Sarah stood on the hill looking over the Labyrinth once again. It looked darker than she remembered. It was every twist and turn seemed sharper. She couldn't bare the thought of Toby being in there alone, even worse, the thought of Alex in that castle. It was true that Sarah was younger than both of them when she first entered the Labyrinth, but she felt she new this world better already since she read the book many times over. And even after that she was frightened.
Hoggle, Sir Didymus and Ludo stood behind her. Sarah knew they were risking a lot in helping her now. And she was taking a great chance in returning. But she saved her brother once, and she will do it again even if she must turn the world upside down herself! Hoggle stood next to her. Sarah looked down at her good friend "There's no turning back now, Hoggle."
"And we'll follow you all the way, Sarah." Said Hoggle.
Sarah smiled a little "You're not afraid?"
"Oh just hearing the King's name still makes jump out of my skin! But I'm not going to run away this time! No Sir! Not me!"
"Nor will I, my Lady!" Sir Didymus joined in "I shall fight them all to the death!"
Sarah laughed seeing Didymus hasn't changed much. "Well come on then, there can't be much time left." And with that all four of them set down the hill and into the Labyrinth.
Toby didn't know his sister had come after him, but even if he did it wouldn't have given him much hope. He felt he had gone miles from the entrance of the Labyrinth but the castle didn't look much closer. He and Minx were in what must have been the forest. The huge trees hung over him making it seem darker than it was. Toby was getting tired and hungry. It must have been an hour since sunset. The forest seemed to close in from behind him, making him abandon all hope of turning back. Minx held tight to his shoulder. Thankfully the squitten could see in the dark.
Alex on the other hand was quite comfortable within the castle walls. She sat at the table with the Goblin King. She had eaten quietly the whole time. Even though Jareth had showed nothing but kindness, Alex still felt a little uneasy. Eponine walked in carrying a tray with dessert. She served Alex what looked like the most delicious chocolate cake she had ever seen!
"This is my mother's specialty, Miss." Eponine said, not hiding the pride in her voice.
"It looks wonderful!" When Alex took the first bite she could have sworn it was a slice of heaven. She couldn't help but smile. After serving the King, Eponine curtsied, and left. Alex finished dessert quickly (she couldn't help herself it was so good!). After she was through she sat back in her seat.
"Alex" said Jareth "do you like to read?"
Alex was not expecting that question, it seemed to come out of the blue.
"Oh yes." She said "I love to read. How did you--?"
"Would you like to see the castle Library?"
"Oh.....well, yes.....yes that would be nice. Thank you." She blushed inwardly.
"I'm sure you'll find it quite lovely. There are many books you may find interesting."
"Thank you." Alex said again, not sure of what else to say. She indeed adored books and she wondered if he somehow read her mind. Jareth stood up and helped Alex from her seat. "Come Alex." Jareth offered his arm and she gingerly took it. "The Library is in the east wing....." He took her up and stair case and through the halls. At the end of the long corridor the doors opened. Jareth allowed Alex to walk in before him. She couldn't believe her eyes! There were shelves and shelves of books! Each shelf reached the ceiling!
"Go ahead, look around."
Alex was absolutely speechless! She had never seen so many books in one room. Compared to this, any other library looked like a bookcase! Alex noticed the fire place which was surrounded by and couch and a few chairs, which looked very cozy, just perfect to curl up in with a book.
"What do you think?" Jareth asked.
"It's incredible! I've never seen anything like this!"
"And now that you know where it is you can come here whenever you like."
Alex turned to him "Really?"
"If you like."
"Oh yes! I do, Thank you!" she smiled.
Jareth smiled as well. "Well this is where I leave you Alex. I have some arrangements to make for tomorrow and some other business affairs. Eponine will escort you back to your room when you're ready. Good evening Alex."
"Goodnight.....your Highness" she said remembering his proper title and curtsied for him. Jareth made a low bow and disappeared.
Alex walked along the shelves feeling the covers of the books.
