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It has also reached me that in ancient times there lived a mighty king named King Kundamur, a brave monarch and a formidable warrior, but a man bowed down with years. In his old age, God Most High granted him a son, whom he named Ajib because of his marvelous beauty. He entrusted him to midwives, wet nurses, serving girls, and concubines, among whom the boy grew and flourished. When he had reached the age of seven, his father appointed a priest of his own faith to instruct him. For three full years the priest taught him their religious law, their unbelief, and all else he needed to know, until he became accomplished, resolute, and sound in judgment: a learned, eloquent youth, renowned for his wisdom, who debated with scholars and sat among sages. His father was delighted at this, and then had him taught horsemanship, lance-play, and swordsmanship, until he became a bold knight. Before he had completed his tenth year, he surpassed everyone of his time in every accomplishment and knew all the arts of war. But he grew into a headstrong tyrant, a rebellious devil. Whenever he rode out to hunt, he took a thousand horsemen with him, raiding other warriors, waylaying travelers, and carrying off the daughters of kings and noblemen. Complaints against him poured in to his father, until the king summoned five slaves. When they appeared, he told them, “Seize this dog!” The slaves rushed upon Ajib and bound his arms behind him. At the king’s command they beat him until he lost consciousness, then imprisoned him in a chamber where he could not tell sky from earth, nor length from breadth. He remained confined for one night. Then the emirs came before the king, kissed the ground at his feet, and interceded for Ajib, so he released him. Ajib bore with his father for ten days; then he entered his chamber at night while he slept and struck off his head. At daybreak Ajib mounted his father’s throne and ordered his men to stand before him, clad in steel with drawn swords, ranged to his right and left. When the emirs and commanders entered and found their king murdered and his son seated upon the throne, they were bewildered. Ajib said to them, “My people, you have seen what has befallen your king. Whoever obeys me shall be honored, and whoever opposes me shall meet the same fate.”

When they heard this, they feared his violence and said, “You are our king and the son of our king.” They kissed the ground before him, and he thanked them, pleased with their submission. He ordered money and rich fabrics brought out, bestowed splendid robes of honor upon them, and showered them with wealth, so that they all came to love and obey him. He also bestowed robes upon the provincial governors and the chiefs of the Arab tribes, rebellious and obedient alike, until the lands submitted to him and their people acknowledged his rule. For five months he governed, commanding and forbidding. Then one night he had a dream and awoke in terror. He could not sleep again before morning. He seated himself upon the throne, with his soldiers standing to his right and left, summoned the dream interpreters and astrologers, and said, “Interpret this dream for me.” “What dream did you see, O King?” they asked. He replied, “I saw my father standing before me. His member was uncovered, and something the size of a bee came out of it. It grew until it became a huge lion, with claws like daggers, and I was afraid of it. While I stood staring in amazement, it sprang upon me and struck me with its claws, ripping open my belly. Then I awoke, terrified.” The interpreters looked at one another and considered their answer. At last they said, “O mighty King, this dream foretells a son born to your father. Enmity will arise between you, and he will prevail over you. Take warning from this dream and beware of him.”

When Ajib heard their interpretation, he said, “I have no brother to fear. What you say is false.” They replied, “We have told you only what we know.” He flew into a rage and had them beaten. Then he rose, entered his father’s palace, and examined his father’s concubines. Among them he found a slave girl seven months with child. He summoned two of his slaves and told them, “Take this girl to the sea and drown her.” They took her by the hand and led her to the shore, intending to drown her. But when they looked at her and saw her extraordinary beauty, they said, “Why should we drown this girl? Let us take her to the forest and make a fine living by prostituting her.” So they took her away, traveling for days and nights until they were far from all habitation. They brought her to a forest thick with trees, fruit, and streams, and agreed to satisfy their lust upon her. But each said, “I shall go first,” and they fell to quarreling. Just then a band of black men came upon them. Swords were drawn, and they charged one another. Fierce fighting followed, with blows and thrusts, until the two slaves were killed in less than the twinkling of an eye. The girl wandered alone through the forest, eating its fruit and drinking from its streams, until she gave birth to a dark-skinned boy, handsome and graceful. She named him Gharib because he had been born a stranger in a strange land. She cut his cord, wrapped him in part of her clothing, and began to nurse him, grieving bitterly for the honor and pampered ease she had once enjoyed. Then morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and twenty-fifth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that the slave girl remained in the forest, sorrowful at heart, nursing her son amid the deepest grief and fear at her solitude. One day, while she was in this plight, horsemen and men on foot appeared, with hawks and hunting dogs. Their horses were laden with cranes, herons, Iraqi geese, divers, and waterfowl, wild beasts, hares, gazelles, wild cattle, young ostriches, wildcats, wolves, and lions. These Arabs entered the forest and found the girl nursing her son in her lap. They approached her and asked, “Are you a woman or a jinniya?” “A woman, my lords of the Arabs,” she answered. They informed their emir, whose name was Mardas, lord of the Banu Qahtan. He had ridden out to hunt with five hundred chiefs of his people and kinsmen, and they had hunted their way to the place where the girl was found. They saw her, and she told them her story from beginning to end. The king marveled at her plight and called to his people and kinsmen. They continued hunting until they reached the Banu Qahtan. He took her with him, lodged her in a dwelling of her own, and appointed five slave girls to serve her. He fell deeply in love with her, went in to her, and lay with her, and she conceived while still nursing. When her months were fulfilled, she bore a son whom she named Suhaym al-Layl. He was brought up by the nurses alongside his brother, and the two boys grew and flourished under Emir Mardas’s care. He entrusted them to a religious scholar, who taught them the precepts of their faith; afterward he placed them in the charge of Arab warriors, who taught them lance-play, swordsmanship, and archery. Before they had completed their fifteenth year, they had learned all they needed and surpassed every champion in the tribe. Gharib could charge a thousand horsemen, and so could his brother Suhaym al-Layl.

Mardas had many enemies, and his tribesmen were the bravest of the Arabs, all champions and horsemen whose fire none dared approach. Near him lived an Arab emir named Hassan ibn Thabit, who was his friend. Hassan had sought the hand of a noblewoman of his people and invited all his friends to the wedding, among them Mardas, lord of the Banu Qahtan. Mardas accepted, taking three hundred horsemen with him and leaving four hundred to guard the women. He rode until he reached Hassan, who welcomed him and seated him in the place of honor. All the horsemen gathered for the wedding, and Hassan gave them feasts and rejoiced in his marriage. Then the Arabs returned to their homes. When Mardas reached his encampment, he saw two dead men lying on the ground, with birds circling over them to right and left. His heart trembled. He entered the camp, and Gharib came out to meet him, clad in mail, and congratulated him on his safe return. “What has happened here, Gharib?” Mardas asked. He replied, “Al-Hamal ibn Majid and his people attacked us with five hundred horsemen.” The cause of this raid was that Emir Mardas had a daughter named Mahdiyya, more beautiful than any eye had ever seen. Al-Hamal, lord of the Banu Nabhan, heard of her and rode with five hundred horsemen to Mardas, seeking her hand. Mardas refused him and sent him away disappointed. From that time al-Hamal watched for an opportunity, until Mardas went away at Hassan’s invitation. Then he rode out with his champions and attacked the Banu Qahtan. He killed a number of their horsemen, and the remaining warriors fled into the mountains. Gharib and his brother had ridden out hunting with a hundred horsemen and did not return until midday. They found that al-Hamal and his people had seized the camp and everything in it. They had carried off the tribe’s daughters, and al-Hamal had taken Mahdiyya, Mardas’s daughter, and driven her away among the captives. At this sight Gharib lost all restraint. He shouted to his brother Suhaym al-Layl, “You son of an accursed woman! They have plundered our camp and taken our women! At the enemy, then, and rescue the captives!” Suhaym and Gharib charged the enemy with their hundred horsemen. Gharib’s fury only grew; he reaped heads and made champions drink the cup of death, until he reached al-Hamal and saw Mahdiyya a prisoner. He charged al-Hamal, thrust his lance into him, and toppled him from his horse. Before the afternoon prayer, he had killed most of the enemy and put the rest to flight. Gharib freed the captives and returned to the tents with al-Hamal’s head upon his lance, reciting these verses:

“I am renowned upon the field of battle; even the earth’s jinn tremble at my shadow. I have a sword: when my right hand brandishes it, death hastens from my left. I have a lance: those who look upon it see a point curved like the crescent moon. Gharib they call me, champion of my people; I do not fear, though few my warriors be.” Scarcely had Gharib finished his verses when Mardas arrived and saw the dead lying on the ground, with birds circling over them to right and left. His wits fled and his heart trembled, but Gharib reassured him, welcomed him home, and told him everything that had happened to the tribe in his absence. Mardas thanked him for what he had done and said, “The care we spent on raising you has not been wasted, Gharib.” Mardas dismounted at his pavilion, and the men gathered around him. The people of the camp praised Gharib, saying, “Our emir, had it not been for Gharib, not one of us would have escaped.” So Mardas thanked him for his deeds. Then morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and twenty-sixth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Mardas returned to his camp and his men gathered around him, they praised Gharib, and Mardas thanked him for what he had done. Now, when Gharib had seen Mahdiyya carried captive by al-Hamal, rescued her, and killed her captor, she had shot the arrows of her glances at him. He fell into the snare of her love, and his heart could not forget her. He sank into passion and longing; sweet sleep deserted him, and he took no pleasure in food or drink. He would gallop his horse into the mountains, reciting verses, and return at the end of the day with the signs of love and yearning plain upon him. He confided his secret to one of his companions, and it spread throughout the camp until it reached Mardas. He flashed and thundered, rose and sat, snorted and growled, and cursed the sun and moon. “This is the reward of anyone who brings up bastards!” he cried. “If I do not kill Gharib, disgrace will ride upon my shoulders.” He consulted one of the wise men of his tribe about killing Gharib and revealed his secret to him. The man said, “Emir, only yesterday he rescued your daughter from captivity. If he must be killed, let it be by another’s hand, so that no one suspects you.” Mardas said, “Devise a way to kill him for me. I look to you alone for a plan.” The man replied, “Emir, watch until he rides out hunting. Take a hundred horsemen and lie in wait for him in the cave. Catch him unawares as he comes near, then charge him and cut him to pieces. Thus you will be rid of the disgrace he brings you.” “That is sound counsel,” said Mardas.

Mardas chose a hundred and fifty horsemen from his tribe, mighty, giant-like warriors, and instructed and urged them to kill Gharib. He kept watch until Gharib rode out hunting and had gone far into the valleys and mountains. Then he took his wicked horsemen and lay in ambush along Gharib’s path, intending to fall upon him and kill him when he returned from the hunt. But while Mardas and his men were hidden among the trees, five hundred giants suddenly attacked them. They killed sixty, captured the remaining ninety, and bound Mardas’s arms behind his back. This came about because, when al-Hamal and his men were killed, the survivors had fled until they reached his brother and told him what had happened. He was beside himself with fury. He gathered his giants, chose five hundred horsemen, each fifty cubits tall, and set out to avenge his brother. He came upon Mardas and his champions, and what has been told befell them. After capturing Mardas and his men, al-Hamal’s brother and his company dismounted. He ordered them to rest, saying, “My people, the idols have made our revenge easy. Guard Mardas and his men well until I take them home and put them to the most hideous death.” Mardas found himself bound and repented of what he had done. “This is the reward of wrongdoing,” he said. The victors slept, rejoicing in their triumph, while Mardas and his companions lay bound, despairing of life and certain of death.

Such was the case with Mardas. As for Suhaym al-Layl, he went, wounded as he was, to his sister Mahdiyya. She rose to greet him, kissed his hands, and said, “May your hands never be palsied, nor your enemies rejoice over you! But for you and Gharib, we would never have escaped captivity and our foes. Know, brother, that your father has ridden out with a hundred and fifty horsemen, intending to kill Gharib. Yet you know what a grievous loss his death would be, for he defended your honor and recovered your wealth.” When Suhaym heard this, daylight turned to darkness before his face. He put on his armor, mounted his horse, and sought the place where his brother was hunting. He found him with a great quantity of game, approached, greeted him, and said, “Brother, do you ride out without telling me?” Gharib replied, “By God, the only thing that kept me from telling you was that I saw you were wounded and wanted you to rest.” Suhaym said, “Brother, beware of my father.” Then he told him what had happened and how Mardas had ridden out with a hundred and fifty horsemen to kill him. Gharib replied, “May God turn his plot against his own throat.” Gharib and Suhaym set off for home. Evening overtook them, and they rode on through the night until they reached the valley where the men lay. Hearing horses neighing in the darkness, Suhaym said, “Brother, that is my father and his men, lying in ambush in this valley. Let us turn aside.” But Gharib had already dismounted. He tossed his reins to his brother and said, “Stay here until I return.” He went forward until he saw the men and discovered that they were not of his own tribe. He heard them speaking of Mardas and saying, “We shall not kill him until we are in our own country.” Realizing that his uncle Mardas was a prisoner among them, he said, “By Mahdiyya’s life, I will not leave until I have freed her father, lest grief befall her.” He searched until he found Mardas bound with ropes, sat down beside him, and said, “May you be delivered, uncle, from this humiliation and captivity.” When Mardas saw Gharib, he was beside himself. “My son,” he said, “I place myself under your protection. Save me, for the sake of the care I gave you as a child.” Gharib asked, “If I free you, will you give me Mahdiyya?” He replied, “My son, by all that I hold sacred, she shall be yours forever.” Gharib untied him and said, “Go toward the horses. Your son Suhaym is there.” Mardas slipped away until he reached Suhaym, who rejoiced to see him and congratulated him on his escape. Gharib went on freeing the men one by one until all ninety horsemen had been released and were safely away from the enemy. He sent them their weapons and horses and said, “Mount, spread out around the enemy, and shout, ‘O men of Qahtan!’ When they wake, draw back and scatter around them.” Gharib waited until the last third of the night, then shouted, “O men of Qahtan!” His people cried out together, “O men of Qahtan!” The mountains echoed their cry, and the enemy imagined that an army had fallen upon them. They all snatched up their weapons and fell upon one another. Then morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and twenty-seventh night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when the men awoke and heard Gharib and his people shouting, “O men of Qahtan!” they imagined that the Banu Qahtan had attacked them. They seized their weapons and began killing one another. Gharib and his men drew back, and the enemy went on slaughtering each other until daybreak. Then Gharib, Mardas, and the ninety champions charged those who remained. They killed many and put the rest to flight. The Banu Qahtan gathered the riderless horses and the weapons that lay ready and set off for their camp. Mardas could scarcely believe he had escaped his enemies. They traveled on until they reached their tribe, where those who had stayed behind came out to meet them, rejoicing in their safe return. They went to their tents, and Gharib entered his own. The young men of the tribe gathered around him, and old and young came to greet him. When Mardas saw Gharib surrounded by the youths, he hated him more than ever. Turning to his kinsmen, he said, “My hatred of Gharib has grown stronger. Nothing troubles me more than the way these men gather around him. Tomorrow he will ask me for Mahdiyya.” His adviser said, “Emir, demand something he cannot accomplish.” Mardas was pleased. He passed the night, and in the morning seated himself in his place, with the Arabs gathered about him. Gharib arrived with his men and the youths around him, approached Mardas, and kissed the ground before him. Mardas showed delight at seeing him, rose to greet him, and seated him beside himself. Gharib said, “Uncle, you made me a promise. Fulfill it.” Mardas replied, “My son, she shall be yours forever, but you have little wealth.” Gharib said, “Uncle, ask what you will. I shall raid the Arab emirs in their homelands and kings in their cities, and bring you wealth enough to fill the space between east and west.” Mardas replied, “My son, I have sworn by all the idols that I will give Mahdiyya only to the man who avenges me and wipes away my shame.” Gharib said, “Tell me, uncle, which king owes you vengeance, and I will go and break his throne over his head.” Mardas replied, “My son, I once had a son, a champion among champions. He rode out hunting with a hundred warriors, passing from valley to valley until he had gone far into the mountains and reached the Valley of Flowers and the palace of Ham ibn Shith ibn Shaddad ibn Khuld. In that place, my son, lives a tall black man, seventy cubits in height, who fights with trees: he tears a tree out of the ground and uses it as a weapon. When my son reached the valley, this giant came out against him and destroyed him and his hundred horsemen. Only three champions escaped to tell us what had happened. I gathered my warriors and went to fight him, but we could not overcome him. I am powerless to avenge my son, and I have sworn that I will marry my daughter only to the man who takes vengeance for him.”

