Jaxel knocked gently on the door to his mother's room. "Unless it's important, go away," Ta'leena called from inside.
"Mother, I have news about Father," Jaxel called to her.
A second later, the door opened and Ta'leena was staring at him."Is he alright? Was the mortal able to remove the bullet?"
"Lady Sarah was successful." Jaxel smiled. "She was able to remove the bullet and the healers have begun extracting the iron from Father's bloodstream. He's weak but doing better."
"Thank the gods." His mother sighed. "I thought for sure this fool scheme would kill him."
"We owe Lady Sarah a great debt."
"If you're expecting me to apologize or even thank that human, you can forget it. She got lucky. She could have easily killed him." She spat.
Jaxel shook his head. "Never expected you to do either, Mother. After all, why would it matter that she risked her own safety to save your husband?" Jaxel turned and left his mother standing in the hall.
~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~
Jareth, true to his word, was ready to go an hour later. Heidi and Alastair were busy with their task of trying to find the origin of the bullet and Bardo was packed and ready to go when Jareth came to fetch Sarah.
"Stay close, I'll transport us straight to the castle," Jareth informed him and he picked Sarah up.
"Take care of her," Talonas called from his bed where the healers were magically filtering his blood to remove the iron. It was an extremely slow process but it seemed to be working.
"I will, Father, even if I must give my life for hers, I will cure her."
Before he could say anything, his son, Sarah, and Bardo vanished. "They'll be alright majesty," Luienda assured him. If Lady Sarah was exposed to the iron, it was only a small amount. I'm sure Bardo can remove it with little trouble."
Talonas nodded. "I pray you're correct."
~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~
In the library, Heidi and Alastair were searching through dusty tomes looking for the sigils carved into the bullet. "I can't find anything that looks close to these symbols," Alastair whined.
"Keep looking. I know I've seen this symbol before." Heidi said as she grabbed a book from the pile.
"Yes, I know, you said that an hour ago..." Alastair sighed. "Does Jareth really expect us to solve this? Who shot uncle has been a mystery for centuries."
"Yes, but we have a clue now."
"Only if we can find what these symbols mean or where they came from." Alastair flipped through the book in front of him. "Wait..." Alastair grabbed the glass container and flipped it upside down. "We've been looking at the wrong.
"What?" Heidi moved closer and leaned against Alastair trying to get a better look.
"See, it was upside down." He beamed.
Heidi grabbed the book and studied it. "I knew I'd seen it before." Standing she headed for the door.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"To see Prince Jaxel. If I'm correct, we have a huge problem."
~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~
Jareth arrived just outside the gate to the Labyrinth with Sarah in his arms and Bardo beside him. "I need your help, old friend," Jareth said quietly as he stepped forward. "Our champion, my love, is ill. I'm certain you did all you could to protect her, but it wasn't enough. I'm praying to the gods that having her here will allow you to save her. Please, she did this for me. I... I can't lose her now. Not like this."
The gate opened and Jareth saw there was but one path and it led towards the springs. Nodding, Jareth started into the Labyrinth, but Bardo grabbed his arm. "Highness, shall I follow you?"
Jareth gave the healer a soft smile. "No, meet me at the castle. Wait here for now. One of my subjects will be along shortly. Tell Hoggle to take you straight to the castle." Jareth said before walking into the Labyrinth, the gate closing behind him.
A few moments later, Hoggle appeared. "Can I helps you?"
"You must be Hoggle," Bardo stated as he looked the dwarf over.
"I am." Hoggle eyed him suspiciously.
"His majesty, King Jareth, said to have you take me to castle."
"He called me by name?" Hoggle's eyes widened.
"Yes, is something wrong with that?"
"No, no. Come on I'll take ya to the castle." Hoggle said as he approached the gate. To his surprise, there was a path leading straight to the castle. "Just who are you?"
"My name is Bardo, I'm primary healer to the High King."
"Is Jareth sick?"
"No, his majesty is fine. Its the Lady Sarah that needs to be healed."
