About the Author

The author was born in Cairo to Armenian parents, and after

living in Armenia her family moved to Montreal in 1975. She
is married and has a fourteen year old son.
By profession she is a piano teacher with a M. Mus. in
performance, but the passion of writing stories has always
been a constant companion in her life.

The book is dedicated to the loving memory of my mother,

Louise. Also, to my dear husband Alex, and son,
Christopher.

Sonia A. Nazarian

THE FORBIDDEN
LOCKET

PART ONE
THE SPIRITS JOURNEY

Copyright Sonia A. Nazarian (2015)

The right of Sonia A. Nazarian to be identified as author of this
work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and
78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the
publishers.
Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this
publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims
for damages.
A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British
Library.
ISBN 9781785544835 (Paperback)
ISBN 9781785544842 (Hardback)
www.austinmacauley.com
First Published (2015)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LQ

Printed and bound in Great Britain

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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19
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123
142
163
201
225
274
289
308

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
1

sons and grownup grandsons, worked day and night for

endless hours. It was the true blue blacksmiths blood that ran
in their veins for profession.
Their family was also known to be kind and generous
where the less fortunate were concerned. Many travellers
(mostly merchants) passing by were compelled to enjoy
Ashkan hospitality and sometimes, when the journeys were
long and tedious, they were lodged at the house with no
charge. They were quite popular both in business and social
arenas in the canton, for even the king himself occasionally
commissioned Melik for his army.
It was a hectic but happy life, until one day a strange thing
began to happen. A good number of the horses started running
like wild beasts in the fields. Crazed and breathless they
would neigh, jump up and down and jerk their bodies
senselessly for hours at a time, as if trying to shake something
off them. They looked very distressed and even seemed
frightened, much to the nervous and worried eyes of the
Ashkans, for they had never seen or heard anything remotely
resembling. At times the horses stood still, tranquil and
undisturbed by whatever malice was chasing them. But it
would not be long before the mad pursuit would occur again.
It was all too upsetting for the whole family, especially for
Melik, to whom his horses meant almost as much as his own
children, and watching them being tormented helplessly day
after day tormented him even more. No one knew why or
what could be done to relieve the beautiful animals of their
wicked ordeals. Every method known to him, learned from his
sagacious forefathers was tried, but alas, all in vain.
At length, when all resources ran dry and he reached the
end of his tether, Melik decided he had no choice but to seek
the counsel of a very special and knowledgeable friend; a
sorcerer by the name of Artimiz. He will find a way, youll
see, he said to Sarbie on the seventh evening of the unsolved
turmoil. And I shall be back before you even miss me. Five
weeks fly like five days around here, you know, he added

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.
4

Here, take a look at it, he said, passing it to her. We can lock

it, but to unlock it now thats when it gets real tricky. See if
you can spot any keyholes on it. Sarbie examined the
uncanny object carefully and shook her head.
Of course not, went on Melik. It will only obey to my
command; one little spelled word, which he cast on it, he said
then lowered his voice: something he trusted telling only me,
not our son, just to be on the safe side, you know. And then
made me promise to destroy it after its all over. Sarbie gazed
at it again, and then looked at him with wide, wondering eyes.
What is it for anyhow? she shrugged her shoulders.
Well, dont you get it? he said after blowing another
puff. Its for catching my little prey, wife. The story goes that
when this metal touches their bodies, it prevents them from
being invisible any longer. It is as simple as that.
Prey ? You mean a spirit? she hesitated on her own
question. Melik confirmed with a nod as he let loose series of
tiny ringlets without removing the pipes lip from his mouth.
He told me that, for some mysterious reason, only steel
has that effect on them, and many among their elders know of
this and fear it with their lives. But the way I intend to handle
it will outsmart even the cleverest of their kind. It will
reluctantly remain in sight and trapped in this chokers power
until I decide when to release it. Upon the enchanted word it
will unlock itself and render the creature to its former state of
invisibility. Thats how he explained it to me: in short and
simple terms.
Well, bless my wits replied Sarbie, sounding
completely stunned. Youre right, it does get tricky. How
them wizards work is beyond me. But Melik, she turned her
eyes back at him, now Im not trying to outdo or worse,
criticize your friends wisdom or anything goodness knows I
would never go that far but are you sure that what he has
advised you to do is safe? she asked doubtfully. I mean, it all
sounds uh, I dont know too unwholesome for simple folk
like us to
5

Safe? For whom?

