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Shalinis POV

It was the Festival of Eclipse, a celebration that occurs on the day the moon would cover the sun and the world becomes momentarily dark. It was also the only day when people were not sectioned off into their rigid caste, the time when everyone in the land was equal- or so the Emperor had said when the festival was first announced years ago. But the truth was evident for everyone to see, it was all to keep up the facade that everyone in the empire was beloved - the castes still remained. The Sudras served the food for everyone all day under the hot sun. The Vaisyas hung up decorations all around and tried to appeal themselves to the Kshatriyas and Brahmins, taking care of their every need. The Emperor and royal family would be at the front and center of the parade, not a toe touching the ground beneath them. And the Untouchables were hardly seen, fleeting around in the shadows, like they always did. It was just like any other day, except with a little more noise, color, music, and food.

But there was one thing that made the festival my favorite day, The Royal Game of Ur, or what is was more commonly known here, The Game of Twenty Squares. It was a game that had come from the Egyptians and had grown popular here in the capital. From the palace to the streets, all the people of the Mughal Empire were affiliated with the small flat circular pieces that move along the intricately carved board. It was the only thing besides the law and the Mughal name that unified the people of all castes. The simple board game had transformed into something greater than a hobby people did to pass the time. It became the judge of a person's intelligence and quick wittiness. In fact, the game was so respected that it was even one of the determining factors the Kshatriya war generals used for their rankings. There were even trading's and deals that were waged based on the game. Today, the biggest competition was held in the city's central and anyone was allowed to participate. Though that was the case, I could see the game tables occupied by the high rankings only. The Sudras merely watched from a distance, after all, what Sudra would dare to challenge? Well, I would be crazy enough to. My thick brown cloak swished around my small frame, covering me whole, leaving just my eyes to the outside. With just a look, no one would be able to say for sure that not only was I a Sudra but also girl. It was easier this way.

Walking along, I spotted an unusually large crowd, surprisingly consisted of figures in both worn rags and silk robes. What's happening, I thought, wiggling my way through the bodies and somehow managing to stubble up to the front where the other kids had gathered. Two figures sat opposite each other, both someone a stranger to me. My eyes widened slightly at the garments that hung around each of them, such quality and designs completely foreign to me. The man on the left had his strong upper build enveloped in a gold armor, a lion carved on each of his breast plate. Latched onto his side was a sword with a thick handle, the itself size surpassing my height. His bearded face had a slight scowl as his one good eye moved along the board in front of him. Clearly, the game was not going as he wanted. From his clothes and size, it was certain he was a high ranking Kshatriya war general. But the man who had faced bloodied battles and the loss of half his vision was frustrated by his opponent who was sitting smugly across him. Draped in gold necklaces and medallions, covered by a deep purple robe filled with intricate designs, a night blue sash tied around his torso and around his head was a boy. A boy that looked not much older than me. Maybe he's the general's son, I thought, squinting my eyes as the sun's glare reflected off his fine jewelry. But the pieces that sprawled across the board interested me more than their clothes and relation. The outcome of the game was obvious, the boy had the general cornered and there was no way out. "Come on we can't wait all day, the eclipse is about to happen soon." the boy said teasingly, his voice laced with underlying confidence and strength. It involuntarily made my body stand rigid and upright before I caught myself. Who is he?, I couldn't help but think. I thought I've seen every type of person here so it took quite a lot for someone to shock me. And this boy, this boy is definitely a lot,  I thought. The general loomed over him in size and strength, but for some reason, it seemed that this boy was the one that held more power. Guess it must be what they're feeding him, I thought dryly, waiting for the general to stop struggling and just admit to defeat. It came quicker than I expected with the general rising and bowing, a sign that he had given up. The boys grin grew wider and his jade eyes sparkled as he moved his piece to its final position, ending it in his complete victory. His win was announced and the crowd around me whispered and murmured praises of the boy skills.

"Now just one more win and we will have our champion!" the general proclaimed to the crowd, not showing any form of disappointment in his loss. "Who will be the next challenger?" the general asked, looking around at the huddled forms who had all taken a step back. The general smiled, not really expecting an answer and getting just that. After all who would dare to challenge? But once again, I am crazy enough. Peeling myself away from the crowd, I stepped forward, and small gasps all around me could be heard. "You?" the general asked in disbelief and slight amusement. I nodded my head and the he scoffed, "Alright, well we need someone as a sacrifice". He stepped back and I sat down, eyes glazing over the board as it was set up again by the moderator. The feeling of adrenaline rushing through my bloodstream came as no surprise to me and it was enough to chase away my nervousness. I could already feel how good this game was going to be.

"Do you even know how to play with the War Mode rules?" the general suddenly asked from the sides. War Mode rules, I thought, I've never heard of that. I shook my head, not looking up to where the general began to laugh. "And you dare to challenge without knowing them?" he snickered, his sword clanking against his armor. I could feel a blush creep up my cheeks as I looked down at my hands that gripped my cloak. "Just tell her", the prince interrupted and I looked up in surprise to only be greeted by a slightly sly smile. My eyes widen and I looked back down at my lap, a strange feeling filling the pit of my stomach. Why is he helping me? I thought. The only time a higher rank would help someone was to benefit themselves. Ah, he just wants another opponent to beat to inflate his ego, I concluded, straightening myself and meeting his smile with hardened eyes. My mother had always told me that I was the calmest and most mature seven year old she had ever seen. And it was true, at least compared to the screeching and running I'd see from the other kids my age. I could even confidently say that I knew how to keep myself in control of my emotions- most of the time. And it seemed that the competitive nature of the boy in front of me had flickered my own desire to win. Usually, when I played this game, it was to learn. Learn about different strategies, the facial and body languages of others, and anything else I could absorb. Winning was never my end goal- I had even lost on purpose a few times just to try out new strategies. Now, not only did I want to consume every piece of knowledge this boy had to offer but give him a piece of my own wisdom he would never forgot. Maybe it was his overly sparkly outfit that had driven me to this ledge. Or that perfectly controlled, strong voice no child should ever have. Or his eyes that flashed with amusement every time he looked at me. Yea, it was definitely those sparkles.

The general explained the rules instantly in complete obedience and I tried to chase away the thought of the boy's identity once again. I can't believe a war general is obeying and being commanded by a child, I had thought, while simultaneously trying to concentrate on the three additional rules. The new rules weren't too difficult to grasp, it was just more restrictions placed on the movement of the pieces. The moderator gave me five minutes to arrange my thoughts before he waved to signal the start of the game. The boy had the advantage to move first since he had won the previous round and I was the challenger. His large emerald ring glistened under the light as he moved a piece forward, then he settled into the backrest of the chair and continued to annoyingly smile at me. And so the game went, both of us using about the same time (not too quickly but not too slowly either) to move our pieces. I could feel the crowd around us hold their breath then release each time a piece moved against the board. But I couldn't blame them, because even my heart was hammering against my ribs as the game continued. He was unlike any opponent I'd ever play against. His techniques were of high standards and at one point, I even began to doubt a victory. If I had to admit it, I would say he was the most challenging opponent I had faced so far. So there was no doubt that this was going to be a game Id remember forever.   

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GLOSSARY:

*The Caste System Of India

               Higher Class        Emperor and Royal Family

                                             Brahmins- Priests

                                             Kshatriyas- Warriors and Rulers

                                             Vaisyas- Skilled Traders, Merchants, and Officials

                                              Sudras- Unskilled Workers

               Lower Class          Untouchables