Last forever and prosper till the end of time.
“A sorcerer named Sarmast has arrived with an army of twelve thousand sorcerers of dark fortune to aid Laqa. He plans to fight your servants and your evil-hunting forces. He has also brought Prince Darab as a prisoner with him.”
Amir Hamza cancelled his departure to secure Darab’s release; now that Sarmast was there, he would face him on the battlefield.
At Laqa’s court, a feast was held in Sarmast’s honor. Laqa sent Sarmast’s deputy, sorcerer Zardam, the leftovers from his plate. As the macebearer came out carrying the food tray and looked around in search of a laborer, the trickster Fattah Kishori stepped out disguised as a laborer and offered to carry it. On the way, the false laborer purposely stumbled and dropped the food. Cursing him, the macebearer started putting the bowls back onto the tray. The false laborer also helped and, without the macebearer catching him, used the opportunity to drug the food. They soon resumed their errand and arrived at Zardam’s pavilion.
Zardam was mightily pleased when he learned that Laqa had sent him his leftovers as a special favor. In the meanwhile, the false laborer hid himself behind Zardam’s pavilion. After Zardam and his companions ate the food and fell unconscious, he entered the pavilion by slitting open the panel, and beheaded all of them.
Immediately, the terrible cry and uproar of the magic spirits rose. People ran toward Zardam’s pavilion screaming, “Catch him! Don’t let the murderer escape!” Fattah raised the pavilion panel, made his war cry and escaped, adding his voice to the chorus of those running to catch him.
When informed of these events, Sarmast said to Bakhtiarak, “I will not rest a moment longer! Order the drums of war be struck. I will destroy the rebels one and all.” Bakhtiarak answered, “As you please!”
In the time that remained before the close of day, last rites were performed for Zardam and his companions.
Finally, the world-illuminating sun was imprisoned; the billowing forces of the Abyssinian of the Night unfurled their dark flag of mourning in the world’s inn; the Daughters of the Corpse90 entered the cemetery of the skies and the shower of dew fell on all creation like tears of grief. At Sarmast’s orders, the drums of war were beaten and the clarions sounded.
The spies of the King of True Believers presented themselves before him. After singing his praises, they informed him of the news. Trickster Chalak headed for the Music Assembly of Solomon and struck the Timbals of Sikander and Hashsham. The Earth and the heavens reverberated with the report. The Turkic flutes, the pipe of Kayumars, and the fife of the ancient king Afrasiyab sounded.91 For four full watches of the night, arms and armor were readied. The criers exhorted the braves and champions to remain alert with their proclamations. Valiant warriors prepared to lay down their lives in the battlefield when the night ended and it was time. When the Night’s Watchman,92 along with its army of stars, finished his vigil, the arrival of the Emperor of the Fourth Heaven93 was proclaimed from his eastern chamber to the four corners of the world.
At the break of dawn, the two armies came forward and streamed into the arena in platoons and groups.
Amir Hamza was occupied in prayer in the Roving Prayer Tent when the trickster Chalak arrived with the news that his great army had filled the arena and awaited his arrival. Amir came out decorated with arms. His worthy and noble commanders congregated around him, and Amir rode Ashqar Demon-Born to the threshold of the king’s private pavilion. King Saad, the Shadow of God, the Refuge of the World, emerged from the pavilion on the throne of Solomon. The criers called out, “In the Name Of Allah!” and all the commanders bowed to their sovereign. The drums were struck, kettledrums were beaten and attendants called out, “Make way for the king’s procession! Show deference and keep your distance!” Ringed by his commanders, the king’s conveyance headed toward the arena as Laqa arrived with sorcerer Sarmast.
The warriors arranged themselves in ranks and columns. The groundsmen levelled the uneven areas of the arena. The water-carriers sprinkled the arena and settled the dust, leaving the whole battlefield clean of all shrubbery and debris. The criers from both camps came forward and recited challenges to the enemy to rouse their warriors.
After securing Laqa’s permission, Sarmast flew into the arena astride his magic dragon and challenged Amir Hamza’s camp, saying, “O accursed creatures of Lord Laqa, who among you dares to come forward and face me?”
King Saad gave Mandvail Isfahani leave to fight and he confronted Sarmast.
