Episode Thirteen Part One

Fifteenth-century Thomas was riding across the plains of France on his horse. He sniffed the moist air but caught no scent of witches or humans. "Still nothing. Got anything love?"

A Scottish vampire wearing green robes and a clock trotted over on his horse to his side. With his short shaggy hair blowing in the wind, Argus narrowed his dark eyes and sniffed the air. "Nothing Tommy," he turned to their men. "Scout ahead,"

Two nodded and galloped ahead on their speedy horses.

The group of witch-hunters took camp in the forest. Thomas and Argus had their private campfire. They munched on some raw meat. After taking a bite out of his deer piece, Thomas noticed that Argus was rather quiet. "What's wrong Arggie?"

Argus didn't turn to his husband. But he answered. "I wish that Fergus would just make peace with you and your family," he sounded broken. "I cannot lie that choosing you over my family was an easy choice. But I want you to know that you never influenced me to make this difficult choice,"

Thomas knew that very well but it pained his heart to see him so distraught like this. He shifted close and took his hand firmly. "I love you, Argus. And so does my family. Since the day we married you have always been a part of it. And I promise you that, that will never change. And I also promise you that we will never stop trying to make peace with your family. No matter what they think of us,"

Argus saw the generosity in his eyes. He reached forward and kissed him. They were so in love with each other. They always knew how to comfort each other.

"Sirs!" a chorus of loud voices broke them apart.

The two turned to see their spies frantically rushing to them. "What is it, Francoeur?" Thomas asked.

"We found a decimated village about two miles away,"

"Then we must go there," Argus stood up. Minutes later the party mounted their horses and following their scouts, the couple could see fumes of smoke rising in the distance. They approached a hilltop and they glanced down to see a settlement of decimated houses. Fires remained roaring and a magical odour drifted up their noses. "This is witchcraft," Argus said to his partner.

"Half of you stay here. The rest of you go down with us!" commanded Thomas. He led the party down to the village. They trod carefully along the ash-covered pathways. Argus turned his head glimpsing broken down doors, windows, and ledges. He smelt bodies and spilt blood. He felt emotionally sick. Thomas shared a sorrowful glance with him. They came to the centre of the desolation. His ears remained open hearing for any heartbeat or sound. A beat was heard. "I hear a heartbeat,"

"So do I," said Argus. He turned to their men. "Wait here,"

The pair dismounted their steeds and trod carefully through the narrow streets, holding hands whilst keeping short swords out. They heard a low cry coming from a house that was half destroyed. They entered inside. The hearing led them to a small room where a table was on his side concealing a child behind it.

Thomas narrowed his eyes and saw a glimpse of orange hair. "Hello there,"

The mob of red hair ducked.

"Don't be afraid," Argus sheathed his sword. Thomas did the same. They stepped forward slowly. They watched the mob of red hair rise again behind the round surface of the wood. They saw a child's face with blue eyes and peachy cheeks.

"This is Argus," Thomas introduced. "My name is Thomas. What's yours?"

The little boy, bruised and injured, sniffled but stood up a little more into the light. "Wr..Wr..Wrolf,"

"Well, Wrolf…would you like to come out?"

"You're not going to hurt me?" sobbed the poor boy.

"Why would we hurt you?" Argus comforted.

"Because they did," Wrolf cried.

"Who did?"

"The mean people who did witchcraft. They destroyed my home, took my family…" Wrolf cried into his hands falling to the floor. Argus and Thomas felt deeply sorry for him. They sympathised with him. They had lost their families to the same people too.

"We're so sorry kid," Thomas apologised. "We lost our families to those cruel people. But we promise you we won't hurt you,"

"Why don't you come out?" Argus offered a hand. "Let us take you somewhere safe, where you'll never have to see those cruel monsters ever again?"

Wrolf wiped his face and looked again at the two young men who kept glancing at him with warm wet eyes. "You promise you won't hurt me?"

"We promise," they said together.

