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Chapter Nineteen
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"The evidence provided by Cashel vo Eirian's memory crystal is compelling." Lady Councilman Severin stated. "How did he say he came by this information?" The entire Council sat clandestinely in discussion over the evidence produced by Cashel and presented by Tignach, their private chambers sequestered from prying eyes. Cashel remained secured in the dungeons until a resolution could be achieved.
"Apparently before the Goblin Queen's reign he allied with The Labyrinth during its period of rebellion thereby allowing him to witness all that occurred while the current Goblin King Jareth traveled Aboveground as a Mortal to claim Sarah Williams." High Lord Councilman Tignach explained.
"And during his time Aboveground he instructed this Mortal Sarah Williams in magic without proper guidance in the Foundational Laws which she later violated in the most heinous manner by breaching the mind of another causing psychological damage by magical means." Another Councilman summarized.
Tignach nodded then added, "Which King Jareth conspired to conceal by failing to report said violation to the Council upon his return to the Underground. Which is why I've long argued against such traditional leniency towards the Goblin Kingdom."
"Hmmm...And ever since we've dealt with these ramifications in the reign of an unsanctioned, former Mortal Goblin Queen recalcitrant to the Council's direction while Jareth remains unreformed. This travesty is unparalleled in the Underground!" Lady Severin exclaimed.
"But the violations occurred Aboveground prior to her Fae transformation...there is no precedent for the Council. Have we a valid standing to proceed with this investigation?" Councilman Randoly hesitantly asked being the newest member of the Council with less than three decades of time served and the most tentative regarding the political winds.
"All the more reason to set the precedent, we cannot allow magic-users of any caliber or residence to believe they are beyond the Council's reach else anarchy may reign in the Underground." Tignach vehemently argued.
"Using this may serve to address this new and disastrous development of The Labyrinth and The Game according to the report by Captain Rendor and the initial crystal recording from King Jareth, sparse though it was." Lady Severin added as incensed as Tignach, effectively shutting off Randoly who remembered the dismissive treatment these two Council members tendered to the Goblin Kingdom in the recent past. True, it appeared The Game was now abolished tipping the future population of the Fae into danger with the Goblin King and Queen directly responsible and yet Randoly paused to condemn the monarchs, unlike his Co-Council members. Unfortunately, a negative verdict did not necessitate a unanimous vote and Randoly's lone hand remained lowered in opposition to the investigation, as did his future political aspirations. Lady Severin spoke to the next item of business, Cashel vo Eirian's requested compromise, Randoly kept his opinions restrained.
"What of the traitor's petition? Do we grant such an unusually indulgent sentence on another who defies the Council's strictures? Even after his delivery of useful information?" Her wizened face pursed at the thought of said traitor.
Tignach shrugged, "Of course, I say it's an opportunity to illustrate how merciful the Council may be to those who please us." And he smiled but Randoly saw no warmth in it and he shuddered.
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Lizzie sat quietly on a stone bench in the castle courtyard garden which a week ago had lush overgrown but now only ruination from the battle three days ago. Only three days...strange how the time dilated to feel like three weeks and she felt much older if not wiser. No, not very much wiser she marveled. Surely after one loses a parent due his self-sacrifice because of her self-involvement one should feel at least a bit wiser? All she felt was empty and guilty and ever so stupid. After speaking with her that first time, Lizzie avoided her mother...well, frankly she avoided everyone. She understood what her mother explained about Jareth's past at a rational level but it didn't lessen her own guilt or her how much she missed her father, knowing she would never speak with him again.
"I'm so sorry, Dad." She mumbled to herself as she tucked her knees into her chest crouching on the bench. The terrible condition of the castle and kingdom reflected her internal muddle; who knew how long their reconstruction might last. She wanted to cry but no tears flowed, locked deep within. Interred in a guest suite near the Royal chambers, her father's body lie under a suspension spell waiting to be returned Aboveground. Yet to visit him, Lizzie avoided him, too, afraid to face the truths of a dead man as the sunset rays cooled the garden on the end of her third day away from her father. She knew her mother wanted to hear from the Council before they left with Eric's body as the Council tolerated no delays; but she just wanted it over. She was a horrible daughter.
She didn't hear the footsteps crunch the soft grass behind her as her maudlin thoughts consumed her awareness. Lizzie didn't realize anyone joined her until a throat cleared next to her; she jerked bodily and looked up from her crouched position into the concerned gaze of Jareth. He didn't speak at first, just gifted her with a gentle smile until she nodded back.
"What're you doing here?" She asked and the lack of affect in her tone distressed him. She had yet to cry today, he could tell.
"Looking for you." Jareth softly said.
"I'm fine." Lizzie answered quickly, too quickly.
