Chapter 13

Beginnings

An excerpt from 'The History of the Labyrinth'

'To the dismay of the Fae people, due to the magic that coursed through their veins they were not able to reproduce easily or often. Since the fae lived for so long if not forever, the majorities of them were very fond of children and wanted many. Therefore, it had been established long ago that the abundance of unwanted children would be taken from the mortal realms and the mischievous goblins had been appointed this task. Of course, guidelines and rules had been established as to how and when a mortal child could be taken, unfortunately goblins are not good at following such rules or guidelines. The fae council decided that all goblins would be relocated to their own realm amidst the wastelands, surrounded by a large labyrinth to deter unwanted persons and more conveniently to the fae people, to keep the goblins in. A King had been appointed to rule over the new goblin realm and foresee the kidnapping of mortal babes.'

Jareth tried not to think of Sarah as he went over the new applications for adoption. It was boring and tedious work, first he had to review the applications, read their letters and then do extensive research on the adopter's history. It all gave him quite a headache. Jareth knew that there would be plenty of applications for the small blonde haired lad that had come in several weeks ago. The boy had reminded him so much of Toby, which reminded him of Sarah. He had sent the boy away very quickly. Toby had reminded Jareth of himself when he was a small thing and the boys brilliant blue eyes reminded him of his own brilliant blue eye. When Sarah had won and taken Toby away he changed Toby's other eye to resemble his. He wasn't sure if it was a gift to Toby or a curse for Sarah, either way it gave him some satisfaction. The satisfaction always led to frustration though when he realized that he would not be able to see how Sarah reacted when she noticed. "Damn that girl!" Jareth pounded his gloved fist on his desk.

"Someone's still in a foul mood." Priya commented dryly as she entered Jareth's study.

Jareth smiled insincerely and asked, "And where have you been my darling?"

Priya smiled most mischievously, "I was out in Thanvaanit, in the little village outside of our borders." She paused as if she was considering something. "There was a splendid little singing competition going on and you know how I love those." she smiled sweetly.

Jareth rolled his eyes. "I don't know how your delicate little ears can stand such bellowing."

"Hmmm yes, it can be quite dreadful at times." she smirked. "However I did come across a very enticing piece of gossip that made all the bellowing worth it."

"Hmm, yes I see." Jareth stood. "I'm not interested in Village gossip. Now be a good girl and finish this paperwork for Me." he said as he left Priya alone in his study.

"Ugh that impossible man!" Priya exclaimed as she sat down rather ungracefully into Jareth's chair. "Well I wasn't going to tell him anyways..." she pouted. Glancing down at the paperwork she rolled her eyes. "No wonder he's in a foul mood..." she muttered as she began signing papers.

In the Village...

Gavin watched as Sarah worked on the little garden she had been planting around the cottage. He had been surprised how easily she adjusted to farm life, her pretty little hands had looked soft and dainty like those of the nobles. While her hands quickly became scared and calloused, she never quite looked like she fitted in. He admired the way the sun sparkled on her dark locks, most of which had fallen loose from the messy bun she had tied earlier. This was Sarah, the labyrinth solver who came from another realm. He had expected her to be catty and arrogant, but he found her to be friendly, loyal and charming. Of course she did have a nasty temper, a way of getting what she wanted and was terribly stubborn, but somehow this made her all the more lovable. There was something else about her that he could not figure out, this tantalizing element of unpredictability and mystery.

Sarah began to stand, her back still turned from Gavin. Her movement broke him from his daydreaming and he remembered why he had come to find her in the first place. "Uh Sarah." he whispered her name, just loud enough for her to hear him.

Sarah jumped a little, startled by Gavin's voice. "Don't sneak up on me like that Gavin!" she laughed.

"Sorry." he grinned, he loved the way she said his name in her foriegn accent. "There's a man here to see you." Gavin informed her.

Sarah stiffened. "What sort of man?" she questioned suspiciously.

"Some servant of some noble somebody." Gavin shrugged. "Mum just had be come get you, thats all I know."

Sarah wiped the dirt off her hands onto her skirts and followed Gavin into the house. The visitor was seated by the hearth, looking very uncomfortable and very well dressed for a servant. The man stood when he saw Sarah enter, Sarah greeted him politely with a small curtsey. "My Lady Christine, I am Chamberlain Hywel." the man addressed Sarah. "I bring salutations from my Lord, the Marquee Derryth. My Lord has heard that your voice is fair and wishes for you to present your voice at his ball two nights from today."

Sarah was shocked. "Word travels fast here." she thought. The competition was only yesterday and she had not even won. "Chamberlain Hywel, I am most flattered by your Lord's request, but surely he has someone more suitable than I for this honor?" she replied respectfully.

Chamberlain Hywel crossed his arms in an impatient manner. "In all honesty, my Lord is in a hurry to find someone, for his regular vocal talent has vanished. Someone in his court suggested you, and so I am here with your invitation." Chamberlain Hywel handed Sarah a scroll, tied with a green ribbon.

Sarah stared at the scroll a moment before replying again. "You may tell the Marquee Derryth that I accept his invitation." she smiled, wondering if she made the right decision.

"Very good." Chamberlain Hywell sighed in relief. "A carriage will arrive for you the morning of the ball." he bowed his head and left the cottage.

At the Castle beyond the Goblin City...

Jareth stood on the courtyard balcony, staring out over the bare dead courtyard scattered with statues that had lost their former glory. They stood like ghosts from the past; dull, worn and many broken. The night breeze moved against him, sweeping his feathered hair from his shoulders and teasing his gauzy cape that glittered in the moonlight. The King let his head tilt back and he abandoned himself there in the still of the night.

The moment was broken by the pattering and clanking footsteps of a group of goblins cautiously approaching their master. Jareth turned to face them casually; his face was stony like the statues in the courtyard.

"The magic calls us your majesty." A small weasel faced goblin addressed him, his voice was nasally and serpent like. Jareth said nothing as the magic pulled the goblins through to the mortal realms. The wish came from one of the 'regulars' as Jareth referred to them as. There were a few realms where the mortals still lived in a medieval age, much like Sarah's realm had experienced. Due to their lack of science and technology, the people were very superstitious and still believed in things like fairies.

Summoning a crystal, Jareth summoned the image of the wish maker. She was a peasant, dressed in a little drab wool dress. Her hair was pulled back tightly and wound in a bun atop her head. She lay on the floor next to a crib weeping. Jareth let out a long sigh before transforming into an owl and taking flight, he flew upwards enjoying the feel of the sharp cold breeze against his feathers. Flying towards the moon he crossed the veil that separates his realm from the mortals realm.

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AN: Not too long but longer than the last few chapters. As promised more Jareth, and the next few chapters will mostly be about Jareth. Sorry it took me so long to update, for some reason fanfiction isnt emailing me alerts anymore when people review...so after a week without reviews I thought everyone hated my story and I was a little discouraged. Then I checked here and saw that people had reviewed! So thanks to all of you who review :-)