When Amar saw her coming he put on the cape of invisibility. Witnessing Amar’s sudden disappearance, Raad was convinced that Amar was, indeed, the angel of Laqa. Sorceress Mehshar recognized her son and descended. She changed into the form of a woman and embraced her son. Seeing the dead sorcerers lying around, she asked Raad who had killed them.
He told her how he had been captured and how the angel of Laqa had brought him freedom. Mehshar said, “It is most unfortunate that he left. Had I seen him I would have filled the skirts of his hopes with riches of desire.” Raad said, “The angel of Lord Laqa disappeared all of a sudden. Perhaps he is still present but invisible. Let me call to him.”
Raad called, “Show us favor if you are present O angel of Lord Laqa. My mother wishes to see you.”
Amar took off the cape of invisibility and appeared. Sorceress Mehshar bowed her head reverently before Amar and said, “You are our benefactor. Because of you Lord Sameri again conferred the robe of life on my son. I wish you would accompany us to our camp as an honored guest and visit our quarters. I will do all I can to recompense your act of kindness.” Amar answered, “I have no objection.”
Sorceress Mehshar recited a spell that summoned a jewel-encrusted flying throne. She seated Amar and Raad Thunder-Clap on the throne and accompanied them to her camp, flying in the form of a lightning bolt. They arrived above her camp and descended into a vast garden in full bloom. Amar saw the garden was lined with fruit-laden trees and clustered with flowers. A majestic palace furnished with the rarities of the world rose in the nave of the garden.
Sorceress Mehshar seated Amar on a couch and presented salvers laden with gold and jewels as offerings. She said, “While these offerings may not be worthy of Your Lordship, I hope you will accept them. And do tell me your real name.” Amar answered, “I already told you that I am an angel of Lord Laqa. You repeat yourself to no purpose.”
The sorceress sent for her box and took out the Folios of Jamshed to ascertain whether or not Amar told the truth. The Folios of Jamshed read:
“The man before you is Amar Ayyar, the supporter of Mahrukh Magic-Eye, who disguised himself to save Raad’s life. Before he creates any trouble, you must make him an offering and send him away. You are further advised to kill him should an opportunity offer itself, for Amar is a great menace.”
Mehshar turned fiercely toward Amar upon learning this.
Amar said, “What harm have I done you? Have you taken leave of your senses that you look fiercely at me? It reminds me of the saying that no good deed goes unpunished.” Mehshar replied, “You fooled me with your talk before but you can do so no more. I know your name is Amar. Now tell me, O enemy of my emperor, what should I mete out for your punishment?” Amar replied, “It was on account of your humility that I spared your life earlier. Now do your worst and show me not the least compassion.” Mehshar said, “I am indebted to you. How can I return your kindness with evil? Take these offerings of gold and jewels and depart.” Amar answered, “Rest assured, I have no plans of taking up residence with you.”
While they had this conversation, Afrasiyab consulted the Book of Sameri to learn what had passed with sorceress Mehshar. He saw written there:
“The sorceress Mehshar has brought Amar into her camp and seated him on a couch. She converses with Amar and makes him offerings of gold and jewels.”
Afrasiyab raged marvellously when he learned of this.
SORCERESSES KHUMAR AND MAKHMUR CRIMSON-EYE
Be it known that at that moment two powerful sorceress sisters, Makhmur Crimson-Eye and Khumar were present in the court.
Makhmur Crimson-Eye was loved by Afrasiyab just like her sister Khumar and Princess Bahar. And like them, Makhmur Crimson-Eye did not respond to Afrasiyab’s advances because of her fear of Empress Heyrat’s vengeance. She was sitting elegantly beside her sister when Afrasiyab angrily ordered her, “Go at once to the garden near Mahrukh’s camp where Mehshar Lightning-Bolt sits with Amar Ayyar. Bring Amar to me as a prisoner and punish Mehshar if she intervenes.”
Makhmur invoked her magic and flew off. She soon arrived in the camp of Mehshar, who gave her a seat beside herself. Makhmur censured Mehshar, saying, “You have angered the emperor by receiving his enemy, Amar, with honor. You would do well to end the matter here and let me take him to the court as a prisoner, or else you will invite the emperor’s wrath and forfeit your life.”
