Chapter 6- Let the Games Begin
It was perhaps two hours after Sarah had fallen asleep. The sound of crickets could be heard from outside, and the rustling of someone still awake downstairs. Sarah's eyes flew open. As soon as her eyes focused on the room around her, she could no longer recall the dream. But the feeling of panic it had invoked still remained. Sarah sat and stared at the ceiling for a moment, wishing away any remnants of the dream. As she lay still, she realized that there were voices carrying up to her from downstairs. Creeping to the doorway, she opened the door slightly and listened. She was sure of it now; the Breanons were arguing.
"I don't care if his majesty himself sent her, I don't trust some aboveground mortal with the care of my children. Mark my words, Lyvian, she'll bring trouble upon us. Did you not hear the stories of what befell her aboveground to make her take refuge here? Bad luck, I tell you." The deep voice carried through the house, despite the female telling him to hush.
"But Cedrith, she is only a mortal girl. What harm can she bring to all of us, skilled in magic as we are? She'll do no harm, I promise you." A pause, as the man considered her words.
"Then watch her closely, Lyvy. I'll not be blamed for the consequences. For the children's sake, I hope you're right." Heavy steps coming up the stairs forced Sarah to dash back to bed, trembling as she pulled the covers over her, facing the wall to hide her terrified gaze.
The next morning came too soon for Sarah, who had tossed and turned all night, dreading running into the master of the house. How could she live in a home where she was hated by its alpha male? Luckily, Mrs. Breanon had tasks set for her from the time she got up, so she was too busy to dwell on the animosity directed toward her. Toward midmorning, Dorian and Miriam were employed with studies, and Meril was peacefully napping in his room. Mrs. Breanon had given Sarah one of Mr. Breanon's shirts to mend, while she herself mended a shawl belonging to her daughter.
"Mrs. Breanon," Sarah ventured, "may I ask you something?" the woman smiled.
"Of course, dear, anything." Sarah smiled back inquisitively.
"Well. . . I just wondered, that is. . . how is it possible for. . . Jareth to read my mind?" Sarah wasn't sure what reaction she had expected, but Mrs. Breanon's peals of laughter was not what she'd had in mind.
"Oh, dear, it's quite second nature here in the underground. Uncommon for one to be able to read a mortal's mind, yes, but between close family and friends, quite common. Tell me, in your world, do you have such a thing as a 'motherly instinct?' Where a mother knows when something is wrong with her child even when far away?" Sarah nodded. "Well," Mrs. Breanon continued, "In the underground, that bond is well developed. Every member of a family or a close relationship is able to read the thoughts directly from those close to him or her. It is unusual that his majesty should be able to read your thoughts, because as far as I know, you are not in a close relationship with him. But perhaps the two of you share a stronger bond than I have previously thought." Winking mischievously, the woman patted Sarah on the shoulder. "Come now, dear, let's get Meril ready for an outing." Looking up at the idea of traveling, Sarah followed the woman to Meril's little room.
About twenty minutes later, the baby was fitted with a bonnet to shield him from the sun, and a cute set of trousers and shirt. Kicking happily, Meril gurgled at Sarah and grinned. Sarah couldn't help loving him to death.
"We'll be traveling to Elorian Lake," Mrs. Breanon explained. "All things going well, we shall have a visitor, and will be picnicking there. It is a lovely place, you'll love it, Sarah," the woman explained. Sarah grinned, curious about the company, but excited to be seeing parts of the underground that she hadn't before. Mrs. Breanon chattered away as they teamed up to pack a picnic lunch. Sarah grew to appreciate magic once again, as she watched Mrs. Breanon pack fruit, bread, cheese, water, potatoes, and a number of other foods, plates, napkins and utensils into one small basket. It was, in fact, the clown car of picnic baskets. Sarah grinned as she thought of the analogy.
"Is this lake nearby?" Sarah asked. She had Miriam in her arms, and was rocking him, hoping that he would fall asleep for the journey.
"It's about a half a day's walk from here, but we'll ride," Mrs. Breanon answered. Sarah's eyes grew wide.
"Ride?" Mrs. Breanon nodded. She retrieved what looked like an open back pack from a hook on the wall by the door, and strapped it to her back. Suddenly understanding, Sarah placed Miriam in the satchel. With a spark of glitter, the pack molded to fit the baby, and held him firmly and comfortably in place on Mrs. Breanon's back. Dorian and Miriam had already disappeared outside. Mrs. Breanon led Sarah to a small outbuilding that she hadn't noticed before. Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was a stable.
Dorian had already tacked and mounted a fidgety, dark black horse which had a white spot that looked like a half moon on its forehead. Miriam was patting the nose of a more docile horse, a chestnut colored pony.
