.
Sarah grabbed the Goblin King's hand to distract him from thoughts of doling out punishment and pressed her lips to his. Everything else melted away as he savoured their passionate embrace.
"How magnificent you look," Jareth complimented her when they paused to draw breath.
"You're not so shabby, yourself," she let her eyes rove over his elegantly attired lithe body.
For one night, he had swapped the leather for velvet and silk. His topcoat was a lush dark green, matched with a white silk shirt, matching pants and an embroidered low-cut waistcoat. Suede boots to match his coat completed the look, and he looked stunning with his wild blond hair framing his handsome face.
"You will be the belle of the ball," Jareth kissed her hand as he prepared to transport them.
"I sure hope this belle doesn't need to do any tinkling, that's all I'm saying," Sarah frowned as she fussed with the unwieldy skirt of her gown before taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Okay, let's do this thing."
The ballroom of the High Palace was a spectacular sight; it was all polished white marble floors and dazzling crystal chandeliers. Exotic flowers and fruits were artfully arranged along with other creatively presented dishes to entice the revellers. Being among the last guests to arrive, Sarah and the Goblin King were announced to the assembled throng. Males and females alike were colourfully dressed; both sexes preening peacocks in this world. Their chatter hushed as heads turned to catch a glimpse of the mortal who had solved the Labyrinth. All eyes were upon them as Jareth led his would-be-queen to the dais where the high royalty were seated. Holding her head up, Sarah fought to maintain her composure. It was intimidating to be the subject of so much curiosity and her grip on the Goblin King's arm tightened.
"Relax, precious," he cooed as he covered her hand with his own, "T'is only common winged fairies that bite, and me, on special occasions."
His words gave her no comfort as they approached the platform where his parents awaited them. She dropped into a curtsey at the foot of the stairs, as she'd been instructed, and Jareth bowed.
Morrigana gave her a warm smile as she beckoned them to come closer. High King Elberich wore a grim expression as he scrutinised his youngest son's mortal companion.
"How charming you look, my dear," the High Queen smirked as she recalled their first meeting.
Sarah blushed; anything had to be an improvement on being wrapped in a sex-crumpled bedsheet.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she mumbled, feeling increasingly discomforted by the High King's unblinking glare.
The next half hour was a blur of names and faces as she was introduced to Jareth's six siblings and their various spouses. It was clear she aroused their curiosity and she was relieved to find them a jovial bunch. Their smiles were warm and welcoming even if there was little chance for meaningful conversation. Sarah noticed a small group of red-headed fae were forging a path to the foot of the dais. The youngest woman among them was stunningly beautiful, with cascading Titian tresses. She wore a shimmering golden gown which she carried off with grace. Her almond eyes displayed a hint of artfulness, but they were not unkind. Tilting her head up, she beamed brightly at her rival.
"Ah, Count Vulcan, Countess Oriel, Lord Aodhan and Lady Callida, please, step forward," the High King commanded, apparently happier to see the Firetop Fae than his youngest son's human interloper.
The four of them climbed the steps onto the platform, offering the customary shows of deference due to the royal family. Sarah curtseyed in reply as she attempted to surreptitiously size up her opponent. The redhead was doing the same to her, and as they caught each other's eye, they couldn't help but smirk at the absurdity of it all. Jareth protectively, if a little possessively, wound his arm around the brunette's waist; a gesture which didn't go unnoticed by the assembled company. Sarah tried to gracefully extricate herself; she didn't want to give offence even if the Goblin King didn't seem to care. The High King threw a fierce glare of disapproval in his son's direction. It made for an awkward atmosphere and some excruciating small talk. High Queen Morrigana attempted to break the tension by calling for the musicians to begin playing. Jareth was required to engage in an equal number of dances with both challengers. He wanted Sarah as his only partner but dare not continue to defy his father. To appease the Firetop Fae and the High King, he decided to partner Lady Callida for the first dance. His decision was also influenced by knowing it was a short fast-paced polka, allowing him to fulfil his obligation in the shortest amount of time possible. Jareth intended to lead Sarah out for one of the longer waltzes, and entrusting his mother to keep an eye on her, he led her rival onto the dancefloor.
"You must have experienced quite a change of heart, my dear, for you to agree to the challenge," Morrigana observed, "I was under the impression you found our way of life unpalatable."
The young brunette refused to be intimidated; besides, she sensed the High Queen was not entirely hostile, despite her choice of words.
"It wasn't my heart that changed," Sarah stated, "I knew I loved Jareth, and when he told me about the challenge, I saw a way for us to be together; one that didn't involve me being his bit on the side."
Morrigana smiled with amusement as she knew her husband was observing their exchange. When her eldest daughter diverted the High King's attention, she turned to the mortal before her with a grave expression on her face.
"You've chosen a dangerous path," she warned in hushed tones. "No one but my son wants or expects you to win."
