Thank you to all of those who continue to review and comment on this
story.
Special thanks to my talented beta and friend, Scattered Logic.
Chapter 32: Run to ground
Jareth had never attended a mortal burial ceremony before and he hoped that he would never have to attend one again.
He had helped Mr. Henry, Thomas and Abby's husband, dig the hole in which Jacob's body would be laid to rest.
Jareth thought it was cold to lay someone in the earth but he realized that was how it was done in a world where things die. There was a cycle. Things born of the earth would eventually return to it. It was not so different from his world.
There had been no talk of how Jacob had died or why. It seemed to be a silent understanding amongst everyone that the talk would wait until after Jacob was properly buried.
Allen Morton had not said a word since he had brought Jacob's body to the family. The young man stood to the side, nursing the bruises on his body and silently reliving whatever hell he had been through.
Jareth didn't know why, but he couldn't let Mr. Henry do things alone. He felt it wasn't right for a father to be burying his son alone. But such was the case and Jareth helped Mr. Henry in whatever way he could.
Assisting Mr. Henry with the burial of his oldest son made Jareth think of what it might be like if the tables were turned and he was the one burying his first child. Numbness settled over him at the thought.
The men lowered the pine casket into the ground as the minister led everyone into prayer. A handful of dirt was thrown onto the casket by each of the people gathered. The minister finished speaking and the men buried the casket completely.
Moments later, it began to downpour.
The mood was somber. The women cried and the men stood with their heads bowed as the rain poured from the heavens. Death was never an easy thing to endure and the unexpected death of someone so young made matters worse.
* * *
After everyone had changed out of their wet clothing, they all sat around the living room where a fire roared up the chimney.
Outside the rain still poured down in heavy sheets and thunder rumbled in the distance.
Inside, people sat in silence, gazing around the room. They were reminded of Jacob by everything they saw.
No one sat in Jacob's favorite chair. It was the leather one by the fireplace where he often sat and read the paper or a book. Some of his books lined the bookshelf. One of his hats was hanging on the coat rack. The memory of his presence could not be locked away with so many reminders.
Mr. Henry was standing by the fireplace and was resting against the mantle. He was smoking a pipe, something Mrs. Henry had not seen him do in years.
Everyone sat in silent contemplation and the only things that could be heard were the rain and thunder, the sound of the grandfather clock ticking and the dogs wrestling with each other in the kitchen over a bone.
"How did it happen?" Mr. Henry's voice boomed. He startled several people.
Allen lowered his head. He was standing near a window watching the rain pour down. He turned slowly to face the group.
"We were ambushed, sir," he replied softly.
"Ambushed?" Mr. Henry puffed his pipe and exhaled a small cloud of smoke.
Allen nodded. "We were on the road to Taunton. We would have been there in only a few more hours. We passed through a heavily wooded area." Allen lowered his head. "Josh, Jacob and myself were joking about something, I don't remember what it was. William was leading us."
"William." Elizabeth croaked out. "Is he.?" With the horror of her brother's death she had forgotten about William. Anguish filled her.
"Let him finish," Mr. Henry barked.
Elizabeth moved close to her mother, appearing frightened at her father's tone.
Allen stared into the fire, his voice already beginning to shake. "The soldiers came out of nowhere and they surrounded us, swords and muskets ready. We acted as if we were doing nothing out of the ordinary, but they knew better than that."
"Even if they suspected, why would they attack and kill? Four men are hardly an army or a significant threat," Mr. Henry said, puffing his pipe.
Allen shook his head. "They did not see it that way. They knew what we carried and where we were going."
"How is that possible?" Mr. Henry asked, incredulous.
Allen swallowed. "We were betrayed, sir."
Mr. Henry's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean betrayed?"
Allen sighed. The pain was evident in his eyes. Speaking of the attack was not an easy thing for him. He paused for a moment and then spoke. "William betrayed us to the British. He joined them."
The women gasped. Mr. Henry looked angry and Jareth shook his head. He wasn't all that surprised. Jareth had not liked William from the start.
Elizabeth was shaking her head. "No.no, he could not have."
"Well, he did," Allen spat, anger clouding his tone. The change in his mood was very sudden. He was no doubt angry that his friends were dead and he focused that anger solely on William.
"He informed the British of our mission. He's a traitor. It was because of William that Jacob and Joshua are dead!"
"Who was commanding the British?" Mr. Henry demanded.
"Colonel Rochester."
Both Jareth and Mr. Henry tensed at the mention. Sarah clung to Jareth.
"That bastard."
"Edgar!" Mrs. Henry scolded.
"He killed my son without reason!" Mr. Henry shouted. "Whether Jacob was delivering supplies and helping the Continental army or not, he and Joshua deserved a trial or to be brought to Rochester's commanding officer!"
"Rochester does not respond well to those who rank above him. He makes up his own rules," Jareth added, his tone ice cold.
"What else happened?" Mr. Henry snapped at Allen.
Allen averted his eyes for a moment and then hesitantly gazed at Mr. Henry. The anger he felt seemed to have disappeared and he looked weary again.
"Rochester and William started talking and then arguing. Rochester said that someone else was supposed to be with us and he wasn't pleased that this man wasn't there. Before we left, Jacob had mentioned bringing a friend along to help but he said there had been a last minute change in plans and his friend stayed behind."
"I was going to go," Jareth spoke up. "But Jacob asked that I stay home and protect his family instead."
