Chapter 13. Setting the traps

Great excitement accompanied the arrival of the High King and his royal entourage. It had been centuries since his last visit, and the first time that he and his court were coming for a festival. Rosalind had seen to all the arrangements for their rooms and their comforts. She'd enjoyed the fact that she could plan this elaborate Fête, and not have to worry over paying for it. Although Philo was not very receptive to what he considered interference in his running of the house, she soon charmed him as well. Even to the point of having him agree to new uniforms in keeping with the new attitude of the King. Devon was impressed with the changes Rosalind had suggested.

Jareth looked at the severe garments his tailor had brought for him. The military styled dark wool Jerkin buttoned up the front to a high collar that was trimmed in shiny brass braid and buttons with owls in flight. His once wild hair, now tamed was handsomely combed and pulled back into a fashionable queue that even Devon envied. His leather gloves had been traded for soft Kidd of a soft dove gray that matched the shirt under his jacket. The breeches were the same dark midnight blue as his jacket and fit like a second skin. His boots were fitted to his legs giving a long slender look and support; they were dark and buffed not polished. Stepping back he looked at his reflection before turning to Rondo who held the Goblin circlet on a pillow. He placed the handsome metal work on his head with thought-provoking somberness.

Devon entered the King's chamber unannounced, "I see you're nearly ready," He commented as he strode forward casually. His own dress reflected that of the King, although he didn't have nearly as much braid on his jacket. He wore a short half cloak attached with a chain to his uniform. "Impressive," he commented standing behind the cousin who was more like a brother; he smirked in the same haughty manner as the King.

Jareth nodded, "Oberon will be impressed."

"As will the rest of his royal party…" Devon flicked imaginary dust off one of the King's showy epaulettes. "You'll have the women drowning in drool."

"Spare me," Jareth groaned.

Devon rested his hand on the shoulder he'd been playing with. "Cousin, you have me worried." The teasing was gone, only concern remained. "When was the last time you were… with a woman?"

"Does it matter?" Jareth adjusted his cuffs irritated with the invasion into something he'd worked to keep private.

"Yes," Devon sighed coarsely. "I think it may." He pulled at the shoulder knowing the rest of the king would turn as well. "When was the last time you had a woman?"

"We have gone wenching together, or have you forgotten?" Jareth side stepped.

"No, I have not forgotten…" Devon's blue eyes darkened. "As I recall, I was the only person who went upstairs with a wench… you stayed downstairs, and that's where I found you the next morning…. So… cousin, how long?"

"Devon, this is really none of your concern." Jareth's voice dropped an octave.

"It is if you're going celibate on me."

Jareth snickered at the thought, "I am not going celibate." He gently removed his cousin's grip on his shoulders. "What I am doing is concentrating on the Kingdom, for now."

Unconvinced, Devon sighed. "Promise me that is all it is, and I'll leave it lie for now."

"That's all it is." Jareth said charmingly before turning his cousin toward the door. "We have guests arriving… and a full day of events to attend to. Now let us be off… You know how Oberon hates to be kept waiting."

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Sarah found her concentration intervallic and sporadic at best on the morning of Samhain. By the time noon had arrived she was certain she would not be able to think on anything as mundane as classes. She had barely made it through the History class without jumping out of her skin, and it had been hopeless in Modern Poetry. She was certain Math would be a lost cause. She was not surprised to find both Bryn and Lilith awaiting her on the quad. "I have to get out of here." She said firmly.

Bryn had witnessed her antsy state. "It's only one more class," she tempered.

Lilith scoffed. "Math, who needs it… the car is packed, we thought to do it last night. Let's just blow this pop stand and head to the chamber…. It's our first Sabbath… we should prepare." She was sounding like an authority.

It was Bryn who knew the Greek was just making noise. "Preparing is a good thing." She looked at Sarah. "Are you really sure you want to go through with this?"

"I'm committed," Sarah stated with determination. "I started this path, and down it I must travel."

"Thick and thin," Lilith said gazing at the other with adoring eyes.

Bryn experienced the now familiar queasiness that accompanied one of Lilith's attacks of lustful adoration. "Thick and thin," she replied more concerned over Sarah than over Lilith. "Would you like me to drive, Sarah?"

Sarah handed her keys to the little Dodge Omni her father had given to Bryn, thinking the redhead looked better sitting in the driver's seat of the red hatchback. Bryn was the only other person she'd allow to drive the car, she refused to allow Lilith anywhere near the drivers seat.

Lilith sat corkscrew in the front seat talking to an unresponsive Sarah for the first ten minutes before Bryn hushed her. "She's thinking, leave her be." She ignored the insolent expression on Lilith's face that went to a pout for the rest of the journey to the compound.

Sarah was not surprised to find some of the bikers there even though it was only Tuesday. On weekends there could be upward of sixty bikes roaming the estate or racing up and down the winding roadway. A good number of the boys who rode with Snake and Bear were now taking up residence and there was a constant presence there. Waving to some of the regulars as they passed them on the winding drive, Sarah began to feel more at ease. She mused it must because the closer she got to the ley lines the better she felt, it was as if she were drawing strength and energy from the field while Lilith seemed even more hyper than usual. Sarah made a note to keep Lilith at a distance; her very nearness caused the dreamless girl pain at times.

