Section 18

He wrote a letter to King Fereydun, tipping his pen with musk and amber. First he remembered the Creator of the world, the Lord of goodness, purity, and justice. Thanks to the world's Sustainer, who answers our cries; in hardship no hand but his takes hold of anyone. And praise to the mighty Fereydun, master of the crown, master of the mace. His are justice, faith, and royal glory; his the crown and the throne of the king of kings. All rightness comes from his good fortune; all splendor and beauty come from his throne. I reached the land of Turan safely; we marshaled the army and sought revenge. Three heavy battles were fought in three days, by night and by day when the sun lights the world. They struck by ambush at night and we lay in wait; each side pressed on and took its own revenge. I heard he readied a night raid; out of helplessness he turned to spells and trickery. I set an ambush at his back and left nothing but wind clenched in his fist. The moment he turned his face from the fight, I followed his trail and caught up with him. I ran my spear through his armor and by sheer force lifted him from the saddle. I hurled him down like a dragon and cut his worthless head from his body. Now I send it here to my grandfather; next I will prepare the same remedy for Salm. Just as they once cast the head of King Iraj so shamefully into a coffin of gold. He set these words down in the letter and sent a courier swift as the wind. The messenger arrived, his face full of shame, and Fereydun's eyes filled with warm tears. For how could he bear to send the severed head of the king of China to the king of Iran? For even if a son turns away from faith, a father's love for him outweighs his anger. His sin was very grave, and no apology could undo it; and besides, the avenger was a brave one. The bold-faced messenger came forward and laid Tur's head before him. Fereydun then asked a blessing from the Just One upon Manuchehr.