The war had begun with the slightest of actions. A simple unit of soldiers moving off the border and into the land of the Ebony King. We had retailed in kind, thinking it was just a simple show force. They set their men of the cloth. Seeming gentle old men with honeyed words to comfort those affected. A knife in back ended one of our riders in their sleep. From there it had escalated. Castles had been destroyed, reduced useless rubble. The enemy queen took up arms and relished in the war. Regretfully, I joined to war the protect my king, my husband. I tore knights from their steeds and set fire to their castles. I invited their holy men for talks of peace and poisoned the grand feast I offered. Wrinkled heads fell into the bowls before it was even time for the second course. Still, it hadn't been enough. Our forces had been demolished. In the night, she came clad in alabaster flowing robes. Swift movement put a sword in my back and left me without movement. There were no more guards. The White Queen leaned over my king with cruel and delighted smile.

“Checkmate!”

In the middle of a cafe, a man sighed. “You've beaten me. Good game.” His companion smiled.

“Another round?”

“Of course.”

The war had begun with the slightest of actions. A simple unit of soldiers moving off the border and into the land of the Ebony King.