Disclaimer: Do I look rich? I don't own the Labyrinth or anything to do with it.
Ok, this is to make up for the last few un-long chapters and is especially for Avalon-blackandgreen. To the rabbit hole m'dear.
December 26th
Sarah was awoken by someone shaking her.
"Sarah, come on! You have to get up."
"I don't want to."
"You have your appearance in front of the court today."
"Screw the court, I want to sleep." She buried further underneath the covers and heard another voice laugh.
"She's going to go down well with the court."
"Oh shut up and help me get her up."
The covers were suddenly removed and Sarah yelped as she had a small amount of ice cold water dumped on her. She glared accusingly at Etáin as she dried herself. "What the hell? No dumping water on injured people. I could have gone into shock."
Etáin grinned at her. "Well you didn't and now you're up, so it's all ok."
Sarah turned her glare on Ionnina. "And you let her do that why?"
Ionnina shrugged. "You've got a big day ahead of you."
Sarah rolled her eyes and fell back against her pillows. "I don't care. I've had enough big days. Get them to reschedule."
Ionnina smiled and she and Etáin proceeded to drag Sarah out of bed. "The court don't reschedule. It's just not done. When the court says jump you say how high."
"Well I say get a ladder."
"Ha ha. Seriously Sarah, if you want to keep your powers you have to play ball with the court. At least for the first century or so."
"Oh that's all is it." Said Sarah sarcastically as she dragged herself towards the wardrobe.
Ionnina stepped forward. "Um Sarah, what do you plan to wear?" She shrugged. Ionnina nodded. "I thought so. Here what about this."
She gestured to a beautiful green medieval style dress handing on the back of the door. Sarah gasped. "It's beautiful but…"
The two women frowned. "But?"
"It's Underground clothing."
"Well yes. That is where you are going. If you want to gain the respect of the court you're going to have to look the part."
Sarah shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't wear that. Not today."
Ionnina sighed impatiently. "Why ever not?"
"If this were another occasion I probably wouldn't mind but these people are going to be deciding whether I'm fit to live among them. I'm not going to pretend to be more suitable than I am. If I do get a kingdom to rule and they suddenly dropped by I'd probably be running around in jeans and a string top. I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not."
The two women paused and then nodded. Etáin put her hand on Sarah's shoulder. "I can respect that, but you have to look presentable. What about that black skirt with the silver and the angora sweater. That looked nice."
Sarah smiled. "Thanks. Now I'm going to have a shower and then I'll be down, ok?"
Etáin and Ionnina left her alone with her thoughts. Sarah grimaced as the hot water hit her curse wound. It was healing extremely quickly, she noted, but the injury still stung. She closed her eyes as she let the water run in rivulets down her body. So much had happened in the last few days, let alone the time she had been in Ireland. Sarah thought back to that moment when it had all started.
I wish the goblins would come and take you away…right now!
The mere memory of the words made her shiver. When he had first appeared before her, all her dreams given form, though she had not quite realised it at the time. Her journey through the Labyrinth, the bonds she had made with her friends, all leading up to this day really. The possibility of ruling a magikal kingdom lay before her, of actually becoming a queen. It was her every fantasy realised but with one missing detail. Her king had run off with the princess of pink, leaving her alone.
She sighed and shut off the water, drying herself as she walked. She got dressed slowly and looked at herself in the mirror. Her dark hair curled slightly at the tips and her deep brown eyes shone with a sadness and the knowledge of the previous day.
Sarah had never thought herself capable of killing and creature intentionally let alone actually killing another person, Fae or not. The thought clutched at her heart and she could feel a hardness begin to set in. A barrier against the pain of the truth. She knew that she was not truly at fault but in the end she had killed and it left a scar even deeper than the one on her abdomen. One that would never be erased.
Sarah left her room and found herself on a corridor some where on the top floor. She had never need to go anywhere above the first floor and so decided to take a quick look around before joining the others for breakfast and most likely, a rather intensive pep talk. Sarah found the stairs up to one of the turret roofs and decided to take a look. As she pushed open the door out on to the turret she gasped.
The view was certainly breathtaking. She could see over the many fields that surrounded the castle and to the woods beyond. The newly risen sun was reflected in the glass domed roof of the library and the sky was a clear, crisp blue, even though her breath clouded in front of her. All of this no matter how beautiful, was not what made her gasp.
Jareth stood there, look out over the lands. His blond hair drifted about him in the breeze and he had his back to the door. Sarah tried to make her escape but he had already heard her gasp. Her turned on her, his gaze cold, though Sarah thought she saw some other emotion behind the stony mask.
"Sarah."
She nodded, her arm wrapping unconsciously around her wound. "Jareth."
"I hear you killed Fuamnach."
Sarah was hurt by the off handed way that he made the comment. He knew her well enough to know how much the event would have affected her. She looked up at him, not bothering to hide the distress she felt. She saw more emotion flash across Jareth's expression but it was so subtle that she was sure, had anyone else been there they wouldn't have noticed it. "What would like to know Jareth? Do you want a play by play account so you can report back to Cassandra? See if she can think of another way to kill me?"
"Are you all right?"
The words took Sarah aback but they were cold. "No. No, Jareth, I am incredibly far from alright."
"You have your meeting with the court council today."
"Yes."
"I wont be there."
"I'm… That doesn't surprise me." Sarah turned and left fighting back another torrent of tears that threatened to flow. The walk back down stairs served to calm her slightly but she felt her nerves begin to mount about the court.
Everybody was busy downstairs with preparations for the ball in two days. Seán looked up from reception and smiled as she descended the stairs. "Good morning. How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you." She lied.
"Everybody that is gong to speak for you are in the drawing room. Breakfast too."
"Thanks."
