The Master of Jordan College confesses to a failed assassination attempt on Lord Asriel and reveals a chilling prophecy regarding Lyra. He explains that despite his efforts to protect her innocence, the alethiometer insists she must embark on a journey defined by a great betrayal.
THE MASTER: Of course he knew, I have no idea how, but he knew, and he spilled the decanter himself.
CHARLES: One of his spies?
THE MASTER: That got into a locked room before he entered it?
CHARLES: Forgive me, Master, but I can't help being relieved. I was never happy about the idea. Of murder.
THE MASTER: You think that's what I wanted? This is what I came from New Denmark for? Not for academia but poisoning?
CHARLES: I - know it's not a decision you'd have taken lightly.
THE MASTER: The alethiometer warns of appalling consequences if Lord Asriel continues his research. Apart from anything else, the child will be drawn in and -
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The Master's Warning and the Alethiometer
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The Master of Jordan College gives Lyra the alethiometer before she leaves for London with Mrs. Coulter. He warns her of the dangers ahead and emphasizes the need for absolute secrecy regarding the device, which reveals the truth. The scene establishes the high stakes of Lyra's journey and the mysterious powers at play in her world.
Asriel's Dust Theory
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