Chapter 33. Through Dangers untold

Oberon found Papa seated at the chess board, "You're not dressed."

Papa asked quietly; "For what?"

"The presentation," the elder reminded his chess partner. The High King looked resplendent in his official robes. He held himself with grace and pride, and his face was glowing with pride and joy.

"I was not aware my presence was required," Papa said softly toying with one of the carved piece of the board.

Oberon took a seat opposite him, "I doubt that," he sighed. "Protesting at this late stage of the games?"

The once mortal director gave the accusation a thought and nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps I am at that."

"What is your qualm?" Oberon leaned back, crossed his arms and gave him his most authoritative expression.

Papa smirked, "Impressive." He motioned toward the other's face. "However it's wasted on me."

Oberon relaxed, "I know, but it's fun to practice before a great director. Come my friend; tell me what your misgivings are surely you're not having a pang of conscience. It's a bit late to be developing scruples or a sense of shame."

Huffing and mulling over his thoughts Papa blurted out. "I don't think the entire affair has been really fair." He picked up the King game piece from the board. "Your son cheated, time and again… using the potions…"

"Ah," Oberon smirked. "I wondered if you were going to bring that up." He stood up and invited the other to do so as well. "Come I've an amusing little tale to tell you while you dress…"

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Jareth looked about his chamber, just a few more hours and the woman would be within his grasp. He checked the alcove yet again, and made sure everything was ready for his son. He'd added little dolls and toys some of which resembled ones Sarah had grown up with. Others were his own, now his son's. Lifting the misshapen crystal to eye level he nodded, Sarah was on her way. It was time for him to leave as well. He found himself feeling more light hearted than he had in a long time as he nearly skipped down the stairs to the throne room. He looked at the progress the Goblins had made. It was still dark, and it was still the court room of the Goblin Court, but at least now it was clean. Not a pig, not a chicken nor a scrap of decay was left in the circular chamber. "Nice job." He commented to the Goblins hanging banners that were older than the castle itself.

"Bring lady home?" one Goblin asked shoving his helmet back into place as it kept dipping beneath one eye.

"Yes, I'm bringing the lady home today." Jareth assured his horde; "And our son, your prince."

"Lady gonna be pissed," joked one little goblin with a cackle.

"I do believe you're right," Jareth chuckled.

Colwyn met the King at the lower entrance to the castle. "You were right Sire, Lady Allison has posted minions to obstruct and impede your journey."

Jareth smiled, "I love being right." He said gracefully, he motioned the Captain of the guard to follow him into a dark alcove. He raised a hand and transformed the outer appearance of the Captain to mirror his own image. "You know what to do."

"Lead them a merry chase," nodded the man who now resembled the King of the Goblins.

Jareth watched as Colwyn in the guise of himself went off with the royal entourage. Snickering he then moved a rock wall inside the alcove and stepped on a trap door, he fell into the waiting grasp of helping hands. "Down boys, if you please."

"He said down!" came the cackling reply as he was gently lowered. Upon reaching the bottom he moved swiftly down a corridor where he found three subjects awaiting him.

Hoggle looked distrustful, and sullen. Ludo looked at him with happy puppy dog eyes. Sir Didymus removed his plumed cap and bowed with a flourish to his King. Jareth moved toward them, dressed now in his regalia. "We've a journey to undertake, and I need you to escort me."

"We're not your entourage." Hoggle snapped harshly, pointing at the King. "We're your prisoners."

"On the contrary," Jareth corrected the dwarf. "Hogs spit, you are my subjects…"

"Hoggle!" the dwarf tore at his hair as he stomped his foot. "It's Hoggle!"

"Of course it is," Jareth snickered. "As subjects you are expected to do the King's bidding…"

Sir Didymus, having served personally at court understood. "You're pardoning us."

"More or less," Jareth tugged on his gloves rather than look at them. "So, shall we leave?"

The little fox-like Goblin who had taught this king his first fencing lesson bowed to him once more; "By my oath!"

Hoggle looked at Jareth with disbelieve. "What's the catch?"

"Oh give me time, I'll think of one." Jareth grabbed him by the ear and dragged him toward an outcropping of rock in the wall. "Right now we don't have the luxury of time…"

Hoggle struggled and kicked and screamed as he was pulled into the new passage that opened up. Ludo lumbered after them and Sir Didymus took up the rear, closing the passage entry as they entered.

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Lady Allison had given instructions, and she expected them to be followed. If she could not impede the girl, she'd stop the fool Goblin King. It would serve him right to fall on his face before the High Courts she mused. With any luck she'd have both the King and the girl in her web and she could see to the destruction of the child they had spawned. She dressed in her icy best. She was cold, beautiful and proud.