"Good luck. You'll charm 'em I've no doubt."
"Thanks again"
"You there, reception man." The two flinched as Cassandra's high pitched wailing cut through the bustling noise of the preparations.
"Yes princess, can I help you?"
"I need to know where King Jareth is. He is not in his room."
Sean looked about him. "Well he's not here."
"Well, I demand to know where he is!"
"I'm afraid I don't know. We don't keep constant tabs on our guests."
"That is… unacceptable. I must know where he is!"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Oh stop acting like a petulant child. He'll turn up."
Cassandra turned on Sarah and eyed her suspiciously. "You know where he is!"
"Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. If you'll excuse me…"
"I'll be speaking against you at the court today, I hope you know."
Sarah turned and fixed her with a dangerous look. "Oh, I look forward to it."
Sarah entered the drawing room and look about. Cyros looked up from some document he was reading and smiled at her. "Ahh Sarah, welcome to command central. Toast?"
Before she had a chance to answer Sarah was swept up in a frenzy of instructions and suggestions about her up coming appearance.
"…you do, don't use slang or back talk, that just pisses them off!"
"Yes, but don't be afraid to stand up to anyone, they respect that."
"…and be careful not to voice to many Aboveground views though, they won't like that."
After nearly half an hour of being intensively tutored on what the council would and would not like Sarah flopped down on the sofa beside Cyros.
He smiled at her. "Toast?"
"Yes please. Are they always like this?" She gestured to the large group of women that were arguing about some thing.
Cyros laughed and handed her a plate. "Well in our long lives, nothing exciting happens that often so yes. When something like this happens they tend to go a bit…"
"Insane?"
"Yes."
"Jareth said he wasn't coming today."
Cyros sighed. "I do not know what is wrong with him. As stubborn as he can be, I've never seen him act this idiotic before. Jumping to conclusions."
Sarah shook her head. "I don't know. It probably looked like I didn't want to fight back. I just… I couldn't."
She shuddered at the memory and Cyros growled. "I swear, if we could get him for that… I want to see that bastard out of all our hair."
Sarah nodded. "But the only witness we have thinks it was all voluntary and until we can convince him otherwise…"
"I know, I know. I really, really hate him."
Sarah gave his hand a quick squeeze. "I know."
Ionnina looked up and shouted across the room. "Sarah, if you've finished flirting with my husband we're going to leave in about twenty minutes, get ready."
She took a deep breath and Cyros squeezed her hand. "Don't worry. You'll be fine."
"So says you. I'm going to go into the music room, get some quiet before this whole thing starts."
"Ok, I'll come and get you in a few."
"Thanks. For everything."
"My extreme pleasure."
Sarah entered the music room and breathed a sigh of relief. The silence was a relief after the constant noise of the morning. She sat at the piano, playing random chords and melodies as a distraction. After a while, she began to sing.
I dreamed of you on my farmI dreamed of you in my arms,
The dreams were always wrong.
I never dreamed I'd hurt you,
I never dreamed I'd loose you,
In my dreams I'm always strong.
And now the creek is rising
And all my bridges burned.
I always dreamed of big crowds
Plumes of smoke and high clouds.
The dreams don't last for long.
I have my suspicions,
That when the stars are in position
All will be revealed.
But I knew that until then
Unless the stars surrender,
All will be concealed.
And now the snow is falling
And all my fences torn.
I know you need someone
And I can hear someone
Somewhere in this song.
Sarah looked up from the keys and she stopped breathing. Jareth stood at the door, quietly observing her. He didn't move when their eyes locked and Sarah continued her song, the haunting melody drifting through the room.
I dreamed that that I was walking And the two of us were talkingOf all life's mysteries.
The words that flow between friends
Winding streams without ends
I wanted you to see.
It cant seem surprising
When you find yourself alone
And now the dark is rising
And brand new moon is full.
I always dreamed I'd love you
I never dreamed I'd loose you.
In my dreams I'm always strong.
Sarah finished quietly and glanced up towards the door. She saw sadly that Jareth was gone. She looked out the window and noted with grim amusement, that ithad begun to snow.
Cyros stuck his head around the door and held up her coat. "Time to go Sarah. You ready?"
"No, but I don't really have a choice do I?"
"Sorry. Don't worry. We'll all be there."
Not all of you! Sarah kept the thought guarded and took the coat from Cyros gratefully. He led her to the entrance hall where the party, quite large now, had assembled. They all looked at her as she entered.
"Oh, wow! Um, thank you all so much. Can't fail to loose now can I? With so many of you. Um, I am truly honoured that you're doing this for me because I'm nothing special."
Eurydice stepped forward. "We all beg to differ Sarah. You are a remarkable woman. Even if you cannot see that, we can. We all believe you would be a welcome new addition to the Underground. We need new blood."
"A fresh perspective" Called Nadír from the back of the crowd.
Sarah smiled at him and thanked the group once again. "Well, I believe we're expected."
They all nodded and began to disappear. Sarah watched as swirls of sand, water, air, light, earth and what looked like darkness enveloped their users and took them to the Underground.
Ionnina stood beside Sarah and held out her hand. "Here. You don't know where your going."
Sarah nodded and took her hand. She felt the tingle of being teleported and then her feet touched unfamiliar ground. At first Sarah was too overwhelmed by the magikal aura that surrounded her that she didn't take in her surroundings, but once she got used to the feeling she looked around in wonder.
She stood in the midst of a dazzling city. The place looked like it had been made from every material imaginable. There were towering trees with levels of building and doors in the trunks. An entire cliff had balconies hewn from the rock, she could see precious stones glinting from the walls and the massive main doors were made from shining quartzite with amber and rose quartz inlays. There were buildings obviously made from sand and mud, but reaching to incredible heights. These were no mud huts. Buildings made from warped metals, bone, even ones that looked suspiciously like water but that, Sarah could see, were solid.