When Gharib heard Mardas’s words, he said, “Uncle, I will go to this giant and avenge your son, with the help of God Most High.” Mardas said, “Gharib, if you overcome him, you will gain treasures and riches that no fire could consume.” Gharib replied, “Have witnesses attest your promise of marriage, so that my heart may be strengthened and I may set out to seek my fortune.” Mardas acknowledged his promise and called the elders of the tribe to witness it. Gharib departed, delighted that his hopes were within reach, and went to his mother to tell her what had been agreed. She said, “My son, know that Mardas hates you. He is sending you to that mountain only to deprive me of your living presence. Take me with you, and let us leave this tyrant’s country.” Gharib replied, “Mother, I will not leave until I have gained my desire and subdued my enemy.” He passed the night, and when morning dawned and its light shone forth, he mounted his horse. His young companions came to him, two hundred mighty horsemen, fully armed, and called out, “Take us with you, so that we may help you and keep you company on the road.” Gharib rejoiced at their coming and said, “May God reward you well on our behalf. Forward, my friends!” He traveled with them for one day and then a second. At evening they camped beneath a towering mountain and hung their horses’ feedbags upon them. Gharib wandered away into the mountain until he came to a cave from which a light shone. He went to the back of the cave and found an old man three hundred and forty years of age, whose eyebrows covered his eyes and whose mustache covered his mouth. At the sight of him, Gharib was awed by his imposing appearance. The old man said, “My son, it seems you are one of the unbelievers who worship stones instead of the Almighty King, Creator of night and day and the circling heavens.”

When Gharib heard the old man’s words, he trembled and said, “Old man, where is this Lord, that I may worship Him and delight my eyes with the sight of Him?” The old man replied, “My son, no one can behold this mighty Lord in this world. He sees but is not seen; His station is the highest, and He is present everywhere through the signs of His handiwork. He brings all worlds into being and governs time. He created humankind and jinn and sent prophets to guide His creatures along the right path. Whoever obeys Him, He admits to Paradise, and whoever disobeys Him, He casts into the Fire.” Gharib said, “Uncle, what must a man say to worship this mighty Lord, who has power over all things?” The old man replied, “My son, I am of the people of Ad, who ran riot in the land and disbelieved. God sent them a prophet named Hud, but they called him a liar, so He destroyed them with the barren wind. I had believed, together with a company of my people, and we were spared the punishment. I also lived in the days of Thamud and witnessed what befell them with their prophet Salih. After Salih, God Most High sent a prophet named Abraham the Friend to Nimrod ibn Canaan, and between them there befell what befell. My believing companions died, and I came to worship God in this cave. God Most High provides for me from sources I never expect.” Gharib asked, “Uncle, what must I say to become one of the followers of this mighty Lord?” The old man told him, “Say: ‘There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.’” Gharib embraced Islam in heart and tongue, and the old man said, “The sweetness of Islam and faith has taken root in your heart.” Then he taught him some of the religious duties and some passages from the sacred scriptures, and asked, “What is your name?” “My name is Gharib,” he replied. “Where are you bound, Gharib?” the old man asked. Gharib told him his story from beginning to end, until he came to the account of the Mountain Ghoul whom he had set out to seek. Then morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and twenty-eighth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that after Gharib had embraced Islam and told the old man everything that had happened to him, from beginning to end, until he reached the account of the Mountain Ghoul whom he had come to seek, the old man said, “Gharib, are you mad, to go alone against the Mountain Ghoul?” He replied, “My lord, I have two hundred horsemen with me.” The old man said, “Gharib, even if you had ten thousand horsemen, you could not overcome him. He is called the Ghoul because he eats human beings—may God preserve us! He is a descendant of Ham, and his father was Hindi, who settled India and gave it his name. He begot this son and named him Saadan the Ghoul. He grew, my son, into a tyrant and a rebellious devil who would eat nothing but human flesh. Before his death, his father forbade him this practice, but he would not desist and only grew more wicked. At last, after wars and great hardship, his father drove him out and banished him from India. He came to this land, made himself a stronghold, and settled here. He waylays all who come and go, then returns to his dwelling in this valley. He has been granted five sons, huge and mighty, each capable of charging a thousand champions. He has amassed wealth, plunder, horses, camels, cattle, and sheep enough to fill the valley. I fear for you at his hands. Ask God Most High to grant you victory over him through the declaration of His oneness. When you charge the unbelievers, cry, ‘God is greatest!’ For those words bring defeat upon the faithless.”

Then the old man gave Gharib a steel mace weighing a hundred ratls, fitted with ten rings that rang like thunder when its wielder brandished it. He also gave him a jeweled sword forged from a thunderbolt, three cubits long and three spans broad, which could cleave a rock in two; and he gave him a coat of mail, a shield, and a sacred book. “Go to your people,” he said, “and invite them to embrace Islam.” Gharib left, rejoicing in his new faith, and returned to his companions. They greeted him and asked, “What kept you from us?” He told them everything that had happened, from beginning to end, and invited them to Islam. They all embraced it and passed the night there. In the morning Gharib mounted and went to bid the old man farewell. After taking his leave, he set out again and reached his companions. Suddenly a horseman appeared, so completely encased in iron that nothing showed but the corners of his eyes. He charged Gharib, saying, “Strip off what you are wearing, you Arab brigand, or I will strike you dead!” Gharib charged him, and between them arose a battle that would turn a newborn child’s hair white and melt the hardest stone with terror. Then the Bedouin drew aside his face covering, and there stood Suhaym al-Layl, Gharib’s brother by his mother and the son of Mardas. The reason he had set out and come to that place was that he had been absent when Gharib departed to seek the Mountain Ghoul. On returning, he had found Gharib gone, and had gone to his mother and found her weeping. He asked why she wept, and she told him of his brother’s departure. Without allowing himself time to rest, he put on his armor, mounted his horse, and rode until he reached his brother, whereupon there passed between them what has been told. When Suhaym uncovered his face, Gharib recognized him, greeted him, and asked, “What made you do this?” He replied, “I wanted to discover how I stood against you in the field, and what my worth was in striking and thrusting.” They rode on, and Gharib invited Suhaym to Islam, which he embraced. They continued until they looked down upon the valley. When the Mountain Ghoul saw the dust of their company, he said, “My sons, mount and bring me this booty!” The five mounted and rode toward them. When Gharib saw the five giants bearing down upon them, he spurred his horse forward and asked, “Who are you? What is your race, and what do you want?” Falhun, son of Saadan the Mountain Ghoul and the eldest of his sons, advanced and said, “Get off your horses and bind one another’s arms, so that we may drive you to our father. He will roast some of you and boil the rest, for it is a long time since he last ate a human being.”

When Gharib heard these words, he charged Falhun and brandished his mace until its rings rang like crashing thunder. Falhun was bewildered, and Gharib struck him with the mace. It was a light blow, landing between his shoulders, but he fell like a lofty palm tree. Suhaym and some of the men dismounted and bound Falhun’s arms. Then they put a rope around his neck and dragged him along like a cow. When his brothers saw him captive, they charged Gharib. He captured four of them, while the fifth fled to his father. His father asked, “What news? Where are your brothers?” He replied, “They have been captured by a beardless youth, forty cubits tall.” When the Mountain Ghoul heard his son’s words, he said, “May the sun shed no blessing upon you!” He came down from his fortress, tore up a great tree, and set out on foot toward Gharib and his men, for no horse could carry his enormous bulk. His son followed him, and the two went on until they came in sight of Gharib. Without a word, the Ghoul charged the company and struck with the tree, crushing five men. Then he charged Suhaym and swung the tree at him, but Suhaym swerved aside and the blow missed. Enraged, the Ghoul threw the tree from his hand and pounced upon Suhaym, snatching him up as a sparrowhawk snatches a sparrow. When Gharib saw his brother in the Ghoul’s grasp, he cried, “God is greatest! By the honor of Abraham the Friend and Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace!” Then morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and twenty-ninth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Gharib saw his brother captive in the Ghoul’s hand, he cried, “God is greatest! By the honor of Abraham the Friend and Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace!” He turned his horse toward the Mountain Ghoul, brandished his mace until its rings rang out, and shouted, “God is greatest!” Then he struck the Ghoul across the ribs with the mace, and he fell senseless to the ground. Suhaym slipped free of his hands, and when the Ghoul came to himself, he found his arms bound behind him and his legs fettered. Seeing his father a prisoner, the son turned and fled. Gharib spurred after him and struck him between the shoulders with the mace, knocking him from his horse. They bound him beside his brothers and father, secured them all with ropes, and drove them along like camels until they reached the fortress. There they found an abundance of provisions, riches, and precious objects, as well as twelve hundred Persians bound and fettered. Gharib seated himself upon the Mountain Ghoul’s throne, which had originally belonged to Lisas ibn Shith ibn Shaddad ibn Ad. He placed his brother Suhaym on his right, with his companions ranged to right and left. Then he ordered the Mountain Ghoul brought before him and said, “How do you find yourself now, accursed one?” The Ghoul replied, “My lord, in the most wretched state of humiliation and misery, with my sons and me bound in ropes like camels.” Gharib said, “I wish you to embrace my faith, which is Islam: to acknowledge the oneness of the All-Knowing King, Creator of light and darkness and of all things—there is no god but He, the Sovereign Judge—and to confess the prophethood of Abraham the Friend, peace be upon him.” The Mountain Ghoul and his sons embraced Islam and became sincere in their faith. Gharib ordered them released, and they were freed from their bonds. Saadan the Ghoul wept and bent to kiss Gharib’s feet, as did his sons, but Gharib prevented them, and they stood among the others. “Saadan,” said Gharib. “At your service, my lord,” he replied. Gharib asked, “What is the story of these Persians?” He replied, “Our lord, this is my catch from the Persian lands, and they are not alone.” “Who else is with them?” Gharib asked. He replied, “My lord, with them is the daughter of King Sabur, king of Persia. Her name is Fakhr Taj, and she has a hundred slave girls with her, each as lovely as the moon.”

When Gharib heard Saadan’s words, he marveled and asked, “How did you come upon these people?” Saadan replied, “Emir, I rode out with my sons and five of my slaves, but we found no prey along our way. We scattered through the wilderness and deserts until we found ourselves in the Persian lands, searching for plunder so that we would not return empty-handed. Then we saw a cloud of dust and sent one of our slaves to discover what it was. He was gone a while, then returned and said, ‘My lord, it is Princess Fakhr Taj, daughter of King Sabur, ruler of the Persians, Turks, and Daylamites, traveling with two thousand horsemen.’ I told the slave, ‘Glad tidings indeed! There could be no richer booty.’ Then my sons and I charged the Persians. We killed three hundred horsemen, captured two thousand two hundred, and took Sabur’s daughter, together with her treasures and wealth. We brought them all to this fortress.” When Gharib heard Saadan’s account, he asked, “Have you committed any outrage upon Princess Fakhr Taj?” He replied, “No, by your life and by the sanctity of this faith I have embraced!” Gharib said, “You have done well, Saadan, for her father is a king of the world. He is certain to send armies after her and lay waste the lands of those who took her. Time is no friend to the man who does not consider the consequences. Where is the girl, Saadan?” He replied, “I have set aside a palace for her and her attendants.” Gharib said, “Show me where she is.” “I hear and obey,” he replied.

