A Gallant Gambit

Stretching my wings in the early quiet, I found myself drawn to a carved wooden chessboard arranged upon the parlor sideboard. A dramatic drama frozen in mid-battle! Stepping lightly across the dark walnut squares, I made a beeline straight for the black monarch—a haughty wooden King carved from gleaming ebony. Planting my feet firmly against the grain, I placed both claws upon his regal shoulders, gave a theatrical flourish, and pivoted him a full half-turn to face his encroaching adversary. To complete the scene, I picked up a fallen wooden pawn and placed it reverently beside his plinth like an ever-faithful stage attendant. Checkmate in grand style!