The clouded mountain

In Mrs Coulter’s empty cell the president paces the floor. The clerics have some urgent news for him. The clouded mountain, where the Authority resides has appeared in the sky and it is sailing towards Lord Asriel’s fortress. The President is hugely relieved; this proves to the doubters once and for all the Authority’s existence.

Brother Jasper asks the President if he can go on one final mission. He will use the alethiometer to hunt Lyra down and kill her. The President gives him his blessing.