Searching for Monks (04/20/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

Eventually their ascent neared the top---the began to hear chanting pouring over the rock face above them. As they climbed higher the mists began to dissipate and they could once again see where they were going. The chanting grew louder –they were getting close now. As the reached the top of the stone steps -there in front of them stood a large stone temple with torchlight emanating from its entrance way. The Pineappleman motioned silently to Kandu ---The quickly ran across the open space that lay between the steps and the temple stopping at the sides of the entrance way. Kandu gestured to the Pineappleman pointing toward the side of the temple. Ignoring the main entrance they quickly made their way over to a line of trees before stopping. Once hidden in the tree line the Pineappleman asked Kandu "What is it you see?"

Pointing to the hill that lay to the side of the temple beyond the trees Kandu replied "Why use the front door ---when there is a service entrance."

Searching for Monks (04/15/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

Carefully they ascended the steps under the cover of darkness engulfed in the thick ghostly mist. Probing with each step for solid ground in order to remain on the stone stairway. They linked hands because the mist was so thick that they couldn't visually see the man in front of them and one misstep would lead to a deadly disastrous fall. And to make things worse the path was extremely slippery from the mists. The had been making slow progress ascending for nearly an hour with no idea how much further they had to go. Then there was a scream as one of the men slipped and fell almost taking the man in front of him with him. They all stopped for a second linked back up again and continued their ascent.

Searching for Monks (04/13/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

After a brief rest he ordered the men to pack up and get ready to move. It was already dark-as they made there way up the path that lead through the trees to the foot of the granite cliff. They passed the campsite Kandu had mentioned the fire had now burned itself out. As the path approached the wall of rock thin arms of mist began to swirl into the forest from the base of the rock. After a few moments of searching Kandu was able to locate where the stone walkway began. The stone walkway was well worn and old. Really old -carved directly into the rock faces ages ago by someone long since dead.

As they began on the stone steps they could still actually see them--but with each step the mist grew thicker. One of the men tried to light a lantern -but the swirling mists just snuffed it out. The mists moved about among them as if it was alive and aware of their presence. Cannin's such as Kandu were known for attributing living attributes to non-living things as much as they were known for their intelligence--fighting ability and loyalty. The Pineappleman didn't believe in such things to him mist was just mist---but the rest of the men were starting to get spooked

Searching for Monks (04/07/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

The Pineappleman paced back and forth as the rest of the men ate their meal and talked. It had been hours since Kandu had left to scout ahead—he should have returned by now.

Then he saw him staggering out of a line of trees. All the men stopped as Kandu approached to give his report to the Pineappleman.

-------------------------

"I found the remains of what appeared to be your friends camp" Kandu said –out of breath.

"And?" The Pineappleman asked.

"There appeared to have been a struggle—As if they had been dragged away----but the camp was fresh- maybe only a couple hours old—their fire still burned."

Kandu took a drink of water then continued. " I followed the trail where it lead into the mists. It was like the mist swallowed me whole----choking the air from my lungs. As I climbed higher the mist grew heavier—oppressive—it felt as if it was a living thing—as if it was trying to steal my breath. I got lost couldn't see my way –so I decided to turn back.------There is evil ahead"

Searching for Monks (03/31/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

They made their way one at a time across a narrow stretch of trail with a wall of granite to one side and a thousand foot drop into the river below on the other. Once past this treacherous section the path widened again and turned back inland. The path then lead into the trees as the sun was starting to set. Beyond the trees stood a another wall of rock that disappeared into the mist where the Monks temple was surely to be found.

-----------

The Pineappleman motioned to Kandu—"That is where we are headed—about another thousand feet up and we should be at the Temple of the Monks".

Kandu –replied" Then maybe we should camp here tonight and make our ascension in the morning when it is light. ---the sky turns to darkness as we speak."

"We don't camp—Tell the men to get something to eat and a short rest –but I feel that we need to get to the Temple tonight. I will go ahead and scout what lay ahead."

