Lesson Fifteen: “Bethesda’s Riddle”

A cool wind whipped across the icy lake. Behind them, the Ramble sighed its morning sigh. Soon the sun would rise above the forest trees, and the city's dogs would arrive, off-leash, and ready to rumble. But for now, all was quiet.

The Giraffe Queens and the Billy Goat Bishops stepped out from the wooded path and stood facing Bow Bridge.

"Closed for renovations?” Naomi gasped. “But we need to cross!"

"It's alright,” said Sofia gently. "There are other ways through the park."

Naomi shook her head, clutching her sister’s hand. "Billie said this is the way. Diagonal through the Ramble, over the bridge, down the Bethesda Terrace steps to the fountain. She said if we want to find Grandma, this is the shortcut.”

“Billie? The 125th Street station lady?” Neema, Naomi’s sister asked. “She told you all that?"

"She messaged with a lead,” said Naomi. “The guitarist under the terrace… well, he sees the whole city as they pass by! He might know where Grandma is!"

Zaziwe, the younger giraffe Queen groaned. “I thought we were here to collect party supplies?"

Naomi stomped her foot. “We are. We will. Just… after this."

Zaziwe glanced at the Bishop sisters in the early morning light and then leaned toward her sister. "I can't believe these little girls dragged us out of bed, at dawn, to chase after their grandmother. How fast can she be?"

Sofia lowered her voice. “Zazi, you forget, good friends support and defend. We can’t let them do this alone. Think how you would feel if our grandmother went missing."

Chastened, Zaziwe exhaled. “Alright, watch this."

She walked toward the boat landing beside the bridge. Without a word, Sofia followed her into the icy waters. Sofia kept close to the pier while Zaziwe moved to the far bank. Slowly, in perfect unison, they lowered and stretched their long necks until their heads touched, hovering in the lake’s center.

Zaziwe called out to Naomi. “You want to cross? Well, here we are, your bridge."

The Bishop sisters beamed with gratitude and excitement.

Then one by one, the sisters crossed over the icy waters, ran up Cherry Hill, and flew down the Terrace steps.

“There, the guitarist! Under the arch!” Ari cried out.

Down the stairs they flew, the Queens thundering behind the Bishop sisters. Moments later, they stood before the mysterious musician.

"Before you ask your question," he said, "you must pass this test...can you please explain the rules of castling?"

“That’s oddly specific,” thought Ivy. “Good thing we just learned that! Well, sort of. I didn’t pay much attention since it doesn’t really concern us” she admitted.

“Hang on, everything that happens on that board affects you! You're a team! So, let's hear it, explain the rules and then you may ask your question." said the guitarist.

Sofia stepped forward, but the guitarist held up a hand.

“Not you, Queen. One of the little ones,” he said, nodding at the Bishop sisters.

Ari took a deep breath and bravely stepped forward.

“There are five rules in castling, called the Pre-Flight Five.

First: The King and Rook must be in their original squares. If they moved before, no castling. It's illegal.

Second: No one can stand between the King and Rook. We have to get into the game and out of their way.

Third: The King can not be in danger/check. If he’s in check, it’s a no-go. Illegal.

Fourth: The King can’t pass through check either. No walking through force fields. Also Illegal. And super dangerous.

And Fifth: Our King is forbidden to land in danger/Check: He can never put himself in danger. It’s super illegal.

Ari paused to make sure they were still listening.

"If even one rule is broken, then castling isn’t allowed. But if everything checks out, then the King moves two squares towards the rook, and the rook jumps over the King, landing at his side. Kingside or queenside, you choose.”

The group stared at Ari in awe.

"How did you remember all that?" whispered Ivy.

Ari shrugged. “I just did. Now can I ask my question?”

"Yes," said the guitarist. "But first…"

He gently set his guitar on the terrace floor. Off came his coat, hat, glasses. Then, most shockingly, he removed his beard.

The sound of the Queens gasping filled the Terrace air.

Standing before them was King Mateo.

“Thank you, for reminding us of the rules, Ari,” he said softly. “That’s no mean feat. Even I struggle to keep them straight sometimes.”

Naomi stepped forward, all business. “King, do you know where our grandmother is? Have you known all this time?”

King Mateo knelt, lowering his head for a moment and then spoke.

“I do. But first, look around you. This was one of your grandmother’s favorite places in the whole city. She used to come here whenever she felt a bit low. That’s why I brought you here, so that you could feel her presence.”

Ari’s mind began to race and she blurted out… “Is she here, now?”

King Mateo felt his heart begin to break.

“Darlings, what your father told you was true. But here is what he couldn’t say, not yet… Your grandmother isn’t here. But your search is over. She was taken by the illness that swept through our City. I’m so sorry.”

He paused as the Bishop sisters began to crumble under the weight of their sadness.

“But Billie spoke with your father and he assured us that she’s resting, at peace, tucked away in the sleeper car. Waiting for your trains to meet.

And you will meet again, at the right time. And she’ll be refreshed and ready.  With her heart full of brown sugar, all ready to go."

The wind stuttered against the fountain waters and rustled the terrace leaves. King Mateo gathered the girls into a gentle embrace. The Queens, with moist eyes, joined in, the girls melting into their protective arms.

“Cry all you need,” he whispered. “Those tears are full of her love. Because your grandmother gave you a wonderful gift, she gave you the best parts of herself. Her laugh, her stories, her courage, her love. Those gifts will shape you and protect you. Until you see her again.”

And so, the somber group collected their tears and began the walk home.

Home to heal, to grieve, to honor their grandmother, and when they are ready, to play.

Let’s honor Grandmother Bishop by playing her favourite game, Chess!

Bonus points for castling!