THE FOLLOWING STORY IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. THE LABYRINTH does not BELONG TO ME.
This next part begins with the dark queen revealing interesting tidbits. Until now he has been working behind the scenes getting her evil ducks in a row, and has openly attacked once. This reveals a little more as to why.
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DARK QUEEN'S Confessions
The self proclaimed queen's chair was currently unoccupied. In the center of the room three prisoners knelt forecabley to the ground, as she circled her prey. The three were bruised to various degrees, but only the fox knight seemed to have taken the worst of the beatings. To her surprise, he had been harder to break than he appeared, and twice as ferocious.
"This is the most fun I have had in years, two kings kneeling before me. To my surprise, one being the Goblin King and the other the elven king. Your father would be furious if he were in his right state of mind. How is my sister, by the way?" She asked mockingly. "King Lucius, how are you finding my palace? Not as gaudy as yours, from what my spies tell me, but it still carries a magnificence of its own."
Lucius spat at the queen, hitting only her boots with a mixture of spit and blood. "You will not get away with this." Lucius began. "Oh, my dear nephew. You have no idea what I've already done." She knelt before him, wiping the tip of her boot clean and proceeding to smear its contents on his face. "Rumor has it, you have fallen for one of the above. What was her name again, I am so bad at remembering names." The dark Queen's brow scrunched as if in mock deep thought. "Jessica? Geraldine? Jennifer perhaps? No that isn't it either." She stood quickly, walking toward her chair. "Guard!" She yelled. A guard walked in, towing a woman bound and gagged, being pulled by her upper arm. "Jasmine!" Lucius screamed!
"What have you done to her?" Lucius asked, fighting against the knotted rope that bound his hands behind his back. "Ah! Yes. Jasmine. That's it." The queen smiled, not even bothering to look at him. "I've done nothing. Why would I waste my time with this filth?" She flung her hands as if there were something disgusting she tried to rid herself of. "You on the other hand, brought this filth to a realm she does not belong. You brought a gnat to a dinner party expecting it not to be swatted by the guests."
"I had hoped to have a more civilized conversation. A conversation with less blood, and where you both would have been more…eager to see my way of things. It would have been easier that way. How is your father these days? And Tatiana? Last I heard she wasn't quite herself either."
Neither of the two men spoke, only the fox looked up. "You will pay dearly for this! I swear upon my honor as a knight!" The queen looked at him with disgust. "You speak of honor?! You are no better than the dwarf you call brother." Didymus' face betrayed his control. "Don't think I have forgotten about your betrayal, had it not been for you I would have had control of the Labyrinth almost from the start." Didymus touched his eye patch solemnly. "A betrayal I would do again if I could you scoundrel."
The queen said nothing at first as she stood over the brothers twirling a black crystal. Jareth stared at her in shock. "Nifty little trick, is it not. My, you have grown. I was hoping to have a little chat with you." Lucius remained silent, looking at Jasmine trying to figure a way to save her. "Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a High king of the Underground,who was betrothed to the goblin queen. Both had their very own kingdoms to run. Mother was not allowed to interfere much in the other kingdom, and yet father wanted to rule both. The Labyrinth always hated father.
Eventually the queen gave birth to two girls. The sisters grew to be very powerful fae, and hated each other very much.
Their father made a promise to his favorite daughter, that should she find a suitable suitor the claim to both thrones would be hers. This way they could persuade the queen to relinquish her throne to his chosen heir. The mother did not know this, she believed the high court had no business in the goblin kingdom affairs. The older sister wanted both in her possession. She felt the other sister was far too…unstable." She laughed wickedly as if remembering a joke. "She always thought she was better, knew better.
"I met a handsome man whose family was very close to ours, and almost as powerful. My father was impressed with Oberon and his exploits. My mother was also impressed and wanted him to marry her daughter, just not me. My father grew mysteriously sick while Oberon and I were courting. Our healers could do nothing, Oberon spoke of a group of people who could heal my father, but was afraid to tell mother as they were not welcome by the Seelie court. They took us in, and helped my father.