The group appeared to be standing in a square. There were many people milling around, bartering, having lunch. I use the term people loosely because the range of creatures saw was immense. There were dwarves scuttling about the place, elves, fae, wood nymphs, dryads and water dwellers, reptilian looking creatures that walked about like people. Sarah saw a giant insect conversing with two fae and a girl who looked like she was made of wood. She smiled as she saw a man arguing with his hat and watched as an elf swatted away a fairy and bent down to listen to a dwarf more closely.
She felt a tug on her sleeve and Sarah turned back to Ionnina. "Sarah, I'd like to introduce you to Theodore. A good friend of ours."
Sarah gazed up as Theodore came forward. He took her proffered hand and kissed it gently. "A true pleasure I assure you. It is too long since I have conversed with a person from Aboveground. Tell me, have the colonised the Americas yet?"
"A pleasure indeed. Yes they have. I'm from the east coast."
"Well, Miss Williams I have heard so much about you."
"Call me Sarah please."
He smiled and his near black eyes sparkled in pleasure. "Of course and you must call me Theo."
He shook his head back and his grey/blue hair fell down his back. His tanned chest was bare, bar a leather strap that carried a bow and quiver. His body was grey and his coat shone in the winter sun. "I've never met a centaur before."
He laughed. "Well, I am glad I had the pleasure of being the first you did meet."
She smiled back at him. "Well, I hope you are all this nice."
Ionnina smiled and led them across the square. "Ahh Sarah, like everything, you have the good ones and the bad ones but Theo here is one of the best."
"You flatter me 'Nina. You are lucky Sarah, to have made such good friends."
"I know." She looked at Ionnina. "So, 'Nina, where are we going?"
Ionnina pointed down a long road. "There."
Sarah paused and stared at the spiralling tower. She was amazed that she had missed it because it seemed to stretch over everything into the sky. The high winter sun glinted off the tower which appeared to be made of diamond. Though the main part of the tower went straight up many twisting turrets and branches snaked out of the body, forming a structure that looked like a diamond vine climbing up into the sky.
"Wow. Guess I'm off to see the wizard huh?"
Theo raised an eyebrow and Etáin giggled. "Sarah, no ones going to understand you down here."
She shrugged as she continued to stare at the tower. "That's not going to stop me."
"I thought not. Well, watch out for the lions and tigers and bears."
"Oh my."
Theo looked at the two women. "What's a Tiger?"
Sarah smiled at him. "I'll take you on a private safari sometime maybe."
Etáin grinned. "That would be interesting. 'Underground natives get to grips with Aboveground wild life.'"
The group moved down the long road and Sarah took in her surrounding, memorising every detail, just in case she wouldn't be allowed come back. She saw that just like any city this one had alleys and side streets, shops, restaurants, offices and public transport. A coach that contained several people inside and sitting on the roof passed by the group, driven by a doonie. The horses neighed as the passed and Sarah almost felt as if they had been taken back in time.
She looked over at Nadír. "Where are we exactly?"
"The very centre of the Underground. This isn't even in a country. I suppose it's sort of like the Vatican. A self contained city state. The seat of the court and council it's were everyday business for many people occurs but only about a quarter of the people live here. Most commute. It's very cramped."
Sarah looked about her, observing the large stretches of grass between some buildings, the wide streets and different shaped buildings. "This is pretty roomy compared to the Goblin City."
"Yes, but goblins like their habitats close and bad smelling. The Labyrinth is large but there's a lot in there. On the outskirts of the kingdom there are some farms and pastoral land but most other countries vary. Cyros has miles and miles of desert, some are rolling planes, some mostly forest, some mountainous. You can imagine a creature used to living on a mountain or in a forest coming here. It would be practically claustrophobic where as a goblin would give out about how much space there is. It's not the ideal habitat for most of the inhabitants of the Underground."
"I see."
The group entered another square and the tower stood at the centre. More people were standing around this square but there were no shops or stalls. They all stood, most of them talking animatedly about something.
Sarah sighed. "I suppose you all forgot to mention that this was a public court."
They all looked around guiltily and Sarah smirked. "Really, did you not think I'd guess? I'm not a idiot."
"We know but we didn't want to…"
"SAWAH!"
Sarah yelped as she was swept up in a strong, orange embrace. The thick fur tickled her face and she sneezed.
"Ludo!" She put her arms as far around the orange beast as she could. "It's so good to see you. Are the others here?"
"Without a doubt, fair maiden. We would never miss this occasion."
Ludo put her down and she bent down on one knee to talk to the well spoken fox. "Sir Didymus, how are you? Where's Ambrosias?"
The fox took his cap off and looked up at her sadly. "Alas my lady, my faithful steed fell in battle, brave to the last."
"Oh I'm so sorry."
"'Tis of the past my lady. It is indeed a pleasure to see you again. How myself and my dear brother have missed you."
She smiled kindly at the two of them. "I've missed you too. But where's Hoggle?" "Hello Sarah."
She turned and her smile grew as she saw the small dwarf. "Oh Hoggle. I've missed you so much."
He stopped her hugging him though. "I's just wantin' to says that I'm sorry first. I's a coward and I don expect you to forgive me."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Honestly Hoggle, what are you don't about now?"
The dwarf frowned, his bushy grey eyebrows moving closer together. "You mean, you don't know what I did?"
She shook her head.
"You sees, I helped someone get through the Labyrinth but he was a bad person, I wasn't supposed to help him and Jareth punished me by stopping us seeing you anymore. I's sorry."
"Oh Hoggle don't be. We all make mistakes. I'm sure you thought you were doing the right thing. But why weren't you allowed help him?"
