Surprise! 2 chapters in 1 day. Both of them are rather short but I figured that I owed my readers something for not posting a new chapter in so long. Already started work on the next chapter and I hope to get it up for you guys soon.
Krystal paused then smiled into the room. "I'm sorry to interrupt dinner I didn't know that you were expecting anyone else." She held her hand out to her brother acting as though she had never met him before in her life. "Hello I'm Krystal, it's a pleasure to meet you." Taking her hand he kissed the back of it.
"My name is Kai and the pleasure is all mine." She blushed prettily not used to that kind of attention. She then looked at her mother again.
"I think that he's in a hurry so I would go if I were you." Her mother nodded and quickly excused herself. Krystal turned at smiled at Kai. "So what brings you to the Aboveground brother?"
"Father sent me to inform mother that he will be attending dinner with her tomorrow. He'll be discussing the orc problem to her then. Although she was rather distraught when I arrived."
"I'm afraid that was my fault. We had gotten into a conversation about telling everyone the truth and Sarah still isn't ready to accept it yet."
"Well she'll have to tomorrow right? I mean we all have dinner together normally an-" Suddenly a scream rang out from the living room. In a flash all of the occupants of the kitchen had left. They all stopped just outside the kitchen door. Sarah was being dangled in the air by a troll. On either side of it were none other than the orc king and prince. Kai shoved Krystal back into the kitchen.
"So it would seem that you wish to incite a war with the Goblin Kingdom then Toubard?" Kai knew this was not a good situation. He needed to get Krystal somewhere safe and then get word to his father that the orcs had already made a move against them. This would not be easy to do.
"Silly prince. How do you think that we found this place?" He could have kicked himself. They had followed his magic here when he came to talk to his mother about the meeting. Hopefully they hadn't heard anything. "Of course it would have been easy to find Queen Sarah without your help. She and I are well…acquainted." Toby glared at the man that spoke. He had seen him once before on one of his few trips with Sarah to the Underground. It was the day of her wedding in fact. All the Underground nobility had been invited. He remembered that most of the people there were happy that Jareth had a Queen and that the Labyrinth would have a pair of ruling monarchs again. That man, however, had looked at his sister as though she were a piece of meat that he wanted. That had disgusted him and he had spoken with Jareth about it. He had confronted the man and after several heated words had "kindly" asked him to leave his kingdom.
"What is it that you want with my mother Toubard? You know that my father will never forgive you for this. You have condemned your kingdom to death. Is this really how you wanted to settle things?"
"Your father started this. Acting all oblivious to his own daughter. Not giving the neighboring kingdoms a chance to compete for her hand. He already has decided who he will give her to hasn't he? The orcs will not stand for this. He knows the rules, he broke them, and now he shall pay." By this time Kai could see that Toubard was irate. Hoping for some help he turned his attention to Soubias.
"Please reason with your father. Harming my mother will get you nowhere as you are well aware of. Besides if there was a goblin princess you both know that she would have had to go to the Underground to train her magic when she was 15 if she was to keep her magic. There is no way that she could have survived up here all this time with her magic and if she did then she doesn't have her magic anymore and is of no use to you anyway." Soubias shrugged. Suddenly a noise came from the stairs. Toby could have hit himself for forgetting that Kenyon was upstairs. Rubbing his eyes tiredly he began to descend the stairs.
"Uncle Toby, what's going on? I heard a loud noise and a lot of yelling." Toby made to make a dash for Kenyon. This caught the troll's attention making it drop Sarah. Kai quickly used a crystal to send her to the Goblin kingdom. Toubard retaliated by lashing out at him with his own magic. Toby had almost reached his nephew when the troll's giant arm contacted with the side of his body sending him crashing into the wall. He lost consciousness on contact. The troll then grabbed a hold of little Kenyon, who was now fully awake. He began screaming and crying for his life. Kai had been badly wounded from fighting with both Toubard and his son. He hated to do it but retreat seemed like the best option for now. The king had to be informed of the danger they were all in. Soubias sent a power blast at him and he took that moment to turn into a crow and escape out the shattered window over the door. Krystal could no longer take hiding in the kitchen. She knew that Kai had shoved her in there to protect her and keep her from the orcs but he needed help. Her Uncle Toby and little brother had no powers. From what she heard her mother was unconscious or worse…he needed her help. She burst out the door in time to see him fly away and the couch explode. Deciding that, that was the best place to take cover she dove for it. Upon successfully making it to the ruined piece of furniture she prayed that Kai would hurry back with her father to save them.
"So father do you believe that the Goblin Princess is here?"
