Catania’s Forest has been a bit of an adventure, but not one I regret. For one thing, writing it has given me a much different perspective on the Christmas story. So much so, that’s it’s making me want to write more allegories or re-tellings.
This story (like all my stories, really) is inspired by and dedicated to my King, Jesus Christ. It is also dedicated to all the little drummer-boys I’ve met in my life, from the black-haired one to the curly red-head; and to Emerald, and all the life he breathed into the Little Drummer-boy song. I wish I could remember who inspired me to make Emerald up. Also for my talented, stubborn, ornery characters and all their help.
Characters
The character who came first (surprisingly) is Tyre. This centaur is mixed up with this story’s origin, and also with the subtitle.
Somewhere back in the scary recesses of my brain where stories ambush me and make me write them, the stargazing attributed to Narnian centaurs was connected with the Wise Men’s Christmas star. Once formed, the idea refused to be forgotten. What must naturally come next was Jéru’s flute, and Catania’s bow.