Chapter 7. Declarations of independence in the Winter Sun.
They had been on their best behavior after the visit to the University, and Daniels was stumped. There was only two weeks before the winter break and he found he had no reason to hold any of the subjects of his study back from going home. He shoved his complied charts and findings to the floor off the credenza they'd been set on. He turned to his assistant with an angry pout, "I want them back on the meds as soon as they return. And up the dosage another notch, I want more results." He walked past the mess of papers snarling, "I want this mess cleared up before I return."
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On the morning of Saturday December Nineteenth, Sarah packed only her painting and her clothes, and was waiting for her Father when he appeared. She handed him the painting and waved to both Bryn and Lilith who were also being picked up by family members. "I'll see you when I get back after break!" she promised loudly, almost pleasantly.
Robert turned on a little device he'd placed on the dash as soon as they were on the road. "Sarah we have to talk," he said urgently. "There are some things I've learned about the school, and you need to know them as well."
The girl leaned back in the seat, glad she didn't have to keep up the happy face she'd painted on. "I've uncovered some information as well. Doctor Daniels is using the school and students as lab rats."
Robert shot a look at her before turning his attentions back to the road. "Sarah, he's dangerous… I want to pull you out of there."
"No," she said firmly. "I've got a good line on what's really happening…Daddy and I think he'd fight you if you pulled me out."
"But the drugs he uses… I've talked to an expert…" Robert could not keep the urgency from his tone, but he didn't want to frighten the girl."
Sarah pulled out the note book from her back pack and opened it to a page on the drugs and their effects. "I know all about it…. See they have a really good medical section in our library." She tossed the book into the back seat. "I'm more worried about him pulling something to hurt you, or Karen or even Toby if you pull me out of his little study… believe me, he's not getting the results he thought he would."
"My expert said the Chinese herbs were the only thing helping you," he looked at her in a bit of awed wonder. "Yet here you sit calm as a clam."
"It's a façade." She sighed darkly. "God, right now I'd kill for a cigarette."
Robert pulled off the road, turned to the girl and frowned. "When did you take up smoking?"
With honest eyes the girl confronted her father. "Two weeks ago… the nicotine counters the meds that fiend has been pumping into us girls." She looked at her father as if they were discussing the weather. "I don't have many… one or two every couple of days…"
"Sarah I don't like this…" Robert shook his head.
"Like it or not, it's done." She announced blithely. "So be a dear and stop on the way home and buy me a pack, would you… I promise not to smoke in my room or around Karen and Toby."
In spite of the seriousness of the nature of the discussion, Robert could not help but start to snicker at her. "Fine," he said pulling back on the road; "Any particular brand?"
Sarah nodded, "I been using Tareyton's, and I'd like to stick to that for now."
"Tareyton it is." He sighed, "however if you tell your mother I bought you cigarettes for Christmas, I'll deny it."
Looking out the window Sarah began to giggle, and then laugh out loud.
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Karen was waiting in the door when the car pulled up. She had a firm hand on Toby but even her firm hand was not enough to hold back the tyke when his sister was on the path way up to the house though the new fallen snow. He squirmed out of her grip and made a mad dash down throwing himself like a missile at his sister.
"Sahwwah," he squealed like a little piggy in delight.
Sarah braced expect the panic and terror anyone's touch held, when it didn't happen she collapsed in a clump of arms, legs and tears. She began gasping as she sobbed holding the little boy to her and taking comfort from his baby kisses.
Karen stood on the porch, tears staining her cheeks as she watched the children's reunion. As Robert joined her on the steps she whispered to him, "I don't care what anyone says, that girl would never harm Toby!"
Robert had to agree, "I think you're right." He patted her shoulder as he carried Sarah's one bag and her painting into the house and up to her room.
Once she'd composed herself, Sarah rose to her feet and moved up to where her step mother stood. Karen's face twisted in a mixture of joy and apprehension. "Well," she sounded slightly impatient. "Come on, get in here." She opened her arms tentatively.
Sarah moved closer, fearful of the touch and of disappointing Karen. When she didn't experience the usual pain and distress human touch usual brought, she warped her arms about Karen. "Oh God, Karen…."
Tears coming fast now, Karen warped her arms about the girl in return. "It's alright kiddo…it's alright…" She whispered in the girl's ear. "We can face anything…together…" She released the girl and said, "You look too thin."
"I've had some bad reactions to some of the meds," she said honestly.
