IV.
As soon as Sarah passed into a deep sleep, Jareth removed himself to the throne room. He
immediately sent for his Most Trusted Aid.
* * *
"It's very dangerous keeping her here, Highness." Advised the Wise Man. "Many of your
subjects have already begun to question your reign of the Labyrinth."
"I am aware of the situation."
"You should send her away. As soon as possible."
"Yes, before Chiquita Niña stirs up some royal trouble, eh?" commented the Old Man's Hat.
The Old Man grumbled.
"I can't do that, unless she wishes it so. I have no –" Jareth twitched, "jurisdiction over her."
"Nevertheless, Sire-"
"I summoned you here for a reason. If you cannot provide me with the information I desire, I'll
drop you-"
"Señor, not the bog!" cried the Hat.
"Yes, the bog. Now be quiet."
"Don't get your pantalones in a bundle, majestad." Mumbled the Hat.
"Excuse me?" Jareth grabbed the Hat by his neck. "If you think I'll stand for such-"
Conveniently, the row was interrupted by an awkwardly intrusive goblin.
"Sire." The goblin bowed timidly, noting Jareth's foul mood.
"Yes, what is it?"
"The lady is talking again?" he reported. Jareth swore to himself.
"That was short. How long has she been conscious?"
"No Sire, she's not awake."
"But she's talking?"
"Yes Sire, very clearly Sire, in her sleep."
"I see. You are dismissed." The goblin bowed again and scurried from the room. Jareth returned
to his visitor. "Now, while there is still sufficient time-"
"I propose that you take advantage of such an opportunity. If she is indeed coherent, why not
observe her, and ask questions when she stirs?"
"Will you listen to this old fool?" scoffed the Hat. "Everyone-"
"Why, you!" the Old Man began swatting at the Hat with his short arms. The Hat pecked back
in defense. Jareth cleared his throat impatiently. "Your Highness-" the Wise Man began to
apologize, "My colleague-"
"Wake up La Muchaca now, before she stops talking." Recommended the Hat.
"Whatever for? She's mad. I have not had an hour of peace since she came here." Jareth admitted,
resignedly, "As for you, I have half a mind to-"
"She will not remember in the morning, Señor. If you require the information from her, you must
wake her while she dreams." Jareth nodded, thinking.
"The faster she returns to her arrogance, the sooner she leaves the Labyrinth. I will try what you
suggest." Jareth hurried off into the corridor. "But if this doesn't work …"
"Guaranteed." Replied the Hat happily. "Señor, if you would leave a contribution in the little box-" out
of nowhere a peach manifested itself wedged inside the Hat's beak. "Muchos gracias …" he squeaked.
The Old Man laughed.