Pawn's Gambit by Darin Kennedy

Author:Darin Kennedy [Kennedy, Darin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Falstaff Books
Published: 2016-10-13T22:00:00+00:00

20

Flight

So, you brought your Knight as well. The Queen’s words echoed in Steven’s mind.

At the center of the cobblestone drive, astride an armored stallion the color of midnight, waited a figure ripped from the pages of James Clavell. Outfitted head to toe in the traditional garb of the samurai, the Black Knight sat calmly with his hands in his lap, his swords still within their sheaths. His features hidden behind the grimacing mask of a kabuto helmet, he hailed Steven with a simple nod.

“Greetings, Steven Bauer, Pawn of the White. Greetings, Audrey Richards of Sisters, Oregon.” Something in the way the Knight spoke fell strangely on Steven’s ears. Though his meaning was clear, the sound, structure, and syntax were all wrong.

“I think he’s speaking Japanese,” Audrey said, confirming Steven’s suspicions. “I heard him say our names, but that’s all I could catch. Do you understand what he’s saying?”

“I understand him all right.” Though the language was foreign and harsh, he somehow understood every word. Steven put Audrey down and moved between her and their mounted foe. “I understand him fine.”

“Surrender the girl, Bauer-Pawn.” The dark samurai’s impassive voice chilled Steven as much as the Queen’s venom. “The time for Black and White to face each other has yet to come, but understand we will not be balked in this. Give her to me or face the consequences.”

Steven glared up into the Knight’s face, the dark menpó mask leering back beneath the tripartite crest of his helmet, a pair of hawks facing each other over a familiar horse icon. “You don’t seriously believe I’m going to hand her over, do you?”

“Actually, no, but I was required to give you the option.” The samurai shifted in his saddle and placed his hand on the hilt of his katana. “Shall we?”

Steven locked eyes with Audrey, his questioning gaze answered with a firm nod. “I don’t know what you’re seeing, but this is no ordinary man we’re facing. He’s—”

“I wear no cloak, Bauer-Pawn. She sees me as I am.”

“The girl is already dying.” Steven’s eyes narrowed. “What more do you want?”

“A duel, then.” The samurai evinced a slight bow. “Knight versus Pawn for the girl.”

Steven pulled Audrey’s ear to his lips. “I’ll do everything I can to get you out of this.”

“I know,” she croaked. Somehow through her fear and pain Audrey managed a smile, and despite her withered features, the expression was beautiful. “Now, kick his ass.”

Steven turned and faced his opponent. At his subvocal command, one became eight. Audrey gasped as seven armored warriors appeared in a flash of silver and again as Steven’s clothing shifted to match the newcomers’ anachronistic garb. The seven formed a tight circle around her and Steven’s position while the samurai sat motionless atop his steed and studied the circle of Pawns, their helms, pikes and shields gleaming in the twilight.

“You four,” Steven commanded, “go check on Lena and Emilio. The rest of you are with me.” The quartet to Steven’s rear moved out as the remaining

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