The Words of Daqiqi

A long time passed until the king turned his face toward Sistan. To establish there the Zend and Avesta, and to make the magi its witnesses. When that noble king arrived, the army's champion came out to welcome him. The lord of Nimruz, the one called Rostam, a warrior who had seen the world, the equal of Sam. Along with old Dastan, who was his father, and with the great and chosen nobles of the court. They came out on the road to greet him joyfully, and the blessed king was gladdened by them. They took him to Zabol as their guest; they all stood before him like servants. They learned the Zend from him and tied on the sacred belt, and they lit the fire. Two years passed in this feasting, and Goshtasp dined with the son of Zal. Wherever there were kings, they learned of Goshtasp's deed. That he had bound the head of the champion and pierced his elephant-like body with iron. He went to Zabolestan on a prophetic mission, to curse the idol of Azar. One by one they turned away from the king's command and broke the king's covenant among themselves. When word reached Bahman that the king had chained that lion without any guilt, the chosen warriors of Esfandiar left that place in grief. They kept their hands off the army and set out on the long road. They came before the hero Esfandiar, princes of royal blood, brave as lions. They kept their father in comfort and did not leave him alone in his prison. Then word reached the commander of China that the king, out of suspicion, had turned to vengeance. Khosrow raged against Esfandiar and cast him wretchedly into prison and chains. He himself marched from Balkh toward Zabolestan, crossed the desert and beheld the Oxus. He is settled in Zabol as Zal's guest; two years have passed in this time. King Lohrasp is in Balkh; none of the Iranians and their army remain there, except seven hundred fire-worshippers, all with hands raised before the flame. Apart from them there is no one in Balkh; of the keepers of the fire, this is all that is left, save the guards of Homay's palace. Come, rise quickly and do not delay. The king of Chegel summoned all the nobles and gave them heart for war against Lohrasp. He said: Know that King Goshtasp has taken the road toward Nimruz. He is settled in Zabol with his army; there is not a single horseman left in all his land. Now is the time to seek revenge; we must prepare and make ready. His son, the noble Esfandiar, is held fast in heavy chains. Where is a man who can search out secrets, one who can travel this deep, long road? One who will not go by the road at all, but travel off-road, and pass through Iran wary and watchful? There was a sorcerer named Sotuh, a traveler of roads and a seeker of hidden things. He said: It is I, quiet and unseeking of fame. Tell me whatever you need. The king of China said: Go quietly into Iran and see who guards the fire. The searcher of secrets traveled the road and made straight for Balkh, where the king's court had been. He did not find King Goshtasp within; he saw only an attendant and Lohrasp. He went back and told the Khaqan just so, sweeping the ground with his face before him. When Arjasp learned of it he grew glad, and was freed of his old sorrow. He summoned all their leaders and said: Go, gather the scattered army together. The warriors of the army all set out, to the mountains, the desert, and the grazing grounds. They called back his army to him, the chosen horsemen of his land.