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Oberon held the robe for his stunned audience of one to slide an arm into. "You're kidding," the once mortal director gasped.

"God's honest truth," Oberon snickered enjoying his own joke. He smoothed the shoulders of the robe over the once mortal man. "Fit's like a glove, just as I knew it would."

Papa reached up and touched the hand of the High King. "But if what you say is true…"

"It is," Oberon squeezed the shoulder of the director. "Trust me."

Papa's face as the smile spread began to shine with inner light. "Oh I've got to see this!"

"Come," Oberon invited the man to stand at his side. "We shall go together."

The newly Fae man paused; "Does anyone else know?" When the King of the Fae shook his head, the other snickered. "I see now why you are King."

"It's good to be the King," growled Oberon in a suggestive voice as Papa laughed.

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Hoggle walked beside the King, "I don't remember these tunnels." He commented.

"They are seldom used," Jareth said looking about. "They are not known by any but the King and the High King and now you three."

Stopping short, the dwarf sniffed, "You planning on killing us and hiding the bodies in here?"

"No," Jareth said honestly. "It would upset Sarah terribly if she could not see you and those two," He motioned with his thumb toward Ludo and Sir Didymus.

"You're on the level here?" Hoggle questioned, eyes opening wide.

"I have no reason not to be," Jareth informed the dwarf. "Sarah and my son return to the Kingdom today."

"And the other, the boy Sarah wished away?" Hoggle narrowed his gaze as his nostril flared in what he hoped was a forceful expression.

Jareth snickered, "I do that better," he flicked his fingers to the top of Hoggle's head. "What I do about Toby is my business not yours."

"If I make it my business…" Hoggle started his protest.

Jareth grabbed the dwarf's ear as he often did. "See here scab, my generosity is limited." The Goblin King released the gardener's ear. "We've only a short way to go above ground but it will be dangerous… it's more important that you keep your mind on that."

"Why don't you just wave a prissy wrist and send us there?" Hoggle snapped nastily.

"His majesty does not dare," Sir Didymus informed the dwarf who looked at him aghast. The knightly Goblin explained. "Magic can be detected by magic users." Seeing Hoggle was not getting it, the Fox-like knight continued. "We'd be walking into a trap, have you not noticed he's not used magic at all since we entered the tunnel… and not even to enter it…"

Ludo sniffed, "Strange rocks… make friends."

Jareth grabbed the lumbering beasts jaw. "Not now, later… if need be." With big eyes the beast nodded. Jareth looked at Hoggle. "There will be a weapon for you when we reach the end of this tunnel; one that has been waiting for you for a very long time little gardener." He motioned them to continue the trek though the strange tunnel.

"Are we still in the Labyrinth?" Hoggle asked.

"Technically, yes." Jareth smiled. "And we will stay within her embrace until we are safely at our destination, then she will release us."

"She?" Hoggle gasped.

Didymus snorted, "Of course She!" He gazed at Hoggle with disdain, "You've lived in the Goblin Kingdom how long?"

" It's a she," Hoggle shook his head as they walked on. "That figures."

Jareth snickered and kept his musings to himself.

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Oberon stood where the bridge to the Royal Holy Grove ended. It was here he would await Tatiana and her court. The members of the High King's party were already in place, and Papa stayed at his side. "Here they come," the director murmured alerting the King of the Fae.

"Yes, and doesn't she look smug." Oberon looked past his Queen to the cold icy beauty at the rear of the Queen's train.

"Too smug," Papa commented coldly. "She's a self-righteous arrogant piece of work."

"She forgets herself," agreed the High King quietly; "Sees herself as better than mortals or fellow Fae." Papa felt something materialize in his robes pocket, and looked at Oberon questioningly. "Just to be on the safe side," murmured the King as he reached out a hand toward the approaching Queen.

Tatiana extended her hand to her husband and allowed him to escort her to the thrones prepared for them. She didn't move her head, but her eyes moved toward her man's face. She recognized the grim expression and knew someone was in for trouble. The gentle touch of his hand assured her she was not the one. She smiled; whoever it was most likely would deserve it. She moved to the throne that was hers, and took her seat, looking up with adoration at the High King.

Oberon looked at her, winked and turned to the court, watching as one and all took their places. Papa stood beside him as he took his seat on the High King's throne. As they waited a bit of a mumble and troubled whispers sounded. Papa noticed Oberon didn't pay any attention to it as he sat quietly, expectantly.