"I'm not sure my son but there is one way to find out." Krystal squeezed herself into a ball making her smaller. Suddenly she heard the scream of her brother. They were torturing him! To get to her. That thought pulled at her heartstrings. "Cry out for your sister little boy, we know you have one." When the little boy refused to Toubard had the troll squeeze him. Krystal heard one of her little brother's ribs break and he screamed in pain. She covered her mouth to hide a sob. Her little brother was being so brave and here she was cowering behind a couch. Toubard instructed the troll to do it again and this time Kenyon couldn't stop himself. He was terrified. He was only 8 and he might die right here at the hands of the enemies of his father's kingdom. Was this what their mother was trying to protect them from? The house looked like a tornado had blown through. The front door was off its hinges and had been flung into the kitchen door.
"SISTER!" It was all that she could do to stay quiet. She heard him crying, terrified about the situation that they were now in. Her uncle was unconscious somewhere and she had no idea what had happened to the other 2 that were in the house. She felt she was being a coward but there was no way in her current state that she could take on a full grown troll and 2 Underground nobility. "SISTER! Help me!" Tears streamed down her own cheeks as she remained hidden inside their once complete leather couch. She was a failure as a sibling, she couldn't protect her younger brother, couldn't protect herself. Suddenly there was a weight on her back. Knowing what was there she feared to turn. Then a thought hit her as she felt something solid connect with the back of her head. She had a way to call for help. As she drifted out of consciousness she mutter the words she had hoped to one day say under better circumstances.
"I wish the goblins would come and take Kenyon away…right now."
*With Sarah*
Her head hurt. She remembered going to talk to the electrician that had stopped by the house. She had sensed something weird about him but hadn't really thought much about it. After all no one from the Underground other then Kai and Jareth knew where she was. She sat up suddenly regretting the action when her world spun dangerously. Closing her eyes and placing a hand on her head she tried to stop her head from swimming.
"I'm glad ta see that yer awake. I was worried bout ya." Opening her eyes she spotted a familiar face.
"Hoggle. So I am in the Labyrinth then?" Hoggle nodded.
"Kai's magic sent ya here. I was mighty surprised t'see ya come fall'n outta the sky let me tell ya." He held out a cup for her. "Ya need t'drink this. It'll help yer head." Sarah graciously took the cup from Hoggle. Taking a sip she cringed. "Sorry it don't taste the best. Healin' stuff never does." She took another sip already starting to feel better. As she started trying to remember what happened Kai came rushing into Hoggle's house. He stopped to look at his mother. He was happy that she was alright. Turning his attention back to Hoggle he grabbed the little dwarf.
"Hoggle have you seen my father?"
"Can't say that I have. Why you need him?' Kai looked uneasily at his mother before kneeling to Hoggle's level to keep her from overhearing.
"My mother is here Hoggle because I needed to get her out of her house and didn't want her waking up in the castle. The orcs are attacking her house. Toby is injured and they have Kenyon. I'm only hoping that Krystal staid hidden. I need my father to help me." Hoggle looked worried himself.
"I ain't sure where he is Kai. He was called away on "business". Not sure whereabouts though. But don't you worry none, I'll takes good care of Sarah for ya until you come back."
"Thank you Hoggle." With that Kai left the house. Hoggle turned his attention to Sarah who was giving him an incriminating look.
"What?"
*The throne room*
Kenyon was lying on stone trying to catch his breath. Stupid troll squeezed him REALLY hard. He attempted to sit up. Pain shot through his body and he settled back down onto the floor. Suddenly something stuck its face in his.
"What you think it be?"
"Nother' wishaway." Kenyon tilted his head and the furry face in his did the same.
"Wishaway?"
"Yeah your parents not want you and wish to send you here." Kenyon went to stretch then winced in pain. "He hurt. Send for healer." He heard the sounds of their little feet running around the room and shouts for a "healer" rang out through the castle. Moments later the footsteps were approaching him again. The face of a woman appeared in his vision this time.
"Oh you poor dear. Two broken ribs and lots of internal bruising. You certainly came to us a mess, but I'm glad you're here before more damage could be done. Hold still, this will only take a minute." She placed her hands on his ribcage and a glow emitted from them. As quickly as it came it was gone. "There now. You're all better. Can you sit up?" He was a little afraid to move but started to slowly. When he discovered there was no pain he sat up no problem. "There that's good. How do you feel?"
"I feel better. Thank you." Her golden eyes sparkled at him as she smiled.
"That's good to hear. What's your name little one?"
"It's Kenyon. Where am I?" He rubbed his head which was still a little foggy.
"You're in the castle beyond the goblin city. The king's magic brought you here because you were wished away. Just in time too it would seem. You're a little older then the king usually takes which means that whoever wished you away had a lot of desire to get you out of there and get you here." Kenyon looked at her funny for a moment before everything came rushing back to him. The orcs, the giant green thing, his uncle hitting the wall, and then them hurting him to try and get his sister. HIS SISTER! She was in danger. He had tried so hard to keep them from getting to her. She was the most important person in his life and there was no way that he was going to let them touch her. He had screamed for her though. The little boy in himself only wanted her to come and save him. The other part of him though, the part that stemmed from the Underground, had told him that he needed to be silent and keep his sister a secret. He had to protect her. He was a prince of the Goblin Kingdom after all. He should have been stronger than that.
