Interlude 1/8
Lord Barthomeloi, Lady Primrose, Countess of Rosebery, Members of Clocktower,
I find myself frustrated in writing this letter. It has become clear to Atlas and myself when considering your recent actions that you have no interest in any kind of peaceful relations. With this information in hand Atlas has decided to cut off all official communication and assistance to Clocktower.
The recent murder of our operatives as well as the sabotage of our property, followed shortly by a refusal of diplomatic relations has made it clear that you wish to have war with Atlas. We expect that there be no complaints of this action as you have set your own path. Any further communications will have to be made on paper as my attendance can no longer be expected. I have no interest in being the next target.
Considering that the members of clock tower have no interest in the survival of their race and mortals you should expect a return of force on our behalf. As protectors of this world, we the members of Atlas, intend to do our utmost in order to preserve it and the life of its inhabitants. If this means ridding it of yourselves we shall not hesitate. I regret to inform you that any support you may have once had or expected from us is immediately terminated as well.
May you find reason in this world or the next,
Roxandra Alexandrov
Scene End
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Interlude 2/8
Lady Primrose knocked lightly on the door, deep below Clocktower, “Lord Bartholemoi, might I come in? We must decide upon the appointment of the new professor.”
The Barthomeloi chambers in Clocktower were elegant, extravagant and entirely sterile - nobody had ever lived there and no pretense was made that it was anything other than a receiving area for guests. Servants, human and otherwise, were unobtrusive and discreet. The Lady Primrose, being an honoured guest, was shown into Lord Barthomeloi’s study, papers loosely decorating surrounding shelves. She did not bother to inspect them - much like the rest of the apartment, they were for show and contained nothing of significance.
“Why come in, come in - I’m just finishing up on some matters that the Director had me attend to. The Atlas Institute are requesting information on the participants of Lady Valueleta’s little experiment once again,” The note was passed to the waiting Mask who took the lid off the brazier and started to poke at the charcoal inside. A small thread of smoke was all that remained of the letter.
Lady Primrose was handed a cup of tea by the Mask and took the time to stir it. Sugar, of course, was provided, “Thank you kindly. Lord, I realise you are busy but since you did insist on participating in the interviews we should decide together of the outcome.”
She took a sip from her cup “Which of the candidates do you prefer? We should be able to come to some agreement I am sure.”
He frowned and turned his attention to his notes, handed to him by the Mask, “Thank you Mask One, that is indeed what I needed for this. I see we have some variety,” he turned the page, “and four different types of tree.” That brought a smile for a moment.
She raised an eyebrow “Four different trees indeed. I shall get started I suppose. You know that I have suggested that a new position be made as well as this professorship. One of mentorship for the students rather than of teaching. I feel Mr Warren might be better suited for such tasks. He has a true talent …”
He waved a hand, “Yes, yes, whatever you wish, minor appointments are within your purview as Headmistress. It is the matter of teaching that we must focus upon - I have some concerns about the kind of people who will be educating the next generation. They are the future, aren’t they? Children, that is.” One thing was unspoken between them - not the next generation of their own families, of course. The School was a project for those beneath the Lords. Those who could not afford their own, personal education.
“Of course they are, we most certainly agree upon that. As for the matter o…”
He broke in again, “Goodness me, one of them wanted to be a dragon when they grew up. And they wanted to be a teacher?” He bent to the page again, “And we have a distressing immediacy of judgement from this… Edda? She is not one of ours, I am certain on that front.”
At this, Mask One leaned in, “Her personal credentials are separate from her family, my Lord. I believe that we have spoken on this matter before.”
They both looked at the Mask for a moment, then at each other. Initiative was not a feature of the Masks in general, Mask One least of all. A moment later, he resumed his train of thought, “Yes Mask, I suppose that we have. That will be all for the evening.” They waited until the doors closed before turning back to the papers. “I went to Lichtenstein once, you know. Very pleasant people.” He set a sheaf aside, “Do you have any opinions on your student? Ah, graduated student - I remember you spoke of her talents.”
“Miss Elphinstone, is an exceptional magus for her age and family. I would however quite like to see her prove herself. She has yet to offer significant aid to Clocktower with her particular skills since graduating. I am certain she is capable of many great things but I would give her more time before fixing her in such a role.”
He nodded. “And you have already claimed the Warren, which leaves us with the scion of the Campana. A very public-spirited fellow,” He turned over a set of cheques, “Strikingly public spirited.”
Lady Primrose forced a small smile “I must acknowledge that he has done a great many things for our establishment. Of that there is no question. However, I am somewhat concerned with what he would be teaching students, considering his actions in the...”
“The connection with his sister, yes… and his strong links to Avignon,” He turned over another report, this one in Lady Primrose’s hand as she clenched her teeth at being interrupted again, “Still, he has been supporting the student body admirably. Naming the houses, what a delightful idea.”
“He certainly has a good head on his shoulders and that alone could do the school some good.” she conceded, “His actions regarding the Church may however place…”
“Personally fighting on the front lines in Vienna even. I have a report from the Diatama that he was even present fighting for our allies on the Wandering Tomb. Quite the example for the young to follow.”
The Countess’s face had grown stiff through the conversation “I see you have decided Lord. Have lovely day in...”
“And even helped sort out that little matter for you in Egy- oh, do you have to leave already Hannah?” He glanced up from the notes, “Well, do sort out the paperwork, would you? And one last thing - we do need someone close to us, someone we can bring into the circle to deal with those people from the Tower. Did you have anyone in mind?”
“Possibly Artemis, I shall have a Mask bring you a list later. I look forward to seeing you and your wife at dinner tonight. My husband has so many things he didn’t manage to finish telling you last time, he is truly anticipating your presence with great joy.” She left with a smile on her face knowing he would have to suffer this evening much as had just now.
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