GAMBIT 12 12|Pawn

"No one is actually dead until the ripples they caused in this world fades away. You have made the right decision, for a real man puts others first before himself. For that, you have my respect." Proud of his decision, the king complimented the young man. Quartz felt pleased with Felix's compliment but the fear of death which shrouds his mind continues to lurk.

"The Pureheart defense mechanism includes four categories. The rooks are responsible for the handling of trebuchets and catapults. They fall under the control of Admiral Brook.

A knight's obligation is similar to those of a p.a.w.n. They ride on the backs of Hippogriffs and charge towards the enemy.

Hippogriffs are winged creatures that have the front half of an eagle and the hind half of a horse. Their eyes are sharper than a regular falcon and their claws can pierce through a diamond's coating. They can drag the foes and release them from the sky. Sir Efron is the pillar leader of the knights.

The Sentinels are long-ranged bowman. They are the first to attack when a siege commences. With their pointed arrows, they can pierce through any heart belonging to any beast. They fall under the command of Madam Charlotte.

And lastly, the p.a.w.ns. They are known to be brave for even during the finest flame they continue to rise. Their swords are forged with steel and a slight amount of Gold.

Each category works in a perfect sync called cooperation. No one can win a match with a mere amount of catapults and p.a.w.ns. They work as one, in order to achieve victory. As for my father and mother, they have the duty to command the entire army." Princess Jupiter delineated while keeping eye contact with the confused young man. Eating a plate of complex knowledge will take a long time to digest. Still, some of the terms are somewhat familiar to him. A memory came right to him, the moment when he and Alice first played Chess.

"About you? What is the duty of a princess?" Quartz questioned with a sarcastic tone as if he was challenging her. The princess responded with a giggle.

"I am the pillar leader of the p.a.w.ns, which means you will be following my orders." She chuckled slightly as her tone slowly s.h.i.+fts into a serious one. Quartz was left with astonishment and regret for even asking a sarcastic question. Although, he wondered why he was placed under the p.a.w.n category.

The king responded, "You have the characteristics of a p.a.w.n and therefore you will be one. Do not underestimate a p.a.w.n by its duty, for there are times when a well-placed p.a.w.n is more powerful than a king.

There will be no victory if the p.a.w.ns refuse to play."

Quartz was inspired by the king's response. He left the excuses behind his back and accepted the king's offer to appoint him as a point.

Before leaving the throne room and the royal family, Quartz asked a peculiar question. "Who am I fighting against?"

"The Witherstone kingdom. Most creatures there have the looks of humans. I should warn you young man, do not trust anyone you haven't seen or met before.

The enemy lurks in all forms. May it beauty, bravery, or even sympathy." Felix muttered. Quartz was left with fright and dismay, however, he vowed to take the king's warning seriously and properly.