Kandu placed his hand on the Pineappleman's shoulder. "You rest I'll scout ahead."

Searching for Monks (03/25/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

They slowly made their way up the footpath that lead into the mountains. The Monks were mysterious. They were feared because they choose to live at the far end of the the unknown regions. Little was known about them--when on rare occasion they traveled into the civilized lands they usually kept to themselves. There were whispered rumors about what they were really up to in those misty mountain temples. Their motives for killing the Fat Man's nephew and stealing the key were unknown. The Pineappleman wasn't sure what the key was for -but as desperately as the Fat Man wanted it and the fact that the Monks were willing to come out of the mountains and kill for it ---it must be something special.

Searching for Monks (03/20/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

They continued downriver.

Kandu spoke to the Pineappleman "We will find this friend of yours—I'm sure of it."

"The Fat Man is going to pay for this" the Pineappleman replied.

"Worry about him later –concentrate on the task at hand" Kandu said in a calming voice then added "At the pace we have been going we should catch up with your friends group soon—if they are still on the river."

-------

They headed further downriver—passing strange statues posted at river's edge—warnings between tribes that they were entering new territory. No one had bothered them however—maybe word had spread that their boat brought trouble with it. Many more days passed. Then they entered a narrow section of the river—that was between large cliff walls. Around the bend lay a small beach where they spotted a boat similar to their own docked along the river's edge –tied off to a large tree. The negotiable river ended here for around a few more bends lay a 300 Foot waterfall that lead into more unknown territory.

---------



"Pack up –gentlemen---We are on foot from here" The Pineappleman hollered.

---------



They all disembarked—and after briefly checking out the other boat they began to head inland. They followed a heavily worn footpath through the jungle up a steep slope that headed into the mountains. They began their trek toward the mysterious Temple of the Monks.

Searching for Monks (03/16/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

They arrived back at the banks of the river. The boat with the rest of his men was arriving just as he caught up with Kandu and the freed captives. They had come back when they had seen the fires burning in the camp. With the help of the men they quickly salvaged one of the boats on the shoreline. Mona had foolishly gone after her husband when he had been sent downriver. Her brother unable to stop her did all that he could to help keep her safe –and it had cost him his life. He paid several of the men and order them to take Mona and the freed captives back to civilization. As the boat was about to head out

Mona came running over to him. "Find him" She yelled tears pouring out of her eyes. "Find him and keep him safe".



"I will" The Pineappleman said "I will"

Dinner has been cancelled (03/12/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

Kandu pulled the still breathing Warrior off of the Pineappleman tossing him to the ground.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

The Pineappleman wiping the bloody nick on his neck and rasped "I think so"



He reached over and grabbed his machete up out of the dirt. Turned back to the warrior that lay gasping on the ground ---blood pouring out of the hole in his chest. The Pineappleman picked up his machete from the ground and chopped into the back of the Warriors neck—nearly severing his head. He wiped off the blade on a piece of cloth from the table then walked over and starting cutting free the remaining captives.



"Let's get the hell out of here" he said.

Kandu picked the still sobbing Mona and tossed her over his shoulder and headed out of the camp with the captives trailing behind him. The eyes of the cannibal women and children –peering out at them from the tree line. –The Pineappleman remained behind---he dragged over the bodies of the killed captives over to the fire—including Mona's brother. Then he grabbed some torches and walked around the camp lighting all the dwellings on fire. As the last hut burst into flames he turned to the tree line and yelled out loud "Dinner has been cancelled"

Dinner has been cancelled (03/10/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

