Aba and Shamana: The Story of a Legend Begins

By Cynthia L. Floriani

The story is set in a fictitious Middle Eastern region two thousand years ago. The tale begins with the arrival of a mysterious stranger to a goat herder’s campsite, who captivates a little girl named Alimud with a story about a giant donkey and his young mistress who cared for him.The story is ultimately one of Love and Friendship between an unusual giant donkey named Aba that has preternatural abilities, which also includes having a very strong intuition unlike any other animal, and of Shamana his young mistress who, after the death of his mother Jenna, raises him from a gangly foal to become a mammoth donkey that reaches over two meters in height. Aba is often regarded as a beast, but his fearsome appearance belies his true gentle, golden hearted nature. Shamana herself is imbued with a Visionary gift which enables her to interpret through her vivid dreams other people’s destinies and fates.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781925171808

Book preview

Author

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the Artist:

Vivienne O’Neill

A copy of Vivienne’s original oil painting that depicts her impression of the book’s main characters, Aba and Shamana, features on the front cover. Vivienne has very skilfully managed to capture their beautiful essence.

A special mention goes out to family, including those no longer with us and friends. My heartfelt thanks to you all for your love and support over the years.

Benn Van Elburg, Shaun Preston together with Matea and Liliana

Nonni Materni: Maria Teresa e Antonio Finotti; Nonni Paterni: Licia e Giovanni Floreani

The other twin, Zia Franca Finotti; Stepfather, Nello Farinelli

Zia Esterina, Zia Maria, Zio Tony, Zia Nini, Zia Giovanna, Zio Amerigo, Zia Bice, Zia Nefer

Zio Gigi, Zio Renzo, Zia Aldina, Zio Tete, Zio Sante, Zia Gloria, Zia Rosina, Zia Edda

Godparents, Edda Fanchetti and Michele Fanchetti

Extended Family clans:

Finotti / Pasin / Bersani / Biagiotti / Calanca / Cafaggi / Conti / Miconi / Marafiotti / Tiengo

Daniela Miconi, Chiara Bersani, Alessandro Calanca, Gianna Pilotto, Stefania Settecieli Clarise Brown, Tanith Mueller, Tom Cullen

Lauri and Robert Valli, Lina and Robert Coe, Sheryl and Graeme Lang, Heather Daniels, Antonella Gibson, Phauzia Fitzgerald, Debbie Kotarides.

The Purpose of this Book

The idea to create Aba the mammoth donkey first came to me after I had come across a series of photos of donkeys which had suffered from mistreatment and malnutrition at the hands of cruel owners. Some donkeys were so small they could never defend themselves against the ill treatment they received. These hard working creatures were often neglected and tortured.

They would be tied with wire instead of the proper equipment to pull carts too heavy for their tiny bodies. The donkeys would tolerate beatings with pipes, sticks, whips whatever was available to get them to keep on moving and working.

Some of the donkeys in the photographs were terribly emaciated and many would not survive. When they became too old or sick to go on they would be abandoned and left to fend for themselves.

In Christian history the humble donkey was the animal which carried Mary safely so she could deliver Jesus. It had also been the animal of choice to carry Jesus on the day of Palms. The donkey has somehow managed to devolve instead of being revered for its place in history. Yet despite the harsh treatment meted out, the donkey remains a humble creature, living a life of servitude, endurance and tenacity.

This led me to research information on the various breeds and discovered Mammoth donkeys which can grow to very large sizes. The largest presently stands at eight feet (2.4m) and is known as an American Mammoth Jackstock. They can live up to forty years.

So while considering the donkey’s plight I imagined creating a character for my novel that would not be easily manipulated, had almost humanlike traits, an evolved intuition and supernatural strength. Aba sprang to life as the book’s central character. Aba’s name means father so I instilled a new dimension to Aba’s character and referred to him as the father of all donkeys.

Aba would become the humble donkey’s champion. Through his story his descendants including the humble donkey would always be led to safety. In Aba, a hero was created.

This book was written to draw attention to the donkey’s plight in the hope that it draws the interest of my readers to help support in any way the charities that are working toward long term improvement of donkeys’ welfare issues around the globe. Through my book I look forward to the donkey receiving more attention and respect.

Ultimately, I would love that this book about the donkeys’ champion Aba, brings joy to children and adults all around the globe.

With kind permission

Supporting Charities:

The Donkey Sanctuary

http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/

WSPA Animal Rescue

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)

For information about working equines:

http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/workinghorses/

For general information about WSPA’s work:

http://www.wspa-international.org/whoarewe/Default.aspx

Author’s Note

In any way that I can I lend my support to causes which involve the voiceless, homeless and the socially disadvantaged. Over a period of time I have developed a personal project which I have named, Survival Backpacks. I fill these with essential items such as meal replacement bars, toiletries, sleeping bags and also include small tents for shelter for those less fortunate so that they may have a sense of being cared for and belonging.

