Standing Sentry

I climbed onto the low coffee table to find an abandoned wooden chessboard resting beneath the soft lamplight. Near the center of the board, a carved knight had tipped onto its flank across two checkered squares. Setting my footing on the dark walnut surface, I braced my left arm beneath the carved mane and lifted with measured strength until its green felt base settled flush upon the grid. Beside its steadfast gaze, I surveyed the remaining ranks standing in quiet formation. Even silent sentinels deserve to hold their ground through the night.