Gharib rose and walked with Saadan the Ghoul until they reached Princess Fakhr Taj’s palace. They found her sorrowful and humbled, weeping after the honor and indulgence she had once enjoyed. When Gharib saw her, he thought the moon had drawn near him, and he glorified God, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Fakhr Taj looked at Gharib and saw a dauntless knight, with courage shining between his eyes, bearing witness in his favor, not against him. She rose, kissed his hands, then bent over his feet and said, “O champion of the age, I place myself under your protection. Save me from this Ghoul, for I fear he will take my maidenhead and then eat me. Take me instead, and let me serve your slave girls.” Gharib replied, “You are safe until you reach your father and your place of honor.” She prayed that he might live long and rise to ever greater glory. Gharib ordered the Persians freed, and they were released. Turning to Fakhr Taj, he asked, “What brought you out of your palace into these wildernesses and deserts, where brigands could seize you?” She replied, “My lord, my father, the people of his kingdom, and the people of the lands of the Turks, the Daylamites, and the Magians worship fire instead of the Almighty King. In our kingdom there is a monastery called the Monastery of Fire. At every festival, the daughters of the Magians and the fire-worshippers gather there and remain for a month, the duration of their feast, before returning to their own lands. I set out with my attendants according to custom, and my father sent two thousand horsemen to protect me. This Ghoul attacked us, killed some of us, captured the rest, and imprisoned us in this fortress. That is what befell us, O champion of the brave. May God preserve you from the calamities of time.” Gharib said, “Do not be afraid. I shall bring you back to your palace and your place of honor.” She prayed for him and kissed his hands and feet. He left her and ordered that she be treated with every honor. He passed the night there, and when morning came, he rose, performed his ablutions, and prayed two cycles of prayer according to the faith of our father Abraham the Friend, peace be upon him. The Ghoul, his sons, and all Gharib’s companions prayed behind him. Then Gharib turned to Saadan and said, “Saadan, will you not show me the Valley of Flowers?” “Yes, my lord,” he replied. Saadan and his sons rose, together with Gharib, Princess Fakhr Taj, and her attendants, and they all went out. Saadan ordered his slaves and serving girls to slaughter animals, cook the midday meal, and serve it among the trees. He had a hundred and fifty slave girls and a thousand slaves who tended the camels, cattle, and sheep. Gharib went with the company to the Valley of Flowers, where he saw trees springing from shared roots and others standing alone, birds singing sweetly upon the boughs, nightingales trilling their melodies, and turtledoves filling the places made by the Merciful with their song. Then morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and thirtieth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that Gharib and his people, together with the ghoul and his people, set out for the Valley of Flowers. There he saw birds of every kind: the turtledove filled all the places fashioned by the Merciful with its song; the nightingale warbled in a voice as sweet as a human singer’s; the trees were beyond the tongue’s power to describe; the cooing of the wood pigeon drove men wild with longing, while the parrot answered the ringdove in the clearest speech. The fruit trees bore two kinds of every fruit: sweet and sour pomegranates hung upon the boughs, with almond-sweet and camphor-scented apricots and almonds from Khurasan. Plum trees mingled their branches with the slender boughs of the ben trees; bitter oranges glowed like flaming torches; citrons weighed down the branches; lemons were a remedy for every queasy stomach, and their sour juice cured jaundice. Red and yellow dates hung upon their mother palms—all the handiwork of God, great in majesty. Of such a place the love-stricken poet says:

When its birds sing beside its pool, the yearning heart longs for it at dawn. Its fragrant breezes make it seem a paradise: shade and fruit and flowing water. Gharib was delighted with the valley and ordered them to pitch the pavilion of the Persian princess Fakhr Taj. They set it up among the trees and furnished it with sumptuous carpets. Gharib sat down, and food was brought, and they ate their fill. Then Gharib said, “O Saadan!” “At your service, my lord,” he answered. “Have you any wine?” “Yes, I have a cistern full of aged wine.” “Bring us some.” So he sent ten slaves, who returned with a great quantity of wine. They ate and drank, taking their pleasure and making merry. Gharib grew joyful, and, remembering Mahdiyya, recited these verses:

I remembered the days of union when you were near, and love’s flame set my heart ablaze. By God, I did not leave you of my own free will, but strange are the turns of time. Peace and blessings and a thousand greetings be upon you, while I languish, sick and sorrowful. They continued eating, drinking, and enjoying the sights for three days, then returned to the fortress. Gharib summoned his brother Suhaym, and when he came, said to him, “Take a hundred horsemen and go to your father and mother and your people, the Banu Qahtan. Bring them here to live out the rest of their days. I shall go to Persia with Princess Fakhr Taj and take her to her father. As for you, Saadan, remain in this fortress with your sons until we return.” Saadan said, “Why will you not take me with you to Persia?” He answered, “Because you captured the daughter of Sabur, King of Persia. If he sets eyes on you, he will eat your flesh and drink your blood.” When the Mountain Ghoul heard this, he laughed aloud like crashing thunder and said, “My lord, by your life, if the Persians and the Daylamites all joined against me, I would give them the draught of annihilation to drink!” Gharib said, “You are indeed as you say, but stay in your fortress until I return.” “I hear and obey,” he answered. Suhaym departed, while Gharib set out for Persia with his people of the Banu Qahtan, Princess Fakhr Taj, and her attendants, making for the cities of Sabur, King of Persia.

Such was their case. As for King Sabur, he awaited his daughter’s return from the Monastery of Fire, but she did not come, and the appointed time passed, kindling a fire in his heart. He had forty viziers, the eldest, wisest, and most learned of whom was a minister named Daydan. The king said to him, “Vizier, my daughter is late, and no news of her has reached us. The time appointed for her return has passed. Send a courier to the Monastery of Fire to learn what has happened.” “I hear and obey,” he answered. The vizier went out, summoned the chief courier, and told him, “Set out this instant for the Monastery of Fire.” He departed and traveled until he reached the monastery, where he questioned the monks about the king’s daughter. “We have not seen her this year,” they replied. He immediately retraced his steps to the city of Isbanir, went in to the vizier, and told him what had happened. The vizier entered King Sabur’s presence and reported the news. The king was beside himself: he flung his crown to the ground, tore at his beard, and fell unconscious. They sprinkled water upon him, and he revived, his eyes weeping and his heart grieving, and recited the poet’s words:

When, after you were gone, I called upon patience and tears, the tears came willingly, but patience would not answer. If the days must part us only to kill us by their treachery, then welcome, treachery! Then the king summoned ten commanders and ordered them to ride out with ten thousand horsemen, each commander taking a different province in which to search for Princess Fakhr Taj. They mounted, and each commander set off with his company for a province. As for Fakhr Taj’s mother, she and her women dressed in black, spread ashes upon the ground, and sat weeping and lamenting. Such was their case. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-first night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that King Sabur sent his troops to search for his daughter, while her mother and her women dressed in black. As for Gharib and the strange adventures that befell him on his journey, he traveled for ten days. On the eleventh day he saw a cloud of dust rising to the very heavens. He summoned the emir who commanded the Persians and said, “Find out for us what this dust means.” “I hear and obey,” he answered. He spurred his horse into the dust, saw the men beneath it, and questioned them. One of them said, “We are of the Banu Hattal, and our emir is al-Samsam ibn al-Jarrah. We are roaming in search of plunder, and our company numbers five thousand horsemen.” The Persian galloped back to Gharib and told him what he had learned. Gharib called to the Banu Qahtan and the Persians, saying, “Take up your weapons!” They armed themselves and advanced, and the Bedouins met them, shouting, “Plunder! Plunder!” Gharib cried, “God confound you, you dogs of the Arabs!” Then he charged them with the force of a dauntless champion, crying, “God is greatest! To the aid of the faith of Abraham, the Friend of God, peace be upon him!” Battle broke out between them, the struggle grew fierce, swords flashed, and cries rose on every side. They fought until day departed and darkness fell, then drew apart. Gharib counted his men and found that five of the Banu Qahtan had been killed, and seventy-three Persians, while al-Samsam’s people had lost more than five hundred horsemen. Al-Samsam dismounted, but neither food nor sleep gave him pleasure. He said to his men, “Never in my life have I seen anyone fight like this youth. One moment he fights with a sword, the next with an iron club. Tomorrow I shall go out to him in the field and challenge him to swordplay and the thrusting of spears, and I shall cut these Bedouins to pieces.”

When Gharib returned to his people, Princess Fakhr Taj met him weeping and terrified by the horrors she had witnessed. She kissed his foot in the stirrup and said, “May your hands never be palsied, nor your enemies rejoice over you, O knight of the age! Praise be to God, who has brought you safely through this day. Know that I fear for you among these Bedouins.” When Gharib heard her words, he smiled at her, soothed her heart, and reassured her, saying, “Have no fear, Princess. Were the enemy to fill this whole wilderness, I would destroy them by the might of the Most High.” She thanked him and prayed that he might triumph over his enemies, then withdrew to her women. Gharib dismounted and washed his hands and cleansed himself of the unbelievers’ blood. They kept watch over one another until morning. Then both sides mounted and sought the field of battle and the place of war and spear-thrusts. Gharib was the first into the field. He spurred his horse close to the unbelievers and cried, “Is there a champion who will come out against me without hanging back?” A mighty giant, descended from the people of Ad, rode out to meet him. He charged at Gharib, saying, “You Arab scum, take what is coming to you, and welcome death!” He carried an iron mace weighing twenty ratls. He raised his arm and struck at Gharib, who swerved aside, and the mace sank a cubit into the earth. The giant bent forward with the blow, and Gharib struck him with his iron club, splitting his forehead. He fell dead, and God hastened his soul to the Fire.

Then Gharib wheeled and charged about the field, calling for a challenger. A second man came out, and he killed him, then a third and a tenth: every man who faced him he slew. When the unbelievers saw Gharib’s fighting and his blows, they shrank from him and drew back. Their emir looked at them and said, “May God withhold His blessing from you! I shall go out against him myself.” He put on his armor and spurred his horse until he faced Gharib in the midst of the field. “Woe to you, you dog of the Arabs!” he said. “Have you grown so bold that you challenge me in the field and kill my men?” Gharib answered, “Here is battle before you! Avenge the horsemen who have been slain.” Al-Samsam charged, and Gharib met him boldly, with a dauntless heart. The two fought with their clubs until both armies were astonished and every eye was fixed upon them. They wheeled about the field and each aimed a blow at the other. Gharib evaded al-Samsam’s stroke amid the clash of battle, but his own blow struck al-Samsam, crushing his chest and throwing him dead to the ground. His men charged Gharib as one, and Gharib charged them, crying, “God is greatest! He grants victory and aid, and brings to ruin those who deny the faith of Abraham, the Friend of God, peace be upon him!” And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-second night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when al-Samsam’s men charged Gharib as one, he charged them, crying, “God is greatest! He grants victory and aid, and brings the unbelievers to ruin!” When the unbelievers heard mention of the Almighty King, the One, the All-Subduing, whom eyes cannot perceive, though He perceives all eyes, they looked at one another and said, “These words have made our limbs tremble, weakened our resolve, and shortened our lives, yet never in our lives have we heard sweeter words.” Then they said to one another, “Cease fighting, so that we may ask about these words.” They withdrew from the battle and dismounted. Their elders gathered in consultation and resolved to go to Gharib, saying, “Let ten of us go to him.” They chose ten of their best men, who set out for Gharib’s tents. Meanwhile, Gharib and his people had dismounted at their tents, wondering why the others had withdrawn from the battle. While they were thus occupied, the ten men arrived and asked to be brought before Gharib. They kissed the ground and prayed that his glory and life might endure. He said, “Why did you withdraw from the battle?” They answered, “Our lord, the words you shouted at us filled us with terror.” He asked them, “What wretched things do you worship?” They replied, “We worship Wadd, Suwa, and Yaghuth, the gods of Noah’s people.” Gharib said, “We worship none but God Most High, Creator of all things and Provider for every living creature. He created the heavens and the earth, set the mountains firm, made water spring from stones, caused trees to grow, and provided for the wild beasts in the wilderness. He is God, the One, the All-Subduing.” When the men heard Gharib’s words, their hearts opened to the confession of God’s oneness, and they said, “This God is indeed a mighty Lord, compassionate and merciful.” Then they asked, “What must we say to become Muslims?” Gharib said, “Say: There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.” The ten men sincerely embraced Islam. Then Gharib said, “The proof that Islam is sweet in your hearts is that you should go to your people and offer them Islam. If they embrace it, well and good; if they refuse, we shall burn them with fire.” The ten men returned to their people and offered them the faith of Islam, explaining the path of truth and belief. They embraced it with heart and tongue, then hurried on foot to Gharib and kissed the ground before him, praying for his glory and advancement. “Our lord,” they said, “we have become your slaves. Command us as you will, for we hear and obey. We shall never leave you, because through you God has guided us.” He rewarded them kindly and said, “Go to your dwellings, take your wealth and children, and travel ahead of us to the Valley of Flowers and the fortress of Sasa ibn Shith, while I escort Fakhr Taj, daughter of Sabur, King of Persia, home. Then I shall return to you.” They answered, “We hear and obey.”

They departed at once and made for their encampment, rejoicing in Islam. They offered the faith to their wives and children, who embraced it. Then they struck their tents, gathered their wealth and livestock, and journeyed to the Valley of Flowers. The Mountain Ghoul came out with his sons to meet them. Gharib had warned them, saying, “If the Mountain Ghoul comes out against you and means to attack you, speak the name of God Most High, Creator of all things. As soon as he hears God’s name, he will abandon the fight and greet you with a welcome.” So when the Mountain Ghoul came out with his sons and made to fall upon them, they proclaimed the name of God Most High. He received them most graciously and asked about their circumstances. They told him what had happened between them and Gharib, and Saadan rejoiced in them, lodged them, and showered them with kindness.

Such was their case. As for Gharib, he set out with Princess Fakhr Taj toward the city of Isbanir. He traveled for five days, and on the sixth a cloud of dust appeared. He sent a Persian to discover what it meant. The man rode off, then returned swifter than a bird in flight and said, “My lord, this dust is raised by a thousand horsemen of our own people, whom the king sent out to search for Princess Fakhr Taj.” When Gharib heard this, he ordered his companions to dismount and pitch the tents. They did so, and presently the newcomers arrived. Princess Fakhr Taj’s men met them and told Tuman, their commander, that the princess was there. When Tuman heard of King Gharib, he went in to him, kissed the ground before him, and asked after the princess. Gharib sent him to her tent. He entered, kissed her hands and feet, and told her what had befallen her father and mother. She told him everything that had happened to her, and how Gharib had rescued her from the Mountain Ghoul. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-third night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Princess Fakhr Taj had told Tuman all that had befallen her in her captivity with the Mountain Ghoul, and how Gharib had rescued her when otherwise the ghoul would have eaten her, she said, “My father ought to give him half his kingdom.” Then Tuman rose, kissed Gharib’s hands and feet, thanked him for his kindness, and said, “With your permission, my lord, may I return to Isbanir and bring the king the good news?” “Go,” he answered, “and claim your reward for it.” Tuman departed, and Gharib set out after him. Tuman pressed on until Isbanir of the Cities came into view. He went up to the palace and kissed the ground before King Sabur. “What news, bearer of glad tidings?” asked the king. Tuman replied, “I shall not tell you until you give me my reward.” The king said, “Tell me your good news, and I shall satisfy you.” “O King of the Age,” he said, “rejoice in the news of Princess Fakhr Taj!” When Sabur heard his daughter mentioned, he fell unconscious. They sprinkled rosewater upon him, and when he revived he called to Tuman, “Come closer and tell me your good news!” Tuman approached and related what had happened to Princess Fakhr Taj. When the king heard his account, he struck his hands together and cried, “Poor Fakhr Taj!” Then he ordered ten thousand dinars to be given to Tuman and bestowed upon him the city of Isfahan and its dependencies. He called to his emirs, “Mount, all of you, so that we may go out to meet Princess Fakhr Taj!” The king’s private eunuch went in and informed her mother and all the women of the harem. They rejoiced, and her mother bestowed a robe of honor upon the eunuch and gave him a thousand dinars. The people of the city heard the news and decorated the markets and houses. The king and Tuman mounted and rode until they caught sight of Gharib. King Sabur dismounted and walked a few steps to receive him. Gharib also dismounted and came toward him, and the two embraced and greeted each other. Sabur bent over Gharib’s hands, kissed them, and thanked him for his kindness. They pitched their tents opposite Gharib’s, and Sabur went in to his daughter. She rose and embraced him, then began telling him what had happened to her and how Gharib had rescued her from the clutches of the Mountain Ghoul. Her father said, “By your life, O queen of beauties, I shall overwhelm him with gifts!” She said, “Make him your son-in-law, Father, so that he may help you against your enemies, for he is brave.” She said this only because her heart had become attached to Gharib. He answered, “My daughter, do you not know that King Khurd Shah has laid down the bridal brocade and bestowed a hundred thousand dinars? He is lord of Shiraz and its dependencies, possessing a kingdom, soldiers, and armies.” When Fakhr Taj heard her father’s words, she said, “Father, I do not want what you propose. If you force me into what I do not desire, I shall kill myself.” The king went out and made his way to Gharib, who rose to receive him. Sabur sat down, unable to take his eyes off Gharib, and said to himself, “By God, my daughter is not to be blamed for loving this Bedouin.”