The Unseelie fae are a rather ruthless bunch who spoke to my father and I. We realized that their ideas and ours were not too different. The leader at the time was a few years younger than my father, and thanks to his..affections I rose in ranks rather quickly.
He was not accepted by the Seelie because he was part orc and part fae." She was still, deep in memory before she began again.
"Oberon kept in touch, visiting with promises of faithfulness and love. He spoke to my father saying he would wed me that day, but he wanted my father well first. My father was ruthless and thought no one would see him as a fool. I won't go into detail because obviously he married Tatiana. In fact the wedding took place a month after we left, and it was all kept hush hush. Less than a year passed when my father, who never fully recovered, died.
The year passed before I told Oberon I was ready to leave and wed him as father intended. He told me he could not because he had wed Tatiana. I told him I was with child,his child. To be honest I was not sure who the father was. By then I had become quite intimate with the leader of the unseelies. I was his concubine with the rights of a queen. Tatiana on the other hand….barren."
Jareth snarled, listening while forming a plan. He hadn't forgotten she was the enemy, but part of him did want to hear the other side of the story. He continued looking for a way to execute his plan. "That can't be! Or else how did I come to be?" Lucius screamed. "Not too bright are you? Did you ever wonder how you, a fae, became the ruler of an Elvish kingdom? Why not one of their own? Oberon never could keep it in his pants."
"I gave birth to a blonde haired boy with fae features. Oberon had a spy already planted. The traitor was one of my very best guards. Tell them what you did? TELL THEM?!" She grabbed Didymus by the scruff of his neck and shook him very hard. I'll tell you, he took the babe away during his mid afternoon nap, and gave him to Tatiana. He told her that the child was to be sacrificed by me. This so-called noble knight claimed the labyrinth itself appeared before him, giving him a prophecy that this child was to be very powerful. He was to be the babe with the power. He will be my champion or my downfall."
Jareth stared at her while she gave her speech until he had heard enough. "WHAT IS IT YOU WANT, MOTHER?!" Jareth yelled. Lucius did a double take at Jareth, in shock. " Yes, I've known for some time. I also know about your spy. Did you think it would take long to figure out?"
The room was silent for what seemed like an eternity. The queen finally sat, crossing her leg as the smile never left her face. "How did you find out? Let me guess, that putrid little dwarf along with this traitor fox you gave refuge to. Who else should know?" Jareth could feel the knot holding his wrists loosening. A guard went up to the queen, bowed and went to whisper in her ear. "Perfect. It seems we have your Labyrinth surrounded, it shouldn't be long before we capture it since we now have its king. And what about Sarah and her beloved mortal companion?" The queen laughed. "Take them away, I have much to prepare. Once the champion is captured the labyrinth will be mine."
Jareth held his hands together, hiding how close he was to being free. It would be easier to escape when he wasn't being watched so closely. His luck was turning for the better after all. He was thrown in another cell along with Jasmine, Lucius, and his faithful knight.
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The battle had begun, there was no turning back now. She stayed fully armed, not wanting to take any chances. If the defenses were breached, she knew what she had to do. It was worth it, giving your life up to a cause as noble as this one. She grew up selfish and feeling alone, but now she had friends. These friends would give their lives for her, just like she would for them. Stephen hadn't left the castle, and unfortunately refused to leave her side. He too, was armed, which made her laugh. She wasn't even sure he could use them. He argued that she told him it was not safe to send him back.
She stood next to the Wiseman as he shouted orders left and right, anyone one who was unsure if they should follow his orders received a thorough verbal lashing from her. "You should get in place." The Wiseman said before taking off. She walked hand in hand with Stephen, cause why not?
Once they reached the top tower, Stephen entered first. She slammed the door shut and quickly barred the door so it could not be opened from the inside. "What?!...What are you doing?" He said desperately looking for a way out. "You have to stay here, orders are orders. You'll be safe. There's food on the table, it's safe for you to eat.You won't be bound here." She took a few steps back. He began yelling her name, banging on the door. "Let me help! Sarah!" She turned and ran off to join the others.
