A/N: I do not own His Dark Materials.
Chapter 3: Not all Prophecies are Fulfilled
Peeking from the curtains, Witch-Consul Martin Lanselius observed the dark and deserted streets of Trollesund, the main port in Lapland. The coast may seem to be clear, only the Arctic wind howling, but Martin still feared of someone spying on him. Just like in the other parts of the North, it was not peaceful in Trollesund.
It all started shortly after Iorek Byrnisson got his armour back, and left the town, along with the gyptians. The locals were so dependent on the bear that it would take a long time for them to once again get used to do the labor themselves. As they did, the townspeople cursed the gyptians and that aeronaut Lee Scoresby, blaming them for stealing away "there" bear. Lanselius scoffed at this when he heard it.
Then it became worse when he heard that the gyptians attacked Bolvangar and liberated all those poor children that the Gobblers were holding there. The news have reached Trollesund and as a result, Magisterium officials, allied with the local authorities, began searching the city for any insurgents. Curfews were established within the town and many boats were forbidden to leave.
Martin was fearful that the Magisterium agents may be spying on him, and for a damn good reason. Right now, he had a guest, and it was no other than but Serafina Pekkala, the queen of the witches from Lake Enara herself. Martin knew her for a long time, and the two had good relations, thus, she was usually a welcoming guest to his house. But now, he didn't know whether she arrived in time, or not. Martin was still horrified from what Pekkala told him about Bolvangar. What the scholars did to the poor children was disgusting and amoral. When he heard that he was filled with pure rage.
The beautiful witch queen sat on one of the chairs, naked, but her body covered, while her feet were bare. Despite the harsh temperatures outside, the witches did not feel the cold. Sitting on the chair facing her, Martin offered her some tea before pouring some into his cup.
"From what I've gathered, the gyptians would be arriving to the sea in a couple of days." Serafina told him. "Soon, they can take the children away back south."
"Good to hear that," Martin Lanselius answered before he took a sip from his cup of tea with two spoons of sugar. His daemon, a green snake, was resting by the fireplace. "Though I assume that you came here not only to tell me this. Am I right, Ms. Pekkala."
"Indeed, Mr. Lanselius. I've come for Lyra Belacqua, and I need your help." Serafina answered. "Although what Lord Asriel did was horrible, but it was said that by opening a door to one of the many worlds, he would allow the Prophecy to be fulfilled. But he failed, and now the Magisterium has him. Are you sure that Lyra is the very child the Prophecy mentioned."
"Well, I believe so," the witch-consul answered.
"And what made you believe that?" the witch queen asked.
"One the day the gyptians came to Trollesund, Farder Coram visited me. Along with him was that girl, Lyra." Martin began explaining. "Coram asked me to call you for help, as you know."
Serafina nodded before Lanselius continued. "When she showed me her alethiometer, I decided to test her abilities in reading the device. She answered my first question concerning the Tartars. Then I showed her the cloud-pines that I have stored to send messages to you and your kin. I asked her to find your cloud-pine and although she used the alethiometer, she picked the correct one."
"According to the Prophecy, the child was to select mine." Serafina understood what the consul was explaining. "Consul Lanselius, when did you last see Lyra?"
"One that very day," Martin answered. "I told them about Iorek Byrnisson and the two left."
"I need your help to find Lyra," Serafina told him. Nodding in return, Martin drew out his alethiometer. Serafina watched in curiosity and amazement as Lanselius moved the arrows to some of the imprinted pictures before receiving an answer.
"I can assure you, Serafina, that Lyra is safe and sound," he proudly answered.
"Where? Where is she?" she desperately asked.
"At Svalbard. Under the care of King Iorek Byrnisson."
"You have my gratitude, Martin!" Serafina hugged the consul and was about to leave when Martin called out to her.
"I have to warn you, Serafina," he told her. "I know that you believe that she must fulfil the Prophecy, and I doubt that she will succeed with no passageways to the other worlds. Believe me, not all prophecies are fulfilled. Even if they are witch prophecies."
