Episode 15 Part 1
Thomas had been very silent sitting inside his room alone. Loud knocking echoed against the walls from his door; he didn't move.
"Thomas…" Jason's voice called.
Thomas didn't respond.
"Come on! You can't spend all your time stuck in here mourning about what's past,"
Nate's voice resonated next. "Please will you open up?"
"We just wanna make sure you're all right," Sophie implored.
Thomas sighed, hearing no retreat of footsteps. "Come in,"
The door opened and the Wilsons and Jason entered the room. Thomas didn't turn though; he didn't want anyone to see him sad. He hated to show weakness.
"Will you turn to us?" Agatha requested gently.
Thomas turned slowly.
"We brought you some wine," Nate offered a glass, half-full.
"Thanks," he accepted it and took only a simple sip. "I'm sorry I haven't been a good host this last week,"
"It's okay," Sophie assured. "We understand you were going through a hard time. Have you tried talking to Marcus?"
"No. And I don't know how to. Not after how I tore him and Aurora apart,"
"You didn't tear them apart," Nate comforted.
"Yes, I did. Marcus now thinks he can't have a future with her. And he wouldn't even talk to me or Ysabeau or anyone. He's avoiding us,"
"He can't avoid you forever,"
"No. You don't understand Nate. I lied to him. He'll never forgive me,"
"I lied to my mother about Sophie's heritage for ten years. It was the only way we could be together and I didn't want my mother to be put in a difficult position. Sometimes we do the wrong things for the right reasons,"
"But that's the thing. There's a big difference between secrets that have to be kept and those that don't. You had every right to hide Sophie's heritage from your mother so you two could be together in an unfair world. Marcus had a right to know that he was carrying a vampire disease and was passing it onto his children meaning our family would be in danger from the Congregation,"
"At least you chose to tell him in the end," Sophie consoled. "He will forgive you, Tom. You just need to give him time," Regrettably her words did little to soothe Thomas's guilt.
"I hope Aurora comes soon. I'd hate for her to miss the birth," Nate prayed.
"She really should stay at Sept Tour if the MacDuffs are on the loose," Agatha thought carefully. "They wouldn't dare think to invade that household,"
"But it would break her heart,"
"May she's right Nate," considered Sophie. "I'd hate for her to be in danger because of us,"
Nate was silent but he pursed his lips together as he absorbed his family's words.
"I should get some groceries for you," Jason said, standing up.
"No. Let me do it," Thomas stood up. "I've spent enough time neglecting my promise. And I'd like to get some air too," he put down the glass and left the room leaving his guests alone who looked out to him with sympathy.
Only a day's ride from Bohemia, the newlyweds, Argus, Wrolf and their escorts made camp on a hillside bordering the mountains. It was nearly nightfall and Wrolf was very tired. Argus carried him into a tent to put him to bed. Diana sat in front of a fire in a furry cape with Matthew who stayed close to his new wife.
Though overjoyed that she was now fully mated to the man she loved, Diana couldn't stop thinking about the awful news Aurora had told her when they crossed between past and present. Matthew heard her heart beating numbly. "Diana…what is wrong?"
"I'm worried about our family. Back home," she said. "Aurora said terrible things are happening,"
"Please tell me," implored Matthew.
Diana sighed. "There's a vampire murdering warmbloods in Oxford. A vampire infected with blood rage,"
Matthew became pale. "It can't be,"
"Why did you lie to Marcus?" Diana suddenly asked.
Matthew cocked his head in surprise. "No. He shouldn't have known," he growled. "Thomas promised me he wouldn't tell him. He swore!" he punched a tree. He was beyond outraged.