"What about you, Your Majesty?" Sarah questioned, seeing the flash of concern in her sharp blue eyes.
The High Queen pursed her lips; she was shrewd enough not to give a straight answer.
"I want what is best for the Goblin Kingdom," she truthfully replied, "as I always have done."
Lord Aodhan requested Sarah's hand for the next dance, which was a pavane. She didn't feel she should or could refuse, and thankfully, she had been taught the steps. Jareth fumed, as he saw his plans to partner her in a slower turn around the floor, thwarted. Choosing to stay in the throng of dancers with Lady Callida, he reasoned he could still be close to his beloved. But as he caught his father's eye, he saw the High King beckoning him for a private audience, and knew he could not decline. One of his elder brothers stepped forward to engage his partner, leaving him free to answer the summons.
Elberich watched his youngest son approach with a stern gaze. Gesturing for Jareth to move closer, he leant in to deliver his rebuke.
"It is a selfish thing you have done, my boy," he chided in his imperious way. "If you truly love this woman, you would have done better to leave her where she was. The challenge will be hazardous and far beyond the wits of a mere mortal; she cannot win. I know you want to gift her magic, and I won't allow it. A human tainted the royal bloodline once before. You know what happened to Marius, the fourth Goblin King; do you want your heir to be as fragile and sickly as he was?"
Jareth could barely contain his fury and only did so for fear of incurring his father's wrath.
"You don't know for certain that such a thing would happen," he hissed, "Sarah is strong, determined and brave, and besides, she will become fae once we are married. The rules do not forbid me from attempting to ensure her protection."
"You take too much for granted," the High King snarled, keeping his voice low but menacing. "Humans never become fully fae, you know that. The powers they develop cannot equal ours and their blood dilutes ours, making the products of such a union weaker still. Her life would be extended far beyond a mortal's usual lifespan and she would have rudimentary magic, but the offspring of the Goblin King deserves better than that."
With a sigh, Jareth gazed up at his father with sadness in his eyes. "I never knew you were so - - prejudiced."
Elberich flinched slightly at the expression of disappointment on his son's face.
"It is nothing personal against the girl, but you have a duty to your family and to the two kingdoms you serve. Lady Callida will make you a good wife and the royal bloodline will remain untainted," he insisted.
Jareth knew his father was a traditionalist, or that he at least he kept up the pretence of being, but he never expected him to be so narrow-minded when it came to matters of the heart. There was one particular fae tradition he knew the High King privately eschewed. It was dangerous to broach the subject and risk angering him further, but there was a point to be made.
The Goblin King stepped as close to Elberich as royal protocol would allow.
"I know how much you love mother," he spoke low into the High King's ear, "You make a show at court of keeping mistresses for the sake of tradition, but that's all it is - show."
His father cast him a dark scowl.
"I want to marry my true love, the one to whom I have already given my heart and pledged my fidelity," Jareth declared, "I want Sarah to be my wife and the mother of my children. That is all that matters to me."
Elberich was not to be trifled with.
"Is that really all that concerns you, hmm?" he challenged, "Wouldn't you rather she was alive, even if it must be without you?"
"You would harm her?" Jareth was disgusted and fearful.
The High King shook his head.
"Of course not, there would be no need to do so, even if that was my intention," he proclaimed, "Humans are not hardy enough to withstand our challenges. The odds will always be in our favour because we are superior to them in every way."
"Sarah is second to none," the Goblin King was unwavering despite his fears. "You have underestimated her. She beat my Labyrinth and she can win this time, too."
His father's fierce expression gave way to something more pitying.
"I shall take no pleasure in seeing the one you love reduced to ashes before your eyes," he sighed. "You are sending her to her death unless you are prepared to let her go."
Jareth watched jealously as Lord Aodhan led his Sarah around the dancefloor. The challenge had been his one ray of hope that they could have a future together. He hadn't allowed himself to entertain the notion of failure. It wasn't that he was blind to the dangers, but he chose to ignore them. Making her believe she was definitely going to win was better than letting her know she was more likely to lose, he reasoned. If she suspected he doubted her, she might lose faith, and neither of them could afford for that happen.
"None of this is fair," he complained, acutely aware of the irony of using such a phrase. "If you are so convinced Sarah is going to fail, there is no reason you can't guarantee her safety, regardless. Lady Callida will have magic to protect her, it's only right that my precious one should have the same advantage."
The High King shook his head.
"Baldan broke the rules to save Lorelei, and he was extremely fortunate his violation went unpunished, I would not be so generous," he warned. "The challenge cannot be withdrawn, alas, and the rest of the kingdom is very much looking forward to it. However, at the risk of disappointing them, your mortal can save herself by forfeiting at an early stage, it is the only way. Make her aware of the advantages of relinquishing the challenge the second she faces danger, and I will guarantee she will be delivered safely back to her old life," he offered, before issuing his final caution. "But continue to defy me and she shall have no protection."
