Episode Fourteen Part Two

Ysabeau, Aurora and the hearts had been searching for hours but no message was found. Sarah was getting tired and so was Em. Ysabeau and Aurora however remained wide awake.

"It's very late," Em yawned.

"That vibration…can you still feel?" Ysabeau asked Sarah.

"It's gone now,"

"I still fill something stirring," Aurora confessed. "My instincts are telling me that there is a message hidden here but something has happened in the past,"

"I'll keep looking. You three go and get rest," Ysabeau insisted.

"I can help you," Aurora offered.

"That's very kind but you need rest,"

"I have vampire genes. I'm not as in much sleep as I used to be. I'll be fine," she assured.

"Don't stay up much longer," Sarah implored.

"Good aunts,"

"Good night Aurora," Em kissed her cheek and she and Sarah waddled off to bed. Ysabeau and Aurora continued the search.


Argus had retreated to the woods to have some time with Wrolf to keep his mind off things. Though the enjoyment of playing with the kid made him laugh, the fear of the future made his heart sink into a void of emptiness and longing. He wanted to spend every single possible moment with Thomas until the day his death would come. He wanted to tell Thomas that he would die in the future but catastrophic consequences would befall upon time.

The snorting of horses and their pounding hooves rang in his ears. He turned to see Phillipe, Matthew and Diana approaching him and his party on horses.

"I want you to join us for a special ceremony," Phillipe requested.

Argus saw the amorous affections his loved ones and the witch held for him. If I am to die in the future, I must support my father-in-law and his witch. He told himself. He would do it for Thomas. "Take Wrolf back to the chateau please," he requested his servant.

He bent before the boy. "I'll be back soon. Okay?"

Wrolf nodded and gave him a heartfelt hug which he returned. He watched Wrolf ride off with his guardian back to the chateau before mounting his horse. They went into the forest and descended a gentle foggy slope.


Ysabeau and Aurora still had no luck.

"I thought you two might like this," Marthe brought them half-filled glasses.

"Thank you," Aurora took a sip hoping it would drown her sorrow of being separated from Marcus.

"The prospect of one last message from Phillipe is too much to bear," lamented Ysabeau. Though she looked strong, Aurora knew deep inside she was broken.

"I'll help you look," Marthe placed her gentle hand on Ysabeau's.

Her mistress clasped it, touched by her commitment to her. "Thank you," she smiled through her broken heart. They remained searching but Aurora was becoming a little tired. She almost dosed when she felt a distant call, calling to her from afar. She turned her head slightly.

"Aurora…" Marthe's concerned voice spoke up. "Are you all right?"

But Aurora ignored her. She stood up slowly. The vocalising voice was distant but close. "I'll be right back," she said. She walked swiftly out of the hall, the two women watching her.


Matthew and Argus rode a little behind Diana and Phillipe. Matthew knew that Argus wanted to have another private conversation.

"Thank you for telling me about Thomas," said Argus sadly. "It breaks my heart to know that he hasn't found love again; he deserves happiness again. I just wish there was a way I could comfort him,"

"Write him a letter," Matthew insisted. "Hide it somewhere in Sept Tour so that he will read it. Leaving your final words for him will heal him greatly," Argus thought about it for a moment. Then a spark of hope partially filled the empty void in his void. He would have to find a very secure place though so that Thomas (before the timeline Matthew and Diana time-walked from) wouldn't find it.


Aurora rushed out into the gardens, then towards a back gate which led into the woods. The voice enchanted her to rush straight ahead. She flew into the dark, ignoring the shouts of her aunts (who had seen her from their window) and the vampires who had heard her.


The group came out of the forest towards a plain of fewer trees. Standing on the extent of green pasture was a ring of stone columns with an altar in the centre on a large circle of beige stone.

"What is this place?" Diana asked.

"It's dedicated to your namesake. The goodness Diana," Phillipe answered. "When I was a boy, brides would come to temples like this to ask the goddess for her protection,"

"Thomas and I never did this at all," Argus remembered, regarding their exact sexuality.

"Your wedding was still a day to remember nevertheless," remembered Matthew. They dismounted their steeds and walked onto the circle of religious rock and approached the altar.