"He was an evil man. He beat his wife and his little baby's and they wished themselves away. He told me that they didn't mean it and that he was a good man." Sarah frowned. "Did he win?"
Hoggle shook his head. "Naw, Jareth got me away and put him off before we gots there."
"Well then it's ok. I'm here now Hoggle and with any luck I'll be able to see you a lot from now on."
Cyros tapped her on the shoulder. "Come on Sarah. We have to be going."
She nodded and turned back to her friends. "Well, wish me luck." "Good luck, Sawah."
"We shall be seated in the gallery my lady. All the luck in the Underground."
"I's got somethin' for ya Sarah." The dwarf held out a long sliver chain with an amethyst pendant hanging from it. "It's for luck."
"Thank you Hoggle, it's beautiful. May I kiss you this time?" Hoggle nodded and blushed as she placed a kiss on the end of his nose.
She stood up straight and, waving goodbye to her friends, headed towards the tower with a knot in her stomach. The giant sparkling doors opened into an immense hall. Sarah saw Lord Sogoro and his wife, along with Cassandra and a woman she could only assume to be her mother standing to one side of the room. There was a large circle of sapphire set into the floor in the centre of the room and the group that Sarah was with stood across from the others and began to talk quietly among themselves. Taranga stood next to Sarah. "Now remember dear, just move to the red circle and do what they tell you to do. Don't be afraid to speak your mind but be respectful and try not to talk over anyone. You'll want to when that rabble speak but that's to be expected."
Sarah nodded then kept silent. Blurry figured moved across the large clear wall to the right of the group, like a movie screen out of focus. She assumed that the people in this room would watch the court from there since they were speaking and could not sit in the galleries.
Suddenly a voice echoed around the room. "Sarah Williams, step forward."
Taranga gave her a small push and she moved into the centre of the blue circle. Just before she disappeared she saw the shapes on the wall begin to focus.
Sarah found herself standing in what appeared to be a large circular room except at the top of the walls rows and rows of seats ran up as far as thirty rows. They were all crammed to the rafters with creatures of all kinds. Sarah did as she was instructed by Taranga and moved to the ruby circle, just large enough for one person to stand within and waited. There was a dais in front of her with five large seats forming part of the diamond. Infact, with the exception of the inlays of the large blue circle in the centre of the room, one red one on the left and three purple on the right for speakers, everything seemed to be part of the building. The crowd got louder as she walked over to the ruby circle and stood waiting.
She immediately picked her friends out from the crowd by the large orange mass that was Ludo. She scanned the rest of the crowd and spotted Theo who waved and gesture to an assortment of creatures beside him and mouthed "Supporters" at her. The entire group waved and she smiled but did not wave back. She continued to look about the crowd and received both smiled and glares and even what looked like rude gestures but most of the faces in the crowd were neutral, there simply to find out what was going to happen. It appeared she was fresh scandal in the Underground.
She blinked in surprise when she fixed her gaze on Jareth but when she looked again she saw that it was simply another blond fae talking to his companion.
Suddenly the crowd hushed and the five council members appeared on the dais and took their seats. Sarah took them in, going from left to right. Taranga and Ionnina, regular attendees of the court had described each to her.
The first was Akiko, whose long straight black hair swung well past her waist. The tiny woman wore a blood red dress with a black corset. Her black eyes were sharp and calculating.
The next was a woman with nearly black hair but her hair, eyes and even skin were all tinted with green. She wore a dress of royal blue and Sarah noted her webbed fingers. From what she had been told Bairbre was a mermaid and one of the two council members that represented the non-fae population of the underground.
The next was a tall man with long, slightly greying black hair. He had a kindly face. This was Ferdia. The others had told her that his heart was in the right place but he was too easily manipulated.
The next was another woman, Keara whose bright strawberry blond hair and sparkling blue eyes gave her an innocent air, but the intelligence and wisdom were obvious in her expression.
The last on the council was Elvin. His long blond hair was pulled back in a braid and his pointed ears were evident. He wore a green tunic and looked like he had experienced much.
The five sat and the room went deathly quiet.
Ferdia stood and looked at Sarah. "You are Sarah Williams, originally of Aboveground, Boston, America?"
"I am."
"And do you know why you are here?"
"I do."
"And are you aware that charges have been brought against you by several parties?" "I am aware that they are indeed being put forward but I am unaware of the nature of these charges."
Ferdia nodded. "Very good. Well then, lets get this started. Lord Sogoro of the kingdom of Varn, step forward."
Lord Sogoro appeared in the blue circle and moved to the first purple circle. "Princess Cassandra of the Algarian Planes, step forward." Cassandra appeared and sent a superior look towards Sarah before moving to the second purple circle. "Finally, Queen Angela of the Algarian Planes, step forward." A woman who looked like Cassandra but with several more wrinkles (and they were not smile lines) appeared and moved to the final circle.
Ferdia sat down and Thian spoke in a commanding voice. "Queen Angela, we shall address your charge first."
The woman nodded and stepped forward. "This young… woman…" she said with disgust. "conspired to take a suitor from my beautiful and much more deserving daughter. A suitor whom she had declared her intentions for long before hand and…" Keara held her hand up, blue eyes flashing. "Your Majesty this council is not willing to entertain your frivolous attempt at a claim just because a young woman challenged your daughter for a mans attention. This is not a court for personal matters. Your charge is dismissed."
"But…"
"Dismissed. Step back."
Sarah assumed that the council communicated telepathically because the other had nothing to say to the queen as she stepped within the blue circle and disappeared. Thian spoke again. "Lord Sogoro, what charge have you to make."
