Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated Mature readers only ) 1.13

White Pawn

Chessmen.

That was the issue on my mind. I recalled the Chessmen, which I was involved. The killing like the previous, but there was something different. There was something wrong with the profile of the victims. I looked through them; trying to find the common link of the victims.

I found it; three patronized the same club. They were all members of the club named the Tempest. It was then I saw Simon walked in, and threw down his jacket.

“A fucked day! I got more murders per day, than ladies who would say yes to me.” Simon was clearly upset. I knew he had a lunch date, but that looked like it was going to go to waste.

“Steven Gates; young and handsome.” Simon threw me the mug shot of the victim. “The Police found his body in a trash bin, with a gunshot to his left eye.”

I looked at the mug shot.

If that was Steven Gates, then he had a twin named Brian Graden. He was Sylvia’ brother. I looked to Simon.

“Did you run the CODIS on him?”

“Yup, it’s all here.” Simon pushed the folder to me. “I am going for a cup of coffee.”

I perused the documents and ran my own checks on the system. The victim was Steven Gates, but I have been long enough in the Bureau to see through the maze they had created for the victim.

It all smelt of Witness Protection. Simon was then back with his coffee, and smiling. He must have met the new receptionist.

“Simon, I need to know how to contact the next of kins of Steven Gates.” I asked Simon. “Was there any inns who called?”

“I have tried, but the system posted a blank field.” Simon replied. “More to that, your supervisor is here. I met her at the coffee machine. She is looking for you.” 

If Marlene was here, then she must have known about Brian. I walked over to her desk in the Bureau assigned section. I work in the Detective section, as that’s where I could get information.

“Marlene, did you know that Brian was here?” I glared at the lady seated at the desk. She was ignoring me while checking her portable. She then looked up.

“Agent Darren. There is a need to display some courtesy when you addressed me.” Marlene was in one of her moods. I apologies and did the official greeting before I raised back my query.

“No, I did not know. We had lost touch with him since …Sylvia’ death.” Marlene replied. “Why do you ask?”

Damn! The lady could play poker anytime, but I was more a better one at that. I saw through her expression.

“You knew?” I questioned back. Marlene nodded.

“Only just before you stepped in.” Marlene pushed the computer screen to show me the same mug shot. “I was perusing the updates and found it. However, his death had nothing to do with your case. It’s probably a case of some drug offence or he was in the wrong place. ”

“No, he may be related. The Chessmen are back but someone is doing our job to remove them too.” I interjected back. “I had seen the victims. Not of them are done by the same killer. We are looking at two killers.” I told Marlene.

“Your task here is solving the serial murders.” Marlene reminded me. “So get out there and do it.”

 I took my leave, but she stopped me at the door.

“If Steven is involved, then find me his killer.” Marlene gave her order. I left the Precinct and took the cab to the Tempest. I used my ID to get in and was entertained by the owner by the name of Bruno. He told me nothing new but then I found something new.

Sylvia’ photo was on the wall behind the counter, next to the CCTV.

“Hey, Bruno. Who’s she?” I asked the bouncer cum owner.

Bruno stared at me and smiled.

“He’s my sister. So back off or prepare to lose more than your pecker.” I heard the man and backed off. It was too much of a coincidence.

The Dark Queen of White 1.39

39.

Lancelot smarting from the fight slumped on the chair in the tent while watching the other Lords and leaders all seated there looking glum.

“I had never fought with Frost Giants but these three were formidable foes. They are relentless in their pursuit and above all, impregnable to our swords.”

Lancelot had seen the Frost Sisters charged into the army, with the cudgel swinging. The archers released the arrows at them, but the arrows just broke on contact with the sisters. Soon the sisters were surrounded by the pikemen and swordsmen, but they kicked at them like rotten apples, with the pikes and swords ineffective. Frigid the leader, grabbed a horse on the jaw and her hold was so strong that she was able to swing the horse like a cudgel. She then threw the horse at the mass of guards. Sister Bridget despite her name was no lady when it came to fighting; she was like a crazed bull charging at anyone.

Doc had attacked the giants with his wand, calling on the spell of fire. The streak of fire from his wand engulfed the Frigid but she just shook it off like dust. Grumpy had done the same with his battle-axe, aimed at the heel of Bridget but she just back heeled him away.

"The spells have no effect on them." Happy chattered off while he look for an opening.

