Asyeh

By Ata Servati

In the nineteenth century, two villages in Iran, SHORCHEH and TIKKEN, were deeply entrenched in religious fanaticism and rigid traditions. Within this oppressive environment, a forbidden love affair takes root, further fueling an ongoing rivalry centered around a vital water well.

As the tensions escalate, Sattar, a young poet and the son

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enlightment Publication
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088154434

Book preview

MARRIED TO THE WELL

(Trilogy Of Three Volumes)

Asyeh

(Volume 1)

Ata Servati

To obtain more or other books by this author go to:

www.loveata.com

www.ataservati.com

Copyright@ 2007 Library of the congress of USA.

Registrations #

ISBN print: 978-1-7358163-9-5

ISBN eBook: 978-1-0881-5443-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book maybe reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This book was released in 2022. This book was printed and bound in the United State of America

ALSO BY ATA SERVATI (IN ENGLISH/FARSI/CHINES):

I AM A LOTUS (Spiritual Poems from the Heart)

IN SEARCH OF HEAVEN (The Howard Baskerville story)

IN SEARCH OF LOVE

MARRIED TO THE WELL (INCLUDES 3 Volumes)

ASYEH (Volume 1)

THE SILENT BEGGER (Volume 2)

THE SHRINE (Volume 3)

========

Plays (In Farsi)

OVER THE BRIDGE, BOTTOM OF THE RIVER

Windows

Introduction:

I always struggled with writing introductions in my novels and plays. I often left this crucial section to others, giving them complete freedom to write whatever they felt was appropriate for the three books in my trilogy. However, in this particular case, I felt compelled to write the introductions myself as they required some explanation.

Several years ago, I embarked on a month-long journey in San Rafael, California, with a new girlfriend. It was during this time that I wrote the first book of what would eventually become a trilogy. Unfortunately, as I completed the book, I realized that I lacked any emotional connection to her, and I ultimately made the difficult decision to leave and return to Los Angeles. This decision was made even though I was going through a six-month period of homelessness at that time. For a long while, I carried a sense of guilt, uncertain about what steps to take next.

However, following my departure, I came to the realization that the novel I had written was excessively long and incomplete. While still living in my car, it took me approximately two months to complete the remaining two parts and transform it into a trilogy. The trilogy now consists of three books: Asyeh, The Silent Beggar, and The Shrine.

During my time at the College of Dramatic Art in Iran, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the country with my best friend, Kamran Norad. These journeys provided us with countless opportunities to learn and experience the diverse cultures and customs we encountered. We were always on the lookout for stories during these trips, engaging in conversations and connecting with local people, including the elderly.

On one of these trips, I came across a story that deeply fascinated me: Married to the Well. The story lingered in my thoughts for many years, until one day, while sitting alone in silence, it resurfaced in my mind. Inspired by its essence, I decided to write a short story based on it. However, as I delved into the writing process, the story expanded far beyond my expectations, eventually spanning over 900 pages. Realizing its magnitude, I made the decision to turn it into a trilogy, consisting of three distinct books. Through this trilogy, I aimed to explore how religions can influence and alter individuals' lives, especially when they are wielded by unscrupulous religious leaders driven by greed, power, and a lack of spiritual grounding. These leaders manipulate and deceive innocent individuals who blindly follow their lies, believing in promises of heavenly rewards and salvation after death.

Regrettably, the misuse of religion for personal gain extends beyond individuals, infiltrating governments, and institutions throughout history. This unfortunate reality has inflicted more harm than good upon people. The fundamental principles of all religions revolve around nurturing better human beings, fostering love, respect, forgiveness, and construction rather than destruction. They are meant to inspire individuals to help rather than harm others. Witnessing the manipulation of religion in such a manner deeply saddens me.

Note: To ensure clarity for English readers who may not be familiar with the names of the characters in the book, I included a short description of the characters at the end of the book for reference.