Then food was brought, and they ate and passed the night. In the morning they resumed their journey until they reached the city. The king entered with Gharib riding stirrup to stirrup beside him, and it was a magnificent day for them. Fakhr Taj entered her palace and her place of honor, where her mother and her women received her with rejoicing and ululations. King Sabur sat upon his royal throne and seated Gharib at his right hand. Kings, chamberlains, emirs, deputies, and viziers stood to right and left, congratulating the king on his daughter’s return. The king said to the officers of his realm, “Let whoever loves me bestow a robe of honor upon Gharib.” Robes showered upon him like rain. Gharib remained their guest for ten days, then wished to depart, but the king bestowed a robe of honor upon him and swore by his faith that he should not leave before a month had passed. Gharib said, “O King, I am betrothed to a daughter of the Arabs and wish to consummate my marriage.” The king asked, “Which is fairer, your betrothed or Fakhr Taj?” Gharib replied, “O King of the Age, how can a slave compare with her mistress?” The king said, “Fakhr Taj has become your handmaid, for you rescued her from the ghoul’s claws, and she shall have no husband but you.” Gharib rose, kissed the ground, and said, “O King of the Age, you are a king and I am a poor man. You may ask a heavy bride-price.” King Sabur answered, “My son, know that King Khurd Shah, lord of Shiraz and its dependencies, sought her hand and offered her a hundred thousand dinars. Yet I have chosen you above all men and made you the sword of my kingdom and the shield of my vengeance.” Then he turned to the great men of his people and said, “Bear witness, people of my kingdom, that I have given my daughter Fakhr Taj in marriage to my son Gharib.” And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-fourth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that Sabur, King of Persia, said to the great men of his people, “Bear witness that I have given my daughter Fakhr Taj in marriage to my son Gharib.” Then he clasped Gharib’s hand, and she became his wife. Gharib said to him, “Name a bride-price for me to bring you, for in the fortress of Sasa I have wealth and treasures beyond counting.” Sabur answered, “My son, I want neither wealth nor treasures from you. I shall accept no bride-price for her but the head of al-Jamraqan, King of al-Dasht and the city of Ahwaz.” Gharib said, “O King of the Age, I shall go and bring my people, then march against my enemy and lay waste his lands.” The king thanked him, and the assembled nobles dispersed. The king thought that once Gharib set out against al-Jamraqan, King of al-Dasht, he would never return. When morning came, the king and Gharib mounted, and the troops were ordered to ride out. They assembled in the field, and the king said, “Show your skill with the lances and gladden my heart.” The Persian champions tilted against one another. Then Gharib said, “O King of the Age, I wish to joust with the Persian horsemen, on one condition.” “What is your condition?” the king asked. He answered, “I shall wear a thin garment next to my skin and take a lance without a point, with a rag dipped in saffron tied to its end. Let every brave man come out against me with his lance still pointed. If he defeats me, I give him my life; if I defeat him, I shall mark his chest, and he must leave the field.” The king called to the marshal of the army to bring forward the Persian champions. He chose twelve hundred of the Persian kings, selecting brave and mighty warriors. The king said to them in Persian, “Whoever kills this Bedouin may ask anything of me, and I shall satisfy him.” They vied with one another to advance upon Gharib and charge him, and now truth was plain from falsehood, and earnest from jest. Gharib said, “I put my trust in God, the God of Abraham His Friend, the all-powerful God of all things, from whom nothing is hidden, the One, the All-Subduing, whom eyes cannot perceive.” A giant among the Persian champions came out against him, but Gharib gave him no time to hold his ground before marking him and covering his chest with saffron. As he turned away, Gharib struck him across the neck with his lance, and he fell to the ground. His servants carried him from the field. A second came out, and Gharib marked him, then a third, a fourth, and a fifth. Champion after champion continued to face him until he had marked them all, and God Most High granted him victory over them. They left the field, and food was set before them. They ate, then drink was brought and they drank. Gharib drank until his wits wandered. He rose to relieve himself, but when he tried to return he lost his way and entered Fakhr Taj’s palace. At the sight of him she was beside herself with joy. She called to her women, “Withdraw to your rooms!” They scattered and went to their quarters. Then she rose, kissed Gharib’s hand, and said, “Welcome to my lord, who freed me from the ghoul! I am your handmaid forever.” She drew him to her bed and embraced him. His desire grew strong, and he took her maidenhead and stayed with her until morning.

Such was what happened, while the king thought Gharib had gone away. In the morning Gharib entered the king’s presence. Sabur rose to receive him and seated him beside him. Then the kings entered, kissed the ground, and stood to right and left. They began speaking of Gharib’s courage, saying, “Glory be to Him who has granted him such bravery at so young an age!” As they were talking, they saw through a palace window the dust of approaching horsemen. The king called to the couriers, “Quickly! Bring me news of this dust!” One of them rode out, discovered what lay beneath it, and returned, saying, “O King, beneath the dust are a hundred horsemen commanded by a man called Suhaym al-Layl.” When Gharib heard this, he said, “My lord, this is my brother, whom I sent on an errand. I shall go out to meet him.” Gharib mounted with his hundred horsemen of the Banu Qahtan, and a thousand Persians rode with him. He went forth in a splendid procession—though true greatness belongs to God alone—and continued until he reached his brother. Both dismounted and embraced, then mounted again. Gharib said, “Brother, have you brought your people to the fortress of Sasa and the Valley of Flowers?” He answered, “Brother, when that treacherous dog heard that you had taken possession of the Mountain Ghoul’s fortress, his vexation increased, and he said, ‘Unless I leave this country, Gharib will come and take my daughter Mahdiyya without a bride-price.’ Then he took his daughter, his people, his household, and his wealth, and made for Iraq. He entered Kufa and sought King Ajib’s protection, and now he is seeking to give him his daughter Mahdiyya.” When Gharib heard his brother Suhaym al-Layl’s words, his soul nearly fled his body from anguish. He said, “By the truth of Islam, the faith of Abraham the Friend, and by the mighty Lord, I shall march into Iraq and kindle war there in all its fury!” He entered the city, and he and his brother Suhaym al-Layl went up to the king’s palace and kissed the ground. The king rose for Gharib and greeted Suhaym. Gharib told the king what had happened, and Sabur assigned him ten commanders, each with ten thousand horsemen drawn from the bravest Arabs and Persians. They made their preparations in three days. Then Gharib departed and traveled until he reached the fortress of Sasa. The Mountain Ghoul and his sons came out to meet him. Saadan and his sons dismounted and kissed Gharib’s feet in the stirrups. Gharib told the Mountain Ghoul what had happened, and he said, “My lord, remain in your fortress while I march with my sons and soldiers toward Iraq. I shall lay waste the city of al-Rustaq and bring all its troops before you, bound in the stoutest fetters.” Gharib thanked him and said, “Saadan, we shall all go.” So he made his preparations and did as he was commanded. They all set out, leaving a thousand horsemen to guard the fortress, and marched toward Iraq.

Such was Gharib’s case. As for Mirdas, he traveled with his people until he reached Iraq. He took a handsome gift to Kufa and laid it before Ajib, then kissed the ground, offered the prayer used in greeting kings, and said, “My lord, I have come to seek your protection.” And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-fifth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Mirdas came before Ajib, he said, “I have come to seek your protection.” Ajib answered, “Who has wronged you? I shall protect you from him, even if it be Sabur, king of the Persians, Turks, and Daylamites.” Mirdas said, “O King of the Age, none has wronged me but a boy whom I raised in my own lap. I found him in his mother’s arms in a valley and married his mother. She bore me a son, whom I named Suhaym al-Layl; her other son is named Gharib. He grew up in my care and turned out to be a consuming thunderbolt and a mighty scourge. He killed Hassan, chief of the Banu Nabhan, destroyed warriors, and vanquished horsemen. I have a daughter fit for none but you, and he asked me for her hand. I demanded the head of the Mountain Ghoul. He went to him, fought him, and took him captive, and now the ghoul has become one of his followers. I have heard that he has embraced Islam and begun calling people to his faith. He rescued Sabur’s daughter from the ghoul and took possession of the fortress of Sasa ibn Shith ibn Shaddad ibn Ad, which holds the treasures of the ancients and their successors, and the hoards of bygone ages. He has gone to escort Sabur’s daughter home and will return laden with Persian wealth.” When Ajib heard Mirdas’s words, his color paled and his countenance changed, and he felt certain of his doom. He said, “Mirdas, is this boy’s mother with you or with him?” “She is with me, in my tents,” he replied. “What is her name?” “Her name is Nusra.” Ajib said, “It is she!” He sent for her, and when he looked upon her he recognized her. “Accursed woman,” he said, “where are the two slaves I sent with you?” She answered, “They killed each other over me.” Ajib drew his sword and struck her, cleaving her in two. They dragged her away and cast her out. Dread entered his heart, and he said, “Mirdas, give me your daughter in marriage.” Mirdas answered, “She is but one of your handmaids. I give her to you in marriage, and I am your slave.” Ajib said, “I long to set eyes on that son of a whore, Gharib, so that I may destroy him and make him taste every kind of torment.” He ordered thirty thousand dinars to be given to Mirdas as his daughter’s bride-price, together with a hundred lengths of silk woven and embroidered with gold, a hundred lengths of bordered cloth, kerchiefs, and gold necklaces. Mirdas went out with this great bride-price and devoted himself to preparing Mahdiyya’s trousseau.

Such was their case. As for Gharib, he journeyed until he reached al-Jazira, the first city on the borders of Iraq, a strongly fortified and impregnable place. Gharib ordered his army to encamp before it. When the townspeople saw the army settling beneath their walls, they shut the gates, strengthened the defenses, and went up to inform the king. He looked out from the palace battlements and saw a vast army, all of them Persians. “My people,” he said, “what do these Persians want?” They answered, “We do not know.” The king was named al-Damigh, for he used to crush the heads of champions on the battlefield. Among his followers was a daring man, like a flame of fire, named Sab al-Qifar. The king summoned him and said, “Go to this army, find out who they are and what they want of us, and return quickly.” Sab al-Qifar set off like the wind and reached Gharib’s tents. A party of Arabs approached him and said, “Who are you, and what do you want?” He answered, “I am an envoy and messenger from the lord of the city to your lord.” They took him through the tents, pavilions, and standards until they reached Gharib’s pavilion. They went in and told Gharib of him, and he said, “Bring him to me.” They brought him in, and he kissed the ground and prayed that Gharib’s glory and life might endure. Gharib asked, “What is your business?” He said, “I am the messenger of al-Damigh, lord of the city of al-Jazira and brother of King Kundamur, lord of Kufa and the land of Iraq.” When Gharib heard the messenger’s words, his tears flowed freely. He looked at him and asked, “What is your name?” “My name is Sab al-Qifar,” he replied. Gharib said, “Go to your lord and tell him: The master of these tents is named Gharib ibn Kundamur, son of the lord of Kufa who was murdered by his own son. He has come to take vengeance upon Ajib, that treacherous dog.” The messenger returned joyfully to King al-Damigh and kissed the ground. The king asked, “What news, Sab al-Qifar?” He answered, “My lord, the master of this army is your nephew.” Then he related everything that had been said. The king thought he must be dreaming. “Sab al-Qifar!” he cried. “Yes, O King?” “Is what you have told me true?” “By your life, it is true!” At once he ordered the great men of his people to mount. They did so, and the king mounted and rode with them until they reached the tents. When Gharib learned that King al-Damigh had arrived, he went out to meet him. The two embraced and greeted each other, and Gharib brought the king back to the tents. They sat upon seats of honor, and al-Damigh rejoiced in his nephew Gharib. Then King al-Damigh turned to him and said, “My heart aches to avenge your father, but I have no power against that dog, your brother, for his army is great and mine is small.” Gharib answered, “Uncle, here I am, come to take vengeance, wipe away dishonor, and rid the land of him.” Al-Damigh said, “My nephew, you have two blood-debts to avenge: your father’s and your mother’s.” Gharib asked, “What has happened to my mother?” He answered, “Your brother Ajib has killed her.” And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-sixth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Gharib heard his uncle al-Damigh say, “Your brother Ajib has killed your mother,” he asked, “Uncle, why did he kill her?” His uncle told him what had happened to his mother, and how Mirdas had given his daughter in marriage to Ajib, who was about to consummate the marriage. At his uncle’s words, Gharib lost his senses and fainted, coming close to death. When he recovered, he called to his army, “Mount!” Al-Damigh said, “My nephew, wait until I make my preparations and mount with my men, so that I may ride in your company.” He answered, “Uncle, I have no patience left. Prepare yourself and join me in Kufa.” Gharib set out and traveled until he reached the city of Babylon, whose people were terrified. Its king was named Jamak, and he commanded twenty thousand horsemen. Fifty thousand more had gathered to him from the villages. Gharib’s men pitched their tents opposite Babylon. Then Gharib wrote a letter and sent it to the lord of the city. When the messenger reached the city, he cried, “I am a messenger!” The gatekeeper went to King Jamak and told him of the envoy. “Bring him to me,” he said. The gatekeeper went out and brought the messenger before him. He kissed the ground and handed Jamak the letter. The king opened it and read: “Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, Lord of all things and Provider for every living creature, who has power over all things. From Gharib, son of King Kundamur, lord of Iraq and the land of Kufa, to Jamak. The instant this letter reaches you, let your only answer be to break the idols and acknowledge the oneness of the All-Knowing King, Creator of light and darkness, Creator of all things, who has power over all things. If you do not do as I command, I shall make this day the most ill-omened of all your days. Peace be upon whoever follows guidance, fears the consequences of destruction, and obeys the Most High King, Lord of this world and the next, who says to a thing, ‘Be,’ and it is.”

