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In the pocket of an old skirt hanging in the armoire was a vial that pretended to be idium but wasn’t.

Meanwhile, in a forgotten mining town far away in the North, rumors of fixed siphoning ceremonies would begin to spread.

HONORABLE HEADMASTER OF THE NATIONAL ARTISAN SCHOOL

Professor H. Dumley

To

RIGHT HONORABLE MASTER OF THE NATIONAL ARTISAN HOUSE

Lord G. Tanner

My Lord,

On this 535th year of siphoning, our great Belavere welcomes two hundred and sixty-six inductions to our academy of the finest arts. Most exciting, of course, is the inclusion of a genuine earth Charmer!

Nina Clarke, an unexpected presence among the mix, appeared on our registry as the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Clarke of Sommerland. Regrettably, both are deceased.

Nina Clarke is joined by a water Charmer, Theodore Shop, whose father resides in your House of Lords. What a blessing it is, to welcome two Charmers into our hallowed classrooms in the same year!

This year’s siphoning also accrued a healthy number of Masons and Smiths. Unfortunately, I must report that there were no new Alchemists among the lot.

While you may find this news distressing, I am hopeful that the coming years will see a resurgence in Alchemists and their ancient art form.

Long live Belavere,

Prof. H. Dumley

RIGHT HONORABLE MASTER OF THE NATIONAL ARTISAN HOUSE

Lord G. Tanner

To

Miss Nina Clarke

Miss Clarke,

It was with utmost joy that I learned a new earth Charmer was added to our esteemed school of arts. I write to you now to formally welcome you into the fold. I do hope your years under the tutelage of our masters are as rewarding as they are fruitful.

It has been some time since a Charmer of your medium has blessed this country, andthough your journey has only begun henceforth, I grow elated to think of all you might do for your countrymen.

I must admit that I was greatly interested to hear of your parentage, Miss Clarke. I knew your mother and father quite well. Well enough, I think, to have remembered the blessing of a child while they lived.

Please accept my belated condolences.

I am most pleased that you have emerged from the shadows. After all, Miss Clarke, an earth Charmer is a wonder to behold. As for a child of false breeding, who is of no great benefit to me? Well, a child such as this is better placed in Scurry.

I will be kept informed of your progress.

Long live Belavere.

Yours faithfully,

Lord Geoffry Tanner

CHAPTER 9NINA