"Rochester didn't say a name and neither did William, but they are clearly after someone else as well." Allen hesitated. "It must be you."
Sarah covered her mouth with her hand and gripped Jareth.
Jareth looked at her and noticed the tears in her eyes and the frightened expression on her face. He pulled her closer to him.
Allen gazed at Sarah in confusion.
"Jareth was shot by Rochester and nearly died," Mr. Henry explained, his tone slightly calmer. "What else happened?"
"Rochester thanked William for stopping a group of rebels. He congratulated him on his status as a traitor and then shot him in cold blood."
Elizabeth buried her face into her mother's shoulder and began to cry.
"Don't cry for him, Elizabeth. He isn't worth it. Because of William's treachery your brother is dead," Mr. Henry told her.
His words only made Elizabeth sob harder.
"And what else? How did you escape?" Mr. Henry asked impatiently.
The tone of Mr. Henry's voice made Allen feel guilty for still being alive. "They opened fire on the wagon and it exploded. I managed to escape because I had been driving it. I jumped off into the brush and was well hidden. No one even came looking for me. They must have thought that I perished when the wagon exploded. "."
Allen lowered his head, reliving memory and then looked at Mr. Henry.
"They tortured both Josh and Jacob, demanding information about the rebels." Allen took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them. "Neither of them would give away any information. They shot Josh first," Allen admitted, his voice cracking.
"Rochester asked questions about the man who was to join the group. He was apparently someone that was a mutual acquaintance. Rochester wanted to know where this man was and Jacob refused to tell. Jacob told him that the man had the power to make Rochester burn in hell."
Allen lowered his head again. "Rochester was clearly offended and he shot Jacob." He let out a shuddering sigh and when he began to speak again, his voice was soft.
"I could see Jacob's horse a few yards away. The reins had been wrapped around a branch of a tree. I waited patiently in the brush until the soldiers moved out. When they'd gone, I got the horse and went back to Josh and Jacob. Josh was dead but I realized that Jacob was still alive. I hoisted him onto the horse and rode for miles." Allen paused and looked up at the ceiling for a moment. When he looked back down, his eyes were full of tears.
"He died on the return home." Allen looked briefly at the remaining members of the Henry family.
"He wanted his family to know.that he loved them and that they should not mourn for him." Allen lowered his head.
The women started crying again and the men remained silent.
"It's not safe for us here," Mr. Henry stated. Having finished smoking his pipe, he slammed it down on the mantle. " We need to leave," he said firmly.
"To where, Edgar? We have no where to go!" Mrs. Henry cried out.
"We'll find somewhere, even if we have to rebuild." He turned and fled the room.
* * *
Sarah couldn't seem to stop crying. She was tired and emotionally drained from the events of the past day and the fact that she was pregnant wasn't helping. Jareth suggested that she go upstairs to rest and told her that he would be there momentarily. She nodded wearily and slowly climbed the stairs.
Mrs. Henry watched her go.
Jareth walked to Mrs. Henry. "Rochester is after me. There is no reason for your family to leave. Sarah and I will flee and you will be safe."
Mrs. Henry shook her head. "He'll find his way here and if you're not here who knows what might happen. And besides, where would you go with a pregnant woman?"
"To my estate," Jareth lied. He honestly had no idea where he and Sarah would go. His magic was not yet strong enough to return to the Labyrinth. He just knew that this house was no longer safe for Sarah and him.
Mrs. Henry appeared concerned. "And how far away is that? She is pregnant, Jareth. With her emotional state as it is she could lose the baby. Traveling alone with her will not help matters."
Jareth's eyes widened and his mouth went dry. "What do you mean she could lose the baby?"
"God has a strange way of working his wonders and we don't know why he does it, but sometimes if a woman has been through a traumatic experience, he will try to ease her burden by taking the child."
Jareth's brows furrowed with anger and confusion. "Take it where?" Taking children was his duty.
"He does not take it physically, but complications arise and the baby dies. The mother miscarries the child."
"And this could happen to Sarah?" The concern was evident in Jareth's voice.
Mrs. Henry nodded.
"What am I supposed to do then?!" Jareth roared. "I cannot stay here with her. Rochester will eventually realize where we are. He will come for us. I cannot put this family in danger and I will not put my wife in danger." He growled. "My back is against the wall."
Mrs. Henry lowered her head. For once she did not have anything to say in return.
Jareth huffed at her silence and the situation and then rushed upstairs to attend Sarah.
* * *
Jareth wasn't surprised to find Sarah crying on the bed when he stepped through the door and into their room. He closed the door and immediately went to her. The mattress sank beneath his weight as he sat beside her.
"This isn't how things are supposed to go," she sobbed, glancing at him
Jareth reached forward and stroked her face, his fingers sliding up and down in a soothing motion. "Sarah, life never goes how we plan it. You should know that."
"Can't you just reorder time and bring Jacob back and stop all this from ever happening?" She gazed at Jareth through wide, tear filled eyes.
Jareth saw hope in her eyes. He sadly shook his head and gave a sigh. "I cannot do that, Sarah. Jacob died as a result of the war and it had nothing to do with us therefore I cannot change things." He reached for her with his other hand, his hands burying themselves in the silky dark hair that surrounded her face. "Besides, my magic is not strong enough to reorder time." he admitted softly.
Sarah started to sob again and tearing away from Jareth she hit her pillow. "It's not fair!" she cried. "It's not fair, " she repeated a little softer.