When Jamak read the letter, his eyes turned livid and his face grew yellow. He shouted at the messenger, “Go to your master and tell him: Tomorrow morning there shall be war and combat, and we shall see who is the true champion!” The messenger returned and told Gharib what had happened. Gharib ordered his people to prepare for battle. Jamak commanded that tents be pitched opposite Gharib’s, and his armies poured out like a surging sea. They passed the night resolved upon battle. When morning came, both sides mounted and drew up in ranks. They beat their brazen drums and galloped on their noble steeds, filling the earth and the open plains. The champions advanced, and the first to enter the field of war and combat was the Mountain Ghoul, carrying an enormous tree upon his shoulder. He shouted between the two armies, “I am Saadan the Ghoul!” Then he called, “Who will face me? Who will fight me? Let no sluggard or weakling come against me!” He called to his sons, “Quickly, bring me firewood and fire, for I am hungry!” They summoned their slaves, who gathered wood and kindled a fire in the middle of the field. A man from among the unbelievers came out against him, a giant of the fiercest kind, carrying upon his shoulder a club like a ship’s mast. He charged Saadan, crying, “Woe to you, Saadan!” The giant’s words enraged him. He swung the tree, making it whistle through the air, and struck the giant, who parried with his club. But the weight of the tree drove both it and the giant’s club down upon his skull, crushing it, and he fell like a towering palm. Saadan called to his slaves, “Drag away this fat calf and roast him quickly!” They hurried to skin the giant, roasted him, and set him before Saadan the Ghoul. He ate him and crunched his bones. When the unbelievers saw what Saadan had done to their companion, their skin crawled, their bodies shuddered, their spirits failed, and their faces changed color. They said to one another, “Whoever goes out against this ghoul, he eats him, crunches his bones, and robs him of the breath of this world.” They held back from battle, terrified of the ghoul and his sons, then turned and fled toward their city.

At this Gharib cried out to his men, “After the fugitives!” The Persians and Arabs charged the King of Babylon and his people, putting more than twenty thousand of them to the sword. The fugitives crowded into the gateway, where many more were slain, and they could not close the gate. Arabs and Persians poured in upon them. Saadan took a mace from one of the dead, brandished it before the troops, and strode into the field. Then he stormed the palace of King Jamak, confronted him, and struck him with the mace, knocking him senseless to the ground. Saadan fell upon those in the palace and crushed them like dry stalks, until they cried, “Mercy! Mercy!” And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-seventh night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Saadan the Ghoul stormed King Jamak’s palace and crushed those within it, they cried, “Mercy! Mercy!” Saadan said to them, “Bind your king’s arms behind his back.” They bound him and carried him out, and Saadan drove them before him like sheep, most of the city’s people having perished beneath the swords of Gharib’s army. He brought them before Gharib, and when Jamak, King of Babylon, recovered his senses, he found himself bound, while the Ghoul was saying, “Tonight I shall dine on this King Jamak.” Hearing this, he turned to Gharib and said, “I seek your protection.” Gharib replied, “Embrace Islam, and you will be safe from the Ghoul and from the punishment of the Ever-Living, who never passes away.” Jamak embraced Islam in heart and tongue, and Gharib ordered his bonds undone. Then he offered Islam to Jamak’s people, and they all accepted it and stood ready to serve him. Jamak entered his city and brought out food and drink, and they spent the night outside Babylon. When morning came, Gharib ordered the march, and they traveled until they reached Mayyafariqin, which they found deserted. Its inhabitants had heard what had happened to Babylon, so they had abandoned their homes and made their way to Kufa. There they told Ajib what had happened, and he was beside himself. He gathered his champions, told them that Gharib was coming, and ordered them to prepare to fight his brother. He counted his forces and found thirty thousand horsemen and ten thousand foot soldiers; then he summoned others, and fifty thousand more, horse and foot, came to him. He rode out with this vast army and marched for five days, until he found his brother’s army encamped at Mosul. He pitched his tents opposite theirs. Gharib then wrote a letter, turned to his men, and asked, “Which of you will deliver this letter to Ajib?” Suhaym sprang to his feet and said, “O King of the Age, I will take your letter and bring back his reply.” Gharib gave him the letter, and he went on until he reached Ajib’s pavilion. Ajib was told of his arrival and said, “Bring him to me.” When Suhaym stood before him, he asked, “Where have you come from?” He answered, “I come to you from the King of the Persians and Arabs, son-in-law of Kisra, King of the World. He has sent you a letter, and you are to return an answer.” Ajib said, “Give me the letter.” Suhaym handed it to him, and he opened it and read: “In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Peace be upon Abraham, the Friend of God. To proceed: the moment this letter reaches you, acknowledge the oneness of the King, the Bestower, who ordains all causes and drives the clouds, and abandon the worship of idols. If you embrace Islam, you shall be my brother and our ruler. I shall forgive you your crime against my father and mother and not call you to account for what you have done. But if you do not obey my command, I shall cut off your head, lay waste your lands, and swiftly fall upon you. I have given you good counsel. Peace be upon those who follow guidance and obey the Most High King.”

When Ajib read Gharib’s words and understood their threats, his eyes rolled in his head, he ground his teeth, and his fury grew fierce. He tore the letter to pieces and flung it away. Suhaym was deeply affronted and shouted at him, “May God wither your hand for what you have done!” Ajib cried to his men, “Seize this dog and cut him to pieces with your swords!” They rushed upon Suhaym, but he drew his sword and struck among them, killing more than fifty champions. Then he broke through and reached his brother, drenched in blood. Gharib asked him, “What has happened to you, Suhaym?” He told him all that had occurred, and Gharib cried, “God is greatest!” Filled with wrath, he had the war drum beaten. The champions mounted, the men formed their ranks, and matched warriors gathered, making their horses prance upon the field. The men donned iron armor and closely woven mail, girded on their swords, and couched their long lances. Ajib rode out with his people, and host charged upon host. And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-eighth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Gharib and his men mounted, and Ajib and his men did likewise, host charged upon host. The judge of war delivered his unjust sentence, then sealed his lips and spoke no more. Blood streamed and flowed, tracing intricate patterns upon the earth. Terror turned men’s hair white; the battle raged and burned; feet slipped, the brave stood fast and plunged into the fray, and the coward turned and fled. They fought and battled until day departed and night came on in gathering darkness. Then they sounded the drums of parting, drew apart, and returned, each company to its tents, to pass the night. When morning came, they sounded the drums of war and combat. They donned their battle gear, girded on their gleaming swords, couched their dusky lances, and mounted their lean, fleet horses, crying, “Today there shall be no retreat!” The armies formed their ranks like a surging sea. The first to open the battle was Suhaym. He urged his horse between the two lines and displayed his skill with two swords and two lances, performing feats of war that bewildered the wisest minds. Then he called, “Who will meet me in single combat? Who will fight me to the finish? Let no sluggard or weakling come against me!” A horseman from among the unbelievers rode out, like a flame of fire, but Suhaym gave him no time to stand before him: he thrust at him and cast him down. A second came, and he killed him; a third, and he tore him apart; a fourth, and he destroyed him. He killed every man who came against him until midday, by which time he had slain two hundred champions. Then Ajib shouted to his men and ordered them to charge. Champion fell upon champion, the struggle grew fierce, and cries and shouts arose. Polished swords rang, men slew men, and all were plunged into misery. Blood streamed and ran, and skulls became shoes for the horses’ hooves. They continued dealing mighty blows until day departed and night came on in gathering darkness. Then they drew apart and went to their tents, where they remained until morning. Both sides mounted again, eager for war and combat. The Muslims waited for Gharib to ride out beneath the banners, as was his custom, but he did not appear. His servant Suhaym went to his brother’s pavilion but could not find him. He questioned the tent attendants, who said, “We know nothing of him.” Deeply distressed, he went out and told the army. They refused to fight, saying, “If Gharib is gone, his enemy will destroy us.”

Now behind Gharib’s disappearance lay a strange tale, which we shall relate in its proper order. When Ajib returned from fighting his brother Gharib, he summoned one of his followers, a man named Sayyar, and said to him, “Sayyar, I have kept you in reserve for just such a day as this. I command you to enter Gharib’s camp, make your way to the king’s pavilion, and bring Gharib to me. Show me your cunning.” He replied, “I hear and obey.” Sayyar went off and gained access to Gharib’s pavilion. Night had grown dark, and everyone had retired to bed, while Sayyar stood there under the pretense of serving. Gharib grew thirsty and asked Sayyar for water. He handed him a cup in which he had put a sleeping drug, and scarcely had Gharib finished drinking when his head fell before his feet. Sayyar wrapped him in his cloak, lifted him, and carried him to Ajib’s tents. Standing before him, he threw his burden down. Ajib asked, “What is this, Sayyar?” He answered, “This is your brother Gharib.” Ajib rejoiced and said, “May the idols bless you! Unwrap him and wake him.” Sayyar held vinegar beneath his nose, and he revived. Opening his eyes, Gharib found himself bound, in a tent not his own. He said, “There is no power and no might save in God, the Most High, the Almighty.” His brother shouted at him, “Do you dare defy me, you dog, and seek my death, demanding vengeance for your father and mother? Today I shall send you after them and rid the world of you!” Gharib replied, “You dog of the unbelievers, you shall see upon whom misfortune falls, and whom the All-Subduing King overcomes, He who knows the secrets of every heart and will leave you, a wrongdoer, tormented in Hell. Have pity on yourself and say with me: There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.” When Ajib heard Gharib’s words, he snorted and cursed his own god of stone, then ordered the executioner and the leather execution mat brought in. But the vizier rose and kissed the ground. He was a Muslim in secret, though outwardly an unbeliever, and he said, “O King, wait and do not be hasty, until we know who is the victor and who the vanquished. If we are victorious, we shall have it in our power to kill him; if we are defeated, keeping him in our hands will give us strength.” The emirs said, “The vizier speaks truly.” And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and thirty-ninth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Ajib wished to kill Gharib, the vizier rose and said, “Do not be hasty, for we have it in our power to kill him.” Ajib ordered two sets of fetters and two iron collars put upon his brother, confined him in his tent, and set a thousand mighty champions to guard him. Gharib’s people woke to find their king missing, and could not discover him. With the coming of morning they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then Saadan the Ghoul cried, “Men, put on your armor and trust in your Lord: He will defend you!” The Arabs and Persians donned their iron armor, clothed themselves in closely woven mail, and mounted their horses. The lords rode out and the standard-bearers advanced. Then the Mountain Ghoul appeared, bearing upon his shoulder a mace weighing two hundred ratls. He wheeled and charged about, crying, “Worshippers of idols, come forth today, for this is the day of battle! Whoever knows me has warning enough of my might; whoever does not, I shall introduce myself. I am Saadan, servant of King Gharib. Who will meet me in single combat? Who will fight me to the finish? Let no coward or weakling come against me today!” A champion of the unbelievers rode out against him, like a flame of fire, and charged. Saadan met him and struck him with his mace, breaking his ribs and casting him lifeless to the ground. Then he called to his sons and slaves, “Light a fire! Every unbeliever who falls, roast him, prepare him, cook him well over the flames, and bring him to me for my midday meal.” They obeyed him, kindled a fire in the middle of the field, and laid the dead man upon it until he was cooked. They brought him to Saadan, who tore at his flesh and crunched his bones. When the unbelievers saw what the Mountain Ghoul had done, they were terrified. Ajib shouted to his men, “Woe to you! Charge this Ghoul, strike him with your swords, and cut him to pieces!” Twenty thousand men charged Saadan, surrounded him, and showered him with arrows and bolts. He suffered twenty-four wounds, and his blood flowed over the ground as he stood alone. Then the Muslim champions charged the idolaters, calling for help upon the Lord of the Worlds. They fought and battled until the day was spent, then drew apart. Saadan had been taken prisoner, reeling like a drunken man from loss of blood. They bound him fast and put him with Gharib. When Gharib saw Saadan a captive, he said, “There is no power and no might save in God, the Most High, the Almighty.” Then he asked, “Saadan, what has brought you to this?” He answered, “My lord, God—glory be to Him, the Most High—has ordained both hardship and relief, and both must come.” Gharib said, “You speak truly, Saadan.” Ajib passed the night rejoicing and said to his people, “Mount tomorrow and fall upon the Muslim army, until not one of them remains.” They answered, “We hear and obey.”

As for the Muslims, they spent the night defeated, weeping for their king and for Saadan. Suhaym said to them, “Men, do not despair, for God’s deliverance is near.” He waited until midnight, then made his way to Ajib’s camp. He passed among the tents and pavilions until he found Ajib sitting upon his throne of honor, with the kings around him. Suhaym was disguised as a tent attendant. He approached a burning candle, trimmed its wick, and fed the flame with a drug whose fumes spread through the air. Then he left the pavilion and waited a while, until the fumes reached Ajib and his kings and they fell to the ground as though dead. Leaving them there, Suhaym went to the prison tent, where he found Gharib and Saadan. A thousand champions stood guard over it, but drowsiness had overcome them. Suhaym shouted at them, “Woe to you! Do not sleep! Keep watch over your prisoners and light the torches!” Then he took a torch, kindled it with wood, filled it with the drug, and walked around the tent. Its fumes rose into the guards’ nostrils, and they all fell asleep. The drugged smoke spread through the whole army and put them all to sleep. Suhaym al-Layl had brought vinegar in a sponge; he undid Gharib’s and Saadan’s chains and collars, then held it beneath their noses until they awoke. When they saw him, they blessed him and rejoiced. They went out and gathered up all the guards’ weapons, and he said to them, “Go back to your camp.” They departed, while Suhaym entered Ajib’s pavilion, wrapped him in his mantle, lifted him, and set out for the Muslim tents. The Merciful Lord concealed him from sight until he reached Gharib’s pavilion and unwrapped the mantle. Gharib looked at what lay inside and found his brother Ajib, with his arms bound behind his back. He cried, “God is greatest! Triumph and victory!” Gharib blessed Suhaym and said, “Suhaym, wake him.” He came forward and held the vinegar beneath Ajib’s nose. Ajib awoke from the drug, opened his eyes, and found himself bound and fettered. He lowered his head toward the ground. And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and fortieth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Suhaym seized Ajib and drugged him, he brought him to his brother Gharib and roused him. Ajib opened his eyes, found himself bound and fettered, and lowered his head toward the ground. Gharib said to him, “Accursed one, raise your head!” He raised it and found himself among Persians and Arabs, with his brother seated upon his royal throne in the place of honor. He remained silent and said nothing. Gharib cried, “Strip this dog!” They stripped him and laid into him with whips until his body was weakened and his senses dulled, then set a hundred horsemen to guard him. When Gharib had finished punishing his brother, they heard cries of “There is no god but God!” and “God is greatest!” from the unbelievers’ tents. The reason was that King al-Damigh, Gharib’s uncle, had remained in al-Jazira for ten days after Gharib’s departure, then set out with twenty thousand horsemen. When he drew near the battlefield, he sent his mounted scout to discover the news. The man was gone for a day, then returned and told King al-Damigh what had happened between Gharib and his brother. Al-Damigh waited until night fell, then raised the cry of “God is greatest!” against the unbelievers and put them to the sword. Gharib and his people heard the cry, and Gharib called to his brother Suhaym al-Layl, “Find out for us what this army is and why they are raising that cry.” Suhaym went near the battlefield and questioned the servants, who told him that King al-Damigh, Gharib’s uncle, had arrived with twenty thousand horsemen and had said, “By Abraham, the Friend of God, I will not abandon my nephew! I shall do the deeds of brave men, check these unbelievers, and please the Almighty King.” Then he had attacked the unbelieving host with his men in the darkness of night. Suhaym returned to his brother Gharib and told him what his uncle had done. Gharib shouted to his men, “Take up your weapons, mount your horses, and help my uncle!” The army mounted and fell upon the unbelievers, wielding their sharp, cleaving swords among them. By morning they had slain some fifty thousand unbelievers and captured about thirty thousand, while the rest scattered in flight across the land. The Muslims returned triumphant and victorious. Gharib rode out to meet his uncle al-Damigh, greeted him, and thanked him for what he had done. Al-Damigh asked, “I wonder, did that dog fall in this battle?” Gharib replied, “Uncle, set your heart at ease and rejoice: he is bound in my keeping.” Al-Damigh was overjoyed. They entered the camp, and the two kings dismounted and went into the pavilion, but they did not find Ajib there. Gharib cried, “By the honor of Abraham, the Friend of God, peace be upon him!” Then he said, “What a dreadful day! How terrible it is!” He shouted to the tent attendants, “Woe to you! Where is my enemy?” They answered, “When you mounted and we went out around you, you did not order us to keep him under guard.” He said, “There is no power and no might save in God, the Most High, the Almighty.” His uncle said to him, “Do not be hasty or troubled. Where can he go, when we are pursuing him?”

