Chapter 36. The truce stands

It was very late when Sarah found herself standing before the door of the Scribes Scroll room. Jareth had been called away on a summons, leaving her in the training room alone and more confused than ever. The palace seemed still, not even her guards were about, and there was no means of returning to the tower. Seated in the training room, looking at her reflection, she knew the answers she sought were not here. After dressing she wondered the halls moving back to the room she'd fled earlier. She tapped lightly on the door frame and called within. "Lutin are you still here?"

The Hobgoblin Lutin, quill in hand, peeped out of an alcove. "Tagaan," he addressed her respectfully. "You're up late."

"The King was called away on a summons," she said lamely. "I…" she paused, uncomfortable with the request she was about to make. "I'd like to use the Babel again if I might."

Lutin waved her in, and motioned to the table that was just as she'd left it. "I was certain you'd find that you needed to." He said in an accommodating tone. "Would you care for some tea or perhaps something stronger?"

"No, thank you." She said taking her seat and placing the chained Babel once more about her neck. "I'm not even sure how long I'll be here…my guards seemed to have gone missing."

"You were with the King," a voice said from the doorway. "There was no need for us to remain within your sight."

The mortal girl looked over at the goblin woman who was wearing a confident smile. "So you were aware of where I was and with whom the whole time?"

"Of course," Daisy said striding easily into the chamber and taking a seat beside the girl. "A person guard always knows where their responsibility lies."

Blushing Sarah turned her attentions to the scrolls, "I suppose I more or less asked for that, didn't I?"

"Indeed," Daisy agreed easily.

The mortal sighed, and looked at the pile before her. "Where to start?"

"The beginning is always a good place," suggested Lutin who was now hovering in case his expertise was needed. "I would suggest you begin with the scroll of laws."

"I think the scroll of lineage would be a better start," protested Daisy.

"Law first," cautioned the Scribe. "Lineage follows."

Unrolling the scroll, Sarah began to read the basic laws that were first issued in the Kingdom. "Lutin, who founded these laws?"

"The Great Goblin Kings," he said proudly.

Sarah read further, and then paused. "Is there a scroll of the current laws?"

"You plan on making a side by side comparison?" He asked as he moved to unroll the requested scroll.

"Something like that," Sarah admitted. "Now, if you could, I'd like to know who founded which law, and what race they were."

Daisy snickered. "She's a quick wit, I told you!"

Lutin looked at her, reading the mortal and liking what he saw. "You Sarah Williams, Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan of Jareth Tuatha Dé Danann Huukec Mec, Warrior King are a very shrewd woman."

She fingered the Babel, "This thing… makes you think in goblin terms…not just read and understand."

"Indeed," the Hobgoblin agreed.

"Who created the Babel?" she asked.

The Scribe hesitated before answering her question. "Long ago, my Lady, the Goblin Race was far more powerful than it is today. You have witnessed yourself the lower ranking goblins and their archaic simple magic." He drew himself up, proudly. "I and your guard are of the greater Hobgoblin races, and we were once as powerful in magic as some Fae. OH not perhaps as the Royal Fae, not as powerful as the High King, but we were capable of great magics. Some of the artifacts of that time still exist." He pointed to the disk at her throat.

"This was created by a Goblin?" Sarah gasped.

"Indeed it was," Lutin stated; "As was the foundations of this palace."

"What happened?" Sarah asked. "This is not the work of some ninny." She waved a hand at the walls of the chamber.

Looking at the guard, the Scribe ventured a suggested answer. "My Lady, what was one of the first things you learned when you entered the Labyrinth?"

"That nothing is as it seems?"She asked in reply, and then tapped her chin with delicate fingers. "I see." She turned her attentions to the scrolls and frowned. "These Kings that followed the last Goblin King, they didn't understand the Kingdom at all…" her frown deepened as she read on. "The Labyrinth was here before the Goblins?"

"That is unclear," Lutin stated. "However it responded to the reign of each King in its own way. After the last great Goblin King, it only responded well to our present King."

Something prickled at the back of her mind, and she murmured the Arthurian dogma. "The King and the Land are one."

The scribe looked at the guard before addressing the King's slave. "That is perhaps the best explanation I've heard."

Sarah's expression was on of frustration. "Did the High King know what these idiots were doing?"

"As long as we were quiet," Daisy said insultingly; "The High Court gave little care to our lands and how they were ruled."

Tossing the offending scroll aside, Sarah looked at her guard. "They treated you like red headed step children." The Hobgoblins looked at her with mild surprise at the depth of her understanding. She picked up the next scroll, "This is the lineage?" Both Hobgoblins nodded quickly. Sarah's fingers unrolled the scroll carefully, respectful of its age and the content within. She began to read, murmuring to herself. Once or twice her eyes opened wide as she learned secrets to the kingdom that the High Court had either overlooked or choose to pass over. She had begun to read about the last great Goblin King when the air in the palace changed drastically. "He comes," she said standing. "Something is wrong," she moved so swiftly from the table that she'd forgotten all about the Babel still hanging from her throat into her décolletage.

