Parviz

As night cast its dark mantle over the earth, the feast dissolved, and the lords retired to their chambers. With the break of dawn and the rising of the golden sun, the valiant Bahram Chubin donned his coat of mail, committing his soul to the Almighty Creator. Arming himself with a lasso, a royal bow, six notch-carved arrows, and a two-pronged hunting spear, he set out toward the formidable mountain. Reaching the stony crags, he ordered his retinue to turn back, advancing alone into the lair of the beast.

Within those jagged peaks dwelt a monstrous creature known as the Shir-e Kapi—a dragon-like terror that bathed its hide in a mountain spring, rendering its pelt impervious to common arrows. Setting his foot firmly upon the granite rock, Bahram invoked the name of God, the Giver of Good, and prepared his weapons. The beast emerged roaring from the waters, slamming its claws into the rock so violently that sparks flew from the stone. Bahram bent his mighty bow, launching a hail of arrows so swift that the sunlight seemed eclipsed. The first arrow wearied the brute; the second struck its crown, sending streams of gore cascading down its hide. The third and fourth pierced its monstrous jaws, sewing its mouth and tongue together, while the fifth pinned its razor claws to the earth.

Leaping down from the crags, Bahram cast his binding lasso around the beast's waist, driving a heavy spear deep into its flank until the granite turned crimson. Drawing his sharp blade, he cleaved the dragon-beast in twain and cast its severed head in disgrace upon the dust. When the Khaqan of China and the Khatun heard of the monster's demise, they rushed to the mountain slope. A thunderous cheer arose from the Chinese host, echoing across the realm. The Khatun kissed the hero's hand, while the Khaqan embraced him, hailing him as the Sovereign of Iran.

Upon returning to the royal palace, the Khaqan dispatched ten purses of silver treasure along with precious silks and attendants to Bahram's quarters, offering his celestial daughter in marriage and surrendering the rule of the host and realm into his hands. Bahram accepted the noble offer, and the marriage was solemnized. Scribes drew up a new charter upon silk, establishing Bahram's royal rule. Bahram generously distributed robes of honor and gifts to the Iranian leaders who had accompanied him. From that day forth, Bahram governed China with justice, devoting his days to grand banquets and the hunt, while the nobles and people of China pledged their unyielding fealty to his throne.