Chapter 8. Biding time
Eddie was in the lobby when Sarah reported to work her first day. She looked ghastly, and he wondered what the hell had happened. He followed her down to the dressing rooms used by his staff. "Hey, kid," He called to her before she entered the dressing room set aside for the female employees. "Got a moment?"
Sarah looked over at him, her eyes were unfocused and red from holding back tears. "I'm sorry Mr. Martino… I was a million miles away."
"You look it too," He tipped her face up. "Tell Uncle Eddie all about it."
Sarah had been holding it together, until that moment. Here was a perfect stranger, showing her the compassion she'd expected from her stepmother. She found herself swaying toward him and then buried her face in his suit and sobbed. She began telling him in a wounded voice of what she'd suffered the past three days. From having her stepmother's family arrested to going to court, to having to put her belongings in storage to protect them. And worst of all, being denied access to her little brother.
Eddie listened, ungrudging and kind. "Kid, you've been though hell. You sure you want to try starting this job today?" He teased, "Me, I'd go on a bender."
Sarah giggled. "I'm under age, I don't do benders." She sighed and nodded toward him. "Yes, I think starting the job will do me well. I've got an hour to pull it together… when I step out of this door later…Camera in hand you'll see a different me." Confidence entered the girls voice as she made that promise.
Eddie watched the girl enter the dressing room, quietly he mused. "Like mother, like daughter."
Sarah dressed in the costume provided for this week's theme in the nightclub. She was dressed in a 1940's costume, including stockings with seams, and French Maid styled outfit. She did her hair in a French twist and with the aid of makeup and concealed and eye drops looked like a movie star of the period. Camera in hand she made her way back up to the main floor and the dining room. Greeting patrons with a winning smile and her mother's flair, she began to take photos in record numbers. She took the film down to the development department and gave them special instructions written down on each of the tickets. As her orders were made ready, Sarah delivered them to the patrons and thanked them for their order. Eddie watched as the patrons opened the photos, he was not surprised when praise started coming to him on the girl.
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The first month of classes swept past the girl like a hurricane. She was a bit more advanced in some areas, and behind in others. Steven, Eddie and a few others kept a watchful eye on the girl. She began to make plans, with the spring break only a short distance off she asked Eddie if she could take the Easter weekend off as she wanted to spend it in the mountains with her grandmother. She had phoned Karen, asking permission to take Toby up to the cabin and was told only if Hell froze over. Desperate for news of her brother she called a neighbor she knew was not overly fond of Karen, but liked Toby. Mrs. Monty's son Ian was one of Toby's playmates. Sarah was sure she'd have news of the boy.
Sarah counted the rings on the line, when she hard the familiar voice on the other end she was grateful. "Mrs. Monty? Hi, it's Sarah… I was wondering…" The woman on the other end was only too happy to give her news of her little brother. Sarah listened and asked questions and asked if she might call again in a week or two. When the call ended, Sarah looked about her little studio, and felt the walls closing in. She took out a calendar and began to cross off days. "Two years." She said firmly, "And then they can't stop us." She looked at the gift sitting on her table, a fifth birthday present for the boy that was going to have to be held until she was able to give it to him. "Two years." She said as she heard the mantra from the wall.
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Jareth sat on the throne, going over the parchments, taking little notice of the girl in the pit struggling to dress another Goblin. This scene was played out so many times it had become rather a common sight. Even Gandar had become less sensitive to the garishly dressed Goblins being forced to have tea parties with the Princess.
A commotion in the outer hall drew the attention of the King and his Chancellor. A large gruff and very out of sorts Hobgoblin was demanding to be seen by the King. Jareth yawned, and waved to the guards to allow the creature entry.
Zoan Seawind, tribal leader of the Hobgoblins stormed into the throne room, shaking a fist toward the King he roared. "I would have words with thee, oh Jareth! I would voice a complaint to thee."
Jareth, who was bored to tears, hoped this would be worth hearing. "By all means…speak." Gandar stepped to the side, leaned on the arm of the throne giving his King a clear vision.
Zoan Seawind was tall, nearly as tall as Jareth, and at least that again as wide. He was dark skinned like all his tribe and had a very malevolent expression on his horrid face. "Can you not see what is happening about you? We are on the verge of revolt… we have been reduced to the position of play thing, and are made a mockery of." He wailed. "We are the most fearsome of all the Goblin races, of all the tribes we are the leaders, but no more."
