The thing about how my brain works is that I can’t move forward–with anything, in truth–until evey element of the project beneath my hands makes sense. So, I’ve been procrastinating, fussing, stressing, and fiddling until I realized the issue…
Jago’s most dangerous magic needs to be presented to the reader far earlier
Having it arrive at the end of Act 2 was sort of a Deus Ex Machina thing, and that’s just lazy writing.
So, the Skylar Temple knows; Jago keeps it “close to his chest;” and folks have died for it. What can the Temple do with the reality that such a weapon both a) exists and b) is within their halls?
That’s a key question threading through Catching Her Balance.
And why would it be anywhere near Derrick?
THAT’S THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION.
B. Thatcher 