Chapter 4
Gaylord paced back and forth in the throne room of the Goblin City wondering why the King had not returned yet with Christine. He left Waylinn's study soon after the soothsayer retired to his chambers and headed toward the throne room. Gaylord knew that when Jareth returned to the castle he would probably materialize in there first, which was almost four hours ago. Gaylord kicked one of the many goblins that hovered in the room out of frustration and concern for his old friend and the woman with him.
As he continued to pace and kick the goblins he thought to himself, 'No wonder Jareth kicks these imbeciles so much it is a wonderful stress reliever.'
Finally after a few more rounds in the large filthy room Gaylord dropped himself into a chair to the right of the King's throne and sighed audible, while placing his head within the cup of his hands, "I hope they are okay and safe."
But Gaylord had a sickening feeling that his King was in terrible danger he looked up to a goblin he recalled was named Snout and addressed him, "You there goblin go fetch me Adrianna and ask her to bring me some wine."
Snout looked up at the elder Fae that addressed him in disbelief no one ever asked him to do any task because he always botched it up somehow. "Go now Snout or do I have to dip you into the bog of eternal stench." Gaylord roared to motivate the goblin to move.
"Yes, My Lord." The goblin replied while hurrying off to complete the tasked set before him hopefully without messing up this time.
Gaylord sighed as he watched the goblin scurry off, "How does Jareth put up with these creatures." As he placed his head in hands once more.
Snout moved more quickly then he was use to down the corridor to find Adrianna he stopped for a moment to catch his breath then decided to continue down the hall when he suddenly bumped into the man known as the evil seer to the goblins. The soothsayer looked down at the goblin at his feet and yelled so loudly that it hurt the goblins large ears.
"Why don't you watch where you are going you sorry excuse for a rat in this forsaken castle!"
As Snout stepped back in fear he stammered, "I am sorry my Lord but I am on an important task for his Lordship Gaylord."
With the soothsayer's interest peaked he inquired, "What kind of task did he ask you to complete for him?"
"I am to find Adrianna and ask her to bring him some wine while he waits for the King's return." The goblin replied in a proud voice because he remembered everything that was asked of him.
Waylinn looked at the Goblin standing at his feet and smiled an evil smile, 'This is the chance I have been waiting for, a chance to drug Gaylord so that I can capture him without straining my energy or my magical powers.'
He stared at the goblin and spoke in a sweet deceptive voice, "I will give Adrianna your message goblin since you seem to be quite winded." He continued, "You did an excellent job in accomplishing your task now go and let Gaylord know that his wine will be there shortly."
The goblin smiled at the complement given to him by the dark seer and thought 'Maybe the other goblins were to quick to judge the man standing before him' but as Snout looked into the Fae's eyes he saw a darkness that frightened the poor goblin and he corrected himself immediately 'but on the other hand his goblin counterparts may be correct in their judgments.' Snout turned away from the Fae and ran back to the throne room as fast as he could to tell Gaylord that his wine will be sent to him soon.
Waylinn chuckled at the fear he saw in the goblin's eyes and spoke out loud in the corridor, "Soon Gaylord I will see that same fear in your eyes as well."
He walked quickly to find the maid Adrianna laughing as dark thoughts entered his mind especially of all the things he would do to Gaylord once he captured him.
Christine looked toward the growl emitting from the underbrush and grabbed a hold of Jareth's hand tightly and asked in a quiet voice, "What is making that sound?"
The King motioned quickly with his other hand for her to be silent and listened more closely trying to calculate when to run. Christine tried to listen as well but the sound was dulled because her heartbeat pounded in her ears with the fear rising within her body. Jareth slowly started to walk backwards and she followed his lead knowing that he understood things better then she in the Underground.
After they stepped backwards a few more times Jareth hissed into her ears, "On the count of three turn around and run as fast as you can…one…two…three."
The duo turned around and began to run while dodging roots and vines that seemed to reach out and slow them down. Christine was having a hard time keeping up with the swiftness that Jareth lead them through the forest after a short while she tripped on one of the menacing roots and fell to the ground with a loud cry. Jareth bent down to help her up when they both heard the growling animal moving closer to them. Christine hurriedly tried to stand and continue to run when her ankle gave way from underneath her and she found herself on the ground once more.
"I can't go any further Jareth I think my ankle is broken."
Jareth cursed under his breath and ran to a nearby tree and broke a branch from it and handed it to his Champion. "I really did not want to fight a Tigerdragon but I guess we have no choice. Use this stick to protect yourself if he gets pass my defenses."
