Episode 90 - Plan B (for Burn)

## Synopsis

The students stared at Cannon Nathan. They looked at each other confused as he threw the brown robes to them and told them to put them on.

Integrity questioned if he was responsible for the pebbles, and how many places he’d burned. Cannon Nathan told her that he had once chased some students who had stolen some black powder, and followed them into the Zoology department just in time for it to be set on fire. Since then, pebbles had been thrown through his window telling him to bring the powder to certain places, and he had had nightmares about what would happen if he didn’t.

After a few moments of them awkwardly standing around, Cannon Nathan suggested they should get started if they didn’t want their families to suffer. While they discussed the ethics of arson, Integrity heard a quiet, “*The one named Nalder, in the department of Abjurers,*” whenever someone spoke.

She asked what they wanted to burn and heard, “*The world-snuffer, in the sea of darkness.*” After hearing this, Cannon Nathan and Allena affirmed that they should follow the pebbles, as a small fire was better than the possibility of their families dying. Meanwhile Serinepth, Winsler, and Integrity weren’t convinced of the threats’ legitimacy, saying they should tell Nalder what was happening and try to stop anyone getting another pebble.

Reluctantly, everyone put on their robes and headed to try and find Professor Nalder, and to explain the situation. They arrived at the Abjuration department. Winsler creakily opened the large steel doors, revealing a long hallway, and a statue of a fish covered in grass and honey. On the right was a stairway and a door to a lecture hall, on the left was a slightly ajar door with a light glowing from the inside.

As they stepped in, a voice from behind the door called out, “*Can I help you?*” A black Dragonborn wearing professor’s robes walked out to see the students. Winsler asked if they could see Professor Nalder, but was told he had left for the evening. The professor told the students they could take their names, and pass on the meeting request in the morning.

The students followed Professor Deeptar into a cozy office, where they gave them their names, except Integrity who said her name was “*Philllip*”. As they were leaving, Winsler scribbled “*HELP*” on a piece of paper, and passed it to the professor. Deeptar asked if he was ok, and Winsler subtlety gestured towards Cannon Nathan while conjuring a small flame. Now very concerned, Deeptar persuaded the students to tell them what was going on.

After they explained the fires, pebbles, and threats, Allena showed Deeptar the pebble they were given. They seemed shocked with what they had just learned, took the pebble, and told them to go back to their dorms. They said they would talk to Professor Nalder and discuss what to do.

As Deeptar left, the students started to walk back to their rooms. They debated the potential of protective charms to stop any nightmares, and Allena thanked SWI for being nicer than Angelika. Cannon Nathan split from the group to return the black powder to the Cannon Lab, and the others went to their respective sleeping places.

As Allena returned to her dorm, she found that Mira still hadn’t returned, though the horrific perfume smell remained. In front of the window, a large urn rested on a pile of ash. Now used to Mira’s weirdness, she covered it in a towel to try and mask the smell, and went to sleep.

In Artis’ Cottage, Mira and Delnys were alone. Mira sat in the garden, trying to play her lyre with a *Mage Hand* to no avail. Delnys walked over, and asked how she was doing. As the conversation continued, Delnys said that both Winsler and Artis had given her strange and vague advise, and asked how Mira felt about her, romantically.