Mehshar answered, “My sister, it is against my faith and principles to allow any harm to come to Amar after he saved my son’s life.” Makhmur said, “Abandon such thoughts. Drop all your scruples and fear only Afrasiyab. You will lose your life if you show intransigence in this matter. You may wish to lay down your life for Amar but I will not disobey the emperor. I will take this wretch as a prisoner with me.”
While they argued, Amar found his chance. He splashed some magic water from the carafe on Makhmur Crimson-Eye’s face. She immediately fell unconscious. As Amar drew his dagger and ran toward her, a magic claw swooped down and carried Makhmur away.
Mehshar said to Amar, “You must leave immediately. I too, must go and hide somewhere in the tilism. Afrasiyab has now become my enemy. He will kill me upon sight. You made a terrible mistake by trying to harm Makhmur.”
Amar answered, “O Mehshar, remember,
“If the enemy be strong,
The Protector is stronger still.
“Why must you go and hide in some nook in the tilism? Come with me to Mahrukh’s camp and bide your time there in peace. Regard that all who have joined our ranks are still alive with their honor intact. It’s a matter of time before, God willing, the tilism is conquered. Then you will witness that those who joined us will receive higher ranks and greater honor in Amir Hamza’s court. Even if we are overwhelmed by Afrasiyab – as you fear – you would fare no better or worse than the rest of us. Sharing a calamity reduces its severity. The choice is up to you. I have given you my best counsel.”
Mehshar said, “You speak true. Come, we are with you. I will not escape and hide, I will join you and die fighting. Let us start in the name of God.”
Sorceress Mehshar Lightning-Bolt rose and ordered the drums of departure to announce the march. Her orders were carried out and the tents and pavilions were packed and loaded onto the magic conveyances. Mehshar ascended the flying throne and seated Amar beside her. Then she departed for Mahrukh’s camp with great majesty.
SORCERESS LAMAE LIGHTNING-BOLT
When sorceress Makhmur regained her senses she found herself in Afrasiyab’s court. She said to the emperor, “As I argued and quarrelled with Mehshar, Amar splashed magic water on my face and I fell unconscious.”
When Afrasiyab looked into the Book of Sameri, he saw this written there:
“Amar made Makhmur Crimson-Eye unconscious with the magic water. Now Mehshar Lightning-Bolt has joined ranks with Amar and departed for Mahrukh’s camp.”
Afrasiyab immediately clapped and a magic slave materialized. The emperor ordered, “Summon sorceress Lamae Lightning-Bolt!”
The magic slave delivered the message without loss of time.
When sorceress Lamae presented herself, Afrasiyab said, “Go and arrest sorceress Mehshar Lightning-Bolt, who is headed for Mahrukh Magic-Eye’s camp.”
Sorceress Lamae took along a one-hundred-thousand-strong sorcerer army and flew away on her mission, flashing majestically in the form of lightning.
On the way, it occurred to her that instead of intercepting Mehshar on the way to Mahrukh’s camp, she should arrest her there along with other rebels. It would not only save her two separate campaigns but also earn her greater renown too. She proceeded with dispatch to Empress Heyrat’s camp. The empress welcomed her upon arrival and Lamae Lightning-Bolt’s army set up camp and bivouacked.
Sorceress Lamae remained in the form of a lightning bolt all day long for fear of the tricksters’ attacking her. When one watch of the day remained, the torch of the sun slowly burned up in the assembly of heaven and the moon’s ca
ndle lit up and spread its light in the cosmic congregation. Only then did the sorceress show herself in her court in human form. She ordered the war drums to be beaten. The call to war was given and the whole camp was thrown into turmoil as they made preparations for battle.
The magic birds brought these tidings to Queen Mahrukh. At her orders, bugles trilled to answer the enemy’s call to war. The preparations for battle and carnage started and remained underway for the next four watches of the night.
When the Lord of Darkness110 retreated and the King of Golden-Headgear came out of his eastern palace and gave audience on the throne of sky, sorceress Lamae and Empress Heyrat entered the arena; one flashing brilliantly in a magic cloud, leading her one-hundred-thousand-strong army of sorcerers, the other in her enamelled palace accompanied by her numerous force.