"Matthew, how can you expect that secret to be kept from him when our family is in danger? If we're linked to the murders, Gerbert will use it as an excuse to have the Congregation kill us all. Marcus has a right to know," she hung her head down. "He left Aurora at Sept Tour because of it,"
Matthew sighed, calming down. "I was only trying to protect him. Phillipe wanted me to eradicate everyone infected with blood rage. But I couldn't kill him because he was only a carrier and Thomas cared for him greatly. And so did I,"
"Matthew, we must get the book and complete my training as soon as possible," Diana said desperately. "Our loved ones are in danger in the present,"
"I know. But we cannot do that without messing with history," he said cautiously. "Until we complete what we arrived to do, they will have to deal with it by themselves,"
Though she knew he was right, Diana pursed her lips and wrapped her cape around her shoulders. Matthew shuffled closer and held his new wife close. "I'm so frightened for them too. But I know they can handle it. I'm sorry for Aurora. This is on me. I should have listened to what Thomas said before and told Marcus the truth. I just wish he'd let me do it instead,"
"Maybe he thought you'd still disagree and decided to do it himself to spare you the pressure. You gave them the responsibility of governing the knights and taking care of Aurora. They have to make their own choices,"
Argus, who had overheard everything, came out of the tent and joined them looking at them with a worried face. "You two should forget about that book. Go back to the present to protect our loved ones,"
"We need to know more about that book," Matthew said. "And Diana must complete her training,"
"Then we do this in haste," Argus beseeched. "I cannot rest in peace knowing something terrible will happen to Thomas or any other loved one. Sometimes I wish I never saw that talisman around your neck. Now there is so much I have to keep secret from my mate until I pass,"
Matthew looked at him solemnly. "I am sorry that this is such a burden to you. I feel as if my family and I have brought you more pain than joy than you deserve,"
Diana stared between them sympathetically. Hearing such a tragic story of having to choose between family and love was one which made her feel very saddened. Not just for Argus. But for Thomas too.
"No Matthew," Argus would not allow Matthew to be burdened with such guilt. "The choice was mine. And mine alone. I brought this on myself but falling in love with your son is the one thing I do not regret at all,"
They camped out peacefully and by the next morning, they were only a few hours away. Argus led the way. He had visited Bohemia before and therefore knew the easiest routes to reach the hunting lodge of Emperor Rudolf. They arrived at a valley of frosty hills and just beyond a dark forest, they saw a castle just buried in the shadows of the tall mountains.
"We made it," said Argus.
"And you got us here," praised Diana proudly.
"My brother Fergus once used to visit that lodge offering gifts from Scotland. Sadly, those days are long behind him,"
They rode the last few miles until they arrived at the slope leading up to the castle. A few men on horses saw them. One raised his hand shouting, "Halt!"
"I am Matthew Roydon. I am here on business of Queen Elizabeth of England,"
"His imperial majesty Rudolf the Second tires of Elizabeth's ambassadors,"
"I am no ambassador," Matthew proclaimed with a strong expression. "And I will have the emperor's answer from his own lips. Not yours,"
Argus smirked seeing his father-in-law speak defiantly. Reluctantly the head guard led the party through the gates into a huge courtyard with patches of snow scattered against the stone walls and steps.
"Down you go," Argus lifted Ron carefully off the horse and passed him down to Matthew. As he placed him down, the boy sensed a sort of cold façade but behind it but all he saw was Matthew's smile.
"Diana and I will speak to the emperor alone. Find Gallowglass and his escort Pierre," Matthew ordered.
Argus nodded. "Be careful what you say around him but try and talk about alchemy and interests. He can be drawn if you use the right subject,"
Diana nodded and she and Matthew walked off. Argus helped the men out with the horses before he was led towards some quarters at the west of the estate. To his delight, he saw a vampire with red shoulder-length hair and a goofy cheery smile. "What a huge surprise Argus,"
"It's so amazing to see you Gallowglass," Argus hugged him tightly.
"It's good to see you too," he eyed little Wrolf. "Who's this little fella?"
"This is Wrolf. I found him,"
"Such a handsome little fella," Gallowglass offered a hand and Wrolf shook it tenderly.
How's Thomas?"
"Very well,"
"Quite surprised to see you here and not him,"
"Long story," Argus shrugged. "But we have a more important task to take on board for Matthew and Diana,"
Gallowglass led him along the upper ledge. "So…you met the new Matthew and Diana at Sept Tour?" he knew better than to mention 'witch' in front of a human kid.
