(AN) Author's Notes: Hi again everyone sorry for the late delay as promised from one to two weeks ago here is a chapter update for your LTR.

Also, another thing I want to bring up because I've been trying to control my annoyance for quite some time at the latest review for chapter 9 this is addressed to the anonymous reviewer named Guest 2022. I do hope you're paying attention and you're reading everything. Including this. I already explained more than once who the OC Tom is in chapter two and why he was turned into a toad it was already explained more in detail in the latest chapters from 7 to 9 in the AN notes.

Please kindly pay attention to what I put in the author's notes/ footnotes if you continue to ignore what is explained or give it in detail for each chapter I will no longer answer your questions. You do not want to leave any contact information in your anonymous comments so it's impossible to explain to you and better detail what is going on here. Kindly pay attention to everything in each chapter, not just the chapter itself my author's notes are always important if they are ignored by reviewers such as if you missed out on detailed information and questions that are already answered thank you.

Moving on. I would like to take this time to wish everyone in Canada a very Happy Thanksgiving our thanksgiving's coming up on Monday the 10th of October. So there might be an extra holiday treat coming around the corner if I have time this weekend or by Monday to update another chapter. I'm soon running low on reserves of completed chapters that we're done ahead of time so I need to be scarce on how many more updates I do for the next week or so. I'm kind of behind in updating my co-partner with new drafts of chapters I've been a bit on the stump with a two-part special chapter which are chapters 16 and 17 hopefully I will soon complete them and give them to my colleague to complete and go over real soon. So without further Ado, I bring you chapter 10. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All copyright rights to Labyrinth 1986 musical fantasy film directed/created by Jim Henson, and Dennis Lee with George Lucas as executive producer. Based on conceptual designs by Brian Froud, the film was written by Terry Jones. I also need to give credit and thanks to my new co-partner ElauraGrave who is helping me get this story off the ground so soon. All original characters AKA (OC's) belong to me © authoress smcandy I don't want to see anyone rip off/steal or take any of my original characters major to minor without my exclusive permission otherwise there will be consequences.

Warning: The rating of this story will go probably up from T to rated M later for mature scenes and scenarios and for mature audiences. This story is not meant for adolescents or children under the specific age of 16. To all parents out there who are not monitoring their children what they read or do not have certain child block programs put up on their computer use publicly do not hold me accountable for what they find or read on the internet if they lie about their age. They should not be reading stories or content that are not in their proper age group. Do not seek to point blame at me when I give a warning of what the rating of the story is for the age group of readers. Readers you have been warned I do not want to be flamed or reported by your parents for your actions of reading material that was not meant for your eyes until you are appropriate to age!

Chapter 10: Beware. I have been generous, up until now. But I can be cruel.

Sarah let out a long groan as she twisted and cracked her back. It had to be close to midnight now, and she stood outside her bedroom door, ready to finally relax after a hard day's work. Sarah had finished her tasks with less than an hour until the clock had struck thirteen. As sore and tired as Sarah was, all she could think about was washing up and scrubbing down. She had scrubbed enough floors, walls, and a throne today to last her a lifetime, yet all she wanted to do was scrub herself raw. The grime of the day lingered on her skin, and Sarah knew she had sweat more than she ever had, even more than after that bike marathon which she participated in last summer.

Her stomach grumbled loudly, telling her she should reorganize her priorities.

Sarah turned her doorknob, ready to open her backpack again and use some of that food she had packed—if the goblin king didn't confiscate it all. When Sarah opened her door, all the relief she felt at finishing her tasks turned into annoyance; that little crystal ball Jareth had tried to offer her was sitting at the foot of her bed. Once Sarah opened the door, it hovered above the bed for a moment before floating towards her.

Sarah sighed; she didn't want this blasted thing around her. She wanted to be alone.