The cause of Ajib’s escape was his servant Sayyar, who had been lurking in the camp. He could scarcely believe his luck when Gharib rode out without leaving anyone in the tents to guard his enemy. He waited, then took Ajib, hoisted him onto his back, and made for the open country. Ajib was dazed with the pain of his punishment. Sayyar hurried on with him from the beginning of the night until the following day, when he reached a spring beside an apple tree. He lowered him from his back and washed his face. Ajib opened his eyes and saw Sayyar. “Sayyar,” he said, “take me to Kufa, so that I may recover and gather horsemen, armies, and troops with which to overcome my enemy. And know, Sayyar, that I am hungry.” Sayyar went into the woodland, caught a young ostrich, and brought it to his master. He slaughtered it and cut it up, gathered firewood, struck a spark, lit a fire, and roasted it. He fed Ajib and gave him water from the spring, and his strength returned. Then Sayyar went to a nearby Arab encampment, stole a horse, and brought it to Ajib. He mounted him upon it and set out with him for Kufa. They traveled for several days until they approached the city, where the governor came out to meet King Ajib and greeted him. He found him weakened by the torment his brother had inflicted upon him. Ajib entered the city and summoned the physicians. When they arrived, he said, “Cure me in fewer than ten days.” They answered, “We hear and obey.” The physicians tended him gently until he recovered his health and was healed of his illness and the effects of his punishment. Then he ordered his vizier to write to all the provincial governors. He wrote twenty-one letters and sent them out, and the governors mustered their armies and set off for Kufa with all speed. And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-first night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that Ajib sent for his armies, and they marched to Kufa and arrived there. As for Gharib, he was bitterly grieved by Ajib’s escape. He sent a thousand champions after him, dividing them among all the roads. They traveled for a day and a night but found no trace of him, then returned and told Gharib. He called for his brother Suhaym but could not find him, and he feared that some misfortune had befallen him and was deeply distressed. While he was in this state, Suhaym came in and kissed the ground before him. Gharib rose when he saw him and asked, “Where have you been, Suhaym?” He replied, “O King, I went to Kufa and found that the dog Ajib had reached his seat of power. He ordered the physicians to treat his injuries, and they tended him until he recovered. Then he wrote letters and sent them to his governors, who have brought him their armies.” Gharib ordered his own army to depart. They struck their tents and set out for Kufa. When they reached it, they found armies like a surging sea, with neither beginning nor end to be seen. Gharib encamped with his army opposite the unbelievers’ host. They pitched their tents and raised their banners. Darkness descended upon both sides, and they lit their fires and kept watch until daybreak. King Gharib rose, performed his ablutions, and prayed two prayer cycles according to the faith of our father Abraham, the Friend of God, peace be upon him. He ordered the war drums beaten, and they thundered; the banners fluttered; the horsemen donned their armor, mounted their horses, displayed their prowess, and sought the field of battle. The first to open the battle was King al-Damigh, King Gharib’s uncle. He urged his horse between the two lines and showed himself before both armies, displaying his skill with two lances and two swords until the horsemen were bewildered and both hosts marveled at him. Then he cried, “Who will meet me in single combat? Let no sluggard or weakling come against me! I am King al-Damigh, brother of King Kandamar!” A champion from among the unbelievers’ horsemen came out against him, like a flame of fire. Without a word or greeting he charged al-Damigh, who met him and thrust him in the breast, so that the spearhead came out through his shoulder. God hastened his soul to the Fire—an evil resting place!

A second came out, and he killed him; then a third, and he killed him too. So he continued until he had slain seventy-six of their champions. At this the warriors and heroes held back from single combat. The unbeliever Ajib shouted to his people, “Woe to you, men! If you all go out against him one after another, he will not leave a single one of you standing or sitting. Charge them all at once, until you leave the earth empty of them and their severed heads beneath the horses’ hooves!” Then they shook out the fearsome banner, and host closed upon host. Blood streamed and flowed over the earth, and the judge of war delivered his sentence without injustice. The brave stood firmly planted upon the battlefield, while the coward turned and fled, scarcely able to wait for day to end and night to come with its cloak of darkness. They fought and battled, striking with their blades, until day departed and night grew dark. Then the unbelievers beat the drum of disengagement, but Gharib would not consent. He fell upon the idolaters, and the believers in the One God followed him. How many heads and necks they severed! How many arms and backs they tore apart! How many knees and sinews they crushed! How many men, old and young, they slew! By morning the unbelievers were resolved to flee, and with the breaking of the bright dawn they took to flight. The Muslims pursued them until noon, taking more than twenty thousand prisoners and bringing them back with their arms bound behind them. Gharib encamped at the gate of Kufa and ordered a herald to proclaim throughout the city safety and peace for all who abandoned the worship of idols and acknowledged the oneness of the All-Knowing King, Creator of humankind, of light and darkness. The proclamation of safety was made through the streets as he had commanded. Everyone in the city, young and old, embraced Islam, and they all came out to renew their profession of faith before King Gharib. He rejoiced exceedingly in them, and his heart grew light and glad.

Then he asked about Mirdas and his daughter Mahdiyya, and they told him that Mirdas had been encamped beyond the Red Mountain. He sent for his brother Suhaym, and when he came, said to him, “Find out what has become of your father.” Without delay Suhaym mounted his horse, couched his dusky lance, and set off toward the Red Mountain. He searched but found no news of Mirdas and no trace of his people. In their place he found an aged Arab sheikh, bent beneath the burden of years. Suhaym asked him about the men and where they had gone. He replied, “My son, when Mirdas heard that Gharib had encamped before Kufa, he was seized with great fear. He took his daughter and his people, with all his slave girls and male slaves, and set off into the wilderness and deserts. I do not know where he went.” On hearing the old man’s words, Suhaym returned to his brother and told him, and Gharib was deeply grieved. He seated himself upon his father’s royal throne, opened his treasuries, and distributed wealth among all the champions. He remained in Kufa and sent spies to discover Ajib’s whereabouts. Then he summoned the officers of state, who came obediently before him, as did the people of the city. He bestowed splendid robes of honor upon them and charged them to care for the subjects. And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-second night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that after Gharib had bestowed robes of honor upon the people of Kufa and charged them to care for the subjects, he rode out one day to hunt. He went with a hundred horsemen and traveled until he reached a valley of trees and fruit, rich in streams and birds, a grazing place for antelope and gazelles. The soul found ease there, and its fragrances revived spirits wearied by adversity. They spent that blooming day in the valley and remained there until morning. Gharib performed his ablutions, prayed two prayer cycles, and praised and thanked God Most High. Suddenly, screams and tumult rang through the meadow. Gharib said to Suhaym, “Find out what is happening.” He darted away at once and rode on until he saw plundered goods, horses being led away, captive women and children, and people crying out. He questioned some shepherds, asking, “What has happened?” They answered, “These are the women of Mirdas, chief of the Banu Qahtan, and his possessions and those of the tribe with him. Yesterday al-Jamraqan killed Mirdas, plundered his property, took his household captive, and seized the goods of the entire tribe. Al-Jamraqan makes a practice of raiding and waylaying travelers. He is an obstinate tyrant whom neither the Arab tribes nor kings can overcome, for he is a formidable foe.”

When Suhaym heard that his father had been killed, the women taken captive, and the property plundered, he returned to his brother Gharib and told him. Fire was added to Gharib’s fire, and his pride blazed up, urging him to wipe away the disgrace and take revenge. He mounted with his men, seeking their chance, and rode until he reached the raiders. Then he shouted at them, “God is greatest against those who tyrannize, transgress, and disbelieve!” In a single charge he slew twenty-one champions, then halted in the thick of the field, his heart undaunted, and cried, “Where is al-Jamraqan? Let him come out against me, so that I may make him drink the cup of humiliation and rid these lands of him!” Scarcely had Gharib finished speaking when al-Jamraqan appeared, like a mighty boulder or a fragment of mountain clad in iron. He was a giant of extraordinary height, and without word or greeting he hurled himself upon Gharib with the force of a stubborn tyrant. Gharib charged and met him like a ravening lion. Al-Jamraqan carried a massive mace of Chinese iron, so heavy that a blow from it could have shattered a mountain. He raised it in his hand and struck at Gharib’s head, but Gharib swerved aside, and the mace struck the ground and sank half a cubit into it. Gharib seized his own mace and struck al-Jamraqan across the hand, crushing his fingers so that the great mace fell from his grasp. Then Gharib leaned down from the hollow of his saddle and snatched it up faster than a flash of lightning. He struck al-Jamraqan across the ribs and brought him to the ground like a towering palm tree. Suhaym seized him, bound his arms behind his back, and dragged him away with a rope. Gharib’s horsemen charged al-Jamraqan’s riders, killed fifty of them, and put the rest to flight. They fled all the way to their encampment, raising cries of alarm. Everyone in the fortress mounted and rode out to meet them, asking what had happened. They told them the news, and when they heard that their lord had been taken captive, they hastened to rescue him and set off toward the valley.

After King Gharib had captured al-Jamraqan and put his champions to flight, he dismounted and ordered the prisoner brought before him. When al-Jamraqan came, he humbled himself and said, “I seek your protection, O foremost horseman of the age.” Gharib said, “You dog of the Arabs! Do you waylay the servants of God Most High and have no fear of the Lord of the Worlds?” Al-Jamraqan asked, “My lord, what is the Lord of the Worlds?” Gharib said, “Dog, what wretched thing do you worship?” He replied, “My lord, I worship a god made of date paste, clarified butter, and honey. Sometimes I eat it and make another.” Gharib laughed until he fell upon his back, then said, “Wretched man! None is to be worshipped but God Most High, who created you and all things, who provides for every living creature, from whom nothing is hidden, and who has power over all things.” Al-Jamraqan asked, “Where is this mighty God, that I may worship Him?” Gharib answered, “Know, fellow, that this God is called Allah. He created the heavens and the earth, made the trees grow and the rivers flow, created the beasts and birds, Paradise and Hell, and veiled Himself from mortal sight. He sees and is not seen, and His station is the highest. He created us and provides for us. Glory be to Him! There is no god but He.” When al-Jamraqan heard Gharib’s words, the ears of his heart opened and his skin shivered. He said, “My lord, what must I say to become one of you and win the favor of this mighty Lord?” Gharib replied, “Say: There is no god but God, and Abraham, the Friend of God, is His messenger.” Al-Jamraqan pronounced the profession of faith and was numbered among the blessed. Gharib asked him, “Have you tasted the sweetness of Islam?” He answered, “Yes.” Gharib said, “Undo his bonds.” They freed him, and he kissed the ground before Gharib, then kissed his foot. While they were thus occupied, a cloud of dust arose until it hid the horizon on every side. And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-third night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when al-Jamraqan embraced Islam, he kissed the ground before Gharib. While they were thus occupied, a cloud of dust arose until it hid the horizon on every side. Gharib said, “Suhaym, find out what this dust means.” He sped off like a bird in flight, was gone a while, then returned and said, “O King of the Age, this is the dust of the Banu Amir, al-Jamraqan’s people.” Gharib said to al-Jamraqan, “Mount, meet your people, and offer them Islam. If they obey you, they will be safe; if they refuse, we shall put them to the sword.” Al-Jamraqan mounted and urged his horse on until he met them, then called out. They recognized him, dismounted, and came forward on foot, saying, “We rejoice in your safety, our lord!” He said, “My people, whoever obeys me shall be saved, and whoever opposes me I shall strike down with this sword.” They answered, “Command us as you please. We shall not disobey you.” He said, “Say with me: There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.” They asked, “Our lord, where did you learn these words?” He told them what had happened between him and Gharib, then said, “My people, do you not know that I am a match for all of you upon the battlefield, in war and the thrusting of lances? Yet a single man captured me and made me taste abasement and disgrace.” When his people heard this, they pronounced the declaration of God’s oneness. Al-Jamraqan brought them to Gharib, and they renewed their profession of Islam before him. They kissed the ground and prayed that he might be granted victory and honor. He rejoiced in them and said, “Go to your encampment and offer Islam to those there.” Al-Jamraqan and his people replied, “Our lord, we will no longer leave you. We shall only go to fetch our children, then come back to you.” Gharib said, “Go, men, and join me in Kufa.” Al-Jamraqan and his people rode to their encampment and offered Islam to their women and children, and every last one of them accepted it. They took down their dwellings and tents, drove their horses, camels, and sheep before them, and set out for Kufa. Gharib also departed, and when he reached Kufa, the horsemen met him in procession. He entered the royal palace and seated himself upon his father’s throne, with the champions standing to his right and left. The spies came before him and reported that his brother had reached al-Julund ibn Karkar, lord of the city of Oman and the land of Yemen. When Gharib heard the news of his brother, he called to his people, “Men, make ready to depart in three days.” He offered the thirty thousand prisoners taken at the beginning of the battle the choice of embracing Islam and marching with him. Twenty thousand accepted Islam, while ten thousand refused, and he put them to death. Then al-Jamraqan and his people arrived and kissed the ground before him. Gharib bestowed splendid robes of honor upon them and made al-Jamraqan commander of the army. He said, “Jamraqan, ride with the chiefs of your kinsmen and twenty thousand horsemen at the head of the army, and make for the lands of al-Julund ibn Karkar, lord of the city of Oman.” He replied, “I hear and obey.” They left their women and children in Kufa and departed.