~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~
Jareth carried Sarah down the path the Labyrinth had provided for him. There were no twists or turns or other paths to choose from, just a direct route to his destination. He hadn't gone far when he entered the forest and saw a familiar friend waiting for him by a tree.
"Thunder, old friend. Have you come to help me reach my goal?"
Thunder laid down, allowing the King to climb up with Sarah still in his arms. Once Jareth was in the saddle, the black warhorse stood up and started trotting down the path. Jareth wrapped his arms around Sarah tightly and nudge the horse with his foot. "No time to waste, hurry to the springs!"
Thunder took off at full speed, racing towards the falls. He didn't stop until he reached the edge of the hot springs which fed the stream that flowed over the massive cliff. The horse laid down, allowing his rider to dismount with his lady still safely in his embrace.
"Thanks, my friend," Jareth said softly as he patted his steed.
Thunder stood and shook his head in response. He stomped the ground as he watched the King enter the hot spring with Sarah.
Jareth waded out until he was waste deep in the water, approaching the mouth of the stream. "I'm here. What do you want me to do?"
The stones around the spring began to glow and the water which was already warm began to heat up. The pendant around Jareth's neck began to glow and he felt the warmth of the Labyrinth's magic surrounding him and Sarah. Looking down he saw her pendant glowing under her shirt and knew it also was radiating magic.
The water in the spring began to swirl around them and the air was filled with tiny voices as fairies flew out of the forest. "Place her in the water." The tiny voices echoed.
Jareth reluctantly placed Sarah in the water and watched as she floated on the surface, the water appearing to cradle her like a child. One of the fairies landed on the King's shoulder and he turned his head to look at her. "Can the Labyrinth heal her?"
The tiny girl shrugged. "She's trying, but the magic is strong. She asks that you cut the tip of her index finger. Perhaps this needs to be attacked from within."
Nodded Jareth pulled a small dagger from his boot and lifted Sarah's hand up. "Forgive me, Precious." He whispered as he made a small incision on her finger. He placed her hand back in the water and to his surprise, the blood simply pooled around her finger for a moment and then vanished as the cut healed.
Sarah's body was pulled under the water and fairies flew in circular patterns over her. Normally one would worry about someone being able to breathe underwater, but Jareth trusted the Labyrinth and he could see her chest rising and falling, indicating that she was still breathing normally.
Slowly, Sarah's body began to spin in a circle as the faeries chanted. The water receded from Jareth and formed a column under her, lifting her into the air. Glancing around, he noticed many of his subjects had gathered along the bank of the spring. There were fireries, gnomes, the dwarf, rock caller, and the little fox knight that adored Sarah, along with goblins, an old troll, and to his surprise, the Minotaur that wandered the Labyrinth was there. All had their heads bowed as if in prayer.
Then the area filled with a blinding light that made the King sheild his eyes. When he was able to see, he saw Sarah floating in the air in front of him, the water now back in the spring where it should be. She was completely dry and her hair was blowing in the breeze.
"Sarah?"
Sarah's eyes opened, but they weren't green. Instead, they glowed a bright blue. "Our Champion sleeps, my King." The voice came from Sarah but it was no her own.
"Who are you?" Jareth demanded.
Sarah smiled. "An old soul that has watched over you and the Kings of old. You've protected me and those that call me home. In return, I've protected you and now I protect our Champion. You call me the Labyrinth, but I am more than just the bricks that make up the maze."
"You're the Labyrinth?" Jareth questioned. She nodded and started to speak, but Jareth cut her off. "Is Sarah alright?"
"Our Champion will be alright. She is resting now. She is very strong and will be a fine Queen, should she chose to take her rightful place here with us. I've removed the poison from her system and if she comes in contact with it again she should now be immune. The magic used against your father was old, but I am older. I assume you plan to find the one responsible?"
"I already have people looking into the source of the bullet. The culprit with be dealt with accordingly." Jareth bowed his head. "I swear it."
Sarah's hand reached out and lifted his head. "And I shall protect you as I always have. Now take our Champion back to the castle. When she wakes she may be a bit weak, but a good meal and your affection are all she needs."
