Chapter 8. Battle lines in the sands

Sarah hated long goodbyes; she hated short ones as well. Karen gave her a lingering close hug releasing her only when she heard the girl cough. Sarah looked at Toby pouting, she picked him up. "Give me a good long one, Toby…. Your hug has to last me." She coaxed him tenderly. It had sunk in somewhere around New Years Eve that only Toby, Robert and oddly enough Karen seemed to be able to touch her during this visit without sending her running for cover. Her father's partner's wives had tried being supportive. Sarah understood that, but the touch had nearly given her convulsions.

Robert held the car door for her, regretting he had to tell Karen and Toby to stay behind. Yet again Sarah had been clear on her wishes. She didn't want Toby to see that hell hole! He pulled the car from the curb with his wife and son waving madly away. He looked at the road. Sarah pulled a cigarette out of her pocket and lit up.

"I hope you don't mind," she said letting her window down to allow the smoke to escape. "I really need this."

"Not at all," he stated cordially.

Sarah looked slyly over at him, seeing not just her father, but a handsome and dependable male… He was distinguished if not imaginative, and able to hold a decent conversation for more than the time it took to check out a woman's chest. "Would you like one?" she asked.

"Yes, I think I would," He mused as he drove. Sarah took out her pack and lit one up for him and handed it carefully to him as he drove. He smiled, "I thank you."

"Welcome," she drew on her own cigarette, looking back out the window. She had never had many conversations with her father, and was uncertain of how to start one. "Thank you for a lovely Christmas Break, Daddy."

"I'm glad you enjoyed most of it," he commented. "I know there were a few rough spots, and I know how hard you tried to conceal them."

"Hard truth and honesty time, Daddy," she muttered turning in her seat and looking at him. "Something wacky happened…. Something I noticed, about you, me, Karen and Toby…"

"What?" He asked.

"You know how I can not bear to be touched?" The father nodded as he smoked, and she continued. "I don't seem to have that problem with you… and I remember not having that problem last summer with Mom either. Don't you think that's kind of …Well, strange?" her voice wavered a bit.

Robert pulled off the road and cut the engine, for a few moments he didn't say anything. He just sat there smoking, when something must have clicked. "You mean to tell me you can't deal with anyone's touch except ours?" He looked at her with a confused face; "Since when?"

Sarah thought it over and came up with the only answer she had. "You remember the night of the big storm…and how sick I felt the next day?" His face showed that he remembered it well; "Since then."

"That's why you told Toby to make the hug a good one? Because it's the last good hug you'll feel until Spring break?"

Sarah nodded again. "Daddy, that does not fit the symptoms of this aliment. It's all right and it's all wrong."

Robert looked in his review mirror, "God damn it, we're being followed."

"Get back on the road," she suggested snubbing out her still burning cigarette. "Whoever they are, we don't want to sit here any longer."

Robert looked at her, "What happened to you this holiday? You're like… taking control."

"That's exactly what I'm doing… and Daddy, I want you and Karen to keep clear of the fallout." She turned to look out the window. "I've a feeling there's going to be lots of it."

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In the cold crisp sunlight of winter, St. Ambrose didn't actually look that bad. In fact Sarah was surprised that it looked good, really good. She was even more surprised that she'd actually missed the joint. She laughed under her breath wickedly, thinking she'd either blown a gasket or she had gone round the bend. Her father helped her carry her one bag up to her room and walked with her on the grounds until it was time for him to get back in his car to return home. Sarah hugged him, enjoying the last touch she'd be able to bare, and holding him in her embrace a bit longer than was perhaps wise. The fact that he didn't seem to rush the end of the embrace should worried them both, yet it didn't.

"I'll call at the end of the week," he placed his hand to her cheek with a soft touch. "You take care of yourself."

"You too, Daddy," she watched as he got in his car and then returned to her dorm. Before entering her room she stopped at the monitor's station and announced in a no nonsense tone; "I want all cameras taken out of my dorm room and I want them removed now, or I'll call the State's Attorney General."

The monitor looked up at her, startled, the worried. "You'll what?"

"You heard me," she said calmly. "And you can tell that quack Doctor I'm through taking his medications."

The monitor blinked, not sure of what to do.

