Hadrian did not reply as he looked at the board. His father had taught him the game when he was a boy to strengthen Hadrian’s understanding of tactics and planning. Danbury Blackwater had made a board and set of pieces from metal scraps. His father had been the best chess player in the village. It had taken years for Hadrian finally to checkmate him.
“Of course, the game has broader implications,” Merrick went on. “I’ve heard bishops base whole sermons on chess. They draw parallels indicating how the pieces represent the hierarchy of the classes, and the rules of movement depict an individual’s duty as ordained by God.”
Merrick’s third pawn was in jeopardy, and Hadrian took it as well. Merrick moved his bishop, again without pause. The man’s playing style disturbed Hadrian, as he expected more contemplation after Hadrian had taken two of his pieces.
“So you see, what you deem a simple, frivolous game is actually a mirror to the world around us and how we move in it. For example, did you know that pawns were not always allowed to move two squares at the start? That advent was the result of progress and a slipping of monarchial power. Furthermore, upon reaching the opposite side of the board, pawns used to only be promoted to the rank of councilor, which is the second-weakest piece, after the pawn itself.”
“Speaking of pawns… We didn’t appreciate you using us at Tur Del Fur,” Hadrian said.
Merrick raised a hand. “Royce has already scolded me on that score.”
“Royce—he spoke to you?”
Merrick chuckled. “Surprised I’m still alive? Royce and I have a… an understanding. To him I am like that bishop on the board. I’m right there—an easy target—and yet the cost is too high.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“You tricked us into helping you slaughter hundreds of innocent people. Royce has killed for far less.”
Merrick looked amused. “True, Royce usually requires a reason not to kill. But don’t deceive yourself. He’s not like you. The deaths of innocents, no matter how many, are meaningless to him. He just doesn’t like being used. No, I would venture to say that only one murder has ever caused him to suffer remorse, and that is why I’m still alive. Royce feels the scales are not balanced between us. He feels he still owes me.”
Merrick gestured toward himself. “Were you waiting on me? I believe it’s your move.”
Hadrian decided to be more daring and pulled out his queen to threaten Merrick’s king. Merrick moved instantly, sliding his king out of harm’s way, almost before Hadrian removed his hand.
“Now where was I?” Merrick continued. “Oh yes, the evolution of chess, which changes just as the world does. Centuries ago there was no such thing as castling, and a stalemate was considered a win for the player causing it. Most telling, I think, is the changing role of the queen in the game.”
Hadrian brought forward a pawn to threaten the bishop, and Merrick promptly took it. Hadrian moved his knight out and Merrick did the same.
“Originally there was no queen at all, as all the pieces were male. Instead, a piece called the king’s chief minister held that position. It wasn’t until much later that the female queen replaced this piece. Back then she was restricted to moving only one square diagonally, which made her quite weak. It wasn’t until later that she obtained the ability to move the entire length of the board in any direction, thus becoming the most powerful piece in the game—and the most coveted target to trap or kill.”
Hadrian started to move his bishop but stopped when he realized that Merrick’s knight was threatening his queen.
“That was an interesting speech the empress delivered at the feast, don’t you think?” Merrick asked. “Why do you think she did that?”
“No idea,” Hadrian replied, studying the board.
Merrick smiled at him. “I see why Royce likes you. You’re not big on conversation. You two are quite the odd pairing, aren’t you? Royce and I are far more similar. We each maintain a common pragmatic view of the world and those in it, but you are more an idealist and dreamer. You look like an ale drinker to me, and Royce prefers his Montemorcey.”
Another quick succession of moves made Hadrian slow down his play and left him studying the board.
“Did you know I introduced him to that particular wine? That was years ago, when I brought him a case for his birthday. Well, that’s not precisely correct. Royce has no idea about the actual date of his birth. Still, it could have been, so we celebrated like it was. I liberated the wine from a Vandon caravan loaded with merchandise, and we spent three whole days drinking and debauching a tiny agrarian village. That town had a surprisingly large proportion of attractive maids. I had never seen Royce drunk before that. He’s usually so serious—all dark and brooding—or at least he was back then. For those three days he relaxed and we had arguably the best time of our lives.”