Pol sat and watched as Jareth enjoyed a late dinner. Ursula had departed safely with all her baggage and they had been able to come downstairs.

"What will you do now?" Pol asked, his eyes bright with interest.

Jareth tore off a piece of bread and chewed thoughtfully.

"You know, I think I will stay here for a bit. Much as I'd like to confront Gamer, I need to think things through. As far as he knows, I'm dead. I don't want to disillusion him too soon."

He sipped his ale, then put the mug down.

"I might pay Professor Maybury another visit and offer my services. It's true his Alchemists' Stone was a trick to hide the mine, but I think his Elixir shows promise. I think he needs someone who can manage security properly. I wasn't impressed with Mason."

He mopped the juices from his plate with the last of the bread, then met Pol's gaze.

"How soon do you have to return to Mancuria?" asked Jareth, then he reached out and ever so lightly, brushed Pol's hand. "I was hoping you might stay here a while."

"Yes." Pol smiled. "I'd like that."