Part 16: The Battle at Dawn

When the dawn broke out of the dark night, it bent the darkness aside. Manuchehr rose from the center of the army, clad in armor, sword, and a Roman helmet. The whole army let out a war cry and raised their spears toward the clouds. Full of rage, their brows drawn tight, they swept across the face of the earth. Left and right, center and flanks, the king arrayed his forces just as he should. The ground rocked like a ship on water; you would think it was rushing toward drowning. The drum struck against the mighty elephant's back, and the earth trembled like the river Nile. Before the elephants the drummers beat, roaring and seething, while the elephants trumpeted. You would say the place had become a feast hall, from the sound of trumpets and the wail of flutes. They all moved forward at once like mountains, and a great uproar rose from both sides. The desert turned truly into a sea of blood; you would say the ground had sprouted red tulips. The feet of the great elephants stood in blood as if they were pillars of red coral. The upper hand belonged entirely to Manuchehr, for the heart of the world was full of love for him. It went on like this until the dark night lifted its head and the shining sun disappeared. Fortune does not stay in one state; sometimes it is honey and nectar, sometimes bitter poison. The hearts of Tur and Salm began to boil, and they set their ears to plan a night raid. When night turned to day, no one came to fight; the two armies took time to rest and prepare.