Yours sincerely,

Ata Servati

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 – When You Find Yourself Behind Enemy Lines...

Chapter 2 – When love transforms into reason and faith, the elements of fire, wind, snow, and rain pale in comparison to the power of the heart…

Chapter 3 – Love is a madness that can only be healed by the intervention and presence of the beloved, and nothing else can suffice.

Chapter 4 – When Love Turns into Anger…

Chapter 5 – When Anger Deepens the Sweetness of Love...

Chapter 6 – When the fire of love surpasses the freedom of nature...

Chapter 7 – When the power of love transcends pain, danger, and logic…

Chapter 8 – When anger and enmity blind the eyes of reason, kindness, logic, and love become obscured…

Chapter 9 – When the need to survive overrides superstitions…

Chapter 10 – When the sound of a trumpet prevails over anger and revenge...

Chapter 11 – The Tragedy of Marriage with the Aqueduct…

Chapter 12 – When Love, in the Shadow of Right and Truth, Puts Two Brothers Face to Face with Each Other...

Chapter 13 – When Despair Replaces Hope...

Chapter 14 – When a Youth Stands Alone Confronting Religious Superstitions and People ...

Chapter 15 – When Human Consciousness and Conscience Serve Superstitions and Ignorance…

Chapter 16 – When Lust and Power Disregard the Boundaries of Kinship, Familiarity, Friendship, or Enmity...

Chapter 17 – When the Lover Digs the Grave of The Beloved with His Own Hands

Chapter 18 – When Religion is Used in the Service of Personal Greed and Self-Interest ...

Chapter 19 – When Oppression Displaces the Righteous Man into the Wilderness…

Chapter 20 – Jealousy, Greed, and Resentment Know no Boundaries ..

Chapter 21 – When the Fire of Revenge Consumes the Mind, Soul, and Heart ...

Chapter 22 – When Superstitions Override Reason and Logic...

Chapter 23 – When Superstitions Overwhelm and Paralyze Human Will ...

Chapter 24 – A Hope That Did Not Last Long ..

Chapter 25 – When the indomitable power of the pure human soul and unwavering will transcends the limitations of weapons and dispels the veil of superstitions...

Chapter 1

When You Find Yourself Behind Enemy Lines...

As the dawn prayer echoed through the village of Shourcheh, a tall, slim old man, entrusted with the role of mosque trustee, instilled a sense of hope and tranquility in the hearts of the people. The morning light emerged victorious, dispelling the darkness of the night, and bringing peace of mind. However, as night fell and a somber veil of melancholy draped over Shourcheh, a plaintive voice emanated from the hills surrounding the village. It was the mournful melody of the NEY, a traditional musical instrument akin to a flute, carried by the night breeze and echoing through the village. Yet, unlike its traditional purpose of bringing joy and mirth, this haunting tune instilled fear and terror in the hearts of the villagers.

For over three to four decades, this nightly occurrence served as a stark reminder of the presence of the Elves believed to inhabit the hillside, a domain shrouded in ghostly mystery. These spectral beings were rumored to emerge solely at night, seeking to inflict harm upon the unsuspecting villagers. The encroaching darkness and the haunting sound of the Ney prompted a swift response from the residents. They hurriedly sought refuge within their homes, diligently securing all doors and windows, ensuring they remained shut tight throughout the night. If circumstances necessitated venturing outside after dark, be it for nocturnal irrigation of the agricultural lands or any other reason, no one dared to go alone. Instead, they formed groups, armed themselves with clattering honeycomb lamps and sturdy sticks, and carried the brightest lights they could find.

However, the villagers had endured years of unease and trepidation due to the ethereal inhabitants of the hills. Even the local law enforcement, known as AMNYEH, had been reluctant to enter the area at night, prohibiting access and repeatedly warning the populace that any unfortunate encounters with the fairies within the forbidden zone would render them bereft of assistance.