Karen placed an arm around the girl's shoulder and led her into the house, with Toby holding tight to her free hand. "You're home now, honey…"
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In a castle, beyond the Goblin city, in the heart of a magical Labyrinth stood a dark figure staring at the stars. Jareth was more and more becoming accustomed to the Goblin leather he now wore. The changes that he'd made were now almost like a second nature to him. He watched the night sky as the Harpies went off in search of food. He pitied any pour creature that was found of interest to the four females hovering in the skies. He knew they would obey his order to leave good citizens alone. They would not hunt in the city district, nor would they hunt anyone under the King's protection.
"I still don't trust them," Devon said pouring himself a goblet of wine from Jareth's private stash in his private study. He poured one for the King as well and carried the goblet to him. "I will admit I'm amazed at how they seem to respond to you."
"They want to live, cousin." Jareth said before sipping the wine. "They know that I've a plan."
Devon took a seat in one of the arm chairs, as was his habit, not even waiting for the king to bid him be seated. "I'm amazed at how far they've come in so short a time. You've got them to wear those guard's harnesses, and cover their nakedness…. You've also got them to restrain from eating everything in sight."
"Harpies need to hunt," Jareth looked out the window. "Their skills have become very lax due to the stupid rules that the Lords of Avalon have placed on generations of my subjects." His four Harpy guards were now tiny dots in the distance. "Devon, have you ever watched one fly?"
Devon made a face, "I have not."
"They are poetry in the night sky," Jareth mused as he sipped his wine thoughtfully. "Is all in readiness?"
The Lord Baron nodded, "I've seen to the most important details myself as you suggested." He cocked on brow up toward his golden fringe of hair falling carelessly over his brow. "That is with the exception of your garments… I hear that the court Taylor and the court Leather Master have joined forces for that little gambit."
"Indeed," the King mused still looking at the specks in the sky. "I'm sure that we will cut quite a figure upon arrival.
"On dragon's back no less," Devon turned to look at the man in the window frame. "It's dramatic if nothing else."
"Oh I could wave my hand and have the whole damn entourage appear in the center of the court," Jareth admitted taking a seat in the window frame, resting his goblet on upraised knee. "But it would not have the same effect. This has to be hard hitting and dramatic to work. The Fae of the Seelie Court must see us as an organized and structured court in our own right. It's time they stopped jeering at and ignoring us."
"Be careful what you wish for cousin," tempered the Baron. "You've already won enemies in that court, remember?"
Jareth leaned his head out the window, "I know."
"This new… conduct of yours may work against you." Devon rose to pour himself another goblet of the vintage. "As of now, few if any have shown interest in having their houses join with you…. With you taking a stand and making a display of power…"
"I've no interest in taking a mate, now or ever," he interjected.
"What you have interest in will be of little consequence if the High King or worse his wife decide you should take a bride." Devon carried the carafe of wine to Jareth and poured into his goblet once it was extended to him. "Do something despicable as soon as you can," advised the weary Baron. "Unless you wish to be saddled with a all too precious little pampered brat for a wife."
Sipping Jareth asked, "I wonder how you've managed to escape the noose so long."
"I am not high enough in any status to be of consequence, cousin." Devon winked.
The King chuckled softly, turned and looked out the window. "I'm married to the Kingdom, and that will have to be enough for now… someday I may take a mate, but not now… there's too much at stake and I don't want to be distracted. It's enough to take care of my Goblins and the wished away…"
"To the Kingdom," Devon raised his goblet knowing his cousin would not refuse such a toast.
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Sunday morning Sarah awoke in her own bed, surrounded by her belongings. She sat up feeling less groggy but still not quiet rested. Her mind was racing with thousands of thoughts. Looking at the clock confirmed her worst fear; Karen had let her sleep in. She could not in truth fault her step mother; after all, the woman didn't know that letting her sleep was just as bad as getting her up without sleep. She stretched in the bed and looked at the morning sunlight dancing on her floor from the windows. A tapping sounded gently on her door and she bid the tapper to enter.
Karen peeped in and smiled, "Moring, I heard you moving and thought it was safe to come up." She handed Sarah a note, pointed to the window and then the note with a finger then raised to her lips.
'Karen, you could have made a great spy,' Sarah thought to herself as she read the note and nodded. "Yep, I'm awake." She said smiling at her step mother. "Did I miss breakfast?"
"No," Karen said taking a seat on the bed. "But I think you might want to shower first," she teased.