"Miriam's mount is called First Rose, or Rosie for short; Dorian's is Splash, and you'll see why." Mrs. Breanon then led Sarah toward a white and brown steed, saddle already in place. "This is Echo, she's mild mannered and will carry you. I'll be riding with Miriam on Rosie. You've ridden before?" Sarah swallowed, and shook her head no. "Oh," Mrs. Breanon continued, "Well it's not too difficult, and Echo will be kind for you. Dorian, help Miss Sarah up." Dorian dismounted and assisted Sarah with placing her foot in a stirrup and positioning herself atop the horse. She held on with white knuckles to the saddle horn as Dorian handed her the reins and then mounted Splash once more. The boy's face was flushed when he returned to the mount, and Sarah vaguely wondered why. "Now sit up straight," Mrs. Breanon instructed, "and she will know to be gentle with you." Sarah sat as straight as possible, even though what she really wanted to do was to hunch over and cling to the horse for dear life. With a shouted command from Dorian, the three horses began to trot and then canter away from the stable.
After the initial shock and fear, Sarah began to like riding Echo. The animal seemed to adjust to her and move in a way that was not threatening. Dorian led the group, with Sarah second and Miriam and Mrs. Breanon riding behind. The wind rushed through Sarah's hair, making it billow out behind her. She grinned into the sunlight as they galloped toward their destination, horse and rider blending into one. At one point, a small bridge ran over a stream. Although Echo knew the way and headed automatically for the bridge, Sarah could see Dorian's horse running straight for the water, then traipsing through it like a small child through rain puddles. Laughing, the three women watched Dorian maneuvering the aptly named Splash back toward dry land.
An hour later, the group reached Elorian Lake. Rays of sunshine sent scattered reflections over the surface of the water. Unusual looking birds and water animals clung to the reeds and pads that took residence beside the lake. Sarah's breath caught at the majestic scene before her. Even while being punished by the goblin king, she was placed into her dreams, a magical fairy land that sparked her imagination and lifted her soul. Miriam had already dismounted, and was chasing a large blue and silver butterfly. Dorian was tethering his and Miriam's horses to a tree as Mrs. Breanon located a spot that would serve for a picnic ground. Sarah helped her to lay a blanket across a sunny spot on a grassy hill that overlooked the lake.
Smiling, Sarah watched Miriam dashing happily about, completely taken with the sunny afternoon and her freedom. Dorian was also caught up in the day, and was climbing a large oak tree that was stretching its limbs out over the water. Sarah's concentration was only broken by Mrs. Breanon's cheery greeting.
"Your majesty! So glad you could join us." Sarah whipped her head around in surprise. There he was, the man who had stolen her heart, staring at her a blank mask of indifference.
"I'm always pleased to join your family for outings," he answered, turning back toward the older woman. "Tell me," he questioned, glancing at Sarah, "how is the arrangement that I've set for you? Are you completely satisfied with the assistance?" Mrs. Breanon smiled softly.
"Oh yes, your highness," Mrs. Breanon answered. "Sarah has been a wonderful help, and the children are quite fond of her." Letting his cold exterior slip, Jareth waved a finger in front of little Meril, still gurgling happily from his mother's back. The baby grabbed the outstretched finger, and laughed a little baby laugh as the goblin king gazed at him curiously, a smirk upturning the corners of his mouth. Suddenly changing his focus, the monarch turned to Sarah.
"Sarah, you will join me for a walk about the lake." This was a demand, not a request. Despite her love for the man, and the fact that she would follow him anywhere if he only asked, Sarah felt a pang of injustice at the order. Surely he could simply ask her to follow him, instead of ordering her about. Before opening her mouth to argue, however, she remembered that she was still dependent upon his mercy for her survival.
"Yes, your majesty," she answered humbly. Mrs. Breanon gave the king a startled look, but nodded and attended to the lunch she was setting out. Jareth started walking toward the lake, and Sarah followed in his wake.
"I often walk here to think, get my mind off the mundane tasks of running my kingdom," Jareth confided, as soon as they were out of earshot. His openness amazed Sarah, who had never seen him reveal his thoughts and emotions. She wondered if Mrs. Breanon had been right about the connection that the two of them shared. Jareth led her away from the Breanon children, toward a large boulder which overlooked a small tributary that emptied into the lake. "You are hiding something from me," Jareth accused, amusement shining in his eyes.
"I'm hiding nothing," Sarah retorted, forgetting that he could read her mind. She had just thought of the crystal, the gift from Gragar.
"You cannot hide your thoughts or secrets from me, Sarah," the goblin king said, coldly. Raising a hand, he beckoned in the air, and the crystal that had been Sarah's gift rose from her pocket and, like a magnet toward steel, rushed toward his palm. Smirking, Jareth passed the small crystal over his fingers as if it were the easiest thing in the world. He grinned, amused, at Sarah.
"This was not a gift for an ordinary girl, who looks after a screaming baby." Trying not to cringe at the words from her past, Sarah kept her voice and eyes steady.