"I sure did. And we both attended their wedding," Argus smiled.
"Thomas wasn't there?"
"He couldn't make it. Also, it was rather urgent on Phillipe's request,"
They entered through a thick wooden door into a large room of stone walls with well-carved wooden furniture and a table. A man named Pierre, a woman named Francoise and a young boy stood with them.
"Such a pleasure to see you again Sir Argus," Pierre greeted.
Argus nodded in acknowledgement. He glanced at the young boy standing between him and Francoise. He looked a little nervous. "Who might you be young sir?"
"Jack. Jack Blackfriars," the boy stuttered. "Master and Mistress Roydon took me in,"
"How very generous of them," he pointed his chin down at Wrolf. "You wanna say 'hello' Wrolf?"
Wrolf was a little shy. "Hi," he waved across to Jack.
"Hello," Jack waved.
"My name's Wrolf,"
"Wrolf, why don't you go play with Jack?" Argus insisted.
Wrolf was a little shy at first but Jack offered a hand and he took it. They shot off to play in the other room.
"Such sweet kids," Gallowglass admired.
"Where are Matthew and Diana?" Pierre asked.
"They are speaking to Emperor Rudolf, hoping they'll find out about Edward Kelly and the book he possesses. But something tells me this task will not be as easy as you think,"
It became dark very quickly and the cold was flying into the room. They closed the windows and lit the fire and candles. Gallowglass walked out to fetch the newlyweds leaving Argus to spend some time with the boys. He was reading a book whilst the boys played cards when they heard the wooden door open revealing Diana and Matthew again.
"Jac!" Diana squealed in excitement.
"Mistress Roydon!" Jack hugged her tightly. "We boarded a ship and there was a storm. We rode on horses to this castle. And look me and Wrolf are friends!"
Matthew and Diana smiled seeing their boy playing with someone his age.
"It's been really fun making a new friend," said Wrolf.
"Boys, I think it's time you both went to bed," said Pierre. He gently led the boys away into another room. Matthew glared angrily at Francoise.
She sighed in shame. "I know. But once you left, nightmares every time you slept, weeping through the day,"
"And you brought him to Bohemia," Matthew marched on her sinisterly.
"Matthew…" Argus spoke up. "I would have done the same thing for Wrolf if it was him.
Francoise tried to calm him down. "He tried to come on his own. I tried to take my eyes off him. It wasn't safe,"
"It's not safe here!" shouted Matthew.
Francoise hid her remorseful eyes. "I'm sorry," she took in a breath and mastered the courage to speak back to her master. "But what would you have me do? Keep him prisoner?"
"She's right Matthew," Agreed Argus. "I never would have had that done to Wrolf so you shouldn't have that done to Jack,"
Diana walked over and clasped her hand, grateful for bringing Jack over; she had missed her dearly.
The couple, Gallowglass and Argus in front of the fire. The couple recalled their meeting with the emperor was sinister to Matthew but was smitten with Diana like a collector of a unique jewel.
"Rudolf may be telling the truth. No one has seen Kelly," Gallowglass said.
"I don't the emperor would leave behind the man who's discovered the key to eternal life," clarified Matthew. "He'll be here somewhere,"
"What about the book?" Diana asked.
"As long as we can reach Kelly…" Matthew flicked his head to her, expression hope. "He'll lead us to it. Or he'll bring it to us,"
"Rudolf thinks the book is the key to creating the Philosopher's Stone. He won't let Kelly take it,"
"That's right. Once the emperor has his heart on something, he'll stop at nothing to get it," Argus pointed out. "And he'll do anything to prevent anyone else from finding it,"
Two loud bangs echoed from the door. Gallowglass walked over cautiously. He opened it slowly and only saw a servant with a large box of red velvet with gold. "For the goddess," he handed it to Gallowglass and he walked it over to place it on the table,"
"Definitely not you Matthew," Argus pretended to joke.
