“I challenge you to a battle of wits. A game of chess. If I win, you and your army pull back and leave us be. If you win, we will surrender unconditionally.”

“Deal.”

“I’ll play white. Let us begin.”

She played e4. He responded with e5. She moved her queen to h5. He played pawn d6. She moved her bishop to c4. He moved his knight to f6. Her queen takes the pawn on f7. “Checkmate,” she said, crossing her arms with a look of triumph.

He stared absently at the chess board. In a flash he upended the board, sending pieces flying through the air. His sword was unsheathed and through her throat before the pieces ever hit the ground.

“Her wits were no match to my blade. Checkmate.”