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Chapter Twelve
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"Oh, Jareth." Sarah said dully as she stared at his bowed head, his platinum feather hair hiding his face while utter shock, dismay, disappointment, regret, guilt, and a myriad of other emotions swelled through their Bond until she was unsure which were her own and which were Jareth's. Still kneeling upon the stone floor, Jareth's entire frame slumped after relating his most terrible secret to his most beloved person; Sarah could hear his faint sobs beneath his curtain of fine hair. She'd released his hands earlier during his narrative as he pulled in upon himself as if rejecting her comfort and she'd not touched him since he finished his tale. Uncertain what to do Sarah sat motionless next to her best friend, lover, and de facto husband as he cried soft, bitter tears of regret and guilt.
She'd never seen Jareth so emotionally broken, not even when she'd rejected him, although there were hints at that time. Part of Sarah wanted to slap him, beat him for withholding such a secret that put Lizzie in grim danger—how could he? And yet as Jareth crumbled before her...before others as well because Sarah remembered that Sal, Alia, and Scarvy were present and how many goblins? For the King to allow himself to exhibit such weakness...he must've been hiding it with a brittle hard will indeed for it to disintegrate at the knowledge of Lizzie's capture, as Sarah knew without doubt how strongly Jareth loved Lizzie as his own daughter.
As Sarah considered Jareth's physical and emotional state and her own building need to retaliate she forcibly restrained her hand from conjuring a crystal with any random, cruel spell in which to inflict upon him. Sensing her anger Jareth slowly raised his head, his despondent eyes meeting her malicious ones, his hands slack between his bent knees on the floor as he felt her rage slam into him through their Bond.
"I would not blame you, Sarah, and I will not stop you should you choose to end me." He told her plainly and without artifice baring his neck to her upraised yet frozen hand while still holding her gaze from the corner of his eyes. She sat immobile for longer than she knew, her eyes studying his, her fingers itching to conjure and still Jareth remained calm and accepting of her judgment whatever it may be. She could kill him now, end his long existence for this crime against her daughter, against her, against those he wronged in his past, and part of her screamed for vengeance but that part shrank as she gazed into Jareth's remorseful eyes and Sarah felt her anger dissolve once she truly reflected on a life—a future— without him; her hand relaxed and dropped. She couldn't do it, she couldn't kill him not while knowing she'd yet to be honest with her own daughter and Eric's parents about what she'd done to Eric years ago; was she so different than Jareth...initially hiding behind the excuse of Lizzie's age and expediency of their race to the portal years ago to conceal her own fear and shame? She'd yet to admit to anyone save Eric the truth of her actions and Eric, bless him, kept her secret.
Sarah reached out and touched Jareth's face, caressing his cheek with her thumb and heard him sigh as he released a deep, shuddering breath. The fear he'd felt poured over Sarah through their Bond as he dropped his control...he'd believed she might actually kill him! That he deserved death at her hand, fear of dying and leaving her and Lizzie behind now that he'd finally found his love, fear for Lizzie's survival at the hands of Fiana and Cashel...so much fear held inside of Jareth which he now allowed release overwhelming Sarah to the point her breath hitched and she flung her arms around him pulling him tight to her breast.
"Oh, Jareth!" She exclaimed her voice rich with emotion and he clung to her as a man held on the edge of a morass of quicksand.
"Sarah, Sarah, my Heart, my Love, forgive me!" Jareth sobbed into her neck, his hands grasping at her hair, her clothing as his head drifted gradually into her lap where she combed her fingers through his hair, leaned down and whispered soothing words in his ear.
"Always, my Love, I forgive you." She murmured and Jareth's sobs gradually diminished and she felt his heart lighten.
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"Holy Shit-on-a-stick." Sal mumbled to himself. If the dramatic story of Jareth's past hadn't been enough to unsettle him, he then got a front row seat to Jareth's near decapitation or some other type execution by his Queen as she decided on retribution and settled on forgiveness apparently. Sal decided these two were bad for his nerves and he'd thought he hadn't any nerves left. Uncomfortable watching Sarah and Jareth huddled together in a obviously very private moment, Sal turned away to check on Scarvy and saw the detective's eyes open and staring at the same emotional display Sal had been attempting to politely ignore.
