The Chess Club

Chapter 8

Max and Roxie both were tied to a chair next to the fireplace where the fire had died down from last night. As Roxie whispered 'I'm sorry' to Max, he found himself bewildered. He hadn't expected to be in this kind of situation ever again. Max could feel something climbing back up to his head, but he pushed it down with all the self-control that he had. Taking deep breaths he calmed his inner thoughts. Roxie confused with his sudden breathing exercise asks, "Are you having difficulty breathing?" He shakes his head a no. Finally calm, he takes a better look to his surroundings. He turns his head towards Roxie and asks with a sigh, "Does me being here have to do with you?" Feeling guilty she simply nods her head.

Well, this is great! I got into another mess because of this girl. I thought she was out of my life, but then BAAM she's here again. I'm hit on the head, kidnapped, and tied to chair because of her. At least, she feels guilty about the situation. That's supposed to make me feel better right? Then tell me why the hell am I feeling my chest ache seeing her this way?

"It's not your fault." He blurted out without thinking.

What the hell am I saying? No matter how you look at it, it is her fault.

She frowned, pouted her lips and replied, "It is my fault. So don't try to make me feel better, dummy."

Is she seriously pouting and calling me a dummy right now? Why is it that this seems somehow familiar?

He was about to question where they are from her when suddenly, Mike walked in to the study. This time two more people followed him, they wore masks with numbers on them. One was #3 and the other #6, they were the pawns. In Hex pawns wore masks since they were low in standing and also because they did all the dirty work. Having a mask for that kind of task is rather beneficial. Mike Kinghold took his seat behind the study desk and dismissed the pawns.

Who the hell is this guy who is oozing out the 'I am above you' aura?

"Welcome Maximus Knight, to the Hex HQ. I'm Mike Kinghold, I hold the current seat of the King. Please call me your majesty." Mike said with confidence and a gentle smile.

Max started a low laugh, but soon couldn't control it and he burst into laughter in the chair that he was tied to. He eased up his laughing and took a deep breath, trying his best to bury his laughter and smile. He could feel 'his majesty's' glare on him and it was a stare that could kill. Roxie seemed rather happy with the way Max had reacted to Mike's introduction.

"Then Mike tell me, why am I here? Am I invited to the role playing game that you in addition to Roxie seem to enjoy?" Max asked with only seriousness in his eyes.

I can't believe I was about to go back to that me because of something so silly.

Roxie was curious to see what kind of idiotic face Mike had on his face. Sure enough, his expression was that of a complete fool. No one knew of the existence of Hex so what was Mike really expecting of Max. He cleared his throat as he got out of his chair.

Leaning on the front of his desk, he lowered his gaze on Max and replied, "I'm not joking with you here boy. Right now, you are inside the Hex HQ. Hex is what you can call an underground organization. Little Roxie is part of this humble organization of ours. In this organization the power runs in a system like chess. The King and Queen highest seat, below you know the other guys, and at the bottom the pawns. Simple right? I'm the one in the highest position, I could kill you right at this moment without anyone ever even knowing it. But, I won't. Don't worry at least not yet." He smiled wickedly. He had hoped to see fear in Max's eyes, but all that met his eyes were orbs so calm and dark that it was enough to disturb one's soul. Not Mike's soul, but a normal person would be disturbed. Mike continued, "Well, the reason you are here is because of this."