Chapter 4. Gilgamesh's plan
The Babylonian looked at the Queen standing over her son. "That went well," he said in cynicism.
"I had no idea she would react like that," confessed the Queen as she went to her knees. "The child behaved as if she was afraid."
Gilgamesh nodded. "I believe she was." He looked at Jareth. "He slips deeper and deep into the pull of the potion. Lilith, call a crystal, see what the girl does now."
Lilith held a jagged crystal spire in her hand. "Show me the girl."
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"I wish I could forget…right now…" she whispered, hoarsely…then her face went blank as she sank back into the pillows.
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Placing finger tips to her lips Lilith, Queen of the Night and Air turned to Gilgamesh. "She didn't even have a potion, yet she looks like he does."
"They are soul fasted…" Gilgamesh determined. "Unquestionably, and what one chooses affects the other."
"So what do we do?" Lilith looked at the pale girl in the crystal.
The Babylonian suddenly wore a strange smile. "We give them what they want."
"Gilgamesh, Jareth had to remember…. He's a King….he has duties." The mother protested.
"Listen to me, dear Queen. What the boy needs is a vacation." The Babylonian began to snicker as he formulated his plan. "A little trip away from his reality, into hers. Mother Universe will not be denied… she have decreed these two to be together… perhaps we can give Mother a hand."
The lava black eyes held interest. "Tell me what you want to do."
"In the state they are in they are receptive to suggestions. We will alter their memoires, and then let them meet again with a fresh slate as it were." Gilgamesh was tapping his chin. "If the Universe wants these two together, nothing will prevent it. Once they accept the truth of that, the potion's hold and the spell will be broken… they will remember everything…. And have to face it all."
"So you will wipe her mind clean?"
"No, I will only help her mind hide the memories of Jareth and the Underground." The Babylonian stated.
"What of Jareth's memories?" She looked lovingly at her son.
"I will alter his memories as well." The King said. "Give him a new identity so he can roam freely among the mortals at will. He will have memories of a past that is not his."
Lilith fretted. "He will be like a babe in the woods; totally out of his element….you will have to bind his powers… I don't like it, Gilgamesh. Jareth without powers in a world that is savage to our kind…. No… I won't agree to it… its too dangerous… he could not go into the world alone."
A figure ventured out of the dark recesses of the room. "Begging your pardon, Madam…" the dwarf came forward. "He don't have to go alone… I'll go with him…."
Lilith looked at the gnarly little dwarf. "You… you're one of the ones who was with that girl… "
"Hoggle, ma'am…" He bent low. "I work for him." He pointed to the man on the cot. "He ordered me to follow the girl, and turn her round."
Gilgamesh watched quietly.
Hoggle moved closer, carefully, he knew Fae didn't take betrayal lightly. "It's was his wish that the girl not come to any real harm in the Labyrinth…He had no idea we'd all fall under her spell." The dwarf looked at Jareth's face and winced. "I never meant for him to get hurt…I just wanted to help the girl save her brother. I had no idea he…fell…in love…"
Lilith looked at the dwarf, and then looked at the Babylonian. "You can not be seriously thinking of sending my son into the world with but a dwarf to protect him." She protested.
Two more shadowy figures moved out into the open. "He won't have just a dwarf, my good Queen. "A little fellow in a fine tunic of saffron yellow a plumed hat in his hands stated. His mustache was long but well groomed. The creature looked a bit like a fox, or a fox terrier. He bowed to the Queen with a flourish that only Knights of the Olde Code seemed to be on familiar terms with. He moved with grace, and came to a relaxed stance before the Queen. "I am Sir Didymus, one of his Majesty's men at arms. I would consider it an honor to serve as his royal escort into the world of man."
Lilith looked at the great orange beast standing aside the Knight. "who is this great beast?"
"Ah, good Lady, this is my brother in arms, Sir Ludo…" Didymus looked up at Ludo with fondness. "He too will come to serve our King."
Lilith regarded the trio with skeptical eyes. "I should trust you three…traitors?"
"My Lady," Didymus was pensive. "While I am sworn to service of the King, I must first uphold the Olde Code. If I did not I would be in violation of the oldest of laws." The little Knight looked at the sleeping King. "Not for all the world would I wish harm unto him. He is my King."
