Gerrad set his brush aside. "I will come shortly. Leave us."
The soldier exited.
Gerrad turned back to the invisible board. "We pause."
"Leaving mid-game concedes defeat," Prince Kaelan replied coolly.
Gerrad exhaled sharply. "Fine. Bishop to D2. Check."
A faint smile tugged at Prince Kaelan's lips.
"My Emperor stands at B5," he said evenly. "No check."
Gerrad closed his eyes briefly. "Careless."
Prince Kaelan leaned forward slightly, though no board existed. "Knight to G3. Pawn captured."
"Emperor to G3. Knight captured."
Silence.
Both were evaluated rapidly.
Gerrad's captain and Emperor could not force checkmate without error. Prince Kaelan's lone Emperor could not advance meaningfully.
"Draw," Gerrad muttered, irritation flickering beneath composure.
Prince Kaelan allowed himself a small smile.
Luck had intervened.
Gerrad reached into his storage ring and withdrew a scroll sealed with a black insignia.