"Oh and have a nice fucking day," Sarah turned on her heel and moved toward her room. She expected the monitor to follow; when she saw he was still seated with his jaw down on his chest she snapped her fingers. "Move it or lose it!" she ordered coldly. "You take them down or I will and I won't be careful about it."Other students were now peering out their doors, watching the girl order the monitor about like a lackey. One was "Large" Marge, her eyes grew round and wide, and her lips quivered but no words came.

The monitor called a number on and spoke in a panicked voice into the phone in his hand. He replaced the receiver and went down the hall to where Sarah stood. "I'm sorry, Miss Williams, your request is denied…." He gasped. "Where are you going?"

Sarah flung open her door and looked about the room for the hidden cameras. "Did you know that what you are doing is against the law?" She ripped the first camera she found out of the wall and tossed it out the door; "That you and Doctor Daniels could face fines of up to a thousand dollars a day?" She tossed the second camera she found over the head of the monitor who had made the mistake of trying to grab her. She placed the palm of her hand into his chest and shoved him back against a wall. "Don't touch me," she said darkly. "I don't like to be touched." She then moved away from him and looked for another camera; she could sense there was one more.

Doctor Daniels shouted at her, "What do you think you're doing destroying my equipment?"

"You're not my Doctor," she informed him. "There fore you have no right to video me… and I'm exercising my rights to rid my room of unwanted cameras… Oh and since my father paid for a single room for me, I'll be expecting no more unwanted roommates." Sarah wiped her hands clean on her skirt. "You're only allowed to monitor the halls and grounds according to the By laws of the Schools charter… I checked. Oh and get the hell out of my room, Doctor Daniels, you're not welcome here."

Daniels was about to order the monitor to restrain the girl when he noticed the gathering crowd and someone applauding. The girl applauding was a very tall, very athletic looking young woman. One by one the rest of the girls joined in, and Daniels had no recourse but to pick up his equipment and leave. Sarah looked at the girl leading the applause; it was "Large" Marge.

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Jareth joined Devon in the Great Hall, "I hope you have good reason for disturbing me," he griped. "I've a Kingdom to turn around you know."

"The best," Devon handed him a scroll of petitions and supplications. "It appears some of the High Court is actually taking what you said on Solstice to heart." Devon then pointed to a new dais he'd designed and had installed at the far end of the Great Hall. "I think this will make a better place to hold regular court rather than the Goblin Hall. Keep the Goblin hall private for you and our little friends."

Jareth looked at the throne on the dais, "I hate that thing." He grumbled. "It's too froufrou."

"This is a replica of the High King's state throne," protested the disgruntled Devon.

Jareth waved one arm and the elaborate gold gilt and ornately carved throne disappeared, replaced by a replica of his other throne. "This is the Goblin Kingdom, not Avalon junior." He reminded the other in a gruff manner. "I'm not Oberon, and I don't hold court in a palace of gold and ivory."

Devon shrugged, "I was just trying to…"

"I know, but I don't want that kind of help." Jareth cut his words to the quick. "However, using the Great Hall for formal audiences is a fine idea. One I should have thought of, but you've saved me the effort, and I'm grateful." Like a graceful cat he moved across the floor toward the new throne, "I think we need to make this a bit more dramatic," He waved a hand and the faded draping over the chair changed to darkest purple with burnished gold flur de les. Another wave and the heavy metal that held the draping on were polished brightly, and even the ivory tusk that made up the back of his throne was impressively polished. The carving in the base was much more pronounced and the entire effect was extraordinary imposing. He raised a brow as he turned to Devon for comments.

"Show off," Devon crossed his arms over his chest. "Well don't just stand there, finish the job matching hangings and banners will complete the effect." He suggested tightly.

Tossing a crystal into the air and watching it grow until it exploded into a thousand pieces, Jareth smiled. "Oh like this?"

The room was magnificent, impressive and imposing, and not at all like anything at Avalon. Devon nodded, "When would you like to hold your first real court?"

"A week from today," Jareth said observing the work they'd done. "Yes, a week should give me time."

"Time for what?" Devon called after the retreating monarch. "Jareth! Time for what?"

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Mrs. Browning sat quietly listening to the Doctor's complaints. She waited until he finished. "The girl is right, you're not her doctor… and putting cameras in her room was a very stupid thing to do."

"I need to observe my subjects," he ranted. "She destroyed expensive equipment, without so much as batting an eye lash. Telling me the by laws of the schools charter." In a snit he threw himself into a chair; "Where did she get a copy of the by laws anyway?" He pouted childishly.