Daisy moved promptly and speedily at her side. They arrived in the throne room to find the King seated in his throne with a heartbreaking expression of melancholy. Della appeared in the throne room moments after they did, she had been having a late night feeding, and had not bothered to wash feeling the urgency. Sarah moved forward, motioning the rest to stay put. She placed a hand on the King's. "Sire?"

Jareth looked up, "There was nothing I could do," he murmured.

"Where is the child?" she asked softly, eager to be of some kind of aide.

The long gloved fingers surrounded the smaller feminine ones that hand laid on his hand. "Where he will never have to suffer again," his voice was hoarse, "In a place where he can be."

The girl understood, Jareth had been forced under circumstances she'd rather not think about to turn the child. Her fingers tightened about his, comfortingly. "You are tired, Sire," she reached her free hand out to his chin. "Let me help you to your chamber." She could see that having to turn a mortal to goblin took a great deal of his strength, and he was tired and pale.

Jareth looked up at her, angry with the world she'd come from, but not wishing to rail at her for the mistakes of others. "I'm bad company, Sarah."

"What of it?" She stroked his cheek. "Consider this an extension of the Toby Truce." She offered with generosity.

Saddened, and exhausted beyond endurance, he nodded. "Thank you, Sarah." He moved slowly, like someone who was very old and depleted of their strength.

Sarah draped his arm over her shoulder. "Della," she called to the Harpy, knowing her strength was superior to all of theirs. "Help me get the King to his chambers." She requested softly. Della moved without question or insult, she placed her taloned claw about the King with the talons curled so they would not inflict injury. Daisy followed leaving the lower ranking goblins left behind in the throne room mourning and lamenting.

In the King's chamber Sarah pulled back the coverlet and directed the Harpy to lay the King down gently. The guards then stood back as Sarah made the King comfortable, removing his boots and his cape. The mortal girl unfastened the battle armor and removed the breastplate as well. Pale, fatigued, and pained to his soul, the man reached out his hand, capturing the wrist of the young woman.

"Stay," he whispered.

"Of course," she murmured as she waved the guards toward the door. The King's valet peered in; seeing the Tagaan was seeing to the King's needs bowed out of the room quietly and went back to his own bed. Sarah pulled the covers up around the worn out man, and tucked them in the way she had for Toby on occasion.

Eyes filled with pain, Jareth looked at her. "Lie with me," he requested softly. "I have no wish to be alone, just now." Sarah removed her gown, draping it over the end of his bed and crawled in between the sheets beside him. He turned, pulled her close and closed his eyes. "Thank you, Sarah."

"Go to sleep," she said firmly, unwilling to give more than this.

--

Della placed bloodied talons to her hips. "What the hell happened? When I left to feed, she'd fled the chamber of scrolls! I come back to find her acting like a nursemaid!"

"She returned to the chamber of scrolls," Daisy said holding out her hand expectantly.

Rage filled the eyes of the Harpy. "That Bitch is costing me a fortune!"

Counting the coins in the purse, Daisy countered softly. "That woman is the hope of our nation, Harpy. I suggest you remember that."

--

The sun rose over the Labyrinth, and peeked into the chamber of its King through the drawn curtains. Sarah opened her eyes, to find herself still encircled by the strong arms that had held her close through what had remained of the night. Shifting lightly she planed on leaving this bed and seeking a means to return to her chambers to bathe.

"Don't go," a voice whispered.

Sarah turned, his eyes were shut but she knew he was awakening. "I need to bathe," she whispered.

"We'll bathe later," his eyes stayed closed and his arms remained about her. "Together."

Uncomfortable with this situation, Sarah sighed. "Jareth, while I sympathize with what the requirements of your responsibility to your occupation are, it changes nothing between us."

Stormy eyes opened, and a grim line formed on his lips. "I had not thought that it had."

"We are enemies." She stated firmly. "I am nothing more than a prisoner of war."

"You are far more than a mere prisoner of war, Sarah. Even you have to admit that." He challenged as he moved his hand over her.

Sarah pulled away from him, "I am not playing this game this morning."

Jareth looked at the disk that dangled between her full and well rounded breasts. "What is this?" His fingers reached out and touched the Babel.

Looking down, Sarah realized she'd forgotten to remove the disc when she'd exited the scribe's chambers so hurriedly. "It's called a Babel Lutin said. It helps me to read Goblin text." She answered without trying to think up a lie.

Long fingers still encased in leather gloves moved to trace the swell of her breast. "I approve." He said watching her react to his advances.

"Jareth, I'm in no mood to play games." She warned him.

"Whose playing?" He challenged as he moved the gloved hand that had been tracing her skin to his lips. He bit at the tips of the glove and removed it, then tossed it aside. His bare hand then returned to retrace the swell of her breast. His thumb began to work over the nipple hardening it. "Stay with me," he entreated invitingly.

Sarah sunk back into the pillows. "Damn you," she moaned. "You know I can't resist this." He was now tugging the other glove off with his teeth, a wicked gleam in his eyes. Sarah looked at him with longing building like a banked fire. "Do you ever fight fair?"

