When night fell, Esfandiyar kindled a roaring beacon fire atop the height, its flames scorching the dark sky. The Iranian lookout beheld the fire by night and the thick column of smoke by day, and filled with joy, he returned swiftly like the wind to report the signal to Peshotan. Peshotan praised the prince's intellect, declaring that through stratagem a brave man surpasses even elephants and lions. At his command, brass trumpets and horn-calls echoed across the plain, and the Iranian host marched toward the Brazen Fortress, raising a cloud of dust that blotted out the sun.
News of the approaching army reached Arjasp inside the fortress, and the terrifying name of Esfandiyar echoed through its halls. Arjasp donned his armor and dispatched Tarkhan with ten thousand seasoned warriors to inspect and check the assault. Tarkhan rode forth with an interpreter and saw the Iranian army lined up under a black leopard banner. In the center stood Peshotan, bearing Esfandiyar's heavy mace and mounted on a mighty charger, looking so formidable that the Turanians took him to be Esfandiyar himself.
A furious battle erupted, and spears rained blood from the darkened sky. Prince Nush-Azar charged out to fight, and when Tarkhan closed in on him, Nush-Azar drew his sword and cleaved Tarkhan in two at the waist. Terrified by this deed, Kahram retreated into the fortress and warned King Arjasp that Esfandiyar had returned with his famous spear. Enraged as ancient vengeance reignited, Arjasp ordered every Turanian warrior to pour forth from the fortress, encircle the Iranians, and cut them down without mercy.