"I didn't say you weren't." He responded keeping his eyes sharp on her face and she lowered her gaze suddenly. Jareth sighed then looked away off into towards the ruined Labyrinth. "You've been avoiding me, Lizzie. Why?" She shrugged, tucking her knees tighter into her torso and refusing to return to his eyes.
"I've told you before that my parents were murdered when I was very young." He began gently still staring away from Lizzie but gradually leaning closer. "I won't pretend to know exactly how you feel but I
can say I understand how it feels to lose a parent while still a child and since my parents were killed because of me I carried a certain amount guilt in my youth." Jareth snuck a peek from the corner of his eye to see the effect his speech held over Lizzie. Her knees remained tucked but her head rose up and cocked as if listening.
"I also wanted to apologize to you for my past behaviors involving you and your father in the current tragedy. I never meant for either of you to suffer; if I'd known what to expect..." He trailed off uncertain how to finish.
"Sometimes nobody can ever really know..." She whispered thinking of her own behaviors and their ramifications.
"No, sometimes one cannot ever really know." He added lamely. Sometimes centuries of life bestowed little wisdom and lesser foresight. Jareth bowed his head as words failed him and they sat in silence for a length of time until Lizzie quite abruptly leaned her weight onto his shoulder. He released a deep, trembling breath and leaned some of his weight as a counter balance and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. They sat in an improved, companionable stillness and quiet until the sunset and full darkness settled over the Underground.
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Sounds of determined pacing, a loud smashing and a shout greeted Jareth as he entered the library in search of Sarah to discover she as the cause of the commotion. One of the large, ancient, wood chairs lie overturned and partially destroyed on the floor as she paced around it, her skirts whipping madly. Her state of aggravation such that a wave of gratitude struck him that he had already escorted Lizzie to her room; he would hate for her to witness her mother so angry while her own emotions continued so precariously. Lizzie as yet had to pay her respects to her father but Jareth possessed every confidence that she would do so in the near future as her guilt lessened.
"Sarah?" He announced his presence cautiously from the far side of the room wary to draw her obvious wrath.
"Can you believe this?" She flung a crystal at him which he easily caught one-handed sensing nothing harmful within the sphere.
"What is this?" He asked her tranquilly, hoping to ease her temper.
"Listen to it, it's from the Council. It just arrived this evening." She said through her nearly gritted teeth while she continued to pace. Jareth waved his free hand over the crystal triggering the spell which released the recorded speech from Councilman Tignach demanding the presence of the Goblin King, Queen and Princess before the Council two dawns hence from receiving this crystal. Jareth frowned as he considered the brevity, yet formality, of the message.
"Hmmm, Sarah, I'm sure it's nothing more than an official request for us to present our Kingdom's grievances before the Council in person." He gazed skeptically into the crystal.
"You know the words you're saying sound convincing but not your tone of voice." Finally her pacing ceased and she stood before him with her hands on her hips.
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is extraordinarily odd wording, terribly brief when usually they give a specific reason for the directive." He played the recording again furrowing his brows. He could sense no other magic within the sphere, no cantraps or deceptions.
"Well, they can forget about Lizzie attending. There's no way in seven hells I'm putting her through anymore stress after everything that's happened!" She announced with a sharp sweep of her arm, her hand like a blade.
"Sarah," He began in a warning tone.
"No, Jareth, she stays here." He knew her decision was final by the steel he heard and while he worried about the Council's reaction, or potential overreaction, he rather agreed with her. But with the Kingdom so weaken and William so new to his position, Jareth considered their options.
"Well, perhaps we should call a friend to assist William in her protection while we are away?" He strongly suggested and by the glint her eyes he knew she comprehended his meaning when he her dropped to a softer octave.
"Lady Fena, you're brilliant!"
Sarah immediately dispatched a message crystal to Lady Fena's Pride appealing for her immediate assistance yet again in the protection of her daughter; hopefully this time would end better. With barely two days before they needed to report to the Council the timing would be close for Lady Fena's arrival and their departure, assuming Lady Fena agreed. A moment of panic seized Sarah as the thought that Fena might refuse after Lizzie's last betrayal caused Sarah to resume pacing. No...Fena wouldn't refuse; she would hold her vow to Sarah regardless. As usual Jareth read her mind as he felt her emotions and he embraced her.
"Fena will respond with due haste. You know this, Sarah." His baritone washed over her as his hands rubbed slow circles over her back.
"Of course, you're right." She forced a smile and returned his hug.
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Alia stared at the relaxed, sleeping face of her mate from her position resting on his bare chest. Having woken early she enjoyed the peaceful time watching the man now joined to her life, his masculine features softened in repose, dropping years. At the edges of his eyes she could just see the beginnings of Fae markings beginning in the faintest dusting of coppery glitter; she reminded herself to discuss this important change with him as she was certain William knew nothing of the next stage of transformation.
