~*The song included in this chapter is "Heaven," by Yanou (mixed by DJ
Sammy). Once again, thanks for the reviews.*~
~*~*~
This time it will be slow, Jareth promised himself. This time, I will take my time, and there will be love.
The candles in the room lit up simultaneously. Sarah, his queen. So warm and inviting in the flames. Irresistible. His hands slid down the warmth of her body, pressing her closer, exploring her curves. Rediscovering old ones, finding new ones. Slowly. This was for her, for eleven years of regrets and wrongs. Not him. And she knew it.
She lay back on the bed, giving him full access, taking what he gave and giving in return. What soft, smooth skin. Like silk. Or the smoothest cream. He pulled off the corset to better marvel. Her body was lovelier then he remembered, despite the child she had beared. Skimming his mouth over her smooth skin. Testing. His fingers touched each of the indentations of her ribs. His mouth tasted the decline when her ribs gave way for her stomach. Hearing her gasp, whimper, sigh, and purr. Loving the way she seemed to purr, way back in her throat. When she reached for him, he pushed her hands away. Soft straps stopped her when she tried to reach again. This was for her.
Once again, he began to feast. Her body seemed on edge, like a live wire. It thrummed underneath his hands, body, and mouth.
"Please . . ." she murmured, eyes sliding closed.
"Soon."
A gesture. His clothes disappeared. A moan was pulled out of her when he pressed against her. She pulled against the unyielding straps. He chuckled against her stomach.
"So eager."
"Take a hint."
Anything else that she might've said was interrupted by a long moan when he began to taste her. Now she strained against the straps. Up. He pushed her up, up, up. Her body shook now, tense. Then exploded. She saw stars and touched the sky. Shaking and going limp. Sated-for now. When she came back to awareness, the straps were gone. Jareth was positioned over her. Her hands touched his face-such beautiful eyes-pulling it down for a kiss. Now her hands were sliding over his shoulders, down his back. Silk against his skin. Every touch seemed to tingle. He shuddered. She saw, and grinned, and pulled him down closer.
"Now."
"You better be ready for this." His control was nearly gone.
"Always."
He paused, and cupped her face in his hands. "I love you, Sarah."
A lovely answering smile. "I love you."
~
Oh, thinking about our younger years. There was only you and me. We were young and wild and free. Now nothing can take you away from me. We've been down that road before. That's over now. We keep on coming back for more.
Baby, you're all that I want, when you're lying here in my arms. Finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Loving is all that I need and I found it there in your heart. It isn't too hard to see we're in heaven.
Oh, once in your life, you'll find someone who will turn your world around,
pick you up when you're feeling down. Now nothing can change what you mean to me. There's a lot that I could say. Just hold me now 'cause our love will light the way.
Baby, you're all that I want when you're lying here in my arms. Finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Loving is all that I need and I found it there in your heart. It isn't too hard to see we're in heaven.
I've been waiting for so long for something to do right, love to come along. Now our dreams are coming true. Through the good times and the bad, I'll be standing up by you.
Baby, you're all that I want when you're lying here in my arms. Finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Loving is all that I need and I found it there in your heart. It isn't too hard to see we're in heaven.
Oh, we're in heaven.
~
Sarah watched the window like a hawk. When morning came, their time would be over. Their stolen night would end, and they would leave, possibly never see, or touch, each other again. Several times during the night one awoke the other with desperate kisses and hungry caresses. By the time faint light began to fill the room, she knew she was in trouble: she was in love.
In love with this beautiful man that could make her laugh, cry, yell, and moan within the span of a mere five minutes. Jareth, King of the Goblins. Once a nemesis, now her lover-and a damn good one at that. She smiled and looked at the man she loved, the father of her daughter. The words she had spoke last night hadn't been a lie; however, the possessiveness, passion, and hurtful love she felt for him now wasn't even close to what she had named before. It was like comparing a train wreck to a stubbed toe.
He was under her now, sleeping; she lay sprawled across the top of him.
One eye opened. "You look satisfied."
"I am." She sighed. "And I'm scared, too. When will you be back?"
"I do not know. But the moment everything is safe, I will come for you at Kit's castle."
"Don't you know when that is? A week? A month? When can I talk to you again?"
"You can speak to me whenever you wish," he said, propping himself up on an elbow. "I may not have very good psychic abilities, but I have some. Just call with your mind. I will hear you when I open my mind."
