Chapter Two


"A toast, gentlemen," Sir Didymus announced as he raised his glass of iced tea (even though Sarah was of legal age to buy alcohol, she had no wine), "to our beloved hostess, as we celebrate the completion of her university education! Thou art as brilliant as thou art beautiful, My Lady, and in two weeks you shall begin a new journey: a journey of discovery, a journey of adventure, a journey of –"

"Yeah, yeah, Didymus," Hoggle interrupted impatiently. He knew that his friend could be very long-winded when it came to speeches and he was hungry. "I thought this was a toast, not a speech. Get to the point already!"

"Hungry…" Ludo mumbled as he gazed longingly at the food. Merlin and Ambrosias were already tucking into their own meaty feast on the floor nearby.

Didymus shot him an offended glare. "Sir Hoggle, you are interrupting my magnum opus!"

"Now boys," Sarah stepped in, hoping to avoid a full-fledged duel, "let's remember that this is a happy occasion between friends." Turning to Hoggle, who sat to her left, "Hoggle, I know you and Ludo are hungry, but Sir Didymus really wants to give his toast and it would be very rude to interrupt." She glanced across the table, "Didymus, I'm honored that you wish to speak for me, but you must also consider the other guests. And considering the time of day, neither of you can stay for more than a few hours."

The three creatures looked at each other, and understood. May 1st was Beltane, one of a few important holidays in the Underground. Not only was it a celebration of spring and new life, but it was one of the few days of the year when they could freely travel to the Aboveground without the use of their own magic. Plus, they were ashamed to admit, but they were acting quite foolishly for being guests in their dear friend's home.

"Yes, you are quite right, sweet lady," Didymus nodded, "my actions were most improper. Please accept my utmost apologies."

"I'm sorry, too," Hoggle added.

"Sorry," Ludo grumbled.

Sarah smiled, "You're forgiven. Now, shall we eat?"

"Wait," Didymus ignored the groans from his companions as he raised his glass again, "May your new journey be a fruitful one, My Lady!"

Hoggle breathed a sigh of relief as he added his own "here here", Ludo gave a "yeah" as they clinked their glasses together (Ludo had a big plastic sports mug). Without further interruption they eagerly dove into their chicken curry with brown rice and steamed vegetables, while Ludo happily chomped into a big head of cabbage from his bowl of fresh fruit and veggies.

"Mmm, delectable," Didymus announced after his first bite, "What dost thou call this dish?"

Sarah looked up, "Oh, it's called Murgh Kari; it's an Indian chicken curry recipe I recently found. I especially like it because there's just the right amount of heat without all those too-hot spices. But I added carrots to the recipe to give it that extra flavor."

"Whatever's in it, this is great," Hoggle confirmed as he washed down the spicy chicken with some iced tea, "The castle cook should take a few lessons from ya."

"Gentlemen, you are too kind," Sarah giggled before turning to look at the monster on her right, "Are you sure you don't want any, Ludo?"

Ludo, still chewing on his cabbage, shook his head sadly.

"Please forgive my brother, Sweet One," Didymus spoke up, "At present, he's the only rock-caller I know of that doesn't eat meat. Not to mention the spices would likely be too harsh for his delicate palate."

"Don't worry, Didymus, I understand," Sarah put a comforting hand on Ludo's arm, causing him to smile before popping a peeled orange into his mouth. "So, guys, how was the Beltane festival?"

"Eh, it was okay," Hoggle said with a shrug, "they had the usual bonfire, maypole, dancing, and other stuff."

"They do try to add new things to the celebration every year, Sir Hoggle," Didymus interjected.

"Yeah, but because of all the different creatures living in the Labyrinth, they always want ta do their own things. And the plannin' committee only has so many slots open fer food and entertainment."

"But doesn't he have the final say anyway?" Sarah asked.

The three of them suddenly looked at her with curious expressions. Ever since her journey through the Labyrinth five years ago, she hardly ever talked about Jareth, the Goblin King. In fact, she'd been too afraid to even think about seeing those mismatched eyes or that cocky grin again. There were even times where the mere thought of all the things he nearly did to her and her friends made her angry enough to curse his memory.

Since the night she got back, she had read various books on the Fae to find ways to protect herself in case he tried to come back for revenge. Back at the family's house, she would leave a line of iron nails and salt along her windowsill, keep her room in just enough clutter so that her stepmother wouldn't complain too much about her tidiness, wear her shirts inside-out both to and from school every day, carry around little satchels of oatmeal and salt in her pocket, and even put a bell collar on Merlin. She especially took care to protect her little brother, Toby, even when she wasn't babysitting. She would hang a bouquet of St. John's Wort and red verbena from the curtain rod of the nursery window, and a little wreath of field daisies in the crib above his head when he was sleeping.

Karen had complained numerous times about Sarah's 'protections' whenever she cleaned house, calling them "superstitious nonsense," but Sarah kept it up even when she moved into her new apartment two years later; she even went so far as to look for four-leaf clovers to transplant into her front garden.

After her second year in her new place, and researching Fae legends for so long, Sarah's fear and anger slowly turned to curiosity. She allowed herself to remember all her interactions with him: how he looked at her, spoke to her, the fact that he never actually hurt her, and – most importantly – what he meant at the end of her journey when he said:

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave."

There were so many questions that needed to be answered, so many words left unspoken. She eventually decided that they needed a chance to talk. With that realization, she gradually took down all of her protections, hoping that she would eventually see the snowy-white barn owl come by her window again after all these years. Sadly, he never came, and Sarah began to wonder if he was either really mad at her, if he had moved on and forgotten her, or her protections had worked too well.

