Only The Beginning

Rookwood's Letter

The comforting smell of earl grey tea and books filled her nose as she sat in the office of Professor Fig. It felt like weeks had passed since the Scriptorium, and Olive had slowly dipped back into her usual patterns. After that unexpected visit from Ominis at the Astronomy tower, she felt as though she had some clarity in her muddy mind and was able to claw her way back to the surface.

She had been spending more time with Fig, he began to keep a closer eye on her, inviting her often for magic lessons and tea but she didn't mind the company, and she was sure he didn't either.

"Have you made up with Sebastian?" Professor Fig sent her a side glance, and she felt her heart quicken, did he know?

"What do you mean, Professor?" She kept her eyes on the book in her lap.

"Well, I may be old, but I'm not completely oblivious. It's clear something had happened between you two." She felt her lungs loosen up.

"Oh, yes. We have reconciled, all is well now."

"Good! Good. I've seen bits of the old Sebastian come back since the two of you have become friends, I'm glad he's got such a positive influence from you."

Does he though? She gave Fig a smile and continued to read.

The familiar coo of Natty's owl sounded at the window, a letter in its mouth. It soared across the room once it spotted her, dropping the envelope straight in her lap.

Olive,

Meet me at this location, I've got a lead on Harlow and Rookwood. Come alone.

Natty

"Professor, I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you, Natty is asking for my help with some... Girl problems."

Fig turned a light shade of pink and began to usher her out the door "Oh! Oh yes! Please don't let me keep you here." He said sheepishly, perfect moment for her to slip out and down the stairs. As the door clicked shut behind her, she turned over the letter, Natty had left an enchanted map easily showing the way to where her friend was waiting.

Olive pulled her cloak a little tighter as the wind swept through her as she stepped onto the courtyard, the sun had set long ago, and she was careful to slip out before curfew. The girl summoned her broom, and she was whisked away into the starry night ducking into the trees to remain unseen.

She tried to mentally prepare herself and clear her mind for what was to come as she approached the crumbling fortress ahead. The path was lowly lit by lanterns, but she could just make out Nattys silhouette off to the side of the bridge, keeping her eyes vigilant. Her friend face snapped to her, wand raised as she heard the leaves crunch under Olive's feet, only lowering it when she recognized her.

Natty let out a breath of relief, "Sorry about that, thank you for coming."

"Natty what on earth is going on, what are we doing here?" Olive whispered hastily, her eyes darting to every corner of the castle as she heard voices and movement nearby.

"Proof! I followed Harlow to Hogs Head, he was reading a letter, I couldn't make out what it said, but it was signed and sealed by Victor Rookwood. Olive, this is what we need to prove to Officer Singer to step in!" Natty was elated with her discovery. "There was one other thing... I heard Harlow mention you to one of his lackies. They are both a danger to us, but you will need to be especially careful. For now, we will need to find that letter."

Olive nodded at her friend, "You're right, the sooner we take down Harlow, the quicker we'll get to Rookwood."

"I'm glad we're on the same page. We need to get inside the castle, let's find a way up to the main keep."