When Sarah emerged from the portal she found herself softly gliding down a few feet onto moist dirt in a dark wood. The sky was midnight blue and a cool swirling fog covered the ground. Next to her Joshua stood, looking at home and for the first time since meeting him, relieved.

Sarah had felt the portal close behind them and turned to see it completely disappear. She could almost hear a soft goblin wail. Sarah looked at Joshua, whose clear blue eyes were now looking down at her.

"You should be more careful, I don't want to lose you." Joshua smiled, but it sent chills up Sarah's spine. What had she done and where was she? Joshua continued holding her hand though, pulling her through the woods, "Come on, we're almost there. How is your head doing?"

Sarah placed a hand to her head, it was still wet and she was light headed from the injury, however she could not answer. They had emerged from the wood to see a city. Sarah gasped. Everything was dark and sooty with the buildings so grand and complicated. There were turrets and canals, it looked like a cross from an old London and a Renaissance Era Venice. Sarah gasped, and at her intake of breath Joshua's mouth was suddenly next to her ear. "Welcome to the Underground. Beautiful isn't it?

Sarah nodded. She let her hand fall from her head and was transfixed by the blood she saw there. The vivid red was the most colorful thing about. The city was beautiful, and eerie. She could imagine her fifteen-year-old self-running into the forest.

Joshua had noticed Sarah staring at her hand. He inwardly sighed. He would have to get her washed up before he could bring her out into society. It may be for the better anyway, the longer the Goblin King didn't know where she was, the better. He realized she still hadn't asked many questions about why he'd brought her here. However, from the way she stared she seemed completely disconnected. Perfect.

"Sarah, let me show you my home. I promise you will be safe and taken care of." Joshua smiled. "Then I can show you the city."

Sarah's green eyes widened, as realization dawned on her face. Joshua smiled and started to walk ahead of her, half leading her and half dragging her with him. Sarah was forced to speak to his back while they crossed the last patches of brush and walked over a wide stone bridge to the city. "Wait! Where are we? What is the Underground? Where is the Labyrinth?"

Joshua pulled her to him and stopped at the top of the bridge. Below them lay black waters that went into the city. A few dark crafts floated on the waters below with weak lanterns and Sarah could hear strange languages. For the first time, she could catch a glimpse inside the city where the canals flowed. She could hear music and see many more lights, all flickering and dancing wickedly in the darkness. The sky had no moon, only stars and Sarah had the sensation she had fallen into a very dark hole.

Joshua regarded her. "This, all of this, is the Underground. The Labyrinth, is in the Underground as well. Although how that uncivilized mess continues to exist is a mystery to me. This is the City of the Underground. Some of the most magical and powerful beings in existence reside here."

Sarah shivered. He spoke of the Labyrinth as if it were something to be disgusting and hateful. She couldn't imagine what lay ahead of her now. Joshua had seemed so alike the Goblin King. His manor was not condescending, but she could feel that he enjoyed her vulnerability and naiveté. Perhaps this was a trait of the Underground? Sarah looked at Joshua again now staring off at the city with a sly smile on his face. She would have to remember that things were not always as they seemed and that she'd looked for an adventure for herself.

Joshua smiled and said, "I see the light on at my estate. We can get you a room and medical attention for the night. Here, we should take the tunnels. You don't want to be seen on the street in your state", he glanced wearily at her head… "It would not be safe."

Once again they started walking without Joshua waiting for Sarah to respond. Sarah fumed inwardly, but was caught off guard as she got another view of the mysterious city. Joshua led them off the bridge and then followed the sides of the canal to a small door in the side of the dark walls. He took out a long metal key and clicked it in, opening the door to a dark tunnel that led downwards and was light with more flickering candles.

"Many families have large estates…for personal purposes they often have their own private entrances and exits." He did not mention the dirty business conducted in these tunnels or the reasons why a family would need an escape route out of the city.

However, as his eyes met Sarah's he realized she knew his unsaid thoughts. She looked at him suspiciously but only asked, "Why is it not safe for me on the streets like this?"

Joshua smiled softly, and brushed Sarah's hair back to examine her wound. He could feel her body tense and the shiver that went down her back. "Now that, I thought was obvious." He turned down into the tunnel and looked back only to say, "The city is filled with Vampires."

OoOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOoooOo

The wind billowed into the tower room where the Goblin King had been watching Sarah. The moonlight reflected off the crushed crystal balls, but the room was empty. A small goblin appeared in the room. He was looking for his king. They had all gone to find him throughout the castle. The goblin was happy he had not found him here. He did not want to tell him what had happened to the girl.

There was a horrifying cry from another part of the castle, its anger echoing throughout the grounds.

"WHAT! SHE WENT WITH HIM?!" This was followed my a shriek of anguish and anger that made the small goblin jump and check to see if he was really alone in the room.

Then there was silence.

OOOOOOOO

Author's note: VERY SORRY for the delay. Please if your still reading let me know what you think.