Sarah sat frozen, staring at her vanity in confusion. What was I doing? She wondered as she moved to the chair, gazing at her reflection. Ah, yes! I just woke up from that strange dream! She picked up her brush, intently brushing away the tangles as she hummed.
Daddy should be home soon and then we can do something fun. She thought, still brushing. After a moment, she set down the brush. Her mind felt fuzzy, like there was something she couldn't quite remember.
Suddenly she caught sight of her old teddy bear laying beside the mirror. Oh, how I've missed you! A smile broke across her face as she picked him up, hugging it to herself. Moving to her bed, she curled up in the middle, closing her eyes.
Something kept nagging at her, telling her that something wasn't right. Sarah sat up, eyes wide as she scanned the room. Catching sight of the side table, her mouth opened in surprise. She picked up the book, opened it and began to read aloud. "Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered," she recited, "I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City, to take back the child you have stolen ..."
Suddenly it all rushed back to her - Ludo, Sir Didymus, the Labyrinth, Jareth and - "Michael!" She cried out, flying off the bed. "I have to find Michael!" Sarah turned to the door, flinging it open. A gust of wind swept through, knocking her backwards before she could grab hold of anything.
Sarah rolled onto her stomach, crawling slowly towards the door. Grabbing hold of the door frame, she pulled herself to the edge, peering out into the night. As she struggled to see, a faint voice drifted through the door.
With a gasp, she spotted the small form of Sir Didymus far below. "Up here!" She cried, the wind whipping through the door. "I'm up here!" She continued to yell for a few minutes until she realized they couldn't hear her. Pulling herself up, she clung desperately to the edge, fingers clawing into the wood. Splinters dug into her skin but she held on.
With one final cry, Sarah flung herself out of the door. She rushed headlong towards the ground and her eyes widened with fear as the earth grew closer. She screamed, flinging her arms across her face as she was just about to land.
A slight thud rang out and she lay frozen, too afraid to move. "Ludo?" Came a gentle murmured followed quickly by a probing touch. Her body wiggled before falling still again. A splash of water fell on her arms and Sarah groaned as she shifted slowly, trying to roll over.
Every muscle ached as she crawled to her feet. Ludo grabbed her in a big hug, squeezing her tightly in his furry arms. "Sarah!" He grunted happily as he shook her. "Yeah, I'm back." Her muffled voice was barely audible and Ludo quickly released her. Sarah stepped back, smiling up at him.
"Milady." Sir Didymus' voice was stoic as he swept off his hat, bowing solemnly before her. "We were all of the accord that thou werest dead." Ludo growled, shaking his magnificent head vigorously. The Fox simply glared up at the giant before turning back to Sarah.
"What do we do now?" He asked, replacing his hat before mounting his trusty steed. "We go to the Goblin King's castle and get my brother back." She said firmly, marching down the path. With a shrug, Ludo followed after her and Sir Didymus nudged his steed into a trot. They set off at steady pace, none of them aware of the shadow that followed them.
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Jareth grimaced, as he felt his magic failing him once again. He slammed his fist against his throne, angered at how the child seemed to outwit him at every turn. But at the same time, he also felt slightly excited. Could this finally be the one? The one Sarah who passed all his tests?
He felt his heart racing and stood, the urge to move suddenly upon him as he felt the excitement fading. No, once again she would prove a disappointment and he would be stuck staring at these stupid goblins for another hundred years. And then a whole new lot of Sarahs to sort through.
The baby began crying and Jareth closed his eyes, gently massaging his temples as the goblins scurried around him. I don't know how much longer I can do this.