Jareth walked down the corridors to his study. All was going according to plan. When he reached his study, Jareth sat down and conjured up a crystal. "Careen!"
"Yes, your Majesty?" Eponine's mother said apon entering the study.
"Give the order, for the Goblins to prepare the Ballroom decorations in the morning."
"Yes sir."
"Make sure the other girls stick to their tasks. No slacking."
"Of course sire."
Jareth gazed into his crystal again "Ah, Sarah. You have finally returned. But you wont find your brother in time.....I shall see to it." In the crystal Sarah, the fox knight, the dwarf and the monster were weaving through the twisted corners.
"Your Majesty?"
"Yes Careen....."
"My husband....."
"Oh, yes. You may go see him, but only after the library is dusted."
"Yes sire."
"You're dismissed."
Careen made a low curtsied and left the King alone. "And now, the boy....." he said.
Toby yawned. He couldn't tell how much longer he could stay awake. Minx tapped the side of his head "No it's not sleepy time!"
"Yeah I know....."
"You ok, Toby?"
"Yeah.....yeah I'm- Whoa!!!"
"AHHHHH!!!!"
They didn't even see it coming. It was like the forest floor disappeared from beneath them.
"Toby!" Minx squeaked.
"Ouch.....oh what was that?"
"A hole!"
"Oh terrific! Just peachy!"
Minx jumped off Toby's shoulder and climbed up the earthy walls of the ditch. She sat at the top "Can you stand?"
"I think so.....yeah." Toby stood up, the only part of him that he actually hurt was his butt. He looked up. The hole was pretty deep, and there was nothing for him to grab onto the pull him up. Minx had her claws so she was able to climb to the top, but Toby doubted he could even make it up a few feet.
"Minx, I can't get out!"
"But you have to!"
"I can't!" Toby was beginning to panic. He knew Minx was too small to pull him out. "Ok...ok. Minx, I need you to do something. Go get help!"
"But.....we don't have time....."
"If we don't have help, I'll never get out and we'll run out of time anyway! Please Minx, find somebody! Anybody!"
"Ok! I'll try! I'll be back soon!"
"Hurry!"
Minx scampered off for help. Toby sat back down, feeling exhausted and hopeless.
Back in the castle Jareth was watching from his crystal, and grinned. "That will keep him busy for a while." He said and then looked up at his clock. "3 hours to go....."
Back in the library, Alex was still exploring, trying to find a book. But it was difficult to choose just one. She could no sooner choose a single star in the sky. She was so absorbed in the books in front of her that she didn't notice Careen walk in with a feather duster.
"Oh good evening, miss." She said.
"Hmm?...Oh hello!" Alex smiled. She then made up her mind and pulled out a book 'Scales and Fire: The history of dragons.' And went to sit down by the fire. Careen watched her for a few minutes before charming the feather duster to dust the books on its own. Alex was absolutely fascinated. Dragons were real? Incredible! And there are so many!
"I beg your pardon, Miss." Careen said, interrupting her thoughts. "But I sent my daughter to bed. Eponine has a busy day ahead of her and needs her rest. I will attend to your needs tonight."
"Oh thank you. If I may say, she's a very kind girl."
"Thank you Mss Alex. I do my best for her." Careen went back to straightening out the library.
Alex smiled to herself and went back to her book. It got even later, and Alex fell asleep in her chair, her book falling from her lap. Careen waved her hand and the book started to levitate. She placed a book mark in it and set it down of the side table. She snapped her fingers and they both appeared in Alex's chambers. Alex appeared on her bed, still asleep. She shifted a bit and then rested comfortably.
Careen was very skillful and had served many women in the past. She helped Alex into her night dress without disturbing her from her sleep.
"I hope your dreams are pleasant....." Careen whispered before leaving.
Alex slept peacefully. Still, something in the back of her mind still worried her. Somebody she knew and cared about. But she couldn't picture them in her mind.
(A/N: Chapter 7 is coming soon! Please Review!)
