Chapter 2
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
~Paul Gauguin
The Goblin
King lounged across his throne, stirring only to rhythmically tap his
crystalline staff against his leg. An observer would think him idle, perhaps
even lazy. The mask of indifference did not waver; it did not falter; it did not
fail. Not a single clue to the king's thoughts escaped as he attended his duty.
His labyrinth required many repairs in addition to the standard maintenance.
Sarah…
A small goblin rushed into the room and knelt trembling at Jareth's feet. "Your Highness, the baby—the baby with the red stripes—he is home. The peaches for the big ones too, just as you said."
"Get out." Jareth said. "Now!" The goblin darted to the door, but not fast enough to avoid Jareth's boot.
Suddenly, the King leapt to his feet.
Glaring into the crystal delicately balanced on the tops of his fingers, he
grumbled then launched the fragile orb at the rough stone wall. The slivers of
glass vanished before they hit the floor. Jareth sighed and began to stride back
and forth across the throne room.
Sarah…
Jareth did not notice the haggard dwarf enter the room until he almost trampled his subject. "Higgle, what are you doing? Get out of my sight." He said. When the dwarf trembled but did not move towards the door, Jareth ceased his pacing to tower over Hoggle, steeling his gaze as he wordlessly challenged Hoggle to disobey further.
"Your majesty… your majesty, she called me. I needs to go to her. Sarah is Hoggle's friend!" Hoggle said.
"No." Jareth said. "I will not send you to her dreams—she wished that the labyrinth ceased to exist and so it shall, at least for her."
"Sarah didn't mean it! She called for me, she needs me—"
"Hogwart," Jareth interrupted, "heed my words. Or did you still wish to be elevated to Prince? If she really wanted or needed you she would choose to wake up." Jareth pointed to the exit with one hand while producing a crystal with the other. "Get out," he snarled, "Get out before I send you away."
Hoggle started to the door leading out of the castle. Before he reached the open arch, he turned to face the Goblin King. His face hard with determination, he said, "Your majesty, I wanna see her."
"Fine, fine. Not that it will make any difference, but you may attend her." Jareth said, waving Hoggle away. "Only as long as it does not interfere with your duties, Higgel."
Jareth
retired to his private apartments to avoid further interruption. Perched on his
windowsill, he moved only to twirl a crystal around his deft fingers. He looked
over his labyrinth, pleased that all repairs appeared complete. With duties
done, he could now concentrate on his dilemma. The Goblin King's mask dissolved,
leaving only a frustrated Jareth.
Sarah, Sarah. So cruel. Why must you hide? The idea of living a life
underground is so hideous, so revolting? You win over my subjects, my invincible
labyrinth, my respect, my heart and still you reject my offer. You must stay here
regardless, why not as my queen? Yet, you refuse. Your cold defiance burned. But
then you thought you would return home with the child, such a pity. I suppose I
will be to blame yet again—Even a king follows certain inflexible rules. You
were warned—a fool thought, that you understood and wished to stay for me. Oh
Sarah…
You will pay for rendering me a fool.
Hoggle approached the door, lingering just outside as long as his conscience would allow. Finally, he pushed open the door and marched inside the dark bedroom of the Queen's apartments.
"Oh, Sarah!" he said as he rushed to her side. "What's he done to you?" He overlooked the fine velvet dress she now wore, as well as the rich decoration, the silken bedclothes, the soft candlelight; intent clear as he grabbed her hand in his. She did not shift but to breathe. He leaned over the bed and grazed her cheek with his lips. "Come back to me, friend," he whispered. Tears streamed down his face and dripped off his chin. "I need you."