Jareth scratched his head, "Why is that?"
The large Hobgoblin turned, glared and pointed to the Princess busy in the pit. "Look at what she's done… We were once feared, and now we are laughed at!"
Jareth was about to protest the man's suggestion when a Goblin wandered past the throne in a large pink picture hat and a green boa. "I see what you mean." He sniffed.
The tribal leader turned to his King. "Yesterday, your….Princess harassed three Hobgoblins into… playing dress up…" His voice was a low snarling growl. "I won't have it… what she does with the house Goblins is up to you…I won't have her degrading my troops!"
Jareth raised his brow, "Whose troops?"
Zoan moaned, "Your troops." He bowed knowing he'd gone too far; "Oh Goblin King."
The Goblin King leaned forward, "Zoan, I agree. Hobgoblins are not for dressing up." He looked down where he saw the Princess eyeing the tribal leader. "Adrianna, don't even think about it!" he ordered his bride who merely pouted.
However the Princess was not to be put off. "But I've just the right shade dress for him!" she showed Jareth a garish ugly piece of material. "Look how it brings out his eyes!"
Jareth stepped down and between the Princess and the Tribal leader. "I said no!" he bellowed.
The Princess' face pinched up and she stomped her foot and began to pitch a tantrum. "I want to play!!"
Jareth looked at the six little Goblins who were wondering about dazed after having been wrestled into the garments. "Princess you may not have the Hobgoblins to play with! And I want my Goblins out of those garish costumes!" He bellowed. In a fit of temper Adrianna flung herself down into the pit and bawled like a spoiled brat, her husband stared in disbelieve.
Adrianna cried out loudly. "I never get to have any fun…" She wailed like a Banshee; "I have no friends, no ladies… nothing…"
Gandar and Zoan exchanged worried glances, both turned to the King who looked fit to be tied. Gandar moved forward quickly. "Sire, perhaps if we convened the court?"
Jareth looked at him as if he were speaking a foreign tongue. "Convene the court? Have you any idea of what that will do?"
"It will get her off our backs." Zoan mumbled.
Jareth shot a terrible gaze at the Hobgoblin, and then the expression faded. "Convene court." He muttered over and over. "I suppose we could…"
Gandar spoke quietly, with suggestions. "We don't use the east wing hall; it would make a very nice court room for the Princess. She could decorate it to her hearts content." Jareth nodded, listening to his Chancellor. "We could invite the nobility to a tourney, or a festival of some sort. While assembled, the Princess would have a chance to meet Ladies who could serve as her courtiers."
Zoan winced when the Princess let out a loud wail. "Sire, I beg you, give this proposal serious thought."
Jareth had winced as well. "Gandar, a festival for Ostara would be very fitting."
"I'll see to the arrangements myself, Sire;" Promised the Chancellor. "I shall involve her majesty in the planning. And perhaps it will take her mind off… hassling the goblins."
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Snow in the mountains gave way to the wild flowers of spring. Sarah walked with Druid in the early morning light on Easter Sunday. Her Grandmother and Great Aunt were still abed when Sarah went up into the hillside with the dog. She looked across the vista, "Happy Easter Toby, where ever you are. Be strong, and know I'm thinking of you."
Druid looked at the girl, his eyes seeing more than mortals would.
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Gandar stood in the gardens of the Palace, amazed at the transformation that Hoggle had wrought. "This is simply beautiful, Hoggle. Why, I don't believe I've seen a garden that could rival it in any of the five kingdoms."
The little gnomish Dwarf blushed slightly and waved his had. "It's nothing."
The Chancellor shook his head in disagreement. "This is perfect, the perfect setting to begin the Princess' new court."
Hoggle looked at the garden, "You think she'll like it?" He fretted.
"Yes," Gandar breathed, "She'll love it."
Jareth came into the garden, inspecting the new plantings and the decorations for the festival that would begin in a few hours. "Well done, Hogsfeet."
"Hoggle!" the Dwarf grumbled as he walked past the King. "And I didn't do this for you!" He snapped. "I did it for the Princess."
Jareth shrugged, "I don't care why or for whom, as long as it was done."
