Chapter 9

9

"Checkmate?" I said as a regal-looking woman appeared before us, holding a chess set. The phrase seemed right, given the situation. Kendra and Zara exchanged glances and shook their heads at my attempt at humor.

"Hello there," the woman said. "I'm Lady Bishop. Would you like to play?" She gestured to the chess set she held.

"Ah, no, but thank you." I tried to be polite despite our disoriented state. "But maybe you could tell us where we are? We were just in an art gallery, and now..." I trailed off, gesturing around at the vibrant landscape that had replaced the gallery.

"Of course," Lady Bishop said with a warm smile. "You're in Chesslandia, home of the Chess Queen."

Of course we were.

As she spoke, the world seemed to come alive. Giant chessboards stretched into the distance, and living chess pieces strolled by, nodding cordially. Everything was so bright and surreal like we'd accidentally walked into a technicolor dream.

"Chesslandia?" Kendra asked skeptically. "How did we get here? And how do we get back home? We need to find some sort of portal."

"Ah, well, that's a bit more complicated," Lady Bishop said with an unsettling smile. "You see, this realm is ruled by the Chess Queen. Chesslandia thrives on strategy and intelligence." Lady Bishop smoothed her elegant black and white attire. "We have a plethora of delights for visitors to enjoy."

"Like what?" I couldn't help but ask, curiosity piqued.

"Ah, there's our elaborate chess museum where one can learn the history and evolution of this great game," she said with a flourish of her hand. "And let's not forget the bustling marketplace where pawns barter for enchanted chess pieces. Quite the sight."

"Sounds fascinating," Kendra said. It was clear that she wasn't quite ready to trust this whimsical world just yet. That made two of us. "But we need to find a way back home. Can you tell us more about this Chess Queen?"

At the mention of the Chess Queen, Lady Bishop's expression grew serious. "The Chess Queen is a powerful but unpredictable ruler. She holds the key to your journey back home."

"Great," I said. "Just what we need. Another unpredictable magical being."

"However," Lady Bishop said, "the Chess Queen only grants favors to those who prove themselves worthy."

"And how do we do that?" asked Kendra, her hands resting on her hips as she assumed her no-nonsense lawyer stance. If anyone could get answers, it was Kendra Justice.

Apparently, my bestie had had enough of this crazy reality.

"Ah, now that is a question best left to the Chess Queen herself," Lady Bishop said cryptically. "She is the ultimate arbiter of worthiness."

"Of course she is." I sighed, exchanging a glance with Zara. This whole situation was like a supernatural sitcom, the kind where canned laughter followed every ridiculous plot twist.

"All right then," Kendra said. "Let's go meet this Chess Queen and figure out what she wants from us."

"Very well." Lady Bishop's smile returned. "Follow me."

As we set off through the strange, vivid landscape of Chesslandia, I wondered what sort of challenges awaited us. Would we be able to prove ourselves worthy to the Chess Queen? And even if we did, could we trust her to send us back home? To our reality? There was only one way to find out, and that was to march onward, straight into the heart of this peculiar realm.

"Keep an eye out for portals," I said to Kendra. Zara could hear me with her vampire hearing. They both nodded.

The grand Chess Castle loomed before us, its intricate patterns and towering spires casting an imposing shadow over the colorful landscape. A chill ran down my spine as we approached, and not just because the castle's architecture looked like it could topple over at any moment.

"Behold, the Chess Castle," Lady Bishop announced with equal parts awe and trepidation. "Home of the enigmatic Chess Queen."

We followed Lady Bishop across a drawbridge made entirely of interlocking black and white squares, and through a pair of massive doors that swung open as if by magic.

The interior of the castle was as ostentatious as its exterior, the walls adorned with life-sized portraits of various chess pieces engaged in dramatic poses. I just hoped these paintings didn't come to life. A moment later I snickered at the sight of a rook looking fierce, despite being nothing more than a glorified tower.

"Really?" I earned another disapproving glance from Kendra.

"Quiet," she said. "Remember why we're here. I wanna go home!"

Before I could respond, Lady Bishop came to a halt, gesturing grandly toward a set of double doors at the end of the hall.