Christine nodded her head and asked, "What are you going to do?"
He looked at her with eyes that showed his worry and replied, "I don't know what I am going to do."
"What do you mean you don't know what you are going to do?" the young woman replied with panic in her voice; "Can't you conjure up some magic within your crystals and defeat this Tigerdragon?"
"I wish I could Christine but something is blocking my magic here in the forest."
Suddenly the Tigerdragon burst through the underbrush and Christine gasped in surprise it was huge; the top half of the beast was stripped like a tiger but the bottom half looked like the belly of a dragon. It's face was fierce looking with teeth that were about two inches long and claws that were the same length but the most frightening aspect of the animal was it's blood red eyes that burned with anger. Jareth grabbed a hold of another stick that had a pointed end to it and stood in a defensive posture in front of Christine.
The beast looked at the two beings before him and knew instinctively that the women would be the simpler pray because she was already injured. As he prowled around to get closer to her, Jareth would jab at the animal, which angered the beast even more, with a quick leap it pounced upon the Fae King clawing and tearing any part of his body so he could get to the woman lying on the ground.
Jareth dodged as many of the swipes from the beast's claws he could but Christine noticed that the Goblin King's muscles were showing the strain through his torn and bloodied garments. She knew that Jareth could not hold out much longer against the humongous beast and looked around frantically for something to use to help Jareth fight off the Tigerdragon but her foot hindered any chance of her helping him while they rolled around on the hard bloody earth. Her attention was drawn back to the fight when she heard the most unearthly cry emitting from the battle that came from Jareth's broken body. The beast had somehow gotten the upper hand in the wrestling match and gouged the Goblin King's leg fairly deeply.
Christine in shock and fear yelled "Nooooooo!" and raised her hand toward the beast that was about to make the final blow to end the battle.
A power surged through her body and traveled to her hand and before she knew it the Tigerdragon was hoisted into the air and away from Jareth who looked on in amazement at what was happening before him. The beast roared in anguish as his Champion slowly started to close her hand into a tight fist which crushed the animal to death at the same time. As soon as death overcame the animal it disappeared from view and his Champion collapsed in sheer exhaustion from the powerful magic she just used to save him.
Jareth looked on as Christine fainted and fell to the forest floor he slowly stood up from the ground and limped to her side and touched her forehead with his hand, and felt the magic dissipate back deep within her body and smiled.
"You are an amazing woman my dear Christine and definitely take yourself for granted you are more powerful then you realize now rest we still have far to travel."
He slowly lifted her into his arms and leaned back onto a tree that was nearby to rest and wait for her to awaken hoping that no other animal would try to attack anytime soon. He looked down at his own wounds and was glad to see that his healing abilities were not blocked like his magic. Jareth closed his eyes to rest a little but still listened closely to the forest so not to be got off guard by any more attacks.
A short time later Christine started to be aware of her surroundings she first felt the ground beneath her legs and the throbbing of her ankle and as she started to feel more of her body she noticed that her head was lying on something soft and warm that smelled deliciously masculine. She slowly began to open her eyes and saw Jareth's face right above her with his mismatched eyes staring at her intensely with a warmth and strength that reached deep within her soul.
With a horse voice she whispered, "I guess I did help after all."
Jareth looked at her and with a sound that started deep within his chest he started to chuckle, "I think that that is an understatement you did more then help."
The young woman placed a hand on his chest to lift her head when she was startled by the energy that passed from his chest to her hand. Christine's breath started to become shallower from the connection and she quickly removed her hand and head from his body so she would not become overwhelmed from his emotions. When she looked into his eyes she saw that the connection affected him as well but they soon clouded over to hide any more of his feeling from her.
An uncomfortable silence fell upon the two that was broken only when they both heard another rustling in the foliage in front of them. Jareth stood up quickly to take a defensive posture once again and Christine used the tree they were leaning on a moment ago to help her stand on her injured ankle taking notice that the Goblin King's injuries were almost healed.
'I wonder how he healed so quickly' Christine contemplated before a small gnome like creature emerged from the underbrush in the same stance as Jareth.
When the King and the Gnome saw each other Jareth took a deep breath in relief thanking the gods that he would not to have to do battle again.
The Gnomes eyes widen at the man before him and bowed, "Your Majesty it is a pleasure to meet you in person."
Jareth bowed in return and addressed his subject, "Milton, can you give us a safe place to rest till the morning light?"
"Yes, my Lord you are welcome to come and stay at my home to rest till morning. I am sure the Misses would love to meet you and your lady friend."