When I make each backpack up I carefully consider what I put into each one and find that each pack becomes as individual as the person who will eventually receive it.

I am of the belief that when a person feels cared for and loved it gives them something to hold on to. It offers them a sense of hope.

So, I ensure to include in each pack a handwritten note to convey to them to have faith and to maintain hope for the future. I feel hope offers a reprieve from pessimism and introduces opportunity.

West Australian Red Cross Soup Patrol supports the Survival Backpacks and distributes them to those most in need.

Finally, I draw similarities between Aba’s story and those less fortunate.

The character Aba shows how to rise up above life’s challenges, to never give up in the face of adversity and sustain the belief that it is possible to emerge victorious.

Aba shows by following your heart you can find your way home!

Should readers want to know more about the Survival Backpacks please email:

[e-mail]

Part proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward providing more Survival Backpacks which will be donated to, Australian Red Cross for distribution.

Cynthia L. Floriani

With Kind Permission

Supported Charity

http://redcross.org.au/

Chapter 1

The Nomad

I shall tell you a story that happened a very long time ago, well before you were born, reflected the nomad.

This nomad, who had wondered into the group of goat herder’s campsite seemingly by chance, had been with them now for several days. He had asked to continue with them for company, explaining the road was a long and solitary one for the distance he intended to travel. The group had welcomed him in as they did not see him as a burden, he looked fit enough and they were more than happy to accept the help he gave them.

The nomad leaned back against a small tree, resting his hands on top of his now full belly and began again with his story, The story begins at a time of a festive scene, he paused mainly for effect as he watched from beneath his lashes, the child Alimud’s eyes widen with interest, this made him smile. He continued to gather his thoughts and added, There were many people all dressed in colourful robes and were throwing palms at this beautiful big handsome donkey being ridden by an equally handsome young man through the town. People gasped as they watched the man and donkey riding in so regally together.

Alimud listened attentively, But why were they throwing palms at both of them? Would not the palms hitting at their bodies be painful? she asked quizzically.

Well the reason the people were throwing palms was because they were welcoming the man into their village. They believed him to be a great healer, he replied.

And was he? asked Alimud. As great a healer as they thought?

Yes, nomad said softly, he was one of the greatest healers of all time. But what was very special about this story was the presence of the donkey."

Now very curious, Alimud looked up into the nomad’s eyes asking, What was so special about the donkey? Did he have a special gift?"

He cleared his throat from the emotion that welled from recalling the details of a tale that had continued through time to the present and replied, You could say that. He was different from all the other donkeys. He was very large and tall, a very beautiful donkey, like none other before him. Bigger than a stallion, even.

Although Alimud was intrigued, she queried, He sounds a bit like your own donkey. Are you certain nomad that you are not confusing him with your own donkey?

To this, the nomad gave a little laugh and replied, Patience, little one let me continue with the story and it shall all become much clearer to you.

The donkey how was he different then? Alimud asked her curiosity peaked.

The nomad looked into the flickering flames of the campfire, His behaviour and actions were more like a person than an animal. He had very strong intuition and also possessed amazing strength. As the story unfolds Alimud you shall become better acquainted with this special donkey’s attributes.

Alimud’s parents were sitting nearby and smiled at their daughter’s many questions to the stranger. To them he seemed pleasant enough and had shared his food equally well with the remainder of the camp.

The nomad had proved himself to be a hard worker. Herding the goats during the day and feeding them before nightfall. There was also an air about him which made him seem trustworthy and good.

The nomad looked over at Alimud’s parents his eyes twinkling, giving them a quick wink and then into Alimud’s innocent large brown eyes said, So now Alimud let me start the story from the beginning for you.

Alimud could not resist interrupting him again and had to ask, Why have I not heard of such a donkey before? What was his name?

The nomad took a deep breath feeling a slight catch in his throat as he answered tenderly, his eyes slightly out of focus as though instead of retelling a tale he was actually remembering another time that had no place in the present and yet had played a large part in shaping it. Misty eyed, the nomad lifted his head to look at the young girl Alimud, waiting poised on the edge of an overturned basket as if ready to jump up from it, to which he replied, His name was Aba and he came to be known as the father of all donkeys!

Alimud let out a little gasp and as she repeated the donkey’s name to herself under her breath she felt a shiver travel down along her spine.

Still a little miffed, she attempted to reason, There are many donkeys that are not all from the same family. They come from other places, in many different shapes and sizes. How could he be father to all of them?

"I understand your confusion little one, but this donkey changed the essence from within of all future donkeys. Aba’s service to a family that was to become eventually regarded as a very important holy family since that time had changed the donkey’s spirit from one of mundane existence to that of bravery and courage.

