XXIV
Sarah, Kipp and Captain Maurier managed to find the small frozen river that cut through the Ice Maze. "This river connects all the realms, if we keep following it we should reach the center." The Captain announced as they trudged wearily on. "Miss Sarah, do you think we'll make it in time?" Kipp asked softly, tightening his grip on her hand. "I hope so," she gave his hand an encouraging squeeze and turned to the Captain. "Sir, have you ever traveled to the center of the Labyrinth?" She asked politely. "Only once, when I was training to become a guard. But that was very long ago." He shrugged and pushed onwards.
"Miss Sarah, look!" Kipp shouted excitedly, releasing her hand and running head. "What is it?" She hurried behind him. "The snow's meltin'!" the boy cried out. "We must be on the edge of the Ice Maze," the Captain added gleefully. "So soon?" Sarah looked to the Captain in disbelief. "I guess so," he smiled as they caught up to Kipp. "Whatever happens, I need the both of you to stay close. Especially you Kipp." She took the boy's hand and the trio began tentatively forward.
The snow was rapidly melting and turning into a grey slush. As the icy maze gave way, Sarah began to notice the stone walls that surrounded them were significantly older and more worn than the any she had ever seen in the Labyrinth. The walls were twice as tall as others in the great maze, dwarfing even the giant Captain. The sky was even darker here. The shadows dancing eerily across the walls and pathways. Everything cloaked in a suffocating silence.
"Miss Sarah, I don't like this place," Kipp whispered, pushing against her side. "Don't worry Kipp. Soon we'll have defeated the Labyrinth and we can leave this place." She tried to comfort him but as they continued on the twisting path she was becoming less sure of the outcome. "Don't allow yourself to feel any doubt," the Captain whispered from behind. "It can feel your fear and will shift the path accordingly." He placed a firm hand on her shoulder for comfort. "Right. No fear, I can do that," she whispered to herself. Sarah tried to picture home, her old room filled with books and familiar playthings. She imagined Toby chasing Merlin through the large park in the middle of town. "Whatever you're doing Sarah, keep on! The light is growing, we're almost to the center!" the Captain's grip tightened on her shoulder. She concentrated harder and the images flowed freely to mind. Her wedding day and all of its otherworldly splendor, Jareth's proposal upon her return to the Underground. Her first journey through the Labyrinth and the three valiant companions that helped her win Toby back.
When she opened her eyes the sight was magnificent. The ancient stones gave way to a massive gilded throne. It shone brighter than the light of a thousand candles and the weary travelers were nearly struck blind. As they continued their approach, Sarah realized that upon the gilded throne sat the Goblin King. "We meet again," he chuckled sardonically as he sauntered from the throne to stand before her. The Captain and Kipp already knelt in reverence for their sovereign but Sarah refused. "I've done it. Now release the children back to their guardians." She watched him warily. "So you have. And it has already been done." He chuckled softly before continuing. "Next time I should stipulate you must defeat the Labyrinth unaided." His lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Are we done here, Jareth?" Sarah snapped. "But of course," he made a grand gesture with his hands and when Sarah turned around she realized her companions were gone. "Where are there?" She demanded taking a threatening step forward. "Home, where they belong." He quipped before grabbing hold of her wrist.