[Oh look at the pretty format. This one's longer than usual.]

Epilogue.

V.

Sarah was indeed talking in her sleep. When Jareth entered her designated chamber, she was
rolling around and mumbling. He stood silently beside the bed, calculating his time before
interruption.

"And then … and then … So I didn't want to go, but I … yes, after the stairs … no I can't
remember … no, it wasn't only 4 hours … no, the clock had thirteen hours … see my ring is
gone, see? … but I had it on when you left and … no, it happened and I needed to take out
the … no, I don't, it's not, don't-"

Sarah was louder now, calling out in a garbled stream of consciousness.It was then that Jareth
had a brilliant idea. He swiftly knelt down, leaning towards her.

"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered," he whispered, re-enacting the scene in
his mind, "I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the goblin city, for my will is as strong
as yours-"

"And my kingdom as great. And …" Jareth smiled to himself as she muttered the words.

"Sarah, you must save your brother. Say your right words. He soothed. Then you can go home
again, to your toys, and your costumes, and-"

"And …"

"Go on, child." He murmured in her ear. "Don't you want to leave?"

Sarah shrieked loudly, slamming
her fists down against the mattress. Jareth, startled, stumbled against the wall with a grunt of surprise.
Sarah, still sleeping, set her jaw, preparing for a fight. Her face was flushed with anger.

"You took the book? Don't you see? I don't know the line, and I can't stop unless I have the
book. If you just – no, you don't understand, I can't get out again. I need the – no, I just have
to see the last page, please. Please, it's not fair, please, please, please please, please–" her
cries were getting terrifically loud. Jareth took this moment to shake her harshly, reaching out
with a gloved hand.

"Sarah."

"Give me back my-"

"Sarah!"

Sarah was forced back into reality by a light slap on the face. She blinked for a minute,
breathing heavily from her outburst. Jareth crossed his arms.

"I thought I was home." She said, after resting a moment. "My father-"

"Sarah, all you need to is say the words, and you will be gone from here forever."

"The words?" she stared at him blankly. "Oh … I don't know them." For a moment Jareth
looked panicked.

"What do you mean, you don't know them? How are you going to leave if you don't know
the words?"

"I … don't know." She pulled herself up to a sitting position. "I want to go home. Send me
home."

"Sarah." He spoke sternly. "You cannot return if you don't say the words."

"Then … what are they?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why not? If you want me gone so badly-"

"I'm not allowed."

"What do you mean you're not allowed? You're the king-"

"This realm has unwritten laws, Sarah. I couldn't tell you … even if I tried."

"Then I have to stay." Sarah realized, turning towards the curtained window. "Ihave
to stay."

"No. You'll think of the words. I'll try every-"

"Why can't I stay?" she glared at him. "What if I decide I don't want to leave?" Jareth
lowered his eyes.

"You spoke of a book. Where is it? In your house? Above?"

"I didn't mention … the book. And …" Sarah looked regretful, "it's gone. My father –
he threw it away."

"Threw it away? He-" Jareth stared at the floor for a moment, before rising quickly to
his feet." Go back to sleep Sarah. You'll be gone in the morning."

Sarah followed him with her eyes as he stormed off down the hallway.