"It would not." Snow White told the dwarfs. "I had heard that the Frost Giants are immunized to flames. They are cold creatures."

The dwarfs withdrew and Lancelot on having seen the impending defeat, signaled for the retreat.

"Almost half my men were wounded or dead. Those ladies are ....mad." Lancelot could not find himself to understand how three ladies could do that. The ladies are still there on the battlefield, gloating on their victory and calling on any who would fight them. The Lords and leaders were puzzled on how to handle these sisters, when Snow White came in.

"Let me speak to them." Snow White marched out and approached the Frost Sisters. She stood there with the three sisters over tower her.

"Can we have a more leveled discussion?" Snow White asked them. "You know like sisters to sisters."

Frigid laughed at the thought.

"You are not our sister. We are the only sisters among the Giants. No one would dare to bully us."

"I know. My step mother used to tell me of your exploits. She admired the three of you. You had established a role which us ladies here are still way behind you." Snow White shrugged her shoulders. "Me included."

Frigid heard the Princess and leaned over.

"You are Snow White. Everyone loved you. They admired you."

"Oh, yeah? It may be true there but we are still servants to them.” Snow White pointed to the men behind her. She leaned over and whispered to the sisters. “We are theirs to command.”

The sisters had trouble listening and then lay down on the ground, on their front to hear the Princess.

“Can you hear me now?” Snow White whispered to the sisters. They nodded. Suddenly Frigid shrieked out in pain. It was followed by Bridget and then Rigid.

The sisters cannot move.

“What did you to us?’ Frigid asked.

“I had Speedy to pierce you in the heels. It’s the weakness of the Giants. We called it the Achilles Heel.” Snow White explained. “You can’t move for some time. I would now summoned the Dwarfs to tied you down and then set a big bon fire over you.”

“Fire does not hurt us.”Frigid laughed at the torture.

“True, but these are the Blue flame of Mephitis. It would hurt you bad.” Snow White expressed her grim face. “Read badly.”

“We surrender.” Frigid declared her final act. She then asked Snow White on how she knew of their weakness.

“I had done a lot of listening when I was younger. More so when my stepmother liked to speak on her own.” Snow White explained her knowledge. “More to it, I had Merlin’s help.”

Snow White then turned to the castle where the Queen still hide.

“It’s time for me to meet the Queen again.” Snow White smiled.

The Crusaders II The stakes increased 11.6

1.          Citadel of the Gods - The first barricade

Lord Seth's army took time to assemble in the Asgard Realm as he was equipping to win the war this time. His strong army of ten thousand was the biggest ever assembled in the realm. The army are armed with long spears, battle axes, sickle swords and daggers.

The principal weapon of the Egyptian army was the bow and arrow. It was transformed into a formidable weapon with the composite bow made of horn, sinews and wood, combined with body armour, which was often little more than broad leather straps. He also had components of the chariots brought in and assembled there; now over five hundred chariots are ferrying a thousand charioteers; a driver and another bow or spear man. He also brought over battering rams and catapults. The egyptians are not experts in siege warfare but prefer to fight on open battlefields.

During their march to the Citadels of the Gods, they have leveled the villages in their tracks. Among the leaders of the Lord Seth's army are the four formidable horsemen; the Amur brothers whose specialty were the various weapons preferred by each. Ras Amur prefer the sword sickle; the preference of the personal guards of the Pharoah, Ris Amur choice was the battle axe with the round shield, Tus Amur does well with daggers and bow with arrows, and Tis Amur likes the twin scimitar. They each lead a division of a thousand infantry warriors while the there was the Marshall Beni Kitish who second only to Lord Seth. He's a three metre tall dark complexion figure with a nasty attitude that he kills anyone he does not like with his bare hands. He's also have another to rival his power and influence; the lover of Seth, Nephthys. She's a warrior herself with a personal retinue of six ladies guards named the Scorpions. Their specialty were daggers; flying daggers with deadly intent.

The army converged on the plains facing the plateau and made camp there. Lord Seth sent scouts to search for any access up the plateau. Then Lord Seth decided to test the defenses. He send the first division with Ras Amur leading the attack.

"Send forth your champion." Ras Amur rode up to the first barricade and throw the challenge to the ones on it. "I am Ras Amur."