As the Gnome turned to lead them to his home Jareth came to Christine's side and placed her arm around his shoulder then lifted her off her feet and started to carry her while following their guide. The closeness between the two was unnerving to her and she simply stated,
"You don't have to carry me Jareth I can walk with assistance."
"I know you probably could but I think we could move faster if I carried you." Secretly inside Jareth knew they would not go much faster but the feelings of holding her close delighted and surprised him at the same time. The sensations that seemed to flow between the two when they touched was intoxicating and thrilling to him.
With that knowledge Jareth shook his head, 'My life has just gotten more complicated.'
The looks that crossed the Goblin King's handsome face intrigued Christine, it seemed as if he was coming to some sort of revelation of his own similar to the one she had we she finally knew that she was the Champion of the Labyrinth. The sensations that were felt by her from their connection were strong and scary at the same time. She thought back to the moment that she knew that the Tigerdragon was going to kill him and remembered the heart wrenching pain she felt with the knowledge he would not be a part her life she quickly pushed the terrible feelings aside and decided to enjoy his warmth while he carried her to the gnomes home.
Their thoughts were interrupted when the Milton announced their arrival to his wife,
"Milly set out two more plates of food for our prestigious guests."
Jareth placed Christine slowly onto the ground trying to maintain their link for as long as possible as woman that looked just like Milton stepped out from the front door,
"Who are our guests my dear husband?" But her questions came to a halt when she finally saw the King before her, "Your Majesty welcome to our home please come in."
"Thank you Milly your hospitality is greatly appreciated." Jareth said with a bow and followed her into the warmly lighted home.
Christine followed him as well and immediately felt at ease when she walked into the small home. The hut was circular with a hearth in the center; herbs of every sort were drying from the ceiling and giving off a pleasant fragrance. There was a table with four wooden chairs to the right of the hearth and to the left she saw two doors that she assumed led to the bedrooms. Surprisingly Christine could stand without difficulty but when she looked back at the door she entered it was no more than 4 feet high. Jareth saw his Champion take in her surroundings and noticed her confusion when she saw the door he slowly bent his head to hers and said in his accented voice,
"Things are not always what they seem in the Underground."
Christine nodded her head understanding his comment when suddenly the woman named Milly grabbed her hand and directed her to one of the chairs at the table and started to examine her ankle.
"My dear maiden you seem to have a nasty sprain but I don't believe it is broken."
"That is good to know." Christine acknowledged with a sigh of relief.
Milly turned from her patient to the heated pot and pour some hot water in a cup then added a few herbs to it then handed it to Christine,
"Drink this dear it will be good for your ankle and help keep the swelling down."
Then with a quick tug the gnome tore some cloth and wrapped it around the human's ankle, "How does that feel?"
"It is feeling much better thank you Milly."
While Christine was getting doctored by the motherly woman Jareth was intently talking to Milton to find out the quickest and safest route out of the forest.
"My Lord, forgive me for asking, but how is it you came into the forest in the first place?"
"That is a good question Milton and the only answer I have is that we were brought her by some dark force that could override my own magical powers and block them." Replied the King thoughtfully.
"There have been rumors within the forest my Lord, of dark powers coming from the Titima in the Desolate Valley. Some of my fellow gnomes believe that a dark sorceress lives there on the mountain and is getting stronger every day. Could she be the one that stranded you in the forest?" The little gnome finished quickly.
The King was thoughtful for a moment and replied uncertainly, "She may have Milton but I think she would need a little help only a few people knew where we were before we arrived in the forest."
Their conversation was interrupted with the announcement from Milly that dinner was ready.
"Come and eat you two before dinner gets cold."
Slowly the two men arose to join the ladies at the small table for dinner. As Jareth walked toward Christine to sit next to her he remembered the powerful magic that came from her earlier that afternoon and sighed to his self, 'It is going to take longer then I thought to train her to use her magic and unfortunately time was not on their side.' He smiled fondly down at her while he accepted the seat next to his Champion and began to eat his meal trying to think of ways he could train her quickly and efficiently but also get to know her more intimately.
Adrianna worked quickly in the kitchen of the castle preparing the food for the following day's meals quietly humming and feeling as if she finally belonged. A few years ago she came to be a servant in the King's court at the request of Matilda her former mistress, when the older women became concerned that the King was not eating or sleeping well after the defeat of his kingdom and the bargain he made with the Temptress ten years ago. The events had caused the Goblin King to find himself in the precarious position of a deep depression that consumed his very being which caused him to neglect his duties as the Goblin King. Adrianna looked out the window above the sink in the kitchen pushing back her long pink elfin hair while remembering the conversation that took place so many years ago.
