The sights and smells of the small market were intoxicating. The constant chatter of humans mixed with the sounds of caged animals. Xao Ling dragged him along. 'Here,' he pointed. An old woman sat surrounded by pots of powders and liquids. Her skin was a patchwork of wrinkles, her eyes half-closed slits, her hair was … Continue reading MARKET TRADE
At last a sign that someone was looking for me. I managed to wave my red jacket in the air before I was pulled to the ground. Was it enough for the search plane to see me? It continued flying and disappeared beyond the horizon. Three weeks I've been held now, without explanation. The ropes … Continue reading OUTPOST
Fabrizzio heaved the extra crate onto the roof and tied it down, next to his regular cargo of fresh seafood. Tourists had already begun to emerge into the Venetian dawn, among the bustle of barges delivering and collecting goods along the canal. He motored slowly along the narrow passages until he emerged into the lagoon. … Continue reading NO QUESTIONS ASKED
A STORY OF LONGING FOR LISBON Francisco watched with horror as the landing boats moved away from shore without them. Now they were stranded. This was how it was to end for the Great Dom Francisco? After all that he had been through in the name of Portugal, he was to be struck down by … Continue reading L IS FOR LISBON, PORTUGAL
They carried him over their heads, then strapped him down to the ceremonial rock they had spent the last six months carving out of the rocks and boulders. The sun broke through the dark storm sky, a fiery red glow lit the scene, reflecting their anger. Obafemi raised his chisel over the simpering man. He … Continue reading CARVED IN BLOOD