Donnchadh Callum Morag Alastair Morag Greer
They ran quickly out of the labyrinth, using all the tricks and turns they could to avoid the opposing army. Never had she seen so many….creatures in her life. Most of them didn't even get along with each other, how could this even be possible.
They didn't stop until they were well into the woods. Donnchadh having already picked up on Hoggle's trail,went further ahead, Greer went in search of food while Callum had gone ahead with Alastair, searching for a place to camp the night. The two remaining sat and drank water from their canisters.
The two women were on high alert, and barely spoke a word. After a half hour, Callum and Alastair returned with news of a small cave to spend the night. Twenty minutes passed before Greer returned with small game and nuts and berries. Over an hour passed before Donnchadh returned. "I found where the dwarf may have gone. It appears he was attacked, but may have escaped under. The path was blocked with rubble. Him and the big beast are more than likely safe."
Alastair took a step forward, "We should head to the cave, it's not too far off. We can rest there." Donnchadh nodded as they all began following Alastair and Callum. Donnchadh stayed covering the rear of the group.
When they finally arrived, the group set up camp with Callum setting up a protective ward at the entrance of the cave. Ideally, it wasn't the best spot, but it would make do for now. Alastair began serving small bowls, each nodding in thanks as they took their portion. "Your Majesty," he said, smiling crookedly. "A special helping for you." She took the bowl, rolling her eyes at him. Greer gave him a swift kick behind the knee, and smirked as he tumbled forward. "Kiss arse." She mumbled.
She ate her meal in silence, watching the entrance to the cave. It was her hour to keep watch. The comradery amongst them was something unique to her. She thought of the ones in her life, and realized that even though everyone seemed the same they weren't. Looks were deceiving after all. Now here they were, on their way to rescue someone she once considered her adversary. She sure hoped he was greatful, very unlikely. The rest looked deep in sleep, but she was sure only one was actually asleep. Not too much longer, and she too would rest. "Majesty indeed." She mumbled before settling in.
Greer woke her up rather violently, she hadn't meant to fall asleep, or so deeply. Her mind had been on many things, and sleep was not one of them. Her body simply gave out from all the stress. They ate a light breakfast, and packed quickly. Again, Donnchadh was the first to scout ahead to make sure it was clear. "There are Orcs about, it seems the dwarf gave them the slip. Either he split himself up in two, or he has a bit of magic on his side."
Hoggle has magic? Quite odd. "Majesty, do you know anything about this?" She scoffed. "That disgusting bog drinker has magic? Please." Disgust firmly showed in her face. "He spends his days pissin' in the fountain, trying to kill fairies, and drinks all night. He cries at night you know, bloody wanker."
Morag sighed. "That is something you need to take up with Jar…the goblin King. I am sure a resolution can be made." Donnchadh stepped forward. "We can not afford to waste time. We can split up, but who is to say the group that chooses wrong will not be in danger. We are in enough danger as it is."
She took a deep breath, taking a crystal out of her pocket. She began looking deeply, concentrating on a spell. Finally after ten minutes of trying, she could see a trace of magic. It went in two different directions, one stronger than the other. She pointed in one direction. "There." She said.
At that moment three gigantic orcs appeared and began attacking. "Give us the gov blin queen and we will leave you to live another day." One said. They were not very bright creatures, but we're relentless and strong. The three Ors attempted to surround them, but Callum being the smallest and fastest broke free. The Orcs we're clumsy, swinging their weapons, trying to hit anyone they could. Alastair was the first to get hit, but quickly recovered. Donnchadh and Greer attacked one head on, while Callum grabbed his sword and quickly jumped stabbing the Orc in the back of its head killing it in one swift blow.
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Things had been quiet for a while, almost too quiet. Hoggle stepped outside of the cabin, testing the boundaries of his protection spell. So far so good. He scanned the area and decided it would be time to leave. He had enough memories here to last a lifetime. The last time he was here, it was with his love. He used to call her Mo ghràdh, his love.
