zg_shadows | In the mind of a monster

Inside his room in the haven, a figure looked at the image he had conjured. Once this would have been a great effort, but now it was simplicity itself, and the visual aid helped him plan.
Dotted across the north side of the board he had created were figurines, reminiscent of chess pieces. Some of them were marked with symbols, and some also had a little ring of chains around them.

He contemplated the image as he thought. Had he done enough to proceed to the second stage, or must he risk another foray into the court proper? He spent some time, calculating risks and rewards with a precision that wouold have surprised most of those who thought they knew him.

Pausing, he picked up one of the pawns, a fine crystal piece draped liberally in chains. He turned it over in his hand, as if considering making a move, then returned it to the board. He must be patient. Too much, too quickly and he risked them acting before he was fully prepared.

Dismissing the image, he leaned back in his chair. Yes, he had enough to proceed to the next stage. Enough pieces were in place- less than he might have hoped, but more than enough for his needs.

He could see the pattern unfolding in front of him, and the possible break points as it extended. One had been neutralised already, though he didn't realise it. Another would move too slowly, and was already prepared for. There were many unknowns, and he had learnt the lessons of his own stolen power- even the weakest can be a threat in the right circumstances.

He would get one unopposed chance to enact his immediate plans, and he would have to make the most of it. After that, they would realise the threat he truly was, and act accordingly.

He stood up, thinking of the old nursery rhyme his people had made about him. Mentally, he editted it a little as he walked out of the room and headed to the library for his night's study.

"The hour is late now, the sky is black. And nothing you can do will save you from Jack"