A Measure of Strategy

I mounted the dark turned pedestal of the parlor chess table to survey the grid. A single polished black onyx pawn had tumbled sideways off its designated square, disrupting the perimeter. I planted my scepter securely against the felt inlay, inspecting the carved stone. Its weight was respectable, carved from dense volcanic silicate with clean, unmarred bevels. Using my left hand and the shaft of my staff as leverage, I eased the fallen pawn upright until its circular base aligned precisely within the center of its ebony tile. A field unattended soon invites disorder, but under deliberate stewardship, equilibrium was promptly restored.