Aurora's hair glowed in the dark like the aurora. But she didn't care. Using the voice as her guide, she sprinted over the ground of dark dirt, brushing past fern bushes and tall thin threes. The forest floor was slightly foggy though she could see visibly ahead. She found herself slowing down and after coming out into a small forest opening. She found herself in front of a circle of ancient rock. There were some ruined column bases scattered about. She could feel magical vibrations, invisible but very powerful emitting from the site. She walked carefully towards it.


"In two days, time, you will be married," Phillipe announced to his son and now blood-sworn daughter who turned to him in surprise. Argus smiled for the first time since their arrival. "In a matter that honours our ancestors," he stepped beside Diana elegantly. "A lock of your hair, a symbol of your maidenhood," he gently cut off a lock of hair from Diana's bun and then placed the thick thread of gold and a small purse in her palm. "Money, a symbol of your worth. As a highly religious man and a dedicator of gods, my grandson…will you bless this woman?" he requested to the vampire he deemed a grandson.

Diana glanced at Argus carefully, still unaware if he had finally accepted her and Matthew.

To her unexpected delight, he nodded. "I will," She smiled. And so did Matthew. Argus closed his eyes and stood in front of the altar of stone. He muttered ancient words holding his hand over the altar. "I beseech you to hold this child Diana in your hands. Lady of the wolves, protector in every way. Show her the light of light and shields in darkness. Watch over your namesake during her journey on this Earth,"

Diana placed the money and lock of hair on the alter as Argus held his hand over it. His eyes slowly opened. They felt the earth quaking around them. The wind blew in their backs. Then they heard the sound of snorting. They turned around and, a majestic deer of pure white stood before their seeking eyes. It glanced firmly at Diana who looked back. It blinked its eyes and snorted at her.


Aurora stood in the centre of the stone circle. She could feel the magical vibrations growing stronger. A strange instinct took over her and she sat down, closing her eyes and holding her hands out as if she was meditating.


Diana approached it gently, holding her hand out. It smelt her. Then as her hand touched its snout, Diana's eyes automatically closed and she felt her head spinning though her body remained frozen. Her eyes opened and she saw her outstretched hand. She turned around and saw Matthew, Phillipe and Argus weren't there either. All she saw was a figure with long hair meditating in the centre of the circle.

"Aurora?"

Aurora's eyes flicked. A heartbeat promptly compelled her body to stand up. She turned around and saw her sister. Their eyes turned wet and relief filled their faces. They rushed and threw their arms around each other, soaking in each other's warmth and affection, shedding tears of joy onto each other's shoulders.

Diana cheered in delight. "I miss you. So much,"

"I miss you too sis," Aurora let go and they cupped each other's cheeks. They stared around and saw they were in the fading forest and golden specks.

"This must be a cross between time. Between the past and present," Diana said. "In exactly the same spot,

"Are you and Matthew at Sept Tour?" Aurora asked.

"We are. Phillipe is with us. And so is Argus. Where are you?"

"I'm at an ancient site just outside the surroundings of the forest the chateau. It was once a ring of columns,"

"That's where I am. Only over four hundred years ago,"

"I thought I heard your voice calling me and I followed it here. But that's not all. Our aunts and I sensed magical vibrations in Phillipe's book room. We think that he's trying to leave a message to Ysabeau,"

Diana was bewildered. "He saw the ring she bequeathed to me and he knows he will die in the future. And Argus saw Thomas's talisman and he knows too. They must be leaving a message for you all to see," Something was disturbing Aurora and Diana could tell how troubled she was. "Aurora, what's wrong?"

"Terrible things have been happening in Oxford Diana,"

"What do you mean?" Diana grasped her hands. "Tell me,"

"There's a vampire murdering warmbloods in Oxford. Domenico from the Congregation's been sniffing around and he claims they were done by a vampire infected with blood rage. And Gerbert thinks the de Clairmonts are linked to them,"

Diana turned white.

Aurora licked her lips. She had to tell her. "Sis, there's something you need to know…"

"I know," Diana didn't care at all.

Aurora blinked. "You do?"

"Matthew told me. He said that he was infected by Ysabeau when she sired him,"

"Thomas is infected too,"

"And Marcus?"

