Chapter 17. Tales told in the Night

Sarah half expected a maid to show up with the spun sugar gown she'd worn on her last visit to the Kingdom. She was only half relived when that didn't occur, and half disappointed. The Elf maids didn't seem to wish to converse with the girl, they kept their eyes obverted and their opinions to themselves. Having been shunned and isolated for years by Karen and her family, Sarah didn't appear to be affected by the slight. The only thing the Bard seemed to be concerned with was the boys. The fair one they knew to be the Heir to the Throne… the dark one they knew not. The mortal girl addressed one of the startled maids.

"Excuse me," She said as the maids were leaving after having brought the meal to the Bard's chamber. "Could someone bring some milk? The boys have not had any today and they really do need their calcium."

One of the maids gave her a look of seething contempt, the other merely nodded and they were gone.

Toby frowned, "Why are they being so mean to you?"

Sarah suspected her reputation of having rejected the King had preceded her. "OH it's a grown up thing, nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over, Toby." She refrained from eating until she was sure the boys had all they needed. When the milk arrived in a clay pitcher, Sarah poured for them herself.

The maid who'd brought the pitcher of milk carried back to the lower levels of the castle the news that the Bard was seeing to the needs of the little Prince first, even before her own needs. The maids told the footmen who told the men serving the dinner in the state dinning hall. Long before the Goblin escort was dispatched to fetch the Bard, she was the talk of the castle staff. Unfortunately for Sarah, not all the talk was positive.

The boys were fed, and all were surprised when a large Goblin guard entered their room. Sarah placed herself between the boys and the Goblin. He smiled, amused by the spiritedness shown. "I am Zoan, Leader of the Hobgoblin Guards, Lady Sarah." He knelt to her for a moment then rose up, towering over the little mortal female. "I have the honor of being the protector of the Heir and his companion." He smiled toward Toby. "Ye need have no fears for their safety as I am here."

Sarah crooked her finger and the tall Hobgoblin leaned toward her. "Kindly don't call him the heir… I don't want him to get a swelled head; I don't want him thinking he's more important than anyone else. And don't let them trick you into doing something." She warned gently.

Zoan looked at the female. "You are all that was said of you." He whispered back in a hushed and compassionate manner. His eyes were taking her in; he could see what it was that had captivated his King.

Sarah blushed, "Not knowing what was said leaves me at a… disadvantage, sir."

"They say, "Zoan rose again to his full height, gripping the hilt of his sword. "That ye are one of the bravest of mortals…That you are a true heroine." Zoan studied the girl, "And bewitchingly beautiful."

Sarah's blush renewed, "Thank you kind sir." She said lightly. "But I'm going to be one embarrassed Bard; if my garment the King ordered does not appear soon I may be late for the performance."

The Hobgoblin raised a brow, suggestively and hinted at something wickedly depraved on his mind. "There is the alternative."

Sarah glanced at her boys, "Family show here." She teased back.

Zoan threw back his head and laughed loudly. "Lady Sarah, thee is a delight!" He strolled to the door, and said something to the guards standing outside the room. He looked back at her, "I've ordered my men to find out what the delay is." He looked at the table; two plates were completely soiled, having had hearty portions placed on them. One plate was meagerly picked at. He looked at the mortal, calculated what she'd eaten and that she'd waited until the boys were cared for. "We have a term in our language that fits you," He said to her with reverence. "It is or ghuukhaar in your tongue it translates to Earth Mother. "

Sarah blinked, "Thank you."

Zoan sniffed, "You should eat more." He suggested thinking how much more appealing she'd be if plumped up.

Shaking her head, Sarah held up her hands. "Too many butterflies…. My first command performance here."

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Adrianna sat quietly as Ona dressed her hair with pink ornaments. "I must know everything there is to know about the girl… find all the lore that's been told… seek the scrolls that were written after her visit….I must know what the King saw in her…"

Ona frowned. "You're not strong enough for this tomfoolery."

"The balance of power and the fate of my people rest in my being able to do this, Ona." The girl stated firmly, and then taking a breath painted a dizzy and dazed smile to her face. "Besides," She said in the breathy voice of the Pink Princess. "Everyone knows the Pink Princess is the most loved being in the land… no one, not even the Bard will refuse me." She let the mask drop. "Find the information for me." She ordered softly.

The old maid bowed, "As thee wishes."

