It’s been a little while, but the wait is over – welcome back to Tiny Town for a Chess Match! Last time, we joined Ollie and Baxter for a delightful half-term surprise that had everyone smiling. Now, as the seasons have shifted, it’s time for a brand-new adventure in the heart of Tiny Town.
This week, the townsfolk have gathered for a beloved tradition: the annual chess tournament! But it’s not just about strategy and competition, no, it’s about learning, creativity, and connection. As we head to the Market Square, where the Tiny House Books line the cobblestone streets, the children (and adults!) are buzzing with excitement to meet someone very special.
Meet Professor Bartholomew Finch
Allow me to introduce Professor Bartholomew Finch, the newest resident of Tiny Town. With his neatly pressed vest, a pocket watch that ticks in perfect rhythm, Professor Finch carries an air of wisdom and quiet charm. He is a retired clockmaker, known far and wide for his intricate craftsmanship and love of storytelling.
Though he’s new to Tiny Town, Professor Finch has already made a big impression. When he heard about the upcoming chess tournament, he volunteered to teach the children how to play. But this is no ordinary lesson, Professor Finch uses enchanting tales of knights, queens, and daring strategies to bring each move to life. His stories captivate his young students, particularly Max and Millie, who are eager to impress him with their newfound chess skills.
A Chess Match Tale
The early autumn sun cast a warm, golden glow over Tiny Town’s Market Square, drawing villagers from all corners for a rare treat. On this particular Saturday, Sophia Wren, the beloved schoolteacher, had organised a chess match, an annual spectacle that Tiny Town looks forward to every year. As villagers gathered, chatting and laughing, their eyes drifted to the setup at the square’s heart: a beautiful, oversized chessboard had been set up to host the chess match of the year.
Sophia bustled about, adjusting the seats and chatting with each arrival. Millie and Max, the ever-curious twins, had arrived early and perched eagerly at the front, unable to hide their excitement. “Do you think he’ll teach us all to play, Miss Sophia?” Millie asked, eyes bright with anticipation.
“Oh, I think so,” Sophia replied with a grin, glancing toward the crowd to make sure everything was just right. “And something tells me Professor Finch is going to make this game even more interesting than we expect!”
Just then, the crowd fell quiet as Professor Bartholomew Finch, Tiny Town’s newest resident, made his way to the front. Dressed in a purple finery with a pocket watch chain gleaming under the sunlight, he looked every bit the wise clockmaker he was known to be. His snow-white hair, wild as ever, and his twinkling blue eyes seemed to carry countless stories. Pausing before the crowd, he gave a warm nod, his gaze landing on Sophia with a smile.
“Good afternoon, Tiny Town,” he greeted, his voice deep and steady. “I’m Bartholomew Finch, but you may call me Professor Finch. Today, we’re not just playing chess; we’re journeying into a world of knights, queens, castles, and mystery.” His gaze shifted to the chessboard, where he carefully arranged the pieces.
Millie leaned in to whisper to Max, “I think he really does have stories for every piece!”
As if on cue, Professor Finch continued. “You see, every piece on this board has its own story. The pawns are like all of you, humble, hardworking townsfolk with big dreams. But did you know? In chess, even the smallest pawn can become something great if it reaches the other side of the board.” He moved a pawn forward and paused, letting the crowd take in the significance.
Max, wide-eyed, pointed to the knight, who stood off to the side with his unique L-shaped moves. “And the knight, Professor?” he asked, almost breathlessly.
“Ah, the knight,” Professor Finch said, his eyes twinkling. “Now, the knight is the bravest of all. He leaps over others, charging forward when others hesitate. It’s said that the knight once saved the entire kingdom with one bold move.” He winked, inviting the children into his world of imagination.
As the game progressed, Professor Finch told tales with each move, drawing gasps, laughs, and whispers from the crowd. The bishop, he explained, was a keen strategist, always keeping an eye on the distant horizon, and the queen, naturally, was the strongest of all. “Just like some of the strong women here in Tiny Town,” he added, glancing at Sophia, who chuckled as her cheeks flushed.
Eventually, Professor. Finch’s skilful play captured his opponent’s king, and the crowd erupted in applause. Children and adults alike were spellbound, swept away by the stories as much as by the game itself.
As Professor Finch gathered the chess pieces into a velvet bag, he turned to the children, who had crowded around him. “I’d be glad to teach any of you to play,” he said, his voice a little softer. “But I do ask a small fee.”
Millie and Max shared a glance, curious. “What kind of fee, Professor?” Millie ventured.
“Bring me your favourite storybook,” he replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “The best stories are shared. In exchange, I’ll share with you the secrets of chess. After all, the greatest games are the ones woven with tales.”
The crowd dispersed slowly, with the children buzzing with ideas for their next visit. Sophia exchanged a look with Bartholomew, impressed with his ability to capture the hearts and minds of Tiny Town so effortlessly. He nodded in reply, his eyes promising more adventures to come.
As the sun began to dip below the rooftops, the townsfolk strolled back to their homes, their minds full of knights, queens, and future chess matches with Professor Finch. Sophia lingered in the square, already making plans for the next event she’d organise, knowing that Professor Finch would soon have another story to share. But what other mysteries lay behind his gentle smile and twinkling eyes? Would someone uncover them in Tiny Town’s next tale?
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Want to sew your own Tiny Town?
The Tiny House Book and all the characters are available as downloadable patterns to purchase and sew as your own in my pattern shop. Jump into the Tiny Treasury Sewing Pattern over in my members area where you’ll not only get the Swaddle Family included there’s also a Tiny Little Pattern Bonuses for when you complete your first Tiny House Book!
The Games Book Chess Board shown in this story is also a Two Tiny Makes pattern, so do feel free to jump on in over to the Pattern hub – Members area to catch your next handmade make…
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