"What I want is a cup of coffee," grumbled the girl teasing back.
Karen laughed and said, "Shower, I'll have breakfast ready in less than half an hour." The woman exited leaving the girl to her own devices.
Sarah rose, went to her bath and stood in the warm wonderful shower for fifteen minutes before she remembered what she was supposed to be doing. The showers at the school never got hot enough for Sarah, and she never felt really clean. She was beginning to wonder if that were not also part of the plot. She scrubbed herself with the luffa that Karen had thoughtfully placed in the shower until her skin glowed. Soon she had her hair pulled up in a pony tail, and was coming down the stairs in casual attire. "I'm starving," she announced as she took a seat at the breakfast table where Karen had already placed a mug of coffee for her.
Robert, his nose in the paper smiled to himself as he sipped from his mug. If anyone looked at them right now they would never know that Sarah was the victim of circumstance and that they were not the average American family. "Good coffee, honey." He murmured as he read his paper.
Karen rolled her eyes and Toby clapped his hands. Sarah sipped her coffee, thinking of what she had to accomplish in the next few days. She looked up at Karen, "I need to go shopping tomorrow, would you take me… please?"
"Of course," Karen said placing the breakfast down in front of the girl. "Any place you want to go. Toby has a play date next door at Millers' and I'm sure they'll be only too happy to watch him." She served Robert his breakfast and took a seat to feed Toby who without help would only make a mess and smile all the while he was doing it.
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Jareth stood with the Court Taylor and the Leather Master; he was having a final fitting before his appointment at the Courts of the High King. He turned to them, "Well, am I ready or not?"
"Not," lamented the Leather Master in dark tones. "If that blasted meathead with your weapons does not show up, there's no sense in going at all."
Devon watching snickered and rejoined. "I agree, let call the whole thing off and go fishing."
Jareth ignored his cousin's sarcasm. "He'll be here," he said with confidence as he looked at himself one more time in the full length mirror he'd had brought up to his chambers. "I would have liked the cloak to be longer." He critiqued.
"You want it to drag on the floor?" Devon made a face of distaste.
"I want it to sweep behind me as I stride, yes!" Jareth placed his hands on his hips. "I want to be the most majestic presence they've ever seen."
The Taylor frowned and reached under the King's cloak to unhook the gathered material on the shoulders. "Better?"
Jareth looked at the sweeping cape. "Yes, that's what I had in mind…" he turned to Devon. "Image how dramatic it will look as we swoop in on Dragon back."
Devon who himself had spent time with the Taylor earlier had to admire the lengths his cousin was willing to go to in order to pull this off. "Yes, you'll be amazing." He agreed, lounging in the chair with one leg hooked up over the arm. "You always are." He turned as the King's valet entered with the missing metal smith. "Ah, Rondo is here!"
Rondo, the valet gave the King's cousin a glancing glare, before turning his attentions to the King; "Your metal smith, Sire."
Jareth looked at the empty handed smith, "Joachim, I hope you have a good excuse."
"I do," nodded the metal working goblin, wiping his hands on an oily cloth, "I have a very good excuse, the weapons you required are on their way up now."
Jareth shook his head, not sure if the man understood he was in trouble. As he opened his mouth to redress the man, the Metal Smith's apprentices entered carrying the weapons and armoring mail the King had ordered. They carried something else as well, and the sight of it had the King silenced. In a wooden frame was an intricate ring of Celtic knots and leaf work that held as its center piece a replica of the King's amulet. Jareth looked at the smith, "I didn't order that," he whispered in awe.
"No Sire," agreed the Goblin. "WE felt it was time…."
Devon had lowered his feet to the floor and was approaching. "A King's circlet," he murmured respectfully.
"A Goblin's Circlet," corrected the Goblin harshly. "For the Goblin's King," he said turning to his King. "I was just finishing it." He took it from the frame, handed it to the King and bowed. "Accept this offering from your subjects, Sire."
Jareth overwhelmed with a depth of emotion he'd never felt before stood holding the handsome metal ring in his hands. Turning to the mirror he raised the circlet up high above his head and slowly lowered it to his brow. "King Jareth, Lord of the Goblin Realm." He stated as he crowned himself.
The Metal Smith went to his knees, as did the valet and the Taylor and the Leather Master. Devon also went down on one knee, he understood something most profound had just happened, and he had to honor it. In this one defining moment, Devon had witnessed his cousin truly grow to be the King he'd played at for centuries. Looking about at the others, he realized just how much a part of this Kingdom he too had become. A surge of pride filled him, and he looked again at Jareth, his King.
Jareth turned to look at them, bowed and kneeling to him. "See to it our people are ready to leave in two hours. I want to be on Avalon soil for the Solstice ceremony before the sun rises." He addressed Devon.
Devon rose to his feet, "I will, my King." He motioned everyone but the metal smith out.
Jareth turned to the Goblin; "My sword," he held his hands out. The blade was some of the finest Goblin metal work ever done. It was perfectly balanced, and deadly accurate. It felt natural in the hands of the Fae who'd requested its creation. He tired it on for size and weight, and found it was perfectly fitted to his scabbard and the length of arm and leg. He drew it with a lighting swiftness. It flashed in the light and sang in the wind as he whipped it through the air. He smiled wickedly; "Excellent," said in admiration of the workmanship of blade and hilt.
"The matching daggers, my King," he fitted them into the slits he'd asked the leather maker to design into the belt the sword was secured with. "The boot daggers," again the man knelt this time to secure a dagger to both the King's Goblin Leather footwear. "And as you requested he secured a thing blade like pin to the King's cloak, giving the appearance of a cloak claps or pin, hiding its true nature.
Jareth approved of the reflection looking back at him, "Joachim," he said not in the least distracted, "I recall another matter we discussed, have you seen to it?""It was not without it's difficulties," the Metal Smith put in plain words his explanation. "But it has been seen to, Sire."
Jareth sneered into the mirror. "Good," he turned and waved the man off, moved to his table and poured a glass of clear wine. Raising the glass to his lips he inclined his head toward the wide open window that only a winged creature could reach. "Why not join me, Sadeka." He spoke the invitation quietly before turning to the window.
The young and brash Harpy maiden entered her eyes like flames, and her black hair wild in the night wind. "Thee has good senses," she sneered. "It seems a pity to have to end your reign without having bred you." She pulled a blade from her belted harness, rushing toward the King.
Jareth watched her come, side stepping the blow that would have been fatal not because it was near a vital organ but because she held an iron blade in her trembling hand. He pulled a whip from out of the air, cracked it and the blade was torn from her fingers. The next crack tore into her wing and gave her such blinding pain that she didn't see the next blow, the one that ended her short life. Drawing a crystal from the air, he summoned the Matron. Half an hour later he sat alone in his chamber with the fallen Harpy when Iris arrived with two other Harpies.
Iris looked at Sadeka and shook her head, "I feared this would happen." She looked at the King. "Did she die well?"
"She died in battle," Jareth muttered. "But it should have been in battle with the enemies of this Kingdom, not it's King, Matron." His voice was cold steel, his eyes volcanic heat.
The woman nodded, "Sadeka was a fool," she stated. The Harpies at her side watched the King along with her, waiting to see what his displeasure would bring.
"Is this how much an oath means to the Harpy Clan?" He demanded as he left the chair. "That one of my own personal guards would try to assassinate me?" Low cold fury filled the even tone but didn't overtake the man's sensibilities. He crossed his arms over his Goblin leather armor breast plate. "This one would have me fail before I even begin the battle, how many other's among your race are of the same opinion?"
Iris would not grovel, but she would bargain. "Sire," she said placing hands on her beautifully curved hips and holding her head up proudly. "I wish I could say Sedeka was the one renegade and that she acted alone. However I can not in good faith say that. I'm sure there are other's and not just Harpies who fear the door you are about to open."
"Do you fear this door?" He asked icily moving toward her until there was but a foot separating them. "Do you and yours wish to return to the brink of extinction?"
Iris looked up at him with admiration as well as respect, and more than a touch of fear. "We are yours Sire," she said with conviction. "All Harpies of my clan who are not with you will be clan less."
Jareth looked down at the corpse on his bedchamber floor. "Get rid of that," he commanded. Iris never took her eyes off the King, she snapped her fingers and the two who had come with her scooped up what was left of Sadeka to be carried off and fed to the beasts of the forest that ate carrion.
"Would my King like me to replace that worthless slut?" Iris asked as if asking about the weather.
Jareth shook his head, "I think three Harpies are better than none." He moved toward the window looking out at the night sky. "I share this sky with you… I too hunt at night for the most part."
Iris came to his side, "I've seen your owl form."