Jareth pulled her into his arms. "I know it is not. But that is how life and death are." He held her against him.
"He was such a good man." Sarah sobbed into Jareth's shirt.
Jareth nodded and ran his hands up and down her back in an effort to comfort her.
"Hundreds of thousands of good men have died in wars throughout the ages, leaving their family and loved ones behind," Jareth reminded her. "But death does not single out only the good. It claims all that are mortal when it is their time to go. All are equal in death," he tried to reassure her.
Sarah raised her head from his shoulder and looked into Jareth's eyes. She knew that he was telling her the truth.
Jareth continued to stroke her back. The fear that she might lose the baby flared constantly in his mind. He wished that he could ease the pain of Jacob's death from her.
They both remained motionless, except for their breathing, and Sarah's silent tears trailed down her face.
Jareth leaned closer and slanted his mouth over hers. Sarah responded instantly with a fervor that surprised him.
She began kissing his throat and neck, her moments fast and chaotic and then pulling back she started to sob all over again. Her emotional state kept changing.
Jareth cradled her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes. The anguish was clear on her face. "What is it?" he asked softly.
"If you had gone with Jacob, you would have died." She reached forward, stroking his face with shaking hands. Moments later, her whole body started to tremble.
With Jacob's unexpected death, Jareth had not thought about the possibility that if he had gone he, too, could have died. He would never have seen Sarah again or his baby or his kingdom. Jacob had saved his life even if he had not been aware of it. At the revelation, Jareth pulled Sarah closer.
"And now.now Rochester is after you," she sobbed through her words. "And he's not going to stop until.until he finds you." Her fingers reached for Jareth's shirt and she hastily began to unfasten the buttons.
"I can't lose you, Jareth.I can't." She pushed the fabric away from his chest. With tears streaming down her face, she moved forward and pressed her lips repeatedly over his warm, smooth flesh.
Jareth's heart began to race and an uncontrollable amount of desire swept through him. He carefully pushed Sarah away from him and then claimed her mouth with his. His fingers worked to undo the buttons on the back of her dress but he had no patience. With a flick of his wrist, their clothes disappeared from their bodies and appeared in a heap on a chair across the room.
Sarah allowed her hands to roam all over his body while he kissed her. They stilled as his tongue thrust into her mouth, brushing eagerly against hers. Sarah moaned, moving closer to him. The movement forced his erection to press against her skin.
She moved even closer craving the contact and it was all the incentive that Jareth needed.
He urged her back onto the bed and Sarah gave in willingly.
They began to explore each other with frantic touches and caresses. They usually made love slowly, taking great care in exploring each other, but this time it was different. Their lovemaking was fast and furious, full of need and unexpected desperation.
When they climaxed one after the other, they clung to each other as if fearing one would disappear and the other would be left alone.
With the blood pounding in their ears echoing the beating of their hearts, they silently vowed never to take a single moment spent together for granted.
Life was a precious thing indeed.
They continued to cling to each other for dear life, arms and legs entwined. The feeling of flesh against flesh, the most comforting thing they knew.
The emotions that had swept over Sarah throughout the day and the act of such frantic lovemaking had exhausted her. She buried her face into Jareth's neck and let sleep claim her.
Jareth had too much on his mind to fall asleep. He listened as Sarah's breathing evened out in sleep."
Jareth reached between them and positioned his palm on Sarah's stomach. He sighed with relief as he felt the life force of the baby within her. The mortals' God had not taken what was his. The child wasn't fully developed or close to being born and already he loved it and would do anything to protect it and Sarah from harm.
He wanted nothing more than to leave this place with them. He did not want to raise his family here.
His thumb absentmindedly stroked Sarah's firm stomach. His greatest fear was that he would not be able to protect his family. His thumb brushed faster against Sarah's skin as his thoughts whirled within his mind. Being without the majority of his magic made him feel utterly vulnerable.
"Why hasn't my magic returned?" he asked aloud.
Sarah stirred slightly in his arms, but did not awaken.
"What must I do to return home with my family?" He didn't expect anyone to answer him and no one did.
With a frustrated sigh, he buried his face into Sarah's dark hair. His thumb continued to stroke her stomach, its pace slowing. Eventually, it stopped moving as his eyes closed and he fell asleep.
* * *
There was a sharp knock at the door that startled both Sarah and Jareth out of sleep. They were still lying in each other's arms, though their position on the bed had shifted. The sheets covered their bodies to their waists.
"What is it?" Jareth growled in annoyance. The sun had not even risen.
"Edgar needs your help loading the wagon, Jareth," Mrs. Henry told him from outside the door.
Jareth sighed. It was obvious that the Henrys planned to go through with leaving.
With a flick of his wrist Jareth disappeared from the bed and reappeared standing fully clothed beside it. A strange feeling filled him as he realized the pants he had chosen had once belonged to Jacob.
Sarah gazed up at him through tired eyes. He pulled the blankets over her and tried to tuck her in. She protested and reached for her clothes. Another flick of his wrist and Sarah was fully dressed.
Jareth went to the door and opened it. He didn't miss the way that Mrs. Henry peered into the room hoping to catch a glimpse of something interesting.
"I didn't expect you to be dressed," she told Jareth, as she regarded he and Sarah's clothes.
"We.were talking," Jareth fibbed.
"I apologize for interrupting but Edgar needs help."
"It is not necessary for you and your family to leave," Jareth told her.