Ludo lumbered closer. "Ludo serves King." He moaned.
"Three traitors…." Lilith began to give it serious thought. "A cowardly dwarf… a Knight of the Olde Code… and a.. beast… Oh, yes… a fine set of companions for my son."
Gilgamesh cleared his throat, once he had her eyes he said. "They are the same companions the girl had in his realm. It is only fitting they should serve him in her realm."
Lilith laughed at him. "Look at them, what could be more conspicuous?" She waved her hand with its long elegant fingers at the trio.
"I can take care of that." Gilgamesh was already formulating his next steps. "I shall give them all new identities and memories to match… they will act as companions to the man…Jareth King."
Lilith shook her head. "I don't like this, not one bit. It's far too dangerous."
"We will protect him, I fore swear it, my Queen." Didymus was on his knee.
Ludo, seeing his friend on his knee also went on his, badly but he at least was trying to do it. "Ludo promise too."
Hoggle looked at the Queen. "Let us try to right things…."
She looked at Gilgamesh. "If I agree, to this… vacation… then you must agree to keep your eyes on the situation. I will be tied up trying to run this Kingdom while my son is…away."
Gilgamesh nodded. "Agreed," He looked at the man, then the trio. "Come my lads… we have but eight hours to transform you and your King into new men…come sun up you will enter the world of mortal man… and there you shall remain until Jareth has won his Sarah's heart."
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Sarah awoke to the morning with a groggy feeling. Her head hurt slightly, and she felt as if she were missing something. She pushed the long hair out of her eyes, and looked around the room, she didn't recognize the surroundings for a moment. This was not her bedroom, and she didn't hear the normal sounds of home. Pulling on her robe, in the dim light of dawn she entered the larger room with it's wide window, and easels and the smell of paint. A flood of warmth came to her, she was at school. The light of dawn was spilling joyfully into the wide and broad windows of the studio room where the easel stood. Sarah was glad there was still a day until classes started; she wanted to get a real feel for the rooms she was going to be living in for the rest of the year.
She moved to the little kitchenette that was off the work room, poured water into a kettle and made herself a cup of tea. Karen, upon seeing the little kitchen space offered to by her some pots and pans and other kitchen items to make her little studio workable. She had taken the girl to the local store and stocked up on things like tea, and sugar, and she'd even gotten the girl a toaster. Sarah joked that she'd never need to go to the refectory for breakfast as Karen had seen to all the things a girl could need or want.
Sipping her tea, Sarah took another look at the painting that was on the easel. It was strange, and captivating. The colors were bold, catching your attention and keeping it. She stood back; looking at it in the light of dawn she could not fathom why it had frightened her so just yesterday. It was after all just a painting of an owl.
Briarwood's grounds were without comparison. Long curling paths, knolls and woods, a freshwater pond that was fed by an underground spring and trees as far as the eye can see. The buildings were old fashioned to the eye but completely updated inside right down to air conditioning for the warm weather. Of all the buildings on campus, Bell Hall was the only one that looked like something from Gone with the Wind.
Briarwood had a long and illustrious history, and had graduated many important young women. A senator, several renown doctors, a novelist and a stage actress to name a few. The young ladies who attended Briarwood were of the finest families in the nation. Sarah considered herself very lucky to have been able to get in.
Sarah looked at her uniform hanging in the large closet that she was now using. These rooms were far grander than any the other seniors would be using. She blessed the person who'd misplaced her room card. Here in Bell Hall, it was like she was living in her own grownup apartment. She was glad she didn't have to wear the uniform today. Today she could wear what ever she wanted, and could roam the grounds freely. Tomorrow classes would start for the new school year.
Taking out a russet colored skirt she topped it with a poet's shirt and a wide leather belt. After a shower, she applied makeup lightly, and dried her long hair. Dressing in the outfit chosen, she then prepared to venture out to the school grounds. She locked her door, and placed the key into her pocket. She wore a little drawstring purse on her belt, and kept her little wallet with its information in there.
