DISCLAIMER: I own nothing from Jim Henson's Labyrinth. All other characters and story line are my own

AUTHOR'S NOTE: A great big thanks goes out to all those who've read. Sorry for the delay, I had wanted this whole thing completed by Oct. 1st, but you know how all great plans are always laid aside when life happens. What's worst is that I know how everybody hates waiting for the next chapter and what's more is that I know exactly how everything is going to go! I just need to get it all down. FYI, it's a short chapter. But I digress, so I'll shut up now and continue with my tale.


Nothing could've prepared Sarah for the demand of the body, mind and soul that began as soon as school let out on Christmas break. But she endured without complaint under the stern guidance and silent approval of Jamal. Jamal found her to be a willing student, bright but calculating all the while which confirmed his suspicions that something larger was afoot. Since "when" is so fickle in deciding time of the unfurling in one's life, he taught her as much as she would give him leave.

Thanks to the long winter break, Sarah ate, slept and breathed Jamal's teachings with the daily respite of going over to the Drummeller estate to ride Catwalk and help out with the other horses. Often times, she would brush down Catwalk and tell him of her lessons and uncertainties of what lay ahead.

After Jamal spoke with her parents (and her father did some asking around in the government world to make sure he had no criminal record) in regard to her training, they decided to wait until school was out since semester finals was so close.

The day before the New Year was cold, brisk and lifeless. Living in a well to do neighborhood meant that you hardly ever saw anybody around during the holidays. Many were off to their southern villas or having parties at other people's abode as to not "dirty" their expensive homes.

Silently, Sarah waited on the sidewalk, waiting for Jamal. Her body had become lithe and lean over a short period due to her prior exercise regime and the daily lessons of Jamal.

At the moment, Sarah's body was tense, her long locks whipping about in the wind like a banner. Underneath her winter jacket, she trembled a little. She knew she wasn't ready for any type of confrontation with the Goblin King, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen.

Jamal soon rounded the corner to meet Sarah at their designated location. Without a word, he walked up to his pupil and motioned for her to follow his lead. On purpose, he didn't tell her why their training was suspended for the day as he didn't want Sarah to think too much as it would defeat the purpose and process of selection. Although it would be a hurried move, he thought it time for Sarah to select a Weapon of Choice.