21

That evening you, Wesley, Snowell, and Kasparsnow met in the small study off the corridor. Kasparsnow shut the door himself.

“He has tampered with your letter,” he said. “And he lied about the grandfather clock. It hasn't struck in months.”

Wesley’s eyes narrowed. “Let's build a trap.”

Kasparsnow went to his desk and took out a small wooden box, no larger than a book. Inside were coils and a glass tube, packed with care.

“A spare stabiliser,” he said. “Not as good as the Evergreen Star, but enough to hold the pattern for one night. If the North Pole sees steadiness, Santa can launch.”

Wesley’s nodded. “So we announce it loudly. And we forbid anyone to go near the Star Chamber. He won't be able to resist the temptation.”

After supper, Kasparsnow said it in the great hall where everyone could hear.

“A replacement will be fitted tomorrow,” he announced. “No one is to go near the Star Chamber corridor tonight!”

Sir Basil stood among the guests, listening.

Later, when the house had gone quiet, Wesley set a chessboard on the table and arranged a simple position.

“A neat little trap,” he said.

Starting from the initial position, give a sequence of moves that reaches this position after White's 11th move (11 moves for White and 10 moves for Black). If you're confused about anything, join our Discord server. You can now also connect your Advent of Chess account to your Discord account on your profile.