"But I won't be able to hear *you*."
"No. A small complication."
"To you, maybe," she muttered.
He touched her cheek. "Just be sure to think loud, Sarah. We will be realms apart, and I will not always be listening."
"I will," she said, leaning into his hand.
They were silent for a moment, enjoying the closeness of each other.
"I think I can see what you've been trying to show me all along now," she said softly.
"And what is that?"
"I can be happy here." She paused, eyes glowing as she enjoyed the simplicity of her statement. "You know, I didn't realize it 'til now, but I had nothing back there."
Jareth knew she was talking of the Aboveground--the Third Realm-and his silence urged her to continue.
"Really. If someone had asked me a week ago, 'What do you have to keep you here?', I would've said, 'A steady job, a beautiful daughter, my own apartment, and my own car.' Now I've got a little perspective. What did I have back there? Nothing. An abusive boss at a job with low pay, a car that didn't work right, a shitty apartment in a bad neighborhood, no friends. No respect."
"No one recognized the jewel in front of them."
She chuckled, with a touch of bitterness. "Sure. I mean, I had Tessika there, yeah, but now she's here. And you're here." Snuggling closer now. "My life's here now, with you and Tessika." Jareth tensed, knowing now was the time; Sarah felt him. "What's wrong? Don't you want us here?"
"Yes, of course I do," he said. "I want both of you here, but . . . " Say it. "It is not possible."
"Why not?" she asked, mildly confused. "We're both here now."
"Yes, but you cannot be here together for much longer."
She sat up, holding the sheets to her breasts. Dread was twining into her stomach. "What do you mean?"
Obviously not wanting to talk about it, he touched her shoulder. "Sarah . . ."
"Well?" she prompted, pulling away.
"Do you recall what I told you about the Realms and you?"
"Yeah. I power them."
"The reason why this works is because you never saw the other Realms. You received hints, stories, and dreams about them, but you never saw."
"When I was fifteen-"
"That never should have happened. You were nearly ruined. Now you *are* ruined-you have been here for far too long. Since it is now known who powers the Realms-you-it has become unsafe for you to live in the Aboveground, the only place suitable for the Human power to live. You are no longer fit. A new powerer needs to be named."
"Tessika," she whispered, going pale. "Oh, my god."
Jareth nodded, heart hurting. "In order for Tessika to work, she must return to the Third Realm . . . and we can never see her again."
A wave of gray rushed into Sarah's vision, and her head rolled back on her shoulders. "I think I'm going to pass out."
Alarmed, he slid his arms around her, pulling her into his lap. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice.
My baby girl, she thought, tears replacing the misty gray. Never see her again? Never see her learn to ride that bike I got her? Her 16th birthday, her first date, her wedding--gone? God, I'd never get to see her grow out of children's size shoes!
"I can't do that," she said angrily. "Find someone else to power."
"That cannot be done," he whispered, his face in her hair. "Tessika has already been named. The power is passed down."
"Like a title."
"Yes."
"Well, if it's just a goddamn title, you can name someone else." Grabbing the throw, she pushed away from him. She climbed lithely to her feet and wrapped the throw around her body.
"It's not possible."
"Why not?!"
"It's a power," he repeated.
"Well, how did it get to me then?"
"The person that possessed it passed away, and had no heir. The power was passed to you, and hence will be passed to Tessika. If something were to happen to her . . . "
"Don't even think that," she growled, glaring at him. "Why can't she stay here? Can't she do the power thing from here?"
He hesitated. "Yes and no. If she did indeed stay here, she would have to stay in castle, and never leave, in order for her to dream. You can't dream of what you believe to be everyday life. She would be miserable and wither away. The magic would be twisted."
Running a shaking hand through her hair, Sarah swore. "And she has to be in the Third Realm?"
"Yes. It is most suitable and ideal."
"Then I'll go with her."
"You cannot. It is too dangerous."
"Why? I don't have the power anymore."
"You will still be . . . different. The two of you together in the Aboveworld will draw too much power and attention. It would be extremely difficult to protect and keep both of you safe."
"So I could? I could go with her?"
"The complications . . ."
"But I could." A note of excitement entered her voice. "If you truly love me and want to make me happy, you'd do this for me."
"Stay with me," he said, with a trace of pleading.