"Yes, it is. Elizabeth and I have packed provisions and are preparing to bring them to the wagon." She glanced at Sarah. "You should start packing any clothes that you would like to bring. We.we might not be returning."
Neither Sarah nor Jareth missed the sadness in her voice.
"I will assist Edgar and Sarah will pack our clothing," Jareth told the older woman.
Mrs. Henry nodded and, after one final glance around the attic, she left.
Jareth turned to Sarah. "She is taking the death of her son much better than I expected."
"She's hiding how she really feels," Sarah told him. At Jareth's confused expression, she continued, "If she dwelled on what happened to Jacob, she'd break down."
Jareth reached forward and captured Sarah's chin with his gloved fingers. "You are exhausted," he told her as he gazed deeply into her eyes.
She slowly pulled away. "I'm going to start packing."
"Leave it and get some sleep."
She was about to protest but stopped as she watched Jareth turn his wrist. Moments later their clothing was in a large canvas bag.
"Lay on the bed and rest."
Sarah opened her mouth to protest.
"Please," Jareth added.
She tilted her head and gazed curiously at Jareth. She didn't understand why he was being so adamant that she rest. Finally, she sighed and nodded.
Jareth moved forward and held her for a moment. He lightly kissed her forehead. "I love you."
She smiled slightly. "I love you, too."
Jareth kissed her forehead again and then stepped back. "I shall see you soon."
Sarah nodded and watched as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
* * *
Jareth, Thomas and Mr. Henry had just finished loading the last of the packs when Mrs. Henry and Elizabeth appeared holding a wooden crate.
Mr. Henry started shaking his head. "No more. We don't have the room."
"I'm not leaving my mother's good china behind. It's valuable," Mrs. Henry told him. "We'll find room."
"Where?" Mr. Henry asked. He was clearly getting aggravated. The wagon was loaded as it was.
Jareth sighed as the two started to bicker. They had done it all morning as they decided what should be brought and what should be left behind.
Jareth was about to leave the barn and check on Sarah when he heard the sound of horses. He stopped dead in his tracks. "What's that?" he asked.
"What's what?" Mrs. Henry practically barked at him.
"I hear something."
"I don't hear anything!" she cried. "I am bringing my mother's china. It's not negotiable," she told her husband.
Mr. Henry was about to answer when he heard something. It sounded like distant thunder. His eyes widened. "Dear God. Someone's coming."
Everyone quickly moved outside to be greeted by 45 British soldiers on horseback riding into the yard.
Colonel Rochester was leading them.
There wasn't time to flee as the soldiers surrounded the barn.
Rochester was beaming as he rode into the circle of horses and riders that encompassed the barn. "Well, well, well. What have we here?"
Jareth gritted his teeth at the sight of Rochester.
"Ah, Edgar Henry. It's been a long time. Far too long. It's really too bad about your son. Shot in the chest I heard."
"Don't feign innocence!" Mr. Henry cried out. "He died needlessly because of you, you filthy bastard!"
Rochester threw his head back and laughed. "Ah, yes. I did shoot him, didn't I?" He laughed again. "But you shouldn't worry about the loss. It will not burden you much longer for you will all join him soon. I will have the pleasure of shooting each of your family members. You will be saved for last, of course."
Rochester then glanced at Jareth. "And you.it's a real pity that you survived. You're starting to turn up like a bad coin. But no matter, you will die this time." Rochester looked around and then tilted his head at Jareth, grinning wickedly. "I'm surprised to see you without your little rebel whore."
Jareth's gaze became murderous. It was good that Rochester did not know that he and Sarah had married and that they were expecting their first child. The fact that Sarah was safely in the house and out of harm's way comforted Jareth.
Rochester shifted in his saddle, still grinning. "Before I send you all to your graves, why don't we have a little fun? Dotson!"
A rider rode forward. "Sir."
"Torch the barn and outer buildings. Slaughter the livestock except for the horses."
"No!" Mr. Henry yelled. He hobbled toward Rochester but came to a halt when a few muskets were pointed at him and his family.
A group of soldiers tried to burn the barn but the outer frame was too wet from the rain to catch on fire. It smoldered in spots but didn't ignite.
The sound of gunfire filled the air as the livestock were destroyed. The horses were lead away from the barn. Jareth clenched his fists together as he watched two soldiers fight to control Dannarra. The bay gelding kicked and reared. He tossed his head and managed to break free, running off across one of the fields and into the woods.
Jareth sighed with some relief.
The soldiers once again tried to light the barn on fire, but failed.
"Imbeciles!" Rochester cried out. He snatched one of the torches and trotted his horse to the house.
Jareth tensed visibly as Rochester rode to the porch.
It did not go unnoticed.
"Something or someone of value is inside the house," Rochester called out. "It is your little whore. She's inside, isn't she, rebel?" Rochester sneered with absolute delight at the look of fury that appeared upon Jareth's face.
Jareth moved forward toward the house but stopped when he felt the tip of a musket ram into his back.
"She will be the first to die," Rochester laughed. He used the butt end of his musket to break a window and, with a grin, he tossed the torch inside. In moments, a fire began to tear through the house.
"No! Please, Lord, no. Sarah's in there!" Mrs. Henry cried out. She began to sob as the brunt of reality hit her. Her eldest son was dead, her house was on fire and she and her family were going to die.
Flames tore through the inside of the house, rapidly spreading toward the upper level.
While the iron musket was pressed to his back, Jareth could do nothing but watch.
