Good. We must be in our true forms to capture him, and that must be outside. Can you chase him out the window?
Jasper blinked, no doubt surprised to find a dragon speaking in his head. He pressed his dagger against his forehead and made a half-bow.
Give us time to get there. Roderick and Darcy are on their way up from the cellars. They can bar the door with iron so he cannot escape you.The sea-green dog and Cerridwen's oddly-shaped collie ran off towards the stairs.
Frederica leaned towards her brother and whispered, “Pray be careful. All you need to do is to chase it out.”
He nodded impatiently. But when had Jasper ever avoided a chance to fence?
Frederica’s chest grew tight. The last High Fae he fought had disarmed him in minutes. Her brother was not accustomed to fighters who could beat him. He cared only for the thrill of the match - but this time lives were at stake. Including his.
Why had she never appreciated all those years of her life before people she loved started being endangered? First Napoleon, now the High Fae. She was tired of fighting everywhere.
Darcy bounded up the stairs, followed closely by Roderick. Jasper went to meet them, and a whispered conversation ensued. Then they moved to the doorway Quickthorn had indicated.
Elizabeth’s heart was pounding. No matter how excited Jasper might look, this was terrifying. They might outnumber the High Fae, but if the old stories were to be believed, his magic and strength would more than outmatch them.
Roderick nodded to something unseen, and then said, “The dragons are in place outside. Darcy, if you will stand on that side of the door, I can take this one. As soon as Jasper is inside, we will place our swords across the doorframe. Lady Frederica, can you prepare to cast one of your whirlwinds in case that is not enough to keep him inside?”
“Certainly.” Frederica stationed herself just opposite the door.
No instructions for Elizabeth, of course, whose mage skills were the weakest among them. Oh, how frustrating that all her power was focused on a Forbidden Talent, one that shook the foundations, whatever that might mean! Almost any other Talent would be more useful. She could offer nothing to defend Pemberley in this moment.
Or could she? Georgiana was learning to use weapons, and Frederica had always known how. And after today, she was going to ask for lessons, too. But for now, surely anyone could manage the basics. “Is there a dagger that can be spared?” she asked brusquely
Darcy turned a shocked look on her, but Jasper pulled a blade out of his boot and handed it to her hilt first. “Only as a last resort, unless you have some training,” he said.
She nodded, closing her hand around the hilt. What would it feel like to use it?
Frederica touched her hand and then adjusted her grip. Oh, what a difference that made, just moving her fingers slightly! Elizabeth gave her a silent smile of thanks.
Jasper wiggled his shoulders as if to loosen them. Holding his blades at the ready, he said, “Now.”
Darcy unlatched the door and threw it open. As soon as Jasper charged in, Darcy and Roderick crossed their blades over the opening.
Elizabeth craned her head to peek inside. The room appeared empty apart from the usual simple furnishings.
Jasper danced in a circle between the beds, his foil held ready. “Show yourself, Faerie, or be proved a coward!”
A resonant voice echoed with the sound of distant bells. “Are you the prophesied one?”
Jasper cocked his head. “I know nothing of prophecies. I am Jasper Fitzwilliam, and you must leave this place.” His sword flashed in a fencer's salute.
“Beware, young mortal who gives his name so foolishly. I have no business with you, and if you are not the prophesied one, I can put an end to your existence. Go while you still can.”
“Make me, coward!” He extended his sword arm and swept his blade in a wide circle - until it suddenly stopped, engaging with...something.
And then it began, a dancing, one-sided fencing match. The click of blades against each other provided the music as he fought with his invisible opponent. Jasper's face was wreathed with an exultant grin. Good heavens, he wasenjoyinghimself.
Elizabeth's free hand stole to her mouth. Even though he was holding his own for the moment, surely they were about to see him pierced straight through! But as she thought it, Jasper managed to press forward, as if driving his opponent back. Only a few inches, but still. How was it possible?
Then the voice returned. “Not bad for a mortal, but I have no time to waste.”
And Jasper staggered backwards, his hand on his chest. Blood trickled between his fingers as he fell back across the narrow bed.
The window flew open.
Frederica cried, “Oh, let me go to him!”