There on the barricade were Geraldine and her other Crusaders with Hval standing there. Hval volunteered to step out but it was Thor who stepped over. He did not utter a word but just stepped over to walked up to the other.

"My name is..." Thor was interrupted as Ras Amur recognised the hammer on Thor's hand. .

"Thor; the God of Lightning." Ras told the Asgardian. "I was expecting Balder the swordsman You, are not my equal. I shall give you equal to you. Come forth, Ris.Your challenger awaits you."

Ris Amur stand over two and half metres and have a large frame that many would consider as a giant man. He was dressed in the attire of the infantry except his battle axe was double edged. Ris did not walked in but charged directly at Thor. Ris attack with his axe on a downward swing but attack was deflected by Thor's hammer. Thor pushed the axe away and used his body to rammed the other. Both warrior collided and rolled back in the clash. Thor was the first to recover and looked for his opponent. They were separated at the end of their roll but Thor was eager to clashed again. He saw Ris standing over at the other side, and just started charging again. Both warrior clashed again with their swings and deflection before Ris inflicted the first wound on Thor's left thigh. Thor stepped back in pain from the wound, and used his hammer to stand himself up. Ris raised up his axe and watch the blood dripped off the sharp edge.

"First cut is the deepest." Ris gloat at his successful cut, and charged again. This time Thor did not hold back as he side step to evade the swinging axe and brought his hammer on an upward thrust to Ris' throat. The blow from the hammer broke his collarbone and collapsed the trachea. Ris dropped his axe and reached for his wounded neck but his life force was seeping away.

Ras ran to hold up his dying brother, but Ris was pulling his last breath. Ras lowered his brother and looked at the Asgardian.

"Kill the heathen!" The advance army of Lord Seth's first thousand charged the first barricade. Thor who was bandaging his wound with a strip of his tunic, picked up his hammer and strike the ground. The force of the blow created a ground quake a distance of over fifty metres. That quake woke up the defenders from their slumber to courage; as the four hundred odd defenders of Asgardian, Frost Giants, and Dwarves took up their weapons. The Egyptian infantry of the advance division marched up the path while the defenders let loose the ballistas and the archers let loose the arrows but that did not stop the advancing army. Thor as usual did not wait for the strategy calls, but charged direct into the army. Geraldine saw Thor charging the Egyptian army and she called on the warriors to charged. Asgardian, Dwarves and Frost Giants climbed over the barricade.

"For Asgard!" They all shout the battle cry. Warriors of both sides clashed. Geraldine have pulled out her staff and used it to hit the infantry warriors. She swing her staff like a long spear and whoever she hits felt like it was hit by a hard force. Hval fought just as hard along side her. He was also swinging the issgeisl removing the enemies. Then he heard the call for retreat. Hval reached for Geraldine and pulled her along.

"Their reinforcements are coming. We got to pull back." Hval told Geraldine. "They are waiting for us at the second barricade."  

Geraldine followed through with Hval when she saw Kruger holding back five Egyptian warriors. She wanted to help when she saw Miles approaching while firing his cross bow. His bolts found three targets while Kruger took on the other two.

"Miles, pull back." Miles acknowledgment Geraldine order. She ran on until she saw Balder came galloping on his horse to pulled her to safety.

"Odin asked me to look out for you." Balder took Geraldine on the horse and galloped past the second barricade. He then turned to look for his brother.

"Thor!' Balder saw Thor retreating with Kurse from the advancing Egyptian army. They soon reached the second barricade where Odin now stands among his warriors. Balder asked of the numbers who did not make it.

"We don't know. Maybe half the warriors." One of the Asgardian warriors told Balder while he carried a wounded to the Hall.

Tweet....Tweeeetttttt New Headlines....Steampunk cut into Predator News 04/04/2014

“Wash, Sir.” The assassin turned to look at the contraption which spoke out. It was a good metallic representation of the human lady maid, with the correct appendages that was polished to reflect the feminist qualities. The contraption reached down with the metallic arms to scrub the dirt off the body flesh.

-----------------------------

Lady Lilith reached for the thin wire which pulled her up to the floating dirigible above at a hundred feet. Kassius sprang into action heading for the bike. The machine guns on the dirigible opened up on him, but he had reached the bike. There was no time to heat up the engine, but he chose to pedal the bike. He rode hard to move the bike, and left it to roll on the sloping ground before he cranked up the lever to gun the engine. The steam engine roared with its heated pipes to push the bike buy it was not enough to get off the ground. He rode even harder to get the extra speed while the dirigible spat the bullets close behind him. Then the steam engine cranked in its power and the exhaust pipes roared out. 

