When nerdy Rich Witz unwittingly becomes a Paladin, a white knight in training, he is thrust into a world where flunking a test can change the course of history, and a mysterious bully is playing for keeps with his life.

Rich’s grandmother leaves him with one thing before disappearing for good: a white chess pawn with his initials engraved on it. The pawn marks him as the next in an ancient line of white knights. He must prove himself in a life or death contest against his Nemesis, a dark knight in training, all while dealing with math homework and English projects.

With the ghost of an ancestor for his guide, he has seven days to complete four tasks of valor before his Nemesis does, or join his guide in the realm of the dead. As Rich rushes to complete the tasks, he realizes the chilling truth: his Nemesis is masquerading as someone at school, and will stop at nothing to make him fail.

As the tasks grow ever harder, the other knights reveal to him that his failure will break a centuries-old chain and bring the Paladin order to ruin. If he fails, the dark knights win the right to control the fate of the world, a world without hope or the possibility of a new dawn. So this is one exam Rich has to ace, with no curve or extra credit to save him.

Character Bios

Name: Rich Witz (short for Heinrich Wulfrich Witz)
Rich is a creative and imaginative teenager, often lost in his daydreams where he casts himself as a heroic knight or adventurous figure. This creativity also shows in his coping mechanisms, as he often imagines elaborate scenarios to deal with daily frustrations. Despite his vivid imagination, Rich faces the typical struggles of a junior high student, dealing with bullies and the challenges of adolescence. He has a deep sense of anticipation and excitement, which makes him relatable and endearing.

Name: Nadia Petrenko

Nadia is known for her aggressive and assertive behavior, often choosing to dominate social interactions and confrontations. She possesses a cunning nature, which is evident in her ability to inflict maximum emotional impact on her targets, including Rich. Despite her tough exterior, there may be underlying reasons for her behavior that are not immediately apparent, hinting at depth beyond her role as an antagonist.

Name: Angela Alfredson

Angela is kind and empathetic, traits that make her one of the few friendly faces in Rich’s school environment. She is understanding and supportive, particularly seen in her interactions with Rich, suggesting a deep sense of loyalty and a nurturing character. Despite past challenges like speech therapy, she exudes confidence and is not afraid to stand up for herself and others.

Name: Laura Tinney

Laura is nurturing and resourceful, capable of whipping up delicious meals from whatever she has on hand. Her ability to chat about a wide range of topics quickly reflects her friendly and open nature. She has a deep family bond and steps in to support Rich when needed, demonstrating her reliability and caring nature.

Name: Helena Witz

Helena’s husband was declared missing in action, which significantly impacted her life and mental well-being. She attempts to hold onto her role as a supportive mother and keep the household running, reflecting her strength and the burdens she carries.

Name: Minerva Witz

Minerva’s background includes a deep connection to her Austrian heritage, which she holds in high regard. She possesses knowledge and possibly secrets about the family’s past and the mystical elements that have begun to surround Rich, including the disappearance of family members.

Name: Aaron

Aaron’s demeanor and the infectious good mood he inspires in others indicate he is charismatic and likable. His smile and the mischievous glint in his eyes suggest he enjoys playful schemes or perhaps has a penchant for light-hearted trickery. His presence seems to naturally elevate the spirits of those around him, marking him as a potentially influential peer among his friends.

Name: Joe Stockton

Joe is aggressive and uses his size to intimidate others. He has a reputation for bullying and appears to enjoy the power it gives him over his classmates. Despite his tough exterior, there is a hint that his aggressive behavior may stem from insecurity or difficulties in social integration, as he is not involved in any team sports despite his size.

Name: Mallory

Mallory’s cheerful expression and attire suggest she is outgoing and spirited. Her role as a cheerleader indicates she is likely social and enjoys being at the center of school activities, embodying school spirit and enthusiasm.

Name: The Nemesis

This nemesis would be characterized by malevolence, cunning, and a deep-seated antagonism towards Rich. It could be driven by motives that are unknown or mystically linked to the chess pieces and the overarching battle between good and evil within the story.