Retribution

by PaisleyRose

Yet another look at what might have happened in the hours, days, months and years that followed the words, You have no power over me. And what happens when a Fae King looks for retribution.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter three

If this is living

The day of homecoming Sarah sat miserable down in the dumps and alone on the bench. Amy and Chloe were both on the cheer squad and were down of the field leading the cheers. The hayride of the last week had turned into a firestorm. The principal had turned the incident into Sarah's fault, having been raised by an Actress. Even more of the student body shunned her.

Robin Hobb took a seat beside her, "Who's winning?" He asked having just arrived.

"The other team." Sarah grumbled softly.

"Such a pity." Robin said, noting the grimace on her face. "So, Miss Williams, have you thought over my offer?"

Sarah sighed, "I'm afraid I won't be able to do much of anything. I'm grounded."

Robin looked at the sad girl, "What in heaven's name for?"

"Principal Miller says it's my fault that the boys attacked me, that I was most likely the one who passed the bottle to them, teased them and then got cold feet." Her voice was flat.

"Is that so?" Robin glared down toward the man in question. "And I suppose your parents went for that."

"No." she sighed, "But anything having to do with the school is out. Principal Miller has me restricted from all extra curricular…"

Robin smiled, "I don't teach mandolin at the school." He whispered in a collaboratory tone. "I teach in a very nice little loft on Sixth Street." He looked about, and saw that everyone was cutting a wide path round the girl. "Where's the handsome swain who is escorting you to tonight's dance?"

Green eyes darkened. "There is none. I'm not going, no one asked me. It's like I'm cursed." She looked at the boys in the grandstands and knew it didn't matter. Even had one of them asked, she would not have accepted. How could a boy compare with her King?

Robin placed a hand over hers. "Sarah, come with me. You really have no interest in this stupid game. Music awaits you." He rose to his feet and pulled her up as well. "The loft is but a few blocks away. Why watch this when you can have music?"

The little loft was large and filled with huge windows allowing light to stream in. Robin walked over to the table. "This is the one that needs work. It may take a while, but I'd be happy to teach you to restore it, and while you do, I'll teach you to play the other one."

Sarah fingered the beautiful instrument. "Oh it's so pretty! How did it ever get broken?"

"Someone was careless," he said.

Sarah spent the rest of the afternoon learning the proper hand positions and strumming style for the Mandolin. He began to teach her the full range of frets, when he looked at the clock. "Sarah, it's late. We must stop for today."

He offered to walk her home, not wishing her to walk the dark streets alone. As they were passing the school, they could hear the music playing in the gym for the dance. They heard the clapping and feet dancing to the line dance. The shadows of bodies crossed the walls and could be seen from the window. The dance had just started, and Sarah pulled her jacket closer. The nip in the air was filling the night. Robin walked her to her home and said his goodbyes.

Sarah stood in the front hall for a moment. Her folks were entertaining. She peered into the lounge, and saw two other couples with Karen and her father. She tapped quietly on the door frame, and broke in quietly. "Excuse me." They all looked up at her. "I just wanted to let you know I'm home."

Karen smiled at the girl. "Sarah, did you have a nice afternoon?"

"Yes, thank you." She smiled back, having learned that Karen was not as bad as she'd painted her. She was not her mother the Actress, but she was a good mother. "I'm going to go up and check in on Toby."

The adults resumed their conversations, as the girl went lightly up the stairs to the bedrooms. She opened the door of her little brother's room. Walking over to his bed, she saw that he'd tossed his blanket off and it lay crumpled on the floor. She replaced it on him, tucked it in and smoothed it. The child with the lovely blond hair and big eyes stirred. Sarah soothed and patted his back. Kneeling down at his bedside she gazed at him. "How could I have been so stupid as to wish you away?"

Shut eyes opened and a little mouth whispered, "Sarwha…"

She kissed him, "Yes, Toby… I'm here." When he was truly settled and sleeping again she left the room. "I'll always be here."

Karen was serving dinner to the guests, and Sarah asked if she could lend a hand. Karen nodded; noting that in the last six months there had been many changes in the girl. Karen invited her to join them. Sarah said thanks but no, and helped get the dishes out to the table, then made an excuse to absent her self. She pulled her jacket back on and started to walk. The owl discreetly followed. Her steps took her to a hidden garden in a courtyard of the school. She sat down and listened to the music.

Jareth stood in the shadows, waiting, and watching. Some of the music was not to his liking. He could never understand how it was that these mortals could enjoy that noise. Then a soft slow song began to play, and Sarah stood up and moved to the beam of pale moonlight that flooded one place in the garden. She held her hands up and began to move with her eyes closed. Jareth was half tempted to just watch, but found after a moment he could not bear to allow her to dance alone. He placed a hand under hers and one at her waist. Her eyes flew open, her lips parted as if to protest, but no sound was made. Alone, bathed in moonlight in the secret garden they danced. The soft words and the melody filling space that could not be filled.

Somewhere in the night we will know
Everything lovers can know
You're my song, music too magic to end
I'll play you over and over again
Lovin' so warm, movin' so right
Closin' our eyes and feelin' alive
We'll just go on burnin' bright
Somewhere in the night

Mismatched eyes gazed tenderly into emerald pools, hearing her soft breath. Feeling her move in his arms, his hand tightened its hold, least she flee him yet again.

Somewhere in the night!!

(We'll just go on burnin' bright)
(Somewhere in the night)
(We'll just go on burnin' bright)
We'll just go on burnin' bright
Somewhere in the night

When the song ended, they stood frozen in the moment. "Thank you," she whispered softly.

"Thank you," he said in return. He wanted to find something biting to say, but could not. "I've not forgotten our dance." He confessed softly.

"Nor I." she said as the cold caused her to shiver. "It was… magic." The music in the gym became fast and loud, and Sarah winced. It was not what she wanted. Not now, not here in the secret garden. Not now that she was standing alone with him.

Jareth pulled back, and looked at her. "You don't belong here, Sarah. You never did." His voice had turned harsh.

She felt a tear sting her eyes, "Jareth," she looked up, but he was already gone. Pulling her jacket closer, she left the garden and walked back home.

