//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: The Music Makers 
// by Talon and Thorn 
//------------------------------//

Principal Abacus Finch angrily slammed the door to her office closed and slumped down into her seat. For a moment she felt like committing violence, smashing the desk or throwing one of the many awards around the room, then she shuddered and brought herself back under control.

“What vexes you?” came a voice from the corner.

Abacus started and glared at the shadowy figure which lurked in a dark corner of the office.

“You! How did you get in here? This is all your fault!” she hissed.

“There are few doors bared to me,” replied the figure calmly. “What has happened?”

“Those useless tarts you had me hire as music teachers almost gave away their secrets in front of the Princess. Now she wants to investigate our teaching practices! This could ruin the school! Could destroy my reputation!”

“Do not worry, no inspector will find anything out of place. I guarantee it.”

“What about those Flim Flam brothers, I told you there was no need to remove any of the competition. As if there was any!” she snorted.

“Even if they are captured there is nothing to link them to you. Do not worry. I had hoped that they would do a better job of driving a wedge between the element bearers, but no matter, I have other plans.”

“There better not be! Or...”

“Or what?” asked the figure seeming to grow larger, filling the entire office while still remaining cloaked by shadow. “You forget yourself Abacus, you are just one of my agents. I do not need you or this little school.”

“I... I...” for a moment the principal seemed rebellious, staring up into where the figure’s eyes would be. Then her spirit broke and she looked down in defeat. “I am sorry.”

“Good. Now do not fret, everything will be well. After all we have an agreement,” said Nemesis.