بخش 14
Prose Version
The next morning, Sohrab donned his armor and took the captive Hajir to a vantage point overlooking the Iranian camp. He commanded Hajir to identify the leaders of the opposing army, promising freedom and rewards for the truth, but death for deceit. Hajir agreed. Sohrab pointed out the various pavilions and banners. Hajir identified King Kavus in the center, Tus with the elephant banner on the right, and Gudarz with the lion banner. Then Sohrab pointed to a green pavilion with a dragon banner, where a warrior of immense stature sat on a throne, taller than all others, with a great horse standing nearby. This was Rustam, and Sohrab, seeing the signs his mother had described, hoped it was his father. However, Hajir, fearing that this powerful Turk would kill Rustam and leave Iran defenseless, lied. He claimed the warrior was a new ally from China whose name he did not know. Sohrab, disheartened, asked about other leaders, identifying Giv, Fariburz, and Goraz. He returned to the subject of the tall warrior, insisting that Rustam must be present. Hajir maintained his lie, suggesting Rustam might be in Zabolstan. Sohrab argued that a hero would not feast while his King was at war. Hajir, trying to intimidate Sohrab, described Rustam's invincible strength, but Sohrab dismissed his words, confident in his own power. Hajir remained silent about Rustam's true identity, sealing the tragedy to come.