The battle raged on between the Pineappleman and the Warrior. Knife and machete—clashing over and over again. Neither man gaining the advantage—each straining with every muscle to not give any ground. Then out of the corner of his eye the Pineappleman saw Mona dashing over to her dead brother. The Warrior saw this as well and found the point of weakness he had been looking for. The Warrior turned and ran toward the girl---The Pineappleman quickly reacted and raced in that direction as well. –The Warrior leapt into the air with his knife held firmly in both hands. The Pineappleman slide to the ground in front of him at just the point before the Warriors blade would have struck Mona. Their blades connected once more –the strength of the blow sending both blades into the air and both their bodies into a pile on the ground. They rolled around in front of Mona—punched each other—then the warrior used his weight and height advantage to pin the Pineappleman to the ground. With him pinned he tried to choke the Pineappleman –but the Pineappleman used all his strength to hold him off. The Warrior then reached over and grabbed his knife where it lay on the ground and slowly began to lower the knife towards the Pineappleman's throat. Inching closer and closer by the second he was overpowering the Pineappleman. The blade began to touch the Pineappleman's throat drawing blood—then all of a sudden the Warriors strength gave out and the Pineappleman was able to push his grip away ever so slightly. Then blood began to drip from the Warrior's mouth and into the Pineappleman's face. With a downward thrust of his sword Kandu had driven his large blade straight into the Warriors back and the blade now protruded from his chest nearly skewering the Pineappleman as well.

Dinner has been cancelled (03/06/2007)

F

rom the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

He hurried over to the line of captives to confront the large Bald Warrior with the knife. He arrived a second too late as the Warriors knife buried itself deeply into another throat. Blood poured from the wound the captive died instantly. To his horror it was the man he had recognized ----Mona's brother Nat. He could hear her screaming in the distance as she had clearly witnessed the death as well. The scream drew the Warriors attention to the Pineappleman –The Warrior turned to meet him---blood from Nat's neck still dripping from the knife's blade. The Warrior licked the blood from the blade and smiled at the Pineappleman in anticipation. The Pineappleman was in a rage now –as he leapt at the Warrior with his machete. The Warrior –with cat like quickness dodged his wild swing and then stabbed back at the Pineappleman with his knife barely missing flesh. The next wild swing from the Pineappleman was meet with equal force by the Warrior's knife -sending sparks flying from the blades intersection. The two men circled each other trying to gain the advantage—it seemed the Pinappleman may have finally meet his match

Dinner has been Cancelled (03/03/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

He hurried over to the line of captives to confront the large Bald Warrior with the knife. He arrived a second too late as the Warriors knife buried itself deeply into another throat. Blood poured from the wound the captive died instantly. To his horror it was the man he had recognized ----Mona's brother Nat. He could hear her screaming in the distance as she had clearly witnessed the death as well. The scream drew the Warriors attention to the Pineappleman –The Warrior turned to meet him---blood from Nat's neck still dripping from the knife's blade. The Warrior licked the blood from the blade and smiled at the Pineappleman in anticipation. The Pineappleman was in a rage now –as he leapt at the Warrior with his machete. The Warrior –with cat like quickness dodged his wild swing and then stabbed back at the Pineappleman with his knife barely missing flesh. The next wild swing from the Pineappleman was meet with equal force by the Warrior's knife -sending sparks flying from the blades intersection. The two men circled each other trying to gain the advantage—it seemed the Pinappleman may have finally meet his match

Downriver (2/27/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

Distracted by the sight the prisoners having their necks slit –he briefly had let down his guard and a spear thrust slashed into his side grazing his ribcage and staggering him. He grabbed the spear away from the warrior tossing it into the fire. Then he grabbed the warrior by the neck with his free hand and he flung the warrior into the flames as well. Two other warriors quickly grabbed the Pineappleman forcing him back towards the wall of flames –the machete dropping from his hand. They began to pummel him with punches to his already hurt ribs and he fell to the ground under their onslaught –his face inches from the burning flames. Then two shots rang out just as the warriors were about to descend on him again and they fell to the ground on either side of him. Laying on the ground with his gun in her hand was Mona. He smiled at her briefly then grabbing his machete threw it directly over her head and into the chest of a large warrior that was about to put a spear right through her skull. She screamed as the warrior fell backward to the ground a gaping wound in his sternum. The Pineappleman ran over past her placed his foot on the man's chest and forced the machete back out again. Kandu had joined them having scared off the remaining warriors on his end with his precise rifle work. He hadn't even had to unsheathe the large sword he carried strapped to his back.