Over the course of three decades, numerous tales and rumors circulated, particularly regarding a towering Mulberry tree believed to be a haven for ghosts that emerged only under the cover of darkness. Some claimed that the apparitions were intertwined with the very essence of the fairy reed, suggesting a spectral origin. Whispers of a mysterious woman dressed in vibrant greens and blues, often spotted atop the hill near the Mulberry tree, added to the air of enigma.

Consequently, neighboring villages harbored deep-seated fears, shunning the area as a symbol of ill fortune, viewing it as a forbidden realm under the control of ghosts and fairies. It became a prevalent belief that those unfortunate enough to cross paths with these otherworldly beings would have their blood drained and their souls ensnared, never to be seen or heard from again. Legends circulated about a beggar and a wandering Dervish, who had ventured into the region, vanishing without a trace, their fates forever unknown.

The Morning Prayer had not yet finished, and half a dozen streets away, Shepherd Ali tightly held the reins of his four guard dogs, struggling to control their uncontrollable ferocity. He hurried out of his house, as the dogs eagerly raced ahead to join the herd grazing in the rural countryside. Throughout the year, except in winter, villagers would deliver their sheep and goats at dawn to Shepherd Ali, who would then take them to the countryside for grazing. The annual wages paid to families were based on the number of animals they sent to join the flock. Despite being known for his storytelling skills, Shepherd Ali had gained a reputation as a liar because he claimed that all his stories were based on true events, which was a lie. While the villagers didn't take him seriously, the children always enjoyed his tales and gathered around him to hear more.

It was dawn, and darkness still lingered. However, the excitement of Shepherd Ali's four sheep guard dogs was palpable as they galloped through the streets, as if they owned the village. Shepherd Ali, firmly gripping their reins, only added to their enthusiasm, causing them to behave even more wildly. Every morning at dawn, the villagers entrusted their sheep to Shepherd Ali, who would combine them with other herds and lead them to the outskirts of the village for the day's grazing. As Shepherd Ali progressed on his way, the number of sheep in front of him increased rapidly. The dogs, sensing their duty, focused entirely on guarding the flock, barking joyously. Rural women hurriedly emerged from their homes, carrying pots, and rushed towards the creek. They aimed to collect water from the stream before it became contaminated by the sheep or other animals, ensuring a clean and drinkable supply for their daily needs.

Shepherd Ali encountered his helper Asef, who had also gathered additional sheep on his way to join the others. The two herds merged, and their collective presence resonated through the village with the amplified sound of the bells hanging around the sheep's necks. As they made their way, the flock reached the village's public bathhouse. Mashhadi Hassan, an old man running one of the three bathhouses, and his assistants observed the passing herd from the rooftops. Taking advantage of the situation, Mashhadi Hassan playfully joked with Shepherd Ali.

Shepherd Ali, for God's sake, please spare a few wolves today and show some mercy to those poor creatures.

Simultaneously, another herd of sheep was on its way to the mountain site, the upper part of the village. They considered Shepherd Ali their worst enemy and seized any opportunity to harass or harm him. Although most people were unaware of this love-hate relationship, those who knew kept their distance, leaving them to their own conflicts.

Accidentally, in the early morning, the two herds from the upper and lower parts of the village unexpectedly encountered each other at the exit point leading to the mountain. Without Shepherd Ali's knowledge, Ghazanfar, one of the shepherds from the upper part, had already positioned himself and his sheep at the exit, intending to block the path for Shepherd Ali's herd and steer them towards a forbidden section of the mountain where Shepherd Ali did not want to take his sheep. This particular area was believed to be inhabited by fairies. Unfortunately, by the time Shepherd Ali and his assistant Asef became aware of Ghazanfar's deliberate plan, it was too late—their herd was already heading towards the forbidden section of the mountain.

