Histoire fantastique du célèbre Pierrot Écrite par le magicien Alcofribas; traduite du sogdien par Alfred Assollant

Born in a humble mill, Pierrot is whisked away moments after his first cry by the radiant fairy Aurode, daughter of the Prince of Genies. She bestows upon him a gleaming talisman and a promise: a kiss three times, her name spoken, and she will come to his aid wherever he wanders. The fairy also gifts him three priceless qualities—spirit, courage, and kindness—explaining that they will shield him from both external foes and his own temptations. With these blessings, Pierrot’s childhood is steeped in wonder, as the village marvels at the cascade of sweets that mysteriously rain down wherever Aurode passes.

Raised under Aurode’s watchful eye, Pierrot masters languages, sciences, and the arts with astonishing speed, his mind becoming a living library of ancient wisdom. When the fairy declares his education complete, he declares his ambition: to become a soldier, to test his strength on the battlefield, and to earn a glory that will echo through the ages. Though the fairy laughs at his youthful bravado, she reminds him that fate is fickle and that even the bravest may stumble—yet her ring will always be his tether to her aid.