A prophecy

Fra Pavel has unexpectedly arrived at the Master’s study. The Master is caught arranging his bags which he has packed as he plans to flee the college. Fra Pavel is not happy. He tells the Master that he should never have agreed for Mrs Coulter to take Lyra. He explains that Lyra has run away, and Mrs Coulter and her team are trawling the streets looking for her.

But, more importantly Fra Pavel tells the Master of a prophecy that his alethiometer has revealed about Lyra. That a child of destiny will be born, and that due to the circumstances of Lyra’s birth she is that child. Fra Pavel explains that according to his alethiometer Lyra will either redeem the Church, or she will destroy it. Which of the two it will be is a secret that only the witches know. Either way, the world’s future depends on her.

Fra Pavel says he must consult a alethiometer without further ado. But, the Master is forced to confess that he has given the college’s alethiometer to Lyra. A dark, ominous atmosphere emanates from Fra Pavel. He is not pleased.