An hour passed, then two, and the court remained in place. When the third hour had passed members of the court began to do more than whisper. Some spoke out loudly about not enjoying being inconvenienced. Oberon observed that Lady Allison wore a triumphant expression and her eyes were glazed with victory. He felt his wife's hand seek his, and he curled fingers calmly over hers.

The fourth hour had passed, Lady Allison made her move. She stepped down from her place in the Queen's train and without so much as bow to the Royal couple she protested the tribunal. "Sire, why have we been brought here? It is apparent neither your arrogant offspring nor his mortal slut has any intention of keeping their appointment here." Other members of the court, upon hearing her protest joined in, also complaining about Jareth and his twisted sense of humor. The look of triumphant victory filled Allison's face, but only for a moment. Just beyond the holy grove a din could be heard, and the clashing sounds of swords. Lady Allison turned sharply and gasped as Jareth and his escort battled Id into the sacred circle. Looking to save her own face she cried out; "Sacrilege!"

The Id screamed in pain as the powers of Holy Ground tormented them and prevented them from doing harm to Jareth and his men. Jareth was surrounded by the three who had protected him from the dangers of the Id. Glaring he turned to Lady Allison, "Your welcoming committee, Lady Allison?"

Looking down her nose she didn't try to deny what was obvious; "Perhaps."

Jareth and his men holstered the blades as Ludo stomped one foot crushing the Id that was stuck under his foot. Jareth motioned his men to stand still. "I come, Father." He addressed the High King.

"And the lady?" snipped Allison, hoping that someone would notice Sarah was missing.

Jareth motioned to a vortex forming, "Sarah and her women come now." He looked at Allison with disdain. "Surely you didn't think I'd allow my boy to come here without my securing the grounds first?"

Sarah and Magda entered the sacred grounds behind the guide. Gwendolyn moved forward, knelt to Jareth and spoke. "The Ladies Sarah and Magda, as arranged; my service to you is ended, and our debt paid."

"My thanks to you and the Sisterhood of the Standing Stones," Jareth motioned the woman to rise.

Gwendolyn stood, moved to one side of the tribunal grounds and watched.

Sarah clutched the baby, for a moment Magda moved forward to block Jareth from the woman and child. Puck sensing there could be bloodshed and not wishing it to be Magda's gripped her wrist and pulled her back out of the Goblin King's way. Magda turned on him, pulling her wrist free. Her face a mask of fury and betrayal, Puck shrugged and motioned for her to stand out of the way. Magda looked over her shoulder at Sarah, and knew there was nothing she could do for her friend here and now. She hung her head and moved back to Puck's side.

"Pick and choose the battles," he whispered to her.

Sarah cradled the baby in the sling, watching with weary eyes the man who now circled her. He was as he had been the first time she'd seen him, right down to that expression on his too handsome face. "Give me the child;" He in a voice that only she could hear.

Her head turned to face him, "I can't…." she whispered.

"Though dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered," he said for the court to hear.

"Jareth, don't." She begged feeling a fear worse than the one that had nearly crippled her just before her leap of faith.

He stood before her, and looking in her eyes mouthed, "To take back the child you have stolen."

Sarah looked down for an instant, "I'm his mother." She pleaded.

"And I am his father," Jareth stated for the court to hear.

"Yes." She said and stopped as she felt his hands move to the child. Suddenly she stiffened; his glove had not taken the child, but grazed his face with a tender caress before reaching over him toward her blouse. He pulled the fabric aside, caressed the skin of her milk engorged breast, causing a sensation she'd never known before. Her milk flowed and the Fae King pressed his son's lips to the woman's nipple. Sarah gasped and looked with startled eyes up at Jareth.

"Feed the baby," He commanded with twinkling eyes. He adjusted the sling so her modesty would not be compromised. Then draping his cape over the pair he moved to stand behind the woman. "The child is mine," he addressed the court as he gazed down over her shoulder at the nursing child.

Oberon looked at Tatiana and behind her Nicole, both stunned into silence. He looked down at Allison who was glaring and fuming. "You've an objection?" He asked.

"There is question as to where the child is truly Jareth's." Lady Allison stated, "A mortal took credit for the seeding of this mortal slut."

Feeling Sarah stiffen under his fingers, the Goblin King conveyed with the slightest of pressures for her to allow him to handle this. "A claim that was withdrawn upon the threat of a DNA test… one of which I'd be only too happy to allow."

"You'd take the word of mortal technology on this matter?" Allison mocked.

