بخش 8

When the daughter of Gazhdahm learned that the commander of the fortress (Hajir) had been captured, she, who was a warrior woman named Gordafarid, felt such shame that her face turned dark with anger. History had never seen such a woman. She put on battle armor, hid her hair under her helmet, and tightened her belt. She rode out of the fortress like a lion, shouting like thunder to the enemy army, challenging their champions. When Sohrab saw her, he laughed and bit his lip, saying, "Another wild ass has come to the hunter's trap." He put on his armor and Chinese helmet and rushed towards her. Gordafarid saw him, strung her bow, and rained arrows upon him. Sohrab was ashamed to be attacked by a woman, so he charged at her, shielding his head. Gordafarid saw him coming like fire, so she put away her bow and took up her lance. Sohrab, enraged like a leopard, struck her lance with his own, then struck her belt, tearing her armor. He lifted her from her saddle like a ball, but she drew her sword, cut his lance in two, and regained her seat. Seeing she was no match for him in strength, she turned her horse to flee towards the fortress. Sohrab pursued her in fury. As he reached her, he snatched the helmet from her head. Her hair fell loose from the armor, and her face shone like the sun. Sohrab realized she was a woman, worthy of a crown, and was amazed that the Iranian army had such a maiden on the battlefield. He lassoed her and said, "Do not seek escape. Why do you fight, O Moon-faced one? You won't escape my trap." Gordafarid knew she was caught and saw no remedy but trickery. She revealed her face and said, "O brave warrior, two armies are watching us. If I show my face and hair now, your army will say you fought a girl and raised dust to the clouds. It is better to hide this. Do not seek shame for me before the armies. Now the army and fortress are at your command; do not seek war when peace is offered. The fortress and its treasure are yours." Sohrab was enchanted by her beauty; her eyes were like a deer's, her eyebrows like bows. He said, "Do not turn back from this promise. Do not rely on this fortress walls, for they are not higher than the clouds. My mace will bring them down." Gordafarid turned her horse and rode to the fortress gate, with Sohrab following. The gate opened, and she entered, tired and battered. The gate was closed, and the people of the fortress were sad for her and Hajir. They praised her, "O lion-woman, you brought no shame to our family." Gordafarid climbed the rampart, looked down at the army, and laughed. Seeing Sohrab, she said, "O King of the Turks, turn back now. The Turks will find no mate from Iran. Fate did not decree me for you, so do not grieve. Surely you are not of the Turks, but of noble lineage, for no one has your strength. But when the King and Rustam hear of this, you will not stand against them. Not one of your army will remain alive. I pity that such strength will be hidden in the grave. It is better for you to obey and return to Turan. Do not be too confident in your own arm." Sohrab felt ashamed that he had been tricked and the fortress had slipped from his grasp. He pillaged the surrounding area and said, "It is late today, but at dawn I will bring down this fortress and show you the damage of battle.