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Perchance To...	By : Rhondda Category: G through L > Labyrinth Views: 5268 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or any of the characters seen in the movie. There is no money being made by this story

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
The guards closed around Jareth, actually separating Sarah from him with their presence. Sarah felt fear tighten her throat and bring led to her stomach.
"This has gone far enough." Titania swirled about and faced Gwyn fury sparked in her eyes. "Thou hast no right to make judgment on the High Prince. Only the royal family has such a right."
Gwyn nodded. "Yes, and it seems to me you judged him guilty and tossed him as far from you as you could. I *DO* have the right of the Wild Hunt." Gwyn stood, a long, black cloak falling from his shoulders.
"I had hoped for bit more originality from you, Gwyn. Honestly, you needn't be quite so predictable." Jareth drawled, seemingly unaffected by any of the theatrics displayed so far. Sarah was dumbfounded at how droll he sounded in light of the situation, how relaxed he seemed as he stood with his usual imperious arrogance.
Titania, on the other hand, paled. "Thou wouldst not dare!"
"I would dare. I do. As Master of the Hunt I may choose my prey. By law no one may aid said prey until the end of the Hunt. I mark Jareth. I think I'll have his head displayed over my mantle." Gwyn gestured to the great fireplace at the end of the hall.
Titania slapped him, actually turning his head. The crack of her hand against his cheek rang through the hall as a bright blossom of red appeared upon the King of Annwn's cheek.
Oberon stepped forward at last, his own voice seething with barely controlled anger. "Do this, ap Nudd, and you will never again be welcome within the Court. I'll strip you of all I have given you."
Gwyn laughed, a hallow and brittle sound. "You never gave me anything that wasn't mine by right already. This is my Kingdom by right of lineage. I am Master of the Hunt by right of blood. If anything you have DENIED me my birthright from my first breath. I am well within my rights, your Majesty," his tone was harsh and mocking, "I am very well aware of every law and rule pertaining to this. If he had not broken the rule of Hospitality, then he would not have the breaking of law over his head," Gwyn pointed to Jareth. "I could not declare him prey. But by his own words he damned himself."
Sarah tried to understand what was happening. Hunt? Prey? Did this madman actually intend to hunt Jareth like some sort of animal? This was crazy.
"Release my servant and my friend, Gwyn. You have no power to hold them," Jareth strode past his 'guards' as if they were no longer there.
Gwyn smiled and gestured expansively, "I will even gift you with those worthless slaves."
Sai and Ian were cut free and they helped each other to their feet.
"I'm touched," Jareth's voice was flat, "but let's make this little game of yours more interesting."
"Oh, I doubt that's possible," Gwyn leaned back onto his throne.
"If I survive the night of the Hunt, you must complete my Labyrinth," Jareth appeared bored as he tugged the creases from his fine leather gloves. Then, with a sharp flick of his wrist he conjured a crystal and began rolling it around his hands and arms.
"You won't survive," Gwyn looked irritated.
"Then *my* little counter-challenge shouldn't phase you. Come, come, Gwyn, surely the prospect of my childish Labyrinth does not make you anxious? That could not be. Unless, of course... you fear it to be a greater obstacle than your infamous Hunt? Or do you doubt your ability to hunt me down? Such a pity." The words were spoken with an air of superiority. They were deliberately baiting.
"I'll take your wager, but there must be something in this for me. Should I agree, and should you fall during my Hunt... I will inherit all your lands and titles," If he had seemed victorious before, Gwyn was practically salivating now.
"Done. If I live come the dawn of the Hunt, within the hour you will find yourself within my Labyrinth." Jareth tossed the crystal at Gwyn who moved to catch it. It transformed into a black serpent, twisting around the master of the Hunt's throat for a few seconds. He moved to pull it away, looking irritated more than fearful. Before he could dislodge it, the snake struck, biting into his neck before it dissipated into a black smoke that absorbed into Gwyn's flesh with a crackle of magic.
"You can't be serious!" Sarah spoke up at last. "This is... this is a farce. You know Jareth didn't break your stupid laws," she glared. "And this isn't some sort of game," she spun to face Jareth.
"I'd almost think you were concerned for me," the Goblin King cocked his head to the side and offered her a small, superior smile.
"You are impossible!" Sarah threw her hands in the air.
"And you are out of order, my dear. But this court will overlook your impassioned plea as the over emotional outburst it is," Gwyn looked completely content with himself.
"I wash my hands of you, Gwyn ap Nudd," Oberon clapped his hands together and the castle, no the entire kingdom of Annwn shuddered. "Not only do I deny you as my own, I dissolve myself of any blood kinship to you at all. At the slightest misstep outside of Fea law, even be it erring in judgment in your court, you will be stripped of your titles and cast out of all realms. You are never to set foot in my court again, nor will your name be spoken in my presence." Oberon sent a lingering look to Jareth with regret in his eyes before turning and walking from the Hall.