"Oh you bet I would, in this, yes!" Jareth crowed. "The fact that they can do this test is nothing short of miraculous." He tightened his grip on Sarah and nuzzled her. "Besides, I know for a fact that I was the first and only man to ever be with Sarah."

Allison demanded; "You have proof?

"Magda, show what is in your pouch to Lady Allison." Jareth said looking at the Goth woman.

Magda opened the pouch and looked at the Jareth, "You're twisted," she said as she pulled out the item. Having forgotten she had taken this item months ago, she was surprised to find it in the pouch. She handed it to Lady Allison, who dropped it like it was a hot potato. In her hand had been the soft wadding of owl feathers smeared with dried blood.

"Sarah was a virgin until she gave herself to me." Jareth announced, he heard the soft groan from the mother of his child and murmured in her ear; "The greatest of gifts, which can be given but once." Sarah looked up at him and nodded.

Oberon leaned on his elbow and spoke quietly to his Queen. "Heard enough?"

"Let him continue," urged the High Queen. "Lady Allison is getting what she deserves."

The icy Fae woman growled. "You would lay claim to a spawn? Little better than the Goblins you dwell with!"

"A Goblin Prince!" Sir Didymus snarled at the woman.

Hoggle looked at Jareth. "A Goblin Prince," he nodded.

Ludo lumbered forward and nearly licked the baby in Sarah's arms before he was stopped. "Prince…"

Jareth winked at the woman holding his child. "Child that was promised," he gave a triumphant snort and looked at Allison; "And is heralded, in spite of the interference you've set before us. Though it all… Sarah has remained true, and never once has denied that the child was mine." Sarah felt her knees begin to shake; had Jareth not been bracing her she feared she would topple.

Oberon stood up, "Lady Allison, what say you to the accusations of King Jareth?"

"I did what I must to procure the purity of our lineage." She defended her self.

"Purity?" Oberon laughed. "Woman… what purity… we and the humans were once one and the same… we evolved… but some of us never forgot, nor gave up on our human brothers and sisters. Some of us have been blessed to have taken humans as mates…"

Allison knew she had but a few cards left to play. "This one," she pointed to Sarah coldly with icy fingers; "This one sought to evade the hold of the Goblin King, she sought to flee him…"

"Nonsense," Jareth laughed aloud.

"She has been away from you even though you were no long under the Queen's edict." Allison accused. "She ran from you!"

Jareth cuddled the woman in his embrace. "Are you foolish enough to believe I didn't know exactly where my woman and child were? Or that I would allow her to make a soul journey unaccompanied by guides who were aware of her status?" He raised her left hand. "She wears my ring, placed freely on her hand." He knew the girl wearing the ring was learning a truth and knew she would keep still for the sake of their child. Joey was more important than hurt feelings.

Lady Allison blinked; she'd not seen the ring before; "When?"

Sarah answered, "I received this ring from Jareth the night our son was conceived, and it's not left my hand since."

Allison snarled, "The first hands to touch this child were…"

"Fae," Nicole interrupted.

All eyes within the court turned to look at the daughter of the High Queen. She stood at her mother's side, clasping hands with her mother. "I delivered the child, and gave him his first breath." She smiled over at Jareth. "I formed a green space in that elevator, a bit of Avalon…Mine were the first hands to touch him, and mine was the first breath he experienced. He is Fae, son of Fae and heir to a King's lands." Allison shook with fury. Nicole moved forward her body sheltering her mother from the fury of the Fae gone dark. The woman with icy water instead of blood released a blood curdling cry.

Jareth moved to shield Sarah; "Close your eyes," he commanded and he complied willingly. Puck moved to shield Magda, and she closed her eyes without being told to. His hands gripped her shoulders firmly. Allison was suddenly surrounded by minions of the Id, but they no longer took her orders. Now they devoured and enclosed her in their darkness. Then, they were gone the Id and Lady Allison as well. The supportive hands that had held Sarah stayed there. "You can look now," he whispered encouragingly.

"I'm afraid to," she confessed.

His lashes fluttered over his eyes as leaning closer to her he whispered urgently. "Sarah we have an audience." Her shoulders moved backward slightly as she squared them and set her face in what she hoped was a tranquil mask. Beautiful emerald eyes looked up at his, and he nodded, then stepped aside to stand beside her.

Oberon glanced about the circle; "Any other objections?" Seeing no one wished to repeat the Lady Allison's vanishing act, Oberon stood up, he motioned Nicole to stand at her mother's side once more. "We are pleased to welcome your son into the family, and the Fae communion." The High King then moved down toward the Goblin King and his woman. Sarah looked down at the baby who having fed looked completely at peace. Oberon smiled at the girl, who showed no signs of shock at recognizing him. "May I hold my grandson?" He asked softly.