Wrolf slowly stepped out of the ruined house and Argus pulled off one of his cloaks so he could wrap the poor cold boy. He mounted his horse and Thomas gently lifted him to sit in front of him. He brought Argus another cape before mounting his horse.

As they rode away from the ruins, the boy Wrolf fell asleep in Argus's arms. After another few hours of trotting endless across the wet French fields, they made camp in some nearby woods. Wrolf fell asleep in the tent and Thomas and Argus pulled several furry blankets over him. Argus stroked his wet hair like a father would a son.

"Poor fella," said Thomas sadly. "No child should ever have to lose their parents like that,"

"Just like you and me," Argus turned his face to him. With wet eyes, they shared a kiss. They travelled back to their campsite and they cooked some meat for the poor boy. The vampires sat on either side of him. Once he was finished, Wrolf glanced at the two of them. "Are you two…married?"

"We are true," Thomas said proudly.

"It's weird. Two men being married,"

"Not something you see every day," Argus agreed. "It's very forbidden in most places, but that doesn't stop us from being together,"

Wrolf looked at their sheathed swords. "Are you two warriors?"

"In a way," said Thomas.

"Can I see your sword?"

"Okay," Thomas pulled it slowly. Wrolf was about to touch it but he pulled it back. "No swiping with it. You could really cut yourself,"

"I won't. I promise," Wrolf took the sword and looked at the silver blade and admired its unique details. "I wish I had one of these so I could defend myself against witches,"

"It takes more than a sword to make a warrior little man," Argus said. "It's bravery, honour and truth,"

"I don't understand," he said.

"One day you will," Thomas took it back gently.

"Sirs!" their spies called them again. One of them came rushing over to deliver a letter. Thomas took it and opened it, reading quickly.

"What is it, love?" Argus asked.

"I must travel and join my grandmother in Treaire," Thomas announced. "The witch hunts are becoming more difficult for her and she needs aid.

"What shall we do about our little fella here?" Argus asked as he cradled Wrolf in his arms as he slept safe and warm in his furry cloak.

"He shouldn't come with us. He needs to go somewhere for a while. Take him to Sept Tour. Phillipe wouldn't mind having him around for a few weeks,"

"I agree. I will join you as soon as I can,"

"No Argus. This young man needs you to be with him. I will return when it is safe. If things get worse I will bring word,"

Argus wanted to disagree but he knew he had to take care of the little boy they had just rescued. He kissed Thomas and embraced him tightly. "Stay alive. To lose you would shatter me completely,"

"And you me," Thomas said.

They pulled back and Argus untied a Scottish amulet around his neck and tied it around Thomas's neck. "So that I'm with you always. Just remember me," his partner cradled it tenderly. Instead of answering back, he kissed him again.

The horses were prepared again. Argus would travel by himself to Sept Tour with Wrolf and just two men.

"Where are we going?" Wrolf asked Argus.

"I'm going to take you to our family house until we can figures something out. You'll be safe there," his caretaker promised.

"Where are you going?" Wrolf asked Thomas.

"I'm going to hunt down the people responsible for your people. I will see you and Argus as soon as I can,"

"Be safe my love," Argus bid.

"And you my love," Thomas said. "You take care of our little man here," he said. With tearful eyes, he steered his horse in the opposite direction and he galloped off into the distance with his men. Argus steered his house the other way and keeping a hand on the reins and the other around Wrolf's waist, he headed south.

Phillipe de Clairmont sat at his desk in his office thinking of his beloved Ysabeau out witch-hunting. He thought of his grandson and his partner. How he loved them dearly. A servant came walking into the hall opposite him. "My lord. Argus has arrived. With a human child,"

Phillipe stood up and he walked through the hallways to the outside courtyard. He saw Argus dismounting his horse and lifting a human child off the steed. He turned his head and smiled seeing his grandfather-in-law who happily paced forward and greeted him with a warm hug. "It is so good to have you back Argus," Phillipe said lovingly. "How is my dear grandson?"