-------

"Keep her safe" the Pineappleman yelled as he ran off in the direction of the dwindling line of captives whose blood was still being spilled.

Downriver (2/23/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

Kandu followed the Pineappleman's path and landed right behind him. Quickly he cut the ropes that bound Mona to the long pole. As he looked up the Pineappleman was holding back the first wave of warriors that had cleared the corners of the big feasting table. Leaving the girl on the ground between them he turned to face warriors that were coming around the other side of the fire pit.

---

The Pineappleman was swinging his machete with lightning speed –chopping off the tips of the spears as they were jabbed at him by the increasing number of warriors. As the crowd grew closer the machete began to tear into flesh and bone as well. Behind him he could hear a rapid series of rifle shots as Kandu picked off the warriors from the other side. As he continued to hold the group at bay he noticed to his horror that beyond them the ceremony was still going on as a warrior with a large knife began to decapitate the line of men one by one as if there was no battle going on The men just sat there in the kneeling position not even attempting escape --they must have been heavily drugged –he guessed.

Downriver (2/21/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

As soon as the name left his lips –he turned to Kandu and said "Whatever happens to me get the girl back safely to civilization"


"What are you going to Do?" Kandu said


"Save as many of them as I can" The Pineappleman said as he turned and ran like a flash out from behind the cover of the rocks. He ran down the little embankment toward the fire leaping off a large boulder directly into the path of the warriors that were carrying the spit with Mona tied to it. With quick slashes from his machete he chopped off the hands of the warriors carrying the spit dropping Mona still attached to the pole to the ground. The dancers scattered for cover. The chief roared with disapproval and stood up from his seat. The Pineappleman quickly fired his pistol sending a bullet directly into the chief's silencing him forever. The other Cannibals were sent into a fury---dropping their charred human flesh appetizers that they had been gnawing on and scattered grabbing for their weapons. The two men that had been carrying the poles jumped at him --But he reacted quickly sending them to the ground with bullets to their chests.

Downriver (2/18/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

As they watched from their hiding place –the ceremony began in full. The beating of large drums began and the cannibals began to dance around the fire pit. The Appetizer was taken down from the spit and placed on a long table at the head of the camp where the chief sat. Large knives were used to saw off pieces of meat from the smoking corpse—and then the meat was handed out to the warriors at the table as if it were jerky.

The warriors began to gnaw on the meat—as the dancing at the fire pit progressed to a fevered pace. The Pineappleman visually scanned the camp with his binoculars looking to see if there was any sign of the their prisoners. The drum beats grew more intense—the dancing became more wild. Then he say them---several human forms being dragged out of a tent—there arms and legs bound. They stumbled out as they were prodded forward in front of the chief's table. A naked tribal women danced around the men a fierce dance filled with rage. She placed her hands into a bowl of blood that lay on the table which was handed to her by the chief. She approached each of the men placing her hand across their foreheads leaving a bloody mark.



The Pineappleman tensed up all of a sudden as several more men were dragged out for presentation. "I know that man" He whispered to Kandu. "It isn't the man we are looking for but I know him---This is really bad" And just then he saw her. Being carried out of the tent—her arms and legs bound and tied to a spit. "Mona??" he said with a shocked look on his face

