Chapter 19
Jane
Darcy House
Three days.
Three whole days Lizzy and Darcy had been held up in bed, unconscious.
I reached out for the hundredth time and brushed away some hair that had fallen into Lizzie's eyes. Since she fell unconscious, I had never seen her even twitch a muscle but somehow that same tendril of hair continued to stake its home over her right eye.
I let out a large breath slowly as I looked Lizzy over once again. Her Aura was still there, but only a faint glow shone from within her.
Any change? Charles warm voice filled my thoughts.
No, she is exactly the same. I let out a small huff. I never got frustrated, but this was beyond unnerving.
Except for that small section of hair though, right? Charles teased knowing just how many times I had smoothed it away the past few days.
I let out a small laugh. A smile trying to break through my well placed mask of calm. For someone had to remain calm and steady. While everyone else ran around like wild monkeys!
Yes, except for that. How is Darcy? I asked Charles who I knew was next door in the room with Darcy that connected to the one Lizzy was using. The one that Lizzy will one day claim as her own, if she ever wakes up!
Same. I have no idea what else to do. Sabastian and Mary have tried every spell and potion they could find. Still nothing!
I could feel his frustration as strong as my own.
I think it's time to reach out. We need to find someone we can trust to help us. If you think of anyone, please contact them.
I will my lo- Jane- I mean Miss Bennet! Charles stumbled out. Making me almost want to giggle. But I could feel major embarrassment coming from him. I completely understand his uncertainty on the subject. We have had barely anytime to think on the two of us. In so many ways we feel like we are already together. But in others ways we still are so far apart. I just wish he knew how I truly felt. If only I was braver like Lizzy. But those are thoughts to think on if we ever get past this new challenge.
As I sat back into my chair my mind filtered through everyone I knew that could be at all helpful. But my mind was blank. Too overwhelmed with worry.
Kitty walked in a few minutes later and sat down in the chair beside me. "Jane, you should go rest or take a walk. You need to clear your head. You have been up here for hours." Concern lacing her every word.
I nodded my head and squeezed her hand in acceptance.
I thought about going to check on Darcy, but after that strange moment with Charles, I decided to save that for later. Right as I was about to leave from Lizzy's room a bouquet of wilting flowers caught my attention by her bedside.
Immediately I knew what I wanted to do, working in our garden at home was always one of my favorite past times. If I ever had too much to think on, being around my flowers and herbs helped calm me. When Papa and Mama died, I worked in the garden non-stop. One day Lizzy had to pull me out with a huge gust of wind, I had been in there so long.
I heard a door open to the left of me as I exited Lizzy's room. It was Georgiana, her cheeks were red and her eyes glossed over. I'm sure she was terrified. A reminder that my own family was not the only ones here that have experienced extreme loss. If Georgiana was to lose her brother, she would have no one left in her immediate family.
I took a few steps over to the sweet girl and wrapped her in my arms. I tried to push as much calming strength into her as I could. I pulled away gently and looked into her big worried eyes.
"They are going to make it through this. They are fighters." Georgiana nodded her head. Letting my calming Mage power seep into her. "I hope you know we are here for you, no matter what happens. You will always be one of our sisters." A tear traced down the now familiar path on her cheeks. I wiped it away.
"Thank you Jane. I am so thankful to not only be gaining one sister, but several." She smiled warmly at me as we made our way down the hallway towards the stairs.
"Georgiana, is there a basket for flowers and shears in your still room?" I asked knowing full well there would be, but I didn't want to barge in when I was just a guest in their home.
She looked at me brightly and nodded. "Yes we do. I noticed earlier that our flowers were looking a bit rough. I have to admit, cutting and arranging flowers is one of my least favorite things. Of all my beautifying Mage powers, I abhor dealing with thorns. I could never seem to master the spell of removing them and I always seem to find them if I pick them myself." Georgiana made a disgusted face and I could'nt help letting out a small chuckle at her.
"I am happy to do it." I said to Georgiana as she led me to the still room. She pointed me towards the baskets and shears. In no time, I found myself amongst the colorful flowers along the back side of Darcy House. It was not an overly large garden, for living in the Capitol they didn't have much room. But they had a nice variety of blooms.
After a few minutes of relaxing into the normal routine of cutting different stems, my mind wandered to the Mage battle. My mind had filtered through it all over and over the past few days. Especially when I tried to sleep. Flashes of memories from it would fill my thoughts.
