The Dream of Althazar

<I>What if</I> may have replaced <I>once upon a time</I> in fantasy fiction. <I>The Dream of Althazar</I> dares our imagination to follow a journey of major <I>What ifs.</I> Are not journeys-<I>quests</I>-the very core of fantasies?</p><p>Now what if the Wise Men-the Magi-were not the only ones to follow the Star of Bethlehem?</p><p>And what if this other star journey was a bit skewed in time places and especially its characters?</p><p>Althazar a very special bear is commissioned by his father to follow a star to Althazar's special though unknown life's destiny. Althazar is instructed to journey in peace with civility and respect for all creatures and cultures.</p><p>On this unusual mission Althazar gathers in some unusual volunteers: Lothar a restless bored wolf; Greyl a grief-stricken lonely goose; Borab an opportunistic gourmet wild boar; and Dromed an aged camel left behind from the Magi's original star journey.</p><p>These five very different animals come together with their unique differences for one common commitment-the journey-and ultimately connect with a sixth animal-Solomon the donkey who ties together the Magi story their Star the camel Dromed and a very special love that illuminates one dream-and invites yet another.</p>