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Two Hobgoblin guards entered the room with a cowering maid, whose hands held a green gown or at least Sarah supposed it had been a gown, now it was a rag. The two guards growled something in their native tongue to their leader. They knew the Elf didn't know their language, but she understood she was in trouble. Zoan roared, and Sarah placed a hand on his arm, calming him.

"This one has destroyed the gown you were to wear." He pointed to the Elf who was now on her knees begging for mercy in an Elvin tongue. Her eyes darting between the Hobgoblins and the mortal girl. "A gown sent to you from the King himself."

"Let her go." Sarah said taking on a Royal bearing. "I've lived though worse than some miserable Elf ripping up my dresses."

The Elf looked at her with confusion. Zoan was mystified. "You don't want revenge?"

"Not here, not now." Sarah tossed the rag back at the cowering figure. "Tell who ever have given you orders that Sarah Williams is not so easily defeated. Go." She opened the door and watched the girl flee.

Zoan leaned on the wall, "Why did you let her go?"

Sarah shrugged, "She was only following orders, and she was not the brains behind the order."

The Hobgoblin howled, "You think like on of us!" his men howled as well when he told them what the mortal had said. Zoan looked at her. "The King will be displeased, that you have no fine gown…. It does not do to displease the King."

"I'm aware," Sarah looked at the rich forest green velvet curtains on the tall window, "Can you take that down for me?" When Zoan handed her the long span of fabric Sarah giggled. "Zoan, could I barrow your blade?" When he handed it to her she sat down and began working on the curtain panel removing the bold gold trim. "Zoan, could one of your men see to it this is replaced later?"

Zoan watched her and murmured, "Clever… Yes, Lady Sarah, I'll see to it personally."

"Thank you." She returned to him the blade, gathered up the fabric and went to her rooms. "I have all I need now."

Zoan turned to the Heir and winked, "She's Skillful that one!" Toby nodded to the Hobgoblin leader.

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It had been long since there had been a state dinner celebrated in the palace of the Goblin King. Tonight's dinner rivaled those of days gone by. Jareth greeted his guests, Lords and Ladies of the realm were all in attendance; Fae, Elf, Goblin and others, all come together to celebrate the High Feast and the King's anniversary. The occasion dictated that the King and his Princess greet their guests in a Royal receiving line that included the King's Mother. Jareth felt a bit at odds being sandwiched between the women who were obliviously not on good terms for the moment. Breanna was dressed in the colors of the fall, and in a gown that was more demure than the showy belled out gowns wore by the ladies who graced the Goblin Court. Adrianna was dressed in a spun cotton candy confection gown. Jareth would have preferred to have donned the midnight blue frock coat, but instead wore a belted tunic in burnished gold under which he wore doeskin boots with matching breeches. Under duress and according to the code of dress he wore his coronet.

Gandar announced each guest to the King, who in turn would introduce his mother and wife. When the receiving line was finished, all three Royals were expected to mingle. Jareth offered his arm to his wife, his mother followed behind. The first group they came to included a pair of Jareth's former courtesans, Rosalind and Celeste. They bowed to the King and his bride, but had eyes for the King alone. Both ladies were Fae beauties to be sure, but it was Rosalind who stood out. Her hair was the color of the sunset, and her skin was a fair as cream. Her eyes were like looking into sea-foam; her lips were the color of ripe peaches skin. Her voice was seductive and she knew how to move. Her lavender gown showed off her ample bosom, and creamy skin of her shoulders. Celeste was a quieter beauty, but cold. Rosalind had at one time been rumored to be favored by the King; and it was she who boldly addressed the King as he approached.

"King Jareth, it's been far too long." She looked behind the King and his mother where the Pink Court followed behind dutifully. "I see your entourage is present, Majesty." She addressed the Princess on the King's arm.

"Oh I never go anywhere without them." Adrianna said blithely.

"It's so …kind of you to encourage so many of our young ladies from the better families." Celeste said boldly to the Princess.

Adrianna smiled sweetly, but said nothing.

Celeste tapped the King's shoulder with her fan. "And what amusement have you planned for us this evening?"

Jareth raised a brow, "I was under the impression it was you ladies who were here to amuse me, not I you." Adrianna looked at her husband with a quizzical gaze. Quietly he led her away to another group of guests. "Don't mind them my dear, they are always a bit brazen."

