Section 13

The Khazar Caesar was the closest to him, and from these people his days grew darker. At the Khazar frontier lived chief Elias, who was the son of the world-ruler Mehras. The Caesar wrote a letter to Elias, so fierce you would think he had dipped his pen in blood. He wrote: For so long the Khazars have suffered loss; now the day of rest has finally arrived. Either pay tribute and levy and a heavy treasure, and send some of that land's chiefs as hostages, Or else Farrokhzad, like an enraged elephant, will come and crush your country like a fistful of dust. When Elias read that letter through, he dipped the tip of his pen in poison. He answered thus: There was never so much skill in all of Rome, from end to end. If I choose not to demand tribute from Rome, then be glad of that land and home of yours. You have taken such heart from a single rider, one who came to you seeking refuge. Know this: he is a snare set by the devil, and even if he were a mountain of iron, he is still just one man. Do not trouble him with this war, for I will not draw out my words at length. When the talk reached Mirin and Ahran, about Elias and the trap he had laid, Mirin sent a message to the Caesar: This is no dragon to walk into a snare. He is no wolf to be robbed of life by a trick, or writhe in agony from a smear of poison. When Elias grows angry in battle, he brings blood to the eyes of any warrior. Now watch how much this proud man will make him twist and struggle on the field of war. The Caesar grew troubled at their words, when he heard the way they haggled and argued. He said to Farrokhzad: You are noble, an ornament to Rome, like a jewel. Know that Elias is a slayer of lions; when he throws down a horse, he is like a brazen-bodied elephant. If you have the strength, then go to war with him; if not, do not lose your honor over this. If you cannot stand up to fighting him, we will arrange a good plan with him. I will gently turn him back from his path, and scatter his resolve with money and gifts. Goshtasp said to him: Why is there need for this searching about, and what is all this talk? As long as I ride my mount across the earth of this world, I have no fear at all of the Khazar frontier. But on the day of battle, no mention should be made of Mirin and Ahran, For in the fight, out of enmity, they will bring forth treachery and devilry. When the army comes from the Khazar frontier, be my guard, you and one son. By the power of the one victorious God, when I move forward with the army, I will leave neither Elias nor his army standing, nor all that greatness, throne, and crown. I will seize him by the belt and lift him from the saddle, raise him to the clouds, then dash him to the ground. The next day, when the sun rose up, gleaming like a golden shield upon the water, From the Khazar side the brazen trumpet blared, and dust rose straight up toward the sky. The proud Caesar said to Goshtasp: Now bring the army out from its hiding place. He said this and led the army out, drawing the champions and heroes onto the plain. He wheeled about with his ox-headed mace, like a tall cypress atop a mountain ridge. He searched the plain for a place to fight, raising dust from the ground up to the clouds. When Elias saw his chest and neck, and the way he swung his fist and his mace, He sent a rider toward him, to deceive that man of dark intent. The rider came and said: O proud one, do not raise your head so high for the Caesar's sake. For of this whole army you are now the horseman, you are its springtime, you are its famous man. Draw off to one side, away from between the two lines. Why do you stand there with froth upon your lips? For Elias is a lion on the day of battle; he charges in swifter than blowing dust. If you want a gift, he has treasure enough; do not wear out your hand striving for wealth. Choose for yourself one share of the world, and be famous for that share. I will be your friend and your servant, and I will never break faith with your pledge. Goshtasp said to him: This has turned cold; these words have gone beyond all measure. You were the one who thrust yourself forward into this contest, and now you back away from your own words. Talking is of no use now; this is the hour of war and the clash of battle. The messenger turned back and came like the wind, recalling his answer to Elias.