Gentleman of Fortune

Dear Journal,

It had been about a week since we last encountered any signs of civilization, and our supplies had begun to dwindle. Fountunately, John knew of a nearby island whose inhabitants lived almost entirely in treehouses. Despite its wild description, the town is of good size and rather prosperous. it is, no doubt, the ideal place to restock our inventory. Upon arriving, I set out to gather the necessary items and gain a much-needed chance to stretch my poor aching legs. Just as I purchased the last item on my list and was returning back to the boat, I happened upon, dear journal, the same blighter who had so wrongfully cast me into prison some three weeks ago. The scallawag instantly recognized me, and we stood staring for but a moment, then I hollered while raising my staff, "You scoundrel!" with that declaration, he turned to flee. However, before he could make his escape to spy on me again, my now-awakened legs overtook him and in my anger I swatted him to the ground with my maple staff. All my anger turned to surprise when he rolled over and drew a Winterfield Tri-shot pistol, more than a match for my humble stick. A sinister grin spread across his face. "Kindly lower your branch Master Zenas..."

I wasn't going to back down now. With my staff still raised I replied, "One move and I'll knock you senseless, I know what you're up to!" Our actions had drawn a considerable crowd at this point, and a blue-clad trooper ran up to our stalemate. "All right you hoods! I don't know what you're brawling about, but this is a peaceful town and you better clear out or I'll send the hounds on you!"

At the thought of that prospect we both simultaneously withdrew our weapons. But I wasn't about to lose him now and as he rose, I proposed a challenge, "The officer is right, we should settle this in a more civilized manner." My adversary seemed curious as he cocked his eyebrow. "What do you propose?"

"How about a match of chess?" I gestured to a nearby table with the game set up. "The loser must let the other go in peace." "A battle of wits then? Agreed!" We both sat down to play and I began to ask careful questions as we moved our pieces across the board. "You know, I never got your name. Though you seem to know mine well enough." "The name is Phillip Hamwich." "I see, and who do you work for?" "Aha! straight to the point you are! I work for... Uh, erm... A Gentleman of Fortune." "And why would you want to follow me?" "Because, Master Zenas, you too are a gentleman of fortune, a very large fortune indeed." Well it's unfortunate that your employer didn't hire a better chess player, because it seems you won't be following me anymore." With that last statement I placed the last piece in position for the checkmate. Hamwich gasped and I laughed heartily. "In all honesty, Hamwich, I won't miss your company. I hope you have a pleasant journey back to where you came from!"

Hamwich rose from the table with a malicious grin. "Sorry, Master Zenas, I too am a gentleman of fortune, and I don't play by the rules!"

I rose from the table disgusted at the odious liar before me. "So you have no intention of letting me be?" "Not with the Treasure of Bolas Ramson at stake!" No sooner had these words left his mouth when a shadow fell uopn the marketplace and swooped over our previously sunny tablespace. "Climb aboard Zenas!" Without hesitation, and with much relief, I did as John asked and clambered onto our little craft from a rope that dangled beneath. "Glad I got you out of there Zenas! That was Phil Hamwich, a well-known smuggler and thief. I have run into him a few times before." "I fear we shall run into him a few more times." I replied solemly. "Not so Zenas! I cut his boat lose a half hour ago! We won't see him again for months!"

 

I shall write again later, dear journal. Until then!

 

~Zenas Abbington

 

Also, don't forget to check out my LEGO Ideas Project! ideas.lego.com/projects/141919

 

Done