Part 8

From this side Bahram the warrior sat down, and the great and wise men came to join him. The commander asked those rebellious chiefs whether any sign had come from their kinsmen. Send word to everyone who has relatives here, so they may stand united in word and faith. If they come and obey the command, let them pledge their lives as a hostage to the promise. The army still lacked forces from Bardaa and Ardabil, and from Armenia too, with no men or cavalry. In battle there is no fear from them; the men of Bardaa are no more than a handful of dust. The proud chiefs heard these words, that Bahram the warrior had laid his foundation for battle. From the army they chose a learned man, eloquent, knowing, and quick to remember. The messenger set out with a heart full of secrets, hurrying through the long, dark night. He reported what he had heard from those lords, from those famous men and champions. From the Iranians he heard this reply: until the army's true battle appears, We will not turn away from Khosrow even once; we fear this affair may drag on long. Do not feel safe on that battlefield, for Khosrow may launch a night raid with his troops. When the messenger had heard the answer, he rushed back to the commander's army like the wind. The whole army kindled fires, and in every place they burned a lamp.