Section 24: Forouhel and Zangoleh

The fourth was Forouhel, who faced Zangoleh, two warriors as fierce as unchained lions. In all Iran there was no archer more deadly, none more accurate with bow and arrow than Forouhel. When from a distance he saw the grim Turk, he strung his bow and drew it back. He pulled out his poplar shafts, took up the bow, and rode forward to battle. He rained arrows down on Zangoleh, cutting off the enemy riders from every side. An arrow struck his thigh swift as the wind, tearing through both the joyful rider and his horse. The swift steed pitched forward from the pain, and pale-faced Zangoleh was thrown from the saddle. Zangoleh's head fell low and he gave up his life, as if he had never been born from his mother at all. Forouhel leaped down and cut off the head, then stripped the Byzantine armor from the body. He fastened the head to his saddle straps and came and took the man's horse by hand. He climbed the height like a leopard, his chest, sword, and grip drenched in blood. He raised the blessed banner high, joyful now, having gained all he desired. Then he cried out: victory to the king, the greatest of monarchs, of blessed lineage!