Nothing Is What It Seems

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

There was a thick layer of smoke over the Goblin City. Fires burned near the Main Gate. Homes were now nothing more than rubble. Where there was room, catapults and trebuchets stood firing stones and rubble from the destroyed buildings back at the enemy over the City Wall.

Finally, after months of closing in, the enemy had begun attacking the Walls. In only two days, there were blocks of buildings gone. The citizens were now being crammed in the homes closest to the Castle.

Jareth stood in silence overlooking the horror before him. It was truly luck that no one had lost their lives, but there were a lot of injuries. Most of the injured were in the Castle.

This Tynan would pay for this. Then the fools who were aiding him would be dealt with. They would pay for this, which made the Labyrinth's reaction seem odd. He could feel its anger, but it hadn't done anything.

Sir Didymus rode up to him on his stead, "Your Highness, they are attacking the South Wall!"

Sighing, Jareth turned to him, "I know. Am I needed?"

The knight shook his head, "no, Your Highness. I was sent to tell you."

Jareth nodded, "I need you back at the Castle."

Sir Didymus nodded, "of course, Your Highness." he glanced down at his stead, "come along Ambrosius."

The knight rode off, leaving Jareth alone again.

The old fox wasn't returning to the Castle for just any reason. He was going to check on Sarah. Didymus could tell her some of what was happening. Then she could tell Didymus her opinion, which he would hear later when he next saw the old fox.

At least it was something. He wanted to actually speak with her. Taking a last look at the rumble, he walked away. He needed to gather his strength. There was no doubt in his mind Tynan was outside the Wall leading the attack.

Walking towards the Castle, he could see the despair of his subjects. He had heard of the whispers. Some of his subjects were actually beginning to talk of rebellion. As he reached the Castle doors, Jareth stopped. The Labyrinth was moving. It had a plan, which he didn't know.

He then caught a glimpse of Didymus farther down the Main Corridor. Why was he there? Slowly he began walking towards him.

"M'lady, this is not a good idea."

"I don't care, Didymus. I'm not sitting here waiting anymore. Someone's attacking our home."

Jareth stopped as Sarah walked out of a side room carrying that damn coat over her arm. What was she thinking? She was supposed to stay hidden.

Sarah hadn't noticed him yet. She turned to Didymus, "I need to get upstairs and find something else to wear."

"M'lady, thou are to remain in hiding."

Standing with her back to Jareth, Sarah shook her head, "not anymore. I'm no longer going to stay in the shadows. Damn it, Didymus. I have to show the people I'm not some damsel in distress."

he should have been angry with her, but he could only feel pride. She was acting every bit the queen she was.

"No one would ever think you're a damsel in distress, Sarah."

Sarah turned quickly to face, clearly in shock. "J...Jareth, you're back."

He walked towards her, "I only want to the wall."

"Don't tell to go back into hiding. I can't do it anymore. Not with the City burning," she was fighting back tears.

He frowned as he stopped in front of her. She must have heard the whispers.

"Sarah, allow me to escort you to your chambers," he offered his arm.

She frowned at him but took his arm.

Jareth looked at Sir Didymus, "please follow us."

The old fox nodded, "of course, Your Highness."

He began to lead Sarah towards the massive staircase with Didymus close behind.

XOXOXOX

Jareth had surprised her. She had thought he would be surveying the outer city longer than he had. She had only seen the smoke and flames from the window in the throne room. That had been the final straw.

So she had found a windowless room and removed the coat. Instead of following the rest of her plan, Jareth was leading her to her "chambers", which scared her slightly. What did he mean by that? She hadn't stayed in any room in the Castle besides her tiny servant room.

Didymus followed closely behind them. Jareth lead her in the opposite direction of his study and a few floors above it.

"Relax, Sarah. You have your own chambers separate from mine. I had it prepared after I realized it was you at the balls."

She nodded, "so you aren't mad at me?"

Jareth shook his head, "I wouldn't say that, but I'm not going to force you back into hiding."

Sarah frowned, "I can't do it anymore."

"I understand, but.."

"Don't you dare say I should have talked to you first. I'll hit you."

"Hit me?"

"You know I haven't seen you in weeks. So of course, I couldn't talk to you."

Jareth nodded, "true, but I can ask that in the future you talk to me before doing something that may put you in danger."

"Only if you do the same."

He smiled at her, "agreed." Then he looked at a door to the left, "ah, here we are." He turned slightly towards Didymus, "stand guard outside."

the knight nodded and held his lance in front of him, "of course, Your Highness." He moved to stand to one side of the door.

Jareth released Sarah's arm and moved to the door. He looked back at her as he opened the door, "your chambers, My lady." then he moved to one side to allow her to past him.

Sarah walked past him and froze. The room before her mad the room at the Palace actually look shabby. While the room at the Palace had been in creams and gold, this room was in greens and gold.

"Do you like it?"

She turned towards him, "it's lovely."

He nodded, "there are gowns in the wardrobe. Unfortunately, I still haven't found you a lady's maid yet."

"I'm sure I can find something easy to get into."

Suddenly, the ground shook and the sound of an explosion filled the air. Then the sound of yelling reached them. The happy relaxed mood was gone.

Jareth turned towards Didymus, "stay with her. Don't allow her out of your sight."

"Of course, Your Highness."

He then turned towards Sarah, "please say here. I need you safe so that I can concentrate on what I need to do."

Sarah nodded, "go. I'll do what I can from here."

Jareth walked over to her and gave her a quick kiss before walking to one of the windows and opening it.

Sarah watched as he transformed and flew out the window. She walked over to the opened window once he was out of sight to be greeted with the horror of the Main Gate and Wall gone.