Serafina ignored his advice and headed for the exit before flying off, leaving Trollesund behind.
Serafina Pekkala flew across the arctic plains of the North. Her daemon, Kaisa, who had taken the form of a snow goose, followed her. The night before last night was like a hell to Serafina, as she was the leader of her clan of witches in Lake Enara. After the sacking of Bolvangar and freeing the kidnapped children, Serafina had to deal with some of the witches that assisted the gobblers in their amoral schemes and then with the witches that helped Lord Asriel in opening the pathway to the other worlds. The only thing is that the pathway did not open, Asriel failed to open it. Serafina heard terrible news that shortly after the failed attempt, the Magisterium arrested Lord Asriel and have taken him south, back to Europe.
The witch could not forgive herself for allowing this to happen; allowing Roger's death to happen, but there was no other way. The prophecy told about a girl that would be the next Eve, and that she would meet the next Adam in another world, and Lyra was that girl. The cutting had to be made to open the passage between the worlds in order for Lyra to cross over. But somehow, the pathway wasn't exposed, and that terrified Serafina. She had to get the girl to the other world as quickly as possible. She didn't know how, but she must. At least find Lyra and take her under her care and protection.
As she thought about this, Serafina almost did not notice when she was approaching Svalbard. She quickly and elegantly landed onto the ground before the gates of the palace, her bare feet not feeling the intense cold from the snow and ice. Kaisa soon landed nearby as some of the Panserbjørne looked at her. Serafina could sense the tension. She knew that some of the bears fought the witches working for Lord Asriel and this may somehow ruin the relationship between the witches and armoured bears.
"My name is Serafina Pekkala of the Lake Enara clan," Serafina began stating her business. "And I wish an audience with your rightful king, Iorek Byrnisson."
After some thinking, the Panserbjørne finally opened the gates and led Serafina inside, with Kaisa staying outside. He wanted to follow Serafina, but the witch assured the snow goose that it was unnecessary. Iorek was a good friend, and would not harm her.
When Serafina entered the great hall, she was shocked and relieved to see Lyra sitting with Iorek at the base of the throne. Her daemon Pantalaimon was lying beside in the form of an arctic fox. While she was beyond happy that Lyra was not in the hands of the Magisterium, she felt that for some reason she wasn't supposed to like what she sees as she clicked her tongue.
"Greetings, King Iorek." Serafina remained courteous. "I am Serafina Pekkala of the Lake Enara clan."
"Yes, I know you, mistress." Iorek answered. "We fought together against the guards and theologists of Bolvangar, saving the captured children. It is an honour for me to meet you again, my lady."
"Lyra, I am so glad that you are safe and sound." Serafina finally turned to Lyra.
"Hello, Serafina." Lyra genuinely greeted the witch. "How are you? Why are you here? Did something happen?"
"Actually, Lyra. I have come for you." Serafina answered, noticing Lyra tense.
"Why?"
"Lyra, the Magisterium has left the North, but you're still in danger. The Magisterium and Mrs. Coulter will definitely try to get their hands on you once they get the chance. Come with me to Lake Enara, I'll protect you. We can help you learn…"
"No," Lyra said. "Thank you Serafina, but I want to stay here. With Iorek."
Serafina was surprised. She definitely thought, or at least thought that Lyra would want to come.
"Please, come with me, Lyra." The witch begged the 12-year-old girl. "We can teach you so many things."
"I want to stay with Iorek, this is my home now." A stubborn Lyra told her. Serafina bowed her head in defeat.
"I respect your choices, Lyra." Serafina said before leaving Svalbard. She didn't know how to react to this. While Serafina wanted Lyra to be happy, she did not know what to do with this. The prophecy was becoming unfulfilled.
For the first time in her life, Serafina Pekkala learned that not all prophecies are destined to be fulfilled.