"Adrianna please come here I need to discuss something very important with you." Matilda called to her servant of close to five years. As Adrianna walked into the room Matilda smiled fondly at her and tilted her head to the chair next to her and beckoned her sit down.
"What is it my Lady?" Adrianna asked as she sat down next to the older woman with fear in her eyes mentally thinking if there was any thing she might have done wrong.
"Do not fear my child." Matilda said kindly, "You have done nothing wrong."
The young maid let out the breath she did not know she was holding and looked up to her friend with relief. Matilda laughed gently and continued, "How long have you been here with me my dear?"
"I believe for almost five years my Lady." She replied after a quick calculation in her head.
Matilda nodded her head and asked, "Have you been happy here while you have served in my home?"
With much hesitation Adrianna tilted her head to ground and answered the older woman's question, "I have enjoyed being in your presences…But sometimes I feel as if I am an outcast with the other servants because of my Elfin heritage. It seems as if I don't fit in very well with them."
She looked up into her mentor's eyes and saw complete understanding in them of her situation. Matilda looked down at the young woman and asked "Why did you not mention this to me earlier I could…"
Adrianna interrupted the older woman, "I didn't mention it since I thought it was foolish of me to feel that way because I could be in worse places and I figured that I could handle a little bit of teasing to stay away from those places of evil."
Matilda placed her hands together and in quite contemplation and thought about the other servants in her home, 'It is true that some of her servants can be cruel but she has always been a sucker for the hard luck cases that found themselves in her care. The fact that Adrianna has always told her the truth about her feelings I believe would be beneficial to a certain King I know. Honesty is exactly what he needs right now not some candy coated condolences that the others were giving him.'
With a deep breath Matilda stood up and walked to the window that overlooked her garden and smiled to herself. 'Adrianna is exactly what Jareth needs to get him back on target again.' As the old woman turned from the window to face her servant she said,
"I want to send you to a friend of mine who needs your quality care…"
Adrianna quickly rose from her seat and ran to the feet of her mistress, "Please my Lady don't send me away I promise not let the others teasing interfere with my work…I promise I will never mention my feelings on the situation again…I promise." The young elfin finished in a fit of crying.
Matilda took the young woman's arms and raised her so that their eyes were at the same level, "Don't ever promise to anyone that you will never mention your feelings to them, your honesty is why I want you to join the court of the Goblin King as one of his personal servants. Difficult times have befallen upon the Labyrinth and unfortunately the King has fallen into a deep depression. And his goblin minions are useless, I need you to go and nurse him back to health and help him leave his despair behind."
Adrianna stood up straight as realization presented itself to her she wasn't being sent away as a punishment but because Matilda felt that she could truly help the Goblin King. As she rose to her full height she wiped her eyes with the back of her hands and spoke in a small voice,
"What can I do to help him my Lady I am just an elf that is stubborn and outspoken?"
As Matilda pushed the young woman's hair from her face she replied, "You can help by making him eat and get out of his chambers once in a while and also by listening to him when I am not available to. The commitments that my position as Fate's messenger requires does not allow me to be there as often as I like that is why I need you to go and be his servant and his friend. Your honesty and stubbornness will help him get through these bad times. But it won't be easy he is just as stubborn and will resist you every way he can."
Adrianna stepped away from the old woman and spoke with determination, "When do I go my Lady… and I promise you that I will help him any way I can."
The older Fae smiled, "That is a promise I know you will keep my dear, now go and get your things together we will depart in one hour."
Adrianna noticed the scenery come back into focus and went to finish the task she started before her trip down memory lane began and thought to herself, 'The first months at the King's castle was rewarding and infuriating at the same time. Matilda was right when she stated the Goblin King was stubborn but so was she and over time the King realized that he would lose the battle of wills between the two and subjected himself to her mothering. And as time passed the Goblin King and her became close friends and as his strength grew so did their friendship. He even taught her how to use the limited elfin magic she did have, so her tasks around the castle would be less tedious. They spent many evenings in his study discussing his concerns and worries over situations presented to him. The bond they formed as friends was strong and when it came time for Adrianna to return to Matilda's house the King beseeched his close friend to allow her to stay at the castle and continue her duties as his personal servant which Matilda's gladly granted.' Adrianna's thoughts were interrupted when she noticed the King's seer enter the kitchen.