Asef, positioned ahead of Shepherd Ali within the herd, found it difficult to see due to a tall wall obstructing his view. As the herd moved towards the forbidden area, the road twisted and turned, momentarily blocking his sight. However, once the road straightened, Asef noticed Ghazanfar, who was working on behalf of KADKHODA and Mulla Mahmoud, the village representatives, and Mulla Mahmoud's shepherds from the upper part. Ghazanfar had closed off the path to their herd and was guiding them towards the forbidden section. Annoyed by the exclusion and with his voice reverberating amidst the flock, Asef hastily approached Ghazanfar, shouting.

Sick bastard... why are you closing the road as if you're a thief or the sheriff? Do you think you own this damn road?

Shepherd Ali, still behind the wall, continued following the herd while gripping the reins of his dogs tightly in his hand. Unaware of the altercation between Asef and Ghazanfar, Shepherd Ali proceeded, but the dogs, sensing the brewing conflict, began barking loudly from behind the wall, straining to break free from Shepherd Ali's grip and assist Asef. The dogs' followers struggled to control them, nearly causing Shepherd Ali to lose his balance. Nevertheless, Shepherd Ali managed to maintain a firm hold on the dog's reins.

As Shepherd Ali and the dogs turned the corner, observing the alley and the closed back wall, his attention finally shifted to Ghazanfar and Asef engrossed in a fight, resembling two wild dogs amidst the frightened sheep. Shepherd Ali acknowledged that Ghazanfar, being older and stronger than Asef, was inflicting severe punishment upon him. Shepherd Ali and Samad, the head shepherd from the upper part of the village representing the Mulla Mahmoud, exchanged glances and realized what was happening. They both completely disregarded their sheep, running among them towards the battle zone, shouting and hurling insults at each other while still holding onto their dogs' reins.

The hapless sheep on either side of Asef and Ghazanfar found themselves caught in the crossfire of their dispute. The sheep desperately sought an escape from the conflict, as it was clear that the animal shepherds did not wish to contribute to the hostilities. With Shepherd Ali, Samad, and their dogs now moving among them, the two herds became even more anxious, hastening their exit.

Finally, as both Head Shepherds Ali and Samad, arrived at Asif and Ghazanfar's ongoing fight, they unleashed their dogs in an attempt to intervene. However, to their dismay, the dogs seemed oblivious to their masters' commands. Shepherd Ali and Samad didn't want their loyal companions to become entangled in an animal clash, as their primary duty was to protect the herds. The dogs' disobedience infuriated Shepherd Ali, who expressed his anger:

You ignorant and disloyal dog! How much has Asif fed you every day? he exclaimed. Where do you think you're going?

Shepherd Ali reached the skirmish before Samad, allowing him to deliver several forceful blows to Ghazanfar's head with his wooden stick. Distracted by Shepherd Ali's sudden assault, Ghazanfar began to bleed, while Asif, consumed by rage and madness, seized the opportunity to attack Ghazanfar like a wounded, untamed wolf. Samad was a step behind, arriving just as the fight escalated. Ghazanfar had already endured a severe beating, with blood streaming down his head and face.

As Samad joined the fray, a sudden cascade of cold water drenched them both. They turned to see Mashhadi Hassan, the head of the public bathhouse, holding an empty bucket and cursing vehemently at them. Several others who were on their way to use the public bathhouse, intervened, separating the combatants, and leading them away from the scene. Now, the fierce jungle fighters found themselves distanced from one another, hurling curses, and yearning for further confrontation. Few, however, were more concerned about their sheep than the injured Asif and Ghazanfar. They yelled at Shepherd Ali, pushing him to tend to the herd. Reluctantly, Shepherd Ali departed, leaving Asif behind, injured.

It didn't take long for Shepherd Ali to realize that his herds and guard dogs were nowhere to be found. They already were on their way to the hills, and they were to far away from him. The road stretched empty on both ends, flanked by walls that demarcated the agricultural lands from the forbidden territory, rumored to be inhabited by ghosts and fairies. Panic surged within him as he sprinted along the desolate road in search of his herd, all the while uttering oaths. It was then that he realized he was heading towards the forbidden place, the very path that Samad and Ghazanfar had cunningly directed his herd toward. The abode of ghosts and fairies now lay before him, engulfing his soul in fear.

