Chapter 22: What to do?

Jareth looked at Sarah in confusion. "Who are you talking to?"

Ione watched with interest, and Jareth backed up next to the knight. Sarah went to her knees as her legs had begun to feel somewhat like jelly. Her hands covered her eyes while the sword clattered on the floor beside her. She had begun to cry!

"Jesus, I waited so long to know! Why couldn't I have a simple life!"

Jareth quirked a brow and looked to Ione. Ione shook her head. She had no answers.

"Lord, I waited so long and prayed so hard that you would help me forgive him when I found him... Help me find that forgiveness now, please!" Sarah's words were barely a whisper now, but both friends and even Taureth could hear them for not a single other sound was to be heard. Sarah's eyes opened as her gaze locked on Taureth. "I will forgive him... But he can still suffer! There are still consequences for sin..." She stood once more and simply smiled. "And I do forgive you, Taureth. However..." her smile was even more pleasant, "I will be pressing charges with the Seelie Court. I have heard rapists like yourself particularly annoy them..." She let the sentence hang over the agonized Faye. He more than she knew very well what the Seelie Court's reaction would be! Sarah turned to Jareth and Ione. "Would you both be there to act as my witnesses?"

Jareth and Ione were still dazed. What on earth was going on? Ione was the first to say something, "Sarah, who were you talking to?"

"Why, Jesus, my Lord and Savior," Sarah responded easily.

"Who is this Jesus?" Jareth asked her.

"He is the Son of God, Jareth. Here I think you would refer to them as the Master or Maker of All."

Jareth and Ione both shared a look. "The Aurelis!" they both said in shock.

"Yes, He is mentioned in the Aurelis."

"You meet the Aurelis even more than I thought!" Ione exclaimed.

"Aunt Vendae and I had a discussion on this. You see Jesus is described as the Light of the World. And since He lives in my heart, we assumed this must be what the Aurelis meant."

"This will take some time to discuss," Jareth said shaking his head.

"Indeed it will, but it is important. I would be happy to discuss it with you both further at some point," Sarah said with a smile. Suddenly there was much shouting and a crash outside the door. In moments the door was flung open and in walked King Dayton himself! Sarah and Ione instantly bowed and Jareth bowed as well though not as deeply as the women. The King did a double take as he realized that one of his sons was chained to the dungeon wall.

"I believe someone had better tell me what exactly is going on here," the King said in a deep tone of command.

"Father," Jareth said bowing again slightly. "Much has happened it will take some time to explain it all. Suffice it to say that my brother has proven himself to be unworthy of your family once again!"

"Is this true, Ione?" the King asked. He knew the centauress could not lie to him. She was incapable of telling falsehoods.

"It is true, Your Majesty. Taureth has acted worse than despicable! But Lady Sarah should perhaps know that better than I."

King Dayton looked with surprise towards the mortal woman. Sarah bowed and explained.

"Your Highness, I was Taureth's first victim. Through his treachery, I am the mother of twins of my own."

"Is that so?" Dayton questioned.

"It is, my lord, and I do intend to bring charges against him to the Seelie Court where I trust all of his treachery will be brought to justice."

Dayton nodded. "I see Lady Lorien has been teaching you our laws. That is good."

"Indeed, Highness, but should not the prince be kept some place until such time. He does after all have wounds to be attended." She could tell Dayton was surprised by her requests. Indeed Taureth was surprised as well!

"Father, how did you know where we were?" Jareth finally asked. Moments later Lorien walked in. Jareth nodded his understanding.

"The Lady Lorien told me she suspected her adopted daughter had fallen foul of Taureth. She seemed insistent about it until I at last agreed to come here and see what was going on."

"Oh dear, are you all right?" Lorien asked going at once to Sarah.

"I'm fine, Mother..."

"You must be exhausted!" she turned to the King. "Highness, with your permission, may I take my daughter home now? I do believe also that one of Willoway's mares is still waiting at the castle in the Labyrinth."

"All shall be done to see things are put to right, Lady Lorien," Dayton agreed. "Indeed take your daughter home and see she rests well."

With a bow, Lorien and Sarah exited the chamber. Dayton took his son and unchained him before forcing him to a secure place where he could be tended in preparation for his trial. Jareth and Ione soon departed for the Labyrinth. There was much need for rest on all sides.