Downriver (02/12/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern



As they made their way through the foliage the sun was beginning to set behind the hillside. The stench of charred human flesh grew stronger---it was a distinctive smell and unfortunately it was a smell that they were both familiar with. Cannibalism was still very common in the uncharted regions such as this. Civilization was slow to move into some areas and the Wild lands were definitely uncivilized. They passed a statue that was covered in fresh blood a warning to other tribes that this was their territory and that if one was to enter that their blood would be spilled as well. As they continued –there were more warnings human skins draped over large tree branches –decorated skulls hung from strings over the small branches. This was a terrible place to be headed. They reached an area with several large boulders just outside the camp----They hunkered down behind the boulders and used them for cover—which allowed them to peer out at the encampment which was just beginning its feast celebration. The sun had now fallen behind the hills and the only light was that of the large campfire in the middle of the the camp. Over the large fire was a large spit –that held the remains of a man ---his face twisted in pain slowly roasting above the flames. The first victim of the celebration –for they liked to have something to chew on for when the full ceremony began at sunset. The first victim was usually cooked while still alive with his skin intact—Arms and legs cut from his body.

Downriver (2/11/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

The Pineappleman and Kandu--paddled across the river to the other side as the boat with the men headed -back upriver again. They crept out of the small canoe-like boat and pulled it up onto the shore covering it with foliage to try and hide it from prying eyes in case they needed it to escape.

Kandu asked "Why did you send the boat and the rest of the men back upriver?"

The Pineappleman "The eyes that had been watching us -took off about an hour ago --probably to warn them of an approaching boat --so they will be waiting for a boat full of men and they won't be expecting just 2 men on foo coming out of the jungle. Once their spotters back upriver see the boat heading away they will be completely unprepared for what i have planned".

"And what exactly do --you have planned?" Kandu asked.

"I haven't figured that part out yet---but i always come up with something" The Pineappleman said with a smile.

"I've heard the legends of your exploits Pineappleman. I just don't want to be in the story where your legend ends" Kandu said with a concerned look.

"Trust me!! " the Pineappleman said as he took his machete out of his belt and quietly started their way through the dense jungle toward the smell of the cannibal camp.

Downriver (2/08/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

He signaled for them to pull the boat over to the far shore. They tied the boat off to a tree on the river banks. They could now see the plume of smoke drifting into the air further downriver around the next bend.



"It look like one of the Cannibal tribes is having a feast" Kandu said "That is the smell of burning flesh"



The Pineappleman just nodded in agreement and then stated matter of factly

"I need to see if they have captured the people we are looking for---they were heading further downriver—but they may have been captured---And if they have and any are still alive --I need to save them."



"That could be nasty business—confronting cannibals while they are mid –celebration?" Kandu said



The Pineappleman answered "I know—but if they have my friend ---I will not let him die chasing after something I was hired to do myself"



"I understand" Kandu said then added "Their have been eye watching us for the last few miles----What do you want to do about the boat?"



The Pineappleman said " Send the men and the boat back upriver a safe distance to wait for us----We will send them a signal once we determine what the cannibals have cooking"

Downriver (02/06/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

They continued downriver for several more days without incident. But the further they traveled the more on edge the men became. They could feel the hard stares of eyes watching them from the overgrown jungle foliage that lined the banks of the river. The river quickened up ahead as they entered a section of rapids. The Pineappleman fought to keep the boat in the middle of the river and away from the jagged rocks where piece of previous travelers gear lay strewn about the rocks. They had failed to find whatever had brought them downriver--but The Pineappleman was not going to fail in his mission. Once clear of the rapids the river widened again settling down. Kandu---approached the front of the boat and stood beside the Pineappleman.

Kandu spoke " Something is waiting for us up ahead --trouble I feel"

The Pineappleman handed the helm over to one of the men unholstered his gun and stood at the bow of the boat.

"Slow us down" he commanded. "There is danger ahead"

Kandu asked " You smell it too then"

Pineappleman "Yes ----death lies ahead"

Downriver (2/03/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann  --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

They made their way downriver--following the meandering curves of the river.  For 5 days they kept chugging along --day and night piloting the boat in shifts--trying desperately to make up the lost time of the party they were looking for.   The Pineappleman was resting when Max woke him up.   "We are now entering into the Wild Lands --I thought you would want to be awake".

