Timewalkers Arrive in 1590

Diana Bishop, a modern witch and historian, and her vampire husband, Matthew de Clermont, timewalk from the 21st century to 1590 Oxfordshire. Their arrival is jarring, both physically and emotionally, as they must quickly adapt to the customs, language, and suspicions of the era. Diana's magic is unpredictable, and Matthew's past is full of secrets. They are immediately thrust into a world of political and supernatural intrigue, where their relationship is forbidden by the ancient Covenant that separates witches, vampires, and daemons. Their goal: to find a witch to teach Diana and to locate the mysterious Ashmole 782, a magical manuscript that may hold the secrets of all creatures.

School of Night Unveiled

Matthew introduces Diana to his circle of friends, the so-called School of Night: Christopher Marlowe, Walter Raleigh, Thomas Harriot, George Chapman, and Henry Percy. These men are poets, scientists, and thinkers—radicals for their time, and many are creatures themselves. Diana is awed and intimidated, realizing she is living among the legends she once studied. The group is wary of Diana, especially Marlowe, who is jealous and suspicious of her magic and her relationship with Matthew. The School's presence draws attention, and their heretical ideas and supernatural natures make the household a powder keg of secrets and potential betrayals.

Witch Hunts and Intrigue

The late 16th century is a perilous era for witches. Diana's presence, her accent, and her unfamiliarity with customs make her stand out. Matthew seeks a witch to teach Diana, but the local cunning woman, Widow Beaton, is terrified and denounces Diana as something unnatural. The threat of witch hunts looms, and the Covenant's rules against interspecies relationships put both Diana and Matthew in danger. Meanwhile, Diana's magic is changing—she can see threads of time and auras, but her elemental powers are unreliable. The couple must tread carefully to avoid suspicion from both humans and creatures.

Seeking a Witch's Teacher

Diana's lack of magical training is a liability. After Widow Beaton's rejection, the search for a teacher becomes urgent. The School of Night concocts elaborate cover stories to protect Diana, but her powers continue to manifest in unpredictable ways. Eventually, Diana is introduced to Goody Alsop, a powerful and ancient witch in London, who recognizes Diana as a rare "weaver"—a witch who can create new spells. Goody and her coven begin to teach Diana, but the process is fraught with political danger, as the witches of London are divided and fearful of the growing witch hunts.

The Covenant's Shadow

The ancient Covenant forbids relationships between witches and vampires, and the Congregation—the ruling council of creatures—enforces these laws with deadly seriousness. Matthew's past as a member of the Congregation and a spy for both the English Crown and his vampire family, the de Clermonts, comes to light. Diana and Matthew's marriage is a direct violation, and they are hunted by both their own kind and by humans. The couple must navigate a web of lies, alliances, and betrayals, all while trying to keep their love—and Diana's growing powers—hidden.

Vampire Politics and Spies

Matthew's true nature is revealed: he is not only a vampire and a scientist but also a spy, a prince, and a member of the secretive Knights of Lazarus. His father, Philippe de Clermont, summons him to France, forcing Matthew to confront his family's legacy and the expectations of vampire society. The de Clermonts are powerful, ancient, and divided. Philippe is both a patriarch and a manipulator, testing Matthew's loyalty and Diana's worthiness. The couple's relationship is scrutinized, and their survival depends on gaining Philippe's protection and navigating the dangerous politics of both the vampire world and the human courts.

The De Clermont Legacy

At Sept-Tours, the de Clermont ancestral home, Diana and Matthew face Philippe, who is both terrifying and charismatic. Philippe tests Diana, ultimately accepting her as his daughter and granting her the protection of the Knights of Lazarus. The couple's marriage is formalized in both human and vampire traditions, but Philippe insists they are not truly mated until they are physically and spiritually united. Diana's magic continues to evolve, and she learns the importance of family, loyalty, and sacrifice. The de Clermonts' history is revealed as one of both greatness and tragedy, shaping Matthew's character and the couple's future.