"You're awake. How'd ya feel?" Sal asked as he approached Scarvy kneeling by him and automatically checking his radial pulse at his wrist which was nice and strong. Alia still sat as if enraptured on Scarvy's bare chest and buzzed her wings sharply in warning as Sal touched Scarvy causing Sal to release his grip immediately and Scarvy to blink several times in surprise.
"I'm...not sure." Scarvy admitted staring at the strange miniature winged creature that looked like a blue hair woman of six inch statue perched on him and watching him as if he were the latest and greatest fashion. "Physically I feel good but my head feels weird. Where are we?" Scarvy broke his gaze from the winged woman and turned his head to Sal.
"We're at Sarah and Jareth's castle...where ever that is. Jareth brought us here and Sarah and The Labyrinth saved your life." Sal explained to a somewhat dazed Scarvy. "How'd you get hurt?" Scarvy pushed his torso upright with a grunt forcing Alia to take flight but she immediately landed on his hand and with a humming purr burrowed into his sandy brown, salt and pepper hair. Scarvy rolled his eyes upwards at the strange female creature as Sal helped him to a sitting position.
"Well, at this point I'm sure I interrupted one of the Invocations and met up with a couple of serious badasses. I shot one but it didn't seem to make any difference and the other, he threw some crazy glowing ball at me which I guess must've been magic cause I've never seen anything like it and it hurt like a sonofabitch." Scarvy examined his chest, rubbing his hands over the healed skin and took a deep breath. "Feels a lot better now."
"I'd imagine it would." A woman's dry voice responded to him and Scarvy glance up to see a dark haired, ethereal beauty which looked similar to the Sarah Williams whom he'd investigated several years ago. "You're looking significantly improved, William Scarvy."
"Ma'am," He said automatically as Sarah Williams inspired respect by her very presence and carriage. "Thank you, ma'am." And he watched her laugh delicately and walk towards him with Jareth trailing quietly behind her.
"No need for formalities after all we've been through, you may call me Sarah." She replied standing above him while Sal reached down to assist him to his feet.
"Oh...well...then call me William or Will, no one really calls me Scarvy except my co-workers." He said standing and regaining his balance with Sal's assistance. He could feel the little creature still clinging to his hair. "Excuse me...Sarah, would you mind telling me who and what is burrowing in my hair? And why she's doing that?" Sarah looked at Alia for the first time noticing her unusual behavior towards Scarvy, indeed the little pixie had positively taken up residence in his tresses, her tiny, lithe body sprawled and wrapped between his moderately long strands. Being rather vain regarding his hair, Scarvy kept it as long as NYPD regulations allowed. None of his male ancestors lost their manes to male pattern baldness and William Scarvy hoped to keep the tradition alive.
"Hmmm, she's Alia...a pixie and a friend to the Princess and us, as to what she's doing...Alia, what
are you doing in William's hair?" Alia peeked her hair up from said hair at the Queen's question; her wing's fluttering with agitation.
"Your Majesty! I...that is...I'd rather not explain at the moment." Alia's entire body blushed brightly, her high-pitched voice sounding shivery.
"Alia, William is most uncomfortable by your blatant display of...whatever it is you're doing. You will explain yourself or withdraw from our guest immediately." Sarah stated firmly and heard the pixie moan as if in pain. Scarvy heard the moan too and it did something to him, suddenly the thought of being separated from the little pixie upset him.
"No, it's okay, she can stay. I don't mind." Scarvy said in a reassuring tone and reached one hand up to the crown of his head trying to gently touch the pixie and jumped a bit when he felt her vigorously latch onto his palm, her soft cooing and humming voice vibrating from her body through his hand, bring him a sense of peace. 'Damn,' he thought, 'she really likes me, must be my cologne.'
"I'm sorry; I don't know what's gotten into her. I've never seen her act like this before have you Jareth?" Sarah said apologetically but Scarvy merely shrugged, unconcerned for the time being at the bizarre pixie and kept her lightly cupped in his hand. Jareth shook his head in the negative, his overall demeanor greatly subdued compared to his normal arrogance but rapidly recovering from his emotional fracture only a short time ago. "I'm afraid much isn't known regarding pixies as there aren't many in the Underground for some reason and the few remaining keep their secrets. Alia has been a resident with us for many years but no other pixies live in the Goblin Kingdom." Sarah watched Scarvy and Alia interact for another minute than conceded. "Well, as long as she isn't bothering you." Sarah asked in a questioning manner.
