Author's Note: The writer's block worked itself out. Eventually. Sometimes it just requires you to start writing, regardless of whether or not it's good, in hopes that better words will follow. Thank you to everyone who wrote to encourage me.
Ymir-chan, you asked if Sarah's dream was real. Hmmm. I think all I will say is that sometimes, the line between dreams and reality isn't always a clear one-- particularly not in the Labyrinth. Glad you're enjoying the story...
LadyRhiyana, the King of Death is...well, he just is. My inspiration was from Greek/Roman myth about the Underworld, but I'm not sure if that really answers your question. As for why there is so much power in Sarah's wish, I don't think that will ever be fully explained. It's really just more of that "be careful what you wish for" lesson that Sarah hasn't fully learned, along with the concept that words do have more power in the Underground. Thanks for reading-- the part with Death is one of my favorite parts, too, along with Jareth's flight from the tower.
QueenOfHearts3, I'm floored you actually reviewed every chapter, thank you. Your comments made me laugh, and I enjoyed seeing your play-by-play reactions as you read along. As for why Sarah would wish the Goblin King away...well, he'd just been taunting her with the possibility that she could easily return home and forget all about the Labyrinth and her friends. It's not a flattering implication about her character and he wasn't particularly gracious about it, so it seemed appropriate that she should wish that he would go back to where he came from. Sarah believes that turnabout is fair play. She's also so flustered by his presence that she can't come up with a more clever comeback.
For Solea and everyone who had suggestions or sympathy for the writer's block, thanks for the excellent advice. Fortunately, the problem wasn't that I disliked the story too much to continue or that was bored with it, I just didn't like the particular way the next chapter began. Content and story direction was all right, but the actual execution needed some tweaking and I'd rewritten it several times before I was satisfied. I will never post a chapter merely out of obligation to the readers, simply because it would bother me too much to see it. I'm terribly anal-retentive that way. This took me a lot longer to write and revise, and the result is the longest chapter yet. You'll have to read it to decide if that's a good or bad thing.
Chapter Eight: An Unexpected Journey
Pale and resolute, Sarah sat down at the library desk with The History of the Labyrinth in her lap. Spread out on the desk in front of her was the map she'd pulled from the ruins of the tower, and she smoothed out the wrinkles and folds with a careful hand. It was much more finely-drawn than the history book's maps, with greater detail and place names written in an elegant, flowing script. She did not doubt who had created it, and the knowledge made her hands shake. Try as she might, she couldn't banish the look on the Goblin King's face before he turned from her. Rage, despair... and betrayal. She hadn't expected that, and the memory of it made her feel sick inside. Sarah thought she knew who he was-- someone cold, cruel, dangerous. He might be all those things, thought Sarah. But I can't bear to see him hurt... She give anything to take back those words. Sarah clenched her hand into a fist, and the pain of her cut finger cleared her mind. She couldn't think about that, not now.
"My lady, I do fear I do not understand." Sir Didymus spoke from his precarious perch on a bookshelf. "Why would His Majesty flee now?"
Sarah paged through the book quickly, not looking up. "I believe... it is because I wished it."
"Sarah!" The dwarf was genuinely shocked.
"It's true, Hoggle. I... didn't mean to. But I thought I was dreaming, and he made me so angry..."
"Canst thou not unwish it?" inquired Sir Didymus.
"It's not that easy." Hoggle interrupted. He sat heavily on the floor, his back against the door. "Words have power here, and you can't unmake what's said just like that." He snapped his fingers.
"He's right." said Sarah. "I tried to fix it, really, I did."
"If your guess is right, Sarah, he'll be forced to return to where he came from whether he wishes it or not."
"Then thou art a powerful sorceress, indeed." Sir Didymus said softly. "There is no one in the Underground who could do such a thing against the Goblin King's will."
"You must believe that I'm not, Sir Didymus. Back in my own world, I have no abilities. But here... here, it's different somehow. I don't understand it at all."
But the King of the Goblins had fallen in love with the girl, and given her certain powers...
What was that? Sarah shook her head to clear it. She couldn't afford to daydream now.
"Forgive me, my lady. It is not that I doubt your word, but it is strange that His Majesty would be compelled to leave in such a manner. I fear he is not at all well."