"Beyond these doors lies the throne room," she said solemnly. "Prepare yourselves, for the Chess Queen awaits."

"Great," I said. "No pressure or anything."

With a deep breath, we followed Lady Bishop through the doors and into a cavernous room that seemed to stretch on forever. At the far end, an extravagantly carved throne sat atop a dais, and lounging regally upon it was none other than the Chess Queen herself. She was the epitome of power and grace, her regal form draped in a cloak of black velvet and adorned with jewels that sparkled like stars in the dimly lit hall. Her face was a study in contradictions, with sharp, calculating eyes and a gentle smile. As she surveyed us with a cool, appraising gaze, I was both intimidated and drawn to her all at once.

"Welcome, travelers," she purred, her gaze drifting lazily over our disheveled state. "I must say, you're not quite what I expected."

"Uh, thanks?" I wasn't of how to respond to such an observation. "We, um, had a bit of a rough journey getting here."

"Indeed," the Chess Queen's eyes twinkled with amusement. "But you've made it this far, and I must admit, I'm rather intrigued."

"Really?" Zara said, her surprise clear. "You don't think we're, like, too weird or anything?"

"Quite the contrary." The Chess Queen's lips curled into a sly smile. "In fact, I find your peculiarities rather... refreshing."

"Refreshing" wasn't exactly the word I would have used to describe our gelatin-chocolate-paint-covered selves, but I wasn't about to argue with the one person who might help us get home.

"Okay, then." I forced a grin. "So, about that whole 'proving ourselves worthy' thing..."

"Ah, yes." The Chess Queen leaned forward, her expression suddenly serious. "I suppose we should get down to business, shouldn't we?"

"Probably a good idea." Kendra's no-nonsense demeanor kicked into high gear. "The sooner we can settle this matter, the better."

"Very well." the Chess Queen's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied us. "But first, let's see just how resourceful you three truly are."

The Chess Queen fixed her gaze on me as if she could see straight through to my soul. "What brings you and your disheveled entourage to my queendom?"

I was never one to mince words, so I lay it all out for her. "Well, er, Your Majesty, we were going after a criminal in our world. We stepped through into the criminal's home and were transported to another world. We were trying to escape an insane art gallery when we stumbled into your, uh, unique world here. We don't know how or why we're here, but we do know that we need to find a portal to get back home."

"Is that so?" The Chess Queen raised a perfectly arched brow. "And what, pray tell, is so important about this home of yours that makes you so eager to return?"

"Family, friends, work. You know, the usual stuff." I left out the minor details of our supernatural abilities and affiliations. No need to give her any more ammunition than necessary.

"Interesting." The Chess Queen stroked her chin thoughtfully. "It seems you've been lured into some sort of trap, my dear. Quite a clever one, too, by the looks of it."

"Trap?" Kendra said. "What kind of trap?"

"Ah, well, that's the question now, isn't it?" The Chess Queen grinned slyly, clearly enjoying our discomfort. "But worry not, for I am feeling rather generous today."

As she spoke, she gestured, and a couple of chess pieces rushed to move a screen. Behind it was a shimmering portal. "This little beauty appeared in my throne room this morning, and I have a sneaking suspicion it might be just what you're looking for."

"Really?" Zara asked, her eyes widening with hope. "Just like that? You'll let us go?"

"Indeed." The Chess Queen's smile never wavered. "I find you three quite amusing, and I'm always a fan of a good mystery. So, by all means, make your exit. Just remember to tread lightly, my dear. After all, traps have a nasty habit of snapping shut when you least expect it."

"Thanks for the warning," I said, more than a little unnerved by her cryptic words. But as much as I wanted to question her further, I knew we couldn't afford to waste any more time.

I turned to Kendra and Zara. "Let's get out of here while we still can."

Without another word, we hurried toward the portal, preparing to leap into the unknown once more.

"Good luck, my dears," the Chess Queen called after us, her sly grin never faltering. "May you find your way home... or at least to some other entertaining destination."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I said. But there was no time to dwell on her taunts, we had a portal to jump through.

"Ready?" Kendra asked, her hand gripping mine tightly.

"Ready," I said, and with a shared nod, we stepped forward into the unknown, leaving Chesslandia behind us.