We seemed to be doing so well, taking the Dark Mages down so easily. All working together perfectly. I loved fighting beside Charles. I never doubted for a second that he had my back and I had his. We didn't even have to speak to know how to help each other. But then suddenly Matlock had appeared and the black smoke had knocked us out.
It felt like I had been stuck in the darkness forever. So quiet and pitch black. But then suddenly I came to. I had cleared my hazy vision and noticed Lizzy and Darcy standing strong but at the same time exhausted. I noticed Matlock's lifeless body laying in a heap on the ground. I knew immediately that they had done it! They had defeated the Dark Mage power for good!
My heart warmed as I saw Lizzy and Darcy turn towards one another and share a sweet smile. Then I watched as Darcy took Lizzy's hand in his.
But before I could even blink, they were both falling to the ground.
All of us rushed to their sides. Unsteady ourselves after being out for so long. They were still alive, but now seemed to be the unconscious ones. Sabastian got a hold of Darcy and Richard held onto Lizzy and transported themselves to Darcy House. Charles held on tight to Kitty as they flew to the house, while Georgianna and I flew right behind them holding Mary between the two of us.
As soon as we entered the house, it was madness. Servants rushing all over the house getting things ready. They had to clean out the Mistress' room since it hadn't been used since Mrs. Darcy passed away many years ago. But they made quick work of it and Lizzy was settled into her new room.
As soon as Lizzy and Darcy were settled Richard left to find Lydia. I was so relieved to know she would be found soon. I was happy to leave that to his very capable hands. Especially with everything else going on.
Sabastian and Mary immediately got to work searching day and night for any spell or potion that would awaken them. They had tried so many different potions that Lizzy's room smelled more like a still room than a mistress's suite.
Georgiana, Kitty and I have been tending to Lizzy and Darcy, plus trying to keep the house running and all the Mages fed.
Just praying any second they would wake up.
My eye landed on a section of light pink roses at the corner of the garden. A soft smile replaced my worry for a second. They made me think of my Aunt Gardiner. She has always loved pink roses.
Aunt Maddie! Why didn't I think of her earlier! I want to jolt myself for not thinking of her sooner. Aunt Maddie, who knows everyones gifts, will surely know someone who can help us.
I do not even give it another thought before I contact her.
Aunt Maddie, may I speak with you? For we need your help.
I tried to push my feelings of desperation into my thoughts enough to let her know this is urgent but not too much where she is terrified someone has died.
Yes my dear! What is wrong? Aunt Maddie said in a rush. Worried no matter how I tried to phrase it.
Were you aware of the Mage battle between Good and Dark Makes? I said cautiously. Not knowing who all had been informed.
Yes, we were all told the prophecy before Lizzy and Mr. Darcy were born. A few days ago we could feel the Dark Mage power disappear completely. They defeated it, did they not? The prophecy has come true? Aunt Maddie's words were said with reverent awe. Already aware of their unbelievable triumph.
Yes, Lizzy and Mr. Darcy were able to stop the Dark Mage power. But afterwards they fell to the ground and have yet to wake up. That was three days ago. We have tried everything we know to wake them but nothing has worked. I thought as you know every gifted Mage there is and all of their powers, that you could help us find someone who would know what to do. My normal calm facade began to break down with every desperate word I thought to my aunt. A sob broke loose and my calm facade shattered all together.
Oh my dear! I am so sorry you have been having to hold this all in, to be strong for your sisters. Do not fear my sweet Jane, we will find the perfect help and Lizzy and Mr. Darcy will be awake before you know it. Aunt Maddie's words soothed over me, almost like she was here with me now in the garden holding me tightly in her arms. I soaked up her warmth and comforting words.
Yes, dear sweet one! No need to worry or look any farther! For I will be there soon and all will be well! An older man's voice connected with us both. I did not recognize his voice, but Aunt Maddie seemed to know exactly who he was.
Oh father! Listening in on my conversations again! I should be completely cross with you! But in this instance I am thankful, for you are needed immediately! Aunt Maddie scolded the man who I now know is her father.
Yes, my dear. Jane, I will be there as soon as I grab a few items for my bag. I do apologize I had not realized I was needed sooner. For my daughter and her husband brought the children to spend time with my wife and I. We have been happily distracted. I couldn't help but smile at the kind man's words. He clearly loved his family and I knew immediately he was someone we could trust.
