A Sovereign's Promenade

I noticed an abandoned wooden chessboard resting in the dim corner of the room. Mounting the low side table, I found thirty-one pieces swept aside into a disorderly heap, while a single polished ebony rook stood isolated on the border. I approached with measured strides. Rather than retreating, I stepped directly onto the vacant square beside it. Facing outward toward the quiet room, I stood shoulder to shoulder with the tower. A kingdom needs no full garrison when two steadfast sentinels hold the perimeter.