The Final Protection (On Hold)

Chapter 1: Life Ruled by Chess

Callie finished the polish on the small wooden pon, she smiled as she placed it with the other chess pieces. Her body filled with an electric buzz as her hand brushed the king, "Callie?" Her mom called, "Yes mother?" She said, her voice filled with sweetness. "Come down and work on your strategy!" Her mother's voice demanded. Callie glowered as she rose from her desk and picked up all her pieces. "Callie!" Her mother yet again called. Callie quickly, gracefully trotted down the feverishly decorated hall and loped down the impeccable wooden staircase. Her family had it a lot better than most, they had a large house and a beautiful garden filled with blooming trees, roaming chickens, and one small pasture where a beautiful stallion spent his days. Her mother was the queen's advisor, an extremely honorable role. Callie entered the living room where her mother stood over a chess board. Callie winced as she placed all of her pieces on the small tiles. Her mother was intent on having her in the next Selection. The queen was queen because everyone who had played against her had lost. Even the king. As Callie sat down opposite her mother she asked, "Why do I have to keep practicing? I think it's pointless." Her mother looked up sharply, "Callie, you are my daughter and I expect you to be Selected. If you are it is very honorable and highly praised," she turned back to the board, "besides I want you to do great things with your life." She looked back down. Her mother had already moved. Callie felt her throat tighten, and she pulled out her knight. Her mother clucked her tongue in disapproval, she turned her face up slightly, frowning at her. "You must know to pull your other knight out." She growled. Callie slowly nodded, anger flaring in her gut. They continued the game quietly, "Check Mate." Her mother said. It felt as if Callie's whole existence fell, and she grabbed at the table to steady herself. Then, the feeling disappeared. Her mother moved her pieces back into the original line, "Again." She demanded. "Mother, no, you mustn't keep doing that." Callie said, shaking her head as her vision cleared. Her mother stared at her, "Callie, I have already-" She was suddenly interrupted as Callie's older brother walked into the room, his dog trotting at his heels. He looked up and stopped, "Oh, I'm sorry if I am interrupting." Callie's mother smiled warmly at him. Callie quickly avoided his eyes, "No, nothing." Callie had never liked her mother, her mother always praised her brother and hated on her. "Jacob, why don't you join us?" Callie's mother spread her arms gracefully towards the board. Jacob was one of the few in the city who did not have a connection to chess. Callie stood, "I believe I should go take care of the horse." Callie said, not waiting for an answer as she breezed out of the house. Callie breathed in the fresh, warm air of the coming autumn. She looked out across the beautiful mountains below the city of Schach. The city of Chess. Callie glanced up at the beautiful palace that flanked her house, the rich stained glass portrayed he city origins. She studied them, it showed how when a baby girl was born in the city, they had a set of pieces made just for them... 1 king, 1 queen, 2 rooks, 2 bishops, 2 knights, and 8 pawns. The catch. Callie glanced back at the house, your soul was connected to each piece. That is what the Selection was, the queen picks 10 of the best chess players in her city. "Probably to make her feel good." Callie muttered. She walked over to the stallions pasture, "Hey little guy." Callie cooed. The stallion nickered back as she poured grain and water into his troughs. He started eating as Callie leaned against the gate. Her beautiful golden hair blew over her tan skin and her exquisite eyes shocked everyone. One was a beautiful sky blue, while the other was a deep chestnut. This confused a lot of people, even her brother. Her brother didn't have chess pieces, no boys did. "Lucky me." Callie growled as she shuffled back to the house. Her mother and her brother were having a bright discussion about chess and the selection as she slid into the house. Her mother turned her head and surveyed her, while Callie compared her brother and mother. They both had pale skin with dark and thin hair along with dark eyes. She sighed in relief yet again to look like her father. "Straighten your hair, put on a decent dress, then after you don't look like a filthy country girl, go to the market and fetch some bread for dinner." Her mother's sharp voice cut into Callie's thoughts. "Yes mother." Callie said slinking up to her room. She brushed her hair out so it fell in waves down her back and she pulled a beautiful dress on. Sighing as she looked in the mirror, she grabbed a basket and quickly hurried downstairs and out the door. "Another day in paradise." Callie growled.