-----------------------------

"What the...." 

Hold onto your steam pipes....this is a new direction. Or an add-on to my genre of offerings.

So what is Steampunk? 

From Wiki...

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery,^[1] especially in a setting inspired by industrialised Western civilisation during the 19th century. Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century's British Victorian era or American "Wild West", in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. Steampunk perhaps most recognisably features anachronistic technologies or retro-futuristic inventions as people in the 19th century might have envisioned them, and is likewise rooted in the era's perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art. 

Its roosting at 6K words after two nights of write..... and still adding. I been researching the above for some months now, reading and tinkering with the idea of a tale based on that. So I putting in the effort while also dabbing into P&P III with Al Capone era. 

The Dark Queen of White 1.38

38

Lancelot looked at the three giants who appeared at the castle lawn. They towered just below the castle towers and held a girth of twenty men all rolled in one. They have streaks of icy cold hair which matched their eye brow with a facial expression that most Mother in laws hold daily. They were dressed in the thick leather furs of the extinct mammoth and each hold a cudgel that was the size of a horse.

“Anyone you may had met when you were flirting with the wenches?” Prince William asked the knight. Sir Lancelot was to reply but the giants roared out their names.

“I am Frigid, she is Rigid, and Bridget. We are the Sisters of King of the Frost Giants.” The one in the middle roared out.

“Thank the Lords’, I never wed the sisters of my lover.” One guard roared out.

“Aye, they wed me instead. One man’s meat in another man’s poison.” Another replied. “But with them, I would have prefer a life of celibacy.”

The guards in the army all roared into laughter, including the dwarfs. Frigid took insult to the statement and roared her anger at them.

“Wow! You needed to cut down on the garlic, ma’aer. You might even scare the Queen from her throne.”

The giant sisters taken offence to the remarks charged at the army, which was soon followed by the others in the Queen side. Lancelot saw the attack and raised the banner to rally the men.

The battle was over within a short time, when the army of Snow White had to retreat from it.

Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated Mature readers only ) 1.12

The Test Moves

Dark Pawn

Sylvia Graden

White Pawn

Micheal Darren

Dark Knight - Killer

Billie Diane / Billy Dane

Dark Bishop - Hired Killer

Mitch Dane / Brennan.

Dark Queen - Leader

Mary Ketch

White King - Leader

Marlene Phillips.

Dark Pawn

I sat in my own private office at the basement of the club; high back chair laid with the fine leather behind a large desk, and facing a sixteen camera screen of my club, from the back alley to the front and cellar. I saw the recording of Marlene leaving the place just a few minutes ago. The other screens were of the cleaning crews and Bruno at his desk. That man hardly rest and was always vigilant on the premise.

I reached for the bottom left of the drawer and pulled out the metal red box. It had a combination lock and once opened revealed my previous life. I was Sylvia Graden; Special Agent by rank and was involved with undercover operations. I was one of the best; with beauty and brain, and above all a killer instinct. I could outshoot most of the men, and kick harder than them. I was under the Special Task Team with Marlene then my Field Handler, and Micheal.....

Micheal Darren and I was a pair, did the early years together in the Academy and then went undercover. We met on our second mission to nab an international body trafficking organization, and hit it off on our first briefing. Soon we were humping beneath the covers, discreetly from the purview of the handlers. We were together most times but never once we spoke of our family. It was all sex and sex, with the tension of being an undercover agent. We cracked the case and then moved on with our life.

It was the fourth mission we paired under Marlene that caused us to break. She placed me in there as a new recruit for the Chessmen. I was soon taken by the Queen as her personal lover with S&M desires; given my previous missions where I was trampled and beaten before, she reckon I could take on the role. Micheal had already infiltrated in as a Pawn and somehow we still meet. It was one long year in the assignment, and opened up new avenues into our life. I found sex was more exciting with some bondage or pain inflicted. Initially, I tried to share it with Micheal but he was turned off by me with another lady. But soon he got over it, and we were fucking on new found pleasure levels. It did not last, when we setup the fall of the Chessmen. I was shot and left for dead, but it was Marlene who saved me. She nursed me back to health.