Sarah noticed the crystal ball wasn't the only addition to the room; the chair that had been next to the bed was now pulled up to the desk next to the wardrobe, and on top of the desk was a pitcher, a goblet, and a small plate covered by a white cloth. Sarah picked the cloth up to uncover half a loaf of dark bread and a hearty block of orange-yellow cheese. Relief flooded her at the sight of food; perhaps Greta had remembered her, or a goblin from the kitchen had already been prepared to serve her when she finished her tasks.

"If I finished my tasks," Sarah added in her thoughts. Due to the dim light and silver of the pitcher, it was difficult to tell what kind of liquid was sloshing around inside, but Sarah hoped it was water. Sarah couldn't bring herself to eat in her dirty clothes, so she quickly undressed. Sarah had been so distracted by the food and the crystal, now floating only a few feet in front of her, that she almost didn't notice the extra door.

"That wasn't there before…" Sarah observed out loud. A door of dark, smooth wood with a decorative brass doorknob was now situated in the far wall towards the corner of the room. It was very unlike the rough, worn wood of the door that led to her bedroom, which looked more like salvaged driftwood than something hewn to make a proper door. She tentatively turned the knob and carefully peered inside. In the middle of the new chamber was a porcelain bath tub from which steam slowly curled. It was filled nearly to the brim with hot, clear water, and Sarah almost disregarded her surroundings to jump straight into the water that beckoned to her. Next to the bath were two little end tables; one held three bars of soap of different colors along with several little vials filled with dark liquids. The other held a pile stacked high with towels and washcloths of different sizes all neatly folded into triangles.

Sarah stripped off her under dress and gently lowered herself into the hot water; she didn't even stop to think or care if the king was using that floating orb in the other room to spy on her. She elicited a long, satisfied sigh as her the tension in her muscles dissipated. She took a moment to simply relax and breathe through her nose, thinking of nothing at all. She checked the vials and figured out which ones were soap, which ones were conditioner, and which ones were oils assumedly for her hair and skin. She grabbed a wash cloth and dipped in into the water before rubbing a bar of pink soap along it until it was white with suds. She ran the washcloth along her limbs slowly, relishing the feeling of its gentle touch. She smiled as the dirt and dust were washed off of her, and she moved onto her torso, rubbing her skin in small circles. She left no crevice unwashed, no centimeter uncleansed as she washed away the day literally and proverbially.

She left the bath almost reluctantly, but looked forward to food and sleep. She wrapped herself in a towel and drug her feet back into the bedroom. Once again, new things had appeared for her. At the end of her little bed were folded pieces of clothing over which the little glowing crystal floated; Sarah had assumed correctly and found that they were sleep-clothes while she slowly examined them. Sarah realized she had slept in her under dress yesterday, and silently said words of thanks to Greta, wherever she was.

Sarah dressed as quickly as her tired muscles would allow her and sat down at the desk to devour her hard-earned meal. She prayed that the food was left by a goblin and not the goblin king. It was a small meal, but by heaven was it a satisfying one; bread had never tasted so good. The grumbling of her empty belly stilled itself as Sarah poured a glass of the unknown liquid. She peered warily into her metal goblet before taking a tiny sip; the liquid was a dark color and surprised Sarah with its sweet taste; she could only describe it as being comparable to fruit punch. Sarah thanked her lucky stars that it wasn't peach-flavored. She didn't think she could stomach another peach or even peach-flavored food or drink ever again. Sarah involuntarily gave a little belch; she figured she should wait before she slept in order for the food to settle. She couldn't help it that she had eaten quickly and ravenously.

She walked over to her closet where her backpack lay, still untampered with.

A smile crossed her face as she held her things again, the things that were really and truly her own and not of this cursed, beautiful world. She took out her pencil case and notebook and seated herself once more at the desk. She journaled the day's adventures and all that Hoggle had told her about the goblin king. She made notes to herself, writing down the layout of the castle and penning reminders to familiarize herself with certain areas of the castle. There was still so much to explore, and there were so many places strategically viable for hiding and escapes. Sarah knew that one day, whether or not the king released her, she would get home—and she would protect her friends, relocate them if she must, in the process. She would take them to another realm if she had to. And maybe, just maybe, when she returned home again, the goblin king would not pursue her.