Other students were arriving, many of them rushing to the bookstore, other's rushing to dorm rooms that would fill quickly. Parents and students were on the promenade, few greeted Sarah. She walked toward the Bursar's office; seniors were encouraged to seek assignments as student aides. Sarah was hoping that she could find such an appointment. There was a list in the lobby outside the Bursar's office with assignments that had not yet been filled. As each one closed a line was drawn through it. Some of the instructors had already filled the positions by appointing their own aides. Sarah knew that Megan was one of the 'Chosen', and she silently envied the other girl her assignment. Megan would be the aide to Mrs. Grandel, the math instructor.
When she arrived at the lobby only one position was left on the list, at of aide to Dr. Marcus Rygil the ageing librarian. Sarah knew that this position had gone vacant for several years. Few of the students wanted to spend any time with the man who knew more than any human should.
"Sarah Williams," A cold voice behind her said with little feeling. "Looking for something?"
Sarah knew it was Megan even before she turned around. "Hello Megan, nice to see you again."
"Finding everything alright?" she asked in an amused tone. "I didn't see you in the senior dorms…"
Sarah felt the hair on her neck go up, and she was on guard. "I'm fine, everything is…peachy. I'm not in the senior dorms…there was a mix up with my paperwork."
"Oh…pity…" Megan pouted playfully. "Did they have to board you out? Or did one of the instructors get stuck with you?"
"No…I have a room in the old administrators build." Sarah said honestly, then turned to look again at the one name left on the crossed out list.
Megan came close to her side. "Oh they stuck you in some storage room, how nice for you…" Placing her long fingernails on the sheet she tapped. "Don't bother; all the best situations are taken. The only position left on the list is with Rygil, the Raging Bull. And I hear he eats aide alive."
"Does he?" Sarah found the girls nearness disconcerting.
Megan snickered. "Not even you could be so foolhardy to endeavor to take a crack at being his aide."
Sarah glanced sideways at the other girl, wondering what she'd ever done to deserve the treatment Megan dished out. "Really?"
Megan's gray eyes were cold, dead, and like a sharks. "Not even you are that brave…Sarah Williams." She laughed and walked away to the group of girls waiting for her. She'd said something they found utterly amusing and they all cackled like old witches.
Sarah reached up, took down the card and went off toward the Library. Briarwood's Library was housed in a building that looked like Independence Hall. It was warm and comfortable, and smelled of velum and leather. Entering one could feel all the knowledge stored here. Some of the librarians under Dr. Rygil were already making inventory and setting up new accounts for new students. One smiled at Sarah and greeted her.
"Miss Williams, a bit early to start your research isn't it?" Miss Tally asked sweetly.
"I'm here to see Dr. Rygil about the position of aide." Sarah held the yellow card up.
Marcus Rygil heard the voice and could not believe his ears. A student had taken up the challenge? He popped his head out of his office, wanting to take a gander at the child who dared come up against the oldest of dragons on the grounds. Seeing Sarah Williams standing with the card in her hand, he cleared his throat. "Miss Williams is it? Well come in and be interviewed." He waved her in and glared at his assistants. "Back to work, slaves before I hire a galley master."
Marcus Rygil was not tall, nor was he overly short but rather a man of average height. He was slender of build but not diminutive. His hair had at one time been quite dark Sarah had been told; now it was snowy white. He wore tiny little glasses on the edge of his nose, not up on the bridge. He would look over the frames when he was speaking to someone. His eyes were bluish gray and full of hidden wisdom. His intellect was renowned and all the students at Briarwood revered him, and feared him. His hands were like sculpted alabaster, long fine fingers on hands that looked like a statues. Everything about him was impeccable, right down to his beautifully styled suits. He was in every sense of the word, a gentleman. Known to be a difficult task master, the position of aide often went unfilled. He looked at the girl who was seated across from him.
"Miss Williams," He addressed her with misgivings and skepticism. "May I ask why you've chosen to apply as my aide? I was not aware you were thinking of a career in the Library sciences."
"In truth, I'm not. I am however interested in academia. And to my mind the Library is the heart and soul of the campus." Sarah stated without fear. "I'm really interested in following a career in teaching…but I'm not sure which subject as yet or what grade level."
Marcus was amused, "I see." He tapped his long nose patiently. "Tell me about you, yourself."
