World of Orrison

The Quiet One would challenge the Shepherd of Ichorrai to a game of wit.

The chessboard is made of marble, shining under the moonlight. The rosin surface is polished until it hums. The pieces are hollow on the inside but possess heavy bases. When one is moved, there is a satisfying sound between the piece and the board. The craftsmanship of the set is to be admired, by the geometrical angles and precise weights.

The wind is gentle, tonight. The trees of the city sing quiet into the dark sky. The ruins are open to a sprawling hill. The grasses whisper to each other. The birds are sleeping in the branches with their heads under their wings. The fireflies are roving the field as unsettled constellations.

When Aelius arrives at this midnight dalliance, the Quiet One will perhaps be so kind as to let him choose his pieces. When Aelius arrives at this midnight dalliance, the Quiet One will perhaps begin to wind its key to play a song. When Aelius arrives at this midnight dalliance, the Quiet One will perhaps test his wit and not be the one tested.

The stone table, which upon the board rests, is low to the ground and the players must sit kneeling. It is part of this old, old place, weathered smooth by Fysa rains. The crumbling limestone of the building is the home of creeping plants twirling their tendrils. The missing ceiling is scattered about and pushed to the broken walls, firmly out of the way.

The stars are bright, tonight. The valley murmurs softly in the slope of the hills where the forest meets the meadow. The crickets cry out in high voices. The clouds are hidden before the full face of the moon. The city of the god’s blood sits above the distant horizon.

When Aelius arrives at this solemn contest, the Quiet One will perhaps order the table to his convenience. When Aelius arrives at this solemn contest, the Quiet One will perhaps watch the world march slowly by. When Aelius arrives at this solemn contest, the Quiet One will perhaps not be so quiet and they will be as two old friends.

The Quiet One sits under the starry sky, as it has sat so many times before. The Quiet One waits in the ruins, as it has waited so many times before. The Quiet One challenges a mortal man to a game of wit.

Just as it has done so many times before.