Special thanks to my talented beta and friend, Scattered Logic.
Chapter 32: Run to ground
Jareth had never attended a mortal burial ceremony before and he hoped that he would never have to attend one again.
He had helped Mr. Henry, Thomas and Abby's husband, dig the hole in which Jacob's body would be laid to rest.
Jareth thought it was cold to lay someone in the earth but he realized that was how it was done in a world where things die. There was a cycle. Things born of the earth would eventually return to it. It was not so different from his world.
There had been no talk of how Jacob had died or why. It seemed to be a silent understanding amongst everyone that the talk would wait until after Jacob was properly buried.
Allen Morton had not said a word since he had brought Jacob's body to the family. The young man stood to the side, nursing the bruises on his body and silently reliving whatever hell he had been through.
Jareth didn't know why, but he couldn't let Mr. Henry do things alone. He felt it wasn't right for a father to be burying his son alone. But such was the case and Jareth helped Mr. Henry in whatever way he could.
Assisting Mr. Henry with the burial of his oldest son made Jareth think of what it might be like if the tables were turned and he was the one burying his first child. Numbness settled over him at the thought.
The men lowered the pine casket into the ground as the minister led everyone into prayer. A handful of dirt was thrown onto the casket by each of the people gathered. The minister finished speaking and the men buried the casket completely.
Moments later, it began to downpour.
The mood was somber. The women cried and the men stood with their heads bowed as the rain poured from the heavens. Death was never an easy thing to endure and the unexpected death of someone so young made matters worse.
* * *
After everyone had changed out of their wet clothing, they all sat around the living room where a fire roared up the chimney.
Outside the rain still poured down in heavy sheets and thunder rumbled in the distance.
Inside, people sat in silence, gazing around the room. They were reminded of Jacob by everything they saw.
No one sat in Jacob's favorite chair. It was the leather one by the fireplace where he often sat and read the paper or a book. Some of his books lined the bookshelf. One of his hats was hanging on the coat rack. The memory of his presence could not be locked away with so many reminders.
Mr. Henry was standing by the fireplace and was resting against the mantle. He was smoking a pipe, something Mrs. Henry had not seen him do in years.
Everyone sat in silent contemplation and the only things that could be heard were the rain and thunder, the sound of the grandfather clock ticking and the dogs wrestling with each other in the kitchen over a bone.
"How did it happen?" Mr. Henry's voice boomed. He startled several people.
Allen lowered his head. He was standing near a window watching the rain pour down. He turned slowly to face the group.
"We were ambushed, sir," he replied softly.
"Ambushed?" Mr. Henry puffed his pipe and exhaled a small cloud of smoke.
Allen nodded. "We were on the road to Taunton. We would have been there in only a few more hours. We passed through a heavily wooded area." Allen lowered his head. "Josh, Jacob and myself were joking about something, I don't remember what it was. William was leading us."
"William." Elizabeth croaked out. "Is he.?" With the horror of her brother's death she had forgotten about William. Anguish filled her.
"Let him finish," Mr. Henry barked.
Elizabeth moved close to her mother, appearing frightened at her father's tone.
Allen stared into the fire, his voice already beginning to shake. "The soldiers came out of nowhere and they surrounded us, swords and muskets ready. We acted as if we were doing nothing out of the ordinary, but they knew better than that."
"Even if they suspected, why would they attack and kill? Four men are hardly an army or a significant threat," Mr. Henry said, puffing his pipe.
Allen shook his head. "They did not see it that way. They knew what we carried and where we were going."
"How is that possible?" Mr. Henry asked, incredulous.
Allen swallowed. "We were betrayed, sir."
Mr. Henry's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean betrayed?"
Allen sighed. The pain was evident in his eyes. Speaking of the attack was not an easy thing for him. He paused for a moment and then spoke. "William betrayed us to the British. He joined them."
The women gasped. Mr. Henry looked angry and Jareth shook his head. He wasn't all that surprised. Jareth had not liked William from the start.
Elizabeth was shaking her head. "No.no, he could not have."
"Well, he did," Allen spat, anger clouding his tone. The change in his mood was very sudden. He was no doubt angry that his friends were dead and he focused that anger solely on William.
"He informed the British of our mission. He's a traitor. It was because of William that Jacob and Joshua are dead!"
"Who was commanding the British?" Mr. Henry demanded.
"Colonel Rochester."
Both Jareth and Mr. Henry tensed at the mention. Sarah clung to Jareth.
"That bastard."
"Edgar!" Mrs. Henry scolded.
"He killed my son without reason!" Mr. Henry shouted. "Whether Jacob was delivering supplies and helping the Continental army or not, he and Joshua deserved a trial or to be brought to Rochester's commanding officer!"
"Rochester does not respond well to those who rank above him. He makes up his own rules," Jareth added, his tone ice cold.
"What else happened?" Mr. Henry snapped at Allen.
Allen averted his eyes for a moment and then hesitantly gazed at Mr. Henry. The anger he felt seemed to have disappeared and he looked weary again.
"Rochester and William started talking and then arguing. Rochester said that someone else was supposed to be with us and he wasn't pleased that this man wasn't there. Before we left, Jacob had mentioned bringing a friend along to help but he said there had been a last minute change in plans and his friend stayed behind."
"I was going to go," Jareth spoke up. "But Jacob asked that I stay home and protect his family instead."