The mention of Marcus made Aurora's eyes tear up. "He's a carrier. But he ended our relationship when he realised this secret was kept from him all his life,"

Diana was heartbroken for her sister. "What? No. That can't stop you two from having a future together,"

"He's afraid I'll be in danger if I stay with him. If the de Clairmont's secrets get out because of these murders, the Congregation will execute them all. He thinks we can't be together,"

"Matthew and I are going to remain together and he's infected. That shouldn't come between you and Marcus. The love that you hold for him is worth fighting for," she pressed her palm to her sister's cheek and wiped her tears. "You can't give up on it. I couldn't bear to see you have anyone to love by your side. I will never walk away from Matthew. So don't you do the same to Marcus no matter how much he tries to push you away,"

Aurora knew at once that she was right. The more she sat in the chateau, heartbroken, the more she would become so lost that she would never find the urge to find again. She felt she was experiencing the cycle of love and longing like her sister did when Matthew left her at Sept Tour alone. But when he returned Diana felt whole again. She wondered if Marcus would return or if she would have to go to him and declare her love. "What's happening?" she asked.

Diana bent her eyebrows.

"Your hand,"

Diana looked at her hand and realised it was fading. "We're returning to our times,"

Aurora realised her hands were glowing and fading too. "No," she shook her head. "You can't go,"

"I'm sorry," her sister apologised, heartbroken that they were about to be separated again. Instantly they threw their arms around each other again, feeling each other becoming less solid and more ghost-like. "I love you, sis,"

"I love you too sis. Please come home soon,"

"I will. And don't you dare give up on Marcus. You both deserve each other,"

A flash of light engulfed the atmosphere and their hands were pulled apart.


Aurora flicked her eyes up and she found herself back in the forest again. Her breathing slowed and her tears fell again.


Diana breathed slowly in and out.

"Diana," she felt Matthew's arms hold her. "Are you all right?"

She twisted her wet face to meet his. "I saw her,"

Argus stumbled over to her. "Who?"

"My sister. Aurora," she breathed.

Matthew blinked. "Is she all right?"

"She is. She was at the same spot we are now,"

"No wonder the goddess sent you to a crossing between past and present. It sensed someone seeking you out," Phillipe said. "Artemis has accepted your gifts. We can go. We have a wedding to prepare," He walked away.

Argus looked sympathetically at Diana whose tears fell. "I am sorry your reunion was short. But your sister is safe if she is at Sept Tour. And she would be happy to see you and Matthew about to be married. Just as I am," he spoke whole-heartedly. The couple smiled as they heard those words. If Thomas accepted them, then his mate had to.


The big day came and Diana was in a private room being dressed. Her blood-sworn father came to check on her. He sensed her slow-beating heart.

"What is wrong Diana?" her blood-father asked.

Diana wanted to answer but she couldn't say a word. She held up her locket and opened it. Phillipe looked at the beautiful pictures of herself and a girl who although wasn't related by blood meant everything to her. "This is your sister,"

"Her name's Aurora. She was taken in by my parents when she was only an infant. She stood up for her and promised to hold our backs. I just wish she could be here to see it," she wished. "I feel so guilty abandoning her in the present,"

"Why could she not have come with you and Matthew to this time?"

"Because she had a duty back in the present. And I didn't want to take her away from someone she loved," she couldn't mention Marcus to his future grandfather. And she couldn't tell Phillipe anything that was happening in the future. She would tell Matthew later.

"I am sorry that she couldn't be here," he apologised.

"Phillipe, I need to ask you something,"

"Speak,"

"Have you ever encountered any creature who is not a vampire, human, witch daemon?"

Phillipe touched his fingers to his chin and thought. "I did once encounter a creature just like that. He could shoot lightning from his hands and he had lived for as long as I had. Why do you ask?"

"My sister has the genes of every creature. And she has unique abilities, unlike any creature I've seen. But she's in danger because of her heritage,"

"I am sure Ysabeau and Thomas in the future are protecting her. Along with the man she loves. Matthew told me you both seek the book of life. Perhaps the answers to protecting her and yourselves lie within it,"


Argus dressed up smartly in a velvet French suit for the wedding. He dressed up Wrolf as well. The little boy had never worn something so valuable. Argus made sure he brushed his hair nicely for the wedding ceremony.