"You already had denied me!" Gwyn called after the retreating figure. He turned to look at Jareth once more. "Tomorrow night, at sundown. You will have one half-hour lead. Before sundown you will be brought to the hall for the reading of the Laws of the Hunt. Until then, you may grace my dungeon with your royal presence."
"No." Titania stated softly. "Mine son is still High Prince and accorded the full rank and privileges of such. He will stay in his chambers and be presented with meals befitting his station. Thou may place guards if thou art so paranoid, but he will not run." She looked into her son's eyes, a suspicious glimmer in her own. "The Rade is cancelled."
"Now you've gone and spoiled his fun," Jareth's tone was light but his eyes attempted to telegraph reassurance to the High Queen.
Sarah realized, no matter what differences separated them Titania still loved her son. Equally, despite the bitterness and taunting, Jareth still loved his mother.
"This I will concede to you, Majesty. King Jareth, you will be held within your chambers, under guard. You may request what you wish for your last day in this life," Gwyn nodded and smiled with false sweetness.
"Then my request is not having to listen to your whining voice till next nightfall," Jareth smirked. “You gloat like a spoiled child. And a girl child at that.”
Gwyn scowled. "Take him away," he gestured to his guards and then left with his rabble trailing after.
Sai, now free, moved to stand before Jareth. "I am sorry. I misjudged, badly," tears fell freely down her bruised face. "I never meant for you to suffer for this."
"Oh, well that *does* change the situation, doesn't it?" Jareth sneered down at her with something akin to contempt and she seemed to wither under that gaze.
"I have one request and all will be even," Jareth,s eyes and voice softened as he offered her the crystal he had been toying with. "If, by some chance, I do not beat Gwyn at his own game, you are to take Sarah, Ian and Colleen to the realm of Earth. Letters of dismissal are included. Colleen's bargain was with me, no one else. If Gwyn does win my lands and titles, I want all of you as far from him as possible. I'd almost pity him trying to deal with the Labyrinth. She's more than the likes of him could ever handle. And with my dying breath I'll laugh as I imagine what my goblins will do to him."
Sai took the crystal and nodded. "But this does not make us even. I am still in your debt. I don't know how to begin making reparations."
Sarah crossed to her old friends and hugged each in turn. "Oh, Hoggle, Didymus, Ludo! I never thought I'd see you again."
"What just happened here?" Hoggle looked confused.
"Gwyn wanted to trap Jareth. It looks like you were the bait. Sai and Ian fell into the trap because I asked them to help find you. I've made a mess of things," Sarah wanted to cry.
"We are free, m'lady. For that we owe thee our thanks. But how doest any of this involve the Goblin King?" Didymus looked sidelong at Jareth as he spoke with Sai and Ian. The armed guards about him looked impatient, but afraid of pushing him.
"Sai and Ian are his friends. And he's been... nice to me. At least lately. I think he's trying to protect us," Sarah bit her lip, realizing she was defending Jareth.
"Not us. He's only interested in himself. You can bet he's got something up his sleeve. You just wait and see. This is all gonna end up benefiting no one but Jareth." Hoggle crossed his arms and hurumphed.
"Head hurt." Ludo moaned. Sarah gave him an extra hug of support.
Sai approached them, looking totally defeated. "I'm going to take your friends to the camp now, Sarah. I'll see to it they get cleaned up, fed and have a healer attend them."
"Sai, has anyone ever escaped Gwyn's little hunt club before?" Sarah was almost afraid of the answer.
"Twice in the last four hundred years. The odds are not good, Sarah." Sai offered a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "But if anyone can do it, Jareth will. Gwyn can only hunt him until sunrise. If Jareth evades them the Hunt can never mark him again, no matter what. Jareth has had a good teacher when it comes to confusion and trickery." Sai winced. "But then, look where she ended up."
Sarah gently touched Sai's bruised cheek. "It looks bad."
"It feels worse. But I've friends who are healers. It will be gone by morning. I only ever wanted to help, Sarah." Sai bit her lip.
"I know. I'm sorry this happened to you. How is Ian?" Sarah looked over to where Sai's husband leaned against a pillar.
"Bruised. I think they cracked his ribs. We shall live." Sai looked at a loss for words. "I'll... I'll see you later." She looked at the motley group of former labyrinth dwellers. "Come along, my fellows. We all need to get cleaned up. Sarah will be fine."
Sai and Ian led the companions out. Sarah turned back to find the Guards and Jareth were gone. Everyone had forgotten about her.
"Lady Sarah?"
Almost everyone. Sarah turned to face the High Queen.
