Chapter 22

It's the economy stupid

The summer had invaded the Underground with full force, an entire month too early. It usually didn't get that hot in mid-May, but it was sweltering, and Frozen Dreams, the ice cream parlor in Elvenwood, did such great business that they opened two new locations in Goblin City, and one in Faeville.

It didn't sit well with the residents of Dwarf Town that no franchise store had been opened in their town, so Krimble decided, she would start selling ice cream out of the back of 'Surface Fashion' from a cooler.

Marjorie and she had opened a second location on the main drag in Dwarf Town only two weeks earlier due to high demand of their clothing line and the Troll dolls.

For their Dwarf Town store, Marjorie and Krimble had also established a custom size called 'short and round', as this particular size was in high demand there. Surface Fashion now made half their merchandise in the Underground.

Only a few select lines were imported, since the more sophisticated inhabitants preferred the 'real thing', as they liked to call the direct imports. Jareth had approved a bunch of new merchandise from the Surface World for import, especially seeds like cotton, hops, and barley.

Business was booming, and tank tops and Capri pants were seen throughout the kingdom being worn by goblins, faes, elves, and dwarfs alike. Even Krum had been sporting a light blue Hawaiian shirt with Einhorn prints all over it and a pair of screaming purple Bermuda shorts with black Converse high tops.

Sarah wasn't quite sure about the combination of the three items, but she didn't say anything. Apparently it was the latest thing in the Underground as everyone seemed to like the mix and miss-match fashion.

She was glad she had hung on to some of her old clothes from years ago, as they once again were the latest hit, and she was now known as the 'Fashion Queen' on top of being the 'Equality Queen', and the 'Welcoming Queen'.

The kingdom also had broken ground on a huge manufacturing facility in January, with the backing of Jareth, who had invested in the fashion store; and now over two hundred goblins were employed sewing clothes around the clock in shifts.

A co-op had been formed with local farmers to grow cotton, so they could manufacture the actual materials, which were still being imported from the Surface World, right here in the Underground and create even more jobs.

Unemployment had dropped to only three percent and the Underground gross product, the UGP, had soared to nearly six percent in the first quarter alone. The Elder Council as well as the High Goblin Council were elated. The sales and manufacturing taxes were used to build more schools, community centers, bridges and roads, as well as several community clinics in the surrounding cities and settlements.

Jareth was floating on cloud nine as he made a lot of money with his investments and the kingdom was reaching an economic high while crime and illiteracy were falling to historic lows.

"I never thought when I got you I would also get the best economy in the Underground World." Jareth cooed gently into Sarah's ear one evening.

"Oh how romantic, to compare me with your economy", she laughed and splashed him with water from the waterfall they were sitting under outside of Emerald Pool Cave.

"You know, listening to your plea to abduct Toby was the best thing that ever happened to me", he started to reminisce. "Had I ignored you, I would have never found my true love."

He sighed as he kept reminiscing.

"We still would be sitting around my old stuffy throne room throwing big all night goblin parties, not caring one thing about anyone else, or the kingdom. Just one big thousand yearlong party."

He sighed again and Sarah gave him a sideways look.

"Almost sounds like you are missing it." She laughed. Jareth looked content into her eyes.

"Nope, babe, I don't miss it one bit. I am having the best time of my life with you. This is one big party for me now."

He grabbed her and pulled her into him with a kiss, as he jumped off the waterfall straight into the pond below.

Sarah let out a light scream as they hit the water surface below.

"You could've warned me", she gasped for air and splashed him again.

"Oh where's the fun in that?" He laughed and pulled her in to him again. This time, however, he didn't do any more jumps but kissed her tenderly for a long time.

Sarah loved these summer evenings with him at the waterfall. They had started going several times a week, right after they put Jay and Jeremy to bed for the night. It was such a peaceful place, and she could forget all about the world's trouble for those few hours.

Plus, it was fun skinny dipping in the dark with Jareth, looking at the starry night sky and watching the occasional aurora flickering across or a meteor shooting by and making a wish upon it.

Sometimes she would bring her little ukulele along and play and sing Hawaiian tunes for him which he enjoyed tremendously, and he in turn would play a few Bowie songs like 'Moonage Daydream' on his twelve string Egmond she had gotten him for Christmas a couple of years ago.

'What did you wish for?" Jareth asked when they watched a shooting star in the sky.

"Oh, the usual, for this to last forever", Sarah replied with a soft smile and shimmering eyes as she interlocked her hands behind his back. "What about you?"

"The usual", he answered with his mischievous boyish grin and tilted head, which made Sarah laugh out loud.

"Well, we better make sure one of our wishes comes true then, and since we can't wait forever for forever to happen, I guess it has to be yours", Sarah whispered seductively and swam to a little shallow lagoon enticing him to follow, which he eagerly did. And when he had caught up to her, there was no doubt what his wish had been.


Marjorie was growing more and more impatient by the day. She had expected to have some fae power by now, but all that had happened was their eyes had changed and they looked fae now, but otherwise no powers had manifested.