Bryn waved a hand to the men who were coming across the lawn toward the car. Bear called out, "I didn't expect you until after four…We don't have the bale fire set up yet, and I thought I had more time."

"Sarah needed to get out of Dodge," Lilith quipped running to the open arms of the man she used as release for what she could not get from Sarah.

Snake moved closer, "Sarah, are you feeling better?"

"Much," she admitted as he went passed her to help Bryn unload the car. "Is everything but the Bale fire ready?"

"Yep," Snake answered loading up his arms with the items he felt were too heavy for the girls to lug. "Everything is set for stage one."

Bryn placed a hand on the man's arm, "Sarah, why don't you go lie down and Snake and I will set up what we've brought." She motioned toward Bear and Lilith who were already engaging in sexual foreplay. "I don't think Lil is going to be much help right now."

"Thank Bryn; I think a short rest will do me good." Sarah moved toward the house.

Snake waited to speak until he and Bryn were safe in the chamber. "How is she really?"

"Not good… she's always on edge when we're not here and Lil keeps after her like a bee attracted to a flower." Bryn grumbled as she began to place candles in the right positions. "Lil's in for a rude awakening, I fear."

"Bear will be there for her to fall back on," Snake handed the girl each of the items as she pointed to them. "She's like a cat; she'll land on all fours… and come up scratching…" He looked at the girl with her long hair coiled over her head. "It's you I'm more worried about."

"Don't be," she whispered. "I know my fate is tied to Sarah's, I've known since the moment she and I met."

"I would fall for a girl who could not be had," he gripped. "Ah well, just part of being part Greek…. tragedy is a way of life."

Pausing in her work, the Welsh fledgling witch looked at him with empathy. "Snake, I…"

"Oh for God and Goddess sake, Bryn… No pity…" He handed her the last item from what they'd carried in. "I could not endure it."

"No pity...just maybe a bit of wishing for what might have been." Changing her expression she stuck her tongue out at him. "Go fix a tire or something." She waited until he'd sauntered out of the chamber to allow her feelings of sadness and a touch of regret to fill the room.

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Oberon and his court stepped into the Goblin Realm via a portal the High King had opened. They appeared exactly where Jareth had planned for them to, and they were given a proper reception. Jareth stood at the center of the welcoming committee, flanked by his Harpy and his Goblin guards. Devon stood directly behind the King with the ministers and officials; he was the only one who saw the look of scandalized outrage on Della's chiseled features as the High King's party moved forward. He also heard the grunt she allowed to pass, and suppressed the urge to laugh as he saw his cousin stiffen.

Plain as day, in the midst of the ladies in waiting to the High Queen stood the young Miss Winderspire. She was dressed in High Court fashion, and was most likely the youngest of the ladies with the Queen. On her face was a wisp of a smile, and in her eyes a challenge. It said 'Ignore me now, if you can.'

Oberon accepted the warm greeted given by the Goblin King and blessed the Kingdom. Tatiana accepted the King's good wishes and blessed the Kingdom. Jareth had no choice by to welcome the High King's entourage, but did so as a unit, not as individuals. Offering his arm to the High Queen he escorted her personally into the Goblin castle. The look of approval and astonished surprise on her face more than made up for the intrusion of the Winderspire girl in his home.

Devon acted as the formal escort of the High King, and was well aware that little Daisy was gloating and being given several warnings from Della. He was also aware the Harpy was doing everything in her power not to make eye contact with him. "Sire, I notice a few new faces in your… entourage. I don't see Lady Morrissey, has she taken ill?"

Oberon, although he was fond of his nephew, could have lived without this questioning. He looked at the younger man, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Lady Morrissey is on an extended leave, her daughter just had a child and the good Lady wishes to be where she is most needed." His tone warned Devon not to take it any further.

Tatiana whispered to Jareth, "I'm sorry dear, but I could not refuse her a position merely because she's a thorn in your side. It would not have looked right."

"I understand," he assured her, Jareth knew that court protocol was very important to both Oberon and his Queen. He also understood that he had been given many a pass being one of the many children of the High King. "Just keep her out of my way while you're here." Once in the reception hall and having seen to it that the refreshments were being brought out, Jareth motioned for the pretty woman still giving orders to join him at his side. "I should like to present to you the lady without whose help this day would ever have been as fine an affair, Lady Rosalind."

Oberon moved forward, kissing the Fae woman's temple; "Rosalind dear, how lovely to see you again. We've missed you at court, have we not my Queen?"

Tatiana too offered the younger Fae woman her greeting. "Indeed."

"My duties are to the Goblin throne first… this is my home you know." Rosalind had seen the Winderspire girl and understood that Jareth needed a buffer zone. "I do hope you'll find everything to your liking. The King has spared no expense." She boasted proudly keeping her hand in that of the King's.

Tanya could feel her jaw stiffening and she worked at keeping the pleasant and vacant look on her face that most of the other women in the Queen's train wore. She wondered just why this woman had to interfere.

Devon heard the grumble from Della that was directed to Daisy. "What kind of woman is she? Has she no pride, no honor, no decency?"

