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Chapter Twenty
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They appeared at the Camlann Council Complex courtyard amongst growing crowds gathered to witness the trial of the person responsible for attacking the powerful and enigmatic Goblin Kingdom. Apparently the Council released a proclamation days earlier throughout the Underground and many wished to see the traitor answerable to such an audacious but ultimately doomed plot. Intending to stay only during the days for as long as the trial lasted, Jareth and Sarah brought no luggage and walked briskly through the populace to the Council chamber entrance.
"I've never seen such crowds here; are there usually so many in attendance to a trial?" Sarah discreetly inquired of Jareth as they strode through the main hall. He shook his head negative.
"Rarely, the last time I heard of such a spectacle was during the trial of my parents' murder. The near downfall of the Goblin Kingdom is austere news, indeed." Jareth snidely observed of the public's reaction and heard Sarah snort delicately beside him as she restrained her outright laughter. The main entrance to the Council chamber loomed ahead and both breathed deep, circumspect respirations bracing themselves as the doorman swept open the double doors. The first thing Jareth noticed as he sauntered through was an acute dampening of his power. He and Sarah froze looking stridently at one another as she felt it, too.
"What the devil?" He cursed guardedly backing away from the Council chamber with Sarah in tow.
"What is that feeling?" She asked her hand gripping his forearm as she followed him back to the main hall. The doormen noticed their distress and one approached them.
'Sarah, I do not like that numbing sensation.' Labyrinth declared. It felt an unexpected and painfully numb separateness between them which dissipated as abruptly as Sarah removed herself from the Council chamber.
'Me either!' She agreed.
"Your Majesties, it is the Dampening Spell the Council ordered placed over the entire chamber during the duration of the trial." The doorman bowed low addressing them respectfully.
"Whatever for?" Jareth demanded harshly unconcerned that he caused the doorman to jump.
"I b-believe they were concerned r-regarding the traitor's powers during the trial and...And wished to limit any m-magic use." The doorman diffidently stuttered his explanation at the imposing couples' matching glowers.
"This is uncalled for!" Jareth shouted, his baritone echoing in the main hall. Most of the waiting crowd hushed to view the scene. "We will not be subjected to such humiliating limitations!" Unanimously they silently refused to reenter the Council chamber and stood in the main hall for several minutes until High Lord Councilman Tignach ushered out to meet them having been fetched by the flustered doorman.
"King Jareth, Queen Sarah, I'm told there is a dilemma." Tignach greeted them cordially with a slight head bow.
"Lord Councilman," Jareth faced Tignach, his tone brusque. "What's the meaning of this Dampening Spell?" He queried using his best commanding tone, his hand waved towards the chamber in question while Sarah stood sternly shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
"Ah, yes," Tignach nodded sagely, his manner conciliatory towards the edgy monarchs. "The traitor Cashel has given us a bit of trouble during his incarceration. We thought it best to take the highest order precautions during the trial; unfortunately everyone's magic will be affected."
"Has he been so unmanageable?" Sarah asked equally divided between curiosity and suspicion.
Tignach sighed dramatically and rubbed his eyes, "The difficulties he creates have been endless using every opportunity to create trouble during his short time here."
"Indeed." Crossing his arms, Jareth understatedly commented observing the Councilman's features closely. Tignach nodded and presented a sincere smile and steady gaze.
"Is the Princess not present today? I hope nothing is amiss?" Tignach asked politely and Sarah schooled her face to a serenely politic facade.
"She is not feeling well and could not attend, my Lord." Sarah replied with a regretful expression.
"Oh my, that is...unfortunate. I do hope all will be well with the Princess."
"Thank you, my Lord." Sarah said offering nothing further.
"Then please, Your Majesties, let us return to the Council chamber so that we may begin the proceedings forthwith as your presence
is required. I assure you the spell has no lasting side effects and you both will be quite safe. The Council sorcerers are quite accomplished." Tignach urged then waited several moments while Jareth and Sarah exchanged veiled looks before nodding their silent assent and following Tignach into the chamber, as they passed through the double doors both Jareth and Sarah flinched at the odd numbing sensation. It made reaching for their power or the Bond much like swimming through extremely thickened quicksand, not gone but difficult to grasp. Tignach separated from them at the door and Sarah watched him whisper to guard who nodded, surreptitiously glanced in their direction before quickly leaving the Council chamber. Then Sarah lost track of Tignach.