Then Gharib inspected the women of Mirdas’s household. His eyes fell upon Mahdiyya among them, and he fainted. They sprinkled rosewater upon his face, and when he revived, he embraced her and took her into the reception hall. He sat with her, and they slept together without committing fornication until morning. Then he went out and seated himself upon his royal throne. He bestowed a robe of honor upon his uncle al-Damigh, made him governor of all Iraq, and entrusted Mahdiyya to his care until he returned from his campaign against his brother. Al-Damigh accepted his charge. Gharib then departed with twenty thousand horsemen and ten thousand foot soldiers, making for the land of Oman and the territories of Yemen. Now Ajib had reached the city of Oman with his defeated men, and the people of Oman had seen the dust of their approach. Al-Julund ibn Karkar saw the dust and ordered his scouts to discover its cause. They were gone a while, then returned and told him that it was raised by a king named Ajib, lord of Iraq. Al-Julund marveled that Ajib should come to his land. When he was certain of the news, he said to his men, “Go out and meet him.” They went out, met Ajib, and pitched tents for him outside the city gate. Ajib went up to al-Julund, weeping and heavyhearted. Ajib’s cousin was al-Julund’s wife, and he had children by her. When al-Julund saw his kinsman in such a state, he said, “Tell me what has happened to you.” Ajib related everything that had passed between him and his brother, from beginning to end, and said, “O King, he commands people to worship the Lord of Heaven and forbids them to worship idols or any other gods.” Hearing these words, al-Julund grew arrogant and furious and said, “By the radiant sun, I shall not leave a single soul alive among your brother’s people! Where did you leave them, and how many are they?” Ajib answered, “I left them in Kufa. They are fifty thousand horsemen.” Al-Julund called to his men and to his vizier Juwamard, saying, “Take seventy thousand horsemen, march against the Muslims, and bring them to me alive, so that I may punish them with every kind of torment.” Juwamard rode out with the army toward Kufa. They traveled the first day, the second, and on until the seventh. Then, as they journeyed, they came to a valley of trees, streams, and fruit, and Juwamard ordered his men to encamp. And morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-fourth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when al-Julund sent Juwamard with the army to Kufa, they passed through a valley of trees and streams. He ordered his men to encamp, and they rested until midnight. Then Juwamard ordered them to depart, mounted his horse, and rode ahead of them until the hour before dawn. They descended into a valley of great trees, where the blossoms breathed their fragrance, the birds sang, and the branches swayed. Then Satan breathed pride into him, and he recited these verses:

“With my army I plunge into every sea of battle-dust; by my strength and striving I lead captives away. The knights of every land know that I am feared among warriors, the defender of my clan. I shall take Gharib captive, bound in chains, and return rejoicing, my happiness complete. I don my armor, take up my weapons, and ride toward battle wherever my path may lead.” Scarcely had Juwamard finished his verses when a proud-featured knight, sheathed in iron, emerged from among the trees. He shouted at Juwamard, “Halt, you Arab brigand! Strip off your clothes and armor, dismount from your horse, and save your life!” At these words, the light in Juwamard’s face turned to darkness. He drew his sword and charged at Jamrakan, saying, “You Arab brigand! Would you waylay me, the commander of Jaland ibn Karkar’s army, sent to bring back Gharib and his people in bonds?” When Jamrakan heard this, he said, “How that soothes my heart!” Then he charged Juwamard, reciting these verses:

“I am the knight renowned in the thick of battle; my foes fear my keen sword and spear. I am Jamrakan, called upon in times of peril, and all the world’s knights know the thrust of my lance. Gharib is my prince—indeed, my imam and lord, the hero of battle when the two armies meet. He is a leader of faith, devotion, and might, who destroys his foes in the heart of the field. He calls men to the faith of Abraham, God’s Friend, chanting the sacred verses despite the idols of unbelief.” Now when Jamrakan had set out with his people from the city of Kufa, he had traveled for ten days. On the eleventh they halted and remained until midnight, when he ordered them to depart. They set out, and he rode ahead of them down into that valley, where he heard Juwamard reciting the verses already related. He charged him like a ravening lion and struck him with his sword, cleaving him in two. Then he waited until his captains came up, told them what had happened, and said, “Divide your forces: let each group of five captains take five thousand men and circle the valley. I shall remain with the men of Banu Amir. When the enemy’s vanguard reaches me, I shall charge and cry, ‘God is greatest!’ When you hear my cry, charge in turn, proclaim God’s greatness, and fall upon them with your swords.” “We hear and obey,” they answered. They went among their warriors and gave them their orders, then scattered along the sides of the valley as dawn broke. Soon the enemy came on like a flock of sheep, filling hill and plain. Then Jamrakan and Banu Amir charged, crying, “God is greatest!” Believers and unbelievers alike heard them, and from every side the Muslims shouted, “God is greatest! Victory and triumph! Defeat to the unbelievers!” The mountains and hills echoed, and every green and withered thing seemed to say, “God is greatest!” The unbelievers were bewildered and struck at one another with their cleaving blades, while the righteous Muslims charged like flames of fire. Nothing could be seen but flying heads, warm blood, and bewildered cowards. By the time faces could be distinguished, two-thirds of the unbelievers had perished, and God had sped their souls to the Fire—an evil abode! The rest fled and scattered through the wastes, with the Muslims pursuing them, killing and taking captives until noon. Then they returned, bringing seven thousand prisoners. Only twenty-six thousand unbelievers escaped, most of them wounded. The Muslims returned victorious, sustained by God, gathered the horses, weapons, baggage, and tents, and sent them to Kufa with a thousand horsemen. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-fifth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Jamrakan fought Juwamard, he killed him and his people, took many of them captive, seized their wealth, horses, and baggage, and sent the spoils to Kufa with a thousand horsemen. As for Jamrakan and the armies of Islam, they dismounted and invited the prisoners to embrace Islam. These accepted it with heart and tongue, so the Muslims unbound them, embraced them, and rejoiced over them. Jamrakan now had a mighty army. He rested his men for a day and a night, then set out at dawn for the lands of Jaland ibn Karkar. Meanwhile, the thousand horsemen carried the spoils to Kufa and told King Gharib what had happened. Delighted at the good news, he turned to the Mountain Ghoul and said, “Ride out with twenty thousand men and follow Jamrakan.” So Saadan the Ghoul and his sons mounted with twenty thousand horsemen and set off toward the city of Oman. The defeated unbelievers reached the city weeping and crying out in grief and despair. Jaland ibn Karkar was aghast. “What calamity has befallen you?” he asked. They told him what had happened, and he said, “Woe to you! How many were they?” “O King,” they answered, “they had twenty banners, with a thousand horsemen beneath each.” When Jaland heard this, he said, “May the sun grant you no blessing! Woe to you! Were you defeated by twenty thousand men when you numbered seventy thousand horsemen, and Juwamard alone was worth three thousand on the battlefield?” In the fury of his grief he drew his sword and shouted to those around him, “Fall upon them!” His men drew their swords against the fugitives, slaughtered them to the last man, and threw their bodies to the dogs. Then Jaland summoned his son and said, “Ride out with a hundred thousand horsemen, march into Iraq, and lay it utterly waste.” King Jaland’s son was called Qurjan, and there was no finer horseman in his father’s army; he could charge three thousand knights. Qurjan had his tents brought out, the champions hastened forward, and the men assembled. They made their preparations, donned their armor, and departed one after another, with Qurjan riding proudly at their head and reciting these verses:

“I am Qurjan, whose name is renowned; I have subdued the people of desert and town. Many a knight I have struck down has bellowed upon the earth like an ox. Many an army I have scattered, rolling their heads like balls. I shall surely invade Iraq and make my enemies’ blood pour down like rain. I shall take Gharib and his champions captive, making them a warning to all who behold them.” They traveled for twelve days. As they rode, a cloud of dust rose before them until it hid the horizon. Qurjan called to his scouts, “Bring me word of that dust!” They rode on until they passed beneath the banners, then returned and said, “O King, it is the dust of the Muslims.” He rejoiced and asked, “Did you count them?” “We counted twenty banners,” they replied. “By my faith,” he said, “I shall send no one against them. I shall ride out alone and lay their heads beneath the horses’ hooves.” This was the dust of Jamrakan’s army. He saw the hosts of the unbelievers surging like a vast sea and ordered his men to dismount and pitch their tents. They halted and raised their banners, invoking the all-knowing King, Creator of light and darkness, Lord of all things, who sees and is not seen, who watches from on high—glory and exaltation be His! There is no god but He. The unbelievers also halted and pitched their tents, and Qurjan told them, “Make ready and take up your weapons. Do not sleep unless you are armed. When the last third of the night comes, mount and trample this paltry band.” Jamrakan’s spy stood listening to their plans, then returned and reported them to him. Jamrakan turned to his champions and said, “Take up your weapons. When night falls, bring me the mules and camels, and bring bells, rattles, and clappers to hang about their necks.” There were more than twenty thousand camels and mules. They waited until the unbelievers had fallen asleep, then Jamrakan ordered his men to mount. They put their trust in God and sought victory from the Lord of all worlds. Then he said, “Drive the camels and beasts of burden toward the unbelievers, and goad them with your spearheads.” They did as he commanded with all the mules and camels, driving them against the unbelievers’ tents. Bells, rattles, and clappers clattered, while the Muslims followed behind, crying, “God is greatest!” Mountains and hills rang with praise of the King Most High, whose are majesty and glory. At the din of this mighty stratagem, the horses bolted, trampling the tents while their occupants slept. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-sixth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when Jamrakan attacked the unbelievers by night with his men, horses, and camels while they slept, the idolaters sprang up bewildered, snatched their weapons, and fell upon one another until most of them were slain. Looking among the fallen, they found not a single Muslim dead; instead, they saw the Muslims mounted and armed, and realized that a trick had been played on them. Qurjan shouted to his remaining men, “You sons of whores! They have done to us what we meant to do to them! Their cunning has outmatched ours!” They were about to charge when a cloud of dust rose until it filled the whole horizon. The winds swept it upward, spreading it like a canopy and suspending it in the air. Beneath it shone helmets and glittering mail, worn by noble champions, each girded with an Indian sword and bearing a supple lance. When the unbelievers saw the dust, they ceased fighting, and each side sent out a scout. The scouts rode beneath the dust, looked, and returned to report that the newcomers were Muslims. This was the army Gharib had sent under the Mountain Ghoul, who rode ahead of his men and reached the camp of the righteous Muslims. Then Jamrakan and his people charged, falling upon the unbelievers like a flame and plying their cleaving swords and swaying Rudayni spears. Day turned black, eyes were blinded by the dust, the valiant stood firm and charged again, while cowards fled toward deserts and wastes, and blood streamed over the ground.

They fought and battled until day was spent and night came on with gathering darkness. Then the Muslims and unbelievers drew apart, returned to their tents, ate, and rested until darkness fled and the smiling day appeared. The Muslims offered the dawn prayer and mounted for battle. When Qurjan’s men had withdrawn from the fighting, they had found most of their number wounded, and two-thirds destroyed by sword and spear. He had told them, “My people, tomorrow I shall go out into the heart of the field, where spears clash and battle rages, and seize their champions in single combat.” When morning came and its light shone clear, the two armies mounted, raised their cries, drew their weapons, leveled their dark-shafted spears, and formed their battle lines. The first to open the gates of war was Qurjan ibn Jaland ibn Karkar. He cried, “Let no sluggard or weakling come against me today!” All this while Jamrakan and Saadan the Ghoul remained beneath the banners. The chief of Banu Amir rode out to meet Qurjan in the field. The two charged like rams butting heads and fought for some time. Then Qurjan rushed upon the chief, seized him by the sleeve of his robe, and hauled him from his saddle. He dashed him to the ground, leaving him helpless, and the unbelievers bound his arms and carried him to their tents. Qurjan wheeled and charged again, calling for another opponent. A second captain came out against him, and before noon he had taken seven captains prisoner. Then Jamrakan gave a shout that rang across the field and reached both armies. He charged Qurjan with all his heart and spirit, reciting these verses:

“I am Jamrakan, stout of heart; every knight fears to fight me. I have shattered fortresses and left them mourning and weeping for their lost men. Qurjan, take the path of guidance and forsake the road of error. Acknowledge the one God, who raised the heavens, made the seas flow, and set the mountains firm. When a servant embraces Islam, he shall find shelter in gardens hereafter and be spared grievous punishment.” When Qurjan heard Jamrakan’s words, he snorted and grunted, cursed the sun and moon, and charged at him, reciting these verses:

“I am Qurjan, the bravest of the age; the lions of Shara tremble at my shadow. I have conquered fortresses and hunted beasts of prey, and every knight fears to fight me. Jamrakan, if you doubt my words, come forward and meet me in combat!” When Jamrakan heard him, he charged with a fearless heart. They struck at one another with swords until the ranks cried out, thrust with their lances, and raised their battle shouts. They fought on until the afternoon prayer had passed and the day was waning. Then Jamrakan rushed at Qurjan and struck him in the chest with his mace, hurling him to the ground like the trunk of a palm. The Muslims bound his arms and dragged him away on a rope like a camel. When the unbelievers saw their lord a captive, the fierce pride of pagan days seized them, and they charged the Muslims to rescue him. But the Muslim champions met them and left them strewn upon the earth. The survivors fled for their lives, swords ringing at their backs. The Muslims pursued them until they were scattered through the mountains and wastes, then returned to the spoils: a great abundance of horses, tents, and other goods. What a treasure they won! Afterward Jamrakan went to Qurjan and invited him to embrace Islam. He threatened him and tried to frighten him, but Qurjan refused, so they cut off his head and raised it upon a spear. Then they set out for the city of Oman.

As for the unbelievers, they told their king that his son had been killed and his army destroyed. When Jaland heard the news, he dashed his crown to the ground and struck his face until blood poured from his nostrils, then fell senseless to the earth. They sprinkled rosewater upon his face, and when he revived he called for his vizier and said, “Write to all the governors. Order them to leave behind no swordsman, spearman, or bowman, but to bring them all.” The vizier wrote the letters and dispatched them with couriers. The governors made ready, and a vast army of a hundred and eighty thousand assembled. They prepared tents, camels, and fine horses, and were about to depart when Jamrakan and Saadan the Ghoul appeared with seventy thousand horsemen, like grim-faced lions, every man sheathed in iron. When Jaland saw the Muslims approaching, he rejoiced and said, “By the radiant sun, I shall leave not one enemy alive, not even a man to carry the news! I shall lay Iraq waste and avenge my son, that valiant knight, and the fire within me shall not cool!” Then he turned to Ajib and said, “You dog of Iraq! This is what you have brought upon us! By the god I worship, if I do not have my revenge upon my enemy, I shall put you to the most dreadful death!” Ajib was deeply troubled by these words and began to reproach himself. He waited until the Muslims had halted, pitched their tents, and been overtaken by night. He was encamped apart from the others with the remnants of his clan, and he said to them, “My cousins, know that when the Muslims appeared, Jaland and I were filled with terror. I now know that he cannot protect me from my brother or anyone else. My counsel is that we leave when all eyes are asleep and make for King Yarub ibn Qahtan, whose troops are more numerous and whose power is greater.” When his people heard this, they said, “That is the right course.” He ordered them to light fires at the entrances of their tents and depart in the blackness of night. They did as he commanded and rode away, covering a great distance before dawn.