He nodded. "Iris, make your women understand… to survive we must succeed. To succeed we can not war amongst ourselves, we must stand united." His voice was urgent. "Or else we will all pass into extinction. That alternative is unacceptable."
"If it were possible for a Harpy to have a brother," she whispered to him with every fiber of sincerity and assurance, "I would want him to be you."
Jareth didn't look at her, he understood and nodded again. "Stand at my side at the High Court tomorrow, Iris." He didn't ask, nor command; rather it was King inviting Matron.
"I had planned to… with honor," she spoke one more word. "Rhuukhaar!" She had used the Goblin word for brother.
"Teraar," He said in return, accepting her as sister, as many monarchs accepted other monarchs. "We leave in a few hours, be ready." He turned and began to walk away.
"Where do you go now," she asked softly watching him move toward the doors of his chamber.
"To pray the Goddess is on my side." He called over his shoulder. "I have not had much luck with the females in my life of late, and she is one I can ill afford to piss off." He heard the cackle laughter of the Harpies he'd left behind.
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Jareth moved down the stair to the private chapel he'd neglected during all the time he'd been King. He went alone now, as he had no right to ask any to shoulder the responsibility that was his alone. He stood before the green crystal doors, took a deep breath and pulled the handles of the doors expecting tornados of dust or hinges in dire need of oiling. No creak sounded, no torrent of dust attacked him, the doors opened as if they were newly installed. He stepped into the chamber to find the room was clean and well lit. It was a room of decent measurement, nearly as large as his throne room. Directly across from the crystal doors, at the far end of the chamber stood a tall statue of the Goddess in a niche surrounded on either side by a waterfall that fell gracefully into a basin at the foot of the Goddess' image. She was beautiful, Danu, the great mother, patron of rebirth and fertility. The statue was carved in green granite, depicting her as a young and beautiful woman. In her hands was a round platter to receive the offerings, her shoulders and head were covered with a long flowing cloak. Here eyes were half shut, as if in deep contemplation. Her face was not peaceful, nor was it angry, but it was poised, like one ready to hear a supplication. In the greenish light of the chapel she almost seemed to be alive, and breathing and not cold stone.
Jareth needed her blessing, and he knew it. He also knew he didn't really deserve it. He had not kept holy her days, nor kept the high feasts, nor even moved the Goblins back to worship. He was unworthy, and knew it, and was heartily ashamed of his lack of integrity and righteousness. He was not a humble man, nor would he insult the Goddess and begin to pretend to be one. He let the doors close behind him, walked forward with his head held high until he reached the King's custom made prie dieu personal kneeler. He went to his knees and looked up at the gentle face of the Goddess that seemed to be looking down at him.
"Oh Danu," he began as he'd been taught so long ago; his voice was reverent at least. "Oh great mother of us all…" He paused. "I know I don't deserve your least attention. I've been a miserable, spoiled little monster and a most unpleasant child." He swallowed, "I pray that you are the kind of mother who overlooks her child's flaws and looks to see his heart." He felt a sudden rush of emotion.
"I love this Kingdom Goddess!" He announced with more emotion than he'd realized he'd been penning up. "I have been too blind to see just how much I love this kingdom and my subjects. However, dearest Mother, my eyes are open now, and I see a path that must be followed least we become nothing." He looked deeply at the statue. "I pray you bless me, and my people as we strive to become what we should have been." He looked down, "I can not promise to be more than I was… but I shall try…"
"Give me your sword," a voice in the stillness rang out.
Jareth looked at the face of the Goddess, startled.
"Give me your sword," the voice repeated in the same firm tone.
Rising from the prie dieu kneeler the young Fae King approached the statue of his Goddess, she who was considered the mother of the Fae. He removed his blade and placed it without scabbard upon the offering plate and knelt before the statue without benefit of kneeler or pillow. He'd been deep in prayer and had not heard the others enter behind him. Devon moved by some inner need knelt behind his cousin. Iris entered the chapel having been drawn there as well also went to her knees. Soon the others entered Goblin, Elf, Hobgoblin, Kobold, Dyad, Fiery, and many others. All they who were to represent the subjects who dwelled within the Labyrinth lands of the Goblin Kingdom had been drawn to the King's Chapel. When Jareth rose to his feet he placed his hands on the sword he'd just dedicated to the Goddess. As he removed it from the offering plate he noticed the change. He'd asked for a sign and here it was. He raised the hilt to eye level. Both hilt and blade now were etched deeply with the symbol of the Labyrinth. "Thank you, Mother." He said in wonder, turning and finding him-self not alone, he raised the blade high and boldly spoke out to those in attendance. "We go forth, and reclaim what is ours… in the name of the Goddess mother…Danu." He then sheathed his blade and tugged at his new leather gloves. "Let us go forth."
