Chapter Three

I felt myself being caught from hitting the ground. I kept my eyes closed until my head stopped spinning. Mom had said something about an owl, didn't she? I couldn't think straight to remember. I opened my eyes. It wasn't night anymore and I saw a ceiling.

"Are you able to stand?" The voice of the person holding me asked.

"Yes. I think so."

He slowly stood me up and I got my balance. I looked around and I seemed to be in a castle. There were little monsters lined up by the walls watching me. Were they goblins? My eyes finally made their way to the person who had caught me. He was tall with light blonde hair, blue eyes, and a wicked smile. I remembered enough of mom's story to guess who he was and where I was.

"You're not Hoggle," I said to him.

"No, no I'm not," He smiled as the goblins laughed. He motioned them quiet.

"You're The Goblin King," I guessed.

"You, are right" Again there was laughter until he motioned.

"Why am I here?" I asked.

"That, is a long story. Why don't you sit down."

He sat in a tall throne-like chair. A couple goblins moved a chair beside the king's. Still trying to take everything in, I sat down. The goblins were all still and quiet as the king began his story.

"You know the story your mother has told you, but now it's time to hear my story. I started watching Sarah, your mother, when I saw her one day when I was the owl. I immediately fell in love with her. I watched her often until the day came when she called me. Everything she wanted me to be, I was. That still wasn't enough and she left me. I continued to watch Sarah grow up. I saw her get married, have kids, and get divorced. As you grew, my love for your mother transformed into love for you. I couldn't take it anymore and had to meet you. I want you to be my queen."

I as taken aback, then I got angry.

"How dare you ask me such a question. You lied to me to get me here. You are a wicked man and no one will ever love you, let alone marry you."

Anger flared in his eyes.

"If anyone else talked to me in that manner, I would string them up in The Bog of Eternal Stench. But my love for you stops me from acting in such a rash manner." He stood up and paced. "You are much like you're mother. You're complicated, perplexing, and stubborn. When I act the way you expect me to act, you still won't love me. What do I have to do?"

I started feeling sorry for him. He was just doing what he thought was right.

"We expect you to be mean and frightening, but if you want love, you have to be nice, caring, and not so controlling. Show your feelings using your heart, not harsh words and actions."

"So there is still hope?" he asked me.

"Not for you and me. I'm just 17. I'm sorry, but I need to go home."

"I won't give you up that easily."

"Please let me go," I begged.

"Not without a fight." He turned to me.

"What do I have to do to get home?" I asked.

The king thought. I knew he didn't want to let me go. So, how would he let me go home?

"Come to the window." He motioned to me as he walked to a window.

I followed and looked out with him. I saw a city below, and beyond that was a junk yard, a forest, then a maze which was the labyrinth.

"If you can make it through the labyrinth to the beginning within ten hours, I promise to send you home."

I didn't think I could do it, but I had to. I had to get home. I gulped and took a deep breath.

"Give me your word," I told him.

"You have my word," he agreed.

"Then I'll do it."

He smiled sadly at me.

"Very well. But if at anytime you wish to change your mind, call me. I'll be watching." He said as he waved his hand.

The next thing I knew, I was outside with the gates to the city closing behind me. I looked ahead of me and took another deep breath. I hoped I was as smart and strong as my mother was. I started to walk.