"He is with Ysabeau in Trier," Argus said. "We've encountered several scorch villages. Those darn witches are a thorn in our sides," he turned to the child Wrolf. "We found this boy Wrolf in the last village we came to. Thomas insisted I'd bring him here for protection,"

"Then let us bring him inside," Phillipe said seeing how much it would mean to Argus. Though a MacDuff, he would always be a part of his family forever. They entered the chateau and entered the dining room. Wrolf was given some water and some food. Phillipe could see how fatherly Argus was to the boy. Once he was finished, he said to the servant, "Bring Wrolf for a wash and lead him to one of our spare rooms for some sleep,"

The servant woman proceed to take Wrolf away but he felt scared.

"It's all right Wrolf," Argus consoled. "She's just gonna take you somewhere to wash up and then to a spare room. I'd come over in a bit. Okay?"

"Okay," Wrolf said bravely.

"That's my boy," Argus patted his cheek and gave him a little hug to comfort him. Wrolf was taken away and he waved at the Scottish vampire.

"I am really glad you're here Argus. And I'm proud you and Thomas rescued this human child," Phillipe's facial expression fell a bit. "You know that he cannot stay here with us,"

"I know," Argus said despondently but deep inside he had come to love the boy. "If only it were possible. If it wasn't for my inability to sire and because of Thomas…"

"I'm sorry that it has to be this way," Phillipe apologised. "But you both know why we can't sire him. It would be too risky. And I couldn't bear to see you guys have to cull a poor boy like him. The best you can do is take him somewhere where he can be raised by humans,"

Argus pursed his lips and nodded. "Tell me why Matthew has been summoned here?"

Phillipe led him over to his office and a servant brought them wine. He told Argus the story about Matthew currently in London as Matthew Roydon falling in love with a witch named Diana, Phillipe finding out thanks to his spies in London and sending Gallowglass his nephew whom Argus and Thomas were very close to, to bring them here to answer for their forbidden affair.

"You mean to tell me that Matthew is mated to a witch?" Argus wanted to explode but his better nature made him keep his rage in check. "How I am glad that Thomas is not here to hear it. How he would feel betrayed to realise his father is consorting with the same people who took his human family. What is to become of Matthew when he arrives here?"

"He will answer to me and I will see about this witch. She may yet know too much of our family's secrets,"

"Then let's be prepared. How are we to tell this to Thomas?"

"We shouldn't keep it secret," Phillipe agreed. "But let us see how it goes once I interrogate Matthew and his witch of his, Diana she is called after the goddess of the hunt,"

"I want to be there for the interrogation," requested Argus. "I want to confront Matthew for betraying Thomas's feelings,"

"As you wish. But let me have control of the situation,"

"When will they arrive?"

"Hopefully within a few days should they have left England instantly after Gallowglass delivered him that message,"

"Please let me keep Wrolf for a few days here," Argus requested. "Just until I can figure something out,"

Phillipe nodded. "As you wish,"

"Did your spies hear anything of my family?"

"They were in London,"

"Did they cause any trouble?"

"No. They did not,"

Argus sighed in relief. "I'm so sorry that they remain cynical towards your intentions,"

"Don't let their opinions of our family be a dark cloud over your head," Phillipe poured another goblet of wine for him. "Just be proud that you are a perfect mate for my grandson,"

His words made Argus smile a little but still, the dark mark in his heart of his family resenting his love for Thomas remained painful as the day he regrettably left them. Over the next few days, Argus split his time between catching up with Phillipe and taking care of Wrolf. Every moment he spent with Wrolf made the surrogate love he was feeling for him unbearable every moment. Soon he and Thomas would have to take him back to the humans and they would never see him again. He decided to move Wrolf to the bedroom he and Thomas shared so he could be near to him until it was time to let him go. He feared every day for his mate but prayed that he and Ysabeau would arrive home safe. Hopefully, after Matthew was brought to Sept Tour in the account of his forbidden choice of mate.

