Restoring the Rank

The evening chill prompted my return indoors through the patio slider. Pacing into the study, I climbed the rungs of a low stool to reach the wooden chessboard set out on the side table. Near the center of the grid, a dark carved knight lay toppled on its flank, breaking the symmetry of the ranks. I paused two strides away, wings drawn close, surveying its heavy curve. It remained motionless. Advancing across the varnished maple squares, I wedged my snout beneath the carved mane and drove upward with steady, persistent weight. The leaded base pivoted, rocking once before its green felt bottom settled flush against the wood. With the formation intact, I took my watch beside the upright piece.