After a few nights she called on Hoggle through her mirror and asked about him. He didn't really answer her question, instead asking her why she wanted to know about 'The Rat'. When she voiced her thoughts about talking to him, the surprised dwarf went into a full-blown tirade about 'how could she even think about him after what happened,' whether she'd 'lost her bloody mind', etc. Finally, Sarah said she would forget about what she said; if nothing else, than to placate her distressed friend.

"Well," Didymus said, causing her mind to snap back to the present, "Actually, His Majesty does not participate in the preparations. That honor is left to the committee; he just looks over the list of chosen activities, approves it, and opens the festival."

"Oh," Sarah replied, "And what did he think of the festival this year?"

"Bah!" Hoggle spat, "The rat wasn't even there."

"What?" Sarah asked, surprised.

"His Majesty is currently not in residence," Didymus proceeded to explain; "He was called away to the Seelie Court three days ago. Apparently all the Fae nobility have been summoned due to urgent business."

"Humph, urgent business my foot," Hoggle grumbled, "Those stuffy Fae peacocks are always gathering for one reason or another. If ya ask me, where that rat's concerned, it's one of two things: One, High Queen Oona wants to show 'im off to the ladies, or two, he's gotten himself in trouble with the High King again." He took another bite of his dinner and drank some more tea.

"What do you mean 'again'?" Sarah asked before taking a bite herself.

Hoggle wiped his mouth on his napkin before answering, "Well, after you left, High King Finvarra somehow got wind of the tricks he pulled while you ran the Labyrinth, and he was…well…let's just say that 'hoppin' mad' was puttin' it mildly."

"His Majesty was escorted to the Seelie Palace by members of the High King's own guard!" Didymus added, causing Sarah to nearly choke on her drink.

"He was arrested?!"

"Not exactly, My Lady; he returned after only a few days, but in a most foul mood. Practically locked himself in his chambers and didn't emerge for at least a week. To this day no one knows what transpired at the High Palace, for no one has mustered up the courage to ask."

"Whatever it was, I hope he got exactly what he deserved," Hoggle muttered gleefully.

"Now see here, Sir Hoggle," Didymus spoke up seriously, "I do not agree with His Majesty's actions myself, but we mustn't forget that he is our king. Why, every citizen within the Labyrinth would be lost without his protection – including ourselves, and he is to be treated with respect."

"Yeah," Ludo agreed. Even Ambrosias and Merlin barked an affirmative.

"Don't get me wrong, Hoggle," Sarah joined in, "but Didymus is right. I don't know where you guys were before the Labyrinth – and I won't ask – but you wouldn't have a home now if he wasn't there."

Hoggle was surprised enough by Didymus's statement, but even more so when Sarah got into it. Still, he had to admit that they were right: he himself was a wanderer before he reached the Goblin City and was granted sanctuary. He heaved a heavy sigh before nodding.

"Oh, alright, but that still don't mean I have ta like 'im!"


Once dinner was finished and the plates cleared away, Sarah surprised her friends by bringing a large log-shaped sweet roll, loaded with icing, out of the oven and to the table. She refilled their glasses and cut pieces for them before sitting back down to enjoy her dessert. She smiled as her friends complimented her culinary skills, and listened while they continued to talk about current events back in the Underground.

Just as he finished his last bit of dessert, Didymus suddenly spoke up:

"Oh, by the way, My Lady, my comrades and I wish to ask you something."

Sarah put down her glass, "Sure. What about?"

"Well, we've discussed this – even with the other residents of the Goblin City – and we all agree that, since the king is away, and you have been working so hard, and we haven't seen you in such a long while…"

"Wouldja like ta come visit with us; ya know, like a vacation?" Hoggle cut in, not wanting to wait for Didymus to finish, "Just for a week; it needn't be long, if you don't want to,"

Sarah looked at her friends' hopeful faces in surprise. She had always believed that, once a runner either solved the Labyrinth or failed, he or she would never be able to return. The thought of visiting her friends again excited her, but she was especially worried that Jareth would return while she was there, or he would at least know she'd been there.

"Gee, guys, a vacation sounds wonderful, and I do miss everyone. But, what about…?"

"Oh, the rat said he'd be gone for about two weeks, and it's been three days already. He won't even know you were there."

Sarah thought for a minute, "Well, if I said yes, I would need to make some arrangements first. I can't leave Merlin with my neighbors for that long –"

"Your friend is more than welcome to come along," Didymus said confidently, "He can be your personal escort."

"Really?"

"Indubitably!"

Hearing his name, Merlin trotted over to Sarah's side and nudged her hand, earning himself a good scratch.

"Well, I'd also need some time to prepare, and let my parents and Toby know. Would you be willing to give me a day or two?"

"Even three," Hoggle answered, "Just call us through the mirror when you're ready, and we'll help you both in."

Hearing this, Sarah couldn't help but smile. She would be able to visit her friends, bring Merlin along, and take a much needed vacation before her graduation.

"Then…" The others looked at her, eagerly waiting for her response, "…I accept."

They all cheered happily and spent the rest of their time making plans for Sarah's arrival.


Once her friends were safely through the mirror, Sarah turned on the TV to the news channel so she could listen to the news while cleaning the kitchen.

While Merlin was outside and she was loading the dishes into the dishwasher, her mind kept wandering to the Labyrinth: did it change much since she was last there? How many creatures actually lived there? She really only saw a small portion of it and its inhabitants. In fact, she was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she didn't hear the broadcast on the TV:

"And in other news, NASA has announced that a major solar storm is expected to hit Earth in the next couple of days…"