The Princess shrugged it off, "You didn't tell them about our entertainment." She pouted.

"I want it to be a surprise." Jareth whispered at her ear, making her giggle like a schoolgirl. He escorted her to the head table, and they took their places. Servants began to serve the sumptuous meal planned.

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Zoan and the boys were getting acquainted while Sarah readied herself for her performance. The two boys asked question after question about life as a Hobgoblin. He was amused at how their curiosity seemed to out weigh what fears they should have been displaying. He laughed as they boldly spoke to him.

Sarah emerged from the bedroom, draped dramatically in the green fabric. The Bardic shawl was loosely about her shoulders. "Well?"

The Hobgoblin rose, approval in his wide eyes. "You're too good for the likes of most those Fae!" He declared. He turned serious, "Lady, I fear you are headed into a trap…be it by staff or King."

"They all make the mistake of underestimating me." Sarah said as she headed toward the door. "Toby, Georgie, bedtime…Zoan don't take any nonsense from them!" She opened the door.

"Your escort has not yet arrived." Zoan yelped.

Sarah turned and smiled, "The element of surprise is then mine, is it not?"

"Bardic Warrior," Laughing Zoan barked out an order to the extra Guards, wishing he could see the expression on the face of the Goblin King.

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Something was going on, Jareth was sure of it. Servants looked at him, and the Princess with faces full of something akin to guilt. He heard a commotion on the stair, and turned to look in the direction of the noise. Sarah was descending the main staircase, escorted not by the attendant he had yet to send, but rather by an honor guard of four Hobgoblins. Taken aback by her dramatic entrance, Jareth felt his mouth drop open for a second before he was able to restore the haughty mask he usually wore with such a balm.

Descending the stair Sarah was breathtaking, the drape and sweep of the fabric that she was wearing so effortlessly personified the difference between her and the Fae women. There were no flashy adornments, only the forest green fabric that in its plainness suddenly seemed exquisitely regal. Head held high, and chin set there was none who could compare to the Bard.

The Pink Princess saw mouths drop, she saw faces blanch and the two smug Fae women who coveted the King looked as if they'd seen a ghost. She turned, grinning at the King, who had quickly recovered. She whispered to him coyly. "I think your surprise has worked."

"Yes," He leaned back and looked at the woman on whom all eyes in the room had fallen. She waltzed up the main isle of the dinning hall, head high, and chin out. Maddeningly confidant and defiant she walked with her escort until she came to stand before the King. Once there she dropped down into a graceful curtsey and lowered her eyes. "You're early." He said as if he were commenting on the weather. He snapped his fingers and ordered a seat brought to the center of the dinning hall for the Bard.

"Am I?" She asked rising, "So easy to lose track of time here."

The King's face went stony, "Is it?" All eyes were watching the pair bantering; even his bride could not take her eyes off the encounter of clashing wills. Jareth took the upper hand, rising he motioned her to be seated. "For your entertainment we have…secured the service of the renowned Bard of the Brodie Clan. Madame, do you have a tale fitting for such an honorable assembly?"

Sarah smoothed the long fabric draped over her as she was seated, "Indeed."

Jareth settled into his seat and waved her to begin.

Celeste leaned toward Rosalind, "What is she doing back here?"

"More importantly, what is she to the King?" The Fae with sea-foam eyes growled.

Clasping her hands in her lap, the mortal girl began. "This is the tale of the red shoes. Once long ago, in a village much like the one that surrounds this palace there lived a poor but honest field laborer named Hans, and his wife Olga, and his daughter Clara. They lived in a hut at the end of the row of little houses. Because they were poor, Clara had no shoes to wear. In the winter her father would carve her shoes in wood, but they were hard on her little feet. There came a terrible fever, and many of the good people of the little village succumbed to it."

Jareth leaned back in his throne like chair, resting his chin on fingers and his elbow on the arm of the chair. Adrianna listened enthralled by the way Sarah told the tale. Even the two Fae women who were displeased at her presence had to admit she could weave a tale well.

"The curse of the shoes was broken, and they fell away like dry leaves from the little girl's feet. Never again did the girl tell lies or covet what was not hers." Sarah bowed her head, signaling the end of the tale.

Tears in her eyes Adrianna stood up and applauded with enthusiasm. "Brava!" She proclaimed.

