Section 16: Zarir's Mission to the Roman Court

Lohrasp sat long, lost in thought, then gave the order for Zarir to be brought before him. He told him: this is no one but your own brother; hurry to handle this matter, and do not linger here. If you delay, the whole thing will fall apart. Do not rest, and do not let your horse slow down. Take the throne, the royal seat, the golden shoes, the crown, and the banner of Kaveh. I grant him this kingdom, and I lay this trust upon his head. Go from here to Aleppo, seeking vengeance; say nothing to the army but war. The praised Zarir said to Lohrasp: let us bring this secret out into the open. If he is the one who commands and holds the higher place, then whoever is greater than him becomes his subordinate. He said this, and at once set to work, choosing a distinguished army. Descendants of the great and the noble, from Kavus and from Gudarz son of Keshvad. And from the line of Zarasp as well were men like Bahram the lion-slayer and Rivniz. Every chieftain rode with two horses, blazing bright like sacred fire. No one rested until they reached the borders of Aleppo; the world filled with battle, uproar, and clamor. They raised the royal banner and pitched the great tents and pavilions. General Zarir left the army with the fierce Bahram and rode off himself. Like a man carrying a message, or one riding to visit a king. From his elite men he took five along, men who were sharp, alert, and brave. When he neared the court of the Caesar, he saw the chief of the audience hall at the gate. Fine brocade carpets had been spread at the door; the chief went to the Caesar and reported what he had seen. The Caesar sat gloomy within his palace, together with Qalus and Goshtasp. The chief of the hall informed him that the rider Zarir had come to the gate. When the Caesar heard this, he granted an audience; Goshtasp grew glad at his arrival. Zarir entered, tall as a cypress, and that noble man took a seat upon the throne. He greeted the Caesar and made his apologies, and paid honor to the Romans as well. The Caesar said to the noble-born prince: you do not ask after him, you show no affection in your heart. The fortunate Zarir answered the Caesar: this servant has grown tired of servitude. He came fleeing from the king's court, and has now found such standing here. When Goshtasp heard this, he gave no answer; you would think Iran had slipped entirely from his mind. When the Caesar heard these words from the young man, the clear-minded man fell into thought. Wondering whether what he said might be true, and whether there was nothing but honesty hidden in it. He delivered Lohrasp's message to the Caesar: if the just one does not turn his head from justice, From now on my seat is in Rome and nowhere else; we will not leave many men alive in Iran. So leave this place and tell him to make ready for war; now that you have heard, there must be no delay. Iran is no Khazar and no Elias of mine, that they should rise up out of that gathering. He answered thus: for battle I am ready to stretch out my grasp on every side. Now you, messenger, go back; we will inevitably prepare the field of war. When the fortunate Zarir heard the Caesar's reply, he grew grieved and long remained downcast at the answer.