Sarah thought back to Jareth's white face and the blood on his shirt. "I think you're right. But I'm more afraid that he may not be able to return."
Hoggle's answer broke into her thoughts. "That would be the end of the Labyrinth, and the end of us all."
"I won't let it happen." Sarah scanned the book determinedly. "We'll just find him and bring him back."
"Back? Back from where?" asked Hoggle. "Nobody knows where he's gone."
"I think I do." Sarah put her finger on the page.
...records the earliest sightings of the King in the Silverwood, heart of the Underground. Legends say this is where all of the Labyrinth began, from whence sprung the first of its creatures and all life as we know it. It is not surprising to speculate that the King himself came to being in this magical place, although he has never confirmed nor denied such claims...
"You're going by that book?" Hoggle asked incredulously. "A history written by goblins?"
"I'm afraid I must agree," added Sir Didymus. "Our goblin friends are a stalwart bunch, but they are not exactly known for their scholarship..."
"It's the only clue we have, and it's better than nothing. Hoggle... You said you knew of the Silverwood forest. What can you tell me about it?"
"Precious little." The dwarf got to his feet and studied the map. In a far corner was a small notation and he tapped it with his finger. "There."
Sarah looked at the map in dismay. "But it's so far."
"It's further than you think." said Hoggle grimly. "The Silverwood is many miles from here, a long journey on foot. I've never been there, but... I've heard strange tales. It's not a place you want to go, Sarah."
"I may not want to, but I think I have to, Hoggle."
Sir Didymus straightened. "Not alone, my lady. I offer my services to thee as both guide and protector in thy noble quest."
"Right." said Hoggle. "You've never been there, either!"
"It is true," the knight admitted, "But I have much experience in foreign campaigns, and--"
"I'll go alone."
The two friends turned disbelievingly to Sarah.
"You can't be serious." protested Hoggle. "There are many parts of the Labyrinth, some wilder than others, and the Silverwood is wildest of them all. Nobody goes there if they can help it, and it's no place for a girl."
"No one doubts thy courage, my lady." said Sir Didymus, "But--"
"No arguments. I'm the one responsible for the mess we're in, and I'm the one who can fix it. You two thought so yourselves when you summoned me here."
"Yes, but we didn't mean this."
"I didn't mean to do what I did, but it doesn't change anything." Sarah's voice softened. "And I think the kingdom needs you both here. Sir Didymus, who else will care for Ludo while he's sick? He's your brother, you have a sworn duty to protect him. And Hoggle, someone needs to run the kingdom. You're the closest thing to Jareth's heir. He said he'd make you a prince."
"Prince of the Land of Stench!" cried Hoggle, "That's not the same thing at all, and you know it! I can't let you go off on your own like that."
"And I can't just sit here and watch the Labyrinth being slowly destroyed." Sarah set her chin stubbornly.
"I don't care if--" Hoggle began.
"She's right." Sir Didymus said suddenly. "Friend Hoggle, thou knowest as well as I that we have no way of returning her to the Aboveground. His Majesty is the only one who can do that, and if we cannot find him, then Sarah will be trapped here with us. If we do not want her to share our fate, we must give her a chance. I would gladly go with my lady, but we both have duties that bind us here. She is the only one who can go, and go she must."
The dwarf sagged in defeat. "I just don't like it. There has to be another way."
"There isn't." Sarah knelt and put an arm around Hoggle's shoulders. "If I don't find him, then there's no hope for me ever getting back home. Something tells me I can do this, Hoggle. Please... You have to trust me."
"My lady may not be a sorceress, but she is not without her resources." offered the knight hopefully. "She has beaten the Labyrinth before. Might she not do it once more?"
"It's not that," fussed Hoggle, "I just don't like seeing her go off alone, especially not after Jareth."
"I know. But there doesn't seem to be any other way." Sarah knelt and put her arm around the dwarf's shoulders. "It's okay, Hoggle. I know you would come with me if you could."
"Damn right I would." Hoggle brushed at his eyes. "And don't you forget it. Now, now, don't fuss at me, missy. Just got something in my eye is all."
"Now?" said Hoggle. "Can't this wait until morning?"
Sarah and Sir Didymus rushed around Hoggle's cottage, turning out the large chest and stuffing the contents of his pantry into a leather knapsack.