"You both look very perfect," Matthew spoke behind them.

Argus stood up and he saw Matthew dressed in black with a unique little crossbow of gold pinned to his lapel like a rose.

"Hello," Wrolf waved.

Matthew smiled at him. "Would you give me a moment with Argus please?"

The servant walked Wrolf out leaving the two to talk alone.

"You look handsome Matthew,"

"Sometimes it feels like only yesterday you and Thomas were getting married,"

"I'm proud to see that you're finally happy with someone you love. I just wish Thomas…could be here to see it,"

Matthew sniffled. "Me too,"


Gathering in the courtyard, the bell rang and a flock of birds took air. Then the doors opened and the bride opened her eyes. They saw Diana walking like an angel down the stairs and across the courtyard. Her dress was silver and gold with long wavy sleeves. Behind her hair was twisted in waves, decorated with pearls, and slung over her shoulder was a ruff of silver thread resembling a peacock fan. She was possibly the most beautiful creature anyone had ever seen.

She approached the waiting groom, bowing her head at Phillipe and then Argus who both bowed back. She gazed at her husband who gazed back at her with love. "My darling you are so beautiful," Diana smiled, enjoying every moment of their wedding. The priest spoke in French first to Matthew. "I Matthew, give my body to you Diana, in faithful matrimony," he vowed wholehearted.

Diana accepted. "And I receive it," The priest asked her next and she answered back with the same level of commitment, "I Diana give my body to you Matthew,"

"And I receive it,"

They kissed. Then after they pulled apart and pressed their faces to one another, Philippe, Argus and Wrolf clapped for the newlyweds. And so did all their guests. The two held hands and they walked back into the chateau for a special party and feast.

Night came to pass and the music from violins began to play.

"I believe the first dance belongs to me," Phillipe offered his hand. "My daughter,"

Diana bowed and they began to dance. Matthew and Argus watched them with fascination. Even Wrolf was enjoying the dance.

"I wish Ysabeau could be here," Matthew wished.

"One day I'm sure you and Diana will tell her everything and she'll be so happy for you," Argus prayed.

"Instructions have been issued. If anyone talks, they will have their tongues confiscated.

She cannot and will not learn of this," Phillipe vowed as he danced with Diana. "But I do wish, Ysabeau could be here to see Matthew's happiness,"

"One day I'll tell her everything," Diana promised.

Matthew stepped in and took her hand ready for their dance next. They turned and swirled into a perfect waltz.

"They sure look so happy together," said Wrolf admirably.

Phillipe and Argus nodded. They shared happy yet sad glances.

Soon the celebration ended and Diana and Matthew retreated to their room to sleep together properly for the first time. Phillipe and Argus still in their clothes remained in the living room whilst Wrolf went to bed.

"It's so sad that we'll have to say goodbye to them," Argus lamented. "And knowing that I'll die in the future and having to keep it secret from Thomas, will kill me every single day,"

Phillipe solemnly clasped his shoulder. "It will tear me apart to hold it back from Ysabeau too. But we both know that what will come, will come. And we must accept it," his words were truthful though they remained very painful for the vampire his beloved grandson loved. "Write a letter for him," he insisted. "I will write one for Ysabeau. Leave a message so that Thomas will find peace with your future passing,"

"That's what Matthew told me to do," Argus remembered. Shedding a tear, he nodded. . Phillipe handed him some paper, some ink and the de Clairmont stamp. He wrote with elegance as Philippe watched him, planning in his head what he would write for Ysabeau. As Argus declared his eternal love, a tear was shed and it splatted on the paper, spilling the ink a bit. He left it there so Thomas would know how heartbreaking it was to compose these final words. He dusted the paper and folded it into a very tiny paper square before stamping the family insignia to stick it together. He then found the perfect hiding place for it.


"And then I saw her," Aurora explained to her aunts over a cup of coffee.

"Did she mention anything about Phillipe leaving a message?" asked Sarah.

"No. But I feel he is writing because he knows that he will die. And so does Argus,"

The aunts shared worried glances.

"Knowing you're gonna die and you can't tell the person you love about it must be so hard for them," lamented Sarah.

"I'm gonna go back and help Ysabeau," Aurora stood up and walked back to the library to help Ysabeau and Marthe.