Jareth rose and raised his goblet to Sarah, "Indeed, Brava."

The rest of the Fae present clapped but not quite as approvingly as the princess. The Goblin Nobility on the other hand was hammering hands on tables, in a sign of approval. Sarah smiled at them and bowed her head.

Rosalind rose to address the King, "Surely the Bard has more than one… tale to tell us this evening…" She challenged.

Jareth raised a brow to Sarah who looked back at him as if nothing were wrong. "Madam Bard?"

"Aye, I've a word or two left… but perhaps an old poem is best." She cleared her throat.

"Puck Lost and Found

by

Lewis Carroll

Puck has fled the haunts of men;

Ridicule has made him wary:

In the woods and down the glen,

No one meets a fairy!

Cream! the greedy Goblin cries

Empties that deserted dairy--

Steals the spoons and of he flies

Still we seek our Fairy!

Ah! What form is entering?

Love lit eyes and laughter airy

Is not this a better thing,

Child, whose visit thus I sing.
Even than of fairy?" She stood up and spread her hands gracefully, "If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends." Bowing to the King Sarah exited the banquet room. Sarah left the started assembled guests. She had turned and along with her Hobgoblin escort departed.

She moved out to the hall and was surrounded by her escorts who were speaking to her in their tongue. She could tell by the looks in their eyes that they approved of her performance.

The Goblin King and his Princess joined the Bard in the hall. Adrianna was gushing praise, and sounding like a breathless child. Jareth looked at the attire of the Bard. "That is not the dress I sent you." He stated in a harsh tone.

Sarah looked down at the green velvet fabric wrapped in the manner of a Celtic Arisaidh, with a quirky smile she said. "This? I saw it hanging in a window and could not resist."

Jareth raised his brow but didn't comment farther.

The Pink Princess took hold of Sarah's arm, and hooked it in her own. "You must come sit with me!" she babbled. "I want everyone to see that I am with our Bard." Even the King seemed surprised, but he watched as they re-entered the banquet room.

Sarah kept a keen eye on the assembled guests, recognizing a good many here from the Crystal Ballroom… and coming to the conclusion it was not a dream. She stayed with the Princess until the girl sighed deeply, yawned and announced she was going to her bed. Sarah watched as the Little Ladies in Waiting marched off with her. She mused that I seemed very like a play.

Now free to meander and rove the room, Sarah paused to have conversation with most of the Goblin nobility; the Fae seemed to be giving her an extensive quarter. She was being visibly and soundly snubbed, and she knew it. Even the Elvin folk were snubbing her, to her surprise. She could understand the staff, but not the guests.

Jareth, if he noticed the snub was not making any communion over it. He was also going from group to group speaking as a good host often did with the more important of the guests. He came to the group Sarah was speaking with, and listened to the conversation.

"I assure you Mayor," Sarah was keeping civil but had heightened color in her cheeks. "It was never our intention to inflict damages to your town… Our only goal was to reach the palace, alive." Seeing the King standing at her shoulder she turned her head and looked at him. The King didn't speak, his face mirrored the same haughty expression she had haunting her dreams, quietly he moved on.

The hour was growing late, and Sarah wanted to take her leave of the party much the way Adrianna had. She saw Jareth exit the room, he had gone onto the terrace for a breath of air. She began to wander that direction when voices in the alcove caught her attention.

"Loosen my laces, would you dear?" She recognized the voice as that of Rosalind.

"Whatever for?" asked the second voice.

"His Majesty is alone on the terrace; I will offer him some…company." Rosalind said in a most suggestively lewd tone.

"Under the very nose of his Princess Bride?" Scoffed the second voice; "Rosalind, that's beyond brazen."

The unashamed bold Fae woman murmured, "I agree, but what is one to do… I mean do you expect me to wait forever?"

Sarah hid behind a ficus that had been groomed in the shape of a toy soldier. She watched as the Fae woman sauntered saucily out to the terrace. She then heard the light sound of laughter from a man and the woman. She backed away, eyes darkening with torment. Disappointed, she walked past the rest of the guest who were whispering jeers and passing judgments. Keeping her steps even and her head high she was joined at the entry by her escort. Wordlessly she left the banqueting room. What anguish she felt she planed on keeping to herself. As she was escorted back to the suite of rooms the King had given for her use, she wondered. Was she more disappointed for herself or for the Pink Princess?