The sorcerer recited a spell and, presently, a dust cloud arose from the direction of the wilderness and a fully armed magic trooper materialized and said to Mandvail, “Give me your best blow!” As they parried with lances, the magic trooper was able to disarm Mandvail with a strike of his lance. When Mandvail drew his sword, the magic trooper wrested it from his hand by securing hold of his glove, lifted him from his saddle by his cummerbund, and slammed him to the ground. He took Mandvail prisoner and gave him into the custody of Sarmast’s army.
The magic trooper called out to the True Believers, “Those among you who covet death must come out and face me.” One after another, Amir Hamza’s commanders faced the magic trooper and were taken prisoner by him. Several hundred commanders of Amir Hamza’s camp were captured in this manner.
Finally, the day came to an end. As the twilight caught the skirts of Sun’s robe and pleaded with him not to hide his face, the Virgin of the Heavens retired to mourn her beloved day in the chamber of darkness.
Sarmast ordered that cessation of hostilities should be announced by the beating of drums. He returned to his camp and the two armies returned to rest for the night.
The trickster Chalak now headed out to discover the origins of the magic trooper.
In Laqa’s camp, Bakhtiarak said to Sarmast, “Hamza is the master of the Most Great Name. No spell will work on him when he enters the arena, and the Name will render void all your magic.”
Sarmast recited a spell to summon his foster mother, sorceress Nagan, and said to her, “We must capture Hamza, who is the master of the Most Great Name – the revoker of spells.”
Nagan said, “I will prepare some magic to capture the Most Great Name. Once I have done so, Hamza will be unable to recall it. I will now go into hiding to escape the tricksters’ attacks.”
Bakhtiarak said, “I fear the tricksters will strike tonight to free their commanders. It would be preferable if you stayed.” Nagan gave Bakhtiarak an amulet and said, “When you are in need, place this amulet in fire and I will come immediately to your aid.” Then Nagan flew away.
Chalak tried to find a trace of the magic trooper but was unsuccessful. He then disguised himself as an attendant and entered the pavilion of Bakhtiarak, who recognized Chalak at once.
Be it known that Amar Ayyar had killed Bakhtiarak’s father, Bakhtak, and cooked and fed his pottage to Bakhtiarak. Ever since, Bakhtiarak had acted with great humility and deference toward the tricksters and did not meddle in their business, knowing they could kill him as easily and without the least compunction.
Bakhtiarak now greeted Chalak, showed him every sign of honor and seated him at a high station. Bakhtiarak asked, “What brought my venerable master’s son here today? I also wish to know whether or not my life will be spared.” Chalak answered, “As a matter of fact, your death hovers above your head. I came here to ask you something and am resolved in the event of your not answering truthfully to relieve you forever from the burden of life.” Bakhtiarak covered himself in a white shroud and lay down at Chalak’s feet as if already dead.
Chalak said, “Get up. You must not die so quickly. First eat some dates from my hand.” Bakhtiarak whined, “Your Honor may ask me what you wish, or kill me should it please you more, but why must you make me unconscious with drugged dates?” Chalak drew his dagger and snarled, “O wittol! How dare you make objections! Quick, eat these dates!” Bakhtiarak replied, “Very well! I will comply.”
Bakhtiarak ate the dates and fell unconsc
ious. Chalak bundled him up, leaped out of the pavilion and sped toward the wilderness where he climbed up a hill from where he could keep an eye on anyone who might follow him. After satisfying himself that he was not pursued, Chalak restored Bakhtiarak to consciousness and asked him, “Tell me truthfully the origins of the magic trooper.” Bakhtiarak replied, “If I tell the truth will you spare my life?” Chalak replied, “Why do you ask for my word? Should it be my pleasure, I will reprieve your life, and should I feel like it, I will behead you.”
Bakhtiarak answered, “All I know is that sorceress Nagan has gone into hiding to capture the Most Great Name; she gave me an amulet to call her in time of need by placing it in fire. Should you wish, I could summon her.” Bakhtiarak had planned to secure his release and have Nagan capture Chalak. However, Chalak too, had thought of a trick. He said to Bakhtiarak, “Very well, you may summon Nagan.”
Bakhtiarak started a fire and put the amulet into it. Immediately, a whirring sound was heard and Nagan arrived. She asked Bakhtiarak, “Why did you call me?” Bakhtiarak did not dare say a word about Chalak; he only pointed in the direction where Chalak stood, signalling her to arrest him. But Nagan did not understand him because Chalak had hidden himself a moment before she arrived. As she looked in all directions uncomprehendingly, Chalak, who was ready with his slingshot, fired a well-aimed shot at Nagan. Her head flew off her shoulders and fell far away from the impact. She dropped to the ground dead and was dispatched hellward, even before the commotion caused by her death had subsided.
