Chapter 29. Claims and adjustments
Sarah could not take much more of the celebration, nor could she stomach the fact that J.G. King was being treated like a hero. She carried Joey up the stairs, away from the crowd, up to her quiet apartment. Heaving a heavy sigh, she placed the baby in the crib with her old teddy bear. Carefully she covered him up, and watched as he snuggled in and went into a deep sleep. When she turned she found she was not alone, Jareth was standing behind her. It was the first time she was not aware of him by his scent. She looked at him, startled and dismayed. "Get out." She hissed.
Jareth ignored her command; his eyes were raking over her. "I'm needed back at my castle." He informed her as if she had not spoken to him. "If you have need of me, you may contact me with the crystal." She was well aware of his image in the crystal by now, he knew.
"I have no need of you," she growled.
Taking it as a challenge, his one hand snaked past her waist, winding round her back and pulling her body to press close to his. "I wouldn't take any wagers on that, my precious. We both know that is a falsehood." He heard the gulp of air in her throat, and felt her slightly shiver as they made contact. "You will always have need of me, Sarah… just as I will always have need of you..."
Sarah placed flattened hands upon his chest, trying to shove him off. "It'll be a cold day in Hell…"
With his free hand Jareth yanked her head back, she gasped as he lowered his mouth savagely to hers. He let her feel the hunger that was building, and when she cried in her throat in a panic he released her. "Remember what I've said… one month and twenty one days." He let his fingers trace her cheek. "Don't defy me."
Sarah batted his hand away. "Go to hell."
He smirked and moved away. "I've said my good nights and explained that I will be clearing up some business… but that I will be in touch." He turned his back on her. "When I return I've informed your father we will discuss changes in the living arrangements."
"Like hell we will." She muttered following him out of the baby's room.
Jareth turned on her, his eyes flashing as they had been the first night he'd encountered her. "You're no match for me, remember?"
"I've beaten you before, remember?" she countered cruelly. Something in the way he looked at her gave her pause. "Didn't I?"
He crooked his fingers, let them skim down her cheek, "No precious as a matter of fact, you did not."
Sarah shivered, "You tricked me? You let me think I won?" Panic as the reality of what that meant set in. She grabbed his lapels. "You can not have Toby!"
"Can't I?" He asked as his hands came to rest on her hips. "Who's going to stop me?" Sarah shivered under his touch, and he pulled her closer. His face smug as he began to nuzzle her neck; "Care to have a whirl at it?"
Her hands gripped his lapels tighter, now balling in the material. "I hate you." She groaned his heat melting her resolve.
He chuckled softly, "Of course you do," he murmured against the smooth skin of her cheek; "Almost as much as you crave me."
"You are so full of yourself," she groaned trying to pull free of the magnetic embrace.
"Don't you wish you were… full of me," he growled suggestively continuing to nuzzle her as she struggled; "Right now?" His words had hit their mark and she gave up the struggle to enjoy his tender assault. "How I wish there were time…" He kissed her tenderly and pulled back with restraint, "However, I have duties I must return to." Swiftly he turned and headed for the door and the stairs.
Sarah shook off the enchantment and euphoria his kisses had swept over her. "Jareth I'm serious!" she raised her voice slightly as she followed him to the stairs. "Promise me you won't do anything."
Jareth turned to look at her following him down the stairs, "Sarah, I don't make promises I can not or will not keep." He advised.
Sarah grabbed at his arm. "Please, Jareth."
"Woman," He looked at the hand on his sleeve. "I have to obligations."
"Jareth," her voice sounded desperate, even to her hears.
A figured moved from the vestibule into the foyer of the brownstone, making his presences known to the pair on the stairs. Fred held his breath, he'd never seen Sarah look so venerable, nor had he ever seen her shine as she did holding the arm of the tall lean blond man. "Sarah, is there a problem?" He asked keeping an eye on the pair.
Sarah's fingers griped Jareth's arm tighter. "No Fred, there's no problem." Her voice was breathy and filled with emotions.
Fred frowned; looking at the man he introduced himself. "Fred Greyly," He offered his hand toward the stranger who was standing with the young woman.
Jareth looked at the hand and at its owner, "Jareth King." He gripped the hand firmly. He looked at the man with no sign of backing down. "I understand I owe you a debt of gratitude." Making his position clear, he passively snaked his free hand about Sarah who was standing beside him on the stair. "I'm grateful to you for all you've done for Sarah, and our boy."
Fred looked as if a blot of lightening had just shot though him. "I would do anything for Sarah." He firmed up his grip as if he could convey more to the man with that kind of gesture.
Jareth found despite himself he liked the young mortal man who was so clearly in love with his Sarah. "I can understand that," His fingers clamped on the mortals, without cracking bones he caused the other to wince. "She's one of a kind." Slowly he withdrew his fingers from the mortals'.
Sarah looked at the clasped hands and noticed that Jareth was wearing gloves as he'd shaken hands with Fred, but she could not remember him having put them on. She looked at him, trying to recall if he'd touched anyone with his hands, anyone besides her. Dread and panic were coursing though her blood.
Fred looked down at his hand, thankful that the handshake had ended and not cost him his fingers. "Yes, she is one of a kind," he agreed readily. He stood his ground, and remained unmoved as the commanding figure descended the stairs. "Are you leaving… so soon?"
"Alas I have obligations, as I was informing Sarah… that must be met." He stood watching the mortal and drew a line in the sand. "I know you care a great deal for Sarah, and the boy. I was wondering if I could entrust their protection to you until I return?"
"Are you really planning on returning?" Fred asked unabashed.
Sarah gasped and Jareth tightened his hold on her. "I've always planned on returning to claim Sarah." His voice was filled with amusement. Eyes like stormy seas watched the reaction of the mortal, and he felt a pang of pity for the man who had fallen under the spell of the woman who was chosen of the Fae.
"Then why leave her?" Fred challenged, not sure why he was so driven. "Why leave now?"
The Goblin King observed the man standing across from him taking on a stance like a warrior. "As I've stated, I've obligations I must meet." He had no intentions of trying to explain the complications of his relations with this mortal. Amusement was giving way to annoyance, and Jareth didn't want to be annoyed, not with this man. "Sarah knows my reasons," he assured the man. "And she is the only one who needs to know them."
Fred looked at the girl still in the man's embrace; he'd never seen Sarah look so alive. He envied the man holding her, and envied the looks that he was mistaking from Sarah as devotion and passion. "But you will return."
"I have said so." Jareth stated boldly, he then turned to Sarah. "June twenty-first… remember." His tone was firm, as he placed his mouth to hers. Fred watched the pair kiss feeling a sense of despair and hopelessness. He saw Sarah respond to the kiss as she had never responded to the few kisses she'd allowed him to bestow. Jareth knew the man was observing them, and he wanted Fred to know and understand one truth. Sarah was spoken for.
He ended the kiss, lingering over her for a moment. "Kiss the baby for me." He said as he headed to the door.
Sarah forgot that Fred was even standing there and rushed after the man who was now opening the door. "Jareth, wait!" her voice was desperate. Fred turned not wanting to witness more. Sarah grabbed his arm, her eyes burning with fear, "I want your word of honor you won't touch Toby." She whispered not wanting anyone to hear her plea. Louder she moaned unable to keep her voice down. "Promise me!"
Fred had heard the desperation in her tone, and the Goblin King smiled down at her, knowing Fred was an unwilling witness to what he thought was a fond farewell. "I promise you;" Jareth said in a voice he knew would carry to the man trying to blend into the woodwork; "that young Toby is safe," his voice dropped so that it was audible to the young woman clasping at him. Leaning closer and kissed her cheek, he whispered; "For now."
Sarah watched him move with a powerful gate to the limo, changing his form as he reached the open door. He turned and looked back at the woman in the door; he was no longer the vestige of J.G. King. Now he was dressed in full Goblin King Regalia, and his cloak fluttered on the evening breeze. He was powerful and imposing and the one thing that Sarah feared most in life. He raised his gloved hand to his lips and blew a kiss toward her. In the next instant he was gone, and so was the limo. Sarah closed the door and gasped for air as the tears of fear began to fall. Fred saw the tears and the show of emotion, and misread it, just as the Goblin had planned for him to. Moving to her side, he tried to give her comfort, telling her that Jay would return soon. Sarah sobbed harder.
