Frank and the Northern Lights - Chapter 10 - The Consul and the Bear

The Consul and the Bear

John Faa and the other leaders made a decision that they would head for the port of Trollesund. There was a consulate of witches whose help the leaders thought would be necessary to rescue the children. John Faa and Farder Coram had explained their plans to Lyra then they disembarked to the port.

Farder Coram had saved a witch’s life when he was younger and she gave him a token for contacting her with, in case he needed her help. He said she would remember that, although it was about forty years previously. Also he informed her about witches. Usually witches didn’t move with their demons as they had the power to separate themselves from their demons, so they could move anywhere without the interruption of that relationship between each other. Additionally he explained why demons permanently settled on an appearance when a child grew into an adult. By the time she felt tired of Pantalaimon’s changing about, and she wouldn’t want his changing any more, he would settle on one form. She claimed she wouldn’t do that but Farder Coram was confident that she would. Furthermore, he said she would know what sort of person she was when her demon settled.

After arriving at the harbour, Farder Coram and Lyra went to the witch’s consulate to get the information about Serafina Pekkala, who Farder Coram had saved, and what would be helpful for their journey. They met Dr. Lanselius, who worked in the consulate, and asked him for the information. When finally Farder Coram asked Dr. Lanselius what he would do in his situation, Dr. Lanselius replied that he would obtain the help of armoured bears. Also surprisingly, he knew Lyra had the Alethiometer, and most witches had known of her too. He was concerned about her so she showed him she could read the Alethiometer. He thanked her for her openness, and gave her a piece of something with which she could connect with the witches.

After leaving the consulate, they moved to meet the armoured bear who lived around there. At the entrance of his house, which was clearly a cage for him, they called his name, Iorek Byrnison. He was working there shaping metal. They told him that they wanted to employ him to rescue the children but he replied he couldn’t because his armour had been stolen. After a few seconds, he promised that only if they found his armour, which had been hidden somewhere, would he fight either until he died or they had victory.