The Dwarf grumbled as he continued to check the plantings. "Arrogant condescending, egotistical bastard."
Gandar gave the King a reproving look. "Must you?"
Jareth blinked as if surprised. "Must I what?"
"Must you always taunt and torment that poor fellow?"
The Goblin King, wearing his most haughty expression nodded. "Yes, I must."
The chancellor frowned deeply. "I don't see why."
Jareth knew he'd never be able to explain it to the satisfaction of the other. "It's a private matter between the little scab and me." Changing the subject he pointed to the garlands of flowers and the silk streamers. "The garden looks nice."
Gandar understood that the subject was not closed.
Princess Adrianna entered the garden and was pleased. "Oh my, how pretty this is."
Jareth looked at the Princess with softening eyes. "Why are you not up in your rooms getting ready for your party, my dear?"
Beautiful eyes glanced at him. "I've plenty of time to do that. I just wanted to see how the garden looked." She walked over to where her husband stood. "Thank you for the party, Sire."
"My pleasure, Princess." He mused. For in the weeks of planning she had not once tried to lure a Goblin into playing at dress up. She was beautiful, the perfect Fairy Princess. With the genteel smile and graceful gait, she looked glorious. Everyone in the Kingdom loved her, were devoted to her and would forgiver her almost anything, Jareth said to him self. However it was not enough to silence the voice in the back of his head. 'She's not Sarah.'
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Sarah gathered wild flowers for the dinner table. Her arms were filled with the exotic blooms that would never grace a florist shop. The color pallet was vivid, and the fragrance filled her senses with absolute joyful abandon. Dew kissed the blossoms that were opening to greet the day. The mountain side was alive and Sarah counted her blessings.
She was careful to stay clear of the old mine shafts. Her grandfather had warned her about them when she was little. He had teased her at one point, telling her that one of the shaft openings was a portal into the Fairy Realm. She passed the somewhat camouflaged entrance, brush and vines nearly covered the entrance. Pausing she looked at the entrance, wondering why this one always made her heart race. Strange sounds always seemed to come from the mine shaft. Her grandfather had said it was because it was a portal and it had the sounds of both worlds. Sarah was half tempted to look inside the mine shaft, as she had as a child. Had her grandfather known she'd taken one of his flashlights and explored the entrance she'd have been skinned alive.
The mine shaft had been dark, but strangely welcoming back then. She had been told later by her Grandmother that the shaft had been only a test shaft, and it only went down a short way, about one hundred feet in a gentle gradual slope down. At the bottom had been a chamber, not very large but wide enough for the engineers to take core samples. Sarah had used chalk to draw on the wall of the chamber, leaving a message that she had been there. With her bouquet of flowers in her arms she shook off the impulse to enter the shaft, and she returned to the cabin. She set the table and arranged the flowers in a vase.
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The nobility and gentry had always enjoyed the few and far between court events at the Palace of the Goblin King. To be invited to an event in the palace was a sign of the King's opinion of one. Jareth noted that as he greeted the assembled Lords and Ladies, and the gentry, he was being watched with careful eyes. Everyone was wondering what had caused the King to call for a festival.
The Princess was on his arm, dressed in sunshine yellow, and looking enchanting. Her sweet breathy voice and light laughter captivated and charmed all who came into her presence. She was delighted, and delightful. Gandar began to bring forth the women he felt were worthy of being in the Princess' court. Adrianna was polite and gracious to the women presented to her, but far too cool. None of the women were making an impression on the Princess. Jareth watched Lady after Lady, attempt to make conversation with the little Princess. When the family of a noble Fae was presented to the Royal Couple, Jareth and Gandar were surprised to find the person whom the Princess gravitated to was not the noblemen's wife, but his daughter. The Princess complemented the girl on her gown and began to have a friendly conversation with the girl.
Jareth excused himself for a moment, pulling Gandar aside with him. "She doesn't want Ladies…she wants playmates." He pointed to the small throng of adolescent Fae girls gathering around the giggling Princess.
Gandar looked uncomfortable; he had not been prepared for the idea of fledgling girls attending the Princess. "Sire, what shall we do?"
Jareth pondered for a moment, "We'll give her a court in the east wing with her little friends." He sighed. "It does not matter that they are all young. My bride is young, and needs companions close to her own temperament."