Now, she stopped pacing and looked at him. Having just found him, her king, and then having to lose him, was an unbearable thought. She knelt in front of him and clasped his hands. "Come with us, then. Surely you can protect us from there."
"No more then I can here," Jareth said, shaking his head. "There is too much that keeps and binds me here, Sarah. I'm a King and Overlord. I live on the magic on this place."
Her mind scrambled for anything that could keep the three together. "You said that since I've been here so much, I'm ruined. Tessie's here now."
"She is a child," he replied simply. "She is young."
"Dammit, Jareth! You can't make me choose between you and Tessika."
He gripped her hands. "I wish I didn't have to."
~
Sarah Williams, who always tried to be strong and proud, felt as if her heart was breaking. After assigning Claymore, a halfling whose advice Jareth held high, as a temporary watch to the throne, Jareth had helped her pack, then said his good-byes. She kissed him again and again, scared that this was the last time she would see the man she loved. Sick to her stomach from the emotions she felt: scared for him, angry at him for the decision he was forcing her to make, angrier still because he had kept this from her, and terrified of all the prospects she must face alone.
Well, not completely alone, she reminded herself, smiling tiredly at Tessika. The girl sat on the cushioned seat across from her in the plush carriage, playing with a kitten Jolie had given her for entertainment on the tedious journey. I could never abandon her, my sweet girl. But I could never abandon Jareth now, either. We've just found each other. I don't want to lose him again.
Hot or cold. High or low. Night or day. Black or white. Jareth or Tessika.
Choices.
The trio of carriages rumbled over the dirt paths of the Underground. Antony was first on a chestnut stallion; he preferred the freedom of horseback to being cooped up in a buggy. Next in line was William and Victoria's exquisite pearl ride. The small, but wealthy, carriage that Jareth had given Tessika and Sarah for the trip was next in line. The celestial sight that William and Alexandra rode in brought up the rear. As Sarah understood it, the plan was that they would ride to the edge of the Fourth Realm, transport to the First Realm, then ride to the Shapeshifter Kingdom. Why Sarah didn't know. Probably to give her a chance to take in the lush countryside. But she didn't really give a damn.
The Masquerade wasn't for another day, but if it was going to be anything like her peach fantasy, Sarah knew she would run screaming from the room. Despite the fact that she and Tessie would be surrounded by people that meant only to protect and distract them from worry, Sarah knew that they would be essentially all alone.
~
The shadow on the throne woke out of a gripping reverie at the hasty knock on his door.
"Enter."
The Goblin entered, swallowing his fear. "They's are headin' to the Shapeshifter Kingdom right's now."
"Who is?"
"The Human-Sarah-and Jareth's family."
"Oh, are they, now? What a silly boy," the Dark Lord said, chuckling dryly. "He believes that they will be out of my reach. He knows that I am here, yes, and that I want the Human, but he has underestimated my power. Silly, silly boy." Peering into the Dark Seeing Opal, he commanded, "Show me Jareth."
The Opal glowed, showing a mass of churning dark clouds in a night sky.
"A glamour shield?" He frowned. "Over Jareth? Why would he need protection such as that? Unless he is doing something he shouldn't, such as coming for me. Yes, a silly boy." Another dry chuckle, then a question for the Goblin: "Have you found out who the little girl is yet?"
"No, only that's she and Sarah are close."
"It makes no matter now." He caressed the Opal. "I will not forget this. You shall be rewarded, Goblin, with anything you have ever wanted. Everything is going splendidly. Soon the Human will be mine, and Jareth will be dead. *Everyone* that does not bend to my whim will be."
~
Jareth jerked awake with a start. Odd dream. Sarah had been lying in a dark, oddly familiar room, and eyes had been glinting in the darkness-
But it was just a dream. He had lain down for an hour in an unknown Goblin's home to rest after transporting the twelve-Goblin squadron, Pople's group, and himself to the village where the attack had taken place. At the time, he thought the squadron was unnecessary, but traditional. Upon arrival, he found himself regretting that he hadn't brought all the inhabitants of the immense Labyrinth and the entire Elven army.
The once wild, green landscape was now picked bare, trampled, and burned. Bodies lay everywhere. Goblins stood scattered, crying, lost, as smoke rose from their demolished homes and blackened fields. The horde that did this had to number somewhere near eight hundred.
