A/N: I have to have a fangirl moment here, congrats to Jetredgirl on her Crystal Owl Award. If you haven't read any of her work, I recommend that you do so now. Well, not right now, finish reading this latest chapter on my humble offering first…lol The award was for His Champion's Journey, however, I haven't read a bad story from her. As I have mentioned before, I am very partial to Goblin King of Rock and Roll. Ok, fangirl moment over…lol Thank you to all of my reviewers.
Honoria Granger: Thank you for catching grammatical and syntax errors, I really do appreciate that, I try my best to catch them all myself, however, sometimes I just get excited and on a roll. Don't fret about the Flatiron building, I have a plan.
Enchantedpeachdreams: Where ya been girl? Hope all is well in your world; we're getting down to the wire now.
The Banshee's Tears: Welcome! I am so glad you're enjoying our adventure!
Sarah looked around at the faces of the men and women Mac had gathered. They all looked resolved and grim. She hoped they would be able to stay with them through the rest of what was to come.
"Sarah." Jareth said, breaking into her thoughts. "Come here for a moment." Turning, she looked to see where he had moved away from the rest of the group with Siobhan.
Standing in the center of the rooftop, Jareth and Siobhan had removed their gloves and were clasping hands, Mac was also there and held Siobhan's other hand forming a small semi-circle, Jareth held out his free hand to Sarah and she took it.
"No, my dear, remove your gloves." Jareth said, Sarah looked down with a frown, she hadn't even remembered she was wearing them, they had so quickly become a part of her.
"Quick round of ring around the rosie, Jareth?" Sarah asked, pealing her gloves off and taking his hand.
"No, my love, I have an idea about this place, I felt it as soon as we stepped onto the roof." Jareth said, at Sarah, Siobhan's and Mac's questioning look he explained, "I believe this roof top was once used as a Fairy Ring. If that is the case, there is some residual magic left and we may be able to tap into it. Creating a safe zone, so to speak."
Siobhan gasped in surprise, "My Lord, I did not feel any magic."
"It's there," Jareth assured her. "Very faint, perhaps the four of us will be able to call it more fully forth."
"Seven would be better." Siobhan said. "A full coven."
"Yes," Jareth agreed, "However, we don't have that luxury."
"Why would I be able to do this? I'm not Fae, I have no magical ability." Mac said, looking at the other three uneasily. The last thing he wanted to do was fail and look like a fool in front of Siobhan.
"I believe you do possess magic, Detective." Jareth said firmly. "You have a pure aura, the purest I have ever seen, you have the ability to stop darkness and a willing, loving and kind spirit."
Mac looked over at Siobhan briefly, he felt the beginnings of a blush scorch a path from the tips of his ears, down to his neck.
"Well, you know," he stammered, "A man does his best."
Siobhan squeezed his fingers briefly and then looked to Jareth and Sarah saying, "What now Your Majesty?"
Jareth closed his eyes and began to chant in an ancient language, Sarah closed her eyes too, feeling a deep sense of calm overtake her. Power flowed through her and she let her head fall back, feeling an immense pull, she joined Jareth in his chant, slightly startled that she seemed to understand him and know what to say and when.
As Jareth continued, a faint golden circle began to form, shimmering faintly at first, then growing in intensity. Siobhan gasped as she watched the Fairy Ring come to life, winding around each one of them. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Mac. The golden light seemed to illuminate him from the inside. Pulsing softly in and around him, giving his skin a glittering, golden sheen.
"My Lord," She whispered softly to Jareth, "Look." At her soft murmur, Jareth stopped his chanting and regarded Mac. He had suspected as much and was pleased to see that he was right. Mac did possess some magic. Possibly Elven or maybe even a small trace of Fae blood somewhere in his family tree. Jareth let out a soft sigh of satisfaction, feeling that their chance of victory had just raised exponentially.
With the Fairy Ring glowing all around them, Jareth motioned to Mac's friends to come over. "We have just announced our location to Aldric very loudly," he said, looking at everyone. "I cannot express firmly enough how important it is that we keep in constant communication with each other." He held out his hand that contained his ear bud that was connected to all of the others. "You've all been warned what to be on the look out for?" At their nods of affirmation, he nodded and continued, "Good. The most powerful weapon you will have at your disposal is your belief in good triumphing over evil. Do not discount the magic of positive thinking and always, always, trust your instincts. These creatures are made of shadow, they feed on fear and despair. Keep a positive frame of mind and a light handy. If you get into a spot, contact any of the four of us and we will either come to your aid or send someone else. Do you all understand?" At their nods, Jareth turned to Mac and said, "This is your team, you know best their strengths, send them out as you see fit, I believe a four block radius of this building should be sufficient."
"What are we going to do?" Sarah asked.
Jareth gave her a razor sharp, feral grin, "We, my dear, are going to draw that murdering coward into the light."
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Jareth's mother stood outside the gates of the castle, surrounded by the Goblin army. She knew her husband stood at the entrance of The Labyrinth with his soldiers and the Elven army. There was a sense of fear and excitement in the air. The soldiers eager to face their enemy, the inhabitants of The Labyrinth scurrying inside the city gates for protection.
A soft white orb started to float towards Gwendolyn, as it neared it took on a more human shape. She smiled in relief at the appearance of The Labyrinth spirit.
"It has begun, My Lady." The Labyrinth said in its melodious voice. "They have opened the Fairy Ring and created a coven, Aldric will know their location and attempt to engage them."
"I hope that directing them to that particular ring was a wise choice." Gwendolyn said, biting at her lower lip in worry. "That is the only ring that leads directly to the Underground."
"I am aware, Your Majesty," The Labyrinth said, pulsing brightly for a moment. "Your armies are prepared, The King and his Queen have adequate back up in the Above. It may be a wise move to bring the battle here." Still pulsing gently, the being appeared to be considering options. "If they are here, I can more fully channel my magic to them. Everything I have, I must use to protect this kingdom. I can offer them very little in the Above, or I risk The Goblin Kingdom falling."
How do we tell them to bring the battle here?" Gwendolyn asked, alarm ringing in her voice.
"The Goblin King is a shrewd warrior." The Labyrinth responded serenely. "He will know what to do when the time is right."