Bakhtiarak too, dropped to the ground and closed his eyes but Chalak dragged him to a tree and tied him to it. Now disguised as Nagan, Chalak headed toward Sarmast’s camp. Seeing his nanny, Sarmast greeted her respectfully and asked, “Have you already captured the Most Great Name?” The false Nagan caught Sarmast by the hand and said, “I learned that these three days will be inauspicious for you. It would be almost impossible for you to escape the tricksters. If you accompany me I will show you how to ward them off.”
The false Nagan took Sarmast into a wilderness where she gave him an apple from her sack and said, “Eat this apple. It is from the garden of Lord Sameri. It will lengthen your life and nobody will be able to kill you.” Sarmast ate the apple and dropped to the ground, unconscious. Chalak immediately beheaded him. A great noise and pandemonium engulfed them and fire and stones rained from the sky.
Prince Darab and other commanders of Amir Hamza’s army captured by Sarmast were released from his magic. They decided to put an end to Laqa’s menace once and for all. They drew their swords and fell upon Laqa’s army. The sorcerers’ camp was taken by surprise. They reckoned there were powerful sorcerers among the True Believers, who had killed their leader, Sarmast. Convinced of this, they turned tail. The valiant True Believers killed infidels for many hours.
When the bloodshot eyes of the Darling of the Night94 hid her face in a veil of crimson tears, and the skirts of the day were painted red by dusk, the commanders of the army of True Believers returned to their camp. Laqa retired to the fortress of Mount Agate in grief and defeat, and the sorcerers retreated into the tilism.
King Suleiman Amber-Hair sent another message to Emperor Afrasiyab soliciting his aid.
Emperor Afrasiyab was seated in the Dome of Light while Heyrat was arrayed out against Mahrukh. The sorcerers from Sarmast’s defeated army presented themselves before Afrasiyab and the magic claw brought him King Suleiman Amber-Hair’s note. These events thoroughly incensed and nettled Afrasiyab and he grasped the tricksters’ capacity to cause damage. He considered how difficult a time he had had trying to capture their leader, who had entered his tilism with just a handful of his companions. And he realized what a terror they must have been for Lord Laqa, who had had to contend with thousands of tricksters in Amir Hamza’s camp.
Afrasiyab first sent a message to Empress Heyrat. He wrote:
“Empress, you must not beat the drums of war as yet. If you battle the rebels now, the tricksters will interfere with your campaign and sabotage it. You must first send the trickster girl Sarsar to capture the tricksters. Afterwards, confronting and defeating Mahrukh and her rebellious horde will be a small matter.”
He sent the note to Empress Heyrat with a magic slave and then wrote one to sorceress Princess Hasina Magic-Beauty. It read:
“O Princess, you had left with the promise to go to Lord Laqa’s aid but I learned that you fell ill afterwards and could not fulfill the undertaking. If you’re still indisposed, please inform me so that another sorcerer can be nominated for the campaign. If, however, you are now restored to health, you may proceed and complete your mission.”
Afrasiyab dispatched that letter too, with a magic slave who brought it to Princess Hasina. She wrote in reply:
“I am fully recovered now by the Grace of Lord Jamshed. I will depart shortly on the mission assigned to me and Your Honor may put your mind at ease on that account.”
The magic slave returned to Afrasiyab. The emperor was satisfied by Hasina’s reply.
When Afrasiyab’s note reached Heyrat, she said to the trickster girl Sarsar, “The emperor orders that you go and take Amar Ayyar captive.” Sarsar answered, “Very well!” Putting on a trickster’s dress and weapons, she set out on her mission.
Now hear of the tricksters. They were busy making revels in Mahrukh Magic-Eye’s camp when the news of Empress Heyrat’s arrival was received. They retreated into the wilderness to plan some trickery to ransack her camp.
Engrossed in these thoughts, Amar Ayyar came upon a wedding party in the environs of the Dome of Light. He saw a group of sorcerers drinking wine and watching a dance recital under a canopy while the groom sat on a throne attired in a luxurious golden dress. Amar was delighted by the sight and thought, A destitute fellow like me will never come across a better opportunity. I must rob them and provide for myself.
