baronessekat | My writing challenge this week

He looked out across the field and waited. His opponent would make a move any time now. It was inevitable. Then, then he could advance.

He was tired of this hurry-up and wait defense that he had been maneuvered into. He was a man of action. He longed to see his soldiers move forward, devouring territory while the knights stayed back.

He held the knights in reserve. They defended the fortresses. The fortresses in turn defended the clergy, which in turn defended his King and Queen. And above all, the King could not fall or all would be lost. And that was not acceptable.

In this particular arena, he was supreme champion. He was a noted general who had not known defeat in over 10 years. And he would not let some up and comer usurp his position, title or glory.

He sat and waited. And eventually the move came. It was bold and aggressive and totally unconventional.

“He’s toying with me,” the general thought. “He thinks that by having his premiere knight lead the charge I will be distracted. That I won’t see him try to flank and take me from the side.”

After a small bit of strategic planning he advanced, taking an aggressively defensive position so that he could open up a hole to go straight for the heart of his opponents domain.

He could almost feel his opponents surprise, and the excitement was heady. Today was the day that he would prove that he still had what it takes. They would speak his name in awe along side of those who went before him.

However, it wasn’t too long before he was starting to sweat. His soldiers were almost all gone. Taken prisoner by this upstart. Only one knight survived and one of his fortresses had fallen as well. He didn’t like having to rely on the clergy. One had to think linearly when dealing with them. No little twists and strategic turns like he could with his cavalry.

Then, then he saw it. There, across the field was a break in the line. It was a risky move to consider, but if he was to take the day he has to be ballsy. And he had no choice he had to send the Queen. She would make the other man see reason. Rue the folly of his ways.

As he focused on Her Majesty, he failed to see the flaw in his plan, until it was too late.

His opponent sent his last knight into the heart of his defenses and before he could blink, the King had fallen.

“Checkmate” the kid said looking over the game board.

All he could do was sigh and offer his hand in congratulations. The kid had beaten him and won the game.

topic for this week: games