Jane, my father, is the best person to help. He was the one who helped Lizzy and Mr. Darcy learn how to defeat the Dark Mage power together. Aunt Maddie's words surprised me greatly. Is that where they went a week ago?
Before I could wrap my thoughts around everything, an older man appeared before me. He had a long white beard and a mischievous smile on his face.
"Well hello my dear Jane! You truly are the fairest maiden in all the land" The man said with a dramatic bow.
I had no idea if this man could truly heal Lizzy and Darcy but he was definitely a character. A small giggle escaped me as he took my hand and placed a quick kiss on it.
A throat cleared behind us.
Charles stood there glaring at the strange man with so much hatred I thought he might set the man on fire. Which surprised me greatly since Charles was always so level headed and kind.
"Oh Mr.Bingley! This is my Aunt Gardiners father. He has come to help Lizzy and Mr. Darcy!" I said swiftly, while pushing as much calmness as I could into him.
"No fear dear boy, I am a happily married man. Sweet Jane was always meant to be with you." He gave Charles a wink.
"I am sorry sir, I did not catch your name." Charles said politely with slightly reddened cheeks. His voice seemed to be back to normal and his anger had mostly dissipated.
"You may call me Adam." He bowed towards Charles and then I. Everything about this strange man made me want to forget all of our troubles and just sit at his feet and hear stories from his life. He was so intriguing.
"Ok. We must not dally! Take me to the sleeping Mages at once!" He turned towards the back door of Darcy House and impatiently waited for us to follow.
I glanced over at Charles who seemed to be just as bewildered by the older man.
We led him into Darcy's room, as it was the first room in the hallway.
I watched as Adam shook his head fiercely as he took in the room.
"Oh no! This will not do!" He said loudly to no one in particular.
I looked to Charles, who shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Does that door lead to where Elizabeth has been placed?" Adam said with an almost angry look on his face.
So harsh of a look that it made me stammer as I answered him. "Ye-yes sir." I choked out. Charles moved beside me and protectively placed his hand on my arm. Filling me with strength and confidence.
The older man snapped his fingers, and the door between the two rooms swung open. Seconds later Lizzy's body still wrapped in a blanket floated through the door and landed softly beside Darcy on his bed.
Kitty ran through the door trailing after Lizzy's body, looking white as a sheet and terrified. I rushed over towards Kitty and calmed her down. Trusting that this strange man knew what he was doing.
We all stared at Adam like he had fully lost his marbles.
He looked up over towards us looking much calmer than before. "I'm sorry for breaking propriety. But Mage soulmates can only heal from the strength of one another. The farther they are apart, the longer it will take them to heal." Adam said calmly. Letting out a breath of contentment.
We watched as he put a hand on them both at the same time and a purple light glowed from his hands. After a minute of this, he stepped back, nodded his head and smiled back at us.
"All will be well my dears. There is no alternative Mage power working against them. They are simply exhausted. To defeat the Dark Mage power they had to give fully of themselves. To do that it took almost all of their strength. It might take them a while to regain it. But, please do not fear they will be well. Now that they are closer, hopefully we can help rebuild their strength in no time." Adam said with a wink. Then ended by placing Darcy's right hand in Lizzy's left hand. The same purple glow gleamed bright around their joined hands.
I heard gasps behind me and noticed Georgiana, Sabastian and Mary had entered the room. In awe of the Mage Power shining before us.
Kitty came to one side of me and Mary to the other. We held each other tightly as tears ran down our cheeks. I noticed Sabastian had put an arm around Georgiana and gave her a soft comforting kiss on her temple.
We could see their Aura brighten and knew that they truly would be well.
"I have no idea how long it will take them now. But hopefully not long at all. As you can see their Aura has already brightened greatly." Adam said confidently.
Then he let out a loud booming laugh. Startetling us all.
"Pray, tell us what has made you laugh so sir?" Charles asked cautiously.
The older man looked towards us with a wide grin. "Oh they are definitely feeling better. For they are not being quiet about how they feel about each other." He gave us an exaggerated wink and I felt my cheeks go red.
"Sir, I would ask that you please stop reading my sisters thoughts." I said, shocked that I even had to say such a thing.
"Oh you spoil sports, always taking away my fun. Your aunt is the same way. But I will leave you now my lovelies. For they will be well soon and I am anxious to be back with my silly grandchildren. Toodle-do!" In a flash Adam was gone.
Everyone in the room stared at each other in amazement. Trying to gather their thoughts.