"Hello Adrianna."
He addressed her in such a way that made her skin crawl with revulsion. He had tried many times to win her favor with gifts, but each time she simply returned them to him with her apologies and told him that she was not interested in being courted by him. Secretly her heart was already lost to Gaylord the King's doctor but she still had not revealed her heart to him but reassured herself that the time would be right soon and hopefully her feelings would open doors that were presently closed due to her hesitation.
Adrianna lifted her head up to greet the soothsayer, "Hello my Lord is there something I can do for you?"
Waylinn looked at the young woman with a smirk on his face, "Yes there is my dear but since you have refused my gifts I am afraid that I am never going to see that aspect of your personality."
Her eyes darkened with anger at the comment directed at her and turned around to complete the task at hand and replied with tense voice, "Then my Lord I will leave you in peace so you can try to help yourself by fixing your wounded pride."
Waylinn's face contorted with fury as he went to get Gaylord's favorite wine and a goblet from the cellar so he could complete his mission and capture the doctor for his mistress the Temptress. While walking down the stairs to the wine cellar he imagined all the things he would do to the woman in the kitchen above him after he was rewarded for capturing Gaylord.
"I will make her pay for embarrassing me by refusing my offers to court her." He said out loud to himself as he finished his descent.
When he arrived back in the kitchen a moment later his anger was back under control with the knowledge that she would never defy him again. He called out to Adrianna as he departed the room;
"Good night my dear and I hope that our confrontations will not hinder our future chances of friendship in this soon to be dark world."
Adrianna looked at the departing figure and shook with a fear that she had never felt before in his presences. Her senses were on edge almost if she knew that the old seer was up to no good. Adrianna quickly placed her apron on the counter and without a second thought followed Waylinn into the dark corridor determined to find out what he was up to and stop him if she could.
Just before Waylinn arrived at the throne room he stopped and poured the wine into the goblet then opened the small vial of liquid that would help him complete his task. After he was sure the liquid was completely dissolved in the wine he entered the unusually quiet room to deliver the drugged wine to Gaylord. Adrianna stopped at the same time as the seer and watched intently as she saw him pour the wine and add the vial of liquid to it. As he walked into the throne room she took a deep breath and continued on so she could spy on the events about to take place through the crack of the semi open door.
As Waylinn entered the room he noticed that it was almost completely empty except for a few goblin minions dead drunk in the corners. He placed a sick smile on his face and continued toward the doctor that dosed off and on in the chair next to the Goblin King's throne. Gaylord raised his head when he noticed another person enter the room hoping it was Adrianna with his wine and her sweet smile that she reserved just for him. As his eyes adjusted to the evening light and saw that it was Waylinn he was disappointed that it was not who he wanted to see; Gaylord rose up from his chair as the soothsayer approached,
"Where is Adrianna I requested that she bring me some wine?"
"I am sorry Gaylord but she was indisposed and asked if I bring it to you."
Adrianna could barely hear the conversation but she heard enough to know that the seer was lying to the good doctor and it reaffirmed her feeling that he was up to no good. Gaylord nodded his head and held out his hand to receive the wine goblet that Waylinn held out to him,
"I am sorry that I could not see her charming face Waylinn, but I am glad she did send the wine."
"I am sure she wished she could be here but I am glad I was available to bring you your wine."
Gaylord raised his goblet to his lips as the evil soothsayer looked on in anticipation, hoping that everything would go according to his malicious plan. After the first swallow of the wine Gaylord felt very dizzy then a surge of pain ripped through his body as if a fireball was emerging from his chest. The doctor looked into the soothsayer's eyes and saw an evilness that was not there before. A blood curling scream resounded from Gaylord's mouth as the pain intensified. And just before darkness consumed him he question Waylinn,
"What did you do …me…you…bast…?"
Waylinn watched in fascination at the sight of the good doctor falling at his feet and responded to his question,
"Nothing but drugged you with an herb that caused a little bit of pain so I can keep you from meddling in my affairs and please my mistress."
The old soothsayer dropped down next to Gaylord and transported them both to the dungeon that would keep his fallen prey fresh until the Temptress decided to kill him. In a flash of a sickly green color they disappeared.
Fearful that she would be seen Adrianna quickly turned away from the crack of door she was watching through the moment she heard the scream come from her beloved Gaylord's mouth and with a deep breath she drew into her body all her limited magical abilities and in a flash of pale pink she transported herself to the one person she thought might be able to help her, her former mentor Matilda, Fates messenger.
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