The Old Man Of The Flocks

"Astra castra, gnomen lumen."

I was sitting outside my tent, under a starry sky. All was silent and serene in the hot April night. As was my wont, I idly gazed around the purpling night scene enjoying the luxury of absolute solitude out here in Sirohi, on the southern border of Rajasthan.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a shadowy figure made its presence felt.