This transmuted bloodline courses through the donkeys veins on a very deep heart level and the essence of the foundation Aba laid, is passed on from generation to generation, to this very day and shall continue to do so long after we are gone. This is only made possible through actions of extreme valour and is a gift that only God may bestow," the nomad replied patiently.

Alimud had never before heard of any stories about Aba and she was beginning to get frustrated as she believed the nomad was lying to her. She would have preferred that he simply told her it was a story of his invention so that she would not be disappointed. Alimud now so wanted the story of the donkey, Aba to be true. She loved the vision she had started to develop in her mind’s eye of him, one she had not expected to be quite so vivid and wished somehow that he was alive today.

I think you are making this story up, she said, slightly annoyed at the nomad, then asked, How can you be sure if ever lived at all?

The nomad had been watching her carefully as she struggled with the notion that the donkey Aba had ever lived. He gently added, Do you see that donkey in amongst your herd over in the enclosure? he asked, pointing to the small group of animals on the edge of the camp. That large donkey is Manu and I know this about Aba because Manu is his direct bloodline descendant. He was given to me as a gift by a very kind family many years ago. Aba had once belonged to this family’s ancestors who had carefully recorded his story over their lifetime.

Alimud peered into the darkness to where the donkeys where gathered and by the moonlight could make out where Manu stood. He was certainly by far the biggest and tallest of the donkeys in the group. She noted strangely how the smaller donkeys all gathered around him to form a circle.

As she returned her gaze upon the nomad she felt by the way he was observing her that he could somehow read her thoughts.

Nomad smiled at her then continued, That you have not heard of Aba is now in the process of being changed because I shall now pass on his story to you so that you can go forth and tell your children. Then they too shall tell their children, so that the story may continue to live on, as it should.

Alimud content with the explanation given, leaned slightly forward, now in eager anticipation, her eyes open wide and mouth slightly parted, as she waited to hear more of Aba’s story. Satisfied, that he had appeased her initial disbelief of Aba’s existence and had finally secured her attention, the nomad proceeded to open up the doors of time to welcome into the present the story of Aba.

Transfixed as she listened to the nomad continue his story about the brave donkey Aba, Alimud felt a stirring start deep within her soul as the image of a majestic large black donkey with liquid brown eyes sprung up in her mind as if he were right there large as life before her. Alimud gasped in wonder and leaned in even closer for she did not want to miss the slightest bit of the story about Aba, father of all donkeys.

Chapter 2

Aba – The Beginning

One evening long ago, in a barn a father and his young daughter worked together to help one of their pregnant donkeys to deliver safely of its foal. The father, Usef worked feverishly as their prized donkey Jenna was struggling to give birth as the foal appeared to have become stuck.

Usef had known for some time that Jenna had experienced problems with this pregnancy and had been keeping a close watch over her. He was concerned that when her time came to deliver she would not be strong enough. At the moment he examined Jenna, Usef’s concern was starting to realise and he feared the worst for her. Nevertheless he worked relentlessly throughout the night to help poor Jenna who had become increasingly agitated and panicked. Jenna had lain on her side as she had no further energy to stand for the birth.

Usef’s daughter, Shamana sat with Jenna’s head on her lap whispering soft, gentle words into her ear as she knew this would soothe her and tenderly wiped her muzzle with a warm wet cloth scented with an herbal mixture. However, Jenna too far gone in pain, showed no sign of knowing the little girl was even cradling and wiping her head.

Shamana looked at Usef in alarm as she had seen this happen before, vividly remembering another time, when the little foal along with its mother had perished.

Jenna was growing ever so weaker. Usef was trying hard to keep Jenna alert while at the same time he massaged her swollen belly as she lay on the hay. Usef manipulated the outside of Jenna’s belly to move the foal around sufficiently to dislodge it from its position.

All of a sudden Jenna shook all over to force herself up on shaky legs, she heaved forward letting out a huge breath when little hooves could be seen emerging. As more of the foal’s legs began to protrude, Usef managed to pull slightly on them to assist Jenna to deliver the foal. The little foal landed on the soft hay near her legs.

Shamana had sprung out of the way when Jenna had risen suddenly and had quickly moved forward to retrieve the foal to place him at a safe distance from Jenna’s legs which were starting to crumple beneath her. Jenna fell back onto the hay on her side, her terrified eyes wide open, as she took in quick rasping breaths.

Usef went over to the little foal, to begin working on rubbing its chest and limbs in an attempt to enable it to take its first breath. The little foal made little mewling noises much like a kitten. Usef got up to grab some hessian bags stacked in a corner and wrapped the foal in them to keep him warm. While watching her father work on the little foal, Shamana moved over