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Jareth moved swiftly though the great groves of Avalon, he knew that Oberon would be in the clearing. The grove was alive with sounds and color and light. Beltane was an important High Feast, and Jareth was making good and sure his presence was acknowledged. He moved swiftly, not wishing to miss his Father's opening statements of benediction. He could have made a showing entrance, could have flown in as an owl and transformed. Could have created a spectacle that would have been spoken of for years to come; however it was more to his advantage to behave more circumspectly. He came to his father's side stealthily, with out flourish and fanfare. He cast a glance at the young woman standing at the side of the High Queen and gave her a playful wink. Nicole could not help but send him a smile in return. The High Queen tilted her head to look at Jareth and he bowed toward her respectfully.
Oberon
raised his arms and the grove went silent, taking the High Queen's
hand he led the procession into the center of the circle and took his
place. The High King smiled at the children of magic and the keepers
of the flames. "Guardians
of the east, spirits of air
Open my mind to the promise of
summer
Fill my lungs, carry my thoughts
Help me to understand
my place in the great circle
Even as I offer to you a place in my
circle here"
The
High Queen took her place beside him, "Guardians
of the south, spirits of fire
Inspire me to seek out my own
rebirth
Warm my blood, excite me to action
Help me to
experience the passion of living
As I invite you here to remind me
of your place in my life."
Nicole
stepped forward taking her place in the center of the circle.
"Guardians
of the west, spirits of water
Guide my roots to the source of
life
Nurture my compassion, bathe my wounds
Help me to heal the
world by my love
As I ask you here to share in the healing of my
hearts."
Jareth
took easy steps to close the box that was forming. "Guardians
of the north, spirits of earth
Keep me safe in the arms of our
Mother
Be firm in my youth, and gentle in my aging
Help me to
find the wisdom in nature
As I welcome you to support my steps on
the path of the wise."
Oberon raised his arms. "Blessed be Mother Earth, may her bounty be renewed." The music began and Fae creatures began to dance merrily. Looking at Jareth, the High King cocked his brow, "On time I see."
"Of course," the younger Fae King answered respectfully. He turned to the High Queen and lifting her hands placed his brow to them. "I have fulfilled your edict."
"Yes," she sighed uneasy with his show of respect to her, certain he was up to something.
Oberon extended a hand to his Queen, "Tatiana, come we will dance."
"A moment Father," Jareth interrupted, the High King and his Queen turned to look at the Goblin's leader. "I demand a High Court Tribunal to be held on Midsummer's Night."
The eyes of the High Queen flashed, she had not expected him to make such a demand. "To what purpose?" her voice rose and she was oblivious to the fact that the commotion about them had ceased.
"For me to bring forth my son;" Jareth said crossing his arms while cocking his brow; "And to close the circle."
"You would proclaim the mortal child your heir?" Oberon asked carefully.
"I would," Jareth announced amid the sudden reverberations and chatter.
Nicole saw her mother sway, and took her arm to steady her. Jareth looked over at Oberon who seemed to be contemplating what strategy to employ. "What's said is said, Goblin King…" The High King cautioned; "Once decreed there is no going back."
"Understood," Jareth nodded curtly.
Oberon looked over at his Queen who was still speechless. "Very well then," he took hold of the boy's shoulder. "In Forty two days, in a holy grove, we will commence the rites and rituals to bring forth the Goblin's Heir." After having made the proclamation, Oberon once more extended his arm to his wife.
Nicole moved to Jareth's side as they watched the High King lead the Queen in the first circle dance. "I hope you know what you're doing," she murmured.
"I do," he assured her confidently.
"There are those who will oppose this." She warned.
"Let them," Jareth sighed.
"And Sarah?" Nicole asked quietly.
Jareth leaned toward her, eyes gleaming menacingly; "Is my concern." Having said what he needed to, and having made his appearance, he turned to leave. Only Nicole's hand on his sleeve prevented his exit. He looked down at her hand, so fragile and tiny. He looked into her eyes.