Marlene made me become a key witness in the case. I was moved under the Witness Protection Program. I took my kid brother with me; his caretaker, my distant aunt had passed on. I was told not to get in touch with Micheal or anyone involved in my previous life. I agreed then, as both of us had a fall out just before the final battle. Micheal then developed animosity to my new preference, and we called it quit. With the Witness Protection Program, it was also a front for me to get over the relationship.

Soon after three years, I became Sylvia the Dark Pawn. I could be anyone I wanted but one thing I could not reconcile with was my developed sex preference, not even with the several lovers I had, until I found Alice. She introduced me to the new world of make believe sex; or living out others fantasy for money. We caught the act and did the rounds, with the discreet crowds, but soon expanded into the privileged society with the vast and diverse sex actions. It was exciting like my previous life of being an undercover, with every turn something illicit or new. More to it, I had more money than before and was paying for Brian to be a decent man.

I guess I failed at it.

Brian or Steven got himself into my kind of life.

I would kill himself myself when he return. He had gone for over a day then.

"Bruno, send out the call for Steven. See if he is shack up in some of those ladies places." I called Bruno. Steven had his leverage here to get a free fuck.

"Sylvia", I still used my first name, although on my ID, it was Rebecca Gates. "I think you ought to watch the news."

I turned it on and saw the news.

The Crusaders II The stakes increased 11.5

1.          European Shrine Swiss Alps

Beneath the cavern that was under the glacier, Mammon had done a good task of creating a masterpiece in architecture. It was done in accordance to the ideas suggested by Satan. The later had told him; don't be a sloth, show your grandeur. Build yourself a palace.

Mammon had the structures built into the ice wall surfaces and even constructed chambers inside the glacier. It now looks like a worshiping palace with the six towers and ice wall that allowed it to be defended should it be invaded. He had placed icicles as bolts to be fired from the ice designed ballista. He calls them his Legion of Ice; manned by the spirits that was there since the Roman's conquest.

Inside the walls are the chambers but there was one chamber he had constructed as a special one. There the chamber has a wall opening that leads to directly to Hell. It was the same gateway which they sent the Crusader who came too close to knowing the secret. A secret that only he and Baal knows; an unholy alliance of their own. It was Baal who thought that maybe with the war over, they could ruled the two biggest economy; Asia and Europe.

"Baal, I was not expecting." Mammon received his ally in the secret chamber. "Does the rest know you are here?"

"No, I came alone. As a matter of fact, I came to warn you of the Crusaders." Baal dust off the brimstones dust from his waiter suit. "I am here to sign a truce between the wolves and Vampires. " 

Baal threw the head to Asmodeus; its the head of Weir Ulfrednar.

"He could not hold a fight with Fenrir. So the wolf left us his head. Thought we do something with it. The wolves however are under one leader now'; Fenrir."

"Last I heard you were attacked by Clawler. Did you not killed him too?" Mammon asked the other.

"No, Clawler won. He left with the amulet and gave it to Mr.Weir Ulfrednar here. Clawler not a werewolf; he's Windingo. They are different."

"He didn't kill you?" Mammon asked in confusion. "I thought he hated you."

"Yes, he did but he hated Wilhelm more. He has taken the oath as a Crusader to do his oath before personal tasks. It would be soon before he come for me. "

"So why now the truce with the wolves? You know the vampires and werewolves are long time enemies. Why would they sign a truce?"

"Because Fenrir is my creation and Lucifer is an old friend of the vampires. They all shared similar goals but different objective. Different from yours."

"What do you mean?" Mammon asked but his reply was a spell to make a worm.

"You do not deserve to know. You are just a pawn in this war."

Baal picked up the worm and placed it in a jar before handling it over to an approaching warrior of his. "Take it to Lucifer. He has the place to store this."

The wolf then came in and walked to its master.

"Yes, its time to start the truce talk. I am sure the vampires are waiting eagerly." Baal leading the wolf. 

The Dark Queen of White 1.37

The War to oust the Queen

37.

Prince William in his full armor sat high on the white mare (the stallions are kept in the stables to keep the lines moving. Such are the high expectations of war.). He had his left shoulder bandaged and kept in a sling from an onslaught by a large ogre with a huge sharpened spear.

