quote: (post)

Originally posted by Betterman
After spending some time as the Dread Pirate Roberts, Inigo meets the love of his life, Mandy, and the two settle down in the country. They are married and have a child. Unfortunately, neither one of the adventurous pair knows quite how to deal with a child.

One day while Inigo is returning from a visit to his old friend, Fezzik, Mandy grows weary of their infant son.

"Why won't you ever stop crying? What is wrong with you? Sometimes you make me want to get rid of you because I think our lives were much happier before you were born."

The baby continues to cry and Mandy scratces her head in frustration. "You know there was a story I once heard about a Goblin King who would come swoop up unwanted babies and turn them into goblins. Is that what you want to happen to you? All I have to do is summon him."

The cries do not stop and Mandy screams. Mandy hears Inigo entering the house and she turns to leave her son's room whispering, "You're lucky I don't remember what the strange incantation was. But, I wish the goblins would take you away, right now."

Mandy finds her husband standing by the front door. He hugs her and smiles broadly. "How are you today, my love? Where is my son? I want to say hello to him."

Inigo follows Mandy into their son's room, but it is empty.

"Where is he?" asks Inigo.

"I don't understand. He was right here. He couldn't have gone anywhere," says Mandy.

Mandy and Inigo hear soft, scampering footsteps all around them. Inigo prepares to draw his sword as a white owl flies into the room. The white owl transforms into Jareth, the Goblin King.

"Do not concern yourself with the baby anymore, I will take care of him. Continue on with the carefree lives you once had before he was born," says Jareth.

"Who are you?" demands Inigo.

"I am the Goblin King, I was summoned here to take your child and so I have."

Inigo pulls out his sword and points it with anger at Jareth. "Hello Goblin King, my name is Inigo Montoya, you have kidnapped my son, prepare to die!"

"Attacking me won't bring back your son. I was only doing what I was asked to do by her." Jareth points at Mandy.

Inigo lowers his sword. "What is he talking about?"

"I am so sorry, Inigo, I didn't think it was real. I was just angry. I didn't think they would actually come and take our boy and turn him into a goblin." Mandy turns to Jareth. "Please return him to us, I take back everything I said."

Inigo places a comforting hand on Mandy's shoulder. "You heard my wife, return our son immediately!"

"Well, it just doesn't work that way," Jareth replies.

"What?!?" Inigo places his sword under Jareth's chin.

"Again, shedding my blood will not bring you back your son. You are better off just forgetting about him and leaving him to me," Jareth explains.

"Never!" shouts Inigo.

"Very well, have it your way. But to get to your son you must travel through the labyrinth to my castle beyond the goblin city."

"I would travel to the ends of the Earth to get him back."

Jareth transports Inigo and himself to the front of the Labyrinth.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" asks Jareth. "It's not too late for you to turn back and live a blissful life with your wife."

"I will not abandon my son," Inigo responds sternly.

"Good luck then, you're going to need it. Oh, just so you know, you have nine hours to get to my castle beyond the goblin city and save your son or he will turn into one of my goblins forever." Jareth takes a few steps back and fades away.

Inigo regards the massive labyrinth in front of him and sighs. "This will be very difficult as I have no gift for strategy. I wish Westley were here with me so that he could come up with a plan... or even Vizzini." Inigo closes his eyes for a moment. "Help guide me, father, so that I may find your grandson."