Amar went to a nearby cave where he disguised himself as a minstrel, fixed a beard on his face that reached down to his waist, and rubbed lotions on his face to acquire a ruddy complexion. Disguised as an old man with a wrinkled face and bent back, he put on a chemise and turban; then he returned to the assembly carrying a tambourine in his hand and a pair of flutes stuck in his belt.
The false minstrel sang a congratulatory song with such pathos that he captivated everyone.
A sorcerer named Taseer, who was the father of the groom, reckoned the false minstrel was a master of musical arts. He showed him much reverence, seated him by his side, and said, “Have a drink or two. Consider this your own house. I will also make you an offering according to my status.” The false minstrel said, “May you rise in dignity! May you attain a higher rank. May your lordship prosper forever.” Then he sat down to sing and play the flute.
Sarsar, who was searching for Amar Ayyar in the wilderness, heard the sound of singing. She went to investigate and saw a minstrel regaling the wedding party. She recognized Amar Ayyar at first sight. She listened to Amar’s singing for some time and thought, Praise the Lord! My lover is not only a renowned man but also a consummate master of all arts!
However, Sarsar was there on Afrasiyab’s orders to capture Amar. She entered the assembly and whispered to sorcerer Taseer, “This man is Amar Ayyar. You must arrest him immediately.” Seeing Sarsar’s lips move, the false minstrel realized that she had recognized him and counselled Taseer to capture him. He walked straight up to Taseer and said, “Look who comes behind you.” As Taseer turned, Amar knocked him on the head and made away with Taseer’s pearl-embroidered headgear.
As the sorcerers ran to catch Amar, Sarsar stopped them, saying, “Wait here, I will go and catch him myself.” Sarsar drew her dagger and went in pursuit of Amar. As he stopped in the wilderness for a moment’s rest, Sarsar arrived and challenged him, saying, “Here you are O wretch. Now you won’t be able to escape me.” Hearing her challenge, Amar also drew his dagger and they started fighting.
Burq the Frank arrived on the scene in the meanwhile and said to Sars
ar, “I offer my salutes to my lady!” Sarsar answered, “O Burq, your master styles himself the Emperor of Tricksters. Why is he unable to fight me on his own? If he is indeed so powerful and great why does he need the crutch of your assistance? If his claim is just, you should go away and leave me and your master alone to sort out this matter between us.”
Burq replied, “Indeed, I have no business intruding here. Everyone must allow a lover and his beloved privacy. I know you wish to be rid of me so that you can make love to him.” With these words, Burq left them.
As Burq walked away, he saw Saba Raftar coming from the opposite direction. He realized that if she joined Sarsar it would spell trouble for Amar. Burq challenged Saba Raftar, who drew her sword and fell upon Burq.
A sorcerer named Sayyah happened to pass where Amar Ayyar and Sarsar fought. He was on his way to attend the wedding of sorcerer Taseer’s son. Seeing the two fighting in the wilderness, he captured them by magic.
Sarsar said to him, “Why have you arrested me? I am a servant of the emperor.” Amar interjected, “She lies. I am a minstrel and she’s my wife. Because I am old and infirm she runs after other men. When I catch her red-handed and attempt to kill her lovers she comes in my way and fights with me. Today I am resolved to put an end to her mischief. Release me now so that I may slice off the tip of this strumpet’s nose.”
Sayyah said, “I heard that Afrasiyab sent Sarsar to fight the tricksters. But I do not recognize her since common folks like me have no opportunity to set foot in the emperor’s court. I cannot say which one of you is telling the truth.”
Amar said, “You may learn the truth at the wedding ceremony of sorcerer Taseer’s son.” Sayyah said, “Very well. I was headed there myself.”
With the help of a magic claw, he carried Amar and Sarsar to the wedding gathering and asked sorcerer Taseer about them. He answered, “All I can tell you is that the minstrel arrived here and was followed by this woman. The minstrel ran away after snatching my headgear, which is a sure sign that he is a trickster. As I have never seen a trickster or trickster girl before, I cannot verify that this woman is Sarsar. However, having captured them presents a wonderful opportunity for us to gain admission to the royal court. You should take both of them to Empress Heyrat, who has arrived in the region of Zahir.” Sayyah answered, “I can invoke my magic and discover their true identities. But as you state, they are our passports to the royal court. I will leave for Empress Heyrat’s court after participating in your ceremony.”
Hoshruba Page 34