"Rochester didn't say a name and neither did William, but they are clearly after someone else as well." Allen hesitated. "It must be you."
Sarah covered her mouth with her hand and gripped Jareth.
Jareth looked at her and noticed the tears in her eyes and the frightened expression on her face. He pulled her closer to him.
Allen gazed at Sarah in confusion.
"Jareth was shot by Rochester and nearly died," Mr. Henry explained, his tone slightly calmer. "What else happened?"
"Rochester thanked William for stopping a group of rebels. He congratulated him on his status as a traitor and then shot him in cold blood."
Elizabeth buried her face into her mother's shoulder and began to cry.
"Don't cry for him, Elizabeth. He isn't worth it. Because of William's treachery your brother is dead," Mr. Henry told her.
His words only made Elizabeth sob harder.
"And what else? How did you escape?" Mr. Henry asked impatiently.
The tone of Mr. Henry's voice made Allen feel guilty for still being alive. "They opened fire on the wagon and it exploded. I managed to escape because I had been driving it. I jumped off into the brush and was well hidden. No one even came looking for me. They must have thought that I perished when the wagon exploded. "."
Allen lowered his head, reliving memory and then looked at Mr. Henry.
"They tortured both Josh and Jacob, demanding information about the rebels." Allen took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them. "Neither of them would give away any information. They shot Josh first," Allen admitted, his voice cracking.
"Rochester asked questions about the man who was to join the group. He was apparently someone that was a mutual acquaintance. Rochester wanted to know where this man was and Jacob refused to tell. Jacob told him that the man had the power to make Rochester burn in hell."
Allen lowered his head again. "Rochester was clearly offended and he shot Jacob." He let out a shuddering sigh and when he began to speak again, his voice was soft.
"I could see Jacob's horse a few yards away. The reins had been wrapped around a branch of a tree. I waited patiently in the brush until the soldiers moved out. When they'd gone, I got the horse and went back to Josh and Jacob. Josh was dead but I realized that Jacob was still alive. I hoisted him onto the horse and rode for miles." Allen paused and looked up at the ceiling for a moment. When he looked back down, his eyes were full of tears.
"He died on the return home." Allen looked briefly at the remaining members of the Henry family.
"He wanted his family to know.that he loved them and that they should not mourn for him." Allen lowered his head.
The women started crying again and the men remained silent.
"It's not safe for us here," Mr. Henry stated. Having finished smoking his pipe, he slammed it down on the mantle. " We need to leave," he said firmly.
"To where, Edgar? We have no where to go!" Mrs. Henry cried out.
"We'll find somewhere, even if we have to rebuild." He turned and fled the room.
* * *
Sarah couldn't seem to stop crying. She was tired and emotionally drained from the events of the past day and the fact that she was pregnant wasn't helping. Jareth suggested that she go upstairs to rest and told her that he would be there momentarily. She nodded wearily and slowly climbed the stairs.
Mrs. Henry watched her go.
Jareth walked to Mrs. Henry. "Rochester is after me. There is no reason for your family to leave. Sarah and I will flee and you will be safe."
Mrs. Henry shook her head. "He'll find his way here and if you're not here who knows what might happen. And besides, where would you go with a pregnant woman?"
"To my estate," Jareth lied. He honestly had no idea where he and Sarah would go. His magic was not yet strong enough to return to the Labyrinth. He just knew that this house was no longer safe for Sarah and him.
Mrs. Henry appeared concerned. "And how far away is that? She is pregnant, Jareth. With her emotional state as it is she could lose the baby. Traveling alone with her will not help matters."
Jareth's eyes widened and his mouth went dry. "What do you mean she could lose the baby?"
"God has a strange way of working his wonders and we don't know why he does it, but sometimes if a woman has been through a traumatic experience, he will try to ease her burden by taking the child."
Jareth's brows furrowed with anger and confusion. "Take it where?" Taking children was his duty.
"He does not take it physically, but complications arise and the baby dies. The mother miscarries the child."
"And this could happen to Sarah?" The concern was evident in Jareth's voice.
Mrs. Henry nodded.
"What am I supposed to do then?!" Jareth roared. "I cannot stay here with her. Rochester will eventually realize where we are. He will come for us. I cannot put this family in danger and I will not put my wife in danger." He growled. "My back is against the wall."
Mrs. Henry lowered her head. For once she did not have anything to say in return.
Jareth huffed at her silence and the situation and then rushed upstairs to attend Sarah.
* * *
Jareth wasn't surprised to find Sarah crying on the bed when he stepped through the door and into their room. He closed the door and immediately went to her. The mattress sank beneath his weight as he sat beside her.
"This isn't how things are supposed to go," she sobbed, glancing at him
Jareth reached forward and stroked her face, his fingers sliding up and down in a soothing motion. "Sarah, life never goes how we plan it. You should know that."
"Can't you just reorder time and bring Jacob back and stop all this from ever happening?" She gazed at Jareth through wide, tear filled eyes.
Jareth saw hope in her eyes. He sadly shook his head and gave a sigh. "I cannot do that, Sarah. Jacob died as a result of the war and it had nothing to do with us therefore I cannot change things." He reached for her with his other hand, his hands burying themselves in the silky dark hair that surrounded her face. "Besides, my magic is not strong enough to reorder time." he admitted softly.
Sarah started to sob again and tearing away from Jareth she hit her pillow. "It's not fair!" she cried. "It's not fair, " she repeated a little softer.