Philippe's Test and Protection

Philippe's approval is hard-won. He challenges Matthew to confront his past, including his guilt over the deaths of his first wife and child, and his role in his father's eventual demise. Diana is tested physically and emotionally, forced to prove her strength, courage, and love for Matthew. The couple's bond is deepened through these trials, and Philippe's blood oath makes Diana a de Clermont in the eyes of all creatures. The family's protection is crucial as the threat from the Congregation and the witch hunts intensifies.

Alchemy, Magic, and Marriage

Diana's training with Goody Alsop and the London coven reveals her as a weaver, capable of creating new spells and wielding both elemental and creative magic. She learns to weave spells using colored cords, to summon her familiar (a firedrake), and to balance the powers of life and death. Her marriage to Matthew is celebrated in a grand, multi-day ceremony at Sept-Tours, blending ancient pagan, Christian, and vampire traditions. The union is both a personal and political act, challenging the Covenant and uniting the couple's destinies.

London's Perilous Web

Back in London, Diana and Matthew are drawn into a web of intrigue involving the Congregation, the vampire king of London (Father Hubbard), and the ever-watchful School of Night. Betrayals come from unexpected quarters—Christopher Marlowe, driven by jealousy and addiction, conspires with Matthew's sister Louisa to harm Diana. The couple's friends and household are tested, and the dangers of the era—witch hunts, political machinations, and the threat of exposure—are ever-present. Diana's powers are both a blessing and a curse, attracting attention from those who would use or destroy her.

The Witch's Power Awakens

Diana's magical abilities reach new heights as she learns to weave complex spells, summon her firedrake familiar, and even manipulate the threads of life and death. She discovers that she is pregnant—a miracle, as witches and vampires are not supposed to be able to conceive together. The search for Ashmole 782 leads the couple to Prague, where they navigate the treacherous court of Emperor Rudolf II, encounter alchemists and daemons, and finally lay hands on the Book of Life. The manuscript is revealed to be made from the skin, blood, and hair of creatures, containing the genetic secrets of all supernatural beings.

Prague's Court of Wonders

In Prague, Diana and Matthew must contend with the emperor's obsession, the ambitions of rival alchemists, and the machinations of the Congregation. The Book of Life is both a prize and a curse, its pages missing and its contents dangerous. The couple's relationship is tested by jealousy, political intrigue, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Diana's powers are key to understanding the book, but the knowledge it contains could destroy all creatures if it falls into the wrong hands. The couple must decide whether to take the book into the future or leave it behind.

The Book of Life Revealed

Ashmole 782 is revealed to be a living palimpsest, made from the genetic material of witches, vampires, and daemons. Its secrets could explain the origins and potential extinction of all creatures. The book's missing pages are scattered, and its power is both alluring and terrifying. Diana and Matthew realize that the answers they seek may come at a terrible cost, and that the book's existence is a threat to the fragile balance between species. Their decision about the book's fate will shape the future of all creatures.

Betrayals and Blood Rage

Back in London, old enemies resurface. Louisa de Clermont and Christopher Marlowe, both driven by obsession and addiction, conspire to kill Diana. Matthew's blood rage—a hereditary vampire illness—threatens to consume him, and he is forced to confront the darkest parts of himself. Diana's magic and courage save her, but the cost is high. The couple must forgive each other and themselves for past mistakes, and learn to trust in their love and their future. The dangers of the past are not easily left behind, and the couple's actions have consequences that ripple through time.

The Cost of Secrets

Diana suffers a miscarriage, and both she and Matthew are plunged into grief. The loss tests their relationship and their resolve, but also brings them closer together. They must face the reality that their time in the past has changed them—and the world—forever. The secrets they carry, the friends they have made, and the enemies they have created will shape their future. The couple prepares to return to their own time, knowing that the past cannot be cured, but that new beginnings are possible.