Morning found Jaland with two hundred and sixty thousand armored men, encased in iron and close-woven mail. They beat their war drums and formed their ranks for thrust and stroke. Jamrakan and Saadan rode out with forty thousand mighty champions, a thousand stout and valiant horsemen beneath each banner, all masters of mounted combat. The two armies drew up, eager for blows and spear thrusts, drawing swords and leveling their lances to drink the cup of death. The first to open the gates of war was Saadan, who looked like a mountain of flint or a rebellious giant of the jinn. An unbelieving champion rode out against him, and Saadan killed him and flung him onto the field. Then he called to his sons and servants, “Light a fire and roast this dead man!” They obeyed and brought him the roasted body. He ate it and gnawed its bones while the unbelievers watched from afar. “O radiant sun!” they cried, terrified at the thought of fighting Saadan. Jaland shouted to his men, “Kill this monster!” One of the unbelievers’ captains went out against him, and Saadan killed him. He went on killing knight after knight until he had slain thirty. Then the craven unbelievers refused to fight him, saying, “Who can fight jinn and ghouls?” Jaland shouted, “Let a hundred horsemen charge him and bring him to me dead or captive!” A hundred knights rode out, attacking Saadan with swords and spears. He met them with a heart harder than flint, proclaiming the oneness of the sovereign Judge, whom no concern distracts from another. “God is greatest!” he cried, and laid about him with his sword, sending their heads flying. In a single charge among them he killed seventy-four, and the rest fled. Then Jaland summoned ten captains, each commanding a thousand champions, and said, “Shoot his horse with arrows until it falls beneath him, then seize him with your hands!” Ten thousand horsemen charged Saadan, and he met them fearlessly. When Jamrakan and the Muslims saw the unbelievers attacking him, they proclaimed God’s greatness and charged, but before they could reach him the enemy had killed his horse and taken him prisoner. They continued their assault upon the unbelievers until the day grew dark and eyes were blinded. The cleaving sword rang, every valiant knight stood firm, and terror overtook the coward. Amid the unbelievers, the Muslims were like a white spot upon a black bull. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-seventh night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that the battle between Muslims and unbelievers grew so fierce that the Muslims were like a white spot upon a black bull. They continued striking and clashing until darkness fell, then drew apart, leaving countless unbelievers dead. Jamrakan and his men returned in deep sorrow for Saadan; neither food nor sleep brought them pleasure. They counted their men and found that fewer than a thousand had been killed. Jamrakan said, “My people, I shall ride out into the heart of the field, where spears clash and battle rages. I shall kill their champions, seize their families, and take prisoners with whom to ransom Saadan, by leave of the sovereign Judge, whom no concern distracts from another.” Their hearts were eased, and they rejoiced and dispersed to their tents. As for Jaland, he entered his pavilion and seated himself upon his royal throne, with his people gathered about him. He called for Saadan, and when they brought him before him, he said, “You dog, you lowest of Arabs, you carrier of firewood! Who killed my son Qurjan, the bravest of the age, slayer of rivals and feller of champions?” Saadan answered, “Jamrakan killed him, the commander of King Gharib’s army, lord of horsemen. I roasted and ate him, for I was hungry.” At these words, Jaland’s eyes rolled up in his head, and he ordered Saadan beheaded. The executioner came forward eagerly, but Saadan stretched against his bonds and snapped them. He sprang at the executioner, snatched the sword from him, and struck off his head. Then he made for Jaland, who flung himself from his throne and fled. Saadan fell upon those present and killed twenty of the king’s closest attendants, while the remaining captains ran away. An uproar rose through the unbelievers’ camp. Saadan attacked those about him, striking right and left, until they scattered and left a clear passage before him. He went on cutting his way through the enemy until he emerged from their tents and made for the Muslim camp. Hearing the unbelievers’ clamor, the Muslims said, “Perhaps reinforcements have come to them.” While they stood bewildered, Saadan appeared before them. They rejoiced greatly at his return, and none more than Jamrakan, who greeted him. All the Muslims saluted him and congratulated him on his escape.

Such was the case with the Muslims. As for the unbelievers, after Saadan’s departure they returned with their king to the pavilion. The king said, “My people, by the radiant sun, by the darkness of night, the light of day, and the wandering stars, I never thought I should escape death today! Had I fallen into his hands, he would have eaten me. I should have been worth no more to him than wheat or barley or a single grain!” They said, “O King, have we ever seen anyone do what this ghoul has done?” He told them, “My people, tomorrow take up your weapons, mount your horses, and trample them beneath their hooves.” Meanwhile, the Muslims gathered, rejoicing in their victory and the escape of Saadan the Ghoul. Jamrakan said, “Tomorrow on the field I shall show you what I can do, and what befits a man like me. By Abraham, God’s Friend, I shall slaughter them most terribly and ply my cleaving sword among them until the wisest are bewildered. I intend to charge their right wing and their left. When you see me rush upon the king beneath his banners, follow hard behind me, so that God may accomplish what He has ordained.” The two sides spent the night keeping watch until day dawned and the sun appeared. In less than the blink of an eye they mounted, while the raven of parting croaked. They faced one another and formed their ranks for battle. Jamrakan was the first to open the gates of war, wheeling and charging and calling for an opponent. Jaland was about to attack with his men when a cloud of dust rose, filling the horizon and darkening the day. The four winds struck it, tearing and scattering it, and beneath it appeared armored knights and noble champions, cleaving swords and sundering spears, and men like fearless, unflinching beasts of prey. At the sight of the dust, both armies held back and sent scouts to discover who these newcomers were. The scouts rode beneath the cloud and vanished from sight, returning after a while. The unbelievers’ scout reported that the approaching force was a band of Muslims with their king, Gharib. The Muslims’ scout likewise returned with news that King Gharib and his people had arrived, and they rejoiced at his coming. They spurred their horses to meet their king, dismounted, kissed the ground before him, and saluted him. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-eighth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when King Gharib came to the Muslim army, they rejoiced greatly, kissed the ground before him, and gathered around him. He welcomed them and was glad to find them safe. They reached the camp, where pavilions were pitched and banners raised for him. King Gharib seated himself upon his royal throne, with the officers of his court around him, and they told him everything that had happened to Saadan. Meanwhile, the unbelievers gathered to search for Ajib, but found him neither among their men nor in their tents. They told Jaland ibn Karkar that he had fled. At this, the world seemed to collapse about him. He bit his finger and said, “By the radiant sun, he is a treacherous dog! He has fled with his wicked people into the deserts and wastes. Nothing remains to drive back these enemies but fierce battle. Steel your resolve, strengthen your hearts, and beware of the Muslims!” King Gharib, for his part, told his people, “Steel your resolve, strengthen your hearts, seek help from your Lord, and ask Him to grant you victory over your enemy.” They answered, “O King, you shall see what we do in the heart of the field, where spears clash and battle rages.” The two sides passed the night until morning came, its light shone clear, and the sun rose over hilltops and plains. Gharib prayed two rakahs according to the faith of Abraham, God’s Friend, peace be upon him. Then he wrote a letter and sent it to the unbelievers with his brother Suhaym. When Suhaym reached them, they asked, “What do you want?” “I want your ruler,” he answered. “Wait while we seek his permission to admit you,” they said. He waited while they consulted Jaland and told him of the messenger. “Bring him to me,” he said. When Suhaym was brought before him, he asked, “Who sent you?” “King Gharib,” he replied, “whom God has made ruler over Arabs and Persians. Take his letter and send him your answer.”

Jaland took the letter, unfolded it, and read: “In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the eternal Lord, the One, the Almighty, who knows all things; Lord of Noah, Salih, Hud, and Abraham, and Lord of all creation. Peace be upon those who follow guidance, fear the consequences of destruction, obey the King Most High, walk the path of righteousness, and choose the life to come over this present life. To proceed: Jaland, none is to be worshipped but God, the One, the All-Subduing, Creator of night and day and the revolving heavens. He sent the righteous prophets, made rivers flow, raised the sky, spread out the earth, brought forth trees, and provided for birds in their nests and wild beasts in the wastes. He is God, the Mighty, the All-Forgiving, the Forbearing, who veils our faults, whom no eyes can encompass, who wraps night about day, who sent messengers and revealed the scriptures. Know, Jaland, that there is no true faith but the faith of Abraham, God’s Friend. Embrace Islam, and you shall be safe from the cleaving sword and, in the hereafter, from the torment of the Fire. If you refuse Islam, then expect destruction, the ruin of your lands, and the erasure of every trace of you. Send me the dog Ajib, that I may avenge my father and mother.”

When Jaland had read the letter, he said to Suhaym, “Tell your master that Ajib has fled with his people, and we do not know where he has gone. As for Jaland, he will not abandon his faith. Tomorrow there shall be war between us, and the sun shall grant us victory.” Suhaym returned to his brother and told him what had happened. They passed the night until morning, then the Muslims took up their weapons and mounted their purebred horses, loudly invoking the King who grants victory, Creator of bodies and souls. They proclaimed God’s greatness and beat their war drums until the earth shook. Every mighty knight and bold champion raised his voice as they advanced to battle, making the ground tremble. The first to open the gates of war was Jamrakan. He rode his horse into the middle of the field and displayed such skill with sword and arrows that he astonished all who watched. Then he cried, “Who will meet me in single combat? Who will fight me? Let no sluggard or weakling come against me today! I am the slayer of Qurjan ibn Jaland. Who will come out to avenge him?” When Jaland heard his son’s name, he shouted to his men, “You sons of whores! Bring me this knight who killed my son, so that I may eat his flesh and drink his blood!” A hundred champions charged Jamrakan, but he killed most of them and routed their leader. When Jaland saw what he had done, he shouted to his people, “Charge him all together!” They shook their dreadful banner, and host closed upon host. Gharib charged with his men and Jamrakan, and the two armies collided like two seas meeting. The Yemeni sword and the spear were plied until breasts and bodies were torn apart. Both ranks saw the Angel of Death with their own eyes. Dust rose to the heavens, ears were deafened, tongues fell dumb, and death surrounded them on every side. The brave stood firm and the coward fled. They fought and battled until day withdrew and the drums of retreat were beaten. Then they drew apart, and each army returned to its tents. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and forty-ninth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when the battle ended, the armies drew apart and each returned to its tents. King Gharib seated himself upon his royal throne, in the seat of his power, with his companions ranged around him, and said, “I am tormented by frustration and by the escape of that dog Ajib. I do not know where he has gone. Unless I catch him and take my revenge, I shall die of grief.” His brother Suhaym al-Layl stepped forward, kissed the ground, and said, “O King, I shall go to the unbelievers’ camp and learn what has become of that treacherous dog Ajib.” “Go,” said Gharib, “and find certain news of that swine.” Suhaym disguised himself in the unbelievers’ clothing until he looked like one of them, then made for the enemy tents. He found them asleep, dazed with the exhaustion of battle, with none awake but the guards. He slipped through and entered the royal pavilion, where he found the king sleeping alone. He approached and held a swift-acting drug beneath his nose, leaving him as though dead. Then he went out, brought a mule, wrapped the king in a bedsheet, laid him upon the mule, covered him with a mat, and set off for Gharib’s pavilion. When he entered the king’s presence, those gathered there did not recognize him and asked, “Who are you?” Suhaym laughed and uncovered his face, and they knew him. “What is your burden, Suhaym?” Gharib asked. “O King,” he answered, “this is Jaland ibn Karkar.” He unwrapped him, and Gharib recognized him. “Suhaym, wake him,” he said. Suhaym gave him vinegar and sneezewort, and he expelled the drug from his nose and opened his eyes. Finding himself among the Muslims, he said, “What is this dreadful dream?” Then he shut his eyes and went back to sleep. Suhaym jabbed him and said, “Open your eyes, accursed one!” He opened them and asked, “Where am I?” Suhaym answered, “You are in the presence of King Gharib ibn Kundamir, ruler of Iraq.” When Jaland heard this, he said, “O King, I place myself under your protection! Know that I am innocent. It was your brother who brought us out to fight, sowed enmity between us, and fled.” “Do you know which way he went?” Gharib asked. “No,” he answered. “By the radiant sun, I do not know where he has gone.” Gharib ordered him bound and closely guarded, and each captain returned to his tent. Jamrakan went back to his people and said, “My cousins, I intend to do something tonight that will bring me honor in King Gharib’s eyes.” They answered, “Do as you wish. We hear and obey your commands.” He said, “Take up your weapons, and I shall go with you. Tread so softly that not even the ants become aware of you. Spread out around the unbelievers’ tents. When you hear me proclaim God’s greatness, do the same and shout, ‘God is greatest!’ Then draw back and make for the city gate. We shall seek victory from God Most High.”

The men armed themselves fully and waited until midnight. Then they spread out around the unbelievers and waited a while longer. Suddenly Jamrakan struck his shield with his sword and cried, “God is greatest!” The valley rang with his voice, and his men did likewise, shouting, “God is greatest!” until valley and mountain, sands and hills and every ruined dwelling echoed their cries. The unbelievers awoke bewildered and fell upon one another, their swords flashing among them. The Muslims withdrew and made for the city gates, killed the gatekeepers, entered the city, and seized it, together with all the wealth and women within.

Such was Jamrakan’s adventure. As for King Gharib, when he heard the cries proclaiming God’s greatness, he mounted, and his entire army mounted with him. Suhaym went ahead until he came close to the fighting and saw that Jamrakan and Banu Amir had raided the unbelievers and made them drink the cup of death. He returned and told his brother what had happened, and Gharib invoked blessings upon Jamrakan. The unbelievers continued to strike at one another with their cleaving blades, exerting themselves to the utmost, until day dawned and shed its light over the land. Then Gharib shouted to his men, “Charge, noble warriors, and win the favor of the all-knowing King!” The righteous charged the wicked, the cleaving sword flashed, and the swaying lance ranged through the breast of every faithless hypocrite. The unbelievers tried to enter their city, but Jamrakan and his kinsmen came out against them and trapped them between two enclosing mountains. They killed countless men, and the survivors scattered through the deserts and wastes. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and fiftieth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when the Muslim army charged the unbelievers, they hewed them apart with their keen, cleaving swords and scattered them through the wilderness and the wastes. They pursued them with the sword until they were dispersed over plain and rugged ground, then returned to the city of Oman. King Gharib entered al-Julund’s palace and sat upon his throne, while his companions gathered to his right and left. He called for al-Julund, and they hastened to bring him before him. Gