The Argus Pheasant

In the heat of the Dutch East Indies, the governor‑general of Batavia prowls his opulent cabinet, his temper as sharp as the beak of a ruffled cock. Beneath the polished veneer of colonial administration, the islands simmer with unpaid taxes, failing harvests, and whispers of rebellion. As the governor lashes out at his nervous general, a shadowy figure named Koyala—dubbed the “witch‑woman” by the colonists—lurks behind the turmoil.

Van Schouten becomes fixated on capturing her, believing that the mythical Argus Pheasant’s dazzling feathers could be snared if she falls into his hands. The narrative follows the tangled motives of officials, soldiers, and locals, each pulling the fragile peace in different directions. With vivid descriptions of jungle camps, creaking ships, and the clash of cultures, the story promises a tense, atmospheric glimpse into a world on the brink of upheaval.