Section 21: The Message to Piran

Fariborz placed the crown upon his head, for he was both champion and son of the king. Then he gave the order to Rooham to prove his worth and make his name known. He said to him: go and present yourself before Piran, carrying a message from me to that champion. Tell him: the way of the turning sky has always been like this, full of pain and tenderness. It raises one man up to the lofty heights and casts another down into misery and ruin. Whoever seeks out trouble is worthy of it, but a night raid is not the deed of true men. Brave men do not launch night raids, not one who trusts his heavy mace. If you want delay, we will wait; if your mind is set on battle, we will give you battle. Rooham the warrior left the presence of Fariborz and carried off the message and the letter. A scout came and met him on the road, and asked him his name and where he was from. Rooham said to him: I am a fighter, skilled, watchful, and steady as stone. I bring the message of Fariborz, son of King Kavus, to Piran here on this battlefield. From the scouting party a horseman swift as dust rode off and repeated all that was said. That Rooham son of Goodarz had come from that battlefield toward the champion of the army. Piran ordered that they bring him in, welcomed with open heart and cheerful face. The eloquent Rooham went before him, wary in secret of that ill-wisher's schemes. When Piran saw him he treated him kindly, greeted him and seated him on the throne. Rooham brought his hidden message into the open and told him the words of Fariborz. Piran said to the warrior Rooham: this war cannot be counted a small thing. It was you who struck first in this war; we saw no patience or good sense from Toos. He came into our land like a savage wolf, killing without fear both small and great. How much he slaughtered, how much he plundered, treating this land the same, good and bad alike. Now they have received the reward for that evil, however fast they rushed with vengeance. Now if you are the champion of the army, ask of me whatever you wish. If you want a month's delay, not a single horseman will come out to fight. But if you seek battle, I am ready at the edge: draw up and prepare the ranks of war. Once you have counted this one month as your wish, you must cross out of the land of Turan. Drive your army back toward your own border, and see for yourselves the full worth of your position. Otherwise set your hands to war, and do not ask for time or delay after this. He prepared a robe of honor for Rooham, one fitting his good name. The warrior Rooham brought the reply back to Fariborz, just as he had carried it out. When Fariborz gained his day of respite, he reached out on every side like a lion's claw. He began to open the mouths of the treasure sacks and set his whole mind on giving freely. They marched out and drew up the army in order, equipping it fully with everything needed.