The Pineappleman -was slow to rise still feeling the leftover effects of the poison that had been is his system. He staggered up to the front of the boat.   They were passing the Enoc Totems --The signpost that your were leaving the civilized world.   The Enoc were a peace loving tribe that often came upriver to barter their crops with the villages along the river.  Though peaceful in nature they had many warriors to protect from attacks.  They were the last outpost before you headed into a dangerous region called the Wild Lands.  Downriver from here lay the unknown.---Rumors of cannibals, certain death and the mysterious rarely seen clan of  Molek Monks.  Enoc children --lines the riverbank waving at the boat as it passed.    The chief stood at the end of this line and just shook his head at the Pineappleman as the boat went past. 

The Pineappleman turned to Max  "From here on keep a extra watchful eye ---the chief is saying  there is unrest ahead" 

Downriver (2/01/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

With his bag of supplies flung over his shoulder he headed down towards the river bank. He was greeted by Kandu

"We are ready to go" Kandu said.

The Pineappleman looked questioningly

Kandu responded " They were the best I could find on such short notice"

The Pineappleman nodded and threw his bag onto the deck on the boat. "Let's head downriver" he yelled to his small crew as he stepped onto the boat. He walked to the head of the ship and took the helm from the crewman that was readying the ship to leave. Kandu commanded the workers to release the ropes holding the craft to the dock and they were on their way.

The Girl (1/25/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

The Pineappleman buttoned up his shirt and started packing up his things. The girl lay face down on the bed naked on the bed with her hands under her chin-staring at him as he got ready to leave. "I wish you didn't have to go" She said.

He didn't answer--as he continued to pack---strapping his gun to his side --his machete in its slot on his belt. He walked over to the nightstand and left her several gold coins. "I'm no your whore" she exclaimed. He walked over and kissed her on the forehead. "For the Dress" he said. She smiled as he walked away. "I love you " she called out after him. He smiled and then shut the door .

A look of deep concern crossed her face as she heard his footsteps disappear down the hall.

The Girl (1/22/2007)

From the writing of Nalla Mann --Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

She entered his cheap little motel room—slowly making her way across the stone floor. Tossing her long flowing blond hair back from her shoulders. Her breasts heaving against her tightly fitted dress. He sat at the foot of his bed cleaning and sharpening his machete.

She said "I'm so glad your still alive—I feared the worst—when they sent Max downriver -I assumed you were dead"

The Pineappleman answered "I'm going after them –the Fat Man can't be trusted I fear Max is in trouble and I still don't have what I need"

"When are you leaving" she asked

" In two and a half hours" he replied.

She leaned over him revealing more of her ample cleavage . "Then how much time do we have together?"

"Enough" he said. –Taking the tip of his machete and ripping the buttons straight off the front of her dress exposing her breasts


"Hey my dress" she exclaimed. "I'll buy you a new one" He said as he pulled her down on top of him –kissing her breasts. She moaned as the fell onto the bed together.

The Bloody Nall Tavern (1/20/2007)

From the Writings of Nalla Mann -Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

He entered the Bloody Nall Tavern which lay on the outskirts of town--over a mile away from the Fat Man's palace. He surveyed the occupants with a watchful eye before sitting at the bar. He ordered a bottle of whiskey-poured himself a tall shot and downed it. "Nalla" he said--"I need to organize a tough group of me that I can Trust -----I'm going after Max"

"Tough is one thing. Trust is another" I told him I scribbled a few names down on a sheet of paper. I pointed out a tall dark skinned man at the back of the room and told him "You may want to start with him---names Kandu --he is the only one on the list you can absolutely trust --He's a Cannin"

The Pineappleman grabbed the bottle of whiskey --leaving behind a gold coin and headed to towards Kandu. Eyes followed his path across the bar. Without asking he sat himself down at the table and handed Kandu the bottle. Then he addressed him "I need a few good men for a dangerous journey downriver. I can pay a good wage--I hear you might be interested."

Kandu poured himself a drink from the bottle and downed a shot. He leaned back in his chair smiling. "Straight to the point -I like it! Your the Pineappleman aren't you?"