Why, for IT of course the spirit ... scrambled Sarbie.
Certainly its safe, wife: I mean to catch it, not kill it,
answered Melik. Though if you think it would see better days
while in my charge and not suffer a hair no, it wont be
spared. But better be them than us, or would you rather have
our animals tortured to death the poor children Just now
again, before coming in, I stood and watched helplessly my
gentle Falcon fly like a mad beast. He kept glimpsing at me
and crying like a baby to save him bringing my eyes to tears
But tomorrow this will all be over: Ill fixem good! he
said in a determined manner as his bitterness manifested in the
intense puffing on his pipe.
A short pause later he shook his white head and a smirk of
some kind emerged on his face.
Never in their unnatural lives would those wily creatures
expect anything that comes close from us thick humans, he
said. But itll teachm a lesson they wont soon dare to forget,
youll see. Sarbie stirred uneasily.
But how would you catch a spirit in the first place? she
asked looking confused. Come to think of it, how would
anyone? We neither see them nor hear them, much less to
hook a thing like that around its neck...
The old wife had not but started her chain of inquiries.
Sarbie, dear, uttered Melik with a sigh, no more
questions for today. Leave that to me and the boys. Right now
my bones feel real weary and worn out from the journey. I
guess you might say my old stallion would be a bit fitter just
now. After all, he carried me all the way to and from without
complaining, did he not? he smiled. Best if I turned in early
tonight, if you dont mind, but first thing at dawn the proper
arrangements will get on the way without dawdle. Good night
dear, sleep tight. I know I shall, he said as he strained himself
to get up and walk out of the kitchen with a grey mist of
smoke following him behind his back. Upon the wizards
counsel a steel saddle was promptly moulded in his workshop
6

early on the next morning, then on both sides of the fenders

the old man spread some thick pine resin glue, whose colour
gently blended with the shiny grey metal. The trap, according
to his wise friend was then completed. But Melik took the
advice a step further. He adorned his most prized mare, Guizi,
with a long red velvety caparison, lavishly embellished with
crystal beads and silver threads, bound her head with strings
of pearls, secured the saddle and let her lose again in the fields
with the others. Soon, to every days habit, the young spirits
came to play their usual diabolic games again. Some of the
horses were left undisturbed, but for the unlucky ones the
breathless pursuit began once more. Of course the sight of the
ravishing Guizi, browsing among her flock could not escape
from any of their keen eyes, but the one who got to her first
was a nimble lively little spirit girl. The long white glittering
mane, the flashy red dress and a saddle that shone like silver
in the morning suns bright rays was a temptation not many of
her kind could resist. Instantly she jumped on her back and
began riding her briskly.
The intoxication and the ecstasy of the passion were at
their best in her just then, but they also drove her to the brink
of blindness and recklessness to not see what was happening
with her. The more she rode the deeper her legs sunk into the
glue, without noticing that the steel saddle, touching her
unearthly body had already faded her powers of invisibility.
And by the time she did realize it was too late. Melik, with
three of his sons, dashed over on luckier horses to get hold of
the crazed mare and seize a most strange and rare prize ever to
be caught by human hands. One of the sons grabbed the
petrified spirit by the arm and pulled her towards his father as
he quickly placed the half an inch wide and quarter of an inch
thick choker, now attached to a short chain, around the girls
delicate neck and locked it solid. Then she was unglued from
the saddle and taken down from the horse.
There, you little imp, uttered Melik, himself
dismounting but not letting go the end of the leash. Now you
wont escape and torture my poor animals, will you?