Jareth pulled her into his arms. "I know it is not. But that is how life and death are." He held her against him.
"He was such a good man." Sarah sobbed into Jareth's shirt.
Jareth nodded and ran his hands up and down her back in an effort to comfort her.
"Hundreds of thousands of good men have died in wars throughout the ages, leaving their family and loved ones behind," Jareth reminded her. "But death does not single out only the good. It claims all that are mortal when it is their time to go. All are equal in death," he tried to reassure her.
Sarah raised her head from his shoulder and looked into Jareth's eyes. She knew that he was telling her the truth.
Jareth continued to stroke her back. The fear that she might lose the baby flared constantly in his mind. He wished that he could ease the pain of Jacob's death from her.
They both remained motionless, except for their breathing, and Sarah's silent tears trailed down her face.
Jareth leaned closer and slanted his mouth over hers. Sarah responded instantly with a fervor that surprised him.
She began kissing his throat and neck, her moments fast and chaotic and then pulling back she started to sob all over again. Her emotional state kept changing.
Jareth cradled her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes. The anguish was clear on her face. "What is it?" he asked softly.
"If you had gone with Jacob, you would have died." She reached forward, stroking his face with shaking hands. Moments later, her whole body started to tremble.
With Jacob's unexpected death, Jareth had not thought about the possibility that if he had gone he, too, could have died. He would never have seen Sarah again or his baby or his kingdom. Jacob had saved his life even if he had not been aware of it. At the revelation, Jareth pulled Sarah closer.
"And now.now Rochester is after you," she sobbed through her words. "And he's not going to stop until.until he finds you." Her fingers reached for Jareth's shirt and she hastily began to unfasten the buttons.
"I can't lose you, Jareth.I can't." She pushed the fabric away from his chest. With tears streaming down her face, she moved forward and pressed her lips repeatedly over his warm, smooth flesh.
Jareth's heart began to race and an uncontrollable amount of desire swept through him. He carefully pushed Sarah away from him and then claimed her mouth with his. His fingers worked to undo the buttons on the back of her dress but he had no patience. With a flick of his wrist, their clothes disappeared from their bodies and appeared in a heap on a chair across the room.
Sarah allowed her hands to roam all over his body while he kissed her. They stilled as his tongue thrust into her mouth, brushing eagerly against hers. Sarah moaned, moving closer to him. The movement forced his erection to press against her skin.
She moved even closer craving the contact and it was all the incentive that Jareth needed.
He urged her back onto the bed and Sarah gave in willingly.
They began to explore each other with frantic touches and caresses. They usually made love slowly, taking great care in exploring each other, but this time it was different. Their lovemaking was fast and furious, full of need and unexpected desperation.
When they climaxed one after the other, they clung to each other as if fearing one would disappear and the other would be left alone.
With the blood pounding in their ears echoing the beating of their hearts, they silently vowed never to take a single moment spent together for granted.
Life was a precious thing indeed.
They continued to cling to each other for dear life, arms and legs entwined. The feeling of flesh against flesh, the most comforting thing they knew.
The emotions that had swept over Sarah throughout the day and the act of such frantic lovemaking had exhausted her. She buried her face into Jareth's neck and let sleep claim her.
Jareth had too much on his mind to fall asleep. He listened as Sarah's breathing evened out in sleep."
Jareth reached between them and positioned his palm on Sarah's stomach. He sighed with relief as he felt the life force of the baby within her. The mortals' God had not taken what was his. The child wasn't fully developed or close to being born and already he loved it and would do anything to protect it and Sarah from harm.
He wanted nothing more than to leave this place with them. He did not want to raise his family here.
His thumb absentmindedly stroked Sarah's firm stomach. His greatest fear was that he would not be able to protect his family. His thumb brushed faster against Sarah's skin as his thoughts whirled within his mind. Being without the majority of his magic made him feel utterly vulnerable.
"Why hasn't my magic returned?" he asked aloud.
Sarah stirred slightly in his arms, but did not awaken.
"What must I do to return home with my family?" He didn't expect anyone to answer him and no one did.
With a frustrated sigh, he buried his face into Sarah's dark hair. His thumb continued to stroke her stomach, its pace slowing. Eventually, it stopped moving as his eyes closed and he fell asleep.
* * *
There was a sharp knock at the door that startled both Sarah and Jareth out of sleep. They were still lying in each other's arms, though their position on the bed had shifted. The sheets covered their bodies to their waists.
"What is it?" Jareth growled in annoyance. The sun had not even risen.
"Edgar needs your help loading the wagon, Jareth," Mrs. Henry told him from outside the door.
Jareth sighed. It was obvious that the Henrys planned to go through with leaving.
With a flick of his wrist Jareth disappeared from the bed and reappeared standing fully clothed beside it. A strange feeling filled him as he realized the pants he had chosen had once belonged to Jacob.
Sarah gazed up at him through tired eyes. He pulled the blankets over her and tried to tuck her in. She protested and reached for her clothes. Another flick of his wrist and Sarah was fully dressed.
Jareth went to the door and opened it. He didn't miss the way that Mrs. Henry peered into the room hoping to catch a glimpse of something interesting.
"I didn't expect you to be dressed," she told Jareth, as she regarded he and Sarah's clothes.
"We.were talking," Jareth fibbed.
"I apologize for interrupting but Edgar needs help."
"It is not necessary for you and your family to leave," Jareth told her.