The Head Mistress sighed, "I told you every student gets a copy," she folded her hands on her desk. "The fact that almost none of them read it has always been in our favor." Browning was not happy and the Williams girl made her nervous. "Dylan," she addressed him by his surname, "I don't like this… you said when I came here it would be easier than the prison system to work in. It's not, and I really don't see it getting better."

Daniels frowned. "My experiment is more important than how you feel."

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Sarah entered the dinning hall, and the news of her having evicted the cameras from her dorm room had spread. Students who had ignored her before were suddenly greeting her with respect and admiration. Lilith and Bryn joined her at the corner table, they too had heard and Lilith was teasingly calling her a one girl wrecking crew. But it was the hovering figure of "Large" Marge that Sarah noticed. Sarah looked up at the girl who'd been her roommate for such a short time, wondering if she was going to have to give her a dressing down. But what she saw in the other girl's eyes was not a challenge it was respect and approval.

Because she'd been defensive before, Sarah had never taken the time to really look at Marge Christianson. This morning, in this dingy dining hall, Sarah Williams saw what no one else took the time to see. Marge was scared. Sarah understood fear, and she knew how it could make a person do stupid things. "Marge, why don't you sit down?" Lilith seemed surprised, but held her counsel, Bryn waited to see what was going to happen next. Sarah motioned to the chair next to her. "Come on, sit."

The larger girl placed her tray down and meekly took a seat. "Thank you." She looked at Sarah and gushed out quickly. "That was the most amazing thing I ever saw! You're so brave, and …"

Lilith blinked and shook her head, could this awe struck girl be the same girl who had put the fear of God into so many underclassmen?

Sarah sipped her orange juice. "Liked that did you?" she teased, making the larger girl laugh almost care freely. Marge was acting like a star struck fan, her eyes were filled with admiration. Sarah decided to engage her in conversation and draw her out. "Marge, are you taking the second semester of applied science?" When the tall girl nodded, Sarah went on. "Would you like to form a study group? If we get a group of four or five of us, it'll be easier for us to cover all the material."

Marge's big blue eyes widened and blinked quickly. "You mean you're asking me to join you?"

Lilith saw it, and leaned back, "I'll be damned." She muttered.

Bryn snickered.

Sarah gave Marge a nod. "Pax?"

Relief and long pent up fear flooded the bigger girls face. "Oh yes, please…"

Leaning forward again Lilith asked quietly, "Marge why were you sent here?"

"Anger management issues…" she confessed a bit embarrassedly. "I've always been big for my age… family trait… and I like sports… hard sports…field hockey, soccer, girls' basket ball… things like that… I used to get into fights because of the way other girls would tease me…." She looked at the door where she saw Doctor Daniels watching them with interest. "He called me an ugly goblin."

Sarah narrowed her eyes as she turned to look at the man, feeling murderous. "That bastard." She softened her gaze as she turned back to the bigger girl. "You're no Goblin," she said softly.

Marge's eyes watered as she opened her mouth and sobbed softly. "I can't help being …big…"

Lilith knew Sarah could not reach out her hands as she'd very much like to, so she extended hers instead. Taking Marge's hand and giving it a understanding squeeze. "Of course you couldn't help being big… not if it's a family trait… And there's nothing wrong in being able to compete at sports, it's a wonderful skill."

Bryn also placed a hand on Marge's, "I've seen you play… your great!"

Marge turned to Sarah. "I'm so sorry about how I acted when they put me in your room…"

"Not your fault," Sarah sighed. "You were just doing what you'd been programmed to do. I don't hold you responsible." She encouraged the larger girl. "So what do you say, Marggie? Want to form a study group?"

"Yes," Marge nodded excitedly. "You bet I do… thank you…Sarah."

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Robert sat in the office of the Government official he'd been keeping in touch with. "I don't understand, why isn't he being stopped?"

"Until now we had no…proof he'd done anything more than study the effects of sleep disorders and anger issues at that school." Director Davis stated calmly. "Robert, he's never before hired anyone to watch a student's family like this. We're not sure what he's up to…"

Robert frowned, "I don't like having my daughter used as a lab rat… she was sent there to take classes on how to redirect her anger… all that's happened is they have tried to make her Angier…. And she told me that they prescribed meds for her that caused her to be ill."

Davis clasped his hands and formed a steeple with his index fingers, resting his chin on the spire. "Robert, we have to move carefully. I understand your concerns… but we have to move very carefully. I've taken steps to make sure these agents spying on you can not touch you or your family. Your safety is assured."

"I'm not worried about my safety," Robert muttered.

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Daniels looked at the list of drugs he'd used on the Williams girl, and turned to his assistant. "We're upping the dosage."

"Sir, she refused to come to the infirmary to receive her dosage." The assistant had not wanted to break the news but had little choice.

The man directing the research frowned, "We'll have to introduce it to her system another way."

"Sir, that's a direct violation of the code, we're not allowed…"

"Do it," Daniels ordered coldly. "That little bitch is not going to tell me what I can and can not do … this school is mine." He dialed a number and spoke into the speaker in a low voice. "Move in on the boy, he may be our key."

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No summons had come in days, and the King was gratified. He was feeling enough pressure with having to hold court, real court, and didn't have the attention a runner in the Labyrinth would have required. He looked at all the preparations, and the extent his Goblins were willing to extend them selves. He was going over the last of the check lists that Devon had created and was again glad he'd put his fastidious cousin in charge of staging this pantomime. He was reading over his cousin's shoulder when a gaggle of Goblins rushed into the Great Hall speaking in the most ancient of Goblin dialects. Devon looked worriedly at Jareth who apparently understood them all to well. His face had lost all expression save for anger.

"Toby," the King muttered as anger flashed in his eyes, he growled as he stomped toward the hall the Goblin gaggle had just entered from. "Devon, I'm going to the Goblin Throne room, see to it I'm not disturbed." Snapping his fingers insistently he expected the horde to follow him away from what he felt were prying eyes.

"We're not done," Devon tossed the check list over his shoulder and called out exasperatedly. "Who is Toby?" Devon turned to find him-self alone in the Great Hall. "Who the hell is Toby?" he asked again.

Jareth held a gloved hand up silencing the horde that was all babbling at once. His face was stony as he took a seat in his throne, leaning on his knees he gazed with disbelieve at them. For a few moments it was grave yard quiet until the King pointed at one hapless Goblin; "You will tell me what happened, and whose idea it was to watch that boy." His tone alerted them that he was in no mood for tomfoolery. The Goblin he'd chosen gasped as the King reached out his hand grasping its throat and pulling the creature forward, "Well, speak," he ordered in a growl.

"You never told us to stop watching the boy," it choked out before it passed out.

Jareth tossed that one aside turning his attention to another. "I'm losing my patients." He warned.

"Sire, we've been with the boy since he was… returned." A round faced little demon like creature moved forward.

"Why?" Jareth demanded in an icy manner.

The little Goblin cocked his head to one side. "Boy smells of Goblin Realm…" as if that answered everything. "He showed no fear when he was here." The others shook their heads in agreement. "Never before has a child been returned…we didn't want him to be…alone."

Jareth shook his head, "I take it you…liked the child." Again they all nodded and the King made a face. "Unbelievable," he looked for a moment as if he might laugh, but didn't. "Alright, you were watching the boy…what happened?"

"Boy belongs to Goblins," one said in a hiss.

"Mortals, not family, come and start watching boy;" Another supplied as if it were the most important fact.

Jareth snapped to look at the one who'd just spoke, "What do you mean they started to watch the boy?"

Proudly the one who'd spoken moved forward, "I seen them, they come like thieves in the night; looking with spyglasses. Poking about windows and near doors…"

"And the parents," Jareth turned to another of the horde.

"Lock doors, and windows, draw curtains…except for one…" the speaker backed down a bit unwilling to discuss the room with the open drapes and a view of the trees.

"Seems to me they are doing what can be done," Jareth mulled over the thoughts racing now. "Were the watchers doing anything else?"

Another Goblin moved slowly toward the front. "They have a box that captures images," he informed his King.

"It's called a camera," Jareth sighed darkly. "What were they doing with it?"

"Trying to capture the image of our boy;" Growled another as he too moved closer to the King. "We didn't let them."

They all scattered as the king rose to his feet and moved about the circular chamber to think. "Why would strangers want a picture of that boy?" Jareth had never had to worry about a child before; none had ever escaped his grasp. He moved about with the horde following him, mirroring his steps and his body language. "How did you prevent them from capturing Toby's image?" He paused his pacing.

"Broke the box," one said bringing his club down on the tile before him with a sneer.

"Effective," snickered the King in return. "Well, that won't stop them from trying again." He warned, and again paced amid the snickering and yammering horde. Jareth tapped his nose as he thought. He'd never seen the little buggers take such an interest in a child before. Nor had he seen them take the bull by the reigns before. He had to admit it was progress, and as King he had a sense of satisfaction if not gratification at this progress. With all he was trying to do, this was a sign that his subjects were making an effort to develop and evolve. "Who is the leader of your… band of merry making troublemakers?" he asked.

"Tonti," they all pointed to the little one who had been so bold to inform the King that the boy smelled of Goblins.

"Tonti," Jareth addressed the wide eyed creature. "Go back, and report to me if there is another incident."

"You want us to…protect the boy?" Tonti asked darkly.

Jareth smiled smugly. "He smells of Goblins, eh?" he laughed mirthlessly; "Why not?" He reached down, pulling Tonti up to eye level by his white dry straw-like hair. "I'm a very busy man, Tonti. See to it without disturbing me." He dropped the Goblin before moving back to his throne, again pondering. "Why would they want an image of that boy?"

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Sarah sat with the rest of the study group, with them but apart. No one sat too close to her, and Marge made sure no one got too close ever. The group had gown from just five girls to fifteen. All of them looking to Sarah for leadership, and following her lead. Lilith watched with fascination as the girls migrated to her one by one.

"This keeps up, we'll be mistaken for an army," she teased Sarah.

Sarah had noticed the migration as well, "I think they are just lost and looking for a leader."

"No," Bryn disagreed. "They know… they know you're different, and they know you're the one to follow." Her words were spoken as if she were older than time.

Lilith agreed. "You're the one…"

"The one what," Sarah had asked, but today she was the one who was on guard. Something in the air smelled wrong. Sarah looked up from her book as her eyes darted about the library. "Someone's here," she whispered to Lilith who looked up swiftly.

"I see him," she answered and tapped a code out to Marge who moved to block anyone's path to Sarah.

The man wore a white hospital coat. "I'm here to see Miss Williams," he announced blithely. "Doctor Daniels wishes to see her; I'm to escort her over."

Sarah didn't look up from her book, "No."

The man looked at her in disbelieve. "I don't think you understand, it's not a request."

"No," Sarah repeated and waved the lackey off.

Marge who towered over the man glared down at him, "I should say that answers your…request."

The man glared at all of them. "You are to come with me now Williams…"

"Fuck off." Sarah said without looking away from her book.

The Librarian watched quietly amused by the confrontation and the Williams girl's cool calm. She leaned on the desk that was her station, thinking how Mr. Talbot would have liked this spunky girl.

The man turned on his heel and moved back the way he'd come. Sarah looked up and smiled at her gathered forces. She went no where no without being surrounded by girls who looked to her for leadership. Marge came back closer and looked at her for approval, and was given a nod.

Lilith looked over at the Librarian who also was grinning. "Ok, so who's still taking the meds they've been handing out?"

"None of us here," answered a girl with mousy hair and bad skin.

"Grade levels?" Sarah asked thinking aloud.

"Up over all…" Bryn looked at a chart she'd started a week earlier; "Proving that he's up to something."

Sarah crossed her arms. "He's going to lose,"

"He won't like it," suggested the Librarian from her desk quietly. All the girls turned to look at the woman, who winked before returning to her stamping of books returned. "Be careful Williams."

Lilith looked at Sarah; "She was here before Daniels…And way before Browning."

Sarah closed up her book and packed it away. "Warn all our girls to be careful… they are going to have to make a move soon… most likely it will be on me… but everyone else is to take care." They all nodded as the green eyed girl exited followed by everyone else.

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Jareth took extra care with the attire for his first open court session. He would have preferred to not have court but if he were to pull this kingdom back together he was going to have to play the part of a King. That meant having court and ruling, not just playing games all day long with the Goblins. He had gone over all the known and unknown texts of Zoltarie, and was as ready as he could be. He stayed with the dark Goblin Leathers rather than the fabrics most Fae would choose. He wanted to be seen as Goblin at heart, and that meant making sacrifices in comfort and style.

He looked at his reflection; the tailor had done an amazing job at creating this court attire. It was almost sinful in its fit, and Jareth had to admit he was strikingly handsome in the one piece garment. The belt was the only contrast in the outfit, with its miniature replica of his amulet. Even the gloves gave a sinister air to him now. He looked at the tailor who was standing behind him in case the King didn't like something. "And the cloak attached to the shoulder epaulets?"