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Sarah was surprised when her grandmother poured wine for her at dinner. "I'm underage," Sarah reminded her.
"You're on my mountain, you're not driving and it's a very light wine." Her Granny said firmly.
Katie Jean laughed softly. "Don't argue Sarah."
The three women held hands over the table, and Gram Betty gave the blessing. Sarah loved that she was with family; the only thing missing was Toby.
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The last of the King's guests had departed, and Gandar had made a list of all the young ladies he felt were worthy of being given an invitation to join the Princess' Court. He found the King and the Princess sitting near one of the new fountains in the garden. He smiled at the Princess and presented the list to her. "If your Majesty will just tell me which of these young ladies are to your liking, I shall issue invitations to them to join you here at Court."
The parchment list was extensive, and Adrianna pouted sweetly. "I like them all." She looked at Jareth, pleading. "Do I have to limit my court?"
"Yes," he sighed. "Let's start with an even dozen ladies, shall we?"
The Princess looked over the list. "Only a dozen out of one hundred… oh dear me… well, I suppose…" she began to go over the ladies in her memory, then ticked off the ones who were most pleasing to her. "What do we do if someone refuses?"
"No one refuses an invitation from the King." Gandar said without thinking.
'No one, save for Sarah', Thought the King bleakly. He tried to mask his face, not wanting to upset his bride. "I'm sure all will be most happy to be invited into your court, my dear."
Adrianna handed the list back to the Chancellor. "My own court, you are so good to me."
Jareth nodded, "Gandar will show you the chamber to be used by you and your court. I suggest you begin making plans on how you wish it decorated. Perhaps one of your new friends could be of help to you."
"And I may truly decorate it any way I please?" The Princess was giddy with joy, clapping her hands in excitement.
"Any way you wish," Jareth agreed. "However no more tackling Goblins!" He warned. "Or the court will be closed, and you'll be banished to a tower."
The Princess rose to her feet, and dropped down into a very graceful curtsey. "I thank you, my King.."
Jareth was enchanted with her, his child bride. She was the perfect Fairy Princess… Gracious, poised, delightful to be with… but she was not Sarah.
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Sarah had taken Druid out for his evening walk. He seemed to enjoy the trips with her more than the ones with her granny or her great aunt. She walked him farther than either of the other two ladies would. Though he was getting up in years himself, he was still game for a good stretch of the legs.
Sarah loved the mountain at night. It was a wonderful place to be. Her grandmother had told her stories when she was little of dancing lights that played over spring flowers. Sarah had never seen one, but believed anyway. After all, she had been Underground and knew there were more things in Heaven and Earth than man would ever understand.
The top of the mountain in the moonlight this night seemed like the rounded spire of a turret tower, reminding her of a tower in a Kingdom far away. A tower with a window, in which a King had watched as she and her friends mounted their assault. Looking up at the top of the mountain she wondered if that King ever thought of her, or did he curse her still as she knew he must for her rejection. "Oh Goblin King," She sighed as she took a seat on an outcropping of rocks to stare at the mountain top.
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Something was pulling at the King, dinner was over and the Princess, worn out from her excitement of the day had gone to her chamber. Jareth stood on the terrace looking down into his garden. There was a voice on the wind… a voice he had promised himself he would not answer, no mater what. He folded his arms and hardened his facial expression, he would not be moved, and he would not be swayed. The wind kissed his face, and in his ears he heard the soft and sad sound of a young woman. It was not a plea, it was not a demand. It was just a soft statement. "Oh Goblin King," He heard the voice and could resist the urge to take wing no more.
High into the night sky he rose, past the spire of his tower into the stars and into the portal into her world. He found the girl seated staring at the top of the mountain. She was so engaged in her gaze that she seemed unaware of her surroundings. Only the dog seemed to take notice of the owl that had landed in the stand of trees.
"Oh Goblin King," she said again, her voice full of the pangs of guilt and remorse. "I wonder what became of you. Are you still gathering wished away children? So you ever thing of me? Are you still handsome and brave and maddening? Have you come to understand why I could not accept your offer? Wonderful though it may have been… it could not be…" She hung her head.
The owl looked away, disdainfully. He had not nor would he forgive her. He was not even sure he could.