When the girl had gone, the King sat down in the dark recesses of the garden. What was wrong with him? Did he feel pity for that mortal, that selfish stupid little girl? The one who'd caused him such agony? Was she not to blame for all the problems he was having? She had her dreams offered to her, not just once! But did she accept the great gift offered, no! She'd turned him down. Him, Jareth! The Goblin King. Not only had she broken his labyrinth, but she'd gone off with his property. She needed to be taught about leaving with things that didn't belong to her. Even if it was she herself!

Jareth lowered his head to his gloved hands. "I will not be made a fool. I will not have a mortal walk all over me." He tossed his head back and laughed. It was a cruel laugh, and it traveled.

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Thanksgiving dinner was not going well. Karen had been feeling off all day. When it came time to carve the turkey she went running from the table. Sarah told her father to take care of the bird, and went toward the powder room. When Karen exited, she was pale and shaken. She looked at Sarah and gave a half hearted smile. Sarah looked at her, "Mom," she called her that for the fist time. "Are you alright?"

Karen leaned back against the wall, "That's the fist time you've ever called me mom." She placed a hand to the girl's cheek. "I thought it was a bug… but it's not... The last time I felt like this…" she looked at her stepdaughter. "Was…"

Sarah smiled, "Are you going to have another baby?"

The older woman nodded, "I think so…"

Sarah rushed forward embracing the woman. "Oh that's wonderful!"

Hours later after Toby had been put to bed, Sarah came down to the living room. Her father was sitting in his reading chair, pipe in his teeth. Karen was sitting in a little chair her feet up and in her hands were needle and thread. Sarah pulled a stool up close and watched. "Can you teach me to do that?"

Karen looked at her in shock. "Sarah Ann Williams! You've never shown the least interest in fabric arts, why now?"

The girl put her head on her Stepmother's lap, and was happy to receive a gentle caress. "I'm wanting to do something for the new baby!"

Robert took the pipe out of him mouth and watched for a moment. Then like most men, lost interest and went back to reading.

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The days turned to weeks, weeks into months and soon it was six months. It had been a very uneasy six months for Sarah. Toby, thank God was too young to clearly remember anything that had befallen him. He smiled up at his sister now with trusting eyes. At first Sarah thought it was over, she'd keep her Labyrinth friends in secret, and it would not harm anyone or anything. That was till the strange gifts started to arrive. First there was the fan, with the peacock feathers. Then the ivory hair comb, and the ear bobs. Little things, like perfume showed up on her vanity. At first she'd thought it was Karen trying to make things easier for her or her father trying to make her feel grown up. When she found a pendant hanging in her locker at school, an amethyst heart within a crystal orb, hanging off a perfect silver chain, it pretty much cleared up any misgivings she'd had. The gifts were coming from Underground. They were coming from HIM.

With each gift, Sarah felt a secret thrill. She said nothing about the gifts for fear they were not from an Underground admirer. If they were from here, the mundane world, she wanted to at least pretend they were from the magical realm she'd had such wonderful adventures in.

On Sarah's sixteenth birthday, a large crate arrived from her mother. Inside was a full length mirror she'd found in a curio shop in the East Village. Linda sent a lovely note saying she was sooooo sorry she had to miss such an important event in her daughter's life, but she was overseas filming. She'd found the mirror and had it arranged to be delivered on her birthday. She hoped Sarah would enjoy it.

Sarah now stood in front of that very mirror and looked at her reflection. Whose idea was it anyway to join the medieval chorus? She was dressed in a long gown, similar to the dress she'd worn for Shakespeare in the park last year. She smiled at that thought, but this dress was more form fitting. Over the green gown with the white chemise, she wore a long red hooded cloak. She'd placed the heart pendant on her throat, and picked up the fan and looked at herself in the mirror and frowned. She'd tried to wear the comb but didn't understand how to dress her hair in the style of the dress. She held the comb in the opposite hand of the fan.

"Sarah, you look adorable." Her stepmother had said, "Now shake a leg, Greg is downstairs and he's waiting. A lady should never keep her gentleman caller waiting." Karen exited to see to the guest downstairs.

Sarah leaned toward the mirror and forgot her self for a few moments. "I look like little red riding hood." She muttered. "I bet the Goblin King would be laughing himself sick if he saw me in this! I wish, I wish… I wish I could escape this and I wish someone would take me away from all this." Misery in her eyes, she really hated the idea of Greg. "God, Greg." Her voice groaned. "He's going to be all over me, I just know it. The way this dress is cut, I look like a wanton tart. Oh God, why didn't I stay in the Labyrinth? I'd much rather take my chances with the Goblin King!"

Greg Harrison had made Sarah his personal campaign for the last four months. He was the son of one of her father's oldest friends. A year a head of her in high school and one of the "big men on campus", and Sarah could not stand him. He was a nice enough looking boy, if what one was looking for was a boy. Sarah uttered a disparaging remark about kings. How could anyone look at the boys in the mundane world the same way one looked at a Goblin King? Greg had dark hair that was full and wavy, not soft and white blond. He had plain eyes, instead of enchanting mismatched eyes. And he had boring eyebrows, instead of elegant swept brows. He didn't smell of spice and leather either.

The Harrison's had set up the initial date, and though she constantly put him off, still Greg hung on. He called everyday! He was waiting for her when she got to school, he was there in the lunchroom, and he seemed to be lurking everywhere. Sarah told herself it was the experience of having been stalked by the Goblin King that made her dislike all this attention from Greg at first. When he kept pestering her, she had to admit, it was the fact hat he was not the Goblin King that caused her to dislike him so much. Shortly after that admission came the first of the mystery gifts. Her father had thought all the attention by Greg was "cute", and thought the gifts were from him. Sarah thought he was boring, mundane, and totally bland, and was sure the gifts were not from him.

Sarah looked into the mirror. At first all she saw was her self, leaning down and on the verge of tears. Then for a moment the glass fogged and she thought she saw something else. For a moment, she thought she saw two mismatched eyes looking back at her where her eyes should be. She blinked, and the fog was no longer there. "Great Sarah, now you're making yourself see what you want to see. If dad knew I was up here, looking in a mirror to see those mismatched eyes, it would be off to the booby hatch instead of the High School Auditorium."