“Are you fine, Prince William?” Sir Lancelot rode up to his side. The knight of the Round Table was there to gloat over the Prince’ wound. He knew the Prince was not an equivalent in the battlefield of the knight.

“I am fine. Thank you, Sir Lancelot.” Prince William replied. He had been fighting hard for his love, and in defense against this amorous knight who had been courting her. In his haste during the last battle, he had ridden into the ogre trap and got wounded.

“Are you sure, my love?” Snow White echoed sweetly into the Prince’ ears. He turned around and looked at his lover and Princess. She had insisted on riding into battle, with her armor and sword to rally the army. She was not a real fighter, but the Prince had assigned a ring of guards around her, which were the heroes of Mirg. They also include her friend, the rider with the red hood. But somehow, Red seems to end up at Lancelot side at the end of the battle.

“Can anyone tell me what’s happening in front?” Grumpy rode up on his pony. He was dressed in armor; the mail chain suit that covered his mining suit trailed him at his knees. His head piece was the round cap with the twin horns on the side.

“The army is massing for the final battle. Once we defeat these columns, we would be in the castle of the evil Queen.” Doc who had ridden back from the front line told the other. The other dwarfs are all lined up around Snow White, similarly dressed in the same armor as Grumpy, except Dopey. The last dwarf was dressed in swabs of dark linen that left only his eyes uncovered. He was carrying a long spear which he was told to thrust as if he was fishing at the stream. He nodded stating that he understood the message.

“I best be out there with the army.”Lancelot rode off leaving the Prince fretting inside the armor. The Prince and Princess were assigned to the command the flankers in the case of a strategic withdrawal, or routing by the other side.

Sir Lancelot rode to the fore and was met by the other Lords who were lined there. He turned to look at the right side, the guards of the Lords, including the new column of huntsmen led by their new leader Gaerth. On the left side, were the seven Clans of the Dwarfs with their allies, the common folks of the land. He looked to the other side, the army of Queen Calamity lined up for their final defense line. She had her guards, the ogres, the gnomes but not the Elves. The Elves have withdrawn on the over whelming odds against them.

The war had gone on for over a season, and the Prince was on a winning streak with his army. They had come to this last battle which would decide the victor. When Sir Lancelot was to call for the charge, the Queen messenger rode out with a truce flag.

“Queen Clarity would like to invite Snow White for tea at her castle lawn.” The head servant of the castle announced to the opposing army.

“Heck, tea at this hour? I would prefer grounded fruit beans to that.” That was a seafarer who came to joined the war citing his sea legs were too weak to stand on the deck of the ship. His named was Alfred Columbus, a distant relative of a yet to be born sea farer.

“Nay would one say to a cup of tea at any time.” A lanky man with a streak of whiskers on the upper lip defended the Queen. “Do ask if the Queen needed my cloak to cover the sodden muddy grounds before she lay her dainty feet.”

“Really? Can we just fight? I got a forest of deer to hunt?” Another one in the green leggings protested.

“Raleigh, my dear fellow. That’s my name.” The other bowed to show his respect.

“Madre! Could we hurry up? I am here to get the bell for the tower.” The voice came from the hunchback who had traveled far from across the seas.

“Patience is a virtue.” The cat in the boots swung the rapier from left to right.

“Hey, Pussy. Be careful where you thrust that. We are here to assist our cousins in need at the castle. Since the siege, they have been low on cheese supplies.” The mice from the cellars of one Cinder Home called up.

“Rats are alike. They stick together like me.” The Mexican mice raced up to the defense of his compatriots. “Pass me the cheese. Nothing deliver faster than Speedy Gonzales deliveries.”

“Please, children, mice, rats and whatever….” The appearance of a obese fairy appeared holding her wand. She was to continue when one other shouted out.

“What do you mean whatever? I demand respect.” The cat appeared out of nowhere.

“Pardon me, Cheshire Cat. I did not see you.” The fairy godmother heaved in her breath to ease her agitation being disturbed by the cat. “As I was saying, we must respect the last wishes of the Queen. Let the Princess have her tete a tete with the Queen.”

All the ones readied for a battle sighed, until the sounds of the drums came from behind them.

“Lets’ do the dance then.” They all turned around and saw the grass skirted ladies gyrating the hips. It was an interlude they needed from the war.