"Thank you," Jareth said and then had to react quickly as Sarah's body fell against him, the Labyrinth no longer controlling it. He held Sarah against him and smiled as he felt his pendant pulse. "Thank you, old friend." He lifted Sarah into his arms and walked to the edge of the spring, where all those that had gathered were waiting. "Our Champion will be alright."
The gathered creatures cheered loudly and Jareth smiled knowing how many cared for her. Walking past them, Jareth approached the Minotaur. "Long time no see, old boy. What brings you to the spring? I know the others were concerned for my Lady, but you've never met her."
"I saw everyone gathering and decided to check it out. I thought perhaps there would be some food. Maybe some fresh fruit." He grinned, hopeful the King would grant his wish.
Jareth threw his head back and laughed. "Of course. Plenty of food for everyone. Everyone, return to the castle! Tonight we celebrate!" As his subjects cheered, Jareth vanished with Sarah and reappeared in his chambers. He placed Sarah on the bed and pulled a blanket over her. Kissing her softly, he whispered, "I'll be back in a moment, love."
Jareth found Bardo waiting in his study and invited him to join his subjects in the grand hall for the feast. "Lady Sarah is alright?"
"She's resting, but the Labyrinth has cured her. With my father and Sarah both alive and well we have much to celebrate." Jareth stated before hurrying to the kitchen to get preparations for the feast underway.
~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~
At the Castle of the High King, Heidi and Alastair found Jaxel, but he was visiting his father. So they waited outside, not wanting to bother the High King while he was recovering. When Jaxel finally exited the room, he was surprised to find them in the hall. "Have you two been here long?"
"Not long," Alastair stated as he stood. "We have something to discuss with you."
"In private," Heidi added.
Jaxel nodded and led them to his study. He had many questions after talking with his father and perhaps they had the answers. Once inside he closed the door and placed a sound barrier on the room so that they could talk freely.
"Before we get started, how is uncle?"
"Father is recovering, slowly. It'll take many years for the healers to remove all the iron, but the iron is slowly leaving his body and he's feeling better." Jaxel answered. "What of Lady Sarah? Father says she fell ill right after removing the bullet."
"All we know is she was unconscious and Jareth was taking her to the Labyrinth. He asked..."
"Commanded." Heidi corrected.
"He commanded us to figure out where the bullet came from," Alastair stated as he glared at Heidi.
"And have you?" Jaxel asked.
"I believe we have." Heidi nodded. "Do you recognize this?" she asked as she held a page up for him to see.
"That's the royal seal of the Kingdom of Dosimere. Father destroyed them years ago. They were caught using dark forbidden magics." Jaxel told them. "What do they have to do with this?"
"Their seal was on the bullet," Heidi replied. "I believe they were responsible for this."
"Impossible!" Argued Jaxel. "They were wiped out a century before my father was shot."
"Is it possible some of them survived?" Alastair inquired.
"The subjects, who had nothing to do with the foul deeds of the royal family, were taken in by various Kingdoms. The Royal family and all of their servants were executed before all the court. None survived." Jaxel said firmly.
Before anyone could speak, there was a knock on the door. Jaxel opened it slowly to see one of his father's healers. "Yes?"
"His Majesty wishes to see all of you. He's received word about Lady Sarah." The healer stated.
"How is she?" Alastair asked.
"I haven't heard. I was just asked to fetch you three." He bowed and when he turned to leave he caught a glimpse of the paper in Heidi's hand. "Is that the seal of Dosimere?"
"Yes," Heidi stated. "Do you know something about them?"
"Only that there was a young lad that frequented the castle years ago. He often came to see the Queen. He claimed to be from the Dosimere bloodline. One of the King's bastards I believe. He often said he felt the High Court owed him and the other bastard children payment for the destruction of the Dosimere lands."
"What was his name?" Jaxel demanded.
"Nathair."
"What!?" Jaxel exclaimed and started pacing the room.
"Do you know him, cousin?" Alastair asked.
"He was my mother's lover."