"Sarah, Greg is waiting." She heard Karen call.

"Let him wait." Sarah groaned. "I'd rather take a bath in the bog of eternal stench than have to sit in a car with him. At least the Goblin King was never boring, or stupid." She looked in the mirror. "If I didn't have to be on stage in twenty minuets, I'd pass though this looking glass and escape." She pushed back and took one last look at herself. Six months had made her careless. "I wish the Goblin King would rescue me right now." She turned to leave. "Little hope of that. You've most likely forgotten all about me by now, Goblin King."

Mismatched eye on the other side of the mirror twinkled maddeningly. "Not bloody likely, sweet," he uttered. Turning to his goblins, he smiled. "I take flight. Watch for me this night."

From the corner of her right eye, she caught a flicker of motion. A soft black leather gloved hand clamped down on her mouth. Sarah knew there was not enough room behind her for another person to between her and the mirror. As the left gloved hand and arm gripped her just beneath her bosom locking her arms to her side, she was yanked back ward. Where there should have been glass, there was now open space… until she came up against a hard chest. The air was filled with his scent, and her eyes opened wide as she began to struggle, kicking off one slipper.

"Hello Sarah," he drawled in that wonderful lazy style of his. "Miss me, darling?" He backed up and she was on the other side of the mirror. "Get that slipper, Zonk." He ordered the little goblin standing at his side. "I've got my hands full for the time being." The ugly little beastie hopped though the looking glass, grabbed the slipper and slipped back as quickly as a wink. "Portal close," drawled the King. Bending close to her ear he breathed, "Welcome back, Sarah. Ready to play again?" He moved his hand form her mouth to her shoulder, knowing what was coming next. She didn't disappoint him. The blood curdling scream went on for the longest time, mixed with the sounds of a Goblin King laughing. Then she was leaning against him, sobbing.

"NO…." she moaned.

"What's said is said," He still held her within his arms. "A thank you is in order, for I have just rescued you."

Sarah turned and glared at him, "A thank you?" As she turned the clasp on the cloak fell open and revealed her blossoming frame.

Jareth gave an appreciative glance downward and smiled. "My, my Sarah, how you've grown." He sniffed and could smell the light Fae fragrance he'd sent her. "Ah, you liked the perfume I sent. I'm so glad."

Sarah gaped at him, "How…."

"You know how."

Sarah stamped the shoeless foot on the hard floor of the chamber just off the throne room. "Oh, God… not again! I beat you…"

Jareth laughed a mirthless laugh. "That was but round one. Who ever heard of a game being over in one round?" Sarah grabbed her shoe up from the hands of the goblin holding it and hurled it at the Goblin king who stood there laughing. "Oh come on now, Sarah. This time you don't even have to run the Labyrinth! I'll just chase you around here in my throne room." He advanced on her and she backed up a step. "What say you to that, my little pigeon?"

The girl back up another pace, looked at the looking glass she'd just been hauled though. "You…You peeping tom! You and those evil eyes!!!"

"The better to see you with." He growled softly. "See how easy this game is… Little Red Riding Hood… Always did fancy myself as the wolf. And I have a much better ending in mind." He took another step and watched as she backed up.

"You were listening to me! You were eavesdropping on me! You and those damn ears!" She said it before she could stop her self.

"The better to hear you, my sweet… And what amazing things you've said to me, thinking no one could hear." Another step and she backed away without looking; two more and he'd have her against the throne. "You were saying?"

Panic started to over take her, that and his spicy scent. "You keep those hands to your self!"

She'd completely backed her self into the side of the throne. "Oh but they make it so easy to touch you, my love." He grabbed hold and enjoyed the struggle. He leaned closer, "Now, don't you want to say something about my teeth or my mouth?" As he leaned closer they plunged over the arms of the throne and landed with Jareth on top of Sarah, trapped in the seat of the throne.

"Your mouth?" she said as she went backwards.

Jareth crowed, "The better to kiss you with." The lips in question came down hard on hers, as his hands groped her waist. Arms were flying, legs were kicking and two young people struggled on the seat of the throne, all while the goblins stood by wide eyed. The Goblin King planted kisses on her eye lids and her nose then her cheeks, while she begged him to stop. Until he placed a long lingering kiss on her lips, the girl had not ceased struggling. Slowly her hands wound up his back, as his arms drew her closer. She responded, kissing him back, thinking she was so glad it was not Greg who was holding her like this. The kiss deepened, and looked to be leading to a dangerous path when the throne room rang with loud sounds. Sarah froze and Jareth uttered a loud curse.

Oberon appeared in a blaze of light. "Jareth! You Idiot! What in blazes do you think you're doing?"

Jareth looked up from where he was perched over the girl, "Not much." He said quietly. "Just kissing." Even he didn't think it sounded as innocent as it should have.

Oberon looked at the placement of the young king's hands. "Not much he says! Not for much longer, by the looks of it! You were told, over and over, you can not have her till she's of age!"

"She's of a fine age right now," the Goblin King admired the spirited creature in his grasp. "This game was much more amusing then just letting her run around in that Labyrinth."

The Fae king stormed over, pulled the Goblin King back by the scruff of his neck and tossed him aside. "I will be obeyed boy." Then he looked down at the girl. "Willing or no, she's not of age. You will abide my rulings or I'll nullify your claim."

Jareth backed down. "She called." He pointed at the frozen girl. "She wished for me to rescue her."

Oberon narrowed his gaze. "OH, and do you think she wished you to ravish her? Is that your idea of a rescue?"

"No," Jareth smirked, "Tis my idea of a reward for services rendered." Then his features darkened. "How did you get wind of this…I was discrete."

Oberon let his words flow. "You and she are under a watchful eye at all times. I don't trust you, my boy." He looked round the throne room and spotting the antechamber. "Is your portal device in there?"

Jareth knew better than to lie to the King of Kings. "Yes, Sire." He sighed.

Oberon bent down and picked up the frozen form of the girl. "This is my last warning lad! Watch if you must, but don't touch!" Long strides took him to the portal. "Open."

