← Previous – CH58 – Next → Chapter 34WHAT PRICE LOYALTY Des Farges set up his makeshift camp in Ayutthaya to deal with the crisis and meanwhile he sent a messenger to Louvo to check what was happening at the palace. He was holding
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← Previous – CH57 – Next → Chapter 33THE  LAST STAND By the time Diego and Fanique returned to Louvo with Marie and her son, Phaulkon and his men had departed for the palace to defend the king. Except for the servants the house
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← Previous – CH56 – Next → Chapter 32FAREWELL AYUTTHAYA General Phetracha appeared at Arun temple and met with the chief monk. The monk had received his message and was waiting for him at the entrance. The general was dressed in his finest military
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← Previous – CH55 – Next → Chapter 31POETS NOT SCIENTISTS King Narai agreed to a last-minute audience with the departing French embassy. But first, he summoned Phaulkon to his chambers to show the gift he was sending with the returning embassy to King
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Chapter 30BREAKING POINT One morning, before the heat of day descended upon the city, La Loubere and de Boullay from the French Embassy arrived at Phaulkon’s office at the Royal Palace and disregarding the nobles and officials who waited in
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Chapter 29BBetrayals and Trickery of Colonization It was a colorful and joyful day at the palace when the Siamese envoy, Kosa Pan, the formal Phra Wisut Sunthorn, appeared before King Narai, the royal court, assembled officials and guests. There was
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Chapter 29AGUNSHIPS ON THE MENAM The French fleet arrived in force at the mouth of River Menam, after nearly seven months, on 27 September 1687. There were two men-of-war and four support vessels, with their crews and officers and soldiers.
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Chapter 28BMounting Accusations The short interlude caused Samuel to change his mind. He realized he was in a no-win situation. Besides, he knew Phaulkon was no slacker. He backed off. Without saying a word he picked up his pith helmet
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Chapter 28AFRIENDSHIP LOST Marie was asleep on a couch in the foyer, holding the English Bible in her arms, waiting for news about Phaulkon when she was awakened by the sound of approaching horses in the street. She was thrilled;
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Chapter 27CHead-on Skirmish When Phaulkon, Fanique and his band of Samurais arrived at the river landing, more than sixty Europeans had responded to his call-English and Portuguese sea captains, French gentlemen, interlopers, merchants and seamen. With a flotilla of a
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