The Goblin Prince.

In which Sarah learns some rather unfortunate Truths

Prince transported to the outer wall where Hoggle was heading back from his station from where he had guided the runner into the Labyrinth. 

"Hello, Hoggle." 

"Elwynn." Hoggle spat. "Come to steal a fairy for the dreamers again? I thought you learned your lesson when that Rat had to pull teeth out of your fingers." 

"A different favor this time," Prince said, giving a half-hearted glare. He picked up Hoggle's fairy sprayer and started walking with him towards his home. "I was hoping you could convince your human friend something." 

"What do you want with Sarah?" Hoggle said venomously. He and the Prince were on better terms than he was with the King but Sarah was important to him. 

"Nothing more than to talk. Nothing more. Nothing less. After I leave, she will have no magic in her other than her own and her frequent visitors." 

Hoggle stopped short. "Sarah has magic?" 

Prince tilted his head. "Of course. She ate fruit of this world. A little bit of its magic is in her. Toby too, as does every child who comes through here."

Hoggle scowled. "I thought that peach was something that rat made." 

"My father did enchant the peach, but it was from the gardens, not the mortal world. It's uncommon but every so often a runner does have something to eat. They are usually a bit busy though. This is not your fault." 

"Is she bound here? Does the rat have a claim?" 

"Relax, Hoggle. If my father did have a claim, she never would have been able to leave in the first place. Unless someone feeds her some more peaches, which I hear from Sir. Didymus she detests, she is still free to live in the mortal realm full time." 

Hoggle let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for letting me know, Prince." 

"So can I have my audience? I'm even willing to do it mirror side and or explain the magic in more detail." 

"Yeah, I'll ask. No guarantee she'll say yes though." 

"Understood."

"I'll say your name next time she calls." 

"My thanks."
------------------------------

"Hoggle, I need you." 

The reflection in the full-length mirror changed from a beautiful dark-haired woman to a short dwarf.

"Hello, Sarah." Hoggle said, the background clearly showing he was at his house. "How have you been? Did you find a school yet?" 

"Good. I've received a few acceptances but nothing from Hamilton yet." 

"Well, this Hamilton fellow doesn't know what he's missing." The dwarf declared.

Sarah smiled. "How have you been, Hoggle?"

"Good, good. I haven't been bogged since we talked last." He took off his hat and wringed it nervously. 

"Hoggle, what's wrong?" Sarah asked, concerned for her friend. 

"Listen, Sarah. I had a visitor earlier and he asked for a favor."

Sarah's eyes narrowed. "Was it him?" 

Hoggle shook his head. "No. His son."

Shock and disappointment rushed through Sarah. "His son?"

"Yeah, the Prince. He takes care of the little kids while the rat handles runners. He asked if he could speak with you. Said he was willing to even do it through a mirror if that made you feel safer. He can't enter a house without invite either. He also let me know some other stuff about mortals here. He said he would explain or I could."