It’s a fun idea. I’d like to do some work on this myself. It’d be fun to flesh out character from a set of pieces we’ve known for years.

I like the contrast of the drunken crowd just riding on the previous sacrifices; then the veteran reminds them they haven’t done much really at all. Such a common trend nowadays..

Your satire is compelling. Sometimes a “checkmate” is celebrated in a drunken stupor by those who’ve never played the game. Well written.

I really like the idea of it. Any time a scarred veteran gets up in a tavern to say something, you know you’re going to get something good!

The transition from the hanging to the pub was rather abrupt. If you’re inclined to revise the story, I would recommend you start there.

A toast to the pawns.