For the few hundred years since they had been mated, they had always dreamed of raising a family. But with his mysterious inability to sire and a dark genetic secret hidden in the blood of the de Clairmonts from Ysabeau's side, it was not just possible for him and Thomas to raise a child together. The child would die as it was human and no human needed to know they were vampires; they would be persecuted and tested like animals and that was the greatest fear any vampire could dread.

Matthew and Diana were approaching Sept Tour. Diana noticed a grave expression on her mate's face. "What is it?"

"Whilst Ysabeau was at the witch trials in this time, Thomas and Argus were out together hunting witches and overtime they would pop by to report to my father,"

"Do you think we'll see them at Sept Tour?" she asked.

"Maybe. Or perhaps just Argus," already Matthew's face was beginning to wet. "It hurts that Thomas will never be able to see him again in the future. I hate that while we see his partner, he is in the present feeling more tragic than he felt since he died,"

Diana pursed her lips very sadly. "You can tell him what it was like to see him again,"

"That won't be enough to consult him. And as much as I wish I could take it away, neither he in this time nor Argus can know what will happen. That's one of the things I dread about being in the past right now. Wishing you could change the future but knowing you can't,"

Diana knew exactly how he felt. He felt the same way about Phillipe.

Argus had just tucked Wrolf into his shared bed with Thomas when Phillipe entered the room. As he turned to his grandfather-in-law, he saw a serious expression. "He is here. Be careful what words you use but leave the majority of the talking to me,"

Argus wanted to say 'I will but the rage he felt toward his father-in-law for mating with a common enemy made it feel inevitable. He walked over to the living room and sat in one of the grand chairs with a goblet of ale and waited patiently. A while passed before slowly footsteps creaking on the old floorboards approached the room. He sat up straight whilst Phillipe stood at his office.

Matthew Roydon entered the room. Escorting him was his witch, wearing rich red with a messy side-braid. As he entered the room and set his eyes on him, Argus detected a feeling of paleness on his face as he was surprised to see him here and wasn't expecting him. "Argus," he greeted. "How lovely to see you here,"

Argus glanced sceptically at him. "I take it your trip from London wasn't troublesome?"

"It wasn't," Matthew said. "Your brother was in London but he caused no trouble at all,"

"So this is your witch," Argus swerved his head to meet Diana's firm expression. "Never thought I'd see one enter this chateau,"

Diana felt a little nervous. Though she remembered how Thomas described him to her and her brother Sept Tour, he showed only cold hostility. And she didn't blame him. "You must be Argus MacDuff. I've heard so much about you,"

Argus completely ignored her. "How am I glad Thomas isn't here to see this," he spoke to Matthew. "How betrayed and repulsed he would be to see you mated with a wicked whore,"

"Don't ever…" Matthew growled. "Talk like that, about her,"

Argus exploded. "Have you forgotten what her kind did to Thomas?! Have you forgotten how they murdered his family and took away everything he loved?"

"Diana is not responsible for their deaths," Matthew said.

"That is not enough to think you can be in a relationship with her. Have you considered what loving a witch could do to our family? Our kind?"

"We love each other,"

"Why? And why do you neglect everything that witches have done to villages? Families?" As he spoke bitterly, Argus pictured the helpless Wrolf inside that house where he and Thomas had found him. "Thomas and I have seen what creatures like her do. They're nothing but locusts that plague villages and take what they want. Thomas will never talk to you again once he hears of this. You betrayed his feelings. You betrayed your kind,"

"Argus…" Phillipe's voice rose. He didn't shout but Argus knew it was a command to be silent and let him handle the situation. He stood up and walked over to Phillipe who stared at Thomas with a grave expression.


What did you all think of Thomas and Argus's romance? And that kid Wrolf? Thank goodness past Thomas isn't here to see Matthew and Diana's romance. And what did you all think of this chapter? See you all in the next half.