The Pineappleman responded pouring himself another shot. "That's what some people call me "

Kandu "I've heard many of the stories about you. I hear you can't be harmed--but from that bruise on your head I'd say that must be an exaggeration" He paused for a moment to consider the offer. "I will help you Pineappleman -when do we leave?'

Pineappleman said as he stood up from the table "3 hours - be at the docks at 4 and gather together as many good men as you can---i have an errand to run first"

A Lucky Break (1/17/2007)

From the Writings of Nalla Mann -Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

Pineappleman: 'Where are my things"

Fat Man: "In the bottom drawer next to the bed"

The Pineappleman starting gathering up his stuff and starting to get dressed.

Fat Man: "Where do you think you are going? You still haven't fully recovered"

Pineappleman " I still have a job to otherwise you couldn't have kept me alive. Where is my machete?"

Fat Man " At the guard station. I didn't want you waking up and slashing people to bits accidentally before you heard me out."

The Fat Man paused as the Pinappleman gave him a long hard look --then continued "The key was taken by the monks--they butchered my nephew and were last seen headed up river. I already sent my son and your pal Max after them"

Pineappleman: "You dragged Max into this?"

Fat Man "With you so near death --he was the next best option"

Pineappleman: "If something happens to Tom it will be your head. How much of a head start do they have?"

Fat Man: "Four days"

The Pineappleman strapped his gun holster around his waist and headed for the door looking back over his shoulder as he left the room. "When I return with the key--you better have what you promised"

A Lucky Break (1/09/2007)

From the Writings of Nalla Mann -Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

The Fat Man said "Ah yes the White Ghosts. You were lucky you were found when you were--if the cure for the poison hadn't been administered when it was you would be dead now--you have been in recovery for over a week".

The Pineappleman just grimaced as he tried to move in the bed. The Fat Man continued "I'm assuming you lost all your men and the cargo?"

The Pineappleman sneered and spoke "Yes -but you know that already don't you."

The Fat Man said "I'm disappointed---I had heard you were the best"

The Pineappleman responded "I am the best! Unfortunately the amateurs you sent with me were not"

The Fat Man snapped back "One of those amateurs you speak of was my nephew"

The Pineappleman said " Oh Yeah--he was the one that lead us into a trap and then split with the key --Your lucky I didn't kill him"

A deep frown came over the Fat Man's face.

The Pineappleman said " So he didn't make it back either then?"

The Fat Man answered with sorrow " He ran into a diversion of his own"

A Lucky Break (01/05/2006)

From the Writings of Nalla Mann -Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

He awoke in an opulently decorated bedroom. The walls were of white marble the bedposts were made of solid gold. Out of the corner of his eye he watched as a scantily clad chamber maid ran out the doorway.

He yelled for her to wait. Then he heard footsteps from the other end of the room. A rough male voice clearing his throat. "Have a nice Nap?" The gruff voice said.

The Pineappleman turned to see a short overweight man dressed all in white. The Fat Man people called him.

The Pineappleman still groggy answered " The last thing I remember was falling of the face of a waterfall"

The Fat Man laughed" Yes quite a fall"

Rubbing a bruise on his forehead the Pineappleman said "i wouldn't recommend it"

The Fat Man paced back and forth in front of the bed then asked What happened?"

The Pineappleman said " I ran into a little diversion"

A Lucky Break (1/03/2006)

From the writings of Nalla Mann--Bartender of the Bloody Nall Tavern

He rolled onto his side the dart digging into his shoulder blade. Blood running down his back. Trying to get his footing on the outcropping he slipped falling back into the path of the water--He reached out with all his strength grabbing for a hold on the cliff face. He hung to the side of the cliff. Fingernails scratching into the stone trying desperately to get a better hold on the slick rocks as water fell on both sides of him. He held on for as long as he could but the poison from the dart in his shoulder was weakening him. His fingers lost their grip for just an instant and he plummeted into the water below