'I dislike this immensely.' Labyrinth stated dryly as Sarah entered further into the large chamber and she heard its voice grow faint as their connection thinned. Her Bond with Jareth faded as well and he gave her a strained looked which matched how she felt; obviously he experienced the separateness from them as painfully uncomfortable as she and Labyrinth did.
'I know, Labyrinth, just be patient. Hopefully it'll be over soon.' Sarah replied mentally walking beside Jareth as they strolled to their normally assigned seating near the front.
"Do you see them, Sarah?" Jareth inclined his head towards a large group of robed persons standing quite perceptibly at the wall closest to the Council dais.
"Who are they?" She whispered back as they took their seats.
"The Council sorcerers," he answered then pointedly added, "
all two dozen of them."
"Are they so concerned about Cashel that they involved their entire cadre of sorcerers?"
"I assume so although it is...unsettling." Jareth said pressing his lips in a thin line. He couldn't remember the last time all the sorcerers attended a Council meeting or trial and a niggling gut reaction stirred. He leaned close to Sarah's ear, "We must keep our guard high, my Love. It's likely the sorcerers are immune to the Dampening Spell for defense reasons."
"I agree." Having never trusted the Council, every bit of this scenario screamed at her to run but if they were attain justice and gain the Council's approval then attendance was mandatory. Impatient to begin they fought internal battles to cover their desire to fidget, instead radiating serenity and majestic composure during the time until Cashel's introduction.
Cashel entered from a small door, under guard, shackled in iron, and with much fanfare. The Council herald called the crowd to silence and clearly stated the conspirator's name and crime as Cashel marched proudly to his reserved defendant's booth centered before the main dais. After Cashel found his position the herald called the crowd to order and every person stood for the entrance of the Council starting with the newest member, Lord Randoly and ending with High Lord Tignach in the position of honor. After all members entered and took their seats Tignach proclaimed the opening of the trial in his authoritative voice.
"Today begins proceedings against Cashel vs Eirian in the name of the Goblin Kingdom. All may be seated." Thus began the tedious process of presenting evidence and witness statements from all parties, specifically Cashel, Jareth, and Sarah. Their recording crystals were played as well Captain Rendor's personal account of his visit to the Goblin Kingdom and the destruction he witnessed after the fact. None of Cashel's men were interviewed live but several affidavits from his primary leaders were read aloud and placed into evidence by the Council. Neither Sarah nor Jareth felt confident of the verdict as the evidence seemed evenly weighted for and against Cashel and his motives for treason. After a few breaks throughout the day the Council retired to deliberate then returned within the hour to announce their verdict. High Lord Councilman Tignach stood after the silencing the crowd and called for Cashel to stand.
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"Cashel vo Eirian, it is this Council's verdict that you be found guilty of treason against the Council due to an unsanctioned assault on the Goblin Kingdom and precursor to the abolishment of The Game which as all know will greatly affect the future of all Fae in the Underground." Cashel nodded but said nothing, internally tensing; his sentencing followed, the test of the Council's veracity to their prior deal.
"Cashel vo Eirian you are sentenced to death in the ritual manner upon conclusion of these proceedings." Tignach slammed his gavel while Cashel released his held breath. Tignach kept his word; unbelievably Cashel would not be made to suffer endlessly in the Afterlife. The Council allowed him peace at last, more than Jareth ever granted.
Upon hearing Cashel's sentence Jareth bodily jerked and Sarah's head quickly swiveled in his direction as she understood the ramifications and waited as Jareth's face revealed his own thoughts. He would receive a merciful death? The very death he pleaded from Jareth just days earlier? The Council knew of his plight? The implications of Cashel's sentence spiraled in both their minds but before either could do more than consider the outcome they saw Cashel seat himself rather than be lead away under guard as expected.
"King Jareth, Queen Sarah, rise." Tignach called them forcing them to obediently stand at attention and in confusion as their minds raced to catch up to events beyond their control.
"My Lord?" Jareth questioned warily. He sensed Sarah's anxiety spike as she stood next to him; he emitted his best aura of control hoping she took his guide.
Tignach's voice rang powerfully within the chamber, "This Council has been made aware of certain transgressions by the Goblin Kingdom." Neither witnessed Council Randoly wince slightly at the abrupt atmosphere change as the crowds inside the chamber murmured in shock. Still regretting the Council's obvious dislike for the Goblin Kingdom, Randoly did his best to remain unobtrusive to all.