"Where to start, I'm the daughter of Robert Williams the attorney, you may have heard of him. And my mother is Linda Williams, the actress. I've a stepmother named Karen and a little brother, Toby." Sarah rambled on for a few moments. "I love books," her voice turned dreamy, "the smell of velum and leather…" She looked out at the area where the books sat on long tall wooden shelves. "It's like a temple, a world of it's own… and I feel so privileged to be allowed to partake of this banquet of prose."
Marcus' face went serious, "You've got the job." He said firmly. "I'll expect you each day for an hour at least. Leave your schedule with Tally." He dismissed her with a slight wave of his hand.
"Thank you, sir." Sarah rose and exited his office.
Marcus watched her exit, her movements fascinated him. There was something different about that young woman, something extraordinary. "Tally, get me that volume by Faulkner. The one on Celtic Folk Lore," he ordered.
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Sarah ordered a light soup for her noonday meal. She was in line along with other students, and heard the cackling of the group at the largest table. Not wishing to have her meal disturbed or ruined she exited the dining hall and went to sit on the terrace as the weather was wonderful. Her attention was attracted by a group of young men working on some plantings on the grounds. One young man was outstanding, he was the leader, and was built like a young lion.
"Sarah Williams?" a voice that was soft and timid behind her asked.
Sarah looked over to see a pretty girl she didn't know. "Yes?"
"I'm Riha… Rhiannon McMannon, may I sit with you?" She asked quietly in a voice that was laced with a lovely accent. Sarah motioned the girl to be seated. "I'm an exchange student, and I've been here since spring…..I recognized you when you were in line…and I don't blame ye one smidgeon for wanting to be far away from that crowd in there." Riha's eyes were a bright blue set in a face that was the map of Ireland right down to her freckles on her creamy complexion. Her hair was cut in a long ragged free style and she looked like a pixie who'd just stepped out of one of Dr. Rygils precious books.
Sarah laughed at the inference to the Megan crowd. "It does get stuffy in there."
Riha looked at the group of young men working, "A word of warning," the accent deepened. "That crowd of young men; don't be looking thar…that one, the leader… He's the young man that goes with Megan Élan. He's bad news."
Sarah looked over her shoulder and then returned her attentions to Riha. "Thank you.. I'd hate to get on Megan's bad side…"
"So does she have a good side?" Riha quipped causing Sarah to laugh freely. "Ye should do that more often, laugh I mean…"
Sarah smiled at the Irish girl. "You too." She leaned back in her chair. "What classes are you taking?"
"I'm an Language Arts major." Riha stated and pulled her schedule.
"Me too." Sarah pulled her and they began to compare. "We've got some classes together. Would you care to form a study group? You help me, I help you…that sort of thing?"
"I'd love to." Riha smiled widely. "What dorm are ye in? I don't recall seeing you in Donning Hall. I'm sharing a room with Ellen Courtney…"
"I'm not in a dorm, a mix up with my paper work… I'm in a room over Bell Hall." Sarah sipped at her soup. "In fact I don't have a room mate… you know, I think my rooms would be a great place for us to study… it's over the offices that are going to be renovated and we don't have to worry about our cd's bothering any one."
The face on the Irish girl showed concern. "Now that sounds like more of Miss Megan Élan's brand of mischief." She nibbled on the cheese sandwich she'd purchased. "I heard she's caused trouble for other students… she's just bad news."
"Bad news with great connections." Sarah agreed as she looked toward the group inside still laughing and enjoying themselves. "Tell me about your home." Sarah said gently.
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Megan Élan paused at the window, gazing out on the two girls conversing happily on the terrace. "Find out who that foreign girls roomie is." she ordered one of her lackeys. "I think we need to teach her a lesson."
Delphinine Leister nodded. "What about the Williams girl?"
"Leave her for now… We've got bigger fish to fry." Quipped the girl who had everyone's attention.
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Lilith watched in the crystal. "The first day is passing, when will you introduce my son?"
Gilgamesh softly brushed a tendril of hair back from the face of the Queen of the Night. "Soon, don't be in such a rush my dear. Think of this as soup… it's not soup yet… we are but adding the ingredients."
"Soup?" She looked at him in uncertainty.
He smiled. "That's right, my dear…Soup… you do know the story of Stone soup?" he laughed at the face she made.