بخش 15
Prose Version
News of Siavash's tragic execution reached King Kavous in Iran, plunging the court into deep mourning. The king, overcome with grief and shame, tore his clothes and wept. The great Iranian heroes, including Tus, Goudarz, and Giv, donned mourning attire. When the news reached Zabolestan, Rostam, the champion of champions, was heartbroken. After a week of mourning, he marched to the Iranian capital with a mighty army. Confronting Kavous, Rostam fiercely blamed the king and his treacherous wife, Sudabeh, for Siavash's death. In a fit of righteous fury, Rostam stormed the harem, dragged Sudabeh out by her hair, and executed her before the king's eyes; Kavous, paralyzed by guilt, did not intervene. Rostam then swore a solemn oath to avenge Siavash, declaring he would not rest until Afrasiyab was destroyed. He mobilized the Iranian host, with his son Faramarz leading the vanguard. Faramarz crossed into Turanian territory, where he was met by Varazad, the ruler of Sepijab. In the ensuing battle, Faramarz killed Varazad and devastated his lands. Hearing of the invasion, Afrasiyab gathered his forces and sent his son, Sorkheh, with 30,000 troops to halt the Iranians, warning him of Rostam's power. Sorkheh clashed with Faramarz, but the young Iranian hero overpowered the Turanian prince, capturing him alive. Faramarz brought Sorkheh to Rostam. Rostam, merciless in his grief, ordered Sorkheh to be executed in the exact manner of Siavash—beheaded into a golden bowl. Sorkheh pleaded for his life, claiming he had been Siavash's friend and had mourned him, which moved Tus to pity. However, Rostam remained unmoved, declaring that Afrasiyab's heart must burn as his has. Rostam's brother, Zavareh, then beheaded Sorkheh, and his body was hung upside down as a grim signal of vengeance.