"No," replied the smaller guard. "She has one thing on her mind…" she pointed toward the King's circlet. "She wants the mate to that."

As the girl in question walked or really rather floated past the pair, the Harpy shuddered; "Over my dead body."

Daisy snickered, "I hope it does not come to that."

Seeing an opportunity, and no Lady Rosalind to act as a fortification against a frontal assault, the young Fae woman boldly edged her way up to where Jareth was now standing alone. "Your receiving hall is very well appointed." She said pleasantly. "Is the rest of the palace as handsome?"

Jareth bit back the words he wanted to toss at the girl, and haughtily raised an elegant brow. "It is my home."

Brazenly she placed her hand on his sleeve. "I should very much like to see more."

Della gagged and had to turn.

Taking no notice of Della's display Jareth looked at the girl and smiled. "We will have to make arrangements…" when the girl looked ready to burst with joy he added. "I know a good Goblin guide… his name is Hoggle. I shall see if he's got the time." Quickly having burst her bubble he moved on to see to other guests. He was about to take a sip of wine when the summons alarm sounded and tiny Goblin bodies went flying through the hall. He motioned Devon to take over and wordlessly began to go. He had almost made it to the door when Tanya blocked his way. 'Not now,' he groaned mentally.

"Are you off somewhere?" she asked innocently.

"Miss Winderspire," He moved past her. "Not now."

Tanya's mouth opened to protest, however Devon had already come to her side. "He has a summons, Miss Winderspire."

"But the High King is here," she protested thinking she was standing up for the King's honor. "His place is here…"

"No," Devon said curtly. "His place is where he's needed, and right now he's needed elsewhere."

Oberon rolled his eyes while he turned to his wife. "After her year of service is fulfilled, dismiss her." He looked back at the young Fae woman who was pouting at having been dressed down by the Lord Baron. "One would think her father would have informed her of the Goblin King's duties…."

"She's just a spoiled foolish little girl," He wife reminded him with compassion. "You shouldn't let yourself get into a state over her inexperience."

"Her father is a Duke," Oberon countered angrily.

"Yes dear, I know." The High Queen smiled her long suffering smile.

"A Duke with ambitions," he pointed out as he put his free hand to his hip and took a sip from the goblet.

"I'm aware," she too sipped but slower, and more at ease. "Lovely mulled cider; I do so adore the touch of peach, don't you?"

Oberon took a seat beside his wife. "You're changing the subject…" He had to smile when her eyes twinkled as she shook her head in agreement. "Alright, I'll let it go… For now."

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Sarah awoke in the room she'd begun to feel more at home in than anywhere else. The afternoon was almost spent and the shadows were beginning to dance on her wall. She turned in the bed and looked at the painting that was her most prized possession. From the moment the old man had given it to her, she'd been looking at it to see if she could see more in it than just a dragon chasing a crane. Every time she looked, it remained the same, until this moment. Sarah felt as if a fog was lifting. She sat up and stared at the painting. Something about it was different today. Something that had been there all along and yet she'd overlooked it as it was most subtle.

"Bryn!" She called out. "Bryn!!" Sarah jumped out of her bed and rushed to the wall where the painting was hung. "Bryn, I need you!"

Bryn entered in a dressing robe, "I'm here."

Sarah pointed to the painting. "What do you see?"

Bryn shrugged; "A dragon and a crane…same as always. Why?"

Trembling Sarah placed her hand on the Crane, her voice shaking with excitement. "It's been here all along and I never saw it… Bryn… The crane… it's not running or flying away.. it's calm and tranquil and in control…. The Crane…. Is luring the Dragon…"

Bryn's shape intake of breath was followed by a soft; "I'll be damned." Moving closer and standing at Sarah's side the girl with long red curls took a deep breath. "You're right…"

"Oh that lovely old man," Sarah whispered. "How could he have known… how could he have seen that this was what I needed to keep me grounded?"

"I don't have answers for that," Bryn said softly. "That's a culture older than ours."

"Ours?" Sarah turned to look at her, stunned by the other's words.

Bryn nodded. "You and I, we're from the Celtic cores…I'm Welsh and you're Scots-Irish, we basically come from the same tribal roots. It's part of why we're so open to the mystical and magical… and the unseen."

"And Lilith?"

Bryn became somber and reflective. "She's the one who should have taken the craft name of Pandora…Like the lady of legend, she does not always consider what her actions with reap." Bryn let her exasperation and frustration go. "She's Greek, and they are a tribe unto themselves. Scratch the surface off of one of those polished edges and you get primal. She's into the Goddess worship, but I don't think it's in the honor of the Goddess… I think it's because she's looking for a reward."

"I hope Bear knows what he's getting himself into... Ah but then, he's Greek too, isn't he?" Sarah looked at the painting again. "Well, that's their problem… not mine… mine is luring the dragon."

Bryn bit her tongue and pulled away from the conversation. Sarah either really didn't see what it was Lilith wanted or she was blocking it. Either way, Bryn knew that Sarah didn't need a long drawn out discussion on the subject of Lilith right now. She needed someone to act as her sounding board, and deep in her heart Bryn was overjoyed that Sarah had turned to her and not Lilith. "Luring the Dragon? You play a dangerous game Sarah."