Gallowglass pulled the cover off revealing a silver statue of an elegant warrior woman armed with a bow on a deer stallion.
"Can't believe I'm saying this but it looks so fascinating," said Argus in admiration. "The emperor surely knows what kind of gifts he likes to give to certain women," he eyed Diana carefully as she observed the present.
Gallowglass noticed there was a lever on the back side of the metal base the statue stood upon. He curiously twisted it and a musical melody played and it rolled forward towards an amused Diana. "It's an automaton. The goddess of the hunt,"
Argus noticed that Matthew's face turned cold watching his new wife admire the gift from the emperor. He heard an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. He feared this would happen. "Why don't we head to bed?" he suggested. "I can sense Diana's breath slowing down,"
They departed to their separate rooms for bed. Argus walked over to what was supposed to be Wrolf and Jack's room. He entered and the two boys sleeping in separate beds. Jack snored but Wrolf was peaceful. As if there was nothing to fear from the outside world at all. Argus knew better. He walked over and pulled an extra blanket over Wrolf before brushing a few red strands from his cold cheek. He walked back into the bedroom opposite that room. He pulled off his cloak and vest and laid down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling in a trance of fear. Once his mission was completed, he was expected to return to his present-day Thomas and for the next few centuries keep secret that he knew what the future held for him. He wondered what Thomas was doing right now in the future. He clasped the talisman which he still hadn't returned to Diana around his neck. He thought about love and wondered if in the future there was a person who was as equally worthy of Tommy's heart as him. He pondered whether Thomas had found someone else to love, to make him and their family happy.
Thomas had managed to spend the day with his guests but he remained very quiet. He didn't talk much at the table but he took over cooking and serving to be a good host again. Nate and Sophie wanted to speak up to comfort him but quiet headshakes from Jason made them bite their tongues mentally. But they didn't stop looking up at him in sympathy.
The family departed to bed leaving Thomas to clean up the plates and cutlery with Jason's assistance. After he was finished, Thomas sent his surrogate son to bed and proceeded to drown in his sorrows on the sofa with some wine. But Jason would not allow him.
"You've got to stop pining about what you did. You told Marcus. He's been distant for a while. He'll get over it,"
"It's not that,"
Jason sighed. "It's Phoebe again, isn't it," Thomas didn't need to nod. "I don't think it's that simple, Tom. It's always been our duty to keep ourselves hidden from humans no matter how much we try to befriend them to avoid persecution. Humans have always believed creatures like us to be made up so the ideology of vampires existing isn't possible to believe,"
"This hurts so much," Thomas lamented. "I have never felt like this about anyone since I lost Argus. Watching her walk away from me after I told her the truth, was just standing as a widow at his funeral. But I know I can't care. We just can't be together either way. The Congregation will kill her and I'd struggle to bear being like this for a second time,"
"Tom…if something hurts this much. Maybe it means you do care," his words made Thomas steer his face to him. "Maybe it's a sign that it's worth fighting for,"
Thomas looked out at the dark sky hanging above his eyes. He saw many shining stars and as a shooting star flew by, he saw a spark of hope. And determination. He was done lamenting. It was time to act.
Nate and Sophie walked silently down the stairs, Sophie holding her baby bump. Not long to go now. Nate eyed her worriedly. Once the baby was born, drastic action had to be taken to protect her. As they thought about their child, they worried about the danger she would be in.
"It's going to be all right," Agatha promised. "We're not going to let anyone hurt her. And neither will I. I'd rather be expelled from the Congregation than give her in,"
Cups of coffee and bowls of cereal awaited them on the dining room table. Jason sat nearby sipping some wine. "Good morning guys,"
"Where's Thomas?" Nate asked.
"He left early," Jason answered. "He's gone to France,"
"To do what?" Agatha asked.
Jason didn't need to answer. The daemons already figured it out.
That's another chapter done. I hope you all enjoyed it. Can you all guess what Thomas is going to do? Guess we'll have to wait and find out. See you all soon.