Forood

Group by group, the golden host of Iran crested the sharp ridge of the mountain, filling the heights with a dazzling, formidable war-array. Thirty thousand shield-bearers with glistening spears—every man a tested warrior hungry for vengeance—marched across the high passes. Horse and foot alike wore golden girdles, bearing swords and spears; so densely packed were the golden helmets, radiant banners, golden maces, and gilded footwear that it seemed as though all the gold in the world's mines had been exhausted, and a cloud had rained pure jewels upon the peaks. The roar of war drums echoing between the twin peaks was so terrifying that even the vultures in the high air grew distraught.

Seeing this magnificent display, Prince Forud turned to Tokhar and bade him speak without reserve, asking him to identify each banner. Pointing to the giant elephant-emblazoned flag surrounded by swordsmen with gleaming violet blades, Forud inquired who commanded such magnificent gear. Tokhar answered dutifully: 'That elephant banner belongs to Tus, the general-in-chief, a fierce warrior when moved to vengeance. Behind him flutters another banner, blazing like the radiant sun; that is your father's brother, the illustrious Prince Fariburz, son of Kay Kavus. Behind him flies the great moon-emblazoned banner of Gustahm, son of Gazhdaham, a hero whose very voice makes elephants tremble to their bones. And that long wolf-banner belongs to Zangeh-ye Shavaran, surrounded by eager warriors.'

Tokhar continued identifying the array of heraldic standards: 'That standard depicting a maiden fair as the moon, with a ruby-red body and tresses of black silk, is borne by Bizhan, son of Giv, who scatters enemy blood into the skies. That tiger-banner that breaks the spine of lions belongs to the champion Sheydush, who stands unmovable as a mountain. The banner bearing a buffalo, preceded by spearmen, belongs to renowned Farhad, whose stature rivals the heavens. The dark-wolf banner marks the mighty commander Giv, while the golden lion standard flies above the grand patriarch Gudarz, son of Kashvad. The leopard banner belongs to the noble Rivniz, the deer banner leads the host of Nastuh, and the wild ram standard marks the brave Bahram.'

As Tokhar finished enumerating each champion's standard, Forud gazed down upon the vast Iranian host, both high and low. Recognizing his courageous kinsmen and allies, his youthful face blossomed like a rose with boundless delight and pride.