"Oh Goblin King," she sighed. "Would you like to know a secret? I sometimes am very sorry I took Toby away from your Kingdom." She looked up at the spire that reminded her of the King's spire. "He was happy with you…I saw that in the room of stairs… he had no fear, no sorrow…" She closed her eyes tightly. "And I brought him back to this."
The owl looked down at her, confessing her regrets to the night air.
"Had I known…" She paused. "Had I known;" Her voice broke with the pain of her memories of what had happened from the time she brought Toby back. "How you must be laughing at me. Stupid mortal girl, that's what you must be thinking. To give up her dreams, to reject the man of her dreams… to risk life and limb to return her brother to her mother and father… And what does she have now? No dreams… no…man… no… brother…" Sarah rose to her feet, "Nothing… for two years… I have nothing…. And I have to wait until I'm twenty one to even petition the courts for the right to see my own brother." Her fury was growing, and her self pity was being pushed back.
Jareth was half tempted to transform, to step up behind her and let the chips fall where they may.
"I won't be a victim!" She vowed loudly, raising a fist to the heavens. "I didn't risk life and limb in the Labyrinth to become victim to Karen or Kathy or anyone else." She took a deep breath, "My will is as strong as yours…." She suddenly smiled a crooked smile, one very like the one he'd first given her that fateful night he'd entered her parents' bedroom. "I'm as strong as you are Goblin King…. I stood up to you… I'm not going to let some stupid mortals push me round. I'll wait… I'll get the courts to see me and I'll get the right to be with Toby….I have earned it!" She grabbed the leash of the dog, "What's said is said!" She turned and walked proudly back to the cabin.
Jareth waited until she was half way back to the cabin, he transformed to man form and sat down on the rocks she'd just vacated. "Well, Sarah," He mused. "You are one hell of a woman." He chuckled softly to himself. "I almost pity this stepmother of yours." He watched as she neared the cabin. "Do I ever think of you?" He mused. "No; not too often Sarah; only every other moment." He changed back to the owl and returned to his Kingdom and his empty bed.
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Sarah left the mountain, kissing her Granny and her Great Aunt before she did. They made her promise to come in the summer. Sarah thought what fun it would be coming to the mountain in the beginning of July. To watch the mountain alive with fireworks for the 4th, and to swim in the cool waters of the pond behind the cabin, letting the waters of the little waterfall run over you. She thought of how wonderful it would be if Karen would let Toby come up to the cabin. He loved it there, even if Karen didn't. Sarah planned on trying to get Karen to be reasonable.
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Adrianna began working with the workmen on renovating the east hall into her court. New furnishings were made, along with new draping. The King had even ordered a little Princess throne for her, with pretty pink draping and cushions. Soon the once bleak room was transformed into, a pink nightmare. Jareth and the Goblins vowed never to step foot in the pink and white gauzy space.
Little tea tables and tea sets had been made for the Princess, hand painted with little rose buds. Gilded chairs for her courtiers and pink satin cushions for their delicate feet were being placed about the room. A minstrel's gallery had been set up, just awaiting the musicians. Adrianna was seeing the court tailor about the scarlet coats she wanted the musicians to wear.
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Eddie was very pleased with Sarah's work, and with the time she was spending collecting his rents. He worried though that the kid had no life outside work and school. He heard her speak to a co-worker that she didn't have time for a life. The only thing she seemed to want was time with her kid brother. Eddie reported to Linda every week, telling her how the girl was doing, praising her work.
Even at the City College she didn't take time for anything but classes. She was either in class or at work, or working on a class project. However Sarah had a goal. She had a calendar in her studio, each day she checked off brought her closer and closer to the goal, of being reunited with Toby.
Karen had refused to allow the boy to see Sarah or go to the cabin. Sarah was planning the trip on her own, Eddie having given her time off. He practically had to order the to take the time off when Karen refused the request of Toby's company. With one week to go, Sarah found herself getting excited about being up on her mountain.
The special for dinner had been spring Cornish hens a few nights before. Sarah and Lisa, one of the waitresses, were splitting a hen in the kitchen area where staff ate. Lisa found the wishbone and cleaned it off. The red head placed the wish bone aside to dry. One week before Sarah was to leave on her vacation; Lisa had pulled the dried bone out and ran to Sarah, she looked rather comical in her costume rushing about holding a wishbone. "Sarah, come on, let's make a wish."