The following day was bright and sunny. Argus helped to prepare the horses. Wrolf asked if he could give him a hand and he accepted.

"Argus," Phillipe approached him. "I have a special task for you,"

"Name it," He walked off to speak with him quietly so Wrolf wouldn't hear.

"I want you to go with Matthew and Diana to Bohemia. Make sure they claim the Book of Life safely and then once they leave for London, return here to be with Thomas when you see him,"

"The Book of Life?"

"Diana told me in her time she accidentally summoned it. And that was what drew them together. They are in this time to find it to uncover its mysteries. Where they're going is dangerous and they will all the help they can get,"

Argus nodded at his request.

"Have you decided where you're going to take Wrolf?"

"In all that's happened, I haven't thought much about it, to be honest," Argus was telling the truth. But he kept his heartbeat under control so no deception was detected. "But now that you have given me this task, I will take him with me,"

"He should stay here where's safe,"

"If I leave him here now, I will only try to keep him here and I know what I have to do. I may yet find somewhere out there that's safe for him,"

Phillipe sighed seeing him say that. But something from his senses told him Wrolf was hiding something but he chose to ignore it. "As you wish,"

Argus walked to his horse and knelt to Wrolf. "You're gonna come with us on an adventure,"

Wrolf became excited. "Really?"

"Yep. We're going to Bohemia," he lifted Wrolf onto the horse. He saw Matthew trotting towards him. "Phillipe wants me to come with you to Bohemia. So that you'll succeed in finding the Book of life,"

"Thank you," said Matthew. "Are you sure it is wise to bring this boy along?"

"Wrolf needs to get out. And once I finish my task, he and he will be riding out to find Thomas again,"

Phillipe and Diana mounted their steeds. "I will ride with you to the edge of the estate," he announced. They rode out of the courtyard and up the hills till they saw the chateau in sight. Phillipe slowed down his horse and spoke proudly to his son one last time. "You have found a woman who is worthy of you. With enough courage and hope to spare,"

"Yes I know," Matthew had never felt more alive than ever.

"And know this, you are equally worthy of her. So, stop regretting your life, and start living it. And there is one more matter to be put to rest, whatever happens between the two of us in the future, I forgive you. Now go. My son,"

"Thank you father," These would be the last words Matthew would ever speak to his father. And it tore his heart but yet it healed his hidden guilt.

"I will see you soon Phillipe," Argus promised. "I will lead the way to Bohemia,"

The group galloped off into the distance with Phillipe watching them every second.


"Any luck?" Ysabeau asked, searching over one of the last books.

"No," Aurora shook her head.

"Get some sleep,"

"I can spare a few more moments," she assured. She picked up a big black book. She held it upright. Then peered close. She saw a square of people stuck behind the spine. "Ysabeau,"

Ysabeau sat beside her and her lips parted. She pulled it out and unravelled it revealing old writing faded yet very clear.

My dearest Ysabeau…. It began. This was Phillipe's letter to her.

Aurora watched Ysabeau as she read the letter slowly so she could hold onto every word her husband had written down just for her. They came to the next half of the letter and when Aurora peered a little close, she was brought to tears.

Our son is happy at last. Mated to a woman who walks in the footsteps of the goddess. They journey now to Bohemia in search of the book of life.

Joy filled Aurora's heart. Hope empowered her body. After the next few lines came a powerful sentence which made Ysabeau's face shrivel.

I know now that there shall come a day when we will be parted. But until then as in the afterlife, I will hold you in my heart.

Those were Phillipe's final words. Ysabeau tears fell down her face. Both heartbreak and joy.

"Are you all right?" Aurora asked with concern.

"I feel hopeful again," the dear widow said. She turned her head to her. "You must be very happy for her,"

Aurora pursed her lips. "I am. Phillipe loved you Ysabeau. He is always with you. Even if it doesn't feel like it. He will always be in your heart. Just as you are in his," she offered a hug and Ysabeau accepted it. Aurora smiled behind her tears. Diana and Matthew were now married at last; she had been happier for her sister.


That's the next half of this episode done. Done over half the series now. See you all in the next one where we will see more of Argus MacDuff. Thought he deserves a longer role. See you all soon.