The tall tanned man stood forward. "I have observed that this woman is not of sound mind to have control of a magik and that she is unable and unworthy for the honour of becoming a resident of the Underground. I witnessed her loose control of her powers once. It could easily happen again."
The council nodded. "Princess Cassandra. I trust your claim is more substantial than your mothers?"
Cassandra stepped forward. "Indeed it is." Her voice was sickly sweet and Sarah cringed as she spoke. "That woman threatened to kill me, twice and I also believe she is unable to wield a magik. The first time she threatened to kill me she lost control of her powers and nearly did!"
Thian nodded and turned to Sarah. "What do you have to say?"
Sarah stepped forward and the crowed buzzed. "The time that both Lord Sogoro and Princess Cassandra refer to, I did indeed loose control of my magik but I have gained greater mastery of my Fire since then. I am in full control now and can prove it if needs be. On both occasions that Princess Cassandra charges me with threatening to kill me, I was provoked and I propose to counter charge with the fact that she plotted to kill me on more than one occasion though it was an accomplice that committed the act."
Cassandra spluttered but said nothing.
The council nodded and Thian stood again. "First, we propose to test your control." He turned to Cassandra and Sogoro. "A temporary bind has been put on both your magiks."
The two looked outraged but before they could voice their objections Ferdia, Thian, and Keara fired bolts of energy at them.
Sarah shot forward and raised a shield in time to prevent the pair from harm. She suddenly realised that Bairbre and Aikiko had also fired energy and she managed to deflect both at the last minute but the closer one grazed her shoulder and she staggered backwards.
The crowd hissed and murmured.
Sarah lowered the shield in front of the Cassandra and Sogoro and returned to her circle clutching her shoulder. The council looked at each other and Bairbre stood. She waved her hand and Sarah felt the pain ebb away from her shoulder. She nodded her thanks to the green skinned woman who then turned to the others.
"Lord Sogoro, obviously the girl has both control of her magik but also good reflexes. Your charge is dismissed. Step back."
Sogoro scowled and disappeared.
Aikiko sat forward, staring intently at Sarah. "We have another issue to deal with, I'm sure you're aware. Yesterday, you killed Fuamnach."
Sarah stepped forward. "Yes I did."
The crowd's buzzing grew louder and there were a few unintelligible shouts but they were silenced by Akiko's wave.
Sarah continued. "I did kill her, but not before she tried to kill me four times using an illegal curse and it was in self defence."
Akiko nodded. "Would you be willing to submit your memories for scrutiny on both this matter and Princess Cassandra's charge?"
"I would."
"Very well."
The tall dark haired woman stood and moved to Sarah, taking her hand in her own. Sarah let her memories flow, letting the council see every emotion, feeling and sense that she had experienced in those moments. She heard Akiko gasp softly as she thought about when that final curse had hit her on the cliff. The ripping pain was transferred to the other woman with such clarity that Sarah had the urge to protect her wound again.
Akiko let go of her hand and moved back to her seat. "Princess Cassandra, we find that Sarah Williams was indeed provoked and that there were deeper personal feelings involved. Your charge is dismissed."
"But…"
"It is dismissed. You now have a chance to speak against her one last time." Cassandra stepped forward. "This woman, this former mortal should not be given a kingdom let alone the power she wields now. She is only twenty six. She has lived her whole life above ground. Even look at what she wears. She has already killed one person. She is entirely erratic, who knows what effect she could have on the Underground were she given a ruling position."
There was a mixture of clapping and boos as Cassandra finished her speech. The council looked to Sarah then.
She stepped forward. "Some of what Cassandra says is true, I am only twenty six, I have lived nearly all my life Aboveground with the exception of a rather eventful thirteen hours. I wear my Aboveground clothes because I did not wish to appear to be something I am not. I am not from the Underground nor will I ever be, but I would like to become part of it. As for being given a ruling position or not, I am unconcerned. It is a choice you have to make not me. I have a bond with my Fire that I do not wish to be broken and if I must rule a kingdom to keep it I would gladly take on the responsibility."
Sarah stood back amidst more clapping and booing.
Aikiko nodded and spoke. "Princess Cassandra, step back."
There was a small pause as the council conversed silently. Ferdia stood again. "Queen Taranga of Cuthel, step forward. King Cyros of the Lonely Deserts, step forward. Princess Persephone of the Gale Coast, step forward."
The three appeared and took their places.
Keara looked down at Taranga. "You majesty, do you really believe this woman should be allowed keep her Fire let alone be given a kingdom?"
Taranga shook her wild mane of hair. "Of course I do. Do you think I'd be here if I didn't? You know me better than that."
The crowd laughed but fell silent again with a sharp look from the council.
"I've seen this young woman go through hell and back in the last few weeks and she has taken it all with grace, dignity and total control over her emotions and Fire. I don't know many fae who could have done it, let alone a mortal girl of twenty six."
Keara nodded. "King Cyros, a girl of twenty six getting control of a kingdom. Would you be willing to have this girl at the same level as you?"
"She is already on my level. Don't let the looks fool you, she's a smart girl. Highly talented and quick to adapt. She's make a wonderful leader."
"Princess, as the lest personally connected to Miss Williams, what have you observed?"
"A kind, helpful and resourceful woman with the ability to handle massive stress with admirable poise and calmness. I hope to increase our acquaintance at some point though I know she's been rather busy."
She smiled at Sarah who smiled back. Bairbre nodded. "Very well. You are the only three who will speak in her favour and you have spoken well. Step back and we shall make our decision."
The three nodded and Cyros gave her a wink before he disappeared.
Aikiko looked up. "I have one more question." Sarah nodded. "Before you came in here, I observed you socialising with a dwarf, a talking dog and a large beast. Creatures well below your station even now. If we give you a kingdom, will you still socialise with them?"