"Yes, it is. Elizabeth and I have packed provisions and are preparing to bring them to the wagon." She glanced at Sarah. "You should start packing any clothes that you would like to bring. We.we might not be returning."
Neither Sarah nor Jareth missed the sadness in her voice.
"I will assist Edgar and Sarah will pack our clothing," Jareth told the older woman.
Mrs. Henry nodded and, after one final glance around the attic, she left.
Jareth turned to Sarah. "She is taking the death of her son much better than I expected."
"She's hiding how she really feels," Sarah told him. At Jareth's confused expression, she continued, "If she dwelled on what happened to Jacob, she'd break down."
Jareth reached forward and captured Sarah's chin with his gloved fingers. "You are exhausted," he told her as he gazed deeply into her eyes.
She slowly pulled away. "I'm going to start packing."
"Leave it and get some sleep."
She was about to protest but stopped as she watched Jareth turn his wrist. Moments later their clothing was in a large canvas bag.
"Lay on the bed and rest."
Sarah opened her mouth to protest.
"Please," Jareth added.
She tilted her head and gazed curiously at Jareth. She didn't understand why he was being so adamant that she rest. Finally, she sighed and nodded.
Jareth moved forward and held her for a moment. He lightly kissed her forehead. "I love you."
She smiled slightly. "I love you, too."
Jareth kissed her forehead again and then stepped back. "I shall see you soon."
Sarah nodded and watched as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
* * *
Jareth, Thomas and Mr. Henry had just finished loading the last of the packs when Mrs. Henry and Elizabeth appeared holding a wooden crate.
Mr. Henry started shaking his head. "No more. We don't have the room."
"I'm not leaving my mother's good china behind. It's valuable," Mrs. Henry told him. "We'll find room."
"Where?" Mr. Henry asked. He was clearly getting aggravated. The wagon was loaded as it was.
Jareth sighed as the two started to bicker. They had done it all morning as they decided what should be brought and what should be left behind.
Jareth was about to leave the barn and check on Sarah when he heard the sound of horses. He stopped dead in his tracks. "What's that?" he asked.
"What's what?" Mrs. Henry practically barked at him.
"I hear something."
"I don't hear anything!" she cried. "I am bringing my mother's china. It's not negotiable," she told her husband.
Mr. Henry was about to answer when he heard something. It sounded like distant thunder. His eyes widened. "Dear God. Someone's coming."
Everyone quickly moved outside to be greeted by 45 British soldiers on horseback riding into the yard.
Colonel Rochester was leading them.
There wasn't time to flee as the soldiers surrounded the barn.
Rochester was beaming as he rode into the circle of horses and riders that encompassed the barn. "Well, well, well. What have we here?"
Jareth gritted his teeth at the sight of Rochester.
"Ah, Edgar Henry. It's been a long time. Far too long. It's really too bad about your son. Shot in the chest I heard."
"Don't feign innocence!" Mr. Henry cried out. "He died needlessly because of you, you filthy bastard!"
Rochester threw his head back and laughed. "Ah, yes. I did shoot him, didn't I?" He laughed again. "But you shouldn't worry about the loss. It will not burden you much longer for you will all join him soon. I will have the pleasure of shooting each of your family members. You will be saved for last, of course."
Rochester then glanced at Jareth. "And you.it's a real pity that you survived. You're starting to turn up like a bad coin. But no matter, you will die this time." Rochester looked around and then tilted his head at Jareth, grinning wickedly. "I'm surprised to see you without your little rebel whore."
Jareth's gaze became murderous. It was good that Rochester did not know that he and Sarah had married and that they were expecting their first child. The fact that Sarah was safely in the house and out of harm's way comforted Jareth.
Rochester shifted in his saddle, still grinning. "Before I send you all to your graves, why don't we have a little fun? Dotson!"
A rider rode forward. "Sir."
"Torch the barn and outer buildings. Slaughter the livestock except for the horses."
"No!" Mr. Henry yelled. He hobbled toward Rochester but came to a halt when a few muskets were pointed at him and his family.
A group of soldiers tried to burn the barn but the outer frame was too wet from the rain to catch on fire. It smoldered in spots but didn't ignite.
The sound of gunfire filled the air as the livestock were destroyed. The horses were lead away from the barn. Jareth clenched his fists together as he watched two soldiers fight to control Dannarra. The bay gelding kicked and reared. He tossed his head and managed to break free, running off across one of the fields and into the woods.
Jareth sighed with some relief.
The soldiers once again tried to light the barn on fire, but failed.
"Imbeciles!" Rochester cried out. He snatched one of the torches and trotted his horse to the house.
Jareth tensed visibly as Rochester rode to the porch.
It did not go unnoticed.
"Something or someone of value is inside the house," Rochester called out. "It is your little whore. She's inside, isn't she, rebel?" Rochester sneered with absolute delight at the look of fury that appeared upon Jareth's face.
Jareth moved forward toward the house but stopped when he felt the tip of a musket ram into his back.
"She will be the first to die," Rochester laughed. He used the butt end of his musket to break a window and, with a grin, he tossed the torch inside. In moments, a fire began to tear through the house.
"No! Please, Lord, no. Sarah's in there!" Mrs. Henry cried out. She began to sob as the brunt of reality hit her. Her eldest son was dead, her house was on fire and she and her family were going to die.
Flames tore through the inside of the house, rapidly spreading toward the upper level.
While the iron musket was pressed to his back, Jareth could do nothing but watch.