Scarvy watched the little female cuddle in his hand in a foetal position, her gossamer wings fluttering gradually to a stop as she relaxed, appearing to fall asleep in his rough hand. An odd wave of protectiveness towards the tiny pixie swept his emotions and Scarvy tucked his hand close to his chest and curled his tongue inside to the roof his mouth as he was wont to do when he grew thoughtful on his sentiments. "She's no bother." He answered without taking his eyes from Alia.
"William, we'll provide you a room for your recovery and Sal, would you be willing to remain to help him recover as he'll be weak for a short time yet." Sarah focused on Sal and he nodded vigorously, eager to remain.
"Could you just get word to Sue where I am and that I'm alright? She'll freak if she doesn't hear from me." Sal asked.
"Of course, Sal, I need to go Aboveground and speak to Lizzie's father about...what's happened. I'll be sure to talk to Sue while I'm there." Sarah informed both Sal and Scarvy who nodded. Sarah turned to Jareth. "Will you be alright with them while I'm gone?" She asked him quietly as she slipped a comforting arm around his waist. Jareth dipped his head close to her for a bit of privacy.
"Of course, my Dear, talk to her father and I'll see as soon as you return." Sarah gifted him with a reassuring smile and kissed him gently, which he returned with much affection, unconcerned about their audience.
"Well then gentlemen," Sarah stepped back from Jareth whose intense gaze never left her. "I'll be back shortly." She snapped her fingers vanishing from the throne room leaving the three men, Alia and a hoard of stunned goblins finishing off Sal's earlier mess.
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After a quick stop by to explain to Sue that Sal was safe, Sarah continued to Eric's apartment eager to get the meeting with her ex-husband over but not eager to see him. As usual, she materialized in his living room but not only was Eric not surprised, as soon as she arrived palpable relief struck as he rushed to met her.
"Sarah! Thank God! Is Lizzie with you? She never called and I've looked everywhere and can't find her!" His anxiety and fear bombarded her through his words as he all but shook her, forgetting himself when he grabbed her upper arms.
"Eric!" She snapped bringing him back to his rational mind and he dropped his hands from her.
"Sorry...but please...tell me!" He implored, his frantic blue eyes searching her for relief and for the first time in years Sarah felt an emotional connection with him because of their missing daughter.
"Eric, we've gotten word that Lizzie's been kidnapped by someone from the Underground." She said bluntly but with as much compassion as possible. He stumbled back from her as if struck physically.
"What? Who?" Why?" He shook his head slightly, unwilling to comprehend what she said.
"It's a long story but be assured that we're dealing with it and know who took her. We're forming a plan to retrieve her as soon as possible." Her voice softened at his stunned continence, and then she stepped forward to touch his arm lightly before turning away. "I just wanted to inform you...I'll be going now."
"Wait!" Eric leapt forward grabbing her shoulder roughly. "I'm going with you!" Sarah spun an expression of determined resistance on her face.
"Oh, no! This is no place for you, Eric."
"Don't do this, Sarah! No matter what's happened, she's still my daughter and no Underground asshole takes Lizzie without having to deal with me!" Eric shouted, not at Sarah specifically but in her face to accentuate his fortitude. Sarah frowned a bit then nodded.
"You're absolutely right. Do you need to get anything before we go?"
"Give me five minutes." And he swept through his apartment without waiting for her answer grabbing a small bag which he filled with personal items and made a fast call to work leaving a message stating that he would be gone for a few days due to a family emergency. He joined Sarah again and faced her, resolute. "Ready."
"Very well." She grasped his forearm and without ceremony teleported them to the castle.
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They arrived back at the empty throne room, all the goblins scattered to find entertainment elsewhere since the King, Queen, and their quests disappeared. As soon as his feet met the flagstone Eric's knees folded until his hands also met the floor and he vomited.
"Sorry, teleportation can been rough the first few times." Sarah sympathetically said gazing down at him as his entire body lurched. Eric glanced upwards between heaves giving her a glare.
