Chapter Ten

Sarah frowned as she oversaw her paintings and artwork arranged in the gallery for her debut showing. "No, that one goes over there. Be careful with that!"

While Sarah went to yell at the unfortunate man, Toby turned away in boredom. He took out the glass orb he'd taken to carrying everywhere. He didn't know know why he felt the urge to safeguard it. He just instinctively knew it was important.

He walked among the pieces already on display and wondered why his sister kept denying the truth to herself. It was obvious from her work that she believed there did in fact exist another plain. One where fae, elves, dwarves, goblins, and the like actually lived and breathed. Besides, Sarah was the one who told him a tiny kernel of truth was usually hidden among most fiction.

As he stopped and gazed at a portrait of a mixed human/dragon child surrounded by flames, he wondered why Sarah wasn't at some top art college. She was more than good enough. Dafydd's boss even said with Dafydd covering the exhibition, Sarah was sure to get offers and commissions. Sarah even designed a couple book covers for a publishing company.

"Hey, Cammie?"

The red head accompanied them wanting to see her friend's work on display. She wouldn't be able to come to the opening since she'd be at home with Emma. So while Cammie was here, Dafydd was home with Emma. Personally, Toby thought Cammie just wanted her soon to be hubby to know what it felt like being stuck with the baby most of the time.

"What's up, Toby?"

"How come Sarah didn't go to an art school?"

"I don't know. I think she got a scholarship back when we were in high school." Cammie's brow furrowed. "I know she went for like a year, but then.... You know what happened. First the fire, your mom getting sick and dying, then Crispin's accident. It was a lot for her to deal with."

Cammie smiled sadly, mussed his hair, then moved to look at the rest of the artwork. Toby let out a sound of frustration. That had been Dafydd's answer too. Toby wanted to know why his sister wasn't there, now. Toby wanted to ask Sarah, but something always held him back from mentioning it.

Sighing, Toby went back to where his sister was adjusting a painting of goblin children playing in a glade. The houses were hard to spot, but Toby knew what to look for since he'd seen several drawings of Sarah's. They were cleverly hidden and used the landscape.

"Those look different then the goblins you draw in the city," he commented.

"Hmm," was her response to him.

"How come?"

"I dunno," her voice was distracted. "It's just how I see them."

"Can I come to the showing?"

"Not this time, Tobes."

Toby pouted. "Why not?"

"Because it'll be late, it's a school night, and you have to get up early in the morning."

Biting his lip, Toby followed her to the next piece she adjusted.

"Sarah?"

"Hmm?"

"How do you come up with all this stuff?"

Sarah sighed knowing where this conversation was headed. Facing her younger brother she pleaded, "Please, not now, Toby."

They'd been over this many times. Toby insisted that what Sarah drew and painted was real and not a work of fiction. He wanted to know why she disbelieved so strongly against the possibility it was all real. He pointed out how she had told many cultures believed in the same type of creature, just with different names. He wanted her to explain that to him.

"Maybe it's like what they said in school. You know, about how animals have in-inherited memories or something that gets passed down."

"Toby," Sarah sighed. Maybe her precious brother wasn't as grounded as she had thought.

Toby knew that tone and expression. Frowning, he fingered the glass orb. A strange urge to childishly wish that Sarah could meet the subjects of her paintings grabbed hold of him. Biting his lip, Toby wondered if he should give in. Thinking no harm could come of this, he clutched the slightly warm crystal and made his wish.

Between one blink and the next Sarah found herself completely alone and somewhere unexpected. No longer was she in the gallery, but in a place from one of her paintings. Actually, it was the one she and Toby had been quarreling before. Looking around once again, she saw what she hadn't at her first disoriented glance. Cleverly hidden were small goblin houses using the land to disguise them.

Sarah suddenly had the feeling she wasn't as alone as she'd first thought. Someone or something was watching her. Many someones or somethings. Resisting the urge to shiver, she cautiously and slowly looked about and saw bushes and tree leaves tremble the slightest bit. Understanding who was now watching her, she carefully showed she was empty handed.

"You can come out, I mean you no harm."

A couple of goblins, perhaps braver or younger and less cautious, stepped into full view but kept out of reach. Curiosity warred with caution and fascination on their faces. They also seemed to be slightly above a foot tall. They stared at Sarah taking in her clothes and appearance.

"You're new here," one of the goblin boy's stated.

"I am. I don't know how I got here." It was all very surreal to her.

At that, the children's eyes widened and a few adults stepped out of hiding. One of the adults circled Sarah than stated, "You were wished here or you wished yourself here."

"That can't be right," a different adult spoke up with a creased brow. "She woulda been at the king's castle or at the Labyrinth's borders."

"Labyrinth," Sarah repeated, an odd feeling stirring at the word. The goblins misinterpreting her look nodded.

"Aye. You're in the Goblin Kingdom in the Underground."

