And Sudaveh was glad at his resolve...

And Sudaveh was glad at his resolve, and she went into the dungeon with a light heart, and she seated herself beside the Shah, and served him and comforted him, and they bore the weight of captivity together. After these things were come about, the Iranians, because that their Shah was held captive, returned unto Iran much discomfited. And when the news spread that the throne was empty many would have seized thereon.

And Afrasiyab, when he learned it, straightway forgot hunger and sleep, and marched a strong army across the border. And he laid waste the land of Iran, and men, women, and children fell into bondage at his hands, and the world was darkened unto the kingdom of light.

Then some arose and went before the son of Zal to crave his help in this sore need, saying unto him- "Be thou our shield against misfortune, and deliver us from affliction, for the glory of the Kaianides is vanished, and the land which was a paradise is one no more." Now Rustem, when he heard the news, was grieved for the land, but he was angered also against the Shah that he had thus once again run into danger.

Yet he told the messengers that he would seek to deliver Kai Kaous, and that when he had done so he would remember the land of Iran. And forthwith he sent a secret messenger unto Kai Kaous, a man subtle and wise, and caused him to say unto the Shah- "An army cometh forth from Iran to redeem thee. Rejoice, therefore, and cast aside thy fears." And he also sent a writing unto the King of Hamaveran, and the writing was filled with threats, and spake only of maces and swords and combat.

And Rustem loaded the King with reproaches because of his treachery, and he bade him prepare to meet Rustem the mighty. When the King of Hamaveran had read this letter his head was troubled, and he defied Rustem, and threatened him that if he came forth against him he should meet at his hands the fate of the Shah.

But Rustem only smiled when he heard this answer, and he said- "Surely this man is foolish, or Ahriman hath filled his mind with smoke." Then he mounted Rakush, and made ready to go into Hamaveran, and a vast train of warriors went after him. And the King of Hamaveran, when he saw it sent forth his army against him.

But the army were afraid when they beheld Rustem and his might of mien, his mace, and his strong arms and lion chest, and their hearts departed from out their bodies, and they fled from before his sight, and returned them unto the King of Hamaveran.