Travel
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 18
After a fantastic but draining tournament, we had one last official engagement. On the final night, we attended the closing ceremony, which was conveniently held in the cavernous function room at our hotel. This was probably the final time I would get to wear my Australian blazer and was likely the last chance to see many of my opponents. Some teams were even scheduled to depart later that night, straight after the ceremony, so it was definitely the last hurrah.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
The Thief and the Prince – Chapter 3: Peacock
Peacock Morning light broke gently across the forest as Kael and Arin followed a narrow path woven between towering ancient trees. Dew sparkled on the leaves like tiny crystals, and the air was cool enough to sting their lungs. It was the first time since their escape that Kael felt the world breathing again.
By Wings of Time 2 months ago in Chapters
The Thief and the Prince – Chapter 2: Farewell, Paevia
Farewell, Paevia Dawn crept slowly over the kingdom of Althera, painting the sky in faint gold and silver, but the light could not soften what the land had become. Smoke still rose from the lower districts, and the cold wind carried the smell of ashes.
By Wings of Time 2 months ago in Chapters
The Universe Written on a Single Leaf
A philosopher discovered a leaf with veins forming patterns identical to star maps. He spent years studying it, realizing the design wasn’t coincidence but a reminder: the universe is not out there—it is in everything, even the smallest sliver of matter. When the leaf eventually decayed, the philosopher smiled instead of mourning. “Infinity,” he said, “doesn’t disappear. It only changes form.”
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
The Candle That Never Went Out
A candle in a temple burned for centuries without extinguishing. Scholars believed it was engineered by unknown technology. Monks believed it was protected by unseen spirits. Years later, a child noticed that the candle flickered only when someone lied near it, as if the flame reacted to dishonesty. The monks concluded the candle stayed lit because truth — however small — is the most enduring fuel.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
The Cloud That Refused to Rain
A single dark cloud hovered over a drought-stricken village, trembling but refusing to break. People cursed it until they learned the truth: if it rained then, the cracked earth would shatter. So they softened the soil, and only then did the cloud let go. Sometimes restraint is the purest form of care.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 17
One of the most important, yet over looked aspects of cricket is umpiring. Being an umpire is a tough and often thankless job. Spending the whole duration of play on the field, unlike me waiting around for hours before going out and snicking off or leaving one on middle for a blob, takes immense concentration. All while making split second decisions between the lulls in action and also trying to keep the peace. With every decision you can’t please everyone. For example, each appeal shout ends up in either a happy bowler and an angry batsmen or vice versa.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 16
According to the conditions and our tough schedule, we spent a fair amount of time recuperating in our bubble. For some, these periods were spent watching movies or just lounging around. I was very appreciative of the extra sleep time on those mornings and it definitely helped the body recover. Others, who were more active during their downtime, had the gym and pool to keep their heart rate going. This was also a valid past time between visiting the eateries and passing the time until we could visit room 105.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 15
I feel Pakistan is widely misunderstood in the Western world. Although the warnings of terrorism, crime and bombings were coming from the ill informed, it was still clear that security was important for this trip. Regular correspondence from the Australian Federal Police and consular staff on the ground, along with a raft of Pakistani security intelligence had as more informed than those at home on professor google. We were also fortunate, that our arrival was preceded by tours from the Nepalese Men’s and South African Women’s teams.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
