The Poison Pie Publishing House presents:

December 1, 2025
Ben-Yassib halted the unit when a scout alerted him to the presence of an enemy encampment down river, little more than an hour march ahead. The troops spent a vigilant night, wary of an ambush, while the behemoth indulged in a lengthy, nocturnal bath. In the chill air before dawn, Melite's suspicions were confirmed for they first had her bring the beast ashore to be outfitted in its armor before ordering her to don her own. After Obodas tightened the straps on her cuirass, Rabbas, much to her astonishment, handed her a straight, double-edged short sword sheathed in a wooden scabbard.

written while listening to:  SOON: Roberto Soggetti, Giulio Corini & Emanuele Maniscalco - Something Out Of Nothing (Caligola, 2240, 2018, Italy, cd, discogs.com)

December 2, 2025
As Melite rode upon the back of Theopompos down the Yarden River to battle, she thought to herself, "If they expect me to draw this sword, they are dearly mistaken!" Rarely had someone of a disposition so utterly antithetical to the martial calling been summoned to war. She resisted the urge to discreetly allow the weapon to slip from her belt into the river. The bottom lip of the bronze chest plate chafed against her stomach causing her to sit up perfectly straight. From the bank, the marching soldiers mistook her erect posture for resolute mettle in the face of the imminent fray.

written while listening to:  Guillaume Gargaud & Patrice Grente - Grente Gargaud (Fiasco Records, no catalog #, 2016, France, cd ep, discogs.com)

December 3, 2025
Rabbas and Obodas disrobed and slipped into the water. Ten men followed them, as they began to swim downstream. Those left on land, including the general, veered away from the river. Before long, Melite smelled smoke from a cooking fire and heard the bustle of activity in the enemy camp. Obodas approached the side of the behemoth with the intent of grabbing her as before to lead the beast ashore. However, she indicated with a wave that no abduction would be necessary. She was perfectly capable of making her wishes known.

written while listening to:  Magda Mayas, Koen Nutters, Morten Olsen & Carlos Galvez - It's Dirty in the Different Tradition (FMR Records, FMR CD173-i0505, 2005, United Kingdom, cd, discogs.com)

December 4, 2025
The amphibious unit waited low in the water, hidden by the steep bank. An alarm was raised in the enemy encampment, for the forces of General Ben-Yassib had been spotted by a sentry on the far side of the base. At a silent signal, the dozen men crept onto land and drew their swords. Auntie Ibis gave a call of danger, to which the behemoth responded by rapidly swimming to shore and ascending the bank. There he found an arrangement of tents and a pair of wagons, several wild donkeys and the backs of men running in the opposite direction.

written while listening to:  Derek Bailey & Simon H. Fell - At Sound 323, sides C & D (Confront, CORE 03LP, 2023 (rec. 2001), United Kingdom, lpx2, discogs.com)