"As you required," the tailor moved toward him holding the second in a series of cloaks the King had designed. He swiftly attached the flowing garment; "As you envisioned."

Jareth ran a hand over his hair to smooth it, and then placed the Goblin Circlet upon his brow. "Have Devon and my escort arrived?"

"They await you in the outer chamber," was the answer.

One last look and Jareth turned to the tailor his face now a mask. "You shall be rewarded for your service."

"Service to your majesty is reward enough," bowed the little Goblin tailor.

Jareth motioned his valet to open the chamber door and he moved on cat light feet toward his destiny.

Devon and the escort, two Harpies, and six Goblins of various breeds stood by awaiting him. The Harpies hissed approval and growled suggestively at the King who hissed something in Harpy back. The Goblins attired in new uniforms snapped to attention and took their places. Devon who wore a dark blue military styled coat took his place at the King's side. He placed his hand on his sword as if to give silent warning. He whispered to the King; "Show time," and moved in unison with the procession.

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The Great Hall was filled to over crowding everyone who could have, had come to attend the first session of the King's new court. Fae and Goblin alike had a vested interest in the outcome of this King's efforts. Fae who had come here, some in disgrace, some in desperation, and others in an effort to stave off the boredom were all dressed in their finest. Eleven Lords and Ladies were also in attendance as was every member of the electorate representatives of the subjects of the Kingdom.

The trumpets sounded, all turned as the King entered the hall to be escorted to his receiving throne. One young Fae woman stood on tippy toe to get a better look. He was as magnificent today as he'd been a few weeks ago in the High King's court for Solstice. She wondered if she could make his heart flutter with excitement as he did hers.

Jareth took his seat, and Devon moved forward. "Let it be known this first session of the court of His Royal Highness Jareth, Goblin King is come to order…. As I call your names you may approach." He reached down and was handed a scroll by one of the scribe's little helpers. Devon began to read off names. Most of the attending just wanted to be noticed and be said to have been supportive. Few of the first called forth had any requests; half way though the list of attendees the supplicants came.

"Lady Tanya Winderspire," Devon read, "Who comes in the name of her father, Duke Winderspire on behalf of their trade accords."

Tanya moved forward, her soft gauzy gown of milkweed thread dyed a pale shade of amber went well with her coloring. Her honey and reddish gold hair was clasped high on her head and she knew she was pleasing to look at. Her softly painted lips and eye lids were done to give her an innocent look that she'd long ago lost. Looking up at the King through her darkened lashes with doe eyes she let a little bit of a smile come shyly to her lips. "Sire," she handed Devon the scroll with the families request to keep the trade accord.

"Your father is well?" Jareth asked looking at the girl with reservation.

"He is indeed well, thank you for asking, Sire." The girl answered a bit saucily.

Amused Jareth continued the interview, much to Devon's surprise. "How is it then he did not come in person to make his supplication?"

Again the girl smiled at him, "I believe he thought you'd be more… benevolent toward a pretty face, Sire."

Jareth let his eyes moved down, far lower than her face. "Indeed, did he?" He gave a lusty grunt. "Well, I shall have to thank him for his thoughtfulness." He motioned her on.

Devon leaned down to whisper in the King's ear. "That one has designs on sitting as your queen."

"She will have to learn to live with disappointment." He whispered back with a wink. He motioned Devon to read on. Down the line came a name the King had not been expecting and it set him on edge.

"Sir Didymus, of the King's guard."

The little knight now aged and moving slower than he had approached the throne, his plumed hat in hand. Arriving near the throne he bowed with a flourish. "My King." He said in a voice that was still passionate.

"Good knight," Jareth greeted in return. "What can I do for you?"

"I've come to request decommission," the little knights eyes were filled with sadness. "I find I am unable to continue my… duties."

Jareth again experienced a pang of guilt where the knight who'd been his fencing master was concerned. "Are you ill?" he asked quietly.

"Not exactly," the knight sniffed and twitched his nose.

Jareth and Devon exchanged glances. "What does that mean?" Jareth asked sharply.

Didymus squared his shoulders. "I find myself having… hallucinations," he muttered.
"Involving a young girl I've never met."