He wouldn't think about that right now, it brought back too many painful memories, and right now he was on a mission to pay a life debt. Jareth may be a rat, but he saved his love's life. He went to collect his things, and went to wake Ludo. "Come on ya big lug. It's time to go." Ludo gave a big yawn, and followed Hoggle to the edge. Ludo sniffed the air, and nodded to his companion. Once the shield was dropped, they walked a few feet when they heard an ear piercing screech. The two companions looked at each other, silently communicating to the other.
They both ran in the direction of the screams. To his surprise, he saw a group of Elvin warriors and Sarah. Without a second thought he and Ludo ran to help them, questions would come later. Ludo ran behind an Orc that had just thrown a stranger on the ground. He jumped onto the creature's back, punching it with all his might in the kidneys. Hoggle on the other hand, seeing Sarah on the ground, went to her aide to pick her up.
To his surprise, she pushed him off her, with a look of disgust. The other remaining Orc grabbed Hoggle by the scruff of his neck and bellowed a loud roar in the dwarfs face. His legs kicked in the air, knowing he had to act quick or else he would be a lovely snack for the beast. After struggling with his sack, he picked a yellow jewel and shoved it into his enemies mouth, lifting his arms quickly to slide out of his shirt. Hoggle rolled into the ground, pressing himself against Sarah. He grabbed her arm yelling at her to run.
This time she took heed to his warning. The Orc's head began to grow bright, blood seeping through its pores. Its insides began to liquify giving off noxious fumes, everyone else began to run. Ludo took advantage, tripping the last remaining beast into his companion before running himself. The Orc exploded as its acidic entrails burned everything it touched, including the other Orc.
"You saved us?" She asked. "Why….why did you risk your life…?" He couldn't believe she of all people was asking that question. He saw her shake her head, as if expelling a thought from her head. "We need to find a safe place. Dwarf, is there someplace safe to rest and bandage our wounds?" He shook his head yes, not trusting his voice, and took him back to the cabin. One of the female warriors kept staring at him. At first he thought it was Sarah, but it wasn't her. The ears were wrong for one, and the shape of the face and complexion was also off.
They reached the cabin, this time he had help fortifying the protection spells. He gave them a chance to settle in before the inquisition started. He was tired and hungry. Lucky for him, they shared their food with him and Ludo. He saw Ludo giving Sarah dirty looks, and the female warrior a sad look. After a while, Ludo looked away with a confused look on his face.
"There is a spy in the high king and queen's castle. Both their minds have been poisoned. Puk may be dead or worse. We believe one of the maids there is actually the dark Queen's servant." Hoggle's mouth opened in shock. He had feared as much. "My name is Donnchadh, by the way. We,"he said pointing to his companions "are from king Lucius' guard. Your bravery does not go unnoticed."
He went up to Sarah, and sat next to her. "You shouldn't be here, you know! You's coulda been killed. These woods is no place for a young women such as yaself missy!" He looked down, out of breath from his rant. The one that looked like Sarah spoke, cutting off any response Hoggle was about to receive. "I assure you she knows this already, but the castle is under attack. The dark queen has already sent her army. As goblin queen she is under oath to save her people. She had no choice."
Hoggle hmfed. "Yeah, well. Hoggle isn't the one that needed help. Was he? This is why Hoggle has always been Hoggle's friend!"
She knelt down before the dwarf, putting a hand on his shoulder. " Oh, Hoggle." He was surprised at her reaction, she didn't know him, why should she care. Yet, something seemed familiar. Before he could explore further, Sarah jumped before him. "A lot of good that did ya! You and your poison, spraying defenseless fairys."
The he on he bag bed Donnchadh stepped between the he three, trying to break up the fight. "The goblin King and it's kingdom is in danger. We don't have time for this." They all nodded. "I suggest we eat and rest. Then we can regroup and plan our rescue plan." Hoggle was frustrated more and more by the moment.
He grabbed Ludo by the arm, taking him into the furthest part of the room. "What do you think?" He asked quietly. "The not Sarah, smell like Sarah. Sarah not Sarah. Queen. Not ours" Hoggle understood some, but not all of what Ludo said. It was going to be a long night.
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