September 1817. Lakshmi, a Bhonsle princess and bride of the Maharaja of Satara, travels to Satara for the pathavani or consummation ceremony, but at the crossing of the Dudna, an attack by the dreaded Pindaris threatens to overwhelm her escort. Approaching the same crossing with his Rajput cavalry, Captain Robert (Robbie) MacKenzie of the Poona Subsidiary Force comes upon the action and observes Lakshmi, lance in hand, fighting to defend her caravan. He admires ...
