IV
Sarah stood on her porch, threadbare shawl wrapped around her shoulders and a mug of coffee in her hands. She looked out on the fine early morning mist as it wrapped around her legs and blanketed the yard. "What's on your mind?" Richard wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. "Jenny," she murmured as she brought the mug to her lips. "Wanna talk about it?" He asked, laying his head on her shoulder. "Not particularly," she pushed away and moved to lean on the porch railing. "I'm sure she's fine." He moved to the porch swing and sat, watching as Sarah continued to stare off into the endless mist.
"Have you ever felt like you know something bad is about to happen but you can't do anything to stop it," Sarah did not turn but patiently awaited his reply. "Only once. Right before my divorce," he folded his hands in his lap. When Sarah did not respond he continued, "Do you think it has to do with Jenny and her father?" he scooted to the side of the swing as she moved to sit next to him. "I don't want him to disappoint her," Sarah sighed, laying her head on his shoulder. "How did you meet him?" Richard pressed, gently putting his arm around her. "Jareth and I go way back. We met when I was fifteen, he was smitten and I was too naïve to understand then we parted ways. It wasn't until after I married Tom that we 'reconnected'. It was a one-time thing and he left. Then when Jenny was about three he showed up again, that's when he found out, but he didn't stick around for long." Sarah sighed and burrowed deeper into his side. "So he's a deadbeat?" Richard shook his head. "I guess, but that's just who he is, always has been a fan of vanishing at the perfect moment, but he's set in his ways. I don't think even having Jenny in his life can change him." She shrugged. "You don't have to make excuses for him," Richard chuckled and rubbed her arm gently. "I want to hate him for what he did to me and Tom, and especially Jenny but I can't." She muttered. "I don't think you have to hate him, but you don't have to go out of your way to be friendly with him either. He's the father of your only child so as long as you stay civil for Jenny you've done your part." He smiled as he began to push the swing softly. "Is that how you've dealt with Charlotte?" She chuckled. "Yes and my kids appreciate me for it. While she's ranting on and on about how much of a bastard I was, I took the moral high ground and just kept my mouth shut." He laughed as he shook his head. "I guess all that good karma is working for you," Sarah teased. "I guess so," he smirked as he kissed her cheek.
Jenny stepped through the French doors and walked down the small sitting room as she looked through all the statuettes and paintings that covered the walls and end tables. She then made her way into the corridor, moving slow as she watched the enchanted tapestries swirl and dance. "Have you seen the library yet?" a voice called from behind causing Jenny to jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." Dorian apologized as he emerged from the shadows and walked toward her. "Then why are you sneaking around in the shadows?" she accused as she too a cautionary step back. "I beg your pardon?" he regarded her with a confused gaze. "You said you didn't mean to frighten me but here you are sneaking around. "She snapped and started off down the corridor once more. "Wait!" he called out as he jogged forward. "I'm truly sorry to have frightened you, but I would still like to show you the library. If you are interested, of course." He smiled as she shifted uncomfortably. "All right," she finally agreed as he stepped forward to take her arm. "This way, your royal highness," he smirked as she pulled her down the corridor. She rolled her eyes at the impertinent remark but allowed herself to be led away.
"Why are you here with Jareth and not with your mother?" Jenny asked as they continued toward the library. "You'd have to ask her. All I remember is one day I came home and all my things were packed and Jareth was standing at the door." He gave a nonchalant shrug as the pair came to rest before the massive library doors. He gave them a gentle push and they slowly creaked open. "After you," he gestured as she stepped over the threshold. "Behold! The library of the Goblin King!" Dorian's booming voice echoed off the massive bookshelves that lined the dark, dusty room. "I've never seen so many books in my life!" Jenny finally managed as Dorian guided her to the center of the room. "Don't they have libraries aboveground?" he asked puzzled. "Of course, but they don't look like this! The shelves in here look like they go on forever!" Jenny exclaimed as she moved toward the shelf closest to them. "Jareth's a real history buff, he's got every book ever written about the underground ad the aboveground too." Dorian crossed his arms across his chest and leaned against the bookshelf. "How did he get so many books?" Jenny breathed as she ran her fingers gently along a row of well-worn leather spines. "He's the Goblin King, he gets what he wants no questions asked and no strings attached," Dorian chuckled.