Jareth licked his lips. He could still taste his sweet Sarah on them. "Well, I've waited this long, what's a few more years?" He sighed to himself.

Oberon looked at the child in his arms. "What a lot of trouble you cause, missy! I hope you are worth it." He placed her on her bed and reordered time to the instant that she'd been hauled into the Underground. Then he stood back as she went to the moment she stood before the mirror.

She turned to leave. "Little hope of that. You've most likely forgotten all about me by now, Goblin King." She sighed as she walked to the stairs and called out "I'm ready."

Mismatched eye on the other side of the mirror twinkled maddeningly. "Not bloody likely, sweet," he uttered again placing his forehead against the backside of the mirror.

Karen looked at her as she descended the stairs. "Sarah, don't you think it would be better to have two shoes?"

Sarah looked down at her feet; she was missing her left shoe. "Oh Blast." She uttered, marched up stairs. Not finding the missing slipper, she changed to her spare pair.

Mismatched eyes watched from the other side of the strange full length mirror. In Jareth's hands was the missing slipper. "There are so many games we have to play." He teased, knowing she could not hear him. "Go sing sweet bird; soon even your songs will belong to me alone."

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Greg smiled as they got in the car to return home. "You sure fill that getup out nicely, babe."

Sarah ground her teeth. "Don't call me babe!" Sarah was glad when the evening was over and she was being driven home. The performance went well, and she found herself enjoying the garments she wore. Still, she wondered where on earth her slipper could have gone. They were nearly to her door when Greg turned the car down a lonely road that skimmed the park. Sarah glared at him. "What are you doing?"

"It's a nice night," the boy said with a husky voice. "Thought we'd put it to good use." He pulled the car his father had given him over, and turned off the engine. "Why don't you slide over here and pucker up babe?"

"Thanks, but no thanks." She said firmly.

"Why the ice princess act?" Greg asked getting nasty. "No one with a bode like that is an iceberg, so why the tease."

"Maybe it's just the company!" Sarah opened the door and stepped out.

"Fine, walk home Icy bitch!" Greg gunned the engine and tore out of the lot.

Sarah looked up at the cold winter sky, and pulled the cloak tighter round her shoulders. In the pale moon light she could make out the winged form, an Owl. She held her head high, and walked the distance from the park to her house with pride. No one was going to get her kisses or her love till she was damn good and ready, she said to her self.

From his perch in a tree, the owl watched, making sure she was safe. Along with him were the ever present ravens.

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Sarah spent time learning how to embroider and sew. On weekends she went to the loft and learned how to repair the damage done to the old mandolin and how to play. Robin was good company. She talked to him about how things had changed between her and Karen.

"What do you think changed?" the man asked as they worked on the wood.

"Me…" Sighed Sarah. "I changed. It happened when I thought I lost my little brother…but I can't explain… so please don't ask."

A secret smile crossed the lips of the man. "I understand."

Karen was overlooking the stitch work, "Sarah, your even better at this then I am!" she praised. She had realized that forcing Sarah to date Greg was a bad idea. To make up for it she was teaching Sarah to quilt. When they had found out that Karen was going to have a baby girl, Sarah had begun to design a layette set for the baby. It was covered in pretty flowers and little fairy figures. Side by side they worked, forging a deeper bond.

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Spring came and with it came the birth of Karen's baby, a little girl they named Katie Rose. Sarah had completed the work on her mandolin, and had paid for it with savings from babysitting for Karen and for a friend of Karen's. The children loved her. She told them stories that spun the rooms filled with magic. Always that white owl was near. Listening to the stories, and watching over his proterty. She would play the mandolin and sing the children to sleep, and the owl would preen to hear, closing its eyes, almost in pleasure.

The public speaking class had a recital. Each of the students was given an envelope containing a speech or a poem. They were expected to recite it cold. The instructor handed the envelope over just before the student took the stage. They would open it in front of him, and have their name stamped to the page.

Karen sat in the audience with Robert and Toby, Katie was home with Karen's mother so the family could attend the recital. She'd been so proud of Sarah of late; she sometimes forgot that Sarah was not her natural daughter.

Mr. Phelps, the instructor had been as cold as he could be, when he handed the envelope to Sarah. "Try not to botch it too badly. Hard to believe your mother is an Actress!" he insulted the girl.

For the life of her, the teen could not figure out what had set him off from day one. She took the envelope from him, thanked him and opened it. Her eyes opened wide, 'Jareth! What the hell are you trying to do to me?' She looked up at the instructor, and knew better than to ask for something else. Besides, she had a hunch that even if she did any envelope given her would contain the same poem.

Sarah smoothed her skirt, walked to the podium and placed the page down. "LITTLE ORPHANT ANNIE by James Whitcome Riley" She said clearly, then walked away from the pages and looked into the audience, placed her hands behind her back and began. "Little Orphant Annie's come to our house to stay,

An' wash the cups an' saucers up, an' brush the crumbs away,

An' shoo the chickens off the porch, an' dust the hearth, an' sweep,

An' make the fire, an' bake the bread, an' earn her board-an-keep;

An' all us other childern, when the supper-things is done,

We set around the kitchen fire an' has the mostest fun,

A-listenin' to the witch-tales 'at Annie tells about,

An' the Gobble-uns 'at gits you

Ef you Don't Watch Out!

Wunst they wuz a little boy wouldn't say his prayers, -
An' when he went to bed at night, away up-stairs,
His Mammy heerd him holler, an' his Daddy heerd him bawl,
An' when they turn't the kivvers down, he wuzn't there at all!
An' they seeked him in the rafter-room, an' cubby-hole, an' press,
An seeked him up the chimbly-flue, an' ever'-wheres, I guess;
But all they ever found wuz thist his pants an' roundabout: -
An' the Gobble-uns 'll git you
Ef you Don't Watch Out!