Mark was fine with that and kept doing his brewing and management of the club. Nothing could make him lose his cool ever. Marjorie had hoped she could be teleporting all over the kingdom by now.

"Agh, how long did it take for you?" She asked Sarah as they sat outside Krimble's little ice cream parlor niche at Surface Fashion.

"It took a while", Sarah honestly replied, "but you guys have been older than even I. It may never happen, sorry girlie, but nothing is guaranteed here. I guess just wait and see."

Marjorie had rolled her eyes and gone for seconds on her banana split.

"Woman, you're eating all your profits", Sarah called after her with a laugh.

"I'm getting it for Jay and Jeremy", she snarled back.

"They are not even here", Sarah corrected her.

"I guess I'll have to eat it then", came Marjorie's reply. Sarah could only shake her head and laugh at that logic and philosophy.


Sarah had warned Jareth to be careful not to overwhelm the kingdom with too many changes and new things from the Surface World. She had had a serious talk on economics with him, it had been her minor in college, and he had taken her advice quite to heart. He suggested her give a speech on it in front of the two councils in an upcoming economic conference.

Sarah was quite nervous about addressing such a large gathering in such an official manner, but Jareth was with her and she was glad to have him by her side. She attended in an official capacity and therefore wore her coronation dress and her tiara crown. Jareth thought she looked breathtaking.

"You'll do great, precious", he had told her before they left the castle in a horynth coach and had held her hand the entire time. And yes, he had stolen a quick kiss right before they arrived and excited the coach.

Sarah was going to address the Elder Council and High Goblin Council, as well as all the merchant unions and delegations from around the Underground. There was so much more to the Underground than she had ever realized. Many more communities, cities, and regions than she had known to exist. Even other principalities and Kingdoms beyond the realm of the Labyrinth Kingdom.

The conference was held in the large room of the council building. It held a couple of thousand people easily with raised seats, very similar to a Greek or Roman amphitheater, except it was indoors.

The acoustic was outstanding and no microphone was needed, not that the Underground had one available. Everything here seemed to work as good if not better without modern technology. It amazed her every single time.

The light crystal balls on the walls illuminated the room and also shone a bright light onto the stage where her podium stood. After Jareth gave her a quick kiss and a "you can do this babe" encouragement, she stepped onto the stage and took her place behind the podium.

"Your Excellency and honorary members of the Elder Council and High Goblin Council, members of the merchant unions, and delegations of the Underground World. I welcome you to the first Economic Conference of the Labyrinth Kingdom", she addressed the attendees and paused briefly.

"I have come here before you, to address the needs and the issues of today's world and the kingdom in general. The need to improve our standards and raise up all of our inhabitants, and the balance to keep our individuality, our cultures, and traditions intact and alive for future generations to come.

As we have witnessed over the past couple of years, the need for change to better the living standards of every day citizens is great and welcomed. Accepting the importation and manufacturing of goods from the Surface World is catapulting us in the right direction for prosperity of all our citizens.

We must not forget however, that we need to balance this change with keeping our traditional ways intact as long as they do no restrict nor discriminate against certain populations of the Underground World or the kingdom. We must be careful in how much we introduce and how fast. Too much and too fast, could spell detriment to our world."

Sarah had talked for almost an hour about the needs to balance the imports from the Surface World and the continuation of the traditional ways. She had laid out the accomplishments, the goals, and the dangers pertaining to the Underground world and the Labyrinth Kingdom in general.

When she had finished, she had gotten a standing ovation as she stood with a slightly blushed face. And when she saw Jareth standing up first, followed by the rest of all attendees, clapping and cheering, she even had tears in her eyes. He looked as if he was about to burst with pride for her, and she loved him for it with all her heart.

Leaders from every delegation and union took to the stage as well and the conference lasted well into the night. It was followed by a huge reception with cocktails and a large buffet. Sarah was almost overwhelmed by everything.

It seemed everyone wanted to talk to her and get her input on certain economic issues. She was glad that Jareth was right by her side, never leaving her for longer than what it took to get her a drink or a plate of food.

He too was quite versed in the art of trade and finance and Sarah saw for the first time how educated he actually was in foreign affairs. Her boyish Jareth from the waterfall had disappeared, and in his place a respected world leader and powerful king had appeared.

Her dad would have loved it, and she understood now why he had enjoyed his nightly chats with Jareth so much, and also given her his blessings to be with him. As usual, her dad had known all along what kind of person Jareth truly was, and she couldn't help but to smile.


Five days the conference had lasted and at the end all had agreed on importation limits and local produced manufacturing quotas. Everyone had signed the "Economic Stimulus Declaration for the Betterment of all Underground inhabitants"

Sarah was worn out at the end of the five days and slept for ten hours straight after they had arrived back at the castle. The next few days she spend with Jareth, Jay and Jeremy as a family in private.

Once again the Goblin Gazette ran a limited special edition on her calling her the "Queen of Economic Success".

"How many more titles are they going to give me?" Sarah asked amused after she read the article over breakfast. Jareth grinned quietly and kept cleaning up after Jay and Jeremy who had made a mess at the table.

