Sarah tried in vain not to look surprised, but her brain simply couldn't comprehend what had just happened. She sat across from the strange gentleman, presumably one of Jareth's minions, safely ensconced in the back of an awaiting Bentley. If it wasn't for the shear arrogance of the situation, Sarah would have thought herself insane. Only Jareth would have the audacity to send his butler to go and fetch her. And it was a good thing he did - a few minutes later and the situation might have turned much worse.
Hmmm...she mused...getting raped by some weirdo street fiend or facing Jareth. Not a very good bloody choice...
Despite herself, a tiny smile played at the corner of her lips. Surely it can't be all that bad. Jareth was never the King of Courtesy and Fair Play, but at least he never tried to hump her leg. The image that thought brought to her head made her laugh nervously. Embarrassed, she glanced at the man still seated across from her. The older man was watching her, staring with icy blue eyes. On first impulse, the man appeared cultured, elderly, and above all kindly. Sort of the nice, warm, sit-on-Grandpa's-lap kind of vibe. If she ever got close enough to smell him, she was sure the scent would be a hint of tobacco and peppermint. Maybe a whiff of some expensive old man's cologne. Very comforting, indeed.
But his eyes told a different story.
She had seen eyes like that before on one other man. Eyes that could pierce right through a person, pinning them to the ground like a bug on a mat. Eyes that could turn soft and caring, full of concern. Silas Gunthry, her mentor and confidant, had that same uncanny ability. Yet, where his eyes were almost always warm to her, the man sitting across from her was the exact opposite. Suddenly Sarah realized that while Silas was devoted to protecting her, this man was completely devoted to protecting Jareth. It would be a huge mistake to allow herself to trust this guy an inch.
He was still watching her. Dimly she wondered if he was in some way sizing her up. Measuring the threat she might pose to his master. Sarah got the distinct impression that this guy didn't like her to much. Swallowing back a sudden urge to grit her teeth , she forced herself to stay in control. Sure, this guy worked for Jareth, and maybe he didn't like her too well, but Sarah could at least find out where it was he was taking her. Besides, the guy did save her skin after all. If he was going to do her any harm, surely he would have already done it.
"I want to thank you," she murmured. "It's a good thing Jareth sent you when he did or I might have been in real trouble." She tried to flash him a charming smile, but wasn't nearly as successful as she hoped. It had been too many years since she had last tried her hand at charming others and only managed something that looked much more like a grimace than a grin.
"Your humble servant, Madam." He inclined his head slightly, eyeing her warily. Perhaps her unexpected show of teeth made him nervous.
Sarah leaned forward, undaunted. "So tell me, Mr." She paused.
"Malcolm. No mister, just Malcolm."
"Malcolm then," she paused. "How did Jareth know I was here?"
A wry grin crept across his mouth, while his eyes twinkled with amusement. They seemed to say, you don't really think I'm going to tell you something like that, do you? Again, Sarah had to fight back the urge to grit her teeth.
"Madam,"
"Sarah," she interrupted. "Not Madam, just Sarah."
A look of annoyance flitted past his face only to be quickly replaced with an impassive mask. "Madam. I do not presume to know my Master's mind. While I agree that it was certainly providence that I found you when I did, I did not come prepared for battle if you know what I mean."
"Uh huh." Sarah closed her eyes for a moment, lifting a hand to her suddenly throbbing temple. "Lucky me, right?"
Malcolm did not deign to answer.
Turning her head to the window, Sarah noticed that the lights of Monte Carlo had faded. Instead, she was surrounded by tall, stately trees and a rising coastline. All of it was completely unfamiliar. Panic surged through her, but she squelched it back down. Of course it was unfamiliar. If it was friggin familiar, she would have been able to find Jareth on her own.
Up ahead, Sarah could see that they were turning onto a private lane guarded by a thick concrete wall at least ten feet high. A gate stood up ahead blocking their path. As soon as the car pulled into view of the guardsmen, they were waived through.
"Where're almost there, I believe." Malcolm murmured unnecessarily.
Sarah held her breath as the mansion up ahead loomed into view. Upon seeing the monolith of stone and glass up ahead, she realized just how inadequate the word "mansion" could be. This obscenely large creation of palisades, spinnerets, and archways was no mansion. It was a friggin castle.
The Bentley pulled into a smooth stone driveway adorned with an ornately fashioned archway complete with stone gargoyles that looked rater suspiciously like little goblins making scary faces. Packed in the courtyard was a collection of at least fifty or more luxury vehicles - limos, Rolls, a few Jag's. Apparently she wasn't the only one making a little visit to the Goblin King tonight.
When the car finally rolled to a stop, a liveried servant opened her door for her and offered his hand. "What the hey," she muttered to herself, accepting the proffered hand.
Looking around at the opulent surroundings, Sarah couldn't help but snort in derision. What the heck was she thinking when she searched for Jareth in the bars and party palaces. Of course Jareth would create a palace of his own. And from the looks of the packed courtyard, there was quite a party in the process. Even from out here, the tinkling of music and cultured laughter filtered to where she was standing. Oh yes, quite the party indeed.
"This way, Madam." Malcolm's low voice cut through her silent musings. Walking past her, Malcolm moved to the front door, pausing to ensure that she followed.
For a moment, Sarah paused. He was watching her again, piercing her with those startling blue eyes. It's not too late to run, they seemed to say, not too late for you to escape this.
A voice from distant memory whispered, "Go back to your toys, Sarah.... Forget all about the baby..."
I can't forget, she decided. Damn you Jareth for bringing me here, for forcing my hand. Damn you for making me remember. Damn you for making the need to forget. Closing her eyes, Sarah tried to clear her mind, but all she could see was the ruined labyrinth in her mind. All she could hear where the dying cries of her friends - her precious, yet forgotten, friends. "Oh Hoggle," she whispered, fighting back unwanted, unshed tears.
Damn you Jareth... For I can't turn back now.
Pushing back every last vestige of fear and regret, Sarah lifted her head high. If she was going to have to face her enemy, she would do it on her terms. She had come to far, sacrificed too much to lose everything. If this was just another game, then she would simply have to win.
She stepped towards Malcolm, evenly meeting his cool gaze. He paused for a moment, searching her face.
"Well?" Sarah gestured impatiently, waiting for the servant to lead her inside.
A slow, unkindly grin crept across Malcolm's lips. "But of course, Madam. The Master awaits inside."
A/N:
It's a short chappie, I know, but I've got inspiration!!! The chappies will keep coming now, I promise!!!
Please R/R