An' one time a little girl 'ud allus laugh an' grin,
An' make fun of ever' one, an' all her blood-an'-kin;
An' wunst, when they was "company," an' ole folks wuz there,
She mocked 'em an' shocked 'em, an' said she didn't care!
An' thist as she kicked her heels, an' turn't to run an' hide,
They wuz two great big Black Things a-standin' by her side,
An' they snatched her through the ceilin' 'for she knowed what she's about!
An' the Gobble-uns 'll git you
Ef you Don't Watch Out!

An' little Orphant Annie says, when the blaze is blue,
An' the lamp-wick sputters, an' the wind goes woo-oo!
An' you hear the crickets quit, an' the moon is gray,
An' the lightnin'bugs in dew is all squenched away, -
You better mind yer parunts, an' yer teachurs fond an' dear,
An' cherish them 'at loves you, an' dry the orphant's tear,
An' he'p the pore an' needy ones 'at clusters all about,
Er the Gobble-uns 'll git you
Ef you Don't Watch Out!"

When Sarah finished, one could hear a pin drop. She gave a graceful curtsy as the audience stood to applaud. Mr. Phelps looked at the page on the podium, and frowned. He didn't remember putting that poem in any of the envelopes. But as he'd been the one handing them out he could not deny he'd assigned it. He also had to admit also that the Williams girl had recited well. When the family arrived home Karen was very tired, and Sarah offered to put Toby to bed. Karen went to sit with her mother, and Sarah's father. Toby took his sister's hand and climbed the stairs like a big boy. He was easy to put to bed, and Sarah was telling him a story. He looked up at her and said. "Sarwah…Tell the goblens to go way." And he went to sleep. Sarah looked out the window, straight into the eyes of that blasted ever present owl. She looked down at Toby. "There are no goblins here, Toby." &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Senior year was more of the same, as far as Sarah was concerned. The little ones were getting older, and asking for bigger and better stories. The boys at school were just that; boys. She spent what free time she had babysitting, or in dance class, or in the loft, learning classical music from Robin.

The year passed with out anything major happening. No dates, no dances, and few parties. She'd attended one at Amy's but when a kissing game was being played she felt a sense of dread, and left. She passed the owl sitting on the obelisk in the park and kept on going, ignoring that blasted bird with it's oh so knowing eyes and smug expression.

Graduation brought an adventure; her mother was going to be in London filming, and she wanted Sarah to spend a month there with her. The arrangements were made, and Sarah flew over seas to be with her mother. England was magical for her. Her mother was renting a wonderful flat in a very stylish section of town. It was not far to the park, nor to a wonderful little shopping district. She remembered how thrilled Robin had been for her. The last year she'd spent more time in his loft then with her friends. Amy was now pre-engaged to her boy friend. Chloe was preparing for early classes at a university she'd been accepted to. They were drifting apart, and it broke Sarah's heart.

The thing she missed the most was reading to the "smalls" as she called her younger siblings. She missed the sweet smell of Katie fresh from a bath. And the way Toby would lean into her when she read him a story. She sent home little gifts, things she'd found in shops near her mother's flat and interesting stones found on the beach when her mother had taken her to the sea shore. The entire cast of the film her mother was working on was wonderful, and she enjoyed her occasional visits to the set. But all in all, it was the long walks in the park alone she truly enjoyed.

He watched, sometimes in owl form, sometimes in human guise. But always he was near. Oberon kept an eye on him, nearly as close an eye as he kept an eye on Sarah. It bothered him that he was being detained by the court, and the ruling. Often he had to remind him self how much sweeter it would be that way. Sarah would be as innocent as a rose, and he intended to be a wild thorn. The raven guard often complained about infractions. Yet as the Goblin King had kept to the letter of the ruling, they had no choice but to just keep watch.

Sarah sat alone in the park one afternoon, reading, when an elderly man took a seat on the bench aside her. "Do you mind, young lady?" he asked kindly.

Sarah smiled up at him, "Oh no, please, there's plenty of room here."

"Ah," he said raising a monocle to one eye, "A colonist!" He held a paper in his hands. "What brings you to England young lady?"

Sarah nearly laughed, "Yes, I'm an American. My mother is here working this summer. I came to visit her."

The old man looked round, "But you're alone here in this park."

"Oh, mother is filming today." Sarah said brightly. "My mother is Linda Williams, the actress. My name is Sarah." She extended a hand to the elder.

"Pleased to meet you Miss Williams, I am Mr. Emrys." He took the hand and smiled deeply. "So you are here for the summer?"

Sarah shook her head, "Only a few weeks really. I have early admission to collage and need to be there in the middle of August."

Emrys smiled. "Do you intend to be an actress like your mother?"

The girl gave a moments thought, "Well at one time I that was my goal, but not anymore. I think I'd like to teach literature. Poetry and such."

"A noble goal," he commended. "There are too few gifted teachers…and sometimes far too many actresses." He spent the next several hours chatting with her. Inconsequential things, on the face of it. But all of his questions taught him about the girl. At half past three, when Sarah said she had to get back, he bid her farewell, and watched her leave the park. He strolled down to a little ornamental lake, and gazed into the waters. A face that was not his own looked back. As Vivanne rose from the depths he stated his first impression. "I like the girl. She is far too good for Jareth!"

Vivanne smiled at her kinsmen. "She seems like a sweet child. Such a pity, but his claim is valid… I've even gone over it with a fine tooth comb."

Emrys waved her back into the water, "It would not due for the mortal world to see you, back to your lake."

The lady in the water looked at her peer. "What do you plan to do?"

Emrys brushed imagined dust from his sleeve. "I don't know. Perhaps I will come to the park more often. Get to know the creature. If we are to judge her, should we not know her?"

The next day he came into the park and found Sarah sitting on the same bench. In her hands was a well worn hardbound volume of Hans Christian Anderson stories. The old Mage smiled to himself, and cleared his throat. "Well, Miss Williams, fancy seeing you in the park again today. Your mother filming again?"

Sarah smiled up brightly at the odd old man. "Yes, she is. How are you today Mr. Emrys?" She motioned for him to be seated beside her.

"I am well," he settled gently beside her. "And you, my dear?" He had to admit she was more polite then most young people.

She closed her book, "I am a little bored," she confessed.

Emrys clucked his tongue. "Now that is a pity. With so much to be seen here in our fair town?"

