Clark Dowling, Headmaster of Avistrum
DENVER, Colo. – For the first time in his six years as head of Avistrum Academy of Sorcery, Headmaster Clark Dowling completely failed to show up for term. Professors at the school have been very tight-lipped regarding his whereabouts – Deputy Headmistress Sachiko Kobiyashi will only acknowledge that he is away on important business. Fellow Dark Hunters Polonius Aberfoyle and Evangeline Storm Craefter both refused comment. Rumors are buzzing through the student population, however, that Dowling has gone off in search of Alcatraz escapee Nikolai Matado.
Matado has been at large since Thursday, when his gang, the Vultures, broke him out of the maximum-security level in a daring daylight raid on the prison (see related article, “Matado Still At Large“).
Dowling originally apprehended Matado shortly before taking a post at the Academy. Officially, Dowling recovered the Holy Grail as part of that capture, but several arcaneologists have disputed the story, especially since Dowling has always declined to offer the cup for study. Is it possible that the true object of Matado’s pursuit is in need of Dowling’s personal protection? Or, is it possible that the brave (some would say foolish) Dowling is afraid for his life, and has gone into hiding?
When asked for her opinion on these possibilities, Professor Kobiyashi said, “The Headmaster has always placed the safety of the students and staff of this school above his own. You can count on the fact that wherever Clark Dowling is, he is working to protect the students under his care.”