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Fortress of the Golden Dragon
A Persian Tale Inspired by the Shah-Nameh
by: Homa A. Garemani

“She picked up the apple and cleaned it with the sleeve of her gown. She bit into it, breaking the apple into halves. A tiny white worm was inside. As she gently removed it she heard, “If you keep me in your box, I will make you weave fast like the wind.”

     The impoverished maiden Allusin discovers a magical worm that enables her to weave so quickly that she brings great wealth and prestige to her family. As the worm grows in size, the idyllic village of Kolallan and the wealth of its friendly inhabitants also expand. The changes attract deception and corruption into their midst, and the simple villagers must battle for the soul of their community.

     The weaver-girl becomes a captive of her greedy father, the little worm turns into a three-headed dragon, and the town falls under the spell of a wicked priest. The village becomes a fortress as its people begin to distrust each other. The forces of good battling the darkness are represented by the innocent maiden, an old wizard man, a dog named for a magic star, and a prince destined for greatness at birth. Will Allusin’s great love, the young warrior prince, triumph over the obstacles he must overcome, set free his imprisoned sweetheart, and save the town?

     Fortress of the Golden Dragon is a classic tale inspired by the tenth-century Iranian epic, the Shah-Nameh (Book of Kings.) The author is Iranian-born poet and translator Homa Garemani, who has written a story with symbolic power in the tradition of the world’s great epics. As such, it will delight children and parents alike with its themes of courage, wisdom, and mercy.

        
January 2005 • Fiction • ISBN 1-57174-418-5 • Trade paper • $14.95