"Ok, you two, go and play, but be good. No sword fighting." Jareth called after them when they ran out the room with Aria; Deimos, and Phobos right behind them.

"We have the rest of the day all for us, babe. What do you want to do? Make a wish?"

He pulled out a hand full of crystal balls and juggled them in front of Sarah, like he had done the first day she had stayed with him at the castle.

Sarah looked at him with a sly grin.

"You know what those balls do to me. Quit your voodoo on me." she laughed and took one.

"Oh you love my voodoo. You can't get enough of my voodoo", Jareth claimed with a smirk and let the chosen crystal ball float to the ceiling where it burst.

"A visit to Paradox it is", he declared and smirked at her with soft eyes.

"How did you know?" Sarah asked perplexed. "You didn't even look into the crystal."

"I don't have to. I know your most inner desires, babe." He smiled slyly and got up. "We can leave in an hour", he declared and went to play his piano leaving Sarah sitting there with her mouth open.

Sarah had messaged Paradox that her and Jareth were coming to see her. She hoped that Paradox had gotten the message, as it seemed this was a one way system for now. She never seemed to be able to receive any messages from her.

Jareth had teleported her to the outskirt of the northern forest and Paradox had already been waiting. She bowed to Jareth to show him her respect. Jareth bowed back.

"Hey girl", Sarah said softly and scratched her on the forehead, "how have things been for you? I missed you."

She put her arms around her graceful neck and gave her a big hug. Jareth sat down with Ceres and Mara, as Sarah and Paradox took a walk. She even invited Sarah onto her back again, and Mara decided to follow behind.

"Tell your king to join us. There is enough room on my back for him too", Paradox told Sarah and she waved Jareth over to her. Jareth was taken aback by the offer, but then jumped on behind Sarah and wrapped his arm around his wife and held her tight.

"I kind of really like this", he whispered into Sarah's ears.

"No funny business on my back", Paradox whinnied, "Tell him to keep his hands where I can see them." Sarah laughed out loud and told Jareth what Paradox had said.

"Even she knows you", Sarah laughed and made sure Jareth kept his hands where Paradox could see them, much to Jareth's dismay.

They had taken a long ride through valleys and over rolling hills, and parts of the northern forest even Jareth hadn't seen yet. He was amazed at the vastness of the northern forest. Sarah kept translating everything Paradox told him.

"The forest is older than time itself. It was the first thing to be created in the Underground World, long before the Labyrinth came into existence. Ancient dark secrets still live here and it is still expanding. One day I will show you King Jareth and then you have all the tools you need to defeat the goblorks for good".

It was those last words about the goblorks that made both Sarah and Jareth sit up.

"You know about the goblorks?" Jareth asked astound.

"That and much more. When the time is right I shall show you the secret to defeat them for good."

"Why not show me now?" Jareth wondered.

"It's not the right time", Paradox replied and considered the subject matter closed.


Sarah and Jareth had been back at the castle for several hours already and still Jareth kept pondering over what Paradox had told them about the secret to defeat the goblorks.

"Come to bed, honey", Sarah pleaded with him. He looked up and saw her already crawling under the sheets. He hadn't realized how late it was.

"You're not going to solve it on your own and she will tell you when the time is right. Until then, all you can do is wait. Trust in her", Sarah told him as she laid down.

By the time he finally went to bed Sarah was already sound asleep. He snuggled up to her and held her tight as he too drifted off, but into a fitful sleep.


The economic conference and summit had done wonders for the kingdom as consumer confidence rose and the inhabitants were more inclined to invest into the Goblin National Reserve Bank.

One power had finally manifested itself in Marjorie. She could now change her hair highlights at will like Sarah, even though not quite to the same extend. Marjorie was floating on cloud nine and her color changed every few seconds. She looked like a blinking four way stop light. Sarah nearly spit her ice cream all over herself she was laughing so hard.

"Look at my new bestselling t-shirts", Marjorie exclaimed in between highlight changes. One stack read "First Economic Underground Summit 1996" and the other stack read "Queen of Economy".

"Now you are making money and profiting from my name?" Sarah laughed. "Oh you are a ruthless business woman."

Marjorie nodded proudly and tossed Sarah a pink shirt for her and a green one for Jareth. "It's on the house", she smartly remarked.

Jareth was elated when Sarah gave him his complementary t-shirt after she got home.

"Perfect shirt to go to the waterfall with", he exclaimed and gave her a kiss.

Sarah plopped on the couch with a sigh. The heat outside was getting unbearable and she was glad to live in a stony castle. It acted like a cave and kept the temperatures quit comfortable during the summer even without an air conditioner, and quite cozy during the winter with the fireplaces going.

"Want to go to the waterfall tonight or are you too tired?" Jareth inquired softly as he held her close to him with his arm wrapped around her shoulder.

"Oh, I'm too tired tonight honey", Sarah replied, "but why don't we watch another one of those boring romance movies in our theatre? I heard that back row was available."

She gave him a sultry look and seductive smile as Jareth already led her into the theatre by his hand, smiling happily.