"Really?" He managed to gasp sarcastically. Jareth entered a moment later to witness the display with a quirked brow.
"Ah...I see the goblins shall be required again." Jareth deadpanned causing Sarah to snort and Eric to glance up confused. "Why is
he here?" Jareth added.
"He insisted on coming to help find Lizzie and I agreed." Sarah answered and Jareth nodded sagely. "Eric, I'm going to teleport you again to another room where you can freshen up."
"What? Wait..." Sarah snapped her fingers as he protested and Eric vanished from the throne room leaving Sarah and Jareth finally alone. Sarah approached him cautiously taking his face in her hands.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Calmer...better, I'm—I'm glad I finally told you." He admitted. "I wish I'd told you sooner." Sincerity flowed through their Bond soothing her and she smiled a bit.
"I wish you had, too, but what's done is done. Jareth, now that we have a moment; do you know where Cashel and Fiana may be hiding Lizzie?"
His visage became thoughtful, "I suppose he eventually inherited his grandfather's estate a few centuries ago which is quite expansive. Likely he would be there. Although, I'd heard he'd made militant style improvements to it over the centuries." He replied then watched as Sarah's eyes grew distant. "What is it?"
"His grandfather...I'd forgotten in all the excitement...you said his name was Caus vo Eirian?"
"Yes?" Jareth answered unsure of why her voice held an increasing note of enthusiasm. Sarah snapped her fingers manifesting a sheaf of papers held in her hand and a broad smile on her face. "What are those?"
"These, my Love," She said waving the papers lazily about, "are a list of all the sorcerers who created the original spells of The Labyrinth and the Game. The original spells were missing from Camlann but know I think I know who took them. Caus vo Eirian is one of the head sorcerers who created the spells!"
"Cashel...the devil...he has his grandfather's copies and stole the originals as well!" Jareth took the papers from Sarah and rifled through them until he found Caus's name. "That would explain how he could create the spell that injured Scarvy, it mimicked aspects of The Labryinth's barrier spell perfectly." Sarah could hear Jareth's excitement overtake his earlier dejection and rejoiced as they would need him at his peak to reclaim Lizzie.
Sarah joined in. "It also explains how he knows so much about The Labyrinth and Wish Invocations! How he's been able to work around us for so long! What do you think he wants?"
Jareth became serious, "I can only imagine he wants power, my Dear. Power and revenge and if Cashel is still anything as I knew him his plan is only beginning."
"Oh..." She replied feeling suddenly very, very worried and not just for Lizzie.
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The jail cell, for that's what it was, surrounded Lizzie with a full cube of iron bars in the center of an open, dark chamber which looked to be more of a cavern dug from the bedrock below estate. A single cot in the cell with a blanket her only comfort which Lizzie moved to the center once she reacquainted herself with the dangers of iron to Fae; being an inch closer than necessary made her twitchy and nauseated and she could feel her magic wane quickly. Having tossed her inside without care, Gethin escaped the iron quickly and released Fiana's freezing spell before locking Lizzie inside, his hands protected by gloves.
Initially, free of her spell Lizzie jumped up and grabbed the bars not thinking, but released them once she they burned her hands. The burns still stung hours later while she curled up on the cot and tried to heal them with her diminished power. Lizzie sniffed trying to hold back her tears, she wouldn't let them see her cry...not that anyone watched her down here in the gloom that she could tell. Still, they might be scrying her and she'd be damned before she let them know she was crying, scared to death, uncertain as to her fate Lizzie bitterly regretted her choices the last several weeks and prayed to any God Above or Below that she would be a better daughter if only someone would save her.
As lonely, hungry, and thirsty as she was Lizzie was grateful that both Gethin and Fiana left her alone and hoped that would continue. When she thought about what she allowed Greg and Getty...Gethin to do to her, she wanted to hide in shame. She should've sensed his glamour, although that spell was very advanced and she'd yet to perfect that spell, she shouldn't have allowed him to distract her so easily. Her mother's warning rang in her mind, her mother's fears confirmed it...as a Fae Lizzie was too young to be without a guardian and less than a few weeks proved that.
