The Boatman Series (7) – The Boatman and the Tale of the Moneylender

Starless winter night, the cold, dark waters - the stench of smouldering ashes in the atmosphere; the pungent reek of the bloody and the bloodier, greet the Moneylender when he returns to the harbour - asking, "How now, Boatman, is that you by the pillar?" - and nears him to examine his countenance clearer -…

The Boatman Series (6) – The Boatman and the return of the Traveller

Starless winter night, the cold, dark waters, the Boatman comes home in the midnight hour; upon entering senses the presence something sinister, as the faint smell of smoke suggests a late night visitor. Suddenly, he feels a hand upon his shoulder jumping in alarm as he lays eyes on the solitary smoker - though he…

The Boatman Series (5) – The Boatman and the Reminder

Starless winter night, the cold dark waters... the Boatman and the silent tales of the harbour... are mere dreams now, that will not cease to recur, even as he embarks on a new life away from the mire leaving behind a fretful ferryman, and a sorry sailor. How stories can change life, he reflects over…

The Pirate and the Damsel (1)

He was a pirate and she a damsel in distress - rescued from a long lost island and marital duress. An amorous, ardent affair ensued beneath the moonless skies, and through the cover of darkness, even the stars dared not peep their eyes! Morning came and shone like nature's floodlight over their notoriety; gone was…