Chess

The trio made it back to Davion’s home.

"Are you sure we should stay here?" asked Davion.

"I’m easy to spot," said Zebulun, "and they know Quinn, but they don’t know you. I doubt they know where to find us."

Zebulun sat in a chair and said, "I’ll make sure."

He meditated. Once in the trance, he could see through the eyes of every stray dog, cat, and rat in the city. Thousands of them. He saw Ezekiel and his goons drinking in a bar, having given up. He didn’t see any other large groups wandering around.

He opened his eyes. "I think we’re okay."

Davion breathed a sigh of relief. Quinn lay snoring on a sofa.

"I don’t think I can sleep after all the excitement," said Davion. "Do you play Chess?"

"I do," said Zebulun. "An old veteran taught me years ago. Soldiering involves a lot of sitting around and waiting for orders. Men will do anything to pass the time."

"Care for a game?" asked Davion.

"Sure," said Zebulun.

Davion pushed the pile of scrolls off the table and brought out an exquisite nine-by-nine board of marble and onyx. The center and corner squares were black. The pieces and pawns were carved from oak and mahogany.

"Nice set," said Zebulun.

"Thanks," said Davion. "I had it specially crafted. It cost me quite a bit of coin."

"No doubt."

They arranged the board.

First rank: Chariot, Horseman, Lord, Prince, King, Prince, Lord, Horseman, Chariot.

Second rank: a single Dragon in front of the king.

Third rank: nine infantrymen, one for each file.

Davion played white.

Davion looked over the board with interest. "You prioritize king safety over attack," he said.

"Lose the king, lose the game," said Zebulun.

"True," said Davion.

"Now you show concern for your sovereign," said Zebulun.

Davion grinned. "That dragon on g6 makes me nervous."

"Not many would trade a chariot for a lord," said Zebulun. "You may regret that later in the game."

"Lords are more powerful during the middle-game," said Davion. "I hope to trap you with a tactical flourish before the board is too empty."

Zebulun nodded and looked at the board with narrowed eyes.

"Fair trade," said Zebulun.

"Almost," said Davion. "I did get to advance a pawn."

"I hate to trade dragons," said Davion, "but he was just too close to my king. They can force checkmate unassisted, you know."

"They can," said Zebulun. "That was a late trade. I’ve often seen dragons traded within ten moves."

"Why? Seems sad to throw away the most powerful piece so early."

"Because of its power. It threatens too easily."

"I guess you’ve had a number of Chess opponents over the years?" asked Davion.

"Yes."

"That’s been rare, for me. I don’t know many people who enjoy it. Or many people at all, for that matter. I’ve mostly played with myself."

A giggle interrupted Quinn’s snoring. Davion looked over at him with a confused expression, then turned back to the board.

"Hate to lose my last lord," said Davion, "but that prince looked like trouble."

"Could have been," said Zebulun.

"Oof," said Davion. He furrowed his brow and looked at the board for some time. "I think I’m about to regret trading my chariot for your lord."

Zebulun said nothing.

Davion stared at the board for a while. "I think that’s it," he said. "I think you got me. Whether you promote to lord or prince, I think I’m done for."

Davion studied the board and shook his head. "I should have pushed my pawn to rank eight on move sixty-five instead of moving my prince. I could have promoted to a chariot and had yours."

"I thought you might," said Zebulun, mirth in his eyes. "I also thought you might want to hold out for a dragon on rank nine."

Davion chuckled and shook his head. "I do love that piece. Then I got excited at the chance for a free pawn by threatening your chariot." Davion stared at the board some more, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Thank you, Zebulun. Great game."

"Good game."