And he knoweth no man in Iran...

And he knoweth no man in Iran, not even by name, and unto no man hath he done hurt, and I desire that no harm come to him." And Tus said, "I will remember thy will and take the road that thou commandest." Then the army set forth towards Turan, and they marched many days until they came to a spot where the roads parted. And the one led unto the desert, arid and devoid of water, and the other led unto Kelat.

Now when they were come to the parting of the roads the army halted until Tus should have told unto them which road they should follow. And when Tus came up he said unto Gudarz- "The desert is void of water, and what shall we do deprived thereof, for the army sore needeth refreshment after its march of weariness?

It is better, therefore, that we should take the road that leadeth to Kelat, and abide there a while that our men may be rested." And Gudarz said, "The King hath set thee at the head of his army, but I counsel thee choose the path that he hath named, lest sorrow come upon thee." But Tus laughed, and said, "O noble hero, disquiet not thyself, for what I do is pleasing in.

the sight of the King." Then he commanded the army that they march into Kelat, and he remembered not the desires of Kai Khosrau. Now when Firoud saw that the sky was darkened with dust from the feet of dromedaries and elephants of battle, he called before him Tokhareh his counsellor, and questioned him concerning these things. And Tokhareh said- "O young man, thou knowest not what is come to pass.

This army pertaineth unto thy brother, and he hath sent it forth into Turan that the death of thy father be avenged; and it marcheth right upon Kelat, and I know not where the battle may take place." Now Firoud, who was void of experience, was troubled when he learned this; and he made safe his castle that was upon a high hill, and he gathered in his flocks. Then he seated himself upon the ramparts and looked down over the sea of armour that approached him.

And when he had done so he went in before his mother, who had never ceased from weeping for Saiawush her spouse. And he told her what was come about, and he asked of her how he should act. Then she said unto him- "Listen, O my son I There is a new Shah in Iran, and he is brother unto thee, for ye are sprung from one father. Now, since thy brother sendeth forth an host to avenge his murder, it beseemeth thee not to remain aloof, but rather shouldst thou serve as vanguard unto the host.