Sarah felt a swell of emotions and feelings that she didn't understand where they came from or why. Images too fast for her to see clearly and grasp flew through her mind. Putting a hand to her head as she felt weak and ready to collapse. The goblins quickly scurried backwards at her sudden movement, becoming wary. Realizing she was read to faint, they looked at her with concern.

Sarah felt the goblins tugging her legs and she let herself be led by the small creatures. They led her to the base of a tree that was goblin free and in the shade. She sat and smiled wanly at the goblins.

"Thank you."

A female goblin patted her hand. "Fleeter's gone to fetch the king. You just rest here. He'll sort you out."

Sarah gratefully closed her eyes. She was extremely exhausted. She hadn't had a proper sleep in what seemed all week. The thought of the exhibit had consumed her thoughts. That and also providing for Toby. She was sure that with Dafydd getting that job with the magazine, he and Cammie being engaged, and with their daughter Emma, that it was only a matter of time before they moved out and into a place of their own. The thought of her friends leaving her depressed Sarah more than it should. She knew why she felt like that, but refused to think and dwell on it.

Trying to gather her thoughts, Sarah wondered why she felt as she when the small goblins mentioned the Labyrinth. She knew labyrinth was with a capital L. Why did she all of a sudden feel apprehension, anxious, guilt, happiness, and resignation all at the mere mention of the word? The feelings were even stronger with the mention of the Goblin Kingdom. There was a wistfulness and sense she'd been here before, but she knew she hadn't. Maybe it was due to her always painting and drawing depictions of what her imagination conjured. Especially what her mind came up with when Crispin used to tell hose outlandish tales of his.

Sarah abruptly clamped down on those thoughts. If she continued along that path of thought and memories, she'd come to the conclusion that he'd been telling the truth. It would also lead to painful memories that she'd rather not think about or relive. Nor did she feel like having an emotional breakdown, especially in an unknown place surrounded by goblins. She nearly laughed at that thought; emotional breakdown. She'd felt so hollow for so long, feeling as if she was going through the motions or her day to day life. There was a huge hole in her and she hadn't the faintest idea how to mend it.

All she knew was that it hadn't been there before Crispin's accident. There was a huge gap in her memory that she knew was important. Her therapist had just said to give it time. Sarah wondered how much time she needed to give it.

Sighing, she closed her eyes and let sleep claim her and put a halt to her thoughts.

0o0o0o0o0o

Jareth frowned when he felt the Labyrinth's mood shift. The Labyrinth was practically buzzing with happiness and barely contained excitement. When he tried to probe the Labyrinth's thoughts all he got was excited gibberish like one would get from a babbling child that had too much sugar. He couldn't get a coherent precise answer. This caused Jareth to become curious and only a tad concerned. The Labyrinth had never behaved this way in his memory.

"What is it?" Mícheál wanted to know. He had come to inform Jareth that the Dryads and Eon could not come to an agreement on how to exactly punish Vanessa.

"Something has excited the Labyrinth."

"Excited?"

"Hmm."

Mícheál knowing his friend the way he did, could see the concern and worry behind the curiosity. Most people would have only seen the curiosity. Jareth had carefully and artfully constructed an indifferent mask that he wore most of the time.

"I do not know if this bodes good or ill." Jareth's frown deepened as he tried to contemplate what could so effect the Labyrinth and wondering if this would cause anymore chaos to his kingdom.

"You going to go survey your domain?" Mícheál asked.

Jareth nodded. He would start with the Labyrinth itself before moving on to the rest of his kingdom. Mícheál said he'd stay until he returned. Thanking his friend, Jareth left a crystal with him in case he was needed while he was gone. He then morphed into his owl form and flew out his window.

Mícheál sighed and wondered what this would mean for his friend now. His eyes lit up with mischief as he realized that Jareth left him in his study. He let his mind wander to come up with something he could do when he became aware of Jareth's page running into the room. The youth had Fleeter not far behind him. He gave the man a respectful bow.

"Councilor Mícheál," he greeted.

"What is it Terrance?" Than seeing the goblin, "Fleeter?"

"Where is his Majesty?" Terrance asked.

"The Labyrinth became excited and he went to find out why. Have the goblins developed a new gift?"

Fleeter shook his head. "The goblins know why the great maze is happy."

As Mícheál went for the object in his pocket, the goblin held up a hand. "I will tell in exchange for where the King went first."

Mícheál nodded. "Jareth went to the Labyrinth. My guess is he's mostly likely at the Tomb."

The small goblin shuddered. "He'll not find it there."

Mícheál opened his mouth but the goblin quickly stated, "A stranger and yet not a stranger appeared in our glade. A human woman. She wears the funny clothes the children have when they first come."

"She's from Aboveground?" Mícheál stood and debated whether or not to summon Jareth by shattering the crystal. "Why was she transported there?"

