Alma stood amidst the crowd, her mind a whirl of confusion.
The chess game had reached a point where it seemed to be at a dead end.
Regardless of which side made the next move, it appeared there was no correct play to be made.
At the previous university tournament, Alma had boldly challenged Rosemary to a game of chess, only to be utterly defeated within moments.
It was then that Mr. Albright graced the backstage, engaging Rosemary in a game that left the onlookers in utter disbelief. To everyone's astonishment, Rosemary bested Mr. Albright, the undisputed chess
maestro. Even more astonishing was when Mr. Albright openly praised Rosemary's exceptional talent, admitting that she had surpassed her mentor and even considering her as his potential successor.
The level of Rosemary's chess play had shocked Alma then, but now, as she gazed upon the complex board Rosemary had devised, the sense of awe washed over her with even greater intensity.
