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Chapter 1: The Prophecy of the Golden Cockerel.
Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived an aging King named Dadon. He had once been a mighty warrior, but now his enemies attacked his lands from all sides, and he could no longer defend his realm as he once had. Troubled by these incessant threats, he sought the wisdom of a great astrologer, a powerful sorcerer known to possess mystical knowledge beyond mortal understanding.
One day, the astrologer arrived at the King’s court, bringing with him a |marvelous gift: a golden cockerel|. "This enchanted bird," the astrologer proclaimed, "will serve as your kingdom’s guardian. It will stand atop your palace and warn you of any approaching danger. If it crows, you must prepare for war."
Delighted by the gift, King Dadon promised to reward the astrologer with whatever he desired. The golden cockerel was placed atop the highest tower in the city, and, true to the sorcerer’s word, it remained silent until danger was near. Whenever an enemy approached, the |cockerel would crow and point| its beak toward the direction of the threat, giving the King ample time to prepare his forces. Peace was restored to the kingdom, and Dadon ruled in comfort for many years.
But one fateful night, |the cockerel suddenly crowed loudly|. Dadon was startled, for it had been a long time since the bird had given any warning. Without delay, he sent his eldest son with a mighty army to face the approaching enemy. Yet days passed, and no word came from his son. |The cockerel crowed once more|, and this time Dadon sent his second son. Again, there was silence.
When the |cockerel crowed a third time|, the King himself rode forth to discover the fate of his sons and the nature of the threat that had befallen his land.
Chapter 2: The Mysterious Queen.
After many days of travel, King Dadon reached a distant valley where he beheld a strange sight. His army lay lifeless, and amidst them were his two sons, slain in battle. But no enemy remained on the battlefield. Instead, in the heart of the valley stood a magnificent golden tent, shining |in the sunlight like a mirage|.
With great caution, Dadon approached the tent. To his amazement, a beautiful woman emerged, unlike any he had ever seen. She was the Queen of Shamakha, a land of mystery and wonder. Dressed in silk, adorned with jewels, and radiating an enchanting aura, |she smiled at the King| and greeted him warmly.
The Queen did not explain what had happened to his sons or his army. Instead, she invited Dadon into her tent and entertained him with her songs, dances, and sweet words. The King, despite his grief, found himself captivated by her beauty and charm. He quickly forgot his sorrow and, in a daze, agreed to make the Queen his bride and take her back to his kingdom.
Dadon and the Queen traveled back together, her golden tent carried behind |them in a grand procession|. The King’s heart was light, and he believed he had found happiness again. But the golden cockerel remained silent atop the palace tower, as if sensing an impending doom.
Chapter 3: The Sorcerer’s Demand.
Upon their return, the kingdom celebrated the King’s safe |arrival with his new bride|. Feasts were held, and music filled the air. But as the wedding preparations began, the old astrologer suddenly appeared before Dadon.
"Great King," the sorcerer said, "do you remember your promise? You vowed to grant me any reward I asked for in return for the golden cockerel’s protection. Now, I have come to claim my prize."
Dadon, still enchanted by the Queen, barely remembered his oath. "Speak, old man. What do you desire? Gold? Lands? A high title? Name your reward, and it shall be yours."
But the astrologer shook his head. "None of those things, my King. I ask for something far more valuable: the Queen of Shamakha. She shall be mine."
The King’s face darkened. He had not expected such a demand. His heart burned with jealousy and rage. "You old fool!" he thundered. "How dare you lay claim to my bride? She is mine, and mine alone!"
The astrologer calmly reminded Dadon of his oath, but the King, overcome with fury, raised his scepter and struck the old man down. The astrologer fell lifeless to the ground. A deep silence followed. Then, at that very moment, the golden |cockerel let out a piercing cry|.
Chapter 4: The Wrath of the Golden Cockerel.
As the golden cockerel crowed, a shadow fell over the kingdom. The |earth trembled, and dark clouds| gathered in the sky. The enchanted bird, once the King’s protector, now spread its wings and flew down from its perch.
With blinding speed, the |golden cockerel soared through the air| and landed upon Dadon’s shoulder. Before the King could react, the bird struck him fiercely on the head with its beak. Dadon gasped, staggered, and fell lifeless to the ground.
At that moment, the Queen of Shamakha |let out a strange, melodious laugh|. She stepped forward, her face serene and untouched by sorrow. Without a word, she turned and vanished into the horizon, her golden tent dissolving into mist. No one ever saw her again.
The kingdom, once protected by the golden cockerel, fell into confusion and despair. |The people whispered among themselves|, wondering if the Queen had been an enchantress or a divine punishment sent upon the King for his broken word. But no one dared to speak aloud the full truth.
And so, King Dadon’s reign came to a tragic end, his fate sealed by the very prophecy he had so carelessly ignored. As for the golden cockerel, it flew back to its perch atop the palace tower. But never again did it crow.
Thus ends the tale of the Golden Cockerel, a story of power, betrayal, and fate, where the gifts of magic must always be repaid—one way or another.
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