Derrin, having voiced his opinions to Jareth, set about obeying his orders. The Goblin City was a constant hive of activity leading up to the day of the battle. Munitions were removed from storage in the castle basement, weapons were checked and distributed, and Derrin and his officers set about organising the army into battalions, devising plans for attack and defence.

As Derrin pointed out, it would be impossible for Jareth to translocate the whole army to the Planes, so it was agreed that they should leave the Castle at first light on the day of the battle. This would give the army plenty of time to recuperate from the long journey before the battle commenced at sunset. Provision was also made for the troops to get to The Planes without having to go through the Labyrinth. Jareth would ensure that the network of tunnels underneath the Labyrinth was clear, so that the army could march through them.

Sarah had watched the preparations from the Bedchamber balcony for the past four days. She felt sick whenever she thought about Jareth going to war with Kardallen. She had always thought it romantic in those old films when ladies said goodbye to their knights, giving them a handkerchief to take into battle. Now she knew the truth of those feelings, apprehension and a deep-rooted fear that the brave warrior would never return.

"You haven't eaten," said Jareth behind her. She hadn't heard him come in the room, and wiped a tear from her cheek before turning round to give a forced smile. He held a hand to her face and cast his gaze over her tired, gaunt features and sleepless eyes.

"Sarah, you look ill. You don't sleep, and you haven't been beyond these four walls for days."

"Oh, that's right, nothing has changed, I'm being completely irrational." She walked past Jareth and slumped on the bed, not wanting him to see her cry.

"What is it? Why are you acting like this?" He asked, sounding hurt and in need of an answer.

"Isn't it obvious? Don't you people get nervous in the Underground?" She snapped, unable to control herself. "I'm scared Jareth," she continued, a little more composed. "I'm scared that when I say goodbye to you tomorrow morning, you won't come back."

"Sarah..." he began, though she interrupted him. "No, don't tell me that it's all going to be OK because you don't know that. I'm going to be stuck in this castle blind to everything that's going on."

He walked over to the bed, reaching into his jacket for a purple velvet pouch. He sat beside her, and began to pull out a silver chain. "The amulet that I wear belonged to my father, and this was my mothers." She turned the amulet over in her hands. It was similar to Jareth's, though was more feminine - the silver arrowheads were fashioned from delicate threads of silver that loosely spiralled round. In the place of Jareth's yellow gem was a small crystal, though it was not plain. As Sarah gazed into it, she saw what looked like a thousand stars shimmering inside it, all moving slowly around a bright central light. "It's beautiful," she said, turning it in the light.

"The crystal has been handed down our family for centuries, and is said to have been a gift from The Guardian himself."

"Llynton told me of him - he lives in the Crossworld," she said; Jareth nodded.

"The crystal is magical, and if you believe in its power, you can use it to contact me just as I use my crystals." He smiled at her, placing the amulet around her neck. "Wear it always, and you will never be alone."

***

The chest plate was dazzling, and its intricate gold engravings reflected the sunrise. For Sarah, however, it only served as a reminder of the reality of the situation - Jareth was going to war, and may not come back. She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a cream handkerchief with her name in ornate purple embroidery. "I know that it's somewhat of a tradition, at least where I come from, so I want you to take this." She handed him the bundle of silk. "And I want it back, so be sure not to lose it," she laughed, trying to hide the fact that she was almost crying.

She had promised herself that she wouldn't cry - she had to be strong, for her sake and for Jareth's. As he kissed her, a tear escaped and ran down her cheek. With a smile, Jareth caught it in the handkerchief, folding it up and tucking it securely inside his armour.

With a smile, he mounted his black horse and joined his army. He was gone. She smiled at Llynton and then began to cry. His embrace was comforting, and the way he stroked her hair reminded her of Jareth. "Don't worry Sarah," he comforted, "I'll take care of you."

She did not see his satisfied grin as he watched Jareth, and all but 20 of his Goblin army ride into the tunnel entrance.

***

Sarah had paced about the castle all day, clutching her amulet. With every second that passed, she thought of where Jareth would be... which part of the Labyrinth, which province. The castle and the city below were eerily quiet. Jareth had assured her that she was kidnapped only as a demonstration of Kardallen's power, and was not under any threat during the battle. Thus, there were only a handful of soldiers left to guard the castle. Llynton remained behind to take care of her and to oversee the Goblin Guard, as Derrin and all the other officers were on the battlefield.

As the sun grew low in the sky, Sarah stood on the dining room balcony, willing it to hover above the horizon for as long as possible. She knew that as soon as it fell from view, the battle would commence. A knock on the door broke her concentration, "Lady Sarah? I have brought you some food," Llynton's voice called through the door.

"Come in," she called, thinking that the last thing she wanted right now was something to eat.

"The cook, alas, has been conscripted into duty so I slaved over a hot stove for you myself, and I shall remain here until you've tasted it." He smiled, anticipating her refusal. He held out a plate of sliced meat with steamed vegetables and potatoes. "It smells delicious," Sarah said, finding herself unable to protest. Following the scent, she turned away from the looming sunset and perched at the grand, oversized banqueting table. Smiling, he set the plate down in front of her and pressed his hands together in anticipation.

The meat tasted just as good as it smelled, and she ate her first bite with enthusiastic hunger - her lack of food over the past few days seemed to catch up with her all at once. "Well, Llynton, I think I'll have Jareth promote you to Cook, it's simply..." She stopped abruptly, dropping her fork and clutching the table as a wave of violent dizziness overcame her. She reached an arm toward Llynton for support, though he didn't oblige her; he gave a laugh, his eyes wide with delight. Sarah's vision was blurred, the room spinning, though she saw Llynton move quickly to the chair opposite her. With a sigh, he casually reclined to put his feet up on the table.

"Simply..." he waved his hands in a singular motion as if to prompt her for her compliment. "Delicious? Delightful? Delectable? Wrong!" he shouted. "Poisoned was the word I was looking for. Even 'enchanted' would have done...no points so far my dear."

Sarah jumped as a loud thud shook the castle - and again... someone was barraging the castle gates. She could hear what sounded like an angry mob, jeering and encouraging each blow. "Ah, right on schedule," sighed Llynton.

The room was spinning out of control, but Sarah managed to fight onto her feet and stumble towards the open doorway. "Guards! Guards!" She cried. Llynton was at once before her, though made no attempt to silence her. She stumbled and he pushed her violently against the wall, pressing her to it with an iron like grip around her arms. "It's no good, Sarah, I've taken care of them, just like we're going to take care of you."

The voices were louder now, they were coming from inside the castle. As she heard their armoured footsteps invade the corridors, her legs became weak. No longer able to support herself, she slumped against Llynton. "We?" she struggled, though was given no reply. As she felt him toss her over his shoulder, she had little choice but to give in to the darkness that surrounded her.