"Dangerous games are the only ones worth playing," Sarah droned softly, her voice sounding strangely accented. "Tonight we connect the ley line power to our pentagram… and begin the preparations that will bring the Dragon to this Crane."

Bryn looked at the dragon in the painting. "I hope you know what you're doing… that dragon has teeth…"

"I'm reading everything I can on the subject of the Fae and its hierarchy. By the time we have everything consecrated and established, I will be ready… I promise you." Sarah growled, and then softened. "You'd better go finish getting ready, it'll be sundown before you know it… and I want everything to go off without a hitch."

"I'll be ready." Bryn said moving to the door. "Lilith is another matter all together."

Sarah had not taken her eyes off the painting. "I'm not worried about Lilith… she'll be there…because she thinks she's getting power…and I'm not about to tell her different."

Bryn paused, looked over her shoulder and whispered. "You're using Lilith?"

"Not exactly…" Sarah sighed. "Let's just say I'm accepting her… help…. Go on Bryn… get ready. I'll meet you in the chamber in half an hour," turning from the painting Sarah walked toward her bath room. "Hurry Bryn…."

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The girls gathered in the chamber, dressed in long flowing robes. Bryn Lilith and Sarah were all in gray robes of soft linen belted with Celtic knotted hemp cord belts that Bryn had fashioned for them. Lilith had supplied the robes, no one asked where she'd gotten them, both Sarah and Bryn knew Lilith had no idea of how to use needle and thread. They had taken off their shoes in the anteroom outside the chamber. No one but the three girls would enter the chamber this night. Each held a candle in her hand that was unlit. They smudged each other with Sage, and anointed each other with water before going toward the room.

Lilith entered the room first, and turned to Bryn, "How do you enter the circle?"

"In perfect love and perfect trust;" Bryn turned to Sarah. "How do you enter the Circle?"

"In perfect love and perfect trust," she in turn asked of Lilith; "How do you come to the circle?"

Lilith looked at Sarah with the moon and stars in her eyes, "I come in perfect love, and perfect trust." They turned toward the pentagram that had been drawn on the floor via Sarah's directions to Snake. Also on the floor was a box shape in red chalk, and the iron cage that Snake had created. In the five points of the pentagram were pillar candles already lit and burning. Inside the heart of the five pointed star that was surrounded by a circle touching each of the points in turn, was a diagramed of the four corners. Within the heart of the box was an all seeing eye.

"We call upon the ancient power," they chanted in unison; "Guardians of the four quarter towers. Be with us this night and give to us your power. As it is above so be it below. So mote it Be. We call upon the maid, the mother and the crone to guide us. Bless us and accept us." They bent to light the tapers each had carried into the circle. They placed the now lit tapers into holders on the ground at their power points. "We three call upon the Triple Goddess this holy Samhain Night, the maid, the mother and the crone to guide us. Let thy power flow… let the ley lines in this room be opened and this circle consecrated." The lines of the pentagram and its circle began to change, to glow and come to life. What had started out as an ash gray outline; now glowed like the embers of a fire.

"It's working!" Lilith said as she put her palms up and making a slash with the athame she'd carried on her belt. "My life's blood I sacrifice in the name of the Goddess." She handed the blade to Bryn who also slashed into her flesh.

"My life's blood I sacrifice in the name of the Goddess." Bryn gave the twice blooded blade to Sarah.

Sarah also made a cut in her hand, "My life's blood I sacrifice in the name of the Goddess." The three placed their blood dripping hands into the heart of the pentagram and allowed the blood to drop down. Sarah tossed the blade also into the heart of the symbol. Then she held her arms out to her side and palms facing out, quickly she was mirrored by the other two young witches. She nodded and they all chanted together. "Let the power of Mother Earth fill us her daughters, as we call upon the ancient power, Guardians of the four quarter towers. Be with us this night and give to us your power. As it is above so be it below. So mote it is. We close now our circle and thank you for your gifts of enlightenment." Lilith left the circle first, followed by Bryn. Sarah was supposed to be the last to leave the circle.

Before she could step back there was a surge of energy engulfing Sarah in the circle and pentagram, just as suddenly as it rose, it vanished leaving the symbol on the floor glowing and making a strange faint humming sound. Sarah collapsed on the ground, panting for air.

"We are accepted," Lilith announced.

Bryn knew better, only Sarah had truly been accepted. But again she held her tongue. As they exited the building Lilith went to run off to the open and waiting arms of Bear. Only then did Bryn speak to Sarah. "You were the only one marked by the surge of energy." She said swiftly, knowing Lilith would make a scene if they didn't join in the dancing about the bale fries. "I wasn't marked, nor was Lilith… no matter what she says or thinks."

The emerald green eyes were filled with what looked like kaleidoscope flecks of energy. "I know." Sarah nodded, as they moved slowly forward. "But it doesn't matter, not right now."

"Just be warned Sarah," Bryn cautioned. "Lilith is a loose cannon and I don't trust her completely."

"Go dance," Sarah urged quietly as she stood by watching the flames rise into the night sky. "It will be cold soon… and the hard work begins."