The Weavers' Legacy

Diana's father, Stephen Proctor, appears in 1591, revealing himself as a timewalker and a weaver. He helps Diana master her powers, teaching her to embrace both elemental magic and the craft of spellweaving. Together, they explore the possibilities of magic, family, and legacy. Diana learns to make the tenth knot—a symbol of eternity and the power to create and destroy. The lessons of the past, the love of family, and the strength of her magic prepare Diana for the challenges ahead.

Love, Loss, and Forgiveness

As their time in the past draws to a close, Diana and Matthew say farewell to friends, family, and the world they have come to love. They ensure the safety of those they leave behind, set in motion events that will shape history, and make peace with their own losses and mistakes. The couple's love is tested and strengthened, and they return to the present with new knowledge, new powers, and new hope for the future. The threads of time are woven into a tapestry of love, sacrifice, and destiny.

Returning to the Present

Diana and Matthew return to the 21st century, landing in Diana's childhood home in Madison. The world has changed, and so have they. They are reunited with family and friends, and discover that their actions in the past have left traces—scientific discoveries, historical anomalies, and the survival of their bloodlines. The couple faces new challenges: the Congregation's pursuit, the threat to their unborn children, and the need to protect the Book of Life. But they are no longer alone. Surrounded by allies, armed with knowledge and love, Diana and Matthew are ready to face whatever the future holds.

Characters

Diana Bishop

Diana is a modern historian and witch who has long denied her magical heritage. Intelligent, curious, and fiercely independent, she is thrust into a world of supernatural politics and danger when she falls in love with Matthew de Clermont. Diana's journey is one of self-discovery: she learns to embrace her powers as a weaver, to create new spells, and to balance the responsibilities of love, family, and destiny. Her relationship with Matthew is both a source of strength and vulnerability, challenging the ancient laws that govern creatures. Diana's psychological arc is one of integration—accepting all parts of herself, from her magical abilities to her capacity for love and forgiveness. Her development is marked by loss, resilience, and the forging of a new legacy for all creatures.

Matthew de Clermont

Matthew is a centuries-old vampire, scientist, spy, and prince of the de Clermont family. He is tormented by guilt over his past, the deaths of loved ones, and his own capacity for violence (blood rage). Matthew's love for Diana forces him to confront his secrets, his loyalties, and his place in the world. He is both a protector and a partner, struggling to balance his need for control with his desire for connection. Matthew's psychological journey is one of redemption and acceptance—learning to forgive himself, to trust Diana, and to embrace the possibility of change. His relationships with his family, especially his father Philippe, and his friends in the School of Night, reveal the complexities of loyalty, power, and love.

Philippe de Clermont

Philippe is the ancient and formidable head of the de Clermont family. Charismatic, cunning, and ruthless, he tests both Matthew and Diana, forcing them to prove their love and loyalty. Philippe's approval is hard-won, but his protection is essential. He is a master of strategy, using both kindness and cruelty to shape the destinies of those around him. Philippe's psychological depth lies in his understanding of power, sacrifice, and the burdens of immortality. His relationship with Matthew is fraught with expectation and disappointment, but ultimately one of love and pride. Philippe's acceptance of Diana as his daughter is a turning point, granting her both protection and a place in the family.

Christopher Marlowe (Kit)

Kit is a daemon and playwright, fiercely intelligent and deeply unstable. His love for Matthew is obsessive, and he is consumed by jealousy and addiction. Kit's actions are driven by fear of abandonment and a desperate need for validation. His betrayal of Diana and Matthew is both a cry for help and an act of self-destruction. Kit's psychological portrait is one of creative genius and emotional volatility, embodying the dangers and gifts of daemonic nature. His ultimate fate is tragic, a victim of his own passions and the unforgiving world he inhabits.