Eight hundred versus a small village?
"Boris," he said to his general. "Have two soldiers gather the wounded and anyone with medical knowledge. Set up an infirmary. Have another three gather any able-bodied creature and begin building shelters. I want two tougher soldiers to collect the bodies into a pit; we will have a ceremony. Two should begin restoration, and the remaining two will forage for food. I want you to seek out any possible leaders and find out what needs to be done."
With that, he entered one of the few homes that were still standing to rest for a time.
Until that dream . . .
At that moment, Boris knocked on the door.
"Yes," Jareth called, standing. The Goblin entered. "Are my orders carried out?"
"Aye, sir," Boris said. "That ceremony yer ordered is takin' place right's now. Want's to say a few words?"
The Fae nodded and followed Boris to where the ceremony was taking place. His mind was churning. What now? I've set up camp. Now I must seek out the enemy.
A little under a hundred Goblins stood silently around the pit. Better then two hundred lay inside, slain by an enemy too cowardly to attack when the Goblins were ready, armed, primed, and better numbered. Friends and family that just a day or two before were laughing and yelling and doing what Goblins do. It was more then a pity-it was a damned insult. They must have their revenge through those still alive. Those willing would be armed and trained.
Jareth said all this and more. By the time he was done, a battle light gleamed in every eye and gnarled hands itched to wield a weapon. He ended with a prayer for the spirits. There were equal amounts of weeping and war cries as the pit was lit. Fire played over his face, warming it, as Jareth stared, unseeing, into the flames. Abruptly he turned, striding back to the cottage, giving orders that he was not to be disturbed.
Once inside, with the door locked securely, he called a crystal into being. It glowed for a moment before he threw it onto the crude dirt floor, exploding in a flash of light and glitter. In the fireplace, flames roared up, and a desk covered with parchment paper, ink pots, and maps seemed to grow out of the floor. He would've preferred returning to his castle study for planning, but didn't dare to leave this scarred place. Too dangerous, he thought, seating himself on the desk's chair. Too risky to leave them unprotected.
First Sarah. Now this. It wasn't right. Something had to be done, and soon. Whoever was behind this was going to be found and destroyed. But first, that anonymous whoever had to be found. For hours, Jareth scanned reports from years back of every disturbance in the West that had been reported and compared them to the other quarters of the Realm. Indeed, the West seemed to be more volatile then the others, but it was also farthest from both the Goblin City and the Elven Kingdom. From civilization, for that matter.
Now Jareth turned to the many maps and pored over them. The Western quarter was unpredictable land; it was flat in some places, hilly in others, and boggy in the rest. Thick trees with deep roots made living undesirable, hindering everything from building homes to farming. But that didn't stop some small communities from springing up on the plains. It seemed that the ones closest to the edge of the formidable hills had the most disturbances. However, they were minor ones, really--a fight with another colony, stolen horses, disappearances--nothing even close to the scale of the horde. Still, that didn't stop the possibility of a force gathering itself in the safety of the hills. Superstitious Goblins feared the hills of the West, deeming them unhealthy and haunted. Thickly forested, dark, and threaded with caves, they most likely appeared to be the ideal place for hiding and planning to someone planning a revolt. Whoever it was that was behind this was intelligent; he knew that he could hide efficiently behind the legends of the hills.
Yes, Jareth was nearly positive that the answers to the many questions lay in the hills. Somehow a powerful monarch had hidden there, planning. But how did he gather the misfits to him? And why hide all these years, then come out with a full attack?
Sighing, Jareth stared at the notes he had made, elegant scrawls across creamy paper. Black and white. If only life were so simple. There is only one way to make this simple.
"Boris!" Jareth called, stalking out of the cottage.
"Aye, sir." The Goblin stood to attention.
"I am leaving," he said, eyes scanning the darkness of the hills, near on the horizon. "I want you to begin training and equipping the new recruits. If I do not return by tomorrow morn, I want you to send messengers to my city-to Clay-and tell him to send the entire army. And also send messengers to Lord Kardon of the Elves and Lady Coli of the Fairy Kingdom. Tell of what has happened and of my disappearance, and plead for military help."
"What if we's is attacked, sir?"
Jareth locked eyes with his faithful general. "Fight, Boris. Fight as if you have nothing to lose."