Sarah stepped forward. "Indeed I would. You see, those are my friends. They helped me when they didn't have to. Why would I ever abandon them no matter what station I was at? They would never abandon me. I would prefer to socialise with them, than with people who only speak with me because I control a kingdom."
She nodded and the council fell back into deliberation. Suddenly the ruby circle turned jade and a cheer rose from some of the crowd. Sarah smiled and bowed in thanks to the council.
Bairbre smiled at her. "You will be given the kingdom of Val Alorn, currently under council rule. Step back and we shall speak with you afterwards." Sarah bowed again and stepped back to the blue circle.
Sarah reappeared in the room below and was swept up in many hugs. Etáin kissed her cheek.
"Would you look at you! A queen straight off, I thought at least they might have given you a province to try out. They must have seen some stuff in those memories of yours."
Cian gave a whoop and swung her around. She shrieked slightly and he set her on her feet letting the others come forward to offer their congratulations.
Queen Angela came forward with her daughter at her heels. For a short moment it seemed as if she might attempt a truce but her lip curled and she spat at Sarah's feet. "Our kingdoms shall never have contact. Of that you can be assured."
The queen turned on her heel and stormed off. Cassandra paused and glared at Sarah. "If I ever see you anywhere near my Jareth I'll…"
Sarah raised a sceptical eyebrow. "You'll what Cassandra? I may not be with Jareth but I very much doubt he's yours."
The princess stomped her foot. "Well he's more mine than he is yours!"
Sarah nearly laughed at the absurd gesture. "What are you, five? Please, leave me alone. This counts as contact between our kingdoms."
"You will never have a kingdom as far as I'm concerned."
Ionnina glared at her. "Well, as far as laws, the council and land rights are concerned, she does."
Cassandra let out an impatient wail and stomped away.
Sarah laughed refusing to let the display of mother or daughter ruin her mood. "I swear, that girl's going to burst a blood vessel if she doesn't loosen up."
The others laughed and then grew silent. Sarah looked around curiously and saw the reason. Bairbre was walking towards the group. They all bowed and she approached Sarah.
"I am sorry to tear you from your celebrations but there are some things to be finalised."
Sarah nodded and turned to her friends. Nadír pointed to the door. "We'll wait for you in the square. Just out the main doors when you're done."
She nodded and followed Bairbre to a small anti-chamber where they were transported to yet another level. From what Sarah could see they were in one of the spiralling turrets. The view from the window was spectacular.
She could see great rolling planes of grass with small villages dotted around it, wreathed of smoke curled far up into the sky, locating each house or small settlement. Bordering these gently curving seas of green was a vast desert. The white sand was bright in the late afternoon sun and Sarah could just see a train of what looked like camels reaching the top of a far dune. Beyond that, she could just make out the shape of a city.
Bairbre smiled at her. "I believe you've already opened relations with that particular kingdom."
"That's the Lonely Deserts, huh? I'm guessing it doesn't have a coast."
"That would be correct. It has an irrigation system that allows for limited farming but the country relies much on trade. The sand of the desert is rich in a certain magikal mineral of medicinal benefit to all creatures here, and as you can see, they have plenty of that."
"I can see."
Sarah looked about the room. Like the other rooms in the tower, everything seemed to grow from the tower itself, the chairs and large circular table all made out of diamond. Sarah took a seat across from the five councillors. "So…"
Akiko raised a thin eyebrow. "Indeed. The country we are awarding you is that of Val Alorn. It is currently under council rule…"
"So to speak." Cut in Thian. Akiko gave him a dangerous look but he continued. "Let's not dance about the issue Akiko. The reason the country has been under council rule is that no one else can get in."
Sarah looked surprised. "And what makes you think I can get in?"
Akiko spoke again. "You seem to have an affinity with both natural and magikal things that we think will help with this issue."
"And the issue being?"
Keara waved her hand over the table top and an image appeared on the glassy surface. It was of a country. Presumably Val Alorn.
"As you can see, with the exception of the southern coast line and the centre the entire country is thick forest."
Sarah did indeed see this. The southern coast seemed to have white sandy beaches and at the centre of this massive forest was a ring of tall mountains with two passes. Within this ring seemed to be a small city and a large lake.
"Ok, so I can see that with the city inside the mountains and no roads that transport would be difficult but I don't see why that would be a problem here, with the teleporting and everything."
Ferdia shook his head. "You don't seem to see my dear, the Forest wont let us in. Not even teleport. The only one of us who has managed to even step foot ,or fin as it might be, on Val Alorn is Bairbre, because she swam."
"So the forest is magikal, like the Labyrinth and it doesn't want to ruled over, so it wont let you in?"
Keara nodded, blue eyes shining. "That is why we though you might be able to rule. You understand the position already. Most Fae aren't quite as to grips with a forest telling them what to do."
"I see. Well, how do I get there?"
Bairbre stood up and walked to the window. "I just went there and convinced it to let you in, at least to talk. We'll work from there. If you don't succeed today, you can come back here and take up residence in the city until we organise something."
Sarah nodded. "Well, I suppose I just need a map. So I know where to go."
Ferdia nodded and handed her a page of parchment. She unrolled it and looked over it. "Oh, so it only borders two countries. What are they?"
Akiko leaned over the table and tapped the paper. "That one to the east and north is Moranium, my kingdom. I hope we shall have happy relations, and possibly a quicker way to travel west."
Sarah nodded. "I'm sure you will have something to supply us in return."
The stern woman smiled for the first time. "Thinking like a leader already. I'm glad we chose you."
Sarah grinned at her. "What about this country to the west and north?"
"That is Goblin Kingdom."
"I should have known there was a catch."
Ferdia frowned. "Will you still accept in light of this new information?"