Goody Alsop

Goody Alsop is a powerful and ancient witch in London, recognized as a "weaver" and the leader of her coven. She becomes Diana's mentor, teaching her to embrace her unique magical abilities and to weave new spells. Goody is nurturing, insightful, and unafraid to challenge tradition. Her psychological strength lies in her acceptance of change and her willingness to guide the next generation. Goody's relationship with Diana is maternal and empowering, helping Diana to integrate her powers and her identity.

Gallowglass

Gallowglass is Matthew's nephew, a Viking-like vampire with a fierce sense of loyalty and humor. He serves as protector, confidant, and occasional comic relief. Gallowglass is both a warrior and a caretaker, deeply affected by the losses in his family and the burdens of immortality. His psychological complexity is revealed in his devotion to Matthew and Diana, his struggles with grief, and his search for belonging. Gallowglass's presence is a reminder of the importance of family, loyalty, and resilience.

Father Hubbard

Father Hubbard is a former priest turned vampire, ruling over the creatures of London with a mixture of benevolence and tyranny. He adopts lost souls into his "family," demanding loyalty and tribute. Hubbard is both a threat and a protector, his motives often inscrutable. His psychological makeup is shaped by his religious past, his need for control, and his desire to create a new order among creatures. Hubbard's interactions with Diana and Matthew are fraught with tension, negotiation, and the ever-present possibility of betrayal.

Annie Undercroft

Annie is a teenage witch rescued by Diana and Matthew, serving as both maid and apprentice. She is resourceful, loyal, and eager to learn, but also traumatized by loss and abandonment. Annie's psychological journey is one of healing and growth, as she finds a new family and a sense of purpose. Her relationship with Diana is that of student and surrogate daughter, and her fate is intertwined with the changing world of creatures.

Jack Blackfriars

Jack is a streetwise orphan taken in by Diana and Matthew. He is clever, mischievous, and deeply affected by trauma. Jack's psychological arc is one of trust and transformation, as he learns to accept love and protection. His bond with Matthew is paternal, and his presence in the story raises questions about legacy, family, and the future of creatures.

Stephen Proctor

Stephen is Diana's father, a timewalker and weaver who appears in 1591 to help his daughter master her powers. He is wise, gentle, and enigmatic, carrying the weight of his own secrets and sacrifices. Stephen's psychological depth is revealed in his love for Diana, his acceptance of fate, and his willingness to guide her through the complexities of magic and time. His presence is both a gift and a reminder of the costs of love and legacy.

Plot Devices

Timewalking

Timewalking is the central narrative device, allowing Diana and Matthew to escape danger in the present and seek knowledge in the past. It enables the exploration of historical settings, the meeting of legendary figures, and the unraveling of ancient mysteries. Timewalking is both a gift and a curse, as it brings the couple into new dangers and forces them to confront the consequences of changing history. The device is used to explore themes of fate, free will, and the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.

The Covenant

The Covenant is the legal and moral framework that governs the world of creatures, forbidding relationships between witches, vampires, and daemons. It is enforced by the Congregation, a secretive council with the power to punish and destroy. The Covenant serves as both a source of conflict and a commentary on prejudice, segregation, and the dangers of rigid tradition. Its presence shapes the characters' choices, relationships, and destinies.

The Book of Life (Ashmole 782)

Ashmole 782 is the MacGuffin of the trilogy—a mysterious, magical book made from the skin, blood, and hair of creatures. It is both a source of knowledge and a potential weapon, containing the genetic and magical origins of witches, vampires, and daemons. The search for the book drives the plot, bringing together allies and enemies, and raising questions about identity, extinction, and the nature of power. The book's missing pages, living palimpsest, and dangerous allure are used to explore themes of knowledge, secrecy, and the costs of discovery.

Weaving and Spellcraft

Diana's identity as a weaver—a witch who can create new spells—is a key plot device. Her training in weaving, the use of colored cords, and the summoning of her familiar (the firedrake)

Last updated: May 15, 2025