"His Majesty already has a considerable start." said Sir Didymus breathlessly. "Time is of the essence."
"I can't believe you're encouraging her in this." The dwarf said in disgust. "I agreed there was no other way, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. And rushing off like this with no preparation is just foolhardy, that's what."
"We are preparing." Sarah pointed out. "And we'd be done a lot faster if you helped."
Hoggle grumbled inaudibly for a bit. Finally, he said,"You're squashing that bread, Didymus. Apples and heavy stuff on the bottom, bread on top. Foreign campaigns, my fanny..."
Hoggle packed the rest of the food, then fetched a small dagger and a stout walking stick from the woodshed. "From my younger days." he explained. "It's not much to defend yourself with, but it's better than nothing. And if you go on foot--"
"If?" asked Sarah, accepting the knife and the stick. "Is there any other option?"
"There might be one." replied Hoggle mysteriously. "If you can ride."
Sarah hesitated. She'd had a few lessons, but nothing formal. "Not well. But I could do it if I had to."
"Then get your things and come with me. There's a few advantages to being the gardener and caretaker around here."
"She's beautiful." breathed Sarah, approaching the horse shyly. Tall and slender of leg, she was blacker than a starless night, and Sarah held out her hand to her. The mare's nostrils flared at this unfamiliar scent, and she tossed her head warily before allowing Sarah to stroke her neck.
Hoggle watched in approval. "Her name is Rumor. She's the King's own, and he never lets anyone else ride her. On foot, you'd never catch up with him, but riding you'd have a fighting chance."
"Will she carry me?" Sarah's eyes never left the spirited mare.
"Ask her yourself." Hoggle nodded toward the stall, then went to fetch the rest of Sarah's supplies. "Jareth claims she understands everything you say to her."
Sarah combed her fingers through Rumor's mane and rested her cheek on the mare's. She breathed in the sweet, musky scent of hay and horse and felt the horse shift and lean into her body. She remained still for a long time.
"I don't know if you understand what I'm saying," she whispered finally, "But he's in trouble, Rumor. It's all my fault."
Rumor nickered restlessly, but didn't move. Sarah brushed her hand down the horse's velvet nose and told her all about the dream, Jareth's flight from the tower and its collapse. Rumor considered it quietly and nibbled the collar of her shirt. Sarah sighed and fished a wedge of apple from her pocket and fed it to her.
"Now I need to find him and make things right, and I can't do it without you. Will you help me?"
The mare snorted and gently shouldered Sarah aside. She nosed the stall door open and walked through, then looked back at the girl expectantly.
"I'd say that's a yes." Hoggle stood at the entrance to the stables, hands on his hips. "Now watch carefully, you'll have to learn how to handle all her equipment yourself. Rumor won't take a bit and bridle, so don't even try. She'll carry you as far as you need to go, all you have to do is give her the lead and stay in the saddle."
"That might be all I can do."
Hoggle scowled at her. "Sarah, when you keep saying things like that, it doesn't exactly bolster my confidence."
"Sorry."
It was nearly noon before Hoggle was satisfied she could saddle and unsaddle Rumor herself, then brush her down. Sarah had tied back her long hair, and now had streaks of dirt on her face and a smudge on her nose. Along with the smell of hay, there were definitely less savory scents, mainly of horse. Hoggle glanced at her curiously.
"You...have a little something..." he gestured to Sarah's face and offered her a bucket of water.
"Oh." Sarah splashed her face and dried it on a rough cloth the dwarf gave her. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing." the dwarf busied himself with checking the fastening son the saddlebags. "I was just noticing that you're different since you came back to the Labyrinth. You've changed."
"In a good way, I hope." Sarah said wryly.
"I think so." The dwarf gave her a long, measured look. "You're growing up. And it's not just that. You're not the same silly girl you used to be. But you haven't lost whatever it was that brought you here, either. So many mortals do, you know. They grow up and can never come back again."
Sarah nodded slowly. "I think I know what you mean, Hoggle. For a long time, I didn't understand what to think of my adventures here. It was easier to believe they weren't real, and I thought I was being grown up to forget about such stupid things. I almost lost you all because of it."