The girl who'd bested the Labyrinth sighed. "It's not much fun going to see things alone." She looked at the park, "I love this park though. It reminds me of one at home." Sarah thought of her park, of the costume she often wore and the game she played from out of her well worn copy of The Labyrinth. Her face got a soft far off look, and she blushed slightly.

Emrys stood up, "Young lady, would you grant me the honor of showing you some of the sights here? Oh, just some local things most tourists miss, as they are not spectacular enough."

Sarah smiled. "I'd love it, Mr. Emrys. But only if you'll let me treat you to tea after."

"Delighted."

The rest of the day was spent seeing the local sights. Emrys was an excellent guide, and knew a good deal of the local history. He made the stories he told come to life. When the afternoon had passed, he suggested a little tea room he was fond of. The tea room was small and intimate, with only ten tables. Each was set elegantly with antique china and crystal, and real silver service. The tables had Dutch linen clothes and fresh flowers. The room was light, airy and very pleasant. Emrys, ordered for them and sat back looking completely at ease. He told Sarah that this was one of his favorite places to be. Tea was an occasion here, he explained to the girl, and it was not to be rushed.

The waitress came over with a pretty china tea pot and served them both. Another waitress came over with a cart filled with cucumber sandwiches and other treats. She served them, and rolled the cart over to another table. In the back ground, light music played. Sarah had not felt this relaxed in a long time. She sipped her tea, and nibbled on the sandwich slowly enjoying the leisurely pace.

"You seem to belong in a setting like this, my dear." Emrys noted.

"That's kind of you to think so, but I'm sure if you saw me back home, you'd think me an uncivilized terror. I don't usually go about dressed in these kinds of clothes." She thought back to how she was dressed just days before her journey. "At home I wear mostly jeans." She smoothed the skirt she wore now.

"Ah what a pity," the old man sighed. "We should never have allowed that to happen, women wearing trousers." He sipped his tea. "Took your entire sex to a position of indifference in appearance, and I blame the men of this world for that. Now I ask you, what is wrong with wearing attractive frocks?"

The girl gave her answer consideration, "I don't know. I know that when I'm running around or chasseing after my brother and sister, wearing jeans just makes it easier to keep up with them."

"Perhaps that's the problem; everything is too easy in today's world." Emrys said softly. "And when a young lady like your self is dressed in jeans, she dose not feel the need to be…well, a young Lady." He nibbled at the sandwich in front of him. "It's like tea. It's a wonderful custom, a tradition! But I doubt there are many in your country who even appreciate it."

"I'd have to agree." Sarah sighed.

Emrys regarded her with a steady gaze. "You are an unusual young woman, Miss Williams."

"How so?"

Emrys sipped his tea and set the cup gently in the saucer. "For one thing, you seem out of place in today's world. You enjoy the unhurried pace of a by gone day. You enjoy reading. And you have manners."

Sarah blushed, "I don't always use them. I know of a… gentleman… who'd be happy to tell you what a brat I've been in the past." She smiled as Jareth's face appeared in a memory, scowling at her in a tunnel. "There was a time, not so long ago when I was not very mature about anything. One might even say I was spoiled and behaved that way."

"And how were you dressed?" He teased, wanting suddenly to change the subject.

"Jeans," she agreed laughing. "You may have hit on something. Perhaps I should look into filling my wardrobe with more frocks."

"I think that's a noble goal." He waved the girl with the desert cart over. "You must really try the Dundee cake! They have the best in town."

Two slices of Dundee cake were placed on the table. Sarah took one nibble, not sure she'd like the fruit laced confection. Her eyes opened with pleased surprise. "It's wonderful!"

"Of course it is." He looked up at the clock on the shop wall. "But perhaps when you've finished your cake, I should escort you back to your mother's flat." They walked down the lane, arm in arm, giving the appearance of an elderly man and his perhaps grand-daughter. When they reached the front door of the building the flat was in, Emrys extended a hand, and told her he hoped to see her again. Sarah entered the building and Emrys strolled round the corner.

Three people were waiting for him when he rounded the corner. Despite the modern garments they wore, all three looked rather out of place on the busy London sidewalk. "Well?" Vivanne demanded. She was in a dress, and in her favorite shade of blue, but she didn't look comfortable in the short skirt.

Emrys motioned them to keep moving. "She's a delightful little creature. Far too good for the likes of the Goblin King, as I have said before. It does make one wonder."

Elrond tapped his walking stick impatiently. "If she's too good for him or not is hardly an issue."

"Aye, what's said is said. And we must obey the letter of the law," Pellanor sighed.

Emrys kept walking. "A pity."

Vivanne placed a hand on his arm. "We can try to make the best of it."

The old mage nodded. "I plan on spending more time with her. She comes all the way to England to spend time with that actress mother of hers, and she's left to her own devices. I think I shall take her to that art glass exhibit." He had a thought. "Who's keeping an eye on the Goblin King?"

Vivanne rolled her eyes, "Oberon is over seeing him personally."

Emrys looked at his three peers. "Really? Dose anyone else find that…strange?" If they did, they did not feel free to voice it.

As her mother entered the flat, Sarah handed her a tall cool iced tea and asked how her day was. "Brutal." Was her mothers answer, as she took the ice tea and went to lounge in a chair. "What did you do today?" Linda tried to sound interested, but it was not working. All she sounded was tired.

"I've made a friend. An elderly gentleman, a Mr. Emrys… and he and I took in some of the local sights."

Linda sighed impatiently. "Sarah, I do hope you know enough to be careful! Things and people are not always what they seem to be."

The words hit a cord. She remembered the worm saying that. "He's just a nice old man…" she whispered. Her mother waved her off and Sarah knew as far as Linda was concerned that was the end of it.

The next day, a more somber Sarah sat in the park. Emrys instantly knew something was worrying the young woman. "Child, what has you so upset?"

Green eyes looked sadly up into the dark gray eyes of the old man. "My mother said I should be more careful of whom I speak to… That things and people are not always what they seem…" she stifled the tears that threatened to fall any moment.

Emrys took a seat, "Wise words from your mother, my dear. It's true, not everything is as it appears in this world."