As the dance drew to a close, Jareth prepared to move forward to claim Sarah's hand for the next one before anyone else could.
"She's going to win," he defiantly insisted, despite his father's sour expression. "It will take more than a Firebird to melt her mettle."
Morrigana had been eavesdropping throughout, and she made her own silent secret vow.
Elberich watched as his youngest son danced with his dark-haired beauty; perhaps, if he didn't need the alliance with Count Vulcan and the Firetop Fae, he would have been prepared to accept her into the fold. He had been fortunate to be able to marry for love, but times had changed. His children were obliged to do their duty to secure the future prosperity of the kingdom, and Jareth would be no exception.
Sarah awoke to find Jareth gazing intently at her. Since their return from the ball, she could tell something was preying on his mind, but he wouldn't say what it was. Instead, he made love to her with a fierce passion which left her pleasantly exhausted. Worried she wouldn't get a wink of sleep with the challenge looming over her, she was glad to have drifted off so easily. It was perhaps unwise for her to have expended so much energy before the challenge, and yet she felt fully rested.
"Oh, hell, what time is it?" Sarah began to get jittery again, fearing she may have overslept.
Jareth stilled her as she attempted to get out of bed.
"Relax, my love," he soothingly instructed, "we have a couple of hours before the Firebird Festival begins."
"Well then," Sarah said as she stifled a yawn, "why don't you tell me what's eating you? Because I know something is."
"I was musing on my power to reorder time," the Goblin King explained. "The magic of the Labyrinth allows me to go back and forth to the mortal realm as I please without it affecting the rest of the kingdom," he paused to heave a deep sigh. "I hoped it would make all the difference."
"What do you mean?" Sarah frowned with concern as she eased herself up against the pillows, not bothering to cover her nakedness.
Jareth closed the small gap between them and began nuzzling at her exposed flesh. She moaned with pleasure as his tongue travelled over her sensitive skin.
"You are trying to distract me," she gasped, "And with the challenge only hours away, I really need to focus."
"Clear your mind of everything but my love for you," he murmured against her belly as he trailed kisses lower down her body.
Sarah arched her back as he continued to feed her arousal.
"Shouldn't I be preparing?" she questioned in breathy tones, unable to fight it as a feeling of exquisite tension begin to mount inside her.
Jareth soon made her incapable of further coherent thoughts. No more words were spoken until after she was sated.
"What were you saying before?" Sarah inquired once she recovered her senses, "About reordering time?"
The Goblin king sprang out of bed and pulled on his robe as he paced the floor.
"It does not matter," he sighed with frustration, "I cannot bend this world to my will."
She glared at him, silently demanding a fuller explanation.
"After you won your brother back and spurned my proposal, I realised you were too young at fifteen for what I was asking of you. I decided to try again, but to approach you when you were older, anticipating you might be more receptive to my advances as an adult. In three days here, thirteen years passed for you and, as I hoped, I was able to win your love. Unfortunately, in the meantime, I received father's letter informing me I had to marry Lady Callida. It was always going to happen, and I was powerless to turn the clock back in this world where it would have counted. It was selfish of me to want what I could never have, and for that, I am truly sorry." Jareth wore a pained expression as his mind was made up. "You have to forfeit," he rasped, the words catching in his throat.
"What?" Sarah exclaimed, her green eyes wide with shock. "Are you saying you don't think I can win this, after everything?"
He sat down on the bed beside her and pulled her into his arms.
"I wish with all my heart that you will be the one to triumph," Jareth said as he tenderly swept her hair back from her face, "but alas, there is no one to grant my wishes."
Her vision was misty with tears, and she blinked them back.
"We've come this far," Sarah declared, holding onto her resolve, "I'm not giving up without a fight."
"I can't protect you," Jareth confessed with a look of shame. "Father promised to ensure your safety so long as you forfeit the challenge at the earliest opportunity," he claimed her lips in a desperate kiss. "I can bear anything but to watch you die."
All seemed lost, and feeling defeated, she buried her head in the pillows. The odds were always going to be against her, she knew that, but she wanted to believe she could overcome them. Ever since she solved the Labyrinth, she realised she had been resting on her laurels, choosing the safe options without taking chances. Her victory taught her to be realistic about her ambitions and to embrace the mundane, instead of longing for adventure. It was deviating from the sensible path that brought her back to this place, just as it had introduced her to it thirteen years before. Sarah didn't regret it then and she refused to be sorry now.
"Our story isn't over yet," she said, getting up to meet his gaze with steely determination. "I want our happy ending."
Thank you to everyone taking the time to read this story, and many thanks to all who have left reviews.
LauraLee - I hope you can forgive my ignorance regarding US holidays and the availability of Peeps. As a British person, I have never even seen a Peep in real life, let alone purchased or eaten one!
It looks like there will only be two more chapters to come after this. Thanks again, everyone - Mrs P.