Section 14

When the sun turned yellow over the mountain crest, the day's battle came to an end. Night arrived and drew a curtain of ebony over the amber face of the world. When the sun learned of that struggle again, it rose to its throne from the arc of its bow. The spring of daylight glowed like pale amber; from every side rose the blare of trumpets and drums. The clash of blades broke out on both sides; the whole battlefield ran in rivers of blood. Caesar came swiftly from the right wing and set his two sons-in-law behind the baggage lines. On the right wing stood Caesar's mighty son; on the left, Caesar himself with drums and elephants. The war cry rose from both armies; you would think the moon had grappled with the sun. Gushtasp moved out from the front of the ranks, a swift steed beneath him and a dragon-blade in hand. Elyas said to his gathered men, 'Caesar demands tribute from me.' 'When such a dragon stands at his door, no wonder his pride runs so high.' When Gushtasp saw Elyas, he said, 'Now is no time to hide one's skill.' Both riders spurred their horses on, with lance and armor-piercing arrow. From that army Elyas loosed his grip on the bow, meaning to bring Gushtasp low. Gushtasp drove his lance against his armor; that warrior's body was pierced in an instant. He hurled him from his mount like a drunken man, then reached out and seized his hand. He dragged him away before the horsemen and brought him and handed him over to Caesar. He led his troops to the front of the army and came down the road swift as the wind. How many of them he captured and killed; they slew everyone who came within reach. When the Romans joined together again in shouting, Gushtasp turned back from that place. He rode to Caesar, his army in full charge, in triumph and with head held high. When Caesar saw him coming on the road, he went out with his army to welcome him in joy. He kissed the head and eyes of that famous hero and gave thanks to the Creator of the world. From there they returned in gladness; the commander set the royal crown upon his head. All of Rome, with gifts and offerings, came rejoicing before the renowned one.