When the dark skirts of night pulled back and dawn crested the black mountains, Maqatura clad himself in war mail and grasped his sharp Turi blade to seek ultimate battle. Hearing the challenge, Bahram Chubin called for his steed and donned his royal Khosrow-sculpted armor. The two warriors chose a barren, waterless ridge—a rocky precipice so wild that no panther had ever laid paw upon its desolate stone. Upon hearing of the clash, the Khaqan mounted his charger with his chieftains to behold which of these two raging lions fate had destined for the grave.
Maqatura rode into the dusty plain, raising a cloud to the heavens, and shouted arrogantly to Bahram: 'Show now what manhood you possess! Will you strike first, or shall I, the lion-hearted servant of the Khaqan?' Bahram calmly replied that Maqatura should loose the first arrow, for he was the one who had opened this quarrel. Maqatura called upon the Almighty, bent his dark bow, drew the arrow back to its thumb-ring, and loosed a violent shot straight at Bahram's waist. Yet the hardened steel of Bahram's armor defied the point, remaining unpierced.
Seeing Bahram pause motionless, Maqatura believed the Persian commander was slain; he bellowed in triumph and turned to ride back toward the war tents. But Bahram’s thunderous voice halted him in his tracks: 'O warrior! Do not run to your pavilion—you have not slain me! You spoke your part, now stand and hear the reply!' Selecting a heavy mail-piercing shaft capable of cleaving solid rock, Bahram loosed his bow. The shaft struck Maqatura square in the midsection, ending his appetite for battle and gold forever.
Because Maqatura’s feet had been bound to the saddle by his brother before the fray to prevent retreat, his lifeless body slumped forward over the horse, eyes blinded with blood and tears. The Khaqan, beholding Bahram's terrifying mastery, laughed inwardly with quiet satisfaction and returned to his palace amazed. His joy reached the stars. He commanded that vast treasures—golden vessels, priceless jewels, bloodstock chargers, royal crowns, and magnificent armor—be bestowed upon Bahram, who entrusted the vast booty to his treasury.