A cloud of silver glitter and billowing white silk surrounded him as he transformed into his inner beast. A snowy white owl flew off into the setting suns.
~*~*~
This time it will be slow, Jareth promised himself. This time, I will take my time, and there will be love.
The candles in the room lit up simultaneously. Sarah, his queen. So warm and inviting in the flames. Irresistible. His hands slid down the warmth of her body, pressing her closer, exploring her curves. Rediscovering old ones, finding new ones. Slowly. This was for her, for eleven years of regrets and wrongs. Not him. And she knew it.
She lay back on the bed, giving him full access, taking what he gave and giving in return. What soft, smooth skin. Like silk. Or the smoothest cream. He pulled off the corset to better marvel. Her body was lovelier then he remembered, despite the child she had beared. Skimming his mouth over her smooth skin. Testing. His fingers touched each of the indentations of her ribs. His mouth tasted the decline when her ribs gave way for her stomach. Hearing her gasp, whimper, sigh, and purr. Loving the way she seemed to purr, way back in her throat. When she reached for him, he pushed her hands away. Soft straps stopped her when she tried to reach again. This was for her.
Once again, he began to feast. Her body seemed on edge, like a live wire. It thrummed underneath his hands, body, and mouth.
"Please . . ." she murmured, eyes sliding closed.
"Soon."
A gesture. His clothes disappeared. A moan was pulled out of her when he pressed against her. She pulled against the unyielding straps. He chuckled against her stomach.
"So eager."
"Take a hint."
Anything else that she might've said was interrupted by a long moan when he began to taste her. Now she strained against the straps. Up. He pushed her up, up, up. Her body shook now, tense. Then exploded. She saw stars and touched the sky. Shaking and going limp. Sated-for now. When she came back to awareness, the straps were gone. Jareth was positioned over her. Her hands touched his face-such beautiful eyes-pulling it down for a kiss. Now her hands were sliding over his shoulders, down his back. Silk against his skin. Every touch seemed to tingle. He shuddered. She saw, and grinned, and pulled him down closer.
"Now."
"You better be ready for this." His control was nearly gone.
"Always."
He paused, and cupped her face in his hands. "I love you, Sarah."
A lovely answering smile. "I love you."
~
Oh, thinking about our younger years. There was only you and me. We were young and wild and free. Now nothing can take you away from me. We've been down that road before. That's over now. We keep on coming back for more.
Baby, you're all that I want, when you're lying here in my arms. Finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Loving is all that I need and I found it there in your heart. It isn't too hard to see we're in heaven.
Oh, once in your life, you'll find someone who will turn your world around,
pick you up when you're feeling down. Now nothing can change what you mean to me. There's a lot that I could say. Just hold me now 'cause our love will light the way.
Baby, you're all that I want when you're lying here in my arms. Finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Loving is all that I need and I found it there in your heart. It isn't too hard to see we're in heaven.
I've been waiting for so long for something to do right, love to come along. Now our dreams are coming true. Through the good times and the bad, I'll be standing up by you.
Baby, you're all that I want when you're lying here in my arms. Finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Loving is all that I need and I found it there in your heart. It isn't too hard to see we're in heaven.
Oh, we're in heaven.
~
Sarah watched the window like a hawk. When morning came, their time would be over. Their stolen night would end, and they would leave, possibly never see, or touch, each other again. Several times during the night one awoke the other with desperate kisses and hungry caresses. By the time faint light began to fill the room, she knew she was in trouble: she was in love.
In love with this beautiful man that could make her laugh, cry, yell, and moan within the span of a mere five minutes. Jareth, King of the Goblins. Once a nemesis, now her lover-and a damn good one at that. She smiled and looked at the man she loved, the father of her daughter. The words she had spoke last night hadn't been a lie; however, the possessiveness, passion, and hurtful love she felt for him now wasn't even close to what she had named before. It was like comparing a train wreck to a stubbed toe.
He was under her now, sleeping; she lay sprawled across the top of him.
One eye opened. "You look satisfied."
"I am." She sighed. "And I'm scared, too. When will you be back?"
"I do not know. But the moment everything is safe, I will come for you at Kit's castle."
"Don't you know when that is? A week? A month? When can I talk to you again?"
"You can speak to me whenever you wish," he said, propping himself up on an elbow. "I may not have very good psychic abilities, but I have some. Just call with your mind. I will hear you when I open my mind."