Darkness shrouded the surroundings. Shepherd Ali, a trickle of blood running down his face, hastened towards the end of the road, which led to the graveyard. From a distance, he spotted the herd ascending a hill that led to the forbidden area. The sheepdogs wandered amidst the flock; their faint calls barely audible. Perhaps they had recognized their owners and were beckoning them by name. In contrast, Shepherd Ali grew increasingly apprehensive and distressed as he neared the forbidden realm. The liveliness and vigor of the dogs and the herds seemed unaltered by the presence of the otherworldly beings. He muttered indistinguishable whispers; his mind consumed with thoughts of what actions to take or avoid. Gripped by fear, he tightly gripped the stick in his hand for self-defense, his eyes widening as if separating from his body. The bleating of the sheep and the jingling of their bells grew louder and nearer.

Shepherd Ali's soul was consumed by fear as he witnessed the fearless demeanor of the guard dogs. Stunned and filled with trepidation, he gazed towards the forbidden hills and his herds. There was little time remaining to hesitate. Just as Shepherd Ali found himself in a quandary, uncertain of what actions to take, one of his guard dogs caught his attention with persistent barking. He looked up and saw the dog beckoning him to join, refusing to relent. Eventually, the dog returned to him, barking with disappointment. This exchange played out a few times as Shepherd Ali hesitated, the nearby boy edging closer to the herds. Finally, upon seeing his dog, Shepherd Ali mustered some courage. After several hesitant glances back and forth, he finally started walking towards his dog and the herds, still casting fearful glances towards the forbidden place.

Shepherd Ali observed that his herds had already reached the slopes of the hill known as the exclusion zone. The barking dog seemed to understand and sense Shepherd Ali's fear. Shepherd Ali departed, leaving his fear behind. Around his neck, he wore two prayer beads, tightly secured. He believed that his prayers would safeguard him from the malevolent fairy. Shepherd Ali arrived at his flock and began gathering them cautiously. However, his eyes caught sight of something that did not belong to his herd. All of Shepherd Ali's faculties—their intelligence, senses, eyes, and heart—remained fixated on the forbidden hills, which were shrouded in prohibition and echoed with the sound of reeds throughout the night. Shepherd Ali found himself momentarily stunned.

Now, he could behold the white Mulberry tree, the subject of countless stories he had heard. Most astonishing was the discovery of a small one-room cottage nestled within the twenty-thirty cubits of the Mulberry tree, constructed with lumbar stones. The chamber, situated atop a high, rocky hill resembling a mountain, had eluded the villagers' and the neighboring communities of Shourcheh and Tikken's gaze for two decades. Its location was such that one had to climb the hill to behold it. Recollections of the stories concerning the forbidden Mulberry tree flooded Shepherd Ali's mind. One tale that had captivated Shepherd Ali depicted a man frequently spotted beneath the Mulberry tree, weeping profusely. On one occasion, he had wept so intensely that he had suddenly vanished. Another tale Shepherd Ali often recounted to the young children revolved around a beautiful young woman who sang by the tree's roots. However, when he approached to offer her milk, she vanished without a trace. From then on, he lived in fear, dreading the consequences of venturing in that direction. Shepherd Ali, though prone to embellishment in his storytelling, had not exaggerated particularly in this case. The wandering beggar known as the silent beggar had relayed this account to Shepherd Ali, who subsequently shared it with others.

However, Shepherd Ali was gripped by fear, worried that if he took time off, he would be forgotten. Even his barking dogs provided some solace, helping him stand his ground and resist fear. As he turned around, he noticed his guard dogs marching towards the Mulberry tree. His gaze landed upon a figure sitting beside the tree, covered by a tattered gray Cloth that remained motionless. The sight startled Shepherd Ali, leaving him scared, confused, and forgetting about his flock.