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Jareth had been very somber upon his return; Devon had kept the High King's court entertained so the Goblin King could be left in peace. Even later at dinner the King seemed reflective and not a part of the festivities. He watched as the court entertainers come out to make merry, but he hardly smiled. Devon leaned over to his cousin and asked quietly. "Were you planning on minstrels and dancing to close this evening's festivities?"

The Goblin King for a moment looked far away, then focused and nodded. "I should not like to disappoint our guests just because I'm in a foul mood." His voice was firm and convicted. He motioned some servant, and moments later a band of wondering minstrels made up of several Underground races came marching in. They bowed to the King and to the High King and Queen before moving to the Minstrels Gallery.

As the lute player began to strum, Jareth rose and moved to the High Queen. "Madam, would you grant me the honor of the first dance?" She accepted, rose to her feet and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.

"Uncle," Devon had come to the High King's side to speak to him quietly. "I hope you and your court are enjoying your stay thus far."

"Indeed," Oberon looked at his sister's son in earnest. "I'm very impressed with how much you two have accomplished in this last year."

"Not I," Devon refused the glory that would no doubt be showered. "Much as I would like to have a claim, I can not make it. No, it was all Jareth's doing. Every change, every correction, every thing…"

"Do you approve of his… corrections?" Oberon sipped the mulled cider as he spoke.

A heavy sigh escaped the younger Fae, "I confess I don't always understand the need to make these corrections… but then I don't have the Goblin King title nor the responsibly. Sometimes I've… balked at a change or a correction… however I soon see that Jareth knows what is best for the Goblin Realm."

Oberon turned to look at the young Goblin King dancing with the High Queen and looking more mature than he'd ever expected him to. "He's a good King would you say?"

"Better than good, Uncle… Jareth may be the greatest Goblin King of all…" Devon said full of admiration and pride. "But it comes at a cost." When the attention of the High King returned to the face of the younger man, he added. "A cost he's all too willing to pay."

Oberon nodded before turning again to watch the pair on the dance floor.

Other eyes watched as well, eyes that were filled with envy that the High Queen should be chosen to dance with the handsome young King. Tanya's heart filled with lusty desire as she watched the striking couple move across the floor to the old traditional tunes. She moved closer and closer to the edge of the floor, preparing to strike when the song ended.

"Ten says she asks him to dance," Daisy taunted.

"Get real," Della snapped knowing she was being taunted into making a serious mistake.

Devon had come to where they were stationed behind the Goblin King's chair at the High Table. He listened, knowing that Della was angry about having lost so much of the bet already to both Daisy and Devon. "She'll not only ask him, but she' make sure he has no choice but to accept her as a dance partner." He interjected.

"She has to have more pride than that," snapped Della waspishly. "Ten says he walks away and ignores the bitch."

Devon placed a hand to the Harpy's hip. "That music is divine; wouldn't you like to take that lesson now?" he teased at her ear.

Della's jaw set, "Are you taking the bet or not?"

"Done," Devon handed Daisy a little coin, Della did the same and Daisy snickered and gloated.

The song ended and before the King could escort the High Queen to her seat, Tanya waved her hand at the minstrels. She'd cued them with what song to play next. She then moved to the Goblin King and handed him a sprig of late season Heather as the minstrels played a lively Roundel. Jareth had no choice but to accept the sprig, he was host and King and stuck. Devon looked over at Della who had blood in her eyes, he smiled. "Care to dance birdie?" he asked low and playfully.

Della looked at him, for a moment her eyes blazed like wild fires. Quite suddenly she shifted and her eyes became just pools of darkness. "Do you own a coil?" She growled in a lusty tone.

Devon gave her a cocky smile, "I do indeed."

"Wear it," she purred darkly. "I'm off duty at midnight."

Devon watched her move passed him and watched with anticipation the sway of her shapely Harpy hip. He knew that he would enjoy the diversion.

Daisy nudged him with her elbow. "I wouldn't keep that date if I were you, Lord Baron." She warned wisely.

Devon patted her head as if she were a sweet child, and moved away to view the clock, there were only a few hours until midnight.

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Lilith was out of breath when she found Sarah and Bryn enjoying a cup of mulled spiked cider. "I've something for you both." She reached under the refreshment table the bikers had set up earlier that day. "Something to make tonight memorable for us all," she handed each of the girls a little box tied in a black and sliver ribbon.

Sarah opened hers and frowned, "Lilith, I don't like body piercings." She looked on the verge of handing the box back. "It's a self mutilation I'd rather not get into…"

"It's not a piercing ring! It's an adjustable clip ring…." She opened her robe to reveal that she was already wearing one. Two rings that were adjusted to the erect nipple and then spanned by a set of delicate gold chains; dangling from one of the chains was a little gold charm that was formed in the shape of a jack-o-lantern. "You're going to love it… it feels so good." Her voice gave away her arousal.

Sarah, uncertain looked at Bryn who shrugged. "Thanks Lilith, but I didn't get you anything, or Bryn either."

"Just knowing you and being with you is enough. The little jack-o-lantern is for Samhain, and I got a bunch of other little charms to attach after each Sabbath and I even found little full moon charms to celebrate the Esbats." Lilith said affectionately before Bear came to claim her for another dance in the night.