"But I won't be able to hear *you*."
"No. A small complication."
"To you, maybe," she muttered.
He touched her cheek. "Just be sure to think loud, Sarah. We will be realms apart, and I will not always be listening."
"I will," she said, leaning into his hand.
They were silent for a moment, enjoying the closeness of each other.
"I think I can see what you've been trying to show me all along now," she said softly.
"And what is that?"
"I can be happy here." She paused, eyes glowing as she enjoyed the simplicity of her statement. "You know, I didn't realize it 'til now, but I had nothing back there."
Jareth knew she was talking of the Aboveground--the Third Realm-and his silence urged her to continue.
"Really. If someone had asked me a week ago, 'What do you have to keep you here?', I would've said, 'A steady job, a beautiful daughter, my own apartment, and my own car.' Now I've got a little perspective. What did I have back there? Nothing. An abusive boss at a job with low pay, a car that didn't work right, a shitty apartment in a bad neighborhood, no friends. No respect."
"No one recognized the jewel in front of them."
She chuckled, with a touch of bitterness. "Sure. I mean, I had Tessika there, yeah, but now she's here. And you're here." Snuggling closer now. "My life's here now, with you and Tessika." Jareth tensed, knowing now was the time; Sarah felt him. "What's wrong? Don't you want us here?"
"Yes, of course I do," he said. "I want both of you here, but . . . " Say it. "It is not possible."
"Why not?" she asked, mildly confused. "We're both here now."
"Yes, but you cannot be here together for much longer."
She sat up, holding the sheets to her breasts. Dread was twining into her stomach. "What do you mean?"
Obviously not wanting to talk about it, he touched her shoulder. "Sarah . . ."
"Well?" she prompted, pulling away.
"Do you recall what I told you about the Realms and you?"
"Yeah. I power them."
"The reason why this works is because you never saw the other Realms. You received hints, stories, and dreams about them, but you never saw."
"When I was fifteen-"
"That never should have happened. You were nearly ruined. Now you *are* ruined-you have been here for far too long. Since it is now known who powers the Realms-you-it has become unsafe for you to live in the Aboveground, the only place suitable for the Human power to live. You are no longer fit. A new powerer needs to be named."
"Tessika," she whispered, going pale. "Oh, my god."
Jareth nodded, heart hurting. "In order for Tessika to work, she must return to the Third Realm . . . and we can never see her again."
A wave of gray rushed into Sarah's vision, and her head rolled back on her shoulders. "I think I'm going to pass out."
Alarmed, he slid his arms around her, pulling her into his lap. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice.
My baby girl, she thought, tears replacing the misty gray. Never see her again? Never see her learn to ride that bike I got her? Her 16th birthday, her first date, her wedding--gone? God, I'd never get to see her grow out of children's size shoes!
"I can't do that," she said angrily. "Find someone else to power."
"That cannot be done," he whispered, his face in her hair. "Tessika has already been named. The power is passed down."
"Like a title."
"Yes."
"Well, if it's just a goddamn title, you can name someone else." Grabbing the throw, she pushed away from him. She climbed lithely to her feet and wrapped the throw around her body.
"It's not possible."
"Why not?!"
"It's a power," he repeated.
"Well, how did it get to me then?"
"The person that possessed it passed away, and had no heir. The power was passed to you, and hence will be passed to Tessika. If something were to happen to her . . . "
"Don't even think that," she growled, glaring at him. "Why can't she stay here? Can't she do the power thing from here?"
He hesitated. "Yes and no. If she did indeed stay here, she would have to stay in castle, and never leave, in order for her to dream. You can't dream of what you believe to be everyday life. She would be miserable and wither away. The magic would be twisted."
Running a shaking hand through her hair, Sarah swore. "And she has to be in the Third Realm?"
"Yes. It is most suitable and ideal."
"Then I'll go with her."
"You cannot. It is too dangerous."
"Why? I don't have the power anymore."
"You will still be . . . different. The two of you together in the Aboveworld will draw too much power and attention. It would be extremely difficult to protect and keep both of you safe."
"So I could? I could go with her?"
"The complications . . ."
"But I could." A note of excitement entered her voice. "If you truly love me and want to make me happy, you'd do this for me."
"Stay with me," he said, with a trace of pleading.