Jareth's knuckles cracked as he shut his fist tightly; "A young girl, sir knight?" Didymus tipped his head to one side, then the other and then he nodded. Jareth placed a hand over his mouth and covered the utterance he wished no one to hear. "I see."

"Sire," blurted out the Goblin Knight, "I swear I've not gone looking for this… but I can't seem to stop it… I see her… and… I…" He pulled him self together. "I request decommission."

"Denied," Jareth said flatly.

"But Sire," the little knight protested.

"Sir Knight," the King stopped him. "This may be a premonition, and I'd be a fool to decommission someone who is as valuable as you." Upon hearing this, the knight bowed and moved back toward a face the King had not wanted to see, Hoggle.

"I thought you said you fixed that," Devon whispered as the knight moved away.

"I thought I had," the King growled.

The last names had been read, and Devon was handing the scroll to the scribe for safe keeping when a trumpet sounded and a Fae Lord from a bordering Kingdom entered the Great Hall as if it were his. Devon looked at Jareth and said quietly. "Morriagin, of …"

"Talagon," Jareth finished saying it loud enough to be taken as an addressing. "What brings you so far from your hunting grounds?"

The Fae Lord pointed to one of the King's Harpies. "That filth you've taken to using as guards… they are raiding my hunting parties." He spat at the Harpy standing on the left of the King. "I demand you destroy them, or I will."

"You will do no such thing," Jareth's voice was coldly calm. "And you will make no such threat to my guards. You have no rights in this court, you are not a citizen." All the subjects who were witness looked from the seething Fae Lord to their King was sitting in complete command. He turned to look at the Harpy who'd been spat at, "Della, dear, have you been hunting over the boarder?" His tone was deferential.

"No," she growled. "Within our boarder," her eyes didn't hide the distain with which she held Talagon. "That one and his… hunting party…crossed the boarder following a stag.. I allowed them to leave, without the stag." She leaned suggestively. "IT was very tasty."

"I see," cold mismatched eyes flamed as he turned back to the Fae. "I served warning nearly a month ago, did you not take me seriously, Talagon?"

The Fae Lord sneered, "Hear me you player King, the next Harpy I see in the skies I intend to shoot down."

He turned to exit; as he did Della sniffed the air and boasted loudly. "I would not waste my time on that, it shoots blanks."

Jareth kept the urge to snicker to himself; Devon had a coughing spasm to cover the chuffing laugh that escaped his lips. Talagon turned raised a gloved hand threateningly and roared. "You've been warned boy!"

Jareth sealed every exit without batting an eyelash, trapping the Fae Lord and his party. All eyes in the room went from one to the other. The Goblin King sat calm and in control, watching as the other began to sweat behind his bravado. "I don't make threats, Lord Talagon," he stated. "I give warning, before carrying out sentence." He inclined his head, "I here by declare all trade betwixt this Kingdom and yours at an end." He sneered. "You may leave, but do so quickly… my generosity is limited." Talagon heard the exits open and felt the rush of power that sucked him out of the King's presence. Jareth stood up as if nothing had happened. "I believe that's the end of today's audience."

Tanya watched in lustful admiration as he strode out of the Great Hall. "One day, I will be at your side," she promised herself.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Daniels struck like a thief in the night; he'd sent orderlies to the hall where Sarah's room was carrying containers filled with a gas to deepen the sleep of any who breathed it. The monitor was given a mask to wear, and the gas was pumped freely into the hall. After the tank had been emptied, they waited then entered the Williams girl's room or at least they tried to. A door now blocked the way.

Eyes watched the girl in the darkness, she smelled of Goblin scent. They hissed as the door shook and was pulled at. They snickered in glee at being able to impede and obstruct the plot against one of their own. In the darkness they were free to move about, and they looked at the girl who was now reacting to the foul gases in her room. One of the Goblins watching the girl moved to the window, forcing the locked frame to buckle and the window to pop open allowing cold winter air to clean out the stench of the gas. The girl shot up coughing violently and rushed to her commode over come with the wrenching caused by the gas. They stayed hidden watching and keeping others from reaching the girl.

Sarah heard the door rattling and grabbed the first thing she could, a field hockey stick she figured that must have been left behind by accident. "I'm armed and I'll not be taken advantage of," she announced before the door burst open. She swung at the first fool who entered after her warning. She heard the crack of bone and saw blood, but didn't think on it too much as then next fool tried to enter over the body of the fallen. She swung again, and again and again. "I said I am armed; do not enter this room without permission." Another and another orderly fell to her blows, until the last man standing moved back. He had seen ten men enter the room of the sixteen year old and be beaten to bloody pulps. He backed against the wall as groggy girls spilled into the hall. He held his hands up and backed away.