If her friends (and Toby) were not there to hold hostage, he would have no leverage to make her stay. She would be free of him. The goblin king had shown his own determination, power, and authority, so Sarah knew these things would not come to pass anytime soon, but she didn't mind playing the long game. If he could wait for a year to make a move, so could she.

"Sooner rather than later though, please," she thought to herself. Sarah looked over at the clock on the wall. Its hands showed her it was nearly one o'clock. Sarah yawned and packed up her things again before blowing out the candle. Sarah laid herself down gently, letting out another long sigh. She was so exhausted; the straw mattress under her back was as comforting as a feather bed. Sarah tucked the blanket up to her chin and fell asleep as soon as her eyelids shut.

Once more, Sarah awoke to a loud banging on her doorframe. Before Sarah could sit up or even mumble a sleepy "come in," Greta barged into her room. Sarah's irritation was abated when she saw the tray in Greta's hands.

"I've brought some vittles for ya. His Majesty decreed you shan't go 'ungry in the mornin', so you best be grateful." The goblin's voice was harsh, but Sarah could see a softness around her eyes; maybe she was grateful for Sarah, too.

Sarah was grateful; now, if she didn't finish her tasks and wasn't allowed dinner, she wouldn't starve to death. She rose and followed Greta to the desk. She noticed the list that had been in her apron pocket was now resting on the table; Sarah thought she would never get used to this constant magical rearranging of things. As Greta set the tray down, Sarah groaned; the list for today was longer than yesterday. The goblin king hadn't doubled it, but he had still made it longer. Sarah washed her face and went to dress herself. She couldn't help but smile when she picked up her old maid's outfit; it had been cleaned and looked ironed. Maybe all this coming and going of magic wasn't so bad after all.

She sat down and ate her porridge. It was bland and stuck to her spoon like glue, but it was filling and satisfied her hunger. Sarah washed out her mouth and pulled back her hair before following Greta back out into the castle.

"Here we go again."

At some time around midday, Sarah leaned up against the wall to rest her back and take some weight off her feet. She dare not sit, but she took a moment to wipe the sweat from her brow. She realized that, though the list was longer, today was easier. She had finished most of her tasks and felt she was getting a hang of things around the castle. She already had her bearings and could navigate her way around many of the numerous castle wings.

Sarah looked around warily; he could still be watching. Sure, today's tasks weren't as grueling, and she had been allowed to eat breakfast, but she still didn't trust the goblin king. With a list that magically crossed things off, who's to say it wouldn't magically add more chores, even if she was working hard. Suddenly, Sarah heard a clinking and clanking coming from behind her. From around a corner rocketed that pesky little crystal Jareth had given her. It launched itself down the next hallway, but floated back to make the turn, almost as if it was searching for Sarah and had only suddenly caught sight of her. It bounced off a wall and ricocheted off another before rolling, awkwardly and erratically, along the floor towards her. It appeared only feet in front of her nose, as if rolling the rest of the way was too much work. It vibrated with nervous energy, and Sarah could almost feel a sort of expectancy in the air.

"Now is really not a good time," Sarah said to the little glowing orb. It leaned to the left, almost like a puppy cocking its head to try and understand. It floated there, unmoving. Sarah sighed. Was this a call from the king?

Sarah resisted the urge to throw down the rake and burlap sack she was holding and gently set them on the floor; she'd get them later. "Rake the eastern courtyard" was a task not yet crossed off of her list; she sighed yet again and closed her eyes, reaching both her hands out to the glowing sphere. The floating crystal glowed brighter and floated into her cupped hands. When Sarah opened her eyes, she found herself once again in the throne room; the crystal was gone. The goblin king sat in his throne as uncaring and contemptuous as yesterday, but at least both of his feet were on the ground.

"What do you want this time?" Sarah asked in annoyance.

"I have another gift for you."