Lizzie wrapped her arms around her knees folded into her chest, careful of her palms, and rocked slowly with her face tucked into her legs. She didn't want to see the gray, bleak room encircling her. Various items within the large room but outside of her cage disturbed her, they reminded her of the old horror movie "The Pit and The Pendulum", which used to be one of her and her father's favorites but she knew she'd never be able to watch it again after this awful room...assuming she escaped...she had to escape somehow. What if no one knew she was here? What if they never found out? OHGODOHGODGODOHGOD...panic ran around her stomach and she swallowed thickly attempting to control it.
"Mom...Dad...Jareth...Where are you guys?" She whispered into her legs with a few soft sobs and continued to rock.
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A few hours passed while Sarah and Jareth began formulating a plan to locate and rescue Lizzie. Eventually she fetched an irate Eric, Sal, and a much improved Scarvy dressed in a leather pants and a loose cotton tunic to join them in the discussion room, a large room attached to the library. Alia sat comfortably on Scarvy's shoulder as if she'd always belonged and every few minutes Scarvy reached up, touched her and tilted his face towards her and Alia would grasp his fingers and trill until he released her. Both Sarah and Jareth's brows arched at this unexpected communion as they observed the two enter the room and they silently began plotting on Scarvy's behalf.
"Feeling better?" Jareth asked Scarvy dryly.
"Yes, much, thank you. And thanks for the new clothes." Scarvy tugged on his shirt oblivious to Jareth's sarcasm.
"No trouble... can't have you running about half naked." Jareth replied. Scarvy barely paid him any attention as his focus was solely on Alia.
"Hmmm...Yes...of course." Sarah shared another arch look with Jareth, one which Sal and Eric joined once they realized the unusualness of the situation by the King and Queen's behavior.
"Well then, down to business." Jareth stated and the five leaned over the table to study the maps of the Underground surrounding Cashel's estate, their shaky plan slowly forming. Approximately an hour into their meeting Sarah and Jareth jumped upright startling the other four.
"Intruder!" Sarah shouted and she and Jareth vanished from the room leaving the other three standing dazed until Alia flew upwards buzzing about Scarvy's head.
"Follow me...they're in the throne room!" And she zipped from the room with Eric, Sal, and Scarvy running behind her.
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Jareth and Sarah materialized in their throne room together seeing a red-headed man, dressed in all gray lounging nonchalantly on Jareth's throne, his legs crossed at his ankles and his head resting on the bone armrest. Jareth lunged forward to pull him from his throne snarling his name.
"Cashel!" Cashel looked up to face Jareth and spoke before Jareth could reach him.
"I wouldn't if I were you, Jareth." He said calmly with an acidic edge, his body still relaxed. "I have someone you're very interested in."
"Jareth!" Sarah cried out the same time as Cashel stated his warning and Jareth froze in place a few paces from Cashel's reposed position.
"How did you get passed The Labyrinth's defenses, Cashel?" Jareth spat as he forced his hands from strangling his old friend. Cashel inspected his fingernails for a few seconds before answering.
"I have my ways. My powers have grown since you knew me last." Cashel answered smugly before languidly rising from the throne, walking to Jareth, and standing a few steps in front of him, his hands clashed behind his back. "Old friend...you have no concept of how
long I've dreamt of this day."
"Oh...I think I might have an idea or two." Jareth snarked back, their faces barely two feet apart.
Cashel smiled thinly at Jareth's retort. "I see you've finally claimed yourself a Queen, or did you steal her, too?"
"You bast—"Sarah started but Jareth raised a warning hand to her never breaking his stare with Cashel.
"Where's Lizzie?" Jareth demanded sharply.
Cashel looked from Jareth to Sarah for a moment then back Jareth. "No time for pleasantries? Straight to business it is then. She's safe, for now." He stated casually.
"I want proof that you've not harmed her."
"Always the arrogant one, Jareth, had to always be in control." Cashel shrugged, "Very well." He twisted his wrist conjuring a crystal which showed a fuzzy image of a huddled Lizzie in a dark area. Sarah's heart lurched at the faint moving image and she stepped forward until Cashel shot her a warning look. "Aha...No closer Goblin Queen...I've heard about your temper."
"You do well to fear it!" She snapped back. Cashel's lip curled a bit, his head tipped to one side considering her then he tossed the crystal to Sarah who caught it easily.
