XVII
Sarah reached the familiar worm who greeted her cheerfully as if she were an old familiar friend instead of a mere passing acquaintance. This time she took the left path, assuming the paths were unchanged, and figured before the light was gone she would be back in the castle and the children would be safely returned to their mother. As quickly as she rounded the corner she missed the worm's warning, "She shouldn't 'ave gone that way!" He tsked, crawling back into his hold to enjoy a cup of tea with his wife.
Sarah continued forward but soon realized things did not remain the same within the Labyrinth. "Damn!" She muttered as she found herself surrounded by decaying, moss covered stone walls. She tried to climb up one of them but as she reached out to it the wall turned smooth. She sighed in frustration, kicking a stray stone and sent it soaring.
"Och! Watch it lady!" came a shrill voice from the corner. "Who's there!" Sarah shouted as the stranger appeared from behind of the walls. "Kipp's my name. You must be Sarah," the scrape of a boy with shaggy brown locks dropped into a sloppy bow. "Do you live here?" Sarah approached the lad slowly. "With me mum. She said you were comin' and tha' I should come an' meet you." He smiled brightly and motioned for her to follow.
The pair wove through the Stone Maze with Kipp at the helm. Sarah followed diligently but remained suspicious of the young boy. "How did you come to be here?" Sarah asked as they continued onward. "Same as all the others. The Goblin King brings us 'ere." He responded cheerfully. "You were wished away?" Sarah pressed, hurrying to keep pace with Kipp. "That's what my mum says. But I don' mind. I like it 'ere," he stopped as the stone walls disappeared and a village materialized before them. "Come on! My mum's been wantin' to meet you!" He grabbed her hand and drug her forward toward a small dwelling on the outer ring of the village.
"Kipp!" the small woman called from the open door. She was modestly dressed with a faded apron tied round her waist. "She's come mum! I found her on the path!" Kipp exclaimed excitedly. "Your majesty," the woman dipped into a low curtsy as Sarah approached. "Your son tells me I have been expected." Sarah smiled politely as she was shown into the dwelling. "Ever since we heard the Queen was to run the Labyrinth we knew you would pass through our domain," the woman pulled out a chair for Sarah and motioned for her to sit.
"How did you come to be here?" Sarah asked as the woman took the chair opposite hers. "We're wished aways, ma'am. Your husband brought us here because we were not wanted." The woman laced her hands together nervously. "And your son?" Sarah gestured to the boy who sat diligently by the stove feeding logs to the dying fire. "The King gave Kipp to me after he was wished away here." The woman gazed on her son and smiled.
"You must know why I am here then," Sarah looked to the woman who nodded slowly. "Will you help me get to the center of the Labyrinth?" Sarah leaned forward as the woman continued to wring her hands nervously. "I cannot, milady, for I do not know the way. But Kipp does, he can travel with you to the center of the Labyrinth." The woman motioned for Kipp to join them at the table. "I can help, ma'am, if you'll 'ave me." Kipp beamed at Sarah, puffing out his chest proudly. "It looks as if I have little choice in the matter," Sarah smiled at him, "I would be honored if you would accompany me." Sarah stood and the pair immediately rose.
After giving his mother a quick hug, Kipp bounded out the door. "I'll make sure your son is safe, ma'am." Sarah clasped the woman's hands tightly. "Good luck your majesty. I wish you every success on your quest." The woman gave a comforting smile before ushering Sarah out the door after Kipp. "Come on, Sarah!" Kipp called from the far edge of the village. Sarah smiled and hurried her pace. Your children will be returned, she vowed silently as she and Kipp set off through the Stone Maze.