"If only that were true," Jareth mused, smiling as the pair jumped in surprise. "I see you two have found my library," he motioned to the shelves as he moved forward. "Jenny you look more impressed than my lout of a nephew," Jareth continued as he stopped before his daughter. "Hey!" Dorian righted himself and sauntered away. "He's miffed because he can't scare me with his parlor tricks," Dorian winked at Jenny before leaving the two standing alone in the library. "Do you have a copy of the book here?" Jenny asked as she moved to another bookshelf to inspect its contents. Jareth allowed the question to linger in the silence a moment before he replied, "No. Your mother has the only copy in existence." His voice was low and almost inaudible. "So your book collection is actually incomplete," Jenny mused as she turned to face Jareth. "So it would seem," he answered darkly.
The pair stood in pregnant silence until Tess appeared at the door and curtsied hastily before the Goblin King. "It is time for your majesty's report. Sir Hoggle awaits you in the throne room, sir." She curtsied once more before hurrying from the room. "Duty calls and I must be away," Jareth offered Jenny a smile as he made his way toward the door. "Oh and Jenny, feel free to visit the library whenever you wish or send Tess with your requests and she'll deliver them to your chambers," he added before disappearing into the hall. Alone at last, Jenny found a small volume entitled Poems of the Underground and settled on an ornate chaise.
"She's in the oubliette," Jareth ground out at as he twisted the small crystal inn his grasp. Behind him, a chorus of Goblins cheered and laughed at the young girl's misfortune. "Shut up!" the Goblin King commanded. "She should not have gotten as far as the oubliette, but she'll go back once she realizes she has to start all over," Jareth let out a wicked laugh as Hoggle was led into the throne room. "You will take the girl back to the beginning of the labyrinth, understood?" Jareth commanded as the dwarf scurried off to do his master's bidding.
Through the winding halls of the Goblin Castle, the dwarf named Hoggle scurried. He hurried into the library, straight to the shelf containing the books on the history of the aboveground. He quickly scanned he shelf and his gaze came to rest on a large white leather bound volume. He pushed it slightly and a loud rumbling sounded from within. The bookshelf trembled as it slid to the left, revealing a steep staircase leading deep into the heart of the Goblin King's labyrinth. Hoggle hurried down the stairs as the bookshelf slowly slid back into place.
Jenny woke with a start. The small book of prose slipped from her chest and hit the floor with a soft thud. "I'm sorry Miss Jenny, I didn't mean to wake you," Tess curtsied after setting a candelabra on the small end table next to the chaise. "I guess poems of the underground aren't as exciting as I thought," Jenny joked as she swung her legs over the side of the chaise and picked the book up off the floor. "Dinner is to be served in an hour, miss. Would you like me to help you get ready?" Tess asked as Jenny returned the volume to its place on the shelf. "Sure," Jenny gave the bookshelf a final look before following Tess back to her chambers. "Tess," Jenny started as the pair navigated the twisting halls of the Goblin Castle. "Yes milady?" the mid replied leading Jenny up a winding staircase. "Do you know if there are still oubliettes in the castle?" Jenny finished as Tess continued forward. "No milady, when your mother beat the labyrinth they all disappeared and their prisoners were restored to their rightful families," Tess replied as she pushed open the door to Jenny's chamber. "Why do you ask, milady?" Tess enquired as Jenny sat before the vanity and began to run a brush through her hair. "Nothing, I just saw it mentioned in one of the poems and wasn't sure if they were still a part of the castle," Jenny shrugged as Tess began to braid her hair in a single plait down her back.
