Part 1 (1/2)

To Right a Wrong.

Disney Book Group.

In your hands you hold an object of great power. It is an object with the ability to alter the course of history. The choices you make while holding this item will impact moments in time and fateful events, and could even be the difference between life and death for those closest to you.

As Prince Dastan, will you save the beautiful Princess Tamina? Will you try to find your father's killer? These, and countless other choices are yours to make. Will you save the world or destroy it?

It's YOUR call.

This object allows you to follow the story of your choosing. You may be told to simply turn the page, or you may have options. Just be sure to read until you come to the prompt. In some cases, you will see prompts at the top of the page as well as at the bottom. That indicates there are several ways you could have reached the page you are reading. If you want to go back to see how you got there, click on the top prompt.

Prologue.

Before the coming of the Prophet Mohammed, there was a harsh land that few could survive and none could control. But with the bold stroke of a sword and the sheer force of will, an empire rose from its rocky soil. That empire was Persia.

By the close of the sixth century, its reach extended from the beaches of the Mediterranean to the steppes of China. But like any empire, it was only as great as its princesa”those who would one day be kings. . . .

Not all princes are born with royal blood. You, Prince Dastan, were found in the streets of Nasaf. You stepped in when one of the king's guards bullied another street urchin, your friend Yusef. King Sharaman admired your honesty, your courage, and your spirit. He saw great potential in you and adopted you into his family. The third and youngest of his sons.

That was twelve years ago. Now your father spends much of his time in prayer and contemplation. And your nation is on the verge of war.

2.

48.

You pace in the war-council tent, just outside the beautiful city of Alamut. Although your father, the king, has clearly stated he wants the city spared, your older brothersa”Tus, the heir to the kingdom, and Garsiv, the empire's military leadera”along with your uncle Nizam, the king's brother, have decided to attack.

”But our father feels the city is sacred,” you argue.

”The king doesn't know about this,” Tus says.

”Then why . . . ?” you ask.

”Our finest spy intercepted a caravan leaving Alamut carrying these to our enemies in Koshkhan,” Nizam says.

Tus gestures to a spy, standing by two trunks. The man tips them over, spilling weapons onto the ground. Your eyes widen. It's quite a lethal collection. It seems the rumors are true. The holy city of Alamut is not the peaceful place it claims to be. It is a center for making and selling weapons to your empire's enemies.

”We attack at dawn,” Tus declares.

You disagree with the decision to fighta”your father will be unhappya”but hold your tongue. Tus is in charge here. Still . . . you need to think about this.

Do you obey Tus's orders as a responsible young prince and command the rear battalion? Or do you come up with a plan of your own, possibly averting a bloodbath, but risking failurea”and your family's wrath.

If you stick to your brother's plan, 74.

If you have a different idea, CONTINUE ON TO PAGE 3.

It's now the middle of the night. You can hear the clamoring preparations for an attack on the city's main gate. With a small group of men, you sneak around to the eastern wall, a coil of rope and several grappling hooks slung over your shoulder.

You hear an Alamutian sentry pacing the parapet above you. You'll need to be very quiet. And fast.

You scale the wall as far as you can; then an arrow thunks between the stones above you. But this is no attacka”this was planned between you and Bis, your manservant. More arrows pierce the wall, creating a ladder!

You use the arrows to climb the wall. When you're in position, you fling the grappling hook up and over the edge. It lands with a rather loud clunk.

Uh-oh.

The sentry must have heard it. His footsteps come closer. He peers over the side and looks right into your eyes. But before he can sound an alarm, a dagger flies from behind you and slams into him. He topples over the parapet. You send Bis a silent thank you as you climb over the wall. Then you drop the long rope to your commandos below.

”Remind me why we've disobeyed your brother's orders?” Bis says, panting as he struggles over the wall.

”Because a head-on attack will be a ma.s.sacre. I'll need your s.h.i.+eld.”

”You know, sire,” he says, handing it to you, ”it appears to me you won't be happy till you get us all killed.”

27.

Everyone freezes. You, holding the Dagger, the guard holding the drawn sword, your brothers, and their men. No one moves. It seems like no one even breathes.

”Prince Tus,” Tamina says, ”swear to me the people of Alamut will be treated with mercy.”

Tus studies her a moment, then reaches out his hand again. This time she takes it. Everyone applauds and cheers. Except you. You find the idea of your brother marrying this princess . . . unsettling.

Later, after nightfall, Tus finds you in the courtyard where you have been congratulating your men on their victory. They fall away as Tus approaches, allowing you to speak privately.

”They're calling you the Lion of Persia,” Tus says.

You eye him warily. Has he come to admonish you for disobeying him?

”You've never excelled at following orders, Dastan,” he goes on.

You grimace. ”I have some explaining to do. . . .”

He clamps a hand on your shoulder. ”No, we have some celebrating to do.” He grins.

You grin back, relieved he's not angry.