"That annoying little crystal —that I never asked for, by the way—is enough," she interjected quickly. Sarah still thought the ball was annoying. She wouldn't put it past the king to use it only to spy on her and keep tabs of her whereabouts.

"Oh, I insist," he urged, leaning forward in his throne and resting his elbows on his knees. "You'll find it already delivered to your room. I can assure you it more useful than a little bouncing ball."

Sarah tried to protest, continually uncomfortable with everything poofing in and out of her bedroom, but the king continued. "Additionally, you'll be joining me for dinner soon. Expect a summons either tonight or tomorrow."

"Absolutely not. No way. That's ridiculous; I'm not eating with you again."

"Sarah…" he warned. Jareth summoned a crystal and cast it out to float in the middle of the room. It grew larger and larger until Sarah could easily see the king through it as if she were looking through a window. The clear crystal began to cloud and the image of Jareth dangling Hoggle by the ankle over the Bog of Eternal Stench appeared. The projection of Jareth lowered Hoggle closer, closer, closer…

"Ugh, STOP!" yelled Sarah stomping her foot. The giant crystal went up in whisps of smoke. "You're abusing your power, you know. These threats are going to run out one of these days," said Sarah, calming herself.

"That very well may be, but you're the one who will have to work under Hoggle when he becomes Prince of the Land of Stench." Jareth threw his head back and laughed. It was both a beautiful and horrible sound. It mesmerized Sarah and terrified her at the same time. The joke, however, was just annoying.

"It's not funny," she called out to him. "And what choice do I have," she muttered quietly and sadly to herself. "If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave, goblin king," she finished, giving a sloppy, mocking curtsey and turning to leave.

A strong gloved had closed around her left arm and turned her around. She was face-to-face with those different-colored eyes, with that too-beautiful face of the goblin king. Again, Sarah noticed his choice of wardrobe was something she didn't recognized. He donned all black, and his amulet peeked out of the deep neckline of his black poet shirt. His free hand closed around her other arm; the leather was hot on her skin. He spoke, gently, "I have been generous up until now, but I can be even crueler."

"How much worse can it get?" asked Sarah flippantly, refusing to cower before him. "Any generosity you give makes little difference to me. All I can see in you is tyranny, threats, and force. You are the opposite of generous."

Jareth did nothing to hide his expression of…hurt? Sarah couldn't help but notice that he looked genuinely hurt and perhaps even sad. She did pity him or feel remorse, but she felt confused as the expression flitted away as quickly as it had come. The king pushed her away. "I'll see you the next time you're summoned. You'll come to dinner or else. I can do things far worse than a little dip in the Bog of Eternal Stench. I could make it so you never see that dwarf ever again, or any of your friends for that matter. Comply with my demands. Or else."

"Oh, let me go, goblin king," she said, taking a step backwards and throwing her arms wide. "I've got work to do. If you delay my work, I can't join you for dinner on time tonight nor even tomorrow, can I?"

She turned and marched out of the room. She hoped her carefree step annoyed him as much as her chin held high.

(AN) Author's Notes: The attire that Jareth wears in this chapter was something that is usually not fully shown it's his all-black outfit that he wore in part of the 1986 movie when Sarah managed to get herself trapped in one of the labyrinths oubliettes he wore nothing but all black or at least what I could see on the front top part so it's safe to assume he wore a black loose poet shirt and tight matching black pants with matching gloves and boots probably what's left over from the first outfit he wore in the movie when you first introduced himself to Sarah.

So there you have it for chapter 10. I apologize that the chapter is so short I'm not too sure what else I can add to the author's notes on this. I did mention in previous footnotes at the top or bottom of the pages that Sarah will be receiving two unique magical gifts from the Goblin King. The second one is about to soon make its appearance. I think a lot of readers will find Sarah's second gift more useful or unique anyway. I don't think there's much else I can say for this chapter I'm a little Sun that it became so short but it is what it is and A promise is a promise so stay tuned for chapter 11 hopefully it will be posted up this Thanksgiving weekend if not you'll have to wait till sometime next week.

TTFN,

smcandy