Parviz

Following intense deliberations, Bahram Chobin sat in counsel alongside the chieftains and sages of his host to consolidate his authority. Addressing the unruly commanders, the warlord demanded that every leader summon their kinsmen to pledge absolute fealty, placing their lives and lineage as hostages to guarantee their allegiance. In Bahram's eyes, the forces of Barda, Ardabil, and Armenia were depleted and held little martial value, deemed no more formidable in battle than a handful of dust. Upon hearing his resolute decree, the noble captains chose an eloquent, sharp-minded scribe from the ranks and entrusted him with a perilous secret mission. Travelling swiftly through the vast mantle of the night, the messenger reached the opposing encampments and conversed with the Iranian chieftains. The reply from the loyalists was unyielding: the Iranians declared they would never abandon King Khosrow Parviz, warning that Bahram's host must not rest easy, for Khosrow was preparing a devastating midnight attack. Armed with this grave news, the envoy sped back like dust before the wind to Bahram’s camp. Upon receiving the warning of an imminent night strike, Bahram’s army immediately kindled roaring bonfires and lit torches across the encampment, standing vigil through the darkness.