Turning to her fellow Celt, Sarah looked down at the gift. "Do we wear them or not?"

"I don't see any harm," Bryn said; "But I suggest we pack them in salt first and wash them in rain water to remove any… negative energies."

Nodding Sarah handed her gift to Bryn, "See to it, I'm tried and I'm going up to my room."

Taking the little box the red haired girl nodded. "Sleep well Sarah," she bit back the urge to say 'pleasant dreams'.

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The High King gave his wife the signal he'd had more than enough merriment for one night and their entire party retired for the evening. Jareth drew his first relaxed breath in hours. He opened the collar of his jacket and announced he was off to his own bed. The guards saw him to his chamber and were relived at the stroke of twelve.

Devon was on the terrace waiting when the Harpy swooped down. "I was beginning to wonder if I were being stood up." He told her.

Della's wings twitched slightly as she moved forward. "Oh come now, Lord Baron," she retorted boldly. "You won, fair and square…"

"Yes, I did." He offered her his hands, "Come Della, the lesson is about to begin."

'Oh there's a lesson to be learned here, but not by me, Fae Boy… Not by me,' she thought in a rage. Knowing she had to lull the man into a false sense of security, the Harpy placed one taloned hand into his gloved hand. He placed the other hand at her hip as he began to explain the fundamentals of dance. In spite of what her plans were or perhaps because of them she began to enjoy the lesson. As the Fae Baron felt more and more in control he moved closer and closer to her. Soon his cheek was along side hers and he closed his eyes as they danced. Della gently spread her wings and they rose into the night sky. Devon murmured something about dancing on air and she chuckled softly.

Devon opened his eyes and looked down, "Della," He murmured playfully. "Trying to teach me to dance in the sky?"

"Something like that," she purred as she rose higher and higher until the opening of the tower was in sight. "I have somewhere I'd like to take you, something to show you."

Devon smiled broadly, thinking he was about to get his first taste of foreplay with a Harpy. "I'd be happy to see anything you wished to show me."

'I'll bet,' she thought grimly but replied. "You're going to be very surprised." When they entered the window that had little better than a ledge for a balcony, Devon looked at the room that was within the tower. "Della, what is this place?"

"A secret place," she assured him. "A place where no one will disturb us…" She ran a single talon down his back side; upon reaching his bottom she gently gave the rounded rump a squeeze. She was careful not to damage him or his garments. "So let's see that coil," she demanded lustily.

Devon, though he was usually bold, found himself feeling a bit like a fish out of water and timid. "Would you not rather… get to know each other…first?" Little alarms were suddenly going off in his head.

"What's to know," Della began to unhitch her harness and was quickly freed of the contraption, standing naked before the Baron. "Don't waste my time, Baron."

Devon gazed upon the female with lustful pleasure, "I assure you, my dear birdie, I will not be wasting either your time or mine." He removed his garments until he too stood bathed in the light of the stars in exquisite nakedness.

Huskily Della chuckled in the back of her throat; she placed her hands on either side of Devon's head, letting her talons move though his thick blond hair. Slowly she took possession of his lips with what seemed to be a hungry kiss. It was easy to move him toward the bed, and then onto it while her hands explored him right down to the coil. Devon moaned into her mouth as her talon moved over the coil exciting him. She knew he was not aware of her movement with her hand, not truly aware of what she was doing. He was too busy getting excited and aroused. With ease she clipped the lodestone onto the coil. Then her hands came back up the sides of the handsome fit body that was beneath her. She stretched his arms above his head, and swiftly anchored him to with the restraints.

Devon dazed and lulled into a aroused state snickered lustily. "Kinky."

Having secured him to the bed she grabbed the gag that she'd spotted on the stand beside the bed and shoved it into his mouth. "You'll never know just how Kinky." She growled coarsely. She moved to his legs and began to secure them just as the Fae became aware that he could not free himself or use his powers. "Don't bother trying to use magic," She moved her hand over his coil. "I've tagged you with a lodestone, my Lord Baron." She moved to the window, bending down to retrieve her harness on the way. "Thanks for the dance lesson." She spread her wings and took to the skies, leaving the helpless Fae strapped to the bed. "That should teach him a lesson he's not likely to forget."She said aloud as she winged her way to her rookery and a good night's sleep.

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Late into the second day of the festivities Oberon commented to Jareth that he'd not seen Devon all day, did he know where his errant nephew could be? Jareth began to realize that he had not seen Devon since the night before, just before he'd retired for the night. He asked the Steward if he'd seen the Lord Baron, and was told his bed had not been slept in. Seeing not one of the Queen's ladies was missing Jareth began to wonder where Devon had slipped of to and with whom.

Daisy found the King pacing the circular chamber the next morning with a worried grimace on his arresting face. "Something amiss?" she asked.

"I can not locate Baron Devon," He murmured. "He's gone missing… I cannot even locate him with scrying or with my mind…" He worried aloud.

"How long has he been missing?" Daisy had gone off duty and been off for over twenty-four hours.

"Since the Samhain evening festivities, why;" The King looked at her with interest. "Do you know something?"

