English
Section 18: The Warning Arrow
In Jahrom there was a man of vile stock, whose name was Mehrak Nushzad.
When he learned that Ardeshir had marched out and had halted there beside the pool,
he saw how cramped that battlefield had become, its supply routes cut off, food blocked from reaching them.
He came from Jahrom to the king's own palace and gathered troops from every direction beyond counting.
He handed over all his treasure to be plundered, giving out to the army bags of gold and many a crown.
When word of this reached King Ardeshir, he grew troubled there at the water's edge.
He said: with my own house left unsecured, why did I prepare for war against a stranger?
He summoned the great men of his army and spoke at length about Mehrak.
He said: what is your counsel, chiefs of the army, now that our means have grown so tight?
I have tasted plenty of life's bitterness, but the trouble Mehrak brings I never counted on.
With one voice they answered: O king, may your eyes never see an evil day.
Since Mehrak is only a hidden enemy, why should you search the whole world in worry?
You hold greatness, and the world is yours; we are all your servants, and command is yours.
He ordered the table spread, and called for wine, goblets, and musicians.
They set out several roasted lambs upon the table and all bent their heads to eat.
Just as Ardeshir reached for the bread, at that very moment a swift arrow came flying.
It struck one plump, tender lamb, and the arrow sank fully into it.
The wise and battle-hardened nobles drew their hands back from the food at once.
They saw writing marked on that swift arrow, and the scribe among those nobles read it out.
Everyone's heart bled with grief; one of them pulled the arrow from the lamb.
On the arrow was written in Pahlavi: O wise king, if you will hear me,
such a swift arrow flew from the fortress wall, for by good fortune the fort is defended with the strength of a mighty warrior.
Had we aimed it at Ardeshir himself, the way through him would have filled with arrows.
It would not be right for a king like him to be brought low by a mere warrior in these days.
To those famous priests Ardeshir read out the message on that arrow-shaft.
The fortress lay two leagues away from him, and the hearts of the chiefs were pained by those words.
Then every one of them called down blessings, praising God for the glory of the king of the earth.