Now, she stopped pacing and looked at him. Having just found him, her king, and then having to lose him, was an unbearable thought. She knelt in front of him and clasped his hands. "Come with us, then. Surely you can protect us from there."
"No more then I can here," Jareth said, shaking his head. "There is too much that keeps and binds me here, Sarah. I'm a King and Overlord. I live on the magic on this place."
Her mind scrambled for anything that could keep the three together. "You said that since I've been here so much, I'm ruined. Tessie's here now."
"She is a child," he replied simply. "She is young."
"Dammit, Jareth! You can't make me choose between you and Tessika."
He gripped her hands. "I wish I didn't have to."
~
Sarah Williams, who always tried to be strong and proud, felt as if her heart was breaking. After assigning Claymore, a halfling whose advice Jareth held high, as a temporary watch to the throne, Jareth had helped her pack, then said his good-byes. She kissed him again and again, scared that this was the last time she would see the man she loved. Sick to her stomach from the emotions she felt: scared for him, angry at him for the decision he was forcing her to make, angrier still because he had kept this from her, and terrified of all the prospects she must face alone.
Well, not completely alone, she reminded herself, smiling tiredly at Tessika. The girl sat on the cushioned seat across from her in the plush carriage, playing with a kitten Jolie had given her for entertainment on the tedious journey. I could never abandon her, my sweet girl. But I could never abandon Jareth now, either. We've just found each other. I don't want to lose him again.
Hot or cold. High or low. Night or day. Black or white. Jareth or Tessika.
Choices.
The trio of carriages rumbled over the dirt paths of the Underground. Antony was first on a chestnut stallion; he preferred the freedom of horseback to being cooped up in a buggy. Next in line was William and Victoria's exquisite pearl ride. The small, but wealthy, carriage that Jareth had given Tessika and Sarah for the trip was next in line. The celestial sight that William and Alexandra rode in brought up the rear. As Sarah understood it, the plan was that they would ride to the edge of the Fourth Realm, transport to the First Realm, then ride to the Shapeshifter Kingdom. Why Sarah didn't know. Probably to give her a chance to take in the lush countryside. But she didn't really give a damn.
The Masquerade wasn't for another day, but if it was going to be anything like her peach fantasy, Sarah knew she would run screaming from the room. Despite the fact that she and Tessie would be surrounded by people that meant only to protect and distract them from worry, Sarah knew that they would be essentially all alone.
~
The shadow on the throne woke out of a gripping reverie at the hasty knock on his door.
"Enter."
The Goblin entered, swallowing his fear. "They's are headin' to the Shapeshifter Kingdom right's now."
"Who is?"
"The Human-Sarah-and Jareth's family."
"Oh, are they, now? What a silly boy," the Dark Lord said, chuckling dryly. "He believes that they will be out of my reach. He knows that I am here, yes, and that I want the Human, but he has underestimated my power. Silly, silly boy." Peering into the Dark Seeing Opal, he commanded, "Show me Jareth."
The Opal glowed, showing a mass of churning dark clouds in a night sky.
"A glamour shield?" He frowned. "Over Jareth? Why would he need protection such as that? Unless he is doing something he shouldn't, such as coming for me. Yes, a silly boy." Another dry chuckle, then a question for the Goblin: "Have you found out who the little girl is yet?"
"No, only that's she and Sarah are close."
"It makes no matter now." He caressed the Opal. "I will not forget this. You shall be rewarded, Goblin, with anything you have ever wanted. Everything is going splendidly. Soon the Human will be mine, and Jareth will be dead. *Everyone* that does not bend to my whim will be."
~
Jareth jerked awake with a start. Odd dream. Sarah had been lying in a dark, oddly familiar room, and eyes had been glinting in the darkness-
But it was just a dream. He had lain down for an hour in an unknown Goblin's home to rest after transporting the twelve-Goblin squadron, Pople's group, and himself to the village where the attack had taken place. At the time, he thought the squadron was unnecessary, but traditional. Upon arrival, he found himself regretting that he hadn't brought all the inhabitants of the immense Labyrinth and the entire Elven army.
The once wild, green landscape was now picked bare, trampled, and burned. Bodies lay everywhere. Goblins stood scattered, crying, lost, as smoke rose from their demolished homes and blackened fields. The horde that did this had to number somewhere near eight hundred.
Eight hundred versus a small village?
