"Is it often the same pattern?" I recalled Jake's symbols.
"The warning phase…then the major invasion
phase?" Shaman illuminated.
"Well, well, haven't you worked your homework. Yes, it usually operates that way. Take out a few lesser immortals first. They're susceptible targets, even if I constantly feel a slight guilty about it. Certainly, they're as much casualties of the system as you and I are. However, messing with them freaks out the higher immortals, and then the scene is set to stride on to the major attraction."
"Jake," I noted grimly.
"Who?"
"Jake…the local archdemon." I flinched.
"Your father."
"Oh. Him."
"What's that supposed to imply? You don't creak like he's a big deal."
"In the vast strategy of things, he's not."
"Yeah…but he's your father…"
"So? Our relationship—or lack thereof—doesn't truly change anything."
