We read of Maedhoc's mother, a webstress; of Ciaran's mother, with her flax drying on her walls, which caught fire and set the house in flames; […]

Taiwan, like mainland China, lays claim to 53 rocks, shoals and reefs in the South China Sea known as the Spratly Islands. The Spratlys are also claimed by Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam. The claims wouldn’t be taken too seriously except that there is possibly oil under these islands, which has led to the area becoming heavily fortified. The largest islet in the Spratly chain is occupied by Taiwan’s military.

Until I arrived, that was considered tantamount to making a sale a day, but despite my record of successful entrances I always made saleless exits.

[…] he sent on the 22d. Vice-Admiral Rook into it, with several Men of War and Fire-Ships, besides the Boots of the Fleet, to endeavour to destroy them: […]