"Boris," he said to his general. "Have two soldiers gather the wounded and anyone with medical knowledge. Set up an infirmary. Have another three gather any able-bodied creature and begin building shelters. I want two tougher soldiers to collect the bodies into a pit; we will have a ceremony. Two should begin restoration, and the remaining two will forage for food. I want you to seek out any possible leaders and find out what needs to be done."
With that, he entered one of the few homes that were still standing to rest for a time.
Until that dream . . .
At that moment, Boris knocked on the door.
"Yes," Jareth called, standing. The Goblin entered. "Are my orders carried out?"
"Aye, sir," Boris said. "That ceremony yer ordered is takin' place right's now. Want's to say a few words?"
The Fae nodded and followed Boris to where the ceremony was taking place. His mind was churning. What now? I've set up camp. Now I must seek out the enemy.
A little under a hundred Goblins stood silently around the pit. Better then two hundred lay inside, slain by an enemy too cowardly to attack when the Goblins were ready, armed, primed, and better numbered. Friends and family that just a day or two before were laughing and yelling and doing what Goblins do. It was more then a pity-it was a damned insult. They must have their revenge through those still alive. Those willing would be armed and trained.
Jareth said all this and more. By the time he was done, a battle light gleamed in every eye and gnarled hands itched to wield a weapon. He ended with a prayer for the spirits. There were equal amounts of weeping and war cries as the pit was lit. Fire played over his face, warming it, as Jareth stared, unseeing, into the flames. Abruptly he turned, striding back to the cottage, giving orders that he was not to be disturbed.
Once inside, with the door locked securely, he called a crystal into being. It glowed for a moment before he threw it onto the crude dirt floor, exploding in a flash of light and glitter. In the fireplace, flames roared up, and a desk covered with parchment paper, ink pots, and maps seemed to grow out of the floor. He would've preferred returning to his castle study for planning, but didn't dare to leave this scarred place. Too dangerous, he thought, seating himself on the desk's chair. Too risky to leave them unprotected.
First Sarah. Now this. It wasn't right. Something had to be done, and soon. Whoever was behind this was going to be found and destroyed. But first, that anonymous whoever had to be found. For hours, Jareth scanned reports from years back of every disturbance in the West that had been reported and compared them to the other quarters of the Realm. Indeed, the West seemed to be more volatile then the others, but it was also farthest from both the Goblin City and the Elven Kingdom. From civilization, for that matter.
Now Jareth turned to the many maps and pored over them. The Western quarter was unpredictable land; it was flat in some places, hilly in others, and boggy in the rest. Thick trees with deep roots made living undesirable, hindering everything from building homes to farming. But that didn't stop some small communities from springing up on the plains. It seemed that the ones closest to the edge of the formidable hills had the most disturbances. However, they were minor ones, really--a fight with another colony, stolen horses, disappearances--nothing even close to the scale of the horde. Still, that didn't stop the possibility of a force gathering itself in the safety of the hills. Superstitious Goblins feared the hills of the West, deeming them unhealthy and haunted. Thickly forested, dark, and threaded with caves, they most likely appeared to be the ideal place for hiding and planning to someone planning a revolt. Whoever it was that was behind this was intelligent; he knew that he could hide efficiently behind the legends of the hills.
Yes, Jareth was nearly positive that the answers to the many questions lay in the hills. Somehow a powerful monarch had hidden there, planning. But how did he gather the misfits to him? And why hide all these years, then come out with a full attack?
Sighing, Jareth stared at the notes he had made, elegant scrawls across creamy paper. Black and white. If only life were so simple. There is only one way to make this simple.
"Boris!" Jareth called, stalking out of the cottage.
"Aye, sir." The Goblin stood to attention.
"I am leaving," he said, eyes scanning the darkness of the hills, near on the horizon. "I want you to begin training and equipping the new recruits. If I do not return by tomorrow morn, I want you to send messengers to my city-to Clay-and tell him to send the entire army. And also send messengers to Lord Kardon of the Elves and Lady Coli of the Fairy Kingdom. Tell of what has happened and of my disappearance, and plead for military help."
"What if we's is attacked, sir?"
Jareth locked eyes with his faithful general. "Fight, Boris. Fight as if you have nothing to lose."
A cloud of silver glitter and billowing white silk surrounded him as he transformed into his inner beast. A snowy white owl flew off into the setting suns.