Sarah discreetly moved her blouse to cover herself, "I should warn you," she said softly. "He's just eaten and needs…."

Oberon nodded, waved his wrist and produced a large cloth for his shoulder. He placed Joey on the shoulder, being quickly rewarded with a loud burp. He laughed and cuddled the child. "He sounds like you!" The High King said to his son.

"Old fool," Tatiana accused as she joined the growing group surrounding the Goblin King. "Give him here."

Sarah fought the urge to take the baby back from them and run. She watched as the High Queen carried the boy to her court. He was soon surrounded by a thong of women who were quick to undress him, examining him with giggles and chuckles. "Oh no, don't do that…" she moaned. When Joey proceeded to wet the crowd down Sarah groaned, but the Fae seemed delighted.

"He's certainly hung like a prince," one older Fae woman commented delighted with the child.

"Oh gross," Sarah said looking at Jareth. "He wets them and they love it."

"It's an old Fae thing," sighed almost as exasperated as she.

"You get use to it time," a voice suggested from behind her. Sarah turned and Papa winked at her.

"You too?"

"Only recently, Sarah," Oberon informed her. "I could not allow such a talent to be swallowed up in an abyss of souls." Papa held his arms open and Sarah and Magda rushed forward to their welcome. Oberon turned to look at the women of the court praising the little Goblin Prince. "He's going to be one spoiled little goblin," he commented to the proud father.

"Ah yes, well he's yet to be introduced to his subjects." Jareth sighed, "We must leave."

Oberon nodded, "We will visit you in a few months time, you should allow the girl time…"

"Don't tell me what to do," Jareth warned. "Her punishment is still enforced," he motioned the High Queen to bring Joey back to where he and the High King stood. He took the child into his arms and moved to Sarah; gently he placed the babe into her sling. "We must say our good nights to the communion, there is pressing business at hand." He informed the girl. "Puck, are you and Magda ready to go?" He called out not allowing Sarah a chance to protest had she thought to. He then turned to Hoggle and Sir Didymus. "We've little time to return."

"We will cover our tracks." Hoggle assured the King.

"Thank you,…. Hoggle." Jareth said slowly.

"You're most welcome," the gardener bowed with a snicker.

"You're insufferable." The King commented as he walked past the bowed figure. Hoggle looked up, snickered and motioned for Ludo to follow him. Jareth turned to Sir Didymus. "You are in charge."

"I understand Sire." Didymus bowed more respectfully than Hoggle had. "We shall report to you once we return."

Jareth moved to Sarah, "Sarah," holding his hand out he waited for the moment her fingers were in his. A moment later, they were gone from the grove and reappeared in the throne room. Jareth looked at Magda who looked about ready to make a long speech. "Not now, Sarah quickly," he led her to where a window had once been and a new balcony appeared. As they stepped out of the opening Jareth held up his arms. "My people, good residents of Labyrinthia… I give you, your Prince." Sarah raised the baby up for the citizens to view the new little prince. As thunderous cheers rose, Jareth led them back into the palace. He sighed and looked at the sword like hands of the clock in the throne room. He turned his attention to Magda, "I'm sorry, you were saying?"

Looking about the circular chamber Magda had lost her train of thought. "I don't remember."

Puck took her hands, "Magda, you've an idea of what has befallen you, don't you?"

She nodded, and frowned. "You're Puck….not a sweet silly boy named Peter."

"I am the creature who was incomplete until you," He confessed tenderly. "Come and live with me, be my wife."

Joey began to fuss and a dozen Goblins rushed forward to see if they could be of aide. Sarah looked at Jareth who was shooing them back. Jareth looked at Magda and Puck, "I have offered Puck a home here in my kingdom, as it is impossible for you to return to the mortal planes." He explained softly. "I thought you'd like to be near Sarah… unless you'd like to try living among the Fae on Avalon…."

Magda shook her head, "I'll stay here…."

Jareth nodded, he looked at Sarah. "I would suggest you take the baby to our apartment… the Goblins will be happy to show you the way… I'll take Puck and Magda to the cottage I've arranged for them." Again he gave her no chance to protest.

Sarah looked at the Goblins gathered about the room. "He thinks he's so smart," she commented to herself, only to be rewarded by the snickers of the Goblins. "Ok, who wants to show me the way?" A dozen hands shot up and she sighed, "Ok crew, lets go."