The guard dogs approached the Mulberry tree where someone concealed themselves under the worn-out gray cloth. Suddenly, Shepherd Ali, without realizing it, mustered up enthusiasm and shouted, attempting to call back his dogs and bring them back. However, his confusion deepened, and he found himself at a loss for what to do. Observing his dogs’ unusual behavior by the Mulberry tree, he sensed their heightened alertness, their noses tracing the scent of blood as they marched towards the Mulberry tree. Yet, the person under the gray cloth showed no signs of movement, seemingly unaffected by the approaching dogs or their fear.

Just as Shepherd Ali felt his hope wane, he became fixated on the Mulberry tree, rooted to the spot in astonishment. He blinked several times and rubbed his eyes to ensure he was witnessing reality. And indeed, he was, gazing in awe at the enigmatic gray cloth. Shaken, he slowly turned towards his dogs, lowered himself to the ground, and locked eyes with the dogs through the fabric. Astonishingly, he observed his once-ferocious dogs suddenly choking, their noses grazing the ground, and their movements becoming sluggish. Overwhelmed by this spectacle, Shepherd Ali instinctively raised his hand, and his middle finger was bitten multiple times. Following tradition, he mumbled a prayer. After the prayer, he continued to stare at his dogs and the worn-out gray cloth.

Meanwhile, from another direction, Shepherd Ali motioned to his sheep, urging them to flee from the approaching gang of wild wolves that had momentarily slipped his mind. Swiftly, he turned his attention to the wolves that had descended from the hilltops and were closing in on the herd. Witnessing their panic-stricken state, Shepherd Ali momentarily forgot about his dogs and the mysterious figure beneath the gray cloth. Without hesitation, he rushed towards the herd, grabbing a handful of rocks, and creating a loud ruckus to scare the wild wolves away. Eventually, he remembered to call for his guard dogs, who had been absent for a while, and seek their assistance. However, his voice seemed unheard or unrecognized by the dogs, eliciting no response. They lay peacefully beside the motionless gray cloth, seemingly devoid of their guarding instincts, as if their purpose was no longer to protect the herds.

Shepherd Ali found himself lost and bewildered, his mind consumed by fear and confusion. In the distance, his panicked voice echoed through the air, filled with curses aimed at both the wolves and his own dogs. The worn-out gray piece of cloth, now in motion, had stolen his peace and left him soulless. The fear of the approaching wolves had overridden his concern for the safety of his sheep, and he trembled in terror, on the verge of losing control of his bodily functions. Each passing moment seemed more arduous than the last, and his despair deepened when he noticed one of the wolves marching directly toward him.

As the wolves closed in, Shepherd Ali's thoughts shifted from protecting his flock to self-preservation. Driven by the instinct for survival, he sprinted towards the heart of the sheep herd, seeking refuge. Desperate for assistance against the wolves, he continued to call out for his dogs, but his pleas fell upon deaf ears.

With the wolves now among the scattered herd, Shepherd Ali found himself isolated and defenseless. The sheep scattered in fear, leaving him vulnerable and alone. The hungry, wild predators encircled him, closing in from all sides. He believed his end had come, reciting prayers for the departed as silence engulfed his soul. Overwhelmed by fear, he struggled to catch his breath, his heart pounding so intensely that it threatened to give way.

To his astonishment, the wolves suddenly withdrew, leaving him untouched. In his desperation, Shepherd Ali turned to fervent prayers, beseeching God for forgiveness and deliverance from the malevolent wolves. In return, he vowed to abandon his dishonesty and never again fabricate stories. However, divine intervention seemed absent, and the looming presence of the wolf's snout pressed closer, as if ready to strike.

