Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sonia A. Nazarian
THE FORBIDDEN
LOCKET
PART ONE
THE SPIRITS JOURNEY
Contents
CHAPTER I
THE TRAP
CHAPTER II
THE REVELATION
CHAPTER III
MYSTERIOUS PRESENCES
CHAPTER IV
ZARBOS ATTEMPT
CHAPTER V
CRUMBLING DREAMS
CHAPTER VI
GAOUROS TALE
CHAPTERVII
THE PRIVILEGED GUEST?
CHAPTER VIII
VARENTADS CLAIM
CHAPTER IX
HURDLES ON THE PATH
CHAPTER X
MEETING ARTIMIZ
CHAPTER XI
DECISIONS AND A SECRET
CHAPTER XII
INTRICATE DESIGNS
CHAPTER XIII
SANASSUNS PREPARATIONS
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CHAPTER I
THE TRAP
In a small canton of Daron, long in the days of yore, there
lived a large family by the name of Ashkan. Their home was
an ever-extending farm ranch and their lands, like a vast,
thriving glade were always surrounded by the peaceful
serenity of the ancient woods. The heads of the household, old
Melik Ashkan and his kind wife of sixty years, Sarbie had
been blessed with six sons and six daughters, who in their
turn, were married with children of their own. It was one of
those fortunate families that would have and enjoy all the
goodness that the capricious life sometimes complies to
provide. They had fields of corn, wheat and cotton that
stretched to the bounds of vision, and in harvest time they
gleamed like oceans of gold and silver under the shimmering
sun. There were plantations of vegetables and endless rows of
trees, whose sweet ripe fruits, in autumn time, satisfied even
the most fastidious of palates to the fullest. Their pets; the
dogs, the cats and the rabbits ran freely everywhere, but the
livestock; the cows, the sheep, the oxen and the goats had
their own spacious grounds to graze. The fowls too enjoyed
their grand castle: an enormous poultry house that was built
alongside the ranch, and from almost every corner of the
house enchanting songs of nightingales, living in silver-coated
cages, were heard. There was a beautiful herd of Arabian
horses as well and even couple of already domesticated deer,
which Meliks younger grandchildren had implored him to
keep. To the old man all these were nothing but what he
used to call luxurious hobbies, for what truly captivated
his passion was the beloved workshop he had built at one
corner of the large backyard, and where he, along with his
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with a grin. Sarbie slightly shook her head and although made
no reply, concern was reflected on her kind, wrinkly face.
Think of it as a medicinal cure for our sick children,
went on the old man, blowing out smoke from his old pipe.
Now wouldnt you go and get some help yourself, wife,
knowing nothing else could be done? Ill be getting a peace of
mind, not to mention insight not many can acquire. Sarbie
turned and looked at him with discouraged eyes.
But Melik, your health, she uttered softly. It isnt as if
its next door you could just knock and...
My health? he interrupted. Whats wrong with it? Im
as fit as an old stallion; aged but resilient. Ah, he waved off
her concern, you just worry too much, wife, and thats not
good for your health. Ill be exercising comfortably on my
four legged ride, of course occasionally stretching my own,
and I will always be having a great provision, which you, with
your infinite blessing, will prepare for me, he gave with
another charming smile. As for sleeping arrangements
Well, there are always hospitable villages and rustic inns
along the way thatll be glad to host me. Many know and
respect our family as if it was nobility, you know. Besides,
people always welcome those who bear tidings from faraway
places, which are ordinarily scarce to them. Sarbie still
seemed unconvinced.
Tell you what, after expelling another mist of smoke he
resumed in a softer voice, I will take one of our sons with me,
if itll make you feel better, now hows that? Sarbie returned
his smile in her usual graceful way despite herself.
Well, she said with a sigh, all right my old stallion.
But if you arent back before the end of the sixth week the
latest, Ill be coming to get you myself with one of our
daughters, she jested with the same kind of humour she had
reluctantly caught from him over the years. Two days later old
Melik and his elder son took their first steps of the long
journey and returned home even sooner than due time,
bringing with them the wizards wise and shrewd advice,
which was the Ashkans last attempt and hope for a definite
solution to the problem.
Well, Im glad this thing is, at last, over and done with,
you both being safe and sound, I mean, said Sarbie to her
husband after he had had his supper and rested a bit. Still, Im
real curious to know what your wizard friend had to suggest
that we havent tried already.
Uh, youll be real amazed, wife, real amazed, replied
Melik as he finished refilling his beloved pipe. Now you
fancy this, he said, presently lighting up the tobacco and
taking his first puffs back in his own home again. Artimiz
had heard from his great-grandfathers stories that sometimes
young and well, he did not say mischievous but playful
spirits come into our world and ride upon our horses merely
for the fun of it and usually, as you saw yourself, they get
away with it too.
Spirits did you say ? exclaimed Sarbie in utter
disbelief.
Thats exactly what my reaction was, when he first told
me, said the husband.
Bless my wits, uttered Sarbie again with her hand
pressed upon her chest. Dont they have horses of their own
in wherever they come from? she asked, not really sure
whether that was the right question to begin with.
Well I wouldnt know about that, now would I, dear?
answered Melik, somewhat amused by his nave wifes
confused face. He blew yet another big puff from the depth of
his lungs while his fingers fidgeted in the deep pocket of his
short jacket and drew out something of an enigma. Sarbie
squinted at it in inquisitiveness.
What in the world is that? she asked.
It is a choker, he replied. Artimiz gave it to me.
A what?
A choker, wife. Havent you heard of the word? It is
made of plain steel, though its anything but plain.
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