She took Hoggle's hand in hers. "But I promise I won't make that mistake again, Hoggle. Whatever happens, I'll never doubt you're my friend."
Hoggle patted her on the back. "Yeah, well. Thanks. I mean, you'll always be my friend, too." He coughed in embarrassment. "Where is that ridiculous furball of a knight, anyway?"
Moments later, Sir Didymus came riding up, and when he dismounted, Ambrosius flopped to the stable floor and lay there panting and casting reproachful gazes at his master.
"Forgive me, my friends, but I had to return to fetch something of great importance."
The little knight drew out a red velvet pouch and held it out to Sarah with a flourish. "For thee, my lady."
Sarah opened the drawstrings of the pouch and puzzled, she pulled out a small mirror edged in gold.
"It is no ordinary mirror, my lady, but a gift from His Majesty, for years of loyal service. I have its mate here." He drew an identical mirror from his own waistcoast. "His Majesty once told me they would show me whatever I desired. Long ago, there was another lady, but..." Sir Didymus cleared his throat while his friends pretended not to notice. "Hoggle and I will keep one, and thou shalt take the other. In this way, perhaps we may yet provide some guidance on thy journey."
"It is wonderful," Sarah embraced the little knight. "Thank you."
"Best be off." said Hoggle gruffly. "Half the day's gone already. I don't deny that mirror may come in handy, but Sarah, you take care. Remember things aren't always as they seem in the Labyrinth."
"Good luck to you, my lady!" Sir Didymus called as Sarah mounted Rumor. "And courage!"
"I won't let you down." she said determinedly. "And whatever I do, I won't come back without him, I promise."
"Don't say that." said Hoggle quickly. "You return safely, that's what counts."
Sarah nodded and allowed herself a small smile at her two friends. Then she took a deep breath.
"It's now or never, Rumor. Let's go."
Sarah touched her heels to Rumor's side and the mare was off, picking up her paces until her long strides leaned into the wind and her rider could do nothing but hold on for dear life. The dwarf and the knight watched her until she disappeared into the distance.
"If he hurts her, so help me I'll kill him." Hoggle muttered softly.
Sir Didymus glanced at his friend, but wisely said nothing.
Dawn had never been a more welcome sight to him. The first golden rays of the sun stole over the horizon, slowly banishing the dark to softer shades of lavender and blue while the scattering of stars across the heavens faded away. The Goblin King could not appreciate the beauty of the sunrise, but he was grateful for the warm breeze that washed over him. Owl's wings were not made for long distance flight, and now they were stiff and cold. But there was no help for it.
As soon as Sarah had spoken the words, Jareth felt it-- an unmistakable, almost painful pull to the north. Although he tried to fight it, the wishspell could not be countermanded, not without a price. It drove his flight like the fury of a storm, so he'd flown for hours without stopping. At times, only his anger kept him from dropping in weariness, and he did not know how long he could hold this form in his weakened state. But now, he was far away enough now that the wishspell might let him rest, if just for a little while...
Below, he recognized the Merandanon river, winding through the hills like a silver ribbon until it dipped into a small valley, lush with forest. Skimming over the treetops, he felt his control slipping, bit by bit. The owl form was leaving him. With his last strength he held on to it for as long as he could, tree branches lashing his changing form as he fell. When he landed with a jolt, it was on the springy turf near the water's edge. Dipping a hand into the river, he drank thirstily, then fell back in exhaustion. I shouldn't be out here in the open, he thought. It's not safe.
But Jareth lacked the strength to move. Every part of him ached, and the bandage on his side was sodden. He touched it tentatively, but pulled back his hand with a grunt of pain. Underneath, the unhealed gash was on fire, he could not even bear to remove it to see what damage had been done. Steeling himself, Jareth rolled onto his side. The sun dazzled his eyes so he shut them to the world, curling up around the throbbing pain that lanced down his ribs. She's done this to me, he thought in despair. Unable to heal the Labyrinth or himself, unable to do any but the smallest of ineffective magics. And now, he was headed back for the very place he'd hoped to never see again. Gods, how I hate her, but no more than I hate myself. I've been a fool, and it has cost me everything. And yet, even now if...
A breeze off the river caressed his torn flesh, and Jareth shivered.
Oh, Sarah...
Comments/reviews welcome.