"My sister. We need to let him Majesty know that he needs to help my sister."
"What? Is she the one that wished you away?"
"Yes but she did it to save me. Orcs are attacking my home."
*With Krystal*
She awoke to a pain in the back of her head. Placing her hand there she pulled it back to her face. It was covered in blood.
"Hit you a little too hard did he?" Her eyes shot open. She knew that voice.
"So you must be the one that they were calling Toubard. You're such a nice guy. Brutalizing women and children." She placed her weight on what remained of the couch and lifted herself to see her opponent. A full grown troll and the orc prince and king. Her odds weren't looking too good.
"As opposed to hiding and doing nothing? I knew that you were there child. You reek of the Underground. So why don't you tell me who you are?"
"I babysit for Lady Sarah. I have no magic of my own. I watch her offspring. I guess I failed her. At least her child is safely in the Goblin Kingdom. If he weren't you wouldn't be talking to me without the poor boy that you were tormenting. Tell me what it is you came here seeking from Lady Sarah?"
"We know that she has a daughter. We have a…reliable source. We came to find her and take her with us to our kingdom. She will wed my son Soubias."
"And so instead of going to His Majesty you came here to injure his family? Did you really think that would get in his good graces? I would also be very interested in hearing about this source." Her strength gave out and she collapsed onto the floor. Just in time because Jareth appeared in all his glory in the middle of the living room. He was furious. His power told Krystal as much. She let the tears that had threatened to spill from her eyes do so. Everything was going to be alright now.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE DOING TOUBARD?" Jareth had, had enough of all this. When the child had appeared at the palace he had to check it out. He hadn't heard the call to get him and seeing him in the state that he was in led Jareth to believe that something else was going on. He took himself to Sarah's house. She was the only one that he knew with the power to take children other than him. It would explain how he hadn't heard the call. When he got there the place was in shambles and there stood the orc king and his hell spawn. He was beyond pissed now.
"Why Jareth, I hadn't expected to see you here of all places. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Jareth didn't acknowledge them with a response he just summoned one of his crystals. "Are you looking for a fight Jareth? Would hate for you to start a war with us."
"It's too late for that Toubard. You've brought this on yourself. I see this as an act of war against me and mine. From this point forth we are no longer allies." He threw the crystal at the troll disintegrating it. Soubias glanced at his father who nodded. He and Jareth began squaring off. As they fought Soubias went around to the back of the couch.
"Come along young one. You are coming with me. You have information that we need. I can't have you staying here."
"If I were you I wouldn't lay a finger on her." Krystal looked past Soubias and smiled gratefully at Kai. "Otherwise you'll have me to deal with."
"I'm not afraid of you little prince." A noise across the room caught their attention. Jareth had landed a hit and Toubard was bleeding profusely from a wound on his arm.
"This is the last time that you will come close to Sarah Toubard." Toubard grinned at Jareth evilly.
"You forget Jareth I was around while your father ruled. You could never defeat me." There was a blinding light and both the orc king and prince were gone. Movement caught the room's occupant's attention. Toby was coming to. Jareth began swearing at losing them. Kai went over to assist his Uncle. He knelt down next to him.
"Hey there Uncle Toby. You feeling ok?"
"I feel like I got hit by a semi." Kai chuckled.
"Close enough. It was a troll arm." Toby smiled at Kai then looked around in a panic.
"Where are they?" Kai placed a hand on his Uncle's shoulder.
"Mom is at Hoggle's house. She was awake when I left there. The other's that were in the house are safe as well." He pointed over to Krystal who waved weakly at him. "The other is also safe in the Underground." Suddenly a hand came down on Kai's shoulder. He looked up at his father.
"So you took Sarah to Hoggle's then?"
"Yes father. Mother is safe. I'm glad that I came to tell her that you wanted to talk. Had I not been here…I hesitate to think of what could have happened." Their conversation was interrupted by crying from the couch. The men looked over at the severally injured girl. Not caring who was in the room she looked at Kai.
"Is Kenyon safe? He had some broken ribs from them torturing him. He was so scared and I just sat here and did nothing." Her crying turned to sobs in an instant. She pulled her knees to her face to hide her tears and grief. Toby forced his body to get up and walk over to her. He collapsed next to her.
"Krystal you did what you needed to do. Everything will be alright I'm sure that he's fine."
"He is. You wished him to the castle and Leanalith has taken good care of him. You saved his life. I have no doubt that they would have killed him." Jareth stood back watching the scene. Something about it made him unsettled. He cleared his throat.
"Kai come with me. It seems there is much we need to discuss and I wish to make sure that Sarah is well." Kai nodded to his father and both of them were gone leaving the girl crying into her Uncle's shoulder murmuring about it all being her fault.