Sarah looked at the bone and backed away slowly. "Lisa, I don't make wishes."
"Oh," the girl looked disappointed. "Have too many not come true?"
Sarah shook her head, "No, had too many come true… Now I don't make wishes." Sarah noticed that Eddie was coming toward her, with a very serious expression on his face.
"Sarah, come with me." He said quietly, leading her back to the office where a State Police officer was waiting for them.
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Adrianna was seated at one of the little tables, pouring tea, and chatting with the girls about the latest fashions worn at the Court of the High King. She was very pleased with her court room, and her little Ladies in waiting. Each day was an endless day of merriment. Chasing butterflies, picking flowers and dancing, her little Ladies were a wonderful distraction.
Jareth passed the east wing, shuddered and quickly went to his circular throne room. He was glad his Goblins were back to being themselves. There was no more dressed up nightmares, and no more Princesses in the pit! He had praised Gandar with thinking of the solution.
Lounging in his throne, going over the names of perspective adoptive parents, the King looked at the child who'd been recently wished away. The boy had been undernourished by the King's standard, but was now looking healthier. Jareth was signing his name to one of the petitions, and telling the lad that soon his new parents would arrive to take him to his new home. The child didn't seem to be fearful at all and the King was pleased.
Jareth saw Gandar enter the throne room, looking somber with a parchment scroll in hand. Jareth told the nurse to take the child to the garden, not wishing the child to be troubled by adult issues. Wordlessly the Chancellor handed the parchment to the King. Jareth read it and showed deep sorrow. He passed the parchment back to the Chancellor. "Have the bells begin their toll." Jareth stepped down from the throne. "I'll tell the Princess myself."
Gandar nodded, and then went to inform the bell ringers of the sad tidings.
Jareth entered the Princess' court just as the bells began to peal. She looked up, at first delighted that he was coming to pay a call on her court. But she heard the bells, and her look of delight faded. The other girls heard the bells as well, and gathered round their Princess.
Jareth extended his hands to his childish bride who began to cry softly into his chest as she neared him. "I'm sorry, my dear." He consoled her.
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The Officer had his hat in his hands, "I'm sorry Miss Williams… all I can say is they went quick, and didn't suffer."
Sarah looked at the accident report in her hands. Her Grandmother and Katie Jean were gone.
Eddie placed his arm about her, ready to give what ever support she needed at this time. "I've called Linda, she and Jeremy are flying back tonight."
Sarah nodded.
The Officer looked at the Nightclub owner and asked if he thought the girl would be alright. Eddie whispered he'd take care of her.
Sarah went down to the dressing room, all the other's had already gone to the floor. She put her head down on the makeup table, waiting for the tears to come. But they didn't come. She sat there for a long time, waiting but the tears didn't come. All that came was a numbness and a voice from somewhere in the walls. 'Say your right words….'
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Jareth watched as the Little Ladies of his bride's court supported her though the funeral. Young though they might be, and empty headed most of the time, this day they were truly her friends.
He stood at her side, thinking how frail she appeared to be. When the funeral was over she closeted her self up in her chamber seeking solace. There she remained for several days, until she appeared once more in the Pink Princesses chamber of the East wing to once again hold court.
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Sarah stood beside her mother, watching as the ashes of her Granny and Great Aunt were spread over the mountain side from the plane that Jeremy had hired. Jeremy was in the plane spreading the ashes himself, as he didn't trust anyone else to do that task.
Linda was stoic and resolved. Sarah was numb.
"She had a good life, baby." Linda said at last as the plane made its last pass. "So did Katie Jean."
Sarah looked at her mother, "I know."
"We should all have such rich lives." She motioned to the assembled people who had come to the mountain to pay their last respects. "We should all touch so many."
Sarah nodded. She stood with her mother while old friends came to them. Some had wonderful stories of Granny; other's just wanted to express their sorrow. When the gathering had turned into a reminiscence circle Sarah wandered off. Druid had gone missing the day of the accident and Sarah was sure he'd crawled off into the hillside to die. She walked the old familiar paths past the pond and toward the hillside. Coming to the mine shaft she paused, and again heard the voice. 'Say your right words.'
Sarah shrugged off the urge, and returned to the cabin, and her mother's warm embrace…and the loving memory that linger in the cabin.