"Wow. Well that man sure was interesting." Sabastian said wide eyed. Rubbing the back of his neck. Still a bit in shock.
Charles laughed and shook his head. "Yes indeed."
For the first time in three days I felt relief. I took in a long breath, letting my tense muscles relax.
I felt Charles beside me. "Are you well?"
I nodded my head. Trying to hold back my tears. Now tears of joy. Joy, that all would be well.
Charles nodded back. "Let us all go down stairs and have some tea and let them rest."
Fitz
Matlocks Office
He was such a strange looking man, Richard. But moving them closer has sped up their healing by triple speed. Sabs explained happily to me as I searched through Matlock's office.
Wow. Thank goodness for that man. You said that he was related to the Bennet sisters? Sounds like a good ally to have.
Yes indeed. I would love to spend more time with him. I gather from his Aura that he is a very powerful Mage. How is the search going? Any leads? He asked hopefully.
Not yet. But I will keep you updated, as I hope you will do the same for me on how Darcy and Miss Elizabethfares.
Will do brother. Sabs said quickly. Ready to get back to finding the next cure with Miss Mary and I was ready to get back to my search.
For the past few days I had searched through all of my fathers things for anything that would point me towards Lydia. I had yet to find anything to lead me to the hidden room.
I had hoped after the battle and the Dark Mage power had been stopped that Lydia would be able to get out of her cell easily. To our dismay she was still stuck. She had not seen anyone since the day of the battle. Thankfully they had thought ahead and provided her with a basket of food. But there had been total silence since then.
After filtering through Matlock's office a few times, I moved through the rest of the Capitol building.
I passed by the Water Mage Statue that is found in the center of the Capitol building. I was stopped in my tracks when I saw my mother sitting on a bench close by. She was staring up at the statue as the sun shined down on her from above. It caught my attention because normally you would see the shimmer from the water dance in the sun rays. But the normal splashing magical fountain was now just a statue. The water was gone. As I stepped closer to my mother I could see tears in her red swollen eyes.
Without saying anything I sat down beside her and put an arm around her. Drawing her close to me. I could feel her hurt and sadness pouring out of her. Anger flared inside me for the hundredth time since we learned of my fathers betrayal. How could he have done this to her? To all of us!
"Mother, what happened to the fountain? Why has the water stopped?" I asked while rubbing my mothers back.
The beautiful water bubbles and arches and bridges of water that flowed so perfectly. It had been flowing strong my whole life.
She looked over at me and took out her delicate white cloth and wiped her eyes, "Your father had this statue made after the prophecy had been told. Stating proudly how the Good Mages would prevail and as the fountain flowed the Good Mage power would only grow and unite us."
A scoff escaped my hard set mouth. "How could he completely betray us like that? How long do you think he had been working for the Dark Mages?
"I have been trying to piece things together and I believe it was around the time of when the prophecy was foretold." My mother said while staring deep into the bottom of the statue where water would normally be. I watched her cock her head to the left slightly. Still looking at that same spot in the once pool below.
"Do you see something mother?" I asked curiously.
"Do you see that small mark there? Slightly to the left of the center brick. It looks familiar." Mother said while pointing out her hand towards the strange mark.
I got up closer to it and examined it. The smudged mark from afar, was now clear from right above. "It's the Fitzwilliam crest!" I said in a rush. Placing myself inside the pool area to get an even closer look.
"Like I said your father had it made. Maybe he was just stamping his name on it? You know how proud he was of his Fitzwilliam heritage." Mother said coming up beside me and leaning close to examine the crest for herself.
I rubbed my thumb over the crest and immediately it began to glow. I placed my thumb on it again, but something inside of me told me to push on it. When I did stairs appeared, leading down into pitch black darkness.
The movement startled me and I jumped out of the bricked in area. Mother let out a loud gasp.
Richard! Are you ok? I just heard a loud boom and could feel your surprise.
My heart leapt with excitement. "She could hear that! We must be close!"
Mom looked at me strangely and I realized through all that had happened, I might have forgotten to tell her that I had a Soulmate. I quickly apologized and kissed her on the cheek.
"If you don't hear from me in over an hour, I need you to get help. Sabastian is at Darcy House." Mother nodded completely confused. I gave her a bright smile, created a fireball and headed into the darkness.
*Authors Note*
Merry Christmas! Hope you enjoy this chapter as we make our way to the end!
Have a lovely day friends!