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[Cal Hurst]

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The chessboard has been set. All pieces are accounted for and have been positioned. The enemy, unaware of the plan, continues their assault forward with the appropriate pieces. Every move the enemy makes is based off of emotion. A hasty decision, made by proud people.

On the board, the colors are black and white. White celebrates its victories, but all they have killed are a few sacrificial pawns; pieces that are used mainly to position the enemy where you want them.

And it is all going according to plan.

****

"The Protectorate is celebrating victory in Yew, Vaen." A citizen of Minoc approached Vaen while he is out walking the streets. Vaen offers a polite nod and a smile.

"Indeed they are."

"I hear their army has reached a large number. One of the biggest that has ever been amassed."

"Quite possibly. It has become a war of attrition. Not a matter of battle prowess. You can release thirty cats on six hungry wolves, and the cats will come out on top."

The citizen chuckles, "I suppose. You always a sore loser like this old man?" The citizen gave a sly grin.

Vaen just smirked back, "Who said I was losing?"

The citizen tilted his head, but thought nothing of it. "So what was the battle like?"

Vaen shrugged, "Nothing special, really. As I said, the war is coming down to pure numbers, nothing about skill in combat, or battle-tested armies. Just numbers."

"Then why not challenge them to an even fight?"

"Hm? Hrmm... I doubt they'd accept. Albeit proud, they aren't stupid."

"You think they would deny a bit of a main event fight? Four of their best versus four of the Order's best?"

"I honestly don't know. It's not in my business to worry about combat these days, anyway. I have much more pressing matters."

A woman could be heard calling for her husband in a short distance, and the citizen nodded to Vaen, "That's the ol' lady. I must go."

Vaen bid the man farewell. After some thought, Vaen walked back to his home and glanced over at the chessboard. "An even fight... a challenge. Hrmm..." Vaen placed his fingers on a Knight piece, and moved it into the center field of play. Where it is standing, it is being defended by two pawns, and threatened by a bishop. "Would they accept this challenge...?"
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