She sighed and sat back. "Yes. May the Gods help me but I'm gonna have Jareth for a neighbour."
Keara laughed. "Don't worry. My kingdom neighbours my ex-husbands and we only war occasionally and there's never any serious casualties. Mostly it's the live stock that suffer."
Sarah swallowed a nervous giggle and stood. "Well, I should go see my friends before I leave. Thank you all for this opportunity. I hope we will meet again soon under slightly less tense circumstances."
They all bowed and Sarah left the room.
She blinked in the bright winter sun as she left the building and smiled as she heard a
few cheer from across the square. She walked over to her friends and grinned as Ludo gave her a crushing hug. She was introduced to many new people and creatures and the large group left for a nearby tavern.
They took up nearly the entire premises as they all filed in and a man that looked about forty came up to the main table.
"Ahh, Sarah isn't it? I'm Joe." Sarah took the mans hand and he shook it heartily. She smiled. He had the familiarity of a person from Aboveground.
"From Boston I hear? London myself. Went over a few times though, lovely city." This time Sarah was truly surprised and it obviously showed because Joe laughed. "Alright love? Hehe, I'm a halfling I am. Swapped for a human kid when I was younger. Damn sprites. Anyway, what'll it be?"
The group all ordered drinks and soon enough Sarah was hearing various stories and anecdotes of the many kingdoms of the Underground.
Sarah saw that the sun was beginning to get low in the sky. She stood and looked around the room. "I'd like to thank you all for your support and it was lovely to meet most you. The rest, I already knew."
"I which case it was terrible to meet them!"
Came a shout from somewhere in the back. Sarah grinned. "I must be going now. Terribly important things to be doing, but I'll meet you all back here this time next year!"
There was a half drunken roar from the crowd and they all fell back into conversation. Sarah looked at her friends. "I have to go."
Etáin nodded and hugged her. "You miss my big masked ball and I'll kill you. I've gotten used to you running around the castle causing havoc."
Sarah laughed. "I'll be there. I promise. But you know how I feel about ball, especially masked ones."
"I don't care."
"I know. Goodbye everyone. You all must get in touch if I don't because I have a feeling I'll be a bit busy. Getting used to things."
They all nodded.
"No kidding." Said Orpheus. "Val Alorn, the man eating forest. Good luck getting used to that. Ouch!"
He looked at his wife who glared at him. "Don't scare her."
Sarah smiled. "Don't worry. Well bye."
Sarah concentrated on the beach on the map and disappeared from the tavern.
Sarah sat on the beach and gazed out to sea as the sun set. It certainly was beautiful here, but getting past the damn forest was certainly proving to be a problem. Every time she had attempted to enter the trees the trunks and branches bent in, knitting together to form an impenetrable wall. Sarah was unwilling to blast her way through and the one time she had been fast enough to get through, thorny vines had snapped forward and cut her. So she sat on the beach listening to the ocean and waiting for the forest to make contact. After it got dark she gathered some drift wood and lit a small fire. She sat next to the flames listening to them chatter amongst themselves. Though the fire was one entire entity, it took on many voices. One for each flame created. She wondered idly if the fire was technically insane as it was really just talking to itself.
"It is a beautiful view, isn't it?"
Sarah jumped and looked across her small fire. The man frowned at her. His dark brown hair was wavy and reached well beyond his shoulders. His eyes were extraordinary. They seemed to change colour constantly.
Sarah lay back and looked at him, resting her weight on her elbows. "Don't you know not to scare people like that?"
"Don't you know you're trespassing?"
"I was sent here."
The man's eyebrows shot up. "You? You're the new leader?"
"You were expecting…?"
"Someone male."
"Oh great, a sexist forest. Just what I need."
The man shook his head. "No, it's just they've always sent men before."
His face hardened again. "So, are you to be my new 'queen'? To rule over me?"
Sarah shrugged. "Well, I was rather hoping to rule with you, or maybe do as little ruling as possible, but whatever suits you."
The man looked surprised again. "Are you serious?"
Sarah glanced over at him. "Deathly. I didn't ask for a kingdom. I just wanted to keep my magik."
"Oh…"
Sarah looked out to sea again and watched the rippling water. Jareth had been right. They had no stars in the Underground. Just blackness.
"So, what am I supposed to call you? Forest? Val Alorn?"
"Dara."
"Oh, ok. I'm Sarah by the way."
He looked at her carefully. "Not the Sarah that ran the Labyrinth eleven years ago by any chance?"
She eyed him. "Yea, why?"
He rolled his eyes. "That could saved us time is that silly mermaid had just told me that. She's told me all about you!"
Sarah looked at him curiously. "Who?"
"The Labyrinth!"
Sarah grinned. "She? Don't tell me, you two are magikal landscape lovers."
"Well, if you want to put it so crudely, myself and Cellan have been… entangled now, for nearly a millennia."
"Wow. So, how did you get your names?"
"We just kind of, made them up."
Sarah nodded. "So, can I go into what is supposed to me my country now?"
He frowned again. "A few rules first."
She threw her hands up. "Fine. I've already said I don't mind not having any control." "You can be queen in name and appearance to the outside world, you'll really be an ambassador."
"Great, I get the dirty work."
"Anyway, you will negotiate with other countries. My population is small cut being cut off from the rest of the Underground for so long has taken it's toll. We have plenty of food and water. Fertile soils and good crop and livestock but the soil is lacking minerals for the growing of most of the basic plants for medical needs. Besides a few herbs and limited magikal healing…"
"So I take it disease and illness is a serious problem."
He nodded. "Yes. The forest is inhabited by mostly magical creatures, centaurs, unicorns, dryads, nymphs etc, and they have tried to help but their needs are different to the humans that live within the mountain ring. That's were they all live. No fae live here so we've had little to no magikal healing."