In the midst of this life-or-death stillness, Shepherd Ali's mind, soul, and eyes were veiled in darkness. Only the deafening sound of impending demise echoed within. Suddenly, a more terrifying sound pierced his consciousness—the haunting melody of the Nee flute. Shepherd Ali recognized the mournful tune all too well. For the past forty years, he had listened to its melancholic strains, believing it to be played by a ghost residing on the nearby hill. Uncertain of whether to fear the wolves or the ethereal beings engaged in their own dispute, Shepherd Ali sensed a flurry of movement around him. Paralyzed by fear, he kept his eyes tightly shut, still bewildered as to why the wolf had refrained from attacking him. Perplexed yet too frightened to open his eyes, Shepherd Ali felt an unseen force propel him forward, accompanied by a voice that resonated:

-Shepherd…?

Shepherd Ali's eyes shot open in fear as he plummeted, only to be astonished by the tranquil demeanor of the wolves. They resembled sheep dogs, lying back down and fixating their gaze on the mysterious sounds emanating from beneath the tattered gray cloth. Meanwhile, amidst the wolves, Shepherd Ali discerned a ghostly figure gliding through the air. The sound of the ghost's voice continued to enchant Shepherd Ali:

-Shepherd Ali, the flock...

The sight of the straw hut, the mulberry tree, the wolves, his dogs, and the worn-out cloth overwhelmed Shepherd Ali. Adding to his unease was the haunting melody of the Nee flute, which proved too much for him to bear. Even more astonishing, the sheep exhibited no fear of the wolves, raising their heads and relishing in the sound of the Nee flute. Yet, what terrified Shepherd Ali the most were the ghostly apparitions encircling him. It seemed inevitable that they would turn on him, and to exacerbate matters, they called out his name. Shepherd Ali became convinced that these ethereal beings, in the form of the elf who had appeared and fluttered around him, intended to whisk him away. Overwhelmed by the suspense, Shepherd Ali abandoned his dogs and the herd, dashing towards the village. Fear gripped him so intensely that he stumbled and rose repeatedly on his journey. Throughout, he sensed the spirit tailing him, prompting Shepherd Ali to clutch tightly onto the two prayers talisman hanging around his neck, fervently reciting prayers, and hymns without pause. The talisman was traditionally crafted by religious Mulla Mahmoud and bestowed upon believers to be worn as a protective amulet, believed to shield them from malevolent spirits.

Eventually, Shepherd Ali arrived at the village cemetery. An eerie stillness pervaded the air, devoid of any signs of life, be it birds or dogs. His gaze shifted from the cemetery to the building situated at the main entrance road of the village, a few yards away from the cemetery's corner. He sought Hussein, the elderly man who resided there and habitually occupied the platform in front of his house from dawn till dusk, meticulously observing all who entered or exited the village. However, for the first time, Shepherd Ali found no trace of Kal Akbar, and his house door remained tightly shut.

Shepherd Ali, bewildered and disoriented, found himself wandering through the deserted and meandering alleys of the village. Even in broad daylight, there was no trace of any living being, not even a single dog or cat. It appeared as if all life had vanished. The buildings, walls, and trees seemed to stare at him with fear and tension. He noticed that every window was tightly shut and sealed, as if to shield against a sudden, forbidden melody of the Nee flute that hadn't been heard for thirty years, echoing through the village in broad daylight, causing this eerie abandonment. Alternatively, perhaps the people were simply seeking refuge within their homes, engaged in prayer and beseeching God, the prophet, and the Imams for assistance. Shepherd Ali wondered if God or the prophets were preoccupied elsewhere, leaving the village vulnerable to the arrival of ghosts and fairies who had spirited away his fellow villagers. A gentle breeze played on his face, but amidst his confusion, he stumbled aimlessly, unsure of what to do. Fleeing from the forbidden place, he had sought refuge in the village, only to find no signs of life.