"We will be monitoring the hunt as it progresses. I do not trust Gwyn. Thou art invited to join us, with thine friends." Titania looked old suddenly, as if the weight of all her years had settled upon her shoulders in the last hour. The feeling of dangerous , unearthly queen had faded once again to be replaced by a concerned mother.
"Thank you, Majesty," Sarah wasn't sure what else to say. The silence was awkward.
"If only I had not tried to bring mine son back. I had hoped that seeing Gwyn would push Jareth to apologize and all would be well once more," Titania's shoulders began to shake. Sarah decided protocol could go bite itself as she stepped forward to wrap her arms around the slender women. She felt her own tears rise. She was not sure who she was weeping for; Titania, Jareth or herself.
"I missed mine son and I underestimated Gwyn. What hast I done?" Titania clutched at Sarah, an anchor.
"It isn't your fault, Majesty. I asked Sai to find my friends. If the blame lies anywhere, it lies with me."
The High Queen pulled away and she seemed to regain her royal composure. "Nay, Lady. The fault is Gwyn's. It is he who could not let rest a foolish grudge. If mine son falls on morrow's night, Gwyn will not live long to enjoy his victory." There was something completely cold and ruthless in Titania's eyes as she spoke. Sarah did not doubt her words in the least.
"Go, attend Jareth. He will not show any uncertainty but he will need thine company. He loves thee, Lady. I have seen it in his eyes. Offer him what thou canst." Titania tried to smile but failed. She turned and swept from the Great Hall, every inch a Queen once more.
Sarah found her way back to the chamber she shared with Jareth, uncertainty faltering her steps. What could she say to him? It was still the middle of the night. She could hardly avoid him.
A pair of guards barred her way.
"Your business," One glared at her. His voice was gravely and filled with irritation.
"Sleep. This is my room. You really should be better informed." Sarah was not feeling very charitable herself.
Robin Goodfellow opened the door and stepped into the hall, a sack over his slender shoulder. "Evenin' to you, Lady. This lot giving you trouble?" Puck eyed the two large guards. "Don't tell me you fellows are afraid of a wee lass like her. Is she going to murder you where you stand? After all, one can't know what trickery King Jareth's Lady might be capable of."
"Yeah, I might stomp on your foot and call you nasty names. Do I look armed to you?" Sarah held her arms out to the sides.
"Well she scares me," Puck giggled. "I volunteer to check under her skirts."
"Enough out of you," the guard took a swipe at Puck's head. The other grabbed the little man by the scruff of his neck.
"What do you have there?" The burly man grabbed the sack.
"Some of Jareth's possessions. He wanted to make sure they got sent to those he wills them to after your boss uses his hide for a seat cushion," Puck waved his hand and the sack disappeared.
"I'd be happy to spill your guts on the floor, Goodfellow." The first guard drew a blade.
"Better than you have tried. Do you really want their Majesties more pissed off at you than they already are? What do you think your king's pissing them off means to any of his toadies?" Puck danced out of the way.
"Can I go in while you three stand around arguing?" Sarah sighed.
The door sprang open and Jareth leaned against the frame. "Sarah,

I was wondering what was keeping you."
"Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber," Sarah shoved past the guards.
Jareth closed the door on them. "I noticed they're terribly effective. With this quality of help I have nothing to fret about."
"Yours are so much better," Sarah shot back as she crossed to stand before the fire, hoping the flames would warm her chilled soul. The shot was cheap, and wrong. The guards Jareth used were terrifying with their sharks teeth and sharp claws. The large goblins always looked as if they were hoping for the chance to spill blood.
"At least the stench from my guards acts as sufficient deterrent to most," Jareth lounged in the chair his tone amused as he watched Sarah's every move.
"Have you taken a whiff in that hall?" Sarah grinned.
"Touché. So you asked Saishoku to find the traitors," his tone was suddenly serious.
Sarah couldn't read his eyes and that disturbed her. "You wouldn't. If I remember correctly you said you didn't care."
"Now I have no choice. Why am I constantly suffering the consequences of your actions?" Jareth crossed his arms.
"If you hadn't exiled them I wouldn't have had to ask for Sai's help," she glared back at him.
"You're right. I should have had them executed."
"Why do you have to be such a bastard?" Sarah spun on him.
"My mother claims I'm quite legitimate. Why do you have to be the root of more problems than I care to recount?" He leaned forward.
"You could have left me in my apartment. I was happy there," Sarah was quick to point out.
"You were dying there!” Jareth stood and scowled at her, looming mere inches in front of her. “Your spirit was being leeched from you day by day. Eventually there would have been nothing but an empty shell trying to remember who she once had been. All vitality and imagination forever bleached away." He turned from her then, presenting her with his back.
The anger drained from her. When she found her voice it was small and soft. "Why should you care?"
Jareth turned back and the lost look in his eyes spoke more then his words.
"I don't know," the lie fell easily from his lips.
- 13
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- 15
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