Sarah nodded. "Ok, I think that I can probably help with that. Would you like to tell me why you let no one in?"
He gestured to the beach. "This is a very attractive country with a favourable climate. Many fae wish to come here and rest."
Sarah laughed. "You mean they want to use it as a holiday resort?"
"If that's what you call it, yes. You must understand Sarah, what we have within my borders is very rare. Humans, dwarves, and a host of magical live in relative harmony and seclusion. None of us want that peace disturbed and all were agreed that the sacrifice was worth it."
Sarah sat back, taking in all the information. "I can understand that. What about someone who would like to live here? Immigrants and the like?"
"We have plenty of room. If they convince me that they will not cause any trouble I usually let them in. Getting out is the problem for most people. They get struck by wanderlust occasionally."
She nodded again and pulled out the map Ferdia had given her. "Look here." She drew her finger across the north of the country between the Goblin Kingdom and Moranium. "If you could create a track here. It would allow traffic to pass and you could keep an eye on who's around. Connected to the north pass and residents are able to leave and trade from other countries is available as well as deliveries. I know for a fact that Moranium wants quicker passage west. In return for medicines and their word that they don't leave the track or the town…"
"I suppose, but you would have to speak to the towns people first. Be sure they wouldn't mind the strangers."
"Well, lets go then."
Dara nodded and stood. Sarah put out her fire and stood also. She had to tip her head back to look into the tall mans eyes as he stood nearly two feet taller than her. "You're tall!"
He grinned down at her. "And your small. I'm not real of course, I'm just a manifestation. I can look as I please."
Sarah smiled wickedly. "I bet this is the form the Labyrinth likes best, am I right?" Dara smiled down at her and they walked up the beach towards line of trees. Nothing stopped her this time as Sarah stepped into the dark forest. The grass was soft underfoot and Sarah could hear animals in the trees and brush as well a birds overhead.
Sarah turned when she heard a voice and Dara laughed quietly. "Looks like you've caught someone's attention!"
"I tend to do that a lot."
The voice grew clearer. "Oh, what's this now? Over here? No, over here. Yes, yes." The muttering grew louder and Sarah could hear snuffling in the undergrowth. "What is that? Some thing new! Smells nice though!"
Sarah looked down as a purple warthog came rambling though a bush. His tufty hair stood up and his beady eyes glowed neon green in the dark. He squinted at her and then looked up at Dara.
"Who's this now? Who's this? Smells spicy she does."
"Um, I'm Sarah."
The warthogs eyes grew wider. "Oh, the new queen it is. Well, my lovely, welcome, welcome. If you ever need any truffles, do not hesitate to find me. I am Ruffunius the third."
Sarah smiled at the odd creature. "Thank you. I'll keep you in mind."
The warthog turned his flat snout in another direction and began to wander off. "What's this now? What' this? Ahhh, mushrooms."
Sarah laughed. "Are all your inhabitants like him?"
"They vary."
"Something to look forward to."
The pair walked for several more hours encountering many more forms of life including the head of the centaur population, who, while not quite as outgoing as Theodore, was willing to try the proposed arrangement of the pass and Sarah.
"I do not like the idea of you representing our country…"
"You don't like the idea of your country representing your country." Cut in Dara and received a glare for his troubles.
"… I don't like it, but I am willing to attempt the arrangement if it will be of benefit to my friends in the town."
The encounter had left Sarah slightly ruffled.
Sarah could see the bluish light of dawn filter through the tall trees as they continued to walk. She glanced up at Dara who strode ahead.
"At the risk of sounding like a child, are we nearly there yet?" Dara just laughed. "Don't you know it'll take over three days to walk there. I just want you to meet someone else before we teleport."
Sarah mumbled something vaguely violent in Russian and Dara gave her an odd look. They arrived in a clearing where a small stone house stood. Smoke rose gently up from the chimney and it reminded Sarah of a witches house from a fairytale. Something that Snow White had come across perhaps or like something Baba Yaga might have lived in.
"Ohh, so this is her is it? Give me a look then." An old woman who certainly looked the part came hobbling around the corner. Her brown dress was shabby and homemade and her long grey hair made her look haggard though when Sarah looked into her face she saw the withered remains of an incredible beauty. Her dark skin was like wrinkled leather and she gave Sarah a crooked smile. Purple eyes shone mischievously.
"Pretty, yes. Looks tasty."
The woman licked her lips and Sarah took a step back. Both Dara and the woman laughed.
"I'm just kidding you dearie. I'm a vegetarian me. If I wasn't half me friends would be lunch meat. Plenty of fruit and nuts here. Even got me own veggie patch out back. I'm Agnes."
Sarah took her hand. "Nice to meet you. Why do you live away out here?"
The woman shrugged and began to spread seed on the ground. "I've always been here. People want me, they know where to find me. That counts for you to dearie. I'm smarter than I look me."
Sarah smiled. "I'll probably need all the help I can get."
"Don't you be worrying, you. I've seen it. You'll be fine."
Dara looked at the confused Sarah. "Agnes here can see the future. Hasn't ever been wrong."
Agnes frowned. "Of course not. I'm never wrong. Now you run along. The town's just getting news of you now. They're anxious to meet you."
Sarah nodded and looked up at Dara. The two disappeared and Agnes continued to spread the seeds, watching contentedly as the small birds, comfortable with her presence, came to feed.
End Chap.
MRAN:
Ok, so, the song is by Mercury Rev and is called "The Dark is Rising". It's really pretty.
All of the council members and assorted others that are new to the chapter are mine.
What did you think? Tell me truly. Spare me no detail however harsh!
And now, onward to December 27th!
Slán lads.
