Section 21: Fariborz Strikes Down Kalbad

First, the brave hero Fariborz charged out from the army like a lion. Roaring, he came toward Kalbad son of Viseh, his bow already strung. He circled him, but when he wanted to shoot, the arrow failed him; so he drew that gleaming blade with his right hand. He raised it and struck the sword across his neck, splitting his body in two, down to the waist. He climbed down from his horse and loosened the coils of that royal lasso from his saddle. He bound Kalbad's corpse to his mount and stripped the steel armor from his chest. As the victor, he rose to the high ground, let out a shout, and strode forward. 'May our commander be triumphant, and every enemy of the king lie wounded to the heart.'