The red dragons lived in the centre of the red desert. Reaching them was a Herculean job, but Hatim with his magical pearl accomplished it easily. Hissing tremendously, the monstrous dragons approached Hatim. From their nostrils came out the streams of flames like those from a furnace. Due to the magical pearl given to Hatim by the bear’s daughter, their fire was like cold wind to Hatim! At last, Hatim spotted the king whose mouth held the red pearl that he required. With the help of his magical staff that Mahyur had given him, Hatim hit the king. The dragon king fell down and the pearl too fell from its mouth. Hatim ran to take the treasure, but its brilliant appearance stopped him, for he thought it must be as hot as fire. He tore a piece of cloth from his turban, and held the red pearl with it. It did not burn! Hatim carefully carried the pearl back for the soldier.
Confronting the Red Dragon
