The Greek word for temptation means to test, to try, to prove. Selwyn Hughes
We have to believe in free will. We've got no choice. Isaac Bashevis Singer
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The Astire Mountains towered silently majestic against the night sky under the brilliant waxing moon. Far beneath the crown of snow covered peaks, deep below the ground, lay the opulent palace of the Queen of the North. The heavily veiled figure was intently watching a mirrored reflection of her king dance with Sarah. Sonya hissed at sight.
True to her nature she did not blame herself for her aged and maligned body, it was that human girl's entire fault. If Sarah had not interfered the Goblin King would have been hers in triumph. Instead, here she was watching her beautiful king dance with the very one that cursed her. It was worse than seeing Lydia on his arm, at least her sister had some sense of style; this girl was but a dowdy cow.
What troubled Sonya even more was how Sarial was conducting himself with Sarah; he never treated anyone with such deference. The crone came to a decision when she saw her lord pull the girl even closer during the dance. She did not know what he was up to but intuitively she didn't want Sarial to win this girl; she posed too great a threat.
Normally Sonya would have just eliminated her and been done with it but the human was protected by power greater than hers. She had to be subtler in her method. First she had to find out what her master was planning, that would be easy for he so loved to gloat. Then she would decide on a course of action. Sonya crackled under the layers of cloth; "I still have my ways."
For two hours the Goblin King alternated between pacing and sitting on his throne watching the clock as he impatiently waited for Sarah's return At first Jareth's knee jerk reaction had been one of indignity, how dare Sarial take one of his subjects without his permission! Slowly his emotions changed to what he really felt - apprehension as to what could be happening to Sarah without him being there to protect her. The Goblin King's mind was fully occupied and couldn't even begin to think about what Sarial had shown him in the vision.
"Where is she? What does he want with her?" he asked himself for the hundredth time when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Jareth fiercely pulled open the double doors ready to throw a goblin into the bog until he saw it was Hoggle. "I cames to see how things were going." Jareth was relieved to see someone who knew the situation. Motioning Hoggle inside the room he got right to the point, "Sarah isn't here, Sarial took her." Hoggle put both hands to his mouth and sharply inhaled. "What do you means he took her?"
Overwrought the Goblin King waved his arms impatiently and spat, "I mean Hogwit I came back but she didn't, Sarial has her with him somewhere." Hoggle quickly asked, "Can't yous see her in those crystals of yours?" Jareth started pacing again in agitation, "Don't you think I tried that?" Hoggle was thinking fast, "What about that angel Ishmial? Can't he help?" Jareth stopped pacing when he realized that frustration had clouded his mind so he hadn't even thought of that idea, "Ishmial, I want to see you."
The angel immediately appeared in the middle of the room. Jareth quickly stepped towards him, "Sarial took Sarah somewhere alone. I want her here now!" Ishmial looked at Jareth then Hoggle gravely, "There's nothing I can do unless he tries to harm her." The Goblin King put his hands on his hips, "And why not?" The grim faced Ishmial replied, "She has a choice to make of her own free will, I cannot interfere."
"What?" Jareth and Hoggle said at the same time. The angel explained, "I know now that Sarah is not only the light bringer but must also choose a path. She doubts herself and needs to learn who she really is." Hoggle hung his head, "This is all my fault, if I hadn't.." Ishmial answered gently, "No little one, she was destined to fulfill this time, His will is done." Jareth demanded, "What game is this? You mean she could choose what Sarial offers her?" Ishmial responded sadly, "She, like you, always could."
Jareth clearly remembered Sarah's words, "How do I redeem myself from my own darkness and cruelty? Maybe, just maybe, if I found something good in you to save I could also forgive and save myself." She had told him of her doubts but he didn't understand at the time. He recalled their confrontation in the Escher room, "Your eyes can be so cruel, just as I can be so cruel. I do believe in you, yes I do." He knew she would not take her dreams over her brother even then. But this was different, he didn't know what Sarial was offering her and her brother was not at risk
"Call on me when you are ready to hear your Lord" Ishmial said and faded leaving Hoggle and the Goblin King alone once more. Hoggle asked in a low voice, "Yer majesty, what do you think he's using to tempt her?" The Goblin King impassively replied, "Something she wants and desires above all else."
Ishmial faded but didn't leave the throne room. He would stand watch over the king and little one until Sarah returned. His Lord was always there, waiting to receive the heart that wanted Him, loved Him. Didn't they know that myriads of angels rejoiced when a soul chose the light? Each life was so very precious, so very loved.
Knowing it was a waiting game Jareth draped himself over his throne and placed his gloved hand over his eyes. His intense concern had drained him and he felt a headache coming on. Hoggle settled on the dais step hoping wherever Sarah was she was safe and would return to them very soon.
When the clock struck ten Sarah and Sarial materialized in the throne room. Jareth jumped up from his throne and violently demanded of the dark lord, "Who gave you permission to take Sarah anywhere?" Hoggle added his two cents not caring that he faced the devil himself, "She's my friend and if you harm herâ€." Sarial chose to address Hoggle first, "You'll do what? Damn me to hell? I'm afraid you're too late." Sarial chuckled at his own joke then turned to Jareth, "Perhaps you weren't aware I have been given the right to spend time with Sarah." Looking the Goblin King up and down arrogantly he sneered, "Since you aren't her champion I'm afraid you don't have to be with us, nor do I seek your permission." Taking Sarah's hand Sarial bowed over it, "Until we meet again, my lady" then he was gone.
Jareth swaggered up to Sarah. She knew a swaggering Goblin King with death in his eyes was not a good thing, "Where have you been?" Motioning his hand up and down with disdain on his face he continued, "And what are you wearing?" Sarah felt guilty making Jareth and Hoggle upset, "I'm sorry, I didn't know he was going to do that. I didn't mean to worry either of you." Hoggle could see by the dark look on Jareth's face he had the situation well in hand and was going to just watch for the moment.
Circling around her Jareth saw a regal queen in royal attire and didn't like it at all, "You still didn't answer my question, what is this thing you are wearing and why?" Despite Jareth baiting her Sarah felt calm, being with Sarial had shown her what true power was and the Goblin King didn't intimidate her. "I saw what I could have if I choose what Sarial would give me." Jareth waved his hand in an elegant trifling manner, "And just what did he offer you, hmm? A gown, some jewels and a few other baubles perhaps?" Sarah replied quietly, "He offered me what I've always wanted, love and a life where nothing ever hurts again."