~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~
A few hours after the feast at the Castle beyond the Goblin City began, Jareth laid on his bed beside Sarah. He had said a few words to his subjects, assured them that their Champion was alright, and then he retired to his chambers to watch over her. He could hear the celebration going on downstairs and was certain the whole Kingdom would be suffering a massive hangover in the morning, but he didn't care. Let them celebrate tonight. It had been a stressful day, but things worked out for the best he supposed.
Feeling Sarah stir beside him, he sat up. "Precious?"
Sarah blinked her eyes open and looked around. "Jareth?"
"I'm here, love." He held her hand and lifted it to his lips. "How do you feel?"
"Groggy." She stated as she tried to sit up. Jareth assisted her and placed a pillow behind her back. "What happened?"
"I thought I lost you."
"What?" She looked up to see the emotions in his expression.
"After you removed the bullet from my father, you were lightheaded."
"I remember. You took me to your room to rest, but I don't think resting is what you had in mind." Sarah smirked.
"You passed out. I couldn't wake you. Whatever magic was on that bullet... It was affecting you." He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, his head resting on her chest. "I was so afraid I was going to lose you."
"You didn't and you won't. You can't get rid of me that easily Goblin King." She teased as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"Pushing you. You did that for me and put yourself at risk. You told me the bullet was getting hot and I made you push through it. I..."
"Stop." Sarah gripped his hair tight in her hands and made him look at her. "You didn't force me to do anything. I chose to remove the bullet and you were simply encouraging me and helping me stay focused. There's nothing for you to be sorry for and no need to blame yourself. I'm alright. I feel fine. I probably just overdid it. I'm not used to using magic."
"No, Sarah. You don't understand. You were under the effects of the same magic that was killing my father. The Labyrinth healed you." Jareth argued.
"Then there's nothing to fear. I know you and the Labyrinth both will always protect me. Now stop pouting." Sarah told him.
"I'm not pouting." Jareth spat as he sat up.
"Certainly looks like pouting to me." She teased.
"I don't pout," Jareth said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"No? I suppose you don't cross your arms when you're annoyed either."
Jareth uncrossed his arms and glared at her. "You enjoy pushing my buttons, don't you?"
"Yes," she grinned as she leaned towards him, her hands cupping his face. "Especially when you're being a brat."
"I'm not..."
Sarah kissed him before he could finish his statement. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss. When they separated, Jareth stared at her for a moment. "What?" she asked.
"Just making sure you aren't going to pass out on me again."
"Why? Does kissing making me sleepy now?" She joked.
"Sarah." He called her name in a scolding tone. "I'm serious. You could have died. I... I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't woken. I did a lot of thinking while you were resting."
"About?"
"You, us, your safety. Sarah if you want to return home, to your world, and never return, I won't blame you. Now that mother has agreed to leave you alone there should be no danger to you. But being here, with me, puts you at risk. I..."
"Jareth." Sarah took his hands and held them against her chest. "I don't care. Danger or not. I want to be here, with you. I know where my place is now. I think I have for a while. I'm home and I don't want to leave. We'll face any dangers together. I love you and I want you in my life." She kissed him softly and ran her fingers through his hair.
"I love you." He whispered before kissing her again, his hands rubbing her back in soothing circles.
Jareth pulled back and looked astonished when his shirt vanished. "Precious?"
"Did I do that?" She blinked in confusion.
"I forgot to put your bracelet back where it belongs," he said as he pulled it from his pocket.
Taking it from him, she placed it on the bedside table. "It can stay off a little longer. I'm starting to get the hang of this magic thing." Before Jareth could argue the rest of his clothes vanished and he sat before her naked and semi-hard. "Magic is very useful," she smirked as she admired his bare flesh.
"Sarah you don't need to rush anything."
His argument was forgotten when she gripped his cock and stroked him slowly. "I'm not rushing. I know exactly what I want and I plan to have it."
Closing his eyes, Jareth groaned as she stroked him to attention. "And just what is it you want, Precious?"
"You," she said as she kissed him. "All of you." She squeezed him slightly for emphasis. "Make love to me, Jareth."
"Are you certain?" He searched her face for any hint of hesitation but found none.
"Yes."
"As you wish, my love." He whispered before claiming her lips in a heated kiss.