"I may," she huffed. "I warned him not to mess with her, I told him not to tease her…" She fumed.

"Whom," Jareth sat down on his throne. "Whom did you warn him off?

Squaring her shoulders Daisy faced her King. "Della… you know she and I have a friendly wagering thing going, yes?" He nodded and the little Goblin woman continued. "Well, your cousin sort of …horned in on one of our…wagers."

Not knowing if he should laugh or cry, Jareth groaned. "Where do you think she may have taken him?" He sensed the little Goblin was disinclined and reluctant to snitch. "Come, come…Daisy…where would Della take him."

"She spends a lot of time flittering about your ivory tower… said something about it being a nice hideaway…" Daisy offered grudgingly.

Jareth stood up, "Daisy, come with me, I've a feeling that I may have need of a guard with the utmost of discretion. He placed a hand on the Goblin and transported them both to the tower. He saw the struggling naked Fae, who upon seeing the king let out a groan and then a frustrated growl. "Oh dear," Jareth mocked. "What have you gotten yourself into this time, cousin," He approached the bed, saw the stone attached to the coil and snickered. "Tagged eh?" Devon pulled at the restraints making faces of anger with his eyes and shaking his head. Jareth turned to Daisy who was failing to keep a straight face. "Daisy; be a good girl, and remove that lodestone and pocket it if you please." He began to unfasten the restraints that held his cousin's hands. "Then get the Lord Baron's feet if you will."

Daisy looked at the Baron, bowed and said courteously; "With your permission, my lord." She easily removed the stone that had caused the Baron to be incapacitated. She placed the little stone into the leather pouch on her belt, and moved swiftly to unfasten the Baron's feet.

"I'll have Harpy fricassee!" Growled Devon.

"No you won't," warned Jareth. "If you try, I'll tell everyone how she duped you into coming up here and how she… left you."

Devon looked at Daisy, "I don't want to hear a word of this beyond this room!" He vanished angrily.

Daisy looked at the King. "I did warn him."

Jareth smiled. "I'm sure you did, perhaps he's learned not to mess with Harpies." He placed a hand to the shoulder of his guard. "Well I'd best find Della and chastise her."

"Ha!" Daisy scoffed. "Lots of luck.

The Harpy was perched upon the stone balustrade that made up the balcony off the King's private rooms. She wore a look of triumphant victory that refused to be chastised. Jareth, raising one elegant brow shook his head as he stepped into the bright autumn day. "Della, why? Why did you have to go and do that? The Baron has duties, and you've interfered in his carrying them out. Are you trying to sabotage this court event? Do you not realize that the High King would notice the absence of his own nephew?"

The Harpy met the King's disdainful and haughty gaze with one of bold rebelliousness. "Some men need to be put in their places, Sire. The Lord Baron sees himself as one who should be on a pedestal… Does that tower not make a fine pedestal?" Her tone was saucy and just shy of disrespectful. She lightly hopped down and sauntered closer to the King whose life she vowed to protect. "I did not harm the pretty little Baron… the lodestone I tagged him with was only powerful enough to render him more… reasonable."

"Della, you left him naked incapacitated and restrained in a tower reserved for the King's sex slave." Jareth corrected unable to keep from smiling at her antics. "And this is what you refer to as putting him in his place?"

Her head nodded enthusiastically as she moved closer to her King, she let her lips come close to his ear and whispered in a cooing voice. "And where is your place, my King?" Her eyes danced with mischief and lusty arousal.

"Where ever I place myself." His voice came huskily from the back of his throat as he move to swat the Harpy's firm fanny. She laughingly screeched, rising into the sky before his hand could connect with her bottom. As she rose into the sky with her wings fully extended a few flight feathers dislodged and fluttered to the balcony landing at the King's feet. He bent to pick one up and examine it, he mused aloud. "So that's how the old Goblin King obtained all those feathers for that cape…." He tucked both feathers into his jacket and hurried to see his guests off. He was pleased that with the exception of Devon's run in with Della, the entire event had gone off well. The High King was impressed and pleased with all that had transpired. And the Kingdom was being seen in a more serious light by the High Court. Jareth knew he still had a way to go to bring the Kingdom back to its glory…but at least he was on his way. With this visit having gone so well, he began to plan for more in the days to come.

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When Bryn returned the body jewelry to her, Sarah asked quietly how she'd not gotten them both confused with each other. "She tagged them with our names." Bryn showed Sarah the little charm that had her name engraved upon it.

At first Sarah had not wanted to even try the thing on. Then one night after a long grueling day, she reassessed and in the privacy of the bathroom worked with the adjustable clamps until she had it on and fitted to a strangely pleasant pinch. The little chains dangling on her beasts and below tickled and felt oddly enjoyable amusing and giving the girl a satisfying tingle; Sarah began to wear the sensual jewelry under her garments, even giving up a bar to do so. Lilith saw it as a sign that Sarah was slowly accepting her…. Bryn knew better.

