Between a Raven and a Hard Place
It had all led to this moment.
Countless hours of preparation, surveillance, and some luck. But, finally, he’d managed to corner her. It certainly hadn’t been easy. If it had been anyone else, he doubted they would have even connected the dots. But, Jericho Swain was not just anybody.
It had started small. Practice, no doubt. Just testing the waters, and the resistance they’d likely meet. Several notable families had been burglarized in the last two months. However, in addition to small baubles and trinkets would be records, memos and the like. Burglaries made to look like burglaries, to distract from the real missing information. Not a career thief, but a spy, then. To whom, he could only guess, but that would remain to be seen to. For now, Swain had other concerns. Such as, how such a thief could break into some of the most secure houses in Noxus, and leave nary a trace?
Beatrice had proven herself time and again, and this time had been no different. After noting that almost every target had been a family that had some connection to Boram, be it public knowledge or more...clandestine, he had Beatrice and her flock begin their watch. It’d taken a week of sleepless nights and agonizing days, but it had been worth it. The Flock had seen the thief. Apparently, they had managed some form of magick that made them imperceptible to the human eye. However, Beatrice saw beyond the human eye, and found the layers of magick almost blinding.
After that, it had been mere child’s play. Having Leblanc set up a party in one of Darkwill’s manors, it’d be one of the best times to strike the leadership of Noxus. All he would have to do is have Beatrice lay her claws upon the determined room, and have an agent ready the soldiers, and he would have his trap at the ready. However, this “phantom thief” intrigued him. They possessed magicks that had yet to be determined. They were smart, and careful. If he had not had Beatrice, he doubted he would have found them. This was too powerful and influential a piece to consign to the Pits. No...He could use this.
The study of Kieran Darkwill was quiet, save for the echoes from the party downstairs. Bookcases lined the walls, detailing the glories of Grand Generals past. Dark wood floors, mahogany desk, posh lamps...the very epitome of decadence and privilege. Upon the desk sat a solitary chessboard, and the ivory and ebony pieces sat in play. If Swain allowed himself a moment, he would think it almost appropriate, as he sat, and waited in the darkness.
The pieces were now in motion, and the General played to win.
@aformerspellthief