In the distance, through Shepherd Ali's blurred vision, he caught a glimpse of an elderly man stumbling out of Sheikh Ahmad's deserted house. Memories of the Sheikh, a spiritual figure who had vanished without a trace, flooded Ali's mind. He was unsure whether the man he saw was the Sheikh himself or someone else entirely. The man resembled nothing more than a tattered beggar or a wandering dervish. He shuffled down the alley, seemingly intoxicated, until he reached Shepherd Ali, locking eyes with him for a fleeting moment. Even after the elderly dervish had vanished into the distance, Shepherd Ali remained stunned and motionless. After what he experienced in the hill, the sight of the elderly dervish only added to his confusion, leaving him utterly clueless about the events unfolding before his eyes. Memories of a similar incident, involuntarily etched in Shepherd Ali's mind from thirty to forty years ago at the same spot where he now stood, resurfaced. He recalled the vivid recollection of his youthful eyes, witnessing the same enigma. The only distinction between then and now was that forty years ago, Shepherd Ali was a young boy, and it was a dark, enchanted winter, characterized by bitter cold and ceaseless rain...

* * * * *

Chapter 2

When love transforms into reason and faith, the elements of fire, wind, snow, and rain pale in comparison to the power of the heart…

Forty years ago, when Shepherd Ali was just a teenager, he found himself in the cold early morning of a winter day. Rain pounded relentlessly in the quiet alleys of Shourcheh, making it impossible to escape the constant dripping. The dark and cloudy air hung heavy, enveloping the sleeping village. Amidst the downpour, a young man emerged from one of the ten houses, seemingly unaffected by the rain or the chill. His arrival disrupted the serene atmosphere, but he paid no attention to Shepherd Ali, lost as he was in his own thoughts. With a sense of aimlessness, he passed by Ali, disappearing into another alley as if he had never been there.

Unbeknownst to Shepherd Ali, the young man was known as the Sattar, a seventeen-year-old who had recently joined Sheikh Ahmad's service. He sought spiritual enlightenment and had been residing in the sheikh's house, immersing himself in the teachings and mysticism. Emerging before sunrise, he appeared disoriented and intoxicated, as though he had consumed numerous bottles of wine. He roamed through the maze-like alleys, unable to find his way out of the village. It was evident that sleep had eluded him for several days and nights.

Sheikh Ahmad, a solitary figure from the village of Shourcheh, lived a modest life devoid of luxuries. Without a wife or children, he dedicated his existence to seeking knowledge and understanding of creation. While Sheikh Ahmad worked the small piece of land inherited from his deceased parents to sustain himself, the other Mulla Mahmoud in the village relied on the support of the villagers without contributing anything. Among them, Mulla Mahmoud, the most influential Mulla Mahmoud, exploited religion for personal gain, using false teachings to deceive and manipulate people. In stark contrast, Sheikh Ahmad embraced a life of simplicity and integrity, sharing whatever he earned with his followers. His profound comprehension of mysticism and religion often left people struggling to comprehend him, leading some to perceive him as insane or detached from reality. His conduct diverged greatly from the other Mulla Mahmoud who deceived the uneducated populace with fabricated interpretations of Islam. Sheikh Ahmad placed little faith in the mosque or its regular attendees, especially when rumors circulated that he had been seen in two places simultaneously. The common folk remained oblivious to the sheikh's spiritual practices, including his ability to detach his soul from his physical body and traverse different realms. Mulla Mahmoud, fueled by jealousy and rivalry, spread false accusations against Sheikh Ahmad, branding him an infidel and swaying people against him. Despite these challenges, Sheikh Ahmad dedicated most of his time to teaching a select group of students who sought him out in secrecy. Their encounters with him left them entranced, as if they had indulged in copious amounts of wine, captivated by the profound wisdom he imparted.

The disciples always met the sheikh in secret, under the cover of darkness or the early morning twilight. After their encounters with Sheikh Ahmad, they would leave feeling both intoxicated and astonished. They had to travel covertly to avoid the wrath of Mulla Mahmoud and his followers, who carried sticks and clubs. Mulla Mahmoud lacked the grace and humility of a true sheikh and