Fleeter shrugged. Mícheál decided what he would do. He wouldn't bother Jareth at the moment. He told Fleeter to show him to the woman. Nodding, the goblin and Mícheál went to the glade. It was filled with the goblins who called the glade home. They were going about their business occasionally casting a curious look over at the sleeping human. A Sleeper was nearby to make sure she stayed that way.

Mícheál studied the sleeping woman. She was definitely from Aboveground. Squatting, he motioned for the Rundoon to release the woman from his hold. The goblin backed away and slowly the woman's eyes fluttered then opened. Mícheál watched with great curiosity as her gray-green eyes became more aware and less hazy with sleep. He was fascinated with the way her eyes took him and her surroundings in. There was also the look in them that he knew others Aboveground would be oblivious to. He was very familiar with that look however. It was the look all Runners had once they were returned Aboveground after losing to Jareth and the Labyrinth.

Cocking his head he realized that though the look was similar, it was not exactly it. Mícheál was a bit relieved at that and concerned at the same time. Relieved, because he wouldn't have to be harsh or unforgiving with her. Concerned, because no one should bear that look. Smiling warmly he extended his hand and helped her up. She gave his gloved hand a glance before accepting it and giving him an odd look.

"You are the Goblin King?"

Mícheál grinned in amusement. "No. His Majesty had something he had to see to. Why don't I accompany you to the castle to wait for him?"

Nodding, she followed him form the glade. She looked around as they walked.

"My name's Mícheál, what's yours?"

"Sarah."

"Well, Sarah. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them. I'll be happy to answer them."

Nodding again, she was quiet as he led her out of the glade and onto the trail that would lead them towards the castle. Mícheál had questions of his own. Obviously since she didn't wish a child here, he wanted to know how she came to be Underground.

"Sarah, would yolu mind if I asked you why you're here? Why did you leave the Aboveground?"

Sarah's eyes went out of focus as she thought then stated, "I don't know. My younger brother and I were quarreling then the next thing I know, I was back there with the goblins."

Raising his brow, Mícheál couldn't help laughing. It was quite unusual for an adult to be Wished Away by their children. Never before had it worked if it had been attempted. This was turning out to be interesting!

"Mícheál?"

"Yes?"

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't exactly look any different than a human."

Mícheál laughed again. "That's because I am human. More or less. Like you, I too lived Aboveground, once." Seeing her disbelieving look, he laughed again. "Is it so hard to believe?"

"Then how did you end up here?"

"Someone wished me away. I do not remember who nor do I care to. I do not remember my life Aboveground, for the most part. I don't mind, I'm quite happy and enjoyed my childhood here."

"But in the stories, the Goblin King turns children into goblins."

"Ah, but if he did that every time a child was Wished to him, his borders would be overflowing with goblins."

"Than what really happens?"

Mícheál's amusement dimmed as he became serious. "First you must understand a few things about the Underground. It is made up of different kingdoms and domains and the Goblin Kingdom is only one of many. Fae live for a long time and for some reason that is why it is hard for them to produce children. They are not as fertile as humans."

"When the Goblin King receives a Wished Away child, that child is not automatically turned into a goblin. The child's memory is altered to where they don't recall the Aboveground or that they were Wished Away. The memories they are given include the Fae who want to adopt a child. This child grows up with their Fae parents. Sometimes they marry another Wished Away or sometimes they marry a Fae. If they marry a Fae and have children, those offspring will produce children easier until the Fae blood is more prominent than the human blood."

"And it starts over again," Sarah concluded.

Mícheál nodded. "Sometimes though there are spates where there are no requests for a child. I grew up during such a time. Children like me live in the Children's Forrest until the Goblin King finds us an apprenticeship."

Voice becoming solemn he stated, "Those that are turned into goblins are of either mean temperament or memories are too dark to eradicate or alter. Like the rest of us that weren't turned into goblins, the ones who are, remember parts of their pasts. The ones turned into goblins are taken to the goblin city and taken in by goblins there."

"Fleeter and his kind are real goblins. Their ancestors created the goblin kingdom. I don't know when the human turned goblins came about. I'm afraid I failed Underground History."

Mícheál saw her deep in thought and could have sworn her mutter what sounded like, "It's real."

They walked through the back way into the castle through the garden. Mícheál led her to an empty guest room. "Why don't you rest? It looks like you could use it. I'll be sure someone will be in to get you when Jareth returns."

Mícheál shut the door without looking at Sarah. If he had, he would have seen her eyes widen at the name. Sarah stared at the closed door for some time before sinking onto the bed. It was all real, she couldn't believe it. Crispin had been telling the truth all along. That made her wonder if he was also telling the truth about the king having eyes like the cat he brought home.

Hopefully this Jareth would be able to tell her how she ended up here and how to get back home. Toby must be worried and confused as well. Sarah hoped that her younger brother wouldn't wig out too badly.

A.N. - I know it's short, but the next chapter will be longer.