Looking down at her clasped hands Sarah sighed deeply. "I got that advice once, long ago, and not from my mother." She looked at the old man. "Please, tell me that you are just a kindly old gentleman, and that you don't mean me any harm."

"Child," He leaned on his walking stick with its silver top ornament. "Have I given you the least indication that my intent is any thing other than goodwill?" His tone was insulted.

The girl lowered her eyes, "No, sir."

"Ask what you will, and if I have an answer, I will give it to you." It irked him a little that this child could make him feel guilt about doing his duty. It wasn't that he meant her any ill will…but he could not honestly say he meant her only good will, either.

Sarah could not look at the elder, "No, that's ok. I'm sorry if I offended you, Mr. Emrys. You've been very kind to me."

"Now that we have settled that," Emrys stood. "A friend of mine owns a local gallery, and has extended an invitation to me and a guest to attend a private showing today. A marvelous display of glasswork, I am told. And we are further invited to tea with my friend. So, come along."

Sarah looked up at him, "You still want me to accompany you?"

Emrys extended his arm, "But of course."

The Gallery was beautiful, filled with treasures of all descriptions. The owner greeted Emrys and his guest and Sarah warmly, and led them to a back area that was still in the process of being set up. Sarah looked at the glass and marveled at how it sparkled and shone. There was glass of all shapes and sizes and colors. Some looked like apples, others looked like unicorns. She wandered to and fro, looking at each amazing piece. She smiled up at Emrys, who pointed out more for her to see.

Emrys took a seat beside the shops owner. "Enchanting, is she not?"

"Yes, sir, she is." The owner sighed. "Very enchanting."

Sarah came to sit at the table with the men. "This is so beautiful; it's like nothing I've ever seen."

The owner leaned closer and looked at the pendant Sarah wore. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like that. Where did you find it, child?"

Young fingers raised the pendant. "This was a birthday present when I turned sixteen."

"Ah from your parents?" inquired the owner of the shop. "No," Sarah said softly. "Not my parents. She found herself blushing.

Emrys looked at the pendant. He recognized the symbolism instantly and shifted his gaze. "So Bunsen, where is that tea you promised us?"

Later, when Sarah had been delivered safely home, Emrys went back to the shop. "Of all the…He's made a love knot for her! And if I know Oberon, he's already aware of it. I must say, I really don't like the way Oberon let's that scamp get away with toying with that girl. She has yet to come of age."

"We validated his claim." The voice without a body could be heard in every corner of the shop. "Trinket exchanges are allowed, as you well know Emrys."

Emrys breathed slowly. "Yes, my Sovereign." He lowered his eyes, knowing the watchful gaze of the Fae King could see all. If the Fae King favored the Goblin King over a mortal, why should it bother him?

The month passed quickly. What days Sarah could not spend in her mother's company, she spent with Emrys. On the last night that she was going to be in England, her mother's co-star Jeremy suggested the go clubbing. He said it would be one last hurrah before she flew back home and hurried off to collage. Linda almost seemed to resent the fact that Jeremy was paying so much attention to Sarah. The club Jeremy chose was The Limelight on Shaftesbury Avenue. A former WelshPresbyterian church it dated back to 1754. The club was owned by Peter Stringfell, a friend of Jeremy's. Being a friend of the owner had perks, like seats near the dance floor, with a great view of the stage.

Sarah wondered if she looked grownup enough in her skirt and blouse ensemble. The skirt was midnight blue, and the blouse was a raw linen peasant blouse that had embodied flowers and birds in the same shade of blue. Around her waist she wore a wide leather belt with lots of silver studs in the shapes of flowers. She wore a pair of old boots her mother no longer had any use for, but they were good for dancing. Sarah let her long hair hang loose over her shoulders, and she kept her makeup to the minimum. Over the peasant blouse she wore a vest that matched the skirt. She looked well put together, but was worried if she'd fit in. Jeremy told her she'd be fine, and her mother was too busy worrying about her own looks to worry over the teen.

The club was dark, and smelled of smoke and liquor. Jeremy ordered drinks for himself and Linda and a club soda with a twist of lime for Sarah. The lime he told her would make her feel like she fit in the club scene. "We are actually very lucky tonight." Jeremy informed Linda. "This is likely to be quite a crush..." He lit a cigarette before continuing. "Night Wing is a popular band to begin with. But every so often, they are joined by a singer known only as 'The Voice'. I don't think even the other band members know who the bloke really is." The lights went even dimmer, and the floor lit up, the band was just suddenly there and they began the notes that opened the song, Rock On. Hey kid, rock and roll
Rock on, ooh, my soul
Hey kid, boogey too, did ya

Sarah thought she was going to drop her drink; she knew that voice. She looked up on the stage, expecting to see Jareth in full Goblin King Regalia. What she saw was a tall, slender man with very full blond hair. He was dressed in a blue jacket and white shirt over fitted jeans which were tucked into biker boots. His eyes were closed as he rasped into the microphone held in exquisite fingers. He stepped closer to the edge of the stage and then looked straight down, into Sarah's eyes. Through the smoke and glare she could not make out his eye color.

Still looking for that blue jean, baby queen
Prettiest girl I ever seen
See her shake on the movie screen, Jimmy Dean
(James Dean)
And where do we go from here
Which is the way that's clear

Linda said she fancied he was looking at her, but even Jeremy said the singer was making eye contact with Sarah. The band played six or seven songs, Sarah lost count. The dance floor was crowded with hot sweaty bodies, and the room was full of noise. The floor was cleared, for the last number of the set. Jeremy explained 'The Voice' liked to do a version of Bad to the Bone to close his sets. The regulars in the room went quiet. Part of 'The Vocie's' rendition of 'Bad to the Bone 'included someone from the floor, and a steamy bit of dancing.

A smirk seemed to play about his lips as 'The Voice' began to descend the steps from the stage to the floor. Many a female of all ages held their breath, silently praying he'd reach out for them.

