Chapter 24A THE FRENCH ARE COMING,THE FRENCH ARE COMING When word reached Ayutthaya of the arrival of the French Embassy down river at Pak Nam, King Narai entrusted Phaulkon with the responsibility of welcoming the Embassy and instructed him to
Read More
Chapter 23A ROYAL LETTER FROM FRANCE Phaulkon and the Barcalon together entered the king’s chambers and happily announced to the king that the Envoy to France was being made ready to board an English merchant ship at anchor. They confirmed
Read More
Chapter 22CONVERSATIONS WITH A MANDARIN The Barcalon seated in his regal surroundings welcomed William Strangh and his assistants to his chambers. Strangh was taken by surprise. He had not expected that he had to sit upon the floor and look
Read More
Chapter 21CTHE KING’S FAVORITE TAKES HIS STAND “Only doing my duty,” Phaulkon replied politely. “Nothing more, just duty, that’s all.” It took great effort for Phaulkon to remain calm and passive. Potts beamed with satisfaction. Here finally, he thought, was
Read More
Chapter 21BAdmirable-Scary King Louis XIV King Narai told Phaulkon he would give it some thought, then dismissed him and retired to his chamber. He needed time to be alone. He did have a lot on his mind about King Louis
Read More
Chapter 21AEnvoy to France Lost at Sea The baptism should have been a happy affair. Everyone had looked forward to it. For Phaulkon and Marie, especially Marie, it was to be a great event with every detail planned well in
Read More
Chapter 20BHOW MUCH DOES THAT CANNON WEIGH? Early one morning the king called for a meeting in the Assembly Hall for his ministers and court officials. Phaulkon, having recovered from his ordeal from the hunt, was ordered to be there
Read More
Chapter 20AThreats and Safety Marie had her maid Nana move the couch from the bedroom out onto the balcony where Phaulkon could look out over the city while he recovered from his wounds. It was a quiet street with giant
Read More
Chapter 19BThe Southern Threat “I know who you are, Greek,” Mosafat said. “I realized who you were the moment you stood up to me. But you do not remember me?” Phaulkon had to think hard what to say. His subterfuge
Read More
Chapter 19ATHE ELEPHANT HUNT The next morning, as planned, the hunting party assembled at the elephant kraal and here they awaited the first light of dawn. General Phetracha and Prince Sorasak had invited a dozen guests, all neophytes at the
Read More