I wiped away the imaginary spittle and smiled. I was with Mother in the tent. The caravan had camped for…

Historical fiction mostly, but also some multi-genre stories & anecdotes
I wiped away the imaginary spittle and smiled. I was with Mother in the tent. The caravan had camped for…
Within moments, Old Ayah, who had been with us for a hundred years, ran out. The old coot dragged me…
Now, as I lay in the tent, the caravan having stopped for the night and Mother’s snores keeping me awake,…
Everyone kept saying Madurai, which was about a hundred leagues and several days away. But Uncle’s farm was on the…
Read More 18. Silappatikaram: Adult Games and Drama Children
I wondered why we required an armed escort, for did not our Cholan king’s reputation send even snakes slithering into…
Our servants secreted much coin in their hands in return for carrying letters and news. Unlike the wealthy who wrote…
The days leading to our departure were busy, harried, and filled with confused urgency. A steady queue of tradesmen and…
Read More 15. Silappatikaram: A Child leaves and a Maiden will Return
Overwhelmed with joy by the prospect of a long journey into new lands, the first in my life, I shared…
‘And Kovalan, did he force you too?’ asked Father. I did not wish to blame Kovalan but also could not…
When I returned home, Mother was waiting. ‘So here you are,’ she said. ‘I’ve told you often enough not to…
Read More 12. Silappatikaram: Crocodiles and Inconsiderate Rocks