Running her fingers lightly over his lips Alia reminisced of last night's, and the night before, activities with a subtle smile gracing her mouth. So gentle, so courteous her William ever aware of her needs before his. A moment of pain the first time, quickly forgotten in the rush of desire he aroused and spiraled with murmured words of love and devotion. Warmth fluttered in her stomach and lower as she remembered the physical joys he introduced to her and a sudden restlessness made her legs fidget until they twined themselves with his, rubbing sensually against his firm thighs.
Scarvy awoke to the glorious sensation of his new love laving her bodily to him and he realized his entire body wakened. Opened eyes greeted her lustful ones and before he could greet her verbally in the morning sunlight Alia ambushed his mouth and straddled his hips, her slight weight pinning him. All logical thoughts fled his mind as she undulated in the age old rhythm with his body. A quick study, Alia easily took an aggressive role with Scarvy happily following, one thought to the fates joined in their minds...thank you, thank you, thank you...
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Lady Aspenasxerasfena arrived late the night before their required departure having flown directly to the Goblin Kingdom immediately upon receiving Sarah's message. Being of a suspicious nature, especially when dealing with politicians, the Gryphon surprised Sarah and Jareth by bringing a half a dozen of her Pride members.
"Lady Fena, I'm honored by your presence! Thank you for responding so quickly to my plea." Sarah exclaimed after several goblins alerted her of the Gryphon and her party awaiting her in the front courtyard of the castle. Sarah rushed to greet the large avian-like creature sparing a glance at the others arrayed behind her. Jareth strode at Sarah's side, a large grin on his face.
"It is my pleasure to be of service again, Your Majesties." Lady Fena bowed her large beaked and ruffed head.
"Your party is quite impressive, Lady Fena." Jareth commented nodding towards the other Gryphons standing as sentries. Fena ducked her head around at the six golden creatures who appeared so similar to her and yet each with slightly differing characteristics.
"Yes, after Sarah's message I felt it prudent to bring reinforcements. I dislike the Council's interference and the Goblin Kingdom is significantly weakened at present." Lady Fena's rumbling voice battered Sarah's chest causing Labyrinth to hum in agreement. Fena's head cocked at a sharp angle suddenly then lowered to Sarah's eye level.
"What is this?" Fena's great beak gently bumped Sarah's torso nearly knocking her over causing Sarah to reach to Jareth for balance. Had she trusted Fena less Sarah's screams would be echoing in the castle, instead she merely swatted at her beak.
"Fena!"
"My apology, Sarah." The Gryphon pulled back acutely with a contrite look in her bright eyes. "Your changes...they took me quite by surprise." Fena shook her head until her feathers stood upright. Sarah leaned closer, a look of shock on her face.
"You can feel it?"
"Easily, the magic of The Labyrinth is altered." Fena met Jareth's strained gaze. "Is this not so, Goblin King?" One pointed nod and he stepped closer.
"It is so; Sarah and The Labyrinth are one." He stated bluntly, his arm still around Sarah's waist. The additional Gryphons growled at the news, whether in support or not he did not know.
"This is unheard of. I understand your concerns regarding the Council." Fena warily replied.
"Thank you," Jareth replied. "We need to answer their summons but we don't trust them and can't leave Lizzie or the Kingdom undefended."
"I suspected as much hence my assistance." Fena indicated her companions. "Allow me to introduce you." Starting to her right side Fena named the Gryphons who nodded low in greeting; Lord Henfeaponoe, Lord Ronphonronxore, Lord Bephenxerare, Lady Raspheranaxersa, Lord Yooneramaoneser, and Lady Munumyeranaxerayen. Of course, you may call them; Noe, Xore, Xerare, Ersa, Yoon, and Eray. Jareth and Sarah nodded their greetings in return to each Gryphon.
"We are pleased and honored to welcome you all to the Goblin Kingdom." Jareth declared and ushered Lady Fena and her party towards the grand castle entrance. "We will find you suitable quarters during your stay."
Inside the throne room Lizzie, Scarvy, and Alia waited with numerous goblins for Lady Fena's arrival and once seven immense Gryphons entered both all three were shocked for different reasons.
"Did you expect so many?" Scarvy whispered in a strangled voice to Alia as the Gryphons approached.
"I did not." Alia answered and gripped his hand in a sudden fit of nerves. Having so many Gryphons near her peaked her anxiety and she reminded herself that she was no longer a pixie therefore not considered edible to Gryphons.
"You alright?" He asked her squeezing her hand.
"Yes, fine, just nervous." She offered Scarvy a smile and turned back to greet their guests with a curtsy while the Goblin Princess spoke.