Devon and Iris both wore smiles as they turned to follow the Goblin King.
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Rising before the sun on Monday the twenty first, the girl who had slept but not rested took a cigarette and matches out to the back of the yard. Bundled up in her coat, and watching the snow fall, she smoked the first cigarette she'd needed. She faced the east, witnessing the sun begin to rise. Something deep inside her seemed to be filled with an awaking.
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The skies over the blessed isle of Avalon were filled with Dragons. The High King and his entourage were already making their way to the sacred grounds. He heard the murmurs of wonder, and some of disgust behind him. He chose to ignore all of it, he had a sacred duty and that was more important. The High Queen stole a glance, but seeing his countenance chose to keep her feelings masked as well. The grounds where the sacred circle stood was already beginning to fill with beautiful and powerful Fae creatures. The sunrise would not wait, and the High King knew this. He had performed this ceremony countless times, greeting the new born sun as it began its rise in the sky. He took his place and prepared to greet the birth of the Oak King when there was a commotion at the approach of what some would call unwanted worshipers.
Jareth strode at the forefront of the approaching throng of creatures. They were not beautiful; they were the things that nightmares are made of. A dark murmur arose, and a protest to their presence. Jareth looked at the High King whose own mask of indifference had slipped just a bit. Oberon nodded, as if some inner sense told him that the world was about to change. He cleared his throat, all protests and murmuring ceased and the ceremony began.
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Karen drove to the newest mall in the area, telling Sarah how fine and reasonable the shops there seemed to be. She told the girl she wanted to buy her a new special outfit for the wonderful celebration the family had planned for Christmas. Sarah had been quiet, but pleasant on the journey over.
The mall was like a beehive even though it was still early in the day. Karen commented that it would likely get worse as the day drew on. After all, Christmas was but a few days away and the last minute shoppers were all gathering at all the local stores. Sarah stiffened at the sight of all the people, her inner demons all shouting and tearing at her soul. Karen touched her arm lightly; the girl didn't jump at her touch but seemed to relax just a bit. Karen smiled. "There's a nice little store at this end of the mall, and it's not usually very crowded." She told Sarah, understanding the girl's inner fears. Sarah appreciated that Karen was trying, and she promised to try to relax.
As they walked toward the store something caught Sarah's eye. A new toy store had opened, and in the display window was a lovely little plush toy. It resembled a cross between a fox terrier and a squirrel, and was dressed in a velvet jerkin with gold braiding and wore a plumed cap. In the hand of the little creature was a swagger stick in the shape of a little staff of power. Sarah moved past the crowds and stood looking down at it, smiling. She was not sure why. She turned to Karen, "I'm getting that for Toby," excitedly the girl told her stepmother; she entered the shop and requested the little toy in the window. The girl behind the counter told her the price, and Sarah opened up her wallet to extract the bills needed. Moments later, the little toy was boxed and wrapped and in a bag on Sarah's arm. She exited the shop and smiled at her companion. "Toby will love it."
"It was rather a strange looking little thing," Karen commented. "Like something out of one of your fairytale books." She hooked her arm into the girls. "I just don't understand why you were so adamant."
Sarah tried to find a reason, but she couldn't. "I can't explain it… it's as if I know… or knew this… it's so familiar but I can't seem to recall from where… or when."
Karen shrugged, "Some things are like that." She ushered the girl into the little dress store.
The shop was nicely lit, and had an open airy feeling to it. Sarah's eye caught a sign as they entered the establishment; it read…Protected by video security. She smiled to herself knowing more and more stores were using this form of security, and more and more malls had central security stations monitoring the halls and even some of the better stores. The interior of the store was a soft shell pink, and cream. There were satin covered seats and benches with the same colored coverings as the walls. The lights were hung in such a manner as not to be obtrusive but gave enough light that the place seemed most cheery.
A woman dressed in a very becoming two piece suit came to where they stood. "May I help you?" she asked pleasantly.
Karen nodded, "We need something stunning for the young lady for our Christmas dinner party." She smiled toward the girl who was holding on by threads. "Some green I think."
