Section 5: The Battle at the Mountain

Tus the commander readied his army: war elephants, brave men, and drums. On foot he moved toward the mountain with the baggage train, while Godarz took command of the right wing. The ranks were drawn up in a single line, with Roham commanding the left wing under Godarz. From the wailing of drums and trumpets, the very sky seemed to shift from its place. The heart of the turning heavens split with the sound, and the throat of the sun filled with dust. It grew so dark that no one could see the plain, from all the dust that rose off the battlefield. Diamonds rained down from the dark clouds; fire flashed from every mace and sword. Gleaming spearheads and the chieftains' blades, banners above, heavy maces below. You would think the air was made of maces and iron, and the whole earth of horseshoes and armor. The plain and the meadows became a sea of blood; the world was like night, the blades like lamps. From the endless wailing of drums and trumpets, no one could tell his head from his feet. Then the war chief said to Godarz: the turning sky has gone dark. This astronomer had told me that today, until three watches of the night had passed, the warriors' swords, like a black cloud, would pour down blood on the field of battle. In the end I fear the victor will be none other than our spiteful enemy. Then Shidush and Roham and Gostaham and Giv, and armored Khorrad and brave Borzin, came forward from the ranks into the heart of the army, hearts wounded and hungry for revenge. A roar rose into the clouds from every side, like a dark night thick with demons. From the other side, Human, solid as a mountain, brought his whole army forward together. Then the true warriors were chosen to set up their place of combat on the plain. Gorazeh, chief of the Givgan clan, with Nahel: two mighty, lionhearted heroes. Roham son of Godarz took on Farshidvard, and Shidush faced Lahhak in combat. Bizhan son of Giv fought Kalbad, the man who could clash fire and wind together. The famous Shatrakh faced Giv: two mighty, brave heroes. Godarz and Piran and Human and Tus showed no sign of delay or regret. Human said: today's fighting must not be like yesterday's battle. Hold your sweet lives in your palms; when I raise my war cry, charge and strike. The ground must be cleared of them; they must never come back seeking vengeance. Tus the commander pressed forward, bringing up his infantry, elephants, and drums. Ahead of the cavalry they drew up a line of shield-bearers, javelin-men, and spearmen. He said: do not move from your positions; keep your shields up with spears pointed forward. Let us see how these battle-hardened chieftains will wield their heavy maces.