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What?" Sarah's murmur barely reached Jareth's ears as he listened to Tignach and he felt his stomach twist as he noticed the Council's sorcerers begin to move for the first time since the start of this farce.
"My Lord, of what do you speak?" Jareth firmly queried as he gripped Sarah's questing hand, his apprehension mounting rapidly. If his vision could have left Tignach's face Jareth would have seen Cashel turn in his seat to watch the stunned couple with a pleased smile. Part of his compromise had been to witness the downfall of the Goblin Kingdom.
"Jareth, you are found guilty of conspiracy to conceal a Foundational Law crime," A strangled sound caught in Jareth's throat and he grasped Sarah's hand so tightly she flinched but before either spoke Tignach continued, "Sarah, you are found guilty of a violating a Foundational Law of Magic resulting in the psychological damage of another sentient being." Tignach paused as a gasps and shocked cries rippled through the crowd and the Council sorcerers moved quickly as one body towards the Goblin King and Queen.
"Oh my God, Jareth, what...How? " Sarah stammered gripping his hand as he turned bodily to face her. "Eric..." She added shocked beyond reason as she recalled her inadvertent crime seven years earlier. Jareth released her hand and gripped her shoulders decisively. Faintly she heard Labyrinth calling to her.
"Sarah, listen to me." Jareth spoke urgently knowing the sentence to follow. He ignored Tignach as his booming voice spoke again.
"Jareth and Sarah, your sentence, to begin immediately, is banishment." Tignach pronounced with a vague smile before banging his gavel signing the next stage. A mix of horrified cries and triumphant cheers arose from the crowd. The Goblin Kingdom long inspired a balance of respect and revulsion. The two dozen sorcerers approached the King and Queen who faced each other in quiet confidence.
"You must stay strong for what is to come." Jareth said almost harshly, his face inches from hers as he truly understood banishment but had no time to explain. Focusing on his face and his words she blocked out all else. She could be strong, whatever happened she would face it. Than her mind strayed to Lizzie and she feared for her daughter's welfare.
"Lizzie?" She hurriedly asked. Having meant to be here what was her fate? Jareth shook his head, the sorcerers approached and his mind blanked on any rational plan. Without access to their magic they were no better than Mortals again.
"Escape first. Run!" He hissed and pushed her to the main door's direction. She obeyed without hesitation and they pushed through the mostly unresisting crowd, who were mainly civilians, but a rhythmic chanting began from the sorcerers and both Jareth and Sarah froze against their will still within the Council chamber.
"No!" Sarah screamed and heard Jareth growl behind her until their ability to speak left them. The crowd swiftly parted away in a wide swath as the sorcerers surrounded the Goblin King and Queen still chanting but the octave changing, rising. Two sorcerers, a man and a woman separated from the main group walking closer to the frozen couple and started a second spell. Both sorcerers manifested black crystals which they smashed to the floor causing a large, black, swirling vortex to open a short distance away. The two sorcerers then faced Jareth and approached him first.
Jareth strained at the spell holding him but not even a finger moved to his will, only his eyes able to track the movements of the sorcerers. He knew what to expect but Sarah did not. So stupid, never should they have trusted the Council. The sorceress laid her hands upon his chest and started a new chant which a few of the other sorcerers copied. Jareth gritted his teeth and moaned, unable to cry out at the severe, searing pain starting within his heart and spreading outwards to his entire body. Tears blurred his vision making his rearview of Sarah's stationary form waver.
'Oh Gods, Sarah, I'm sorry.' He thought hoping she might hear him before the Bond severed, knowing she knew not what occurred behind her or what her fate entailed. A glow emanated from the sorceress's hands and he felt a strange mental ripping as his magic, both Labyrinth born and his own natural Fae, tore from him. And still he could but suffer in silence not allowed even the dignity to cry out at the jagged, scorching pain that surpassed any he underwent from the unrequited Heart Song. The glow traveled up the sorceress's arms and her chanting ceased; Jareth collapsed unconscious, released from the Freeze Spell. The two sorcerers moved to Sarah as their group changed their chanting yet again, Sarah being the more powerful.