He waved his wrist; his garments vanished like mists in the sunlight. "No," he admitted as he pressed his lips to the breast he'd been playing with. He licked the nub before taking it into his mouth to suckle like a hungry child. Moments later he was feasting on the other raised nub as well. She moaned under him and arched in response. "Would you have me fight fair?" He asked as he moved his hand down to her waist.

"No," she answered in a mewl.

He moved, now he was between her legs. "Admit it, little witch, we are a well matched pair. Cruel, vindictive and ruthless, look at how mercilessly we treat each other."

"You started it," she protested.

"No," he denied withholding his entry. "But I will finish it." He promised coldly.

Sarah looked at him, still awed by his unearthly beauty. His body was unlike any man she'd seen. He was lean, but muscular; there was nothing soft about him. His scent filled the room and overpowered her. "Are you planning on just teasing me to death here?" she demanded just as coldly.

"Beg for it," he said knowing he was pushing her beyond limits.

"Go to hell," she shivered denying her own need.

Snorting like a bull, the King let his heavy phallus fall onto her abdomen with enough force that it caused her to lose her startled breath. "You just said that in perfect Goblin, Sarah." He waited, between her legs, looking at her with an expectant expression on his face. "My will is strong," he challenged.

Sarah growled. "I won't beg."

"Then ask," he suggested softly. "Perhaps I'm still generous."

"No," Sarah glowered as the shiver of desire coursed through her.

He looked down at her body, so desirable just within reach. "You win this time," he said as he readjusted his position, and sheathed himself deeply with in her. Each of them shivered in delight as they were joined. "Your will is as strong," he conceded as he knelt grabbing hold of her wrists and dragging her upward to a near seated position. "Wrap those legs about me, I wish to ride you as wildly as you were born to be ridden." He commanded.

Sarah's eyes filled with excitement, she did as he bid without further protest. Her arms locked over his shoulders, her breasts crushed up against his chest. "Oh God, yes." She moaned.

Jareth slowed the rhythms, and looked at her. "I will never let you go." He warned her. "I will keep you forever." He shoved into her even deeper. "There is no escaping your fate Sarah."

Tingling with sexual release and the pleasures of being touched, she met his thrusting hips. "There is no escape for you either, is there?"

Savagely he gripped her hips and forced her to accept even more of his caged shaft. "Does it appear to you that I'm trying to escape?"

Leaning to his ear she whispered. "Is that all you've got, Fairy boy?" Tossing back his head, the King roared as he quickened the pace, and the force of his thrusts.

--

Jareth lay in the deep tub as Sarah washed him. "You will move into my chamber." He said.

"No," Sarah said quietly.

He looked surprised; "Why not?"

"I'm a slave," she countered. "Your chamber is not for the housing of your slave. Someday you will take a Queen," she ventured.

"Never," he said firmly.

Sarah stopped washing him. "You may have little choice," she warned. "You're the King of a Kingdom that has not had a natural born heir in generations."

He sighed in exasperation. "Just how many scrolls did you read while I was out?"

Turning to look at him she tossed the sea sponge aside. "Jareth, it only stands to reason, that the High King expects you to take a wife, and procreate." She frowned. "I'm not a fool; I know no Queen born of the Fae will be content to allow a slave to inhabit the quarters that by rights belong to her." With a dignity she never understood, she rose from the waters and exited the bath. "I thank you for the offer, Sire. But I must decline." She wrapped a bath towel about herself and bowed to him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be returning to my tower."

Jareth watched her go, he made no effort to stop her, as her words troubled him. One hand had come to his chin and lips, and he contemplated the vast truth she'd spoken. As the son of the High King he was expected to take a wife. And most would expect her to be a Fae or one of the Ethereal. Sarah was right; none of them would allow him to keep his precious slave in the bedchambers. Pained he closed his eyes. This situation was becoming more and more tangled a web of deceit.

--

Daisy watched the woman dress and pin up her damp hair. "You turned him down?" She repeated for the tenth time.

"Yes, Daisy I turned him down." Sarah sighed.

The guard shrugged, "I don't understand."

"Sometimes," Sarah said, as she stepped into slippers; "You have to do what is right, not what you want to do." She looked at her guards. Daisy who was looking at her in confusion and Della in disdain, "Is there a physician or a healer in the castle right now?"

Daisy became instantly alert. "Are you ill?"

"No," Sarah stated firmly. "I wish to prevent a …illness."

Della shrugged. "I can take you to the healer's rooms."

--

Ghillie Dhu was taking an inventory of herbs when Sarah and the Harpy appeared at his window. He looked at the pair somewhat surprised to see the mortal girl. "Miss Williams isn't it?" he addressed her formally.

"Yes, Healer." She motioned the Harpy to stay where she was. "I have need to speak to you sir." She drew him aside, not wishing her words to be overheard. "I have to ask you something…something very important."

"Ask child," he said listening carefully.

"This is rather delectate," she whispered.

Amused the old healer smirked. "My dear child, I'm a healer there is no subject you can not discuss with me."

Sarah took him at his word. "How do I prevent a pregnancy?"

Not knowing what he had really expected to hear, Ghillie Dhu staggered back, staring at the girl.