2000 School Magazine

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My courting game is like that of chess. I am but a pawn, seemingly powerless in this game - an illusion providing camouflage for my plot. For who suspects the plebian when the evil baron threatens? In the chaos of battle, cohorts charging, armour gleaming and flamed arrows whirling, who notices the messenger creep into the darkness? As a pawn, I am an invisible enemy in my apparent vulnerability, and so will easily slip through the ranks and attain my ultimate goal. Through marriage, not conflict, I seek this power. In donning the crown I will become the most important lady in the land. They said that I was foolish when I told the Duke that he would as soon get me as quellthe seething brightness of the sun. Who would dare to call me such when I realise my desire, step at last into the eighth square and become the queen.

THE GAME

After I had declined the Duke's proposal of marriage, no one knew what to do with me. They called me a "wretched"girl, a "mere child" who could not possibly know her mind. But how wrong they are. Why should I be concerned with their petty laments and cries to "Reconsider, Anastasia!! when I know that there is a much greater game at hand with a much larger prize. They play at marbles, brainlessly bumping the orbs against each other in a chaoticjumble, missing their target as often as they hit. Even when a target is hit, it is not destroyed, like a shattered chandelier or captured and controlled as a caged beast. Their game is pointless in its endeavours, having no plans, no plots, no strategies. I play a bigger game. My game is chess. Moving, ever so slowly, so as not to arouse suspicion, an attack can be mounted. Stealthily, shyly with the cunning of an old fox, an ambush can be launched on the arrogant opposition, knights and bishopsjumping out of the undergrowth from alldirections. And then oh, what a bloodthirsty battle. Castles are endangered, the ramparts stormed and they are captured, holy bishops murdered in their white vestments, red stains on heavenly white, and knights fall, their horses rearing at the clang of arms. How powerful I am with an entire kingdom at my disposal. When I play chess, I own it all; knights, bishops, castles and kings. I am not satisfied, however, with play command. I desire it in truth. And I know how to attain it.

Sophie Ferris 12 Grimth The Dolls Waroker7bwnsend Memorial Writers Coinp 2000

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