Queen Mahrukh and Princess Bahar rode in on magic thrones at the head of their army. The blaring magic bugles deafened the ears of heaven and a great turmoil shook the earth as the sorcerers’ hordes marched. The sorcerer groundsmen dropped thunderbolts to clear the arena of shrubbery. Magic clouds cast by their spells rained and settled the ashes and dust.
Criers from both sides came out to enthuse the warriors, and called out, “You must return triumphant to your camp and earn renown for your noble and valiant ancestors.”
After the criers emptied the field, sorceress Lamae flickered in the arena in the form of lightning. With a flashing bolt, she cleft all her challengers from Mahrukh’s camp into two. Then she flashed with a blinding light that filled the sky. When no challenger came out from Queen Mahrukh’s camp sorceress Lamae struck Mahrukh’s army columns, killing and burning thousands.
Mahrukh’s army ranks were thrown into upheaval and her celebrated sorcerers recited counterspells to avert sorceress Lamae’s magic.
Mahrukh took off her crown and supplicated in the court of God Almighty in the name of Fatima.
“Send aid O Fatima, daughter of Muhammad
Send aid O light of the Majestic Prophet’s house
This feline army has come to kill me
Send aid O Lioness of God.”
The arrow of Mahrukh’s prayer reached the mark of acceptance. Everyone on the battlefield saw a magic cloud arise from the wilderness with the standard of Mahrukh’s camp fluttering above it. Next, thousands of sorcerers riding magic dragons came into view, led by sorceress Mehshar, who sat with great magnificence beside Amar Ayyar on a flying throne.
Mehshar’s army took position on one side of the arena while she made her war cry and struck sorceress Lamae’s army in the form of a thunderbolt, killing thousands. When she regarded this sight, sorceress Lamae stopped attacking Mahrukh’s army and charged at Mehshar. The two became entwined. The spectators saw two entangled, quivering, flashing lightning bolts in the sky and flashing bolts filled the arena. Whenever the lightning bolts struck, sorcerers in Heyrat’s camp shouted, “O Sameri! O Jamshed!” They tooted their bugles, struck drums and raised and unfurled their colors. The racket resembled the din of doomsday.
In the meanwhile, Raad Thunder-Clap dismounted his throne and dove into the ground by invoking his magic. As Mehshar and Lamae fell entangled to the ground and rolled across the arena in combat, the earth suddenly cleft and Raad raised his head beside sorceress Lamae. He made a booming roar like thousands of thunderclaps striking simultaneously.
Because Lamae was a powerful sorceress, the impact did not shatter her skull. Instead, she fell unconscious. As sorceress Mehshar rose, rumbling into the sky and flashed, ready to strike down Lamae, a magic claw swooped down and carried sorceress Lamae away.
Raad Thunder-Clap now tore out of the ground in the midst of Lamae’s ranks and roared, shattering the skulls of countless sorcerers. Many fell unconscious. Sorceress Mehshar flashed and fell, cleaving bodies in two wherever she struck. Lamae’s army started to retreat even as Heyrat ordered Lamae’s commanders to defend their positions.
Meanwhile, Mahrukh advanced and her army clashed with Heyrat’s forces. Magic was deployed on both sides; Raad continuously emerged from the ground and roared; Mehshar continuously struck. A great pandemonium and uproar was witnessed in both camps as magic citrons and magic limes were hurled by sorcerers at their opponents.
With her spell, Princess Bahar summoned a magic spring that captivated the enemy sorcerers. Surkh Mu Wonder-Mane unfurled her hair and shooting stars showered on the foe, killing them in great numbers, Princess Nafarman wreaked havoc on the enemy with the magic she cast. Sorcerer Shakeel piled up the enemy sorcerers on the field.