"Lady Fena, welcome to the Goblin Kingdom. It's good to see you again." Lizzie's firm voice rang in the throne room and Fena noticed an obvious difference in the princess's bearing compared to the last time they met. She appeared calmer, more mature perhaps even a bit subdued.
"Princess, well met." Fena replied in a restrained voice and dipped her head slightly. "I trust our relationship will be more cooperative this time."
"I serve the best interests of the Kingdom, Lady Fena." Lizzie dipped her head in exchange then held her head high. "I will endeavor to regain your trust." Fena made a clicking noise deep in her throat then nodded slowly.
"Excellent, I will see to my end." Fena then faced Alia and Scarvy and inquisitively cocked her head before laughing in a harsh, chirping manner. "Pixie? I see you've found your mate!"
"What! You know?" Alia exclaimed surprised. Scarvy started as well looking back and forth between Alia and Lady Fena.
"Of course, few things are great mysteries to us. Pray introduce me to him, pixie." She demanded lowering her head towards Scarvy who bravely stood his ground while gritting his teeth...not every day he bore investigation by a mythical creature with a beak larger than one's head.
"Lady Fena, my mate, William Scarvy." Alia stated with a hand wave and Scarvy bowed shallowly at the waist, albeit somewhat rigidly.
"It's good to meet you, Lady Fena." Scarvy replied keeping his voice even through years of police training.
"How fascinating, Alia, you've found yourself a Mortal." Lady Fena announced sniffing Scarvy. "But not for long." Scarvy guardedly glanced at Alia at Fena's remark while Alia squirmed under his pointed gaze. "Well met, William Scarvy. Allow me to introduce my companions." And Fena continued again with her lengthy introductions.
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"Hopefully our business with the Council shouldn't take long." Sarah explained to Lizzie the next morning as they prepared to depart. "And we'll be back in a few days."
"I know, Mom." Lizzie replied tolerating her mother's repetitive, nervous ministrations to her hair and clothing which made her feel ten years younger. "I'll be fine."
"They likely just want our personal corroboration of the evidence sent earlier by Jareth before declaring a verdict." Sarah rambled as she fidgeted with Lizzie's dress ties.
"I know."
"Once that's in the record they'll release us and we'll be home in no time."
"I know."
"So just stay inside the castle grounds, obey Lady Fena, and help William and Alia adjust to their new roles, alright?" Sarah patted the tie in place a final time.
"I know and I will, Mom." Lizzie kept the irritation from her voice finding new reserves of control in light of her new views on life.
"And no magic for now, not until we get back."
"Yes, Mom."
Sarah sighed hearing the frustration in her daughter's tone but couldn't blame her. Kissing Lizzie's forehead then pulling her into a hug which Lizzie returned, Sarah squeezed her tightly. "Take care of yourself, Lizzie. We'd take you with us this time but I fear for your safety so soon after..."
"It's okay, Mom." Sarah heard Lizzie sniff. "I'd rather stay home right now. I promise I'll be good this time." Sarah pulled back to look Lizzie in the eyes.
"You're always good, Lizzie. I love you, so does Jareth."
"I love you, Mom, and Jareth." Lizzie rubbed her nose and ducked her head from her mother's gaze. Jareth entered Lizzie's room a second later having given his ladies time to say their farewells.
"I heard that, Lizzie." He said jovially with a smirk on his face as he strode over to enclose his ladies in a bear hug. "I love you, too, my Princess." He said and placed a kiss on the crown of her head making Lizzie laugh lightly.
"I'll take good care of your mother, Lizzie; you just make sure you stay safe while we're away." Jareth promised his near daughter and felt her nod at his chest.
"I will, Jareth."
"Good, well then, we best be off before they send the Council Guards after us." He joked releasing them. Lizzie stepped back to allow them space to teleport and once again admired how well they complimented one another. Her mother's dark features to Jareth's light, both dressed in their imposing black, leather formal Goblin Regalia. No reason not to show the Council exacting whom they were dealing with, no half measures. Labyrinth agreed as it stretched and sampled its powers within the confines of Sarah's soul, eager to face new challenges and teleportation through the Underground would be their first major spell conjured since their Binding. Neither Labyrinth nor Sarah or even Jareth knew what, if anything might occur during the teleportation as the magics were altered.
"Keep a watch over Alia and William for us, Lizzie." Jareth asked as Sarah and Labyrinth conjured their first major crystal spell together. "We worry for their adjustments both as new residents and as they become Fae."
Lizzie nodded, "I'll take care of them, I promise." She watched her mother concentrate to form a perfect sphere then saw her smile before tossing the crystal to the floor where it smashed in a shower of golden glitter and they vanished from her chambers, hopefully to Camlann.
A/N: Thanks to everyone for reading, especially CSIGH and Moira!