Sarah turned toward the monitor who was staying as far back as he could. "I suggest you call an ambulance," she said harshly. "And while you're at it call the cops, I'm reporting this infraction of my rights."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Smugly Daniels sat in his office awaiting the Williams girl to be brought to him. He had plans on how to get even with the twit. He would up her dosage by three, he mused. See her become a physical mess before he sent her mind reeling over the brink into oblivion. He expected to hear from his operatives in the field that the boy was in his hands as well. With the child he knew he could keep the girl in line. He found in the last few weeks he'd developed an intense dislike for the girl, and even her appealing attractiveness would not deter him from seeing her brought down and committed to an asylum.

The sounds of screaming sirens drew his attention away from his wicked thoughts of how he was going to enjoy the girl's downfall. Looking out the window he saw a dozen vehicles enter the long drive going toward the dormitory. There were ambulances and several local squad cars, cursing he moved away from the window. He moved out of his office as the secretary answered the phone.

"Doctor Daniels," she said urgently. "There's trouble in one of the girl's dorms."

He was already moving swiftly down the hall and heading toward the exit of his office building. He was cursing as he saw several of his best orderlies being carted into ambulances. Two of them looked deathly white, and he cursed under his breath. When he arrived in the hall that he knew the Williams girl was in he found the Head Mistress wringing her hands as the officers asked questions. He looked at the doorway covered in blood and saw the girl leaning on the frame with a cold look in her eyes. It reminded him of the eyes of a shark, lifeless.

"See here," Daniels bellowed, "What is going on here?"

The officer in change looked at him with a questioning glare. "Who are you?"

"I'm Doctor Dylan Daniels, I'm in charge of the clinic attached to this school…."He addressed the man looking down his nose. "I don't recall calling for police assistance."

The officer, unimpressed, pointed to Sarah's doorway. "Did you authorize the attack on that young woman?"

"Attack?" Daniels frowned, "I'm afraid you've been misinformed, there has been no attack…"

"Oh is it usual to have orderlies go into students rooms with gas masks and restrains?" The man asked sarcastically, flipping his note book. "Miss Williams was awakened by some foul order that made her ill and then the sounds of someone trying to break into her room…" He pointed to the door that was now off its hinge. "She gave warning to the intruder that she was armed and would defend herself."

Daniels glared at the girl, "I doubt that very much…."

"There's a witness," the investigating officer pointed to the monitor, "and a tape." He smiled. "You were saying Doc?"

Daniels and Browning exchanged guilty looks as the officer led them both down the hall. Lilith and Bryn both made their way into the hall. Seeing Sarah was safe they both took a long breath. Marge was standing beside Sarah like a protective pit bull.

The investigator returned to where the girl stood. "What did you use?" He asked with a sarcastic smirk.

"Field hockey stick," Sarah handed him the battered and broken remains. She looked at Marge. "Must have been one you missed when you moved out… I'll have my dad replace it."

Marge shook her head, "Sarah, that's not mine… I keep my equipment down at the lockers."

Sarah snickered, "Well I guess it was heaven sent." She looked at the officer. "My father is a lawyer, and I'm sure he's going to want to press charges stating with those two." She pointed to Daniels and Browning. "I would suggest you call the board of regents for the school so these two right away." She was respectful to the officer. She gave her father's name and number to the officer.

He looked at the room, "I'm afraid we are going to have to tape this off… do you have somewhere you can sleep for the rest of this night?"

Marge nodded, "Sarah can sleep in my room,"

"Or mine," a dozen other's called out.

"Little goblins," muttered Daniels under his breath toward Browning, as he watched the floor of girls offer sleeping space to the girl who refused any human touch. "And she's their bloody Queen."

Browning looked at him, slowly turning to look at the girl who was walking toward the room of the one the others called "Large" Marge. "How could she have escaped?"

Lilith watched Sarah go into Marge's room, and knew she would be safe from harm as long as Marge was watching over her. "One day," she said in a voice filled with more longing than she'd ever known; "I will be at your side."

Bryn looked at her; "Did you say something Lilith?" she asked distractedly.