Boodles Club,

London

22nd May 1819

 

Dear North

 

Though it has taken nearly two years, I have at last taken possession of the evil book and leave today for Oxford where I shall stay with a former student of mine. Septimus Butters is an exceptional young scholar who has travelled much in the Orient and Far East, where he has acquired a remarkable understanding of the Pagan Arts. Septimus has agreed to assist me in finding that which we seek and, God willing, we shall not be long in our quest.

 

I do not think Clarke will miss the tome, for he is gone to Brighton with the Regent to spend the Season at the Pavilion. Once Septimus and I have found the necessary incantation and I have mastered the ritual I shall come to Winchester to perform it. If by this spell we can but keep Clarke from entering the Phantral Realm and laying claim to Miss Austen I shall be satisfied. I will write again when I have succeeded.

 

In haste,

Yr affec: friend

Vicesimus Knox