"Jareth… a wrong move will cost you both the woman and the boy." She cautioned him worriedly.
The Goblin King placed a leather clad hand upon that of his 'sister's'. "Nicole, I give you my oath, I know what I'm doing… and I have my reasons." His eyes had caught the movement of one trying to go unseen.
Nicole caught the movement as well, and the scent. She looked into Jareth's eyes and gave him her trust. "Be careful," she said aloud.
"You too, sister, you too," he squeezed her hand then gave a shrill whistle. Goblins who had been as stealthy as their King gathered to his side and escorted him away from the grove back to the passages that would take him unhampered back to the Goblin Kingdom and to his castle beyond the Goblin City.
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Fred carried a cup of punch to Sarah, handing it to her with a wistful smile. "He is something else, your Mr. King."
Sarah looked up; deep in thought she'd not heard what he'd said. "What?"
"I said he's something else," Fred's voice held a twinge of jealousy. He envied the man the attentions of the dark haired vixen. "I can understand how it is you two became a couple… and I… guess what I'm saying or trying to say is… He seems alright…. And I wish you well."
Blinking Sarah placed a hand on his arm and sighed. "Thank you Fred," she knew it had cost him a great deal to say that. Even though she'd warned him from the start that her heart was spoken for, she had seen him form an attachment to her. An attachment that was only made stronger by the fact that he had been the one to help deliver her son; "Fred, you're a sweet guy."
"Oh kiss of death," he teased. "That's about as exciting as saying 'Fred you're a nice guy."
She giggled. "You are a nice guy."
He winced. "Nice guys finish last, remember?"
"Not always…" Sarah said quietly. "Not all girls are drawn to men like…" she didn't want to say his name, but saw no way around it, "Jareth."
Fred corralled her, and spoke in a voice he hoped no one else would pick up on. "Sarah if you have any doubts…"
Sarah saw a dark little shadow dart down the hall, what ever doubts she had, she knew were best kept to herself. "Fred, don't worry about me." She looked into the parlor where everyone was still celebrating, she held the little intercom monitor in her hand, and could hear her son's sweet little sleeping sounds. Her eyes rested on one of the celebrants, Peter. She wondered why it was she was seeing his true self now instead of the glamour everyone else saw. Peter looked over at her, smiled and nodded, then turned back to his conversation with Magda. Sarah pursed her lips and looked up at Fred. "I'm going up… it's been a long day and I want to spend time with Joey…alone."
Fred smiled, "I understand, but should you need me…."
Sarah's throat tightened and she whispered something unintelligible. She moved up the stairs aware of the dark shadows playing there. Once in the baby's room she sat down and whispered. "Hoggle, I need you." She waited, and when nothing happened she fretted for the fates of her friends.
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Jareth sat quietly in the passage way on a ledge of rock that was against the wall. The three on the run hurried along the dark passages, stumbling. Placing his elbow on his knee and resting his chin in the cupped palm, he waited. Suddenly they appeared and stopped dead in their tracks, staring at the King. "Well!" He said pleasantly, as if surprised to have them suddenly appear. "If it isn't' you…" He crooked a finger at Hoggle who crumpled to his knees. "And just where are you going?"
Sir Didymus removed his cap, bowed to the King and whispered; "Your majesty."
Jareth gave him a withering glance. "Hogsfeet,"
"Hoggle," croaked the dwarf trying to shrink into the floor of the tunnel.
"Are you trying to help the girl, yet again?" Asked the King with an amused expression; "Haven't learned your lesson as of yet?" He sounded as if they were going to have a friendly conversation, and nothing more.
Ludo lumber forward, "help girl?"
Jareth's expression changed and became murderous. "No," he stood up swiftly, both Didymus and Ludo jumped back, leaving Hoggle at the mercy of the King who was towering over him. "I guess the treat of the Bog of Stench just does not intimidate a great hero such as yourself." He reached down, and yanked the dwarf into the air, dangling him precariously. "Why you've faced much worse for the girl, haven't you?"