More and more Sarah was distancing herself from her family. She had refused a trip to New York to spend the Holidays with her mother. She had refused to go back home for the spring break, telling her father curtly that she'd things to do here at the university. Bryn noticed that on the days they were not at the compound Sarah seemed tense and restless, relying on pills and herbs and even alcohol to get some king of rest. Her dancing became more and more alluring, but if some poor customer made the mistake of reaching for Sarah he was swiftly rebuffed. On one occasion she coldly dispatched the assailant with a broken nose having shoved the palm of her hand into his bulbous nose breaking it in three places. Bryn worried about her, and about the misinformation that Lilith was eager to supply her. She often found books with dark magic scattered in the room and Sarah pacing like a caged animal.

Lilith, had given each of them a charm for the nipple chain with each Sabbath, on December the twenty first, for Yule she had three little charms of pinecones and mistletoe for each of them on the alter they now were amassing. On the second of February, for Candlemas there were little candles in shiny gold. For Ostera on March 21st came bunnies, May 1st there was little cauldrons for Beltane, on June 21st came acorns in oak leaves, then on Lugassada she gave them each a shaft of wheat and clusters of grapes on Mabon September 21st. Finally when Samhain arrived the following year she topped it off with little brooms and an assortment of stars to be affixed along with the thirteen moons that now graced the dangling chains.

Lilith had not seemed to take much notice of the building anger or irritation that seemed to plague Sarah in the days leading up to Samhain. She only thought the nineteen year old was excited about the planned act of vengeance. She took little head of the warnings that Bryn was now voicing on a regular basis about Sarah. Lilith had not headed the warnings of the girl on the subject of magic either. Her hopes and plans were for Sarah to be freed, and to share with her the joys of being female.

Bryn could feel the storm coming; she'd noticed a change in the energies that the ley lines were pulsating. She had tried to warn Sarah, but the girl had snapped at her that if she wanted her opinion she'd give it to her. Bryn experienced the feeling of being a witness at a train wreck… you don't want to look but you're compelled to. Only when they were at the compound did Sarah get any kind of peace. Only when they were near the ley lines did she seem to rest. She was not surprised when the week before the holy feast Sarah took a leave from her classes and moved out to the compound. She'd said it was to prepare, but Bryn had a feeling it was more. Sarah was keeping to herself more and more, she'd even stopped dancing. Snake had loaned her a motorcycle over the summer and Sarah had began to ride alone around the compound. But these days she refused even that release. Her mood was darker than ever, her language was foul and course when she spoke, expect when she was at the compound. She had begun to use more and more pills while she was at the dorm, but here she didn't seem to need to depend on the drugs that were prescribed to treat her milady.

It was no surprise when Bryn found her alone in the chamber making the last minute adjustments to the items she'd hand Snake attach to the cage. "Snake sent this over," Bryn said quietly holding a small parcel to Sarah. "He said you'd know what to do with it."

Sarah opened up the box, and gingerly lifted the stiff collar of flexible leather that was imbedded with iron studs and panels. "Nasty little thing, isn't it?" she showed it to Bryn.

"Sarah, that's iron…" Bryn gasped distressed and disturb at seeing the vicious collar in the hands of the other girl. "You know Iron kills his kind!"

"It's not enough to kill, just to torment, and scar," Sarah assured her placing it on the altar. "With this we are now ready…"

"Ready?" Bryn asked.

"For the dragon to be lured to the crane," she looked at the girl with long red curls flowing freely. "Go get ready…and tell Lilith to stop shagging Bear… we've work to do."

"I'm not shagging Bear at the moment," Lilith quipped entering the chamber. "I've brought these." She handed a leather mask to each of the other girls. "They just arrived from your mother's friend… not even a question as to how we intend to use them." Lilith held up the leather tiger mask to her face and laughed maliciously.

Bryn looked at her mask, the face of a wolf, delicately formed in fine soft leather. "They'd be beautiful if not for their purpose," her voice filled with regret.

While Sarah looked at her own demon's face, Lilith moved toward Bryn with anger, her voice sharp as she spoke to the other. "You stop it, I know what you're doing… you're trying to talk her out of this… well just stop it… She needs to free herself.."

"It won't matter, Lilith," the Welsh girl stated, unimpressed with the Greeks threatening posture. "Even should we succeed, Sarah Williams will never look at you as anything but a friend."

Lilith's face darkened. "I don't think we're going to be needing you anymore after this is played out Bryn…. Have you thought of where you'll go from here?"

Bryn gave her a piteous expression. "Sarah is the High Priestess here Lil, and only Sarah can dismiss me…"

"I'll see to it that she does!" growled the Greek girl.

"You do that," Bryn sighed. "But for now, Sarah wants us to prepare… I suggest you and I do as she wishes." Having had her say, she strolled off as unruffled as could be.

Lilith seethed watching Bryn leave so calmly. She looked over to where Sarah was inspecting her mask, and knew that she didn't wish to be disturbed or she'd have stayed close. Lilith was fearful, could Bryn be right? Did Sarah see her as but a good friend when it was so much more she wanted to show? Lilith vowed that when the vengeance had played out she'd wrap Sarah in her arms and introduce her to the pleasures that could be had. All they had to do was destroy the devil who'd robbed Sarah of her dreams… she was sure the dreams would return and Sarah would be free… free to be hers…. Lilith looked again toward where Bryn had stood, and no one, not even Bryn was going to stand in her way.