The Old Gods

Azrael

The Lecture Hall was still buzzing with conversation. Hollandair Cull's presentation had ended hours ago. The school day was over, and Amir, Robin and Leigh were stuck listening to the Scholars debate the existence of Death. The poor scientist had spent the hours answering questions and arguing with the Scholars over the authenticity of his photograms. He'd only just left the Lecture Hall a mere fifteen minutes ago, looking all flustered and affronted.

"Archivist Daniels, I know you do not believe in the War, and that you are a man of science. What is your opinion on all this?" The Headmaster asked, amused.

"Well, I say it's a load of absolute flipping tosh!" Archivist Daniels exclaimed.

This elicited a round of hearty chuckles.

"In any case, Archivist, most of the council has agreed to fund Mr Cull's travels into the Mist. we simply require you and Dame Morgana to sign it. What say you?"

The trio looked back and forth. There was something about old men arguing over Death that caused them to burst out in laughter. The Headmaster gave them a bemused look.

"Children? I trust you are tired. You will be dismissed soon. I know you're all looking forward to summer vacation and your history project tomorrow, but Mr Cull has requested your presence in his quarters. He wishes to speak to you about something. Jeeves will take you there."

"Wait, what?" Amir asked. What had piqued Cull's interest in them. He gave Robin and Leigh quizzical looks. They shrugged.

"In any case, you will be home by dinnertime. Enjoy your conversation with Mr Cull." The Headmaster said. Jeeves walked over, his discontent masked by years of professional training.

"This way, children."

They rose and headed after Jeeves, who led them back out onto the courtyards and into the student hostel. They were already emptied; all the rich kids who stayed there had gone back to their parents' summer homes after school had let out that afternoon. Cull had took up lodging in one of the spare rooms. He was departing tomorrow for another excursion back into the Mist, this time with a crack team of explorers dedicated to his cause. The Helmsley Academy had agreed to fund his travels there.

Jeeves knocked on Cull's door. There were some frantic footsteps and a muffled "coming!". The door swung open and almost smacked Jeeves in the face. Cull was looking quite dishevelled.

"Ah! The children! Thank you for bringing them here, Jeeves. If you don't mind, could you bring me some coffee?"

"As you command." Jeeves bowed stiffly and took off for the Academy kitchens.

"Do come in, do come in." Cull let the children in. They'd never seen the Helmsley Academy Hostel before. What was the point when they had cosy homes right here in Hurtlespool?

Cull's room was in a huge mess, despite him having been here for only two days. Papers were strewn all over the bed and there was the distinct smell of photogram-developing chemicals in his room. Leigh almost gagged at the stench of it. Last year, she'd tried taking up photography as a hobby. It didn't turn out too well. She turned the bathroom she and Amir shared into a literal war zone, and Amir had refused to go in there for nearly a week.

Robin, on the other hand, was used to it. He and his father were birdwatchers, which explained his name. Sometimes, he and his father would go out birdwatching and take pictures. Oddly enough, his house didn't smell like the chemicals. Leigh and Amir were always confused by this, but they settled on the conclusion that the treats Robin's mother baked masked the scent of it.

"I could really go for some pastries right now." Amir remarked, the chemicals having reminded him of Robin's house.

"I could ask mom to pack some for tomorrow." Robin offered. Amir and Leigh nodded eagerly.