On his conceptual screen, he watched the scene outside The Loom's Aegis.
The assembled Dukes of Law, after their initial, furious assault, had mostly fallen back. Their analytical minds had correctly deduced that their attacks were not only futile but likely counterproductive. He smiled.
He knew they would sense their authority being not just repelled, but devoured, soon enough.
Now, the second part of the plan was in motion. Even if they knew they were being played, they would still have to play.
Malphas was already at work, his shadowy crows spreading the gospel of a newfound sanctuary, a rumor that would soon draw the greedy, the desperate, and the powerful like moths to a conceptual flame.
He saw Royal Law Tristesse still lingering at the edge of the Aegis, her pride and curiosity warring within her.
She and a few loyal Royal and Honored Living Laws were still probing the barrier, their authority a gentle, insistent pressure against his defenses.
