Disclaimer: Pirates? Not mine.

A/N: Written for the ‘Down time’ challenge at BPS

 

A Game of Chess

 

The Commodore is most certainly off his game, Will Turner thought as he considered the chess board laid out between them. Norrington’s white pieces were in retreat, and Will’s black ones were advancing steadily around them. Despite Elizabeth’s efforts to the contrary, Will knew he was but a middling player. With intense concentration, he could best Elizabeth one time in ten, but Jack’s mad, devious game trounced him every time, and he had yet to find a way to defend himself from Norrington’s inexorable strategic maneuvering.

 

Will momentarily wondered if Norrington was letting him win and was insulted at the thought. But no. The Commodore’s face had the hard, competitive cast of a man playing to win, and his eyes flashed with annoyance every time Will took one of his pieces.

 

It was the decisive moment now. James had seen the danger, but could do nothing to avoid it. Elizabeth, who had been watching the game with great interest, had seen it as well. She sat on the edge of her chair and leaned forward in order to have a better view.

 

“I have your queen, Commodore,” Will said, a look of quiet triumph on his face.

 

“Indeed you do, Mr. Turner,” Norrington replied.