Zál set off in pursuit, and slew a great number of the enemy; but when
Afrásiyáb was made acquainted with this defeat, he immediately released
Nauder from his fetters, and in his rage instantly deprived him of life.

He struck him and so deadly was the blow,
Breath left the body in a moment's space.

After this Afrásiyáb turned his views towards Tús and Gustahem in the
hope of getting them into his hands; but as soon as they received
intimation of his object, the two brothers retired from Irán, and went
to Sístán to live under the protection of Zál. The champion received
them with due respect and honor. Kárun also went, with all the warriors
and people who had been supported by Nauder, and co-operated with Zál,
who encouraged them with the hopes of future success. Zál, however,
considered that both Tús and Gustahem were still of a tender age--that a
monarch of extraordinary wisdom and energy was required to oppose
Afrásiyáb--that he himself was not of the blood of the Kais, nor fit for
the duties of sovereignty, and, therefore, he turned his thoughts
towards Aghríras, the younger brother of Afrásiyáb, distinguished as he
was for his valor, prudence, and humanity, and to whom Poshang, his
father, had given the government of Raí. To him Zál sent an envoy,
saying, that if he would proceed to Sístán, he should be supplied with
ample resources to place him on the throne of Persia; that by the
co-operation of Zál and all his warriors the conquest would be easy, and
that there would be no difficulty in destroying the power of Afrásiyáb.
Aghríras accepted the offer, and immediately proceeded from his kingdom
of Raí towards Sístán. On his arrival at Bábel, Afrásiyáb heard of his
ambitious plans, and lost no time in assembling his army and marching to
arrest the progress of his brother. Aghríras, unable to sustain a