"Give it back. It was given to me by a friend." Sarah's heart dropped at the remembrance that he could read her thoughts. Cocking his head to one side, Jareth met her gaze.
"And who was this little friend of yours? Hogwart, perhaps?" Sarah's eyes darkened as she realized the danger her friends were in from their mere acquaintance with her.
"No, not Hoggle," Sarah stated. She focused on the leaves of a nearby tree, willing herself to think of anything but the one who had given her the crystal. She would not endanger the dwarf who had offered her protection.
"Gragar!" Jareth called. Sarah swallowed her fear; how had he known? She had kept his name from her mind. The dwarf in question appeared from thin air, looking uneasily at the king, who gripped his present to her in his hand.
"Because Miss Sarah declines to tell me the giver of this gift," he spat, "please take this crystal and place it in safe keeping." Looking at Sarah with a mixture of relief and hesitation, Gragar bowed and took the crystal, disappearing to the castle. "And now," Jareth continued, "We may continue our conversation in peace, with no secrets hanging over our heads." His eyes shone, his arrogance at the power he held over Sarah highly visible. Sarah tried to look indignant, angered by her lack of control over the situation.
"Conversation?" Sarah asked bitterly. She met his cold eyes with her own. "You can see all, my thoughts and fears, my past and present. What else could you possibly want to know from me?" The goblin king was looking at her curiously now, obviously pleased at the spark and spirit that had begun to shine in her once more.
"One thing I cannot discern from your thoughts and actions," Jareth explained. "Why? Why me, why now? Why call on your enemy for assistance?" His eyes had grown dark and bitter again, and Sarah tried not to be afraid. Taking a deep breath, she decided that she had best be honest with him right now and get it over with. Although he could read her thoughts, he didn't seem to be able to read emotions. Sarah took a deep breath, and met his gaze.
"I. . . I love you," she said. She looked for some expression in his eyes, but found none. In fact, the goblin king was completely unreadable. She had expected some kind of reaction; an angry retort or at best a return of her sentiments. But there was no reaction at all. Without a word, Jareth lifted a hand, produced a crystal, and after throwing it into the air, disappeared. Heart broken, Sarah slumped against the boulder, her emotions tangling into a single mass of hurt. Bringing her knees to her chest, she lowered her head and let sobs rack her body. He would never love her. And she would never get over her love for him.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Mrs. Breanon had been slightly alarmed at the Goblin King's disappearance, but suggested that he came and went as he pleased. Sarah joined the family for a quick picnic lunch, and then they traveled back to the cottage. Miriam and Dorian finished their chores for the day, and then retired to their rooms, exhausted by the fresh air. Mr. Breanon returned home, not sparing Sarah a glance. He kissed his wife quickly, then also headed to bed. Mrs. Breanon rocked baby Meril softly, and invited Sarah to sit with her outside on the porch.
Cicadas scratched out a rhythm in the still night. Mrs. Breanon was content with Meril in her arms, humming a lullaby softly. The sun drooped in the sky, creating brilliant reds and oranges and purples. Sarah sighed, almost inaudibly, and held her head in her hands as she sat on the front porch step.
"What's the trouble, girl?" Mrs. Breanon asked, keeping her voice soft and light so as not to wake the baby. "There's something's been troubling you since the moment you arrived." Sarah turned to her caretaker, and realized that her all-knowing eyes would eventually come up with an answer, even if Sarah did not divulge her heartache willingly.
"It's. . . a matter of love, Mrs. Breanon," Sarah stated simply. "The one I love does not return my affection. His heart is cold and he sees only past wrongs." Mrs. Breanon smiled knowingly, the grin of a mother who understands all emotional wounds.
"So you have fallen in love with his majesty," she stated. "Perhaps his heart is not as cold as you believe it to be." Standing, she cradled Meril and walked back into the house, closing the door behind her. Sarah looked up at the sky, growing dark with stars, and sighed again.
"If only."
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Sorry it took so long to post, had a friend's wedding to attend over labor day weekend! Thanks for being patient with me!
dawnieangel76- sorry to keep you in suspense for so long!
Shed- Thanks! Glad you like it!
draegon-fire- Thank you! Glad you agree! Yes, Sarah has a particular talent to adapting to adverse circumstances, doesn't she?
StardustDreamer- Thanks for the encouragement! Hopefully the recent plot developments have thrown a little bit of a wrench in the happiness system?
Sarah- What can I say, I'm glad for your addiction! ;-)
Lady of Shallotte- I'm so glad that you can picture what's happening! That's a compliment indeed.
Sayanna- *blush* aww, thank you! I don't know what else to say. . .
Desdemona321- Thanks! I'm trying! Lol
Anime-Moon-girl16- Thank you! Unfortunately, Jareth might take a little bit of coercing for that to happen. . . but I hope you like how this develops!
Phoebemoon- Thank you. So do I!
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