Title: By the Way
Rating: G
Prompt: Malorie's Peak Prompt #25: Distraction
Summary: Myles is quite crafty and resourceful. Will anyone ever beat him?
Word count: 560 words

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Once again, Sir Myles called Alan to wait on him at dinner. Alan assented, knowing that Sir Myles had a good reason for requesting such a service. Besides, as a page training to be a knight, it was his duty to acquiesce to a knight's order.

Alan was restless, but at last he headed to the dining hall.

Waiting on Sir Myles was easy. Myles, Baron of Olau, was very friendly and often introduced Alan to other courtiers. Because of Myles's friendship, or because of his prominence at court, Alan was always treated well by the nobles.

As soon as dinner ended, Myles asked Alan to escort him back to his rooms, claiming he had drunk too much.

Alan agreed, though he knew Myles was sober. What could Sir Myles want at this hour? Alan wondered.

In Myles's rooms, Alan deposited Sir Myles in the desk chair. A comfortable affair of a maroon hue.

Myles adjusted his papers on the desk and took out a board. He set up a game of chess.

"Do you play, Alan?" Myles asked as he set the pieces in their respective places.

Alan fidgeted. "A little, sir. My father used to make us play to sharpen our minds."

Myles nodded, not paying much attention. "Good. Good. Would you humor me in playing a game? I feel like it after tonight's meal."

Alan nodded and sat down on a wooden chair.

"Please, be comfortable," Myles indicated a sofa and a plush chair, upholstered in a soft, dark green fabric.

Alan politely declined such comforts. "I should fall asleep, sir, and I can't afford that."

Myles assented gruffly and asked Alan which color he would play.

"So," Myles asked, once the game was underway. "What do you think of court so far?"

Alan fumbled on his words. "It's decent enough. Better in some ways than I thought. Check, by the way."

Myles moved his knight to block the check. "Well, what do you think of Duke Roger?" Myles made sure to keep his manner off-hand and uninterested.

Alan hissed angrily. He moved his bishop to F5, slamming the piece against the board. "I don't like him at all! He is sly and cunning. He is a deceiver and a liar!"

Myles frowned. "Watch your words, Alan! You have no proof and it would be his word against yours. By the way, check." Myles smiled.

Alan bit his lip. He knew he had to watch himself. But it was just so hard! Moving his king out of the way of Myles's castle, Alan asked, "Do you like Duke Roger, sir?"

Myles moved his knight forward, towards Alan's king. "Check and mate, my boy," Myles grinned.

Alan sulked. "No fair! You distracted me with talk of Duke Roger!"

"Just catching on now, Alan? You surely aren't yourself tonight," Myles teased.

Alan grinned at the older man. "Ah, well good game, Myles. I think I shall go to bed now, if you don't mind?"

Myles shrugged and laughed. "Of course not, Alan. Good night."

"Good night, Sir Myles." Alan quickly stood up.

"And, Alan," Myles called.

"Yes?"

"If you like, we can continue that conversation another time. Without distractions."

Alan's eyes twinkled in the candlelight. "That would be fine, sir."

Bowing, Alan returned to his room.