On the day I was born, the nurses all gathered 'round
And they gazed in wide wonder, at the joy they had found
The head nurse spoke up, and she said leave this one alone
She could tell right away, that I was bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-B-B-B-Bad to the bone
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
Bad to the bone

He worked his way along, looking at the ladies with a wicked glint in his eyes. It was clear he exuded sexuality with every movement leaving little to the imagination. When he started toward the table where Jeremy, Linda and Sarah sat, Linda smiled a come hither smile. It never occurred to her this walking god wasn't headed straight for her.

I broke a thousand hearts
Before I met you
I'll break a thousand more baby
Before I am through

I wana be yours pretta baby
Yours and yours alone
I'm here to tell yah honey
That Im bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-b-b-b-bad
B-b-b-b-bad
B-b-b-b-bad
Bad to the bone

The long fingers reached down and pulled Sarah out of her seat. A hand gripped her waist as he strutted with her into the center of the dance floor. They did a crossed foot step and he turned her to face him. The smile he gave her could have lit up a city.

I make a rich women beg
And I make a good women steal
I'll make an old women blush
And I make a young women squel

I wana be yours pretta baby
Yours and yours alone
I'm here to tell yah honey
That Im bad to the bone

B-b-b-b-bad
B-b-b-b-bad
B-b-b-b-bad
Bad to the bone

He moved round her and snapped his fingers and grabbed her. It was as if she knew exactly what he wanted her to do. As if he was in her head, giving directions. The steps were a take off on an old Latin dance step, with a bit more hip gyration. The audience was clapping time to the beat, and there were hoots of encouragement. Linda looked round, and wondered why the hell he'd picked a green kid. He could have picked her. Somewhere in her envy Linda had to admit that Sarah didn't look like a kid out there in the arms of that man. Sarah looked like a very hot young woman, the way Linda had once looked.

Now when I walk the streets
Kings and queens step aside
Evey women I meet
They all stay satisfide

I wana tell yah pretty baby
Well I see I make my own
And I'm here to tell yah honey
That im bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-b-b-b-bad
B-b-b-b-bad
B-b-b-b-bad
Bad to the bone

He teased her with fingers under her jaw line; he whipped her round and placed one arm over his shoulder. He ended up by spinning her back into her seat and strutting off to the stage exit. The crowd went wild. All but Linda, who was seething. Sarah was so confused it didn't register the applause was for her.

Linda went very quiet, but Jeremy sat there praising the girl. The owner of the Club came over to tell Linda how impressed he was with her daughter. "What a pity you're leaving us tomorrow." He said as he patted Jeremy on the back. "We could have turned you into a real clubbie."

Sarah looked up at her mother, whose face was like a stone mask. The problem was Sarah wasn't sure what she'd done wrong. Then Jeremy stood up as some important contacts made their way over to the table. Linda gave Sarah a quick 'Don't embarrass me!' look. Linda then turned on the charm and was all honey to the men who could help her career along. The men seemed almost as interested in Sarah as in Linda, until Sarah said she wasn't interested in acting. Linda relaxed a little after that. Jeremy didn't relax at all until the men had left.

"Linda, love, come dance with me," Jeremy snubbed out his smoke. Sarah was fairly sure the man had gone through an entire pack sitting there. "Sarah can hold the fort here, can't you Sarah?"

"Sure," Sarah nodded. "Go ahead. Have fun." The dance floor was filling up and getting crowded. Better to watch then to move, in Sarah's opinion. Just as Sarah was about to reach for her club soda, a hand took hold of her elbow. She was nudged up out of her chair, and pulled to the dance floor. The lighting was bad; all she could see was the tall blond man leading her to where everyone was dancing. The tune was an oldie. Even face to face, she couldn't see him clearly. The dance was almost a conga line, and he made sure they were in it.

When they reached a dark corner, close to a fire door, her partner grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the line. He darted down a dark stair with her in tow. She was a step behind him trying to catch her breath. For a terrified moment she thought she was going to loose her footing and fall down the stairs that seemed to go on forever.

As they reached the bottom, a small shaft of light showed from above, and her partner had transformed. He was no longer wearing the modern garb, but was dressed instead in the midnight blue regal garments he'd worn that first night they'd met. He turned as the girl reached the last step, pulling her to him, almost crushing her as he took possession of her lips. After that first kiss, Sarah looked at him wide eyed, and tried to turn and go back the way she'd come. Strong hands gripped her, one over her mouth, and one round her waist. She wondered why it seemed familiar. Sarah heard her mother call and could not answer as she was pulled into the darkness of the bottom of the stairs.

"Mommy can have you back when I'm though with you, and I'm not through with you." Jareth stated. "Miss me? Sarah tried to bite his hand. "Play nice, Sarah." He growled in her ear. He was so much taller than she was; her feet weren't touching the floor.

Sarah made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat, and Jareth laughed.

He removed the hand from her mouth "See? You only had to ask nicely."

"Jareth… What are you doing here?" Came her strangled reply.

"Oh, just this." He lowered his lips and took hers again. "I have only a few moments before I'm found out and have to flee yet again." His eyes shone in the darkness.

"I don't understand."

"You don't have to, sweet," Jareth sighed. He could see her clearly in the dark, despite the fact she could barely see him. "I see you still wear my birthday gift, Sarah. I'm touched." His voice dripped sarcasm. "And you still like the perfume." He was growing more and more confidant of her desire for him.

Sarah leaned on the wall. "What do you want?"

"The next round of our game, of course." He laughed lightly. "Really Sarah..." Sounds came from above, footsteps and voices. Jareth frowned. "Look for me, sweet Sarah. You'll know me when you see me." He placed a kiss on her forehead, and suddenly she was back upstairs, standing near the wall not far from the bathrooms.

Sarah walked back to the table and sat down. "Where did you go?" Linda demanded, taking her own seat again. Jeremy was right behind her.

Sarah looked at her with innocent eyes. "I was dancing, and then I must have somehow gotten pushed out of the line. So I came back here to the table."

Jeremy laughed. "I told you she was ok! She was just dancing."

Linda pulled her jacket off the chair. "I think it's time to go home. Sarah has the trip tomorrow. And I have to get her to the airport early." Sarah looked round the club and wondered if she was ever going to know what the heck was going on.