The Golden Rooster

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The Golden Rooster

Many years ago there lived a Tsar of great renown, a mighty warrior named Dodon undefeatable in battle and feared by any would be enemy. As Dodon became older and tired of countless battles his enemies became bolder. Dodon wanted a rest from constant war and summoned his astrologer for advice. The old astrologer arrives at the court with a golden cockerel under his arm. He told Dodon to place the Cockerel on a pole at the highest point of the land with a clear view of all the surrounding countryside. "The cockerel will protect you mighty Dodon, should there be any threat he will crow aloud," said the astrologer.

Dodon promised the astrologer that if the cockerel warned him of any trouble he would give him much gold and grant him any wish he desired no matter what that wish was. Indeed the cockerel did everything the astrologer said, crowing and turning to the direction of trouble allowing the Tsar's army to surprise and defeat the attackers. One day his general came to wake him. The cockerel was crowing violently. Dodon sent an army headed by his eldest son. His son did not return and the cockerel crowed violently again. This time Dodon sent an army with his youngest son who also did not return.

Dodon himself set out with an army, marching day and night. They eventually came to a valley set between two mountain peaks. His sons and armies lay slaughtered before him, around a silken tent. The Tsar stood grief stricken before the tent when suddenly from within appeared the young Queen Shamakla. Dodon was so taken aback by her beauty he forgot his grief. The Queen took him inside and fed him a delicious meal before leading him to a golden couch. Dodon spent seven glorious days with the queen and took her back to his kingdom. On his return the astrologer greeted the Tsar and reminded Dodon of his promise, Dodon agreed to grant his wish. The astrologer demanded the beautiful Queen Shamakla. In a rage Dodon struck and killed the astrologer where upon the golden cockerel flew down from his perch and with his beak struck the Tsar on the head then flew away. Dodon collapsed and died at the feet of the queen. What happened to the queen of Shamakla? She mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again.

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