Two armies faced each other. Four horses. Two bishops. Twenty pawns. Four castles. And the rulers on each side, a king and a queen, strategically placed in the back lines. They would be protected no matter the cost.

A large crown was upon the king's head, as he surveyed the battle that had yet to begin.

"This is a game." he murmured, "One wrong move--one poor order--and innocent lives will be lost."

His queen stood beside him, a tiara resting on her brow, "Your men will follow you to the end. No matter what." her head was turned towards the other army, "Shall we begin this madness?"

The King's face was grim as he nodded once, "Pawn One!" He cried aloud, "Move two paces!"

Instantly the pawn obeyed, striding forward confidently.

The enemy King issued a command, and one of his own pawns strode forward to combat the pawn. Each drew their dagger and began to fight, neither of them able to gain the upper hand. They were locked in mortal combat.

"Pawn Three, move forward two paces." The King ordered in a crisp voice.

The pawn eagerly obeyed, walking forward onto the middle ground between the two armies.

On the other side, a castle moved, standing ready to slide across the ground and crush the pawn.

"Pawn Three, move back one pace!" the King shouted, seeing the danger of his position.

"No!" The pawn cried, standing his ground, "We do not retreat!"

The king was about to order the pawn to move forward, when he noticed a horse, ready to slay the pawn if he stepped forward.

His face fell as he realized that the fate of the pawn was inevitable.

The waiting castle rushed forward, crushing the pawn easily beneath his stones.

There was a cry of anguish, and then nothing.

The battle moved apace, each attacking and counterattacking, casualties on both sides being taken off the field. Neither of them was gaining the upper ground.

The queen tightened her armor, "I am ready to join the fight." she announced, her head held high.

The king bowed his head, "I shall try to order you correctly and without flaw."

The queen smiled, "I have confidence in your leadership."

"Queen slay bishop." The king said quietly, choosing the one player on the other army which was defenseless.

The queen leapt forward, drawing her twin swords easily. Mercilessly she cut the bishop down, awaiting the next orders.

A castle moved to kill her, and an order flew from the king's lips, "Queen move diagonal three!"

Instantaneously, the queen obeyed, unknowingly putting herself into danger.

"No!" The king cried, realizing the danger that he had overlooked.

The queen screamed in pain as a waiting horse charged into her, knocking her senseless.

The King paled as the horse reared in victory, crying, "We have the upper hand!"

Indeed, the battle tides had been turned against the king. His orders grew increasingly hasty and brash, but still his men followed him unquestioningly.

His bishops were slain. In the process of trying to reach the other side, his pawns were slain without a second thought. Soon the king alone stood on the battle field. The air was still, not even a breath of wind. The sun was slowly slipping down the horizon, and darkness was beginning to fall.

Grin determination settled on the king, "I will not give in easily."

The King moved around the field, his armor flashing in the sun, slaying anyone who was foolish enough to come within his reach.

But it was a losing battle. The enemy moved strategically, guided by their king, into positions that would give the blue king no where to hide. Defeat was inevitable.

A castle stood, ready to crush the blue king. The red bishop stood proudly, ready to slay him with a short dagger. And the enemy queen stood diagonally from him, crimson blades in each of her hands. In the back of the battlefield, the enemy king, garbed in blood red robes, crowed his victory.

"Checkmate."