"I think we may have something that will please you both," the woman said in that same pleasant tone. "Something that will complement that lovely complexion," she motioned the pair to follow her. At a rack of becoming frocks, she began pulling some off the rack and handed them to Karen for Sarah. "I think this is a good start."
Sarah tried on a dress of green jersey that hugged her feminine curves. She came out of the dressing room to show it to Karen, who immediately said. "We'll take that one!" and waved the girl into the dressing room. Sarah brought out the dress when she came out to show her the second dress, but neither one really liked it as much as the first. Karen took the first dress over to the register to pay for it as Sarah went into the dressing room again to change into the last dress. The hair on the back of her neck rose, and something told her danger was at hand.
Opening the door of the dressing room she came face to face with Marion. "Oh God," she groaned aloud. "Little Mary Sunshine," looking beyond the girl with golden curls she saw the rest of the clique. "And her merry… men."
"So they let you out of the booby hatch," Marion said not really listening to what Sarah had said. "That was a mistake." She looked down at the dress Sarah was trying on. "That's a whorish dress," she sneered.
"Then you should try it one, it will be right up your alley." Sarah retorted.
Marion went white with anger; "Take that back." She demanded harshly.
"If the shoe fits…." Sarah said in a dead calm tone.
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The King's palace on Avalon was a show place. High walls arched ceilings and marble and gold everywhere. It was beautiful, almost painfully so. The Fae who gathered here were in their minds the cream de la cream of Fae society. They didn't so much walk as much as they floated hither and fro. In every alcove and quiet corner one would spot them being, beautiful… not really busy doing anything just being beautiful.
Oberon had taken his place on his throne and was preparing to listen to the litany of praises that were always given at one of these gatherings. His Queen seemed distracted, her eyes on a gathering throng in the back of the great hall. She placed a hand on his and tapped with her index finger, a long ago created signal between them to alert the other to danger or a problem. Oberon turned his attention toward the place she was looking. The courtiers stopped fluttering about, and gathered on the sidelines as the group began to make their way up the center isle of the chamber to address the High King. Murmurs and protests were renewed. How dare Jareth bring these filthy creatures into the High Court?
Taking a closer look at the man leading the assembled collection of creatures, Oberon found the very breath freeze in his throat. The boy was no longer dressed in romantic style, nor in play clothes as Oberon had called them. No, today he was dressed in Royal Goblin Regalia. Goblin Leather, mail and cloaked in a regal cloak as dark as the night sky. His once wild hair had been tamed and his jaw set. Upon the brow of the young Fae was a circlet that declared his position. This was the Goblin King, and these were his subjects, and he was pissed. Leaning forward, Oberon rested his elbow on his thigh as he waited.
Jareth led the members of the Goblin Court forward, pausing only when he reached the place where he was to bow toward the High King's throne. Jareth bowed, but not deeply as other who wanted to make a great show of it did. He gave a graceful half bow from the waist, and showed respect to the High King, if not the rest of his court. "My lord High King, we of the Goblin Court greet thee."
"King Jareth, we are pleased to see you at court… you are so often… absent from us." Oberon chose his words carefully. He was not of the same mind as so many of his court, but it was always best not to tip one's hand.
Straightening up, the Goblin King removed the scroll he'd been carrying. "I'm not sure if you won't wish I were absent once more," he stated firmly as he moved toward the dais steps, the scroll extended now to the High King. He released the scroll into the hands of the elder Fae and respectfully stood back while the King read it. The courtiers began to mutter again, come complained loudly enough to be heard by the Goblin's court members who ignored them. Jareth knew they would follow his lead, and his lead alone.
Oberon looked up from the scroll, "You're serious?"
"Deadly so," stated Jareth in an icy if respectful manner.
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Karen had paid for the little green dress, and was now sitting on the elegant circular divan that was just outside the dressing rooms near the back of the store. She was pleased that Sarah had liked the first dress so much, and she knew the girl would look breathtaking in the little frock. She hoped the rest of the day was going to go as well, and settled back against the tufted back of the divan.
Sarah stood her ground, "I'm not taking back anything."
"You think you've had it bad up to now? I can make everything you've been through up to now seem like a tea party;" Threatened the girl with golden curls moving forward.
Even though she felt the panic rise she stood her ground. "Fuck off," she sighed in a slightly exasperated tone.