"Your terms, Cashel." Jareth stated coldly, bringing Cashel's face back to his and leaving Sarah to watch her daughter in peace for a moment. Cashel grinned than started pacing slowly.
"Oh... hadn't I mentioned those yet?" Jareth's jaw muscles twitched, Cashel always did love frustrating him. "Just a couple small things really, I want you in exchange for the Princess, Jareth."
"What?" Sarah gasped, her voice strangled. Jareth's expression remained stoic; he'd suspected something of the kind.
"And the other?" Jareth asked quietly afraid he already knew the answer.
"Why...The Labyrinth, of course." Cashel stated his tone relaxed as he paced.
"You can't, I control The Labyrinth." Protesting, Sarah stepped up next to Jareth.
"Yes, I know. You will relinquish your control to me through the Power Orb...I know you're quite familiar with the Orb...I watched you wrestle with The Labyrinth for control without another sorcerer to pass it on to you, really rather impressive...for a Mortal." He added disdainfully. "Really, Jareth, you chose to take a Mortal for a Queen. When you could've had Fiana...ah but she wasn't really yours was she?"
Risks and options ran through Sarah's mind, she couldn't allow Cashel control of The Labyrinth, she barely understood it herself and it just recently began to open up to her...if she relinquished her control to him with his knowledge of the original spells...who knew what he might do with its immense power. But Lizzie and Jareth...she met Jareth's intense gaze and saw the same thoughts reflected in his gaze.
"Come, come...it's not a difficult decision, your daughter for your King and your Kingdom." Cashel laughed at his cruel joke.
"Allow us an hour to decide." Jareth requested breaking from Sarah's emerald eyes.
"Jareth..." Cashel's voice held its first note of anger since their conversation began.
"Cashel, you ask me to give you everything...an hour is not too much to ask in return." He snapped and Cashel's eyes flashed in anger.
"You stole everything how dare you ask for even a minute!" The two men tensed and glared at one another, the atmosphere in the throne room thickening while Sarah watched fearfully until Cashel laughed as if the entire conversation meant nothing and waved one hand dismissively. "Fine, of course, one hour. Then you both join me and we'll make arrangements for the transfer of your daughter and control of The Labyrinth to me. Agreed?" Cashel conjured another crystal and tossed it to Jareth who caught it with ease. "This crystal is one way and will only allow you transport, not locating, so don't bother trying to track it."
"Agreed." Jareth said and turned to Sarah. "Sarah?" And she saw something in his eyes.
"Fine, but if Lizzie's harmed in any manner I'll rip your heart out myself." She threatened.
Cashel grinned. "I have no doubt." He turned to leave then caught Sarah's attention again. "Oh, and Mortal, don't think to renege... I have ways of making sure you hand over The Labyrinth to me regardless of whether your daughter is returned or not." He vanished with a wave of his hand leaving Sarah and Jareth standing in shock and a few seconds later Eric, Sal, Scarvy and Alia entered the throne room quietly having witnessed the end of the confrontation but not wishing to interrupt. Eric spoke first breaking the strained silence.
"That's the asshole that has my daughter?" He loud voice echoing in the large chamber and Sarah nodded.
"You're not going to just give him what he wants are you?" Scarvy asked, the ever present cop filtering out. Eric shot the detective a sharp look.
"I don't care what he gives him as long as my daughter is okay!"
"Eric, it's not that simple!" Sarah shouted.
"The hell it is!" Eric shouted back.
"Hey...everybody calm down!" Sal shouted.
"This is bullshit!" Scarvy huffed causing Alia to buzz anxiously around his head. The four argued loudly until Jareth tossed a crystal in the air which exploded, littering adhesive silver glitter over the fuming group abruptly ceasing their noise. Jareth spoke calmly but with conviction in the overwhelming stillness.
"I have no intention of handing myself or The Labyrinth over to either of them nor do I intend on allowing Lizzie to remain in their custody. I do, however, have a plan."
AN: LOL, thanks! Been working on this for awhile. Glad you found it. I couldn't kill of Scarvy! And yep...Sal and Scarvy adventure! Yippee! Yeah the heartsong is a double edged sword. One must choice wisely! Thanks! Yep lots of good info even though the chapter was shorter. Hope it was worth the wait to find out the goodies of Jareth's past.
