Fenric was surprised to hear that his mum was out of seclusion, as it had been years since she handed over the gang. When he got to the old house, he saw Tina seated with a chessboard in front of her.
Tina gestured toward the chair opposite her and said, "Sit."
As he did, Tina glanced at the child who looked so similar to her first husband. Then she picked up a knight piece and moved it forward.
Fenric knew she was asking him to play, since this had been their routine for as long as he could remember.
After playing for a while, they both reached a stalemate. Tina then went straight to the point, saying with finality in her tone, "You have a fiancée, and you will be meeting her this weekend."
Fenric's hand, which was holding a chess piece, shook slightly after hearing this. Knowing his mother would not take no for an answer, he nodded. His excitement visibly cooled, making him more level-headed and allowing him to focus on the game.