Wherever the flaming lightning bolts fell
They cleared the expanse of enemy’s existence
The army submerged in the waves of blood
Where blood-splashing swords in every surge struck
The warriors ready with their swords unsheathed
The archers shot at targets that came into view
Necks fell under the curved blade as if it were the prayer
hall arch
Every headstrong infidel was a humbled soul
The shining blade of the dagger swam in life blood
The skulls of the foe as dagger handles were already marked
When Heyrat beheld this picture of her army’s defeat, she struck the drums to announce the cessation of hostilities. She flew to the sky where she invoked magic to cause a surging river of fire to pour down into the arena and it began raining flames. Mahrukh also struck the drums to call her army back to camp. Heyrat extinguished the river of fire and returned to her court.
Mahrukh entered her encampment and held an assembly of her commanders.
Sorceress Mehshar and Raad Thunder-Clap made offerings and submitted their allegiance. They were welcomed by all the commanders in the camp and Mahrukh conferred robes of honor on them. She took off her precious necklace to present to Raad Thunder-Clap and gave him the rank of commander. Soon, preparations began for the celebrations. Mahrukh feted Mehshar and Raad and goblets of wine were passed around.
Leaving Queen Mahrukh’s camp busy in these revels,
Let us wheel around the steed of pen
And write of sorceress Hasina’s adventures
Hasina had put Prince Alam Shah under her beauty spell and issued the call to war at Bakhtiarak’s advice. One day, when the world-illuminating greater star111 retired to its westerly abode and its luminous minister, the lesser star,112 took over the reign of the land, war drums were struck in Laqa’s camp in the name of Prince Alam Shah.
The messengers of Amir Hamza’s camp delivered this news to the auspicious ears of their just king. King Saad ordered that war drums be beaten in answer from their camp. The valiant champions and warriors began their preparations for battle. The armory distributed arms and armor to soldiers, who decorated themselves with weapons of their choice. The steeds were fitted with reins and saddles. For four watches of the night, everyone remained busy in these measures.
When the eastern mint issued the coin of the sun and it became currency in the bazaar of the heavens in lieu of the moon’s dinar,113 the King of True Believers emerged from his private pavilion and received the salutations and blessings of his commanders. His Excellency led his army to the arena astride his battle charger, Siyah Qitas. The ceremonial royal horse trotted beside him.
From the other side, Laqa, in the company of Prince Alam Shah and sorceress Hasina, descended like a scourge. Alam Shah sat astride a fairy-faced horse beside Laqa’s throne. All the commanders and officers of Laqa’s army were arrayed out behind him. Hasina had magically augmented her beauty and anyone who laid eyes on her was captivated by her charm.
The grounds keepers of the two armies dug up and levelled the elevated patches and filled up depressed areas of the arena to make it smooth and level for battle.
Next, the battle arrays were formed, and after they were established, Alam Shah sought Laqa’s leave for combat and took the reins of his steed. He raced his horse into the arena and challenged the valiant True Believers
thus: “Any of you who considers himself my match should come out and face me.” Everyone in the army of True Believers wept at his words and said, “We would never raise our hands in combat to harm our prince.”
At that moment, the steadfast pillar of the army of True Believers, the heart and soul and second in command of Amir Hamza the Lord of the Auspicious Planetary Conjunction, and the Lord of the lands of India, to wit, King Landhoor bin Saadan came forward astride his battle elephant. He sought and received his king’s leave to go and counsel the prince.
When Landhoor confronted him, Alam Shah said, “O pheni-eating,114 worthless Indian, you think you are my equal? Very well then! Give me the best blow from your repertoire of knocks.” Landhoor said, “O Prince of lofty station, I dare not fight with you as I am your slave and you my master. But it is most lamentable that you not only rebelled against your king but also challenged your noble father against all considerations of duty and honor in the quest of a shameless harridan, whore, and prostitute.” Alam Shah fiercely answered, “O Indian, how dare you utter these vile words against your mistress and owner, and my honored and pledged wife. I shall make an example of you!”
He brought down his sword on Landhoor’s head but Landhoor deflected the blade with a strike of his hand, foiling the prince’s blow and catching his wrist. Alam Shah took hold of Landhoor’s collar. As they struggled, their mounts collapsed under them. The two combatants emptied their saddles. They tied up the skirts of their coats, rolled up their sleeves, grappled with each other, and exerted themselves against the other’s might. It seemed as if two rutting elephants or two demons were locked in combat and clashed their heads together.
Hoshruba Page 41