Dorian and Jareth stood in the corner of the dining room as they waited for Jenny. "Another good report, subjects are happy and the realm is prosperous. Cheers, uncle." Dorian toasted his small glass of wine to Jareth. "We are fortunate to have such a prosperous realm," Jareth raised his glass in return before taking a long sip. "And you have an heir so you no longer have to worry about leaving the kingdom to me." Dorian added as he refilled his glass. "All very true," Jareth grinned as Jenny made her way into the dining room. "Finally! I thought we might have to eat the lovely table decorations or face starvation," Dorian teased as the three took their seats at the table.
"Looks delicious Sarah," Richard praised as Sarah set the plate before him. "I second that!" Toby smiled as he picked up his silverware. "You're both too kind," Sarah blushed as she took a seat next to Richard. "Have you heard from Jenny?" Toby asked between mouthfuls. "Not recently. I'm sure Jareth's got her scheduled out all day," Sarah assured her brother as he shot her a worried glance. "Jareth sounds like quite the micromanager," Richard muttered as he watched Sarah push the food around on her plate. "If Jenny were here she'd have us a in tears with one of her famous jokes," Toby chuckled as he tried to lighten the mood. "That she would," Sarah agreed, a ghost of a smile touching her lips. "Jenny's got the best punch line delivery I've ever seen! She's a natural comedian," Richard smiled at Sarah as he took her hand beneath the table.
When the meal was finished Toby said his goodbyes and Sarah and Richard cleared the table. "You should call her tomorrow, just to make sure she's doing alright," Richard stated as he dried the freshly washed dishes and stacked them neatly in the cabinet. "I don't want to be a bother," Sarah returned sharply, running a soapy plate under a stream of scalding water before passing it on to Richard. "How is that being a bother? You're her mother for God's sake!" Richard pulled the plate from her hands and gave it a quick dry before slamming it forcefully onto the counter. "If that's all the help you're going to be you can just leave," Sarah snapped and sent him a scathing look. "Sorry," he muttered as she passed him another plate. They continued the pattern in silence until all the dishes were properly cleaned and returned to their proper places in the various kitchen cabinets and drawers.
"I think I'd like to be alone tonight," Sarah admitted as the pair made their way into the living room. "Are you sure?" Richard stepped away and quickly scrutinized her gaze. "I'm not upset with you or anything like that. I just think I need some time alone with my thoughts and no distractions," she added with a sly smile. "If you're sure that's what you want, who am I to refuse," he gave a strained smile as he gently kissed her forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow then?" he turned as he reached the front door. "Yes, please." She gave a short wave as he walked through the door and into the night.
Once she was sure he was gone, Sarah hurried upstairs and sat before her vanity mirror. "Hoggle, I need you," she whispered as she laid her hand against the glass. Instantly a shadow began to form in the corner of the mirror. Sarah spun around as the dwarf materialized before her. "Oh Hoggle!" she cried as she knelt before him ad pulled him into a tight embrace. "Let me go!" he rasped and Sarah pulled away. "You haven't changed a bit," Sarah teased as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "You're wanting to know about Jenny," he sighed and patted her gently on the arm. "How is she?" Sarah pressed as Hoggle handed her a small handkerchief. "Come, sit." Hoggle commanded as he motioned for Sarah to take a seat beside him on her bed. "Jenny's well. She's made friends with Jareth's nephew and the pair of them have taken to explorin' the castle and causing Jareth all sorts of grief," Hoggle smiled in smug satisfaction at the last lines of his tale as Sarah let out a shaky laugh. "She's doing fine Sarah. Ain't nothin' for you to worry about," he patted her arm once more before hopping down from the bed and shuffling to the middle of the room. "And remember, if you should ever need me," he added as he began to fade, "You'll be there. I know. Thank you Hoggle," Sarah sniffed as he vanished back to his own realm.