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Panic rose in Sarah as she glanced around desperate to see and able to move only her eyes. Labyrinth frantically whispered to her from a place deep within her soul and she mentally stretched for her power as she felt Labyrinth reach for her. But once she sensed a Void open a few feet away, one she barely saw in the corner of her eyes, she understood truly how serious banishment was to be.
'Jareth?' His voice faintly spoke to her over the incessant and nauseating chanting then a short time later a horrendous pain raced through her body and she heard a heavy thud behind her.
'Labyrinth, what happened? Labyrinth!' 'Sarah...' Labryinth's weak voice painfully cried out.
A man and woman sorcerer stepped in front of Sarah with a new chant which the other sorcerers copied and the sorceress placed her hands on Sarah's chest. A new deep-seated pain arrowed through Sarah and she heard Labyrinth's scream echo from her soul to her mind.
'SARAH! MOVE AWAY!' Labyrinth shrieked.
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Can't' 'MOVE OR WE DIE!' Labyrinth rose up from her soul as an avenging warrior angel and Sarah gave herself over to the enormous power wanting to possess her without quarter. Labyrinth growled in her mind which Sarah gave voice to and a flare of repelling power struck the sorceress at the juncture of Sarah's chest blasting the woman several feet away. The sorcerer chanting with the sorceress stumbled backwards in surprise but instead of taking her place he abandoned the tasked and moved around the still frozen Sarah towards Jareth. Labyrinth focused on the circle of sorcerers chanting the Freeze Spell hurriedly working to unravel it, freeing Sarah. Just as several of the chanters faltered allowing Sarah to move enough to turn, she saw the single male sorcerer cast a crystal at the unconscious Jareth. The earlier thud, Jareth's magic! Sarah mentally fumbled to joined with Labyrinth to focus her intention to move freely and save Jareth and herself.
'Labyrinth, Jareth is powerless!' A slumped Jareth levitated by the sorcerer's spell which then flung him into the swirling, black maw still active just feet away.
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NO!" Sarah screamed and Labyrinth answered her with an influx of scorching power. All questions, all doubts of their new abilities or limits tossed aside at this new peril. Without magic or a Bond Jareth would be lost forever in the Void. All tendrils of the Freeze Spell burned away by her and Labyrinth's rage. Every sorcerer collapsed unconscious from the magic backlash, blood pouring from every facial orifice as Sarah screamed again and Labyrinth discharged every ounce of magic at its command through the Dampening Spell still intact over the entire chamber.
Councilman Tignach gripped the table in front of him as the ground shifted and the crowd shouted in alarm and stampeded, careful to avoid the active Void. In the short time since he announced the verdict against the Goblin Kingdom the situation swiftly altered from successful to desperate. Tignach was pleased to witness the punishment be served over Jareth but now realized Sarah would not be so easily subdued despite their careful planning.
Other Council members tried to restore order to no avail as Sarah screamed a third time and Tignach realized as he looked at the Goblin Queen a mere fifty feet from his dais that she pointed and stared directly at him with glowing emerald eyes. Tignach's head exploded in pain and a warm fluid gushed from his eyes. Before he lost consciousness as he partially lie on his dais table, he saw that Cashel also suffered massive facial bleeding and Tignach spared a random horrific thought at their respective fates as he watched Cashel convulse before his head and body exploded in a mass of blood and fragments, some of which spattered Tignach's face. Cashel's last effort at eternal peace lost forever at the hand of an enraged Goblin Queen.
After viewing both Tignach and Cashel's gruesomely satisfying death's, Sarah faced the twirling black maw near her and faced her next decision. Already Jareth drifted lost in the Void between realms. This was the banishment he spoke of so many years ago, no wonder his anger burned so brightly then.
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Sarah, that sorceress did something to our Bond. I feel oddly disconnected from you.' 'It's just the Dampening Spell.' She insisted as she stepped closer to the Void entrance.
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We cannot be sure.' Labyrinth replied with a strong note of fear. '
If the Bond is weakened you may become lost as well and I— I will not be able to help you.' 'I can't leave him! We can find him!' 'Sarah, what of Elizabeth, surely they've taken measures against her.' 'I...Oh God...She has protection. I can't leave him like that.' She mentally sobbed and Labyrinth cratered to its mistress's desires.
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As you wish, my Queen.' It reluctantly conceded and Sarah leapt the last few feet into the black sucking morass which existed between realities.
