Lyra Belacqua is an 11-year-old girl who lives at Oxford College. Like all humans in her world, she is accompanied by her dæmon, Pantalaimon (Pan), who manifests as various animals but is always male (the daemon settles on a permanent form at puberty). Lyra’s curiosity about places she should not go leads her to mischievous behavior that frustrates Pan, who wants to keep them out of trouble. While wandering around the Retiring Room, a place strictly off-limits for women, Lyra and Pan are forced to hide as the Master and Butler enter. The two men are awaiting Lord Asriel, and the Master learns Lord Asriel has not yet arrived. The Steward’s bell rings and the Steward arrives, followed by the Scholars. Lyra is trapped hiding in a wardrobe with Pan. She watches as the Master and Butler poison the decanter of Tokay intended for Lord Asriel. Lord Asriel arrives and is offered the drink, but he spills it. He then requests the Master because he has found something interesting.

Lyra watches as the Master greets Lord Asriel, and the Scholars enter to see Lord Asriel’s findings. Lord Asriel shows images of