In the middle of the battle field, a tent was setup and the carpets laid for two ladies to hold an afternoon tea. Queen Clarity had to raise her gown hem in order to plod over the sodden muddy ground before she reached the tent for the tea party. She stepped in and then took her seat facing the partying army of the Princess. Snow White meanwhile had little trouble with the mud with her high riding boots.

“Hello, sweetie.” Queen Clarity was trying to be nice.

“Hello, Step-mother.” Snow White replied back coldly. She then sat down on the seat allocated to her.

“Manners, my dear.” Snow White was reminded which made her stand up again, and then did a curt bow to the Queen.

“Yes, my dear. We are royalty.” Queen Clarity smiled back. She then offered to pout the tea for the Princess but the later took the pot herself.

“I see you had put in some weight, sweetie.” Queen Clarity remarked. “He must had been feeding you very well.”

Snow White blushed and then looked back at the Prince who was still standing there looking very forlorn.

“Yes, we are to wed soon. Soon after we end this war.” Snow White spoke out directly. “You could do us a favor and end it.”

“Don’t rush, sweetie. You might want to know him first. Like where he hung his leggings after washing, does he shave daily. Things like that are essential for you to understand him. I did with your King. He was a snore in the bedding.” Queen Clarity laughed. “He could have blown a gale if we did not secure the bedding posts.”

“Queen Clarity, I had enough of your lies. And advise.” Snow White stood up. “I would prefer to fight you to the death than to have tea with you.”

“Snow White, you lack finesse in your speech. But nevertheless I would consent.” Queen Clarity smiled. “The delay I had requested was to bide me time for my new ally to arrive.”

The ground vibrated on the sound of heavy steps.

“Damn you, Queen Clarity.” Snow White stormed back to her army while the Queen laughed. The later then said it out loud.

“Que Sera Sera…”

Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated Mature readers only ) 1.11

White King

I had not expected that from Sylvia, but she does have a strong arm. Her punch on my face was painful and broke my upper lips.

"I will be damned that you recruited Steven." Sylvia was upset. It was just that I did not expect the blow to be that hard. We used to spar in training but I guessed she had either improve or I had grown older.

"When did this happen?" Sylvia asked me back.

"Six weeks ago according to the local Bureau Office. They were onto the serial killing and then they found out that the new Queen was in operations." I told her. "I tried to get you but you were buried in the system. You were always my choice, then and now."

Four years ago Sylvia was my best agent then, and with her, I managed get to break up a major crime organization. She was good, with her looks and persuasive powers that even the enemy never knew even to the end. I had Sylvia faked her death in a shootout before we closed the case. She was given a new identity alongside with her brother, and relocated to another city. She was out of my jurisdiction and placed under the Witness Protection Detail.

“The local surveillance team picked up Steven' face in a recent operation and then the plan was underway. They found out he was a Pawn; unknowingly recruited by the Black Queen of the new Chessmen, an operation they were handling. He needed money and we needed an informant. The local office pinned him down with some trumped up charges and then offered him alternative choices. They did not know he was under the Witness Protection Program, nor did he tell them. No one checked with me. He worked hard and earned his rewards until two nights ago; they lost contact with him and suspected the worse. It was then his face came up on the system, and I recognized him. With that, I managed to open the hidden file and found out where you lived. That was why I flew in." 

"Marlene, he was a misguided ass. You could have told me." Sylvia hit back.

"Sylvia, I did not know." I explained to her. "I only knew two nights ago and flew here to tell you. I already got Micheal Darren on the task." 

"Micheal?" Sylvia remarked back. "You bitch."

She was to hit with again with the back slap, but I held out my arm to block it.

"He does not know either." I spoke up. "He thought you died. He never knew Brian or ........Steven as he was called now was involved."

"Marlene, I ought to shaft your face on the dildo." Sylvia was clearly upset. She was on close terms with Micheal then; they were lovers, and he took it hard when I told her Sylvia died. It was good for him, as they had broken up during the mission. So it was fine to have them separated but then events have a way of bouncing back.

"Micheal had been here for over a week. He is running the operations for me." I replied. "I wanted him in as he knew of the Dark Queen' previous operation."

"And with him, and me; you brought the family back again. You are a fucking bitch, Marlene." Sylvia lashed back again. "I regretted working for you. Now get out of my place and send my brother back to me."

Sylvia left me standing at the private room. I felt like a wretched mother then. I wished I could tell her that I can’t find Steven.