Marion stepped forward, slapping the girl swiftly as Judy and Gale rushed forward. Jean backed away fearfully turning her face to the wall for fear of what she was about to witness. Both Judy and Gale grabbed arms and shoved Sarah against the wall at the back of the dressing area. Carol laughed as Marion's hands went to the girl's throat and began to close in. There was a murderous gleam in Marion's eyes as she and the others fell on Sarah. The look didn't last long. As the victim opened her mouth and instead of a peal or a squeal a roar sounded. Jean cowered down in a small ball as the other four were thrown back.
Karen rose to her feet, dropping the bundle she'd been holding and gasped. "Sarah!"
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Oberon handed the scroll back to the Goblin King who turned to the court, "I've come here to issue a warning to every Kingdom that boarders my own. No longer will we sit by and allow the plundering of our Kingdom. You've all dumped your unwanted on my Kingdom for generations…. And while I will keep my land open to the refugees, I will no long allow you to trample on me and mine…" Jareth roared.
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"Don't you ever put your hands on me again," Sarah roared in retaliation to the girls who were cowering and acting as if they were the injured party here. "I'm not here to be your puppet, nor your punching bag you stupid sluts."
The manager and two clerks entered and found the four who'd attacked looking like the victims. Sarah stood, disheveled to be sure but looking like an Amazon in comparison. Suddenly Marion stood up and screamed that Sarah had attacked them, and she needed to be restrained. Sarah looked at the manager, her voice low, dark and deathly dangerous. "Do you have surveillance of this area?" She nodded and Sarah went on. "I want to see the tape…"
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Majestically Jareth stood on the steps, looking at the court. "You've rejected us, and now we are rejecting you… No more will the King on the Goblin throne turn his back and do nothing while you exterminate his subjects and enforce unnatural laws upon his Kingdom. This is my declaration of independence from the Seelie courts." He held up the scroll. "From this moment forward, I am The Goblin King first and foremost."
A Fae woman lightly licked her lips; she'd never seen the young Fae King seem more Godlike. Her mother leaned closer. "He will need a Queen," she suggested with a knowing smile. "Why should it not be you?"
Jareth turned to the High King. "I respect you, High King, and I will remain respectful of you… but I will not tolerate those who would jeer or demean my court." He waved a hand at the assembled representatives he'd brought with him. "We here represent the Goblin Court…and from now on, you're all going to have to deal with us. Our boarders will be guarded and we will not tolerate plundering or marauding. If the Kingdoms that boarder my lands wish to trade with us, they had best amend their ways… because if not, it's no skin off our noses…We can sustain without the outside world, can you get along without Goblins? I wonder?" He bowed to the High King and made his way back to his court and motioned them that they were leaving.
Oberon watched the reactions, some not knowing if he were serious scoffed. Others jeered, but the High Queen grabbed his hand. "Make amends; offer an olive branch, don't let him leave us like this."
The High King called out, "King Jareth," his voice was deep and powerful. As the younger King turned slightly, Oberon raised a hand and blessed him. "Hail, Goblin King." His voice was forceful and proud.
The High Queen also rose and saluted Jareth. The court stood frozen. Jareth inclined his head and led his court out of the Avalon palace.
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The tape had shown what Sarah knew it would, and she sat vindicated as the manager told the four who'd attacked her that they would be banned from the establishment for good. Marion fussed and tried to blame Sarah, who was sitting looking like a gargoyle, a watcher of the sinful.
Karen issued a formal complaint with the security of the mall, and ushered Sarah out to the car once she'd changed into her street clothes. Once in the car, Karen took a long deep breath, and turned to Sarah. "Hail Caesar," she said in a quite tenor.
Sarah crossed her arms and smiled. "I feel like shopping somewhere else….Let's try that shop on Main Street…"
Karen felt a corner being turned, and was not sure if she should cheer or gasp. Instead she drove the girl to the destination requested.
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The assembled Goblin Court sat in the State dinning room, with the king at the high table. Devon rose to his feet, raised his goblet and toasted his cousin. "Hail, the Goblin King." One by one the attending rose and echoed the toast. Dark stormy eyes moved across the room, it was only the beginning, he told himself. Just the first steps, but they were strong steps without faltering. He took up his Goblin and rose, "To Danu, mother of us all…."
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Sarah sat in the dark, on her window seat, a mug of hot chocolate in her hands. She scrutinized the night sky, not sure what she was searching so hard for. Something in her memory, that was just out of reach. "To Sarah, who will vanquish all who go against her," she whispered darkly and began to laugh a quiet and malevolent sounding dark laugh.