"I did what you told me to!" Hoggle said in self defense.
Jareth mocked him by pretending to be surprised by the accusation. "What ever do you mean, Headhog?"
The dwarf began to squirm and kick out at the King. "I ain't helping you anymore!" He muttered something under his breath. Jareth narrowed his gaze and the dwarf stopped squirming about. "She's too good for you," Hoggle hissed.
Jareth nodded, "I agree," he dropped the dwarf and did nothing to prevent the pain that the fall would cause. "However, mine she is," he snapped his fingers and demanded the attention of the three. "Since I can not trust you any further than I can see you," he waved a hand and they all were instantly transported to one of the many dungeons under the castle. Ludo was manacled, Didymus was in a cage suspended and Hoggle was gagged and strapped to something that looked like an electric chair. "I fear that you gents will be my house guests for the next forty some odd days."
"Sire!" Sir Didymus called out harshly. "I protest."
"Fine, take it up with the management," Jareth laughed cruelly. "Oh, that would be me…" Ludo opened his mouth to wail for the rocks, Jareth visualized a large ball gag, and instantly it formed preventing the wail. "Now, as I said, you'll be my guests." He tapped Hoggle on the head. "And no one, and I mean no one, is going to help Sarah this time…. This time she's all mine." He turned to leave as he did he looked over his shoulder at the dwarf, meaningfully. "And I intend to enjoy her defeat as it was meant to happen before."
Hoggle screamed into the gag.
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Sarah looked at the crystal ornament, and knew that it was just one way Jareth had of keeping tabs on her. She surmised there had to be others; she moved quietly to her book shelf and began looking for something that might hold the answers to her queries. There had to be a way for her to thwart him. She'd beaten him once, she told herself, only to remind herself that he had intimated she had not won at all. Now she was not sure. Somewhere in the volumes of books she'd collected over the years were all the answers.
Her fingers lighted on one volume, a little known book by an obscure author, Fae Ways, a complete handbook on the world of Magical beings, by PaisleyRose McFarland.Sarah had purchased the book second hand at a little shop on Ninth St. Opening the cover the business card she'd tucked into the first page fell out. Sarah read it over. 'Enchantments, Supplies for those who know magic is real.' Sarah tapped her chin with the card, and looked at the book's index. One chapter jumped out at her, 'Midsummer's seeding.' Her eyes drifted toward the bedroom door of her son. Sarah took a seat in her most comfortable chair, and moments later she'd have sworn she sitting on jagged rocks. The words riveted into her soul, and she placed the book down. She was going to need help.
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Sarah waited one week, then called Magda, "I need to see you… alone." Her voice was firm. "Are you alone?"
Magda looked at the man seated in her parlor, and knowing something was very wrong said calmly. "No, I'm busy right now."
"Is Peter there?"
"That's right, busy." Magda repeated smiling over fondly at the man who smiled back. The hair on the back of her neck raised and she looked at the receiver. "We'll have to just put that off."
"Can you meet me tomorrow? At the Arch?" Sarah asked quickly. "I don't have much time… yes, or no?"
"Fine, say noon, Lombardy?" Magda said hoping Sarah would remember a stray comment about Lombardy time. Sarah hung up without saying good bye and so did the girl with black fingernails. She looked over at Peter and pretended nothing was wrong.
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The young woman stood beneath the arch looked at her watch and knew that her friend would be there any moment now. Just before eleven thirty Magda came into the park. She walked to the other and said nothing, but gave her a quizzical look and shrug. Sarah handed her the book she'd been reading, the Goth girl opened the book to the passages marked. She looked at Sarah with disbelieve.
Sarah took out a note pad and wrote one sentence down. 'I need to find this McFarland woman.'
Magda shook her head, and the note pad. 'Not without me!' She then pointed to the book, opening it to the front of the book and the 'Enchanted' stamp. 'I say we start here', the girl wrote. She looked at Sarah, 'Where is the baby?'
"Mother has him." Sarah mouthed quietly. She wrote that she didn't want to put Magda in any danger, to which Magda snorted and hooked her arm into Sarah's turning her toward the road that would take them to Enchanted,INC.
