Don't own Narnia; just some characters. Please review. 1031 words.

Cheyenne becomes engrossed in the book that she completely forgets what is going on around her. Alan becomes annoyed from having Samuel take all his pieces and lets out a frustrated sigh.

"Why can't I make the right move?"

"It requires practice and experience, Alan, as well as knowing very well how each piece works."

"How long have you been playing this game?"

"I have been playing chess since I was ten. My father introduced it to me. At first, I couldn't win either. Mother gave me some advice after several attempts to be Father, and I became a better chess player."

"I guess that makes sense."

"Do not worry. You will get better at this."

"Sure."

They fall silent before continuing their game.

"One thing you should always keep in mind, Alan."

"What's that?"

"Never expose your king."

"Well, obviously."

"You should also avoid leaving your queen exposed, because you the game may very well be over if your queen is taken."

"Samuel, I know how to play chess."

"Is this the first time you have played chess?"

"No."

"How many times have you played?"

"This is my second time."

"Who did you play the first time?"

"My cousin Mike when he came to visit one time. He brings his chessboard everywhere. He is obsessed with it, and he was the one who taught me how to play."

"I'm guessing he won?"

"Actually, we never got to finish our game."

"Why not?"

"He said I wasn't playing it right, and he thought I was going to break all the pieces."

"How old were you when you first played chess? Why would he think you would break the chess pieces?"

"Eight and he thought that because he had a glass chess set."

Samuel gives him a weird look, "Why would your cousin travel with something as fragile as a glass chess set?"

Alan shrugs, "Mike's six years older than I am, and he's a bit of a geek."

"Alan, you shouldn't say that about your cousin. That is not how a kind should act."

"It's not like he's here, besides he's not exactly the type of person for anyone to get along with just anyone."

"It does not matter, Alan."

Alan sighs, "You're right. Let's just finish this up before dinner."

Samuel nods.

"Alan?"

"Yes, Samuel?"

"Do not stress yourself. It is only a game."

He nods at the blonde king.

"Besides, you'll get better after some more battles here in Narnia."

"How do you come up with that idea?"

"Well, part of the point of chess is strategy. You'll get more experience with battle strategy. That will cause your gaming skills to progress."

Tamryn and Trent are in the library with Rinion close by.

"So, Tamryn?"

"Yes?"

"Are you excited about your birthday?"

"Of course. I am turning thirteen after all."

"Right."

Both fall silent.

"So, how was your walk outside?"

"It was nice, for being in the middle of a storm."

"I hope you were alright."

"I was. A young Telmarine named Elian was watching me. He seemed very nice."

"That's good."

She nods.

"I like looking out the window at the rain," Trent says.

"Why?"

"I don't know, it gives me peace of mind, I guess. Or maybe it is there to comfort me whenever my father releases his anger at me. Whatever the reason, I look forward to the rain to come."

"I have never met a person who loves rain that much."

"Neither have I, Your Majesty."

"While everyone complains that the rain ruins their plans, I embrace its entrance."

Tamryn bites her lower lip, thinking about her complaining when the storm first came.

"But what about the storms?"

Trent smiles at her.

"I think of it as a source of strength. Every time a storm comes, I feel that can be stronger than I feel."

"What about the thunder and lightning?"

"Lightning is the light in the darkness. When all is quiet, the thunder is there to ensure my strength and courage."

"That sounds poetic, Trent."

"Thanks. English was my favorite subject in school, because I was able to express myself through writing when words just aren't enough."

"Wow. You always end up surprising me, Trent."

"People are full of surprises."

"I should say so. I wish I had you in my English class."

"Landon says the same thing. We're in different English classes."

"That makes sense."

They walk a little further to the back, where Trent looks out the window at the rain.

"Your Majesty?"

Trent turns toward him.

"Yes, Rinion?"

"Do you enjoy all kinds of weather?"

"No. There are some types of weather I would love to live without."

"Such as?"

"Hail. It does damage too many things, and they can be large."

"Oh."

Trent turns his attention back to the window.

Alan stared at the chessboard feeling slightly lost; he glances up noticing Samuel starting to move his piece.

(How ironic, I feel lost and I am about to lose.)

"Checkmate."

Alan sighs, "I want a rematch."

"Certainly, we can play again soon. Dinner should be starting soon."

"True. Chey!"

Cheyenne jumps slightly so engrossed in her book. She looks up at Alan.

"What, Al?"

"Dinner is starting soon."

"I will be there after I finish this paragraph."

"Alright."

Samuel and Alan exit and head to the dining hall. Cheyenne continues through her page in the book and decides to take the book back to her chambers before dinner. By the time she arrives in the dining hall, Trent and Tamryn had joined her brother and Samuel at the table. She takes her seat as the servants deliver the food.

"When will the historians be arriving to look through the books?" asks Cheyenne.

"Wilian and Yeris will not be able to arrive until sometime next month according to Jalou. They are making changes at the moment to history books now that we have come to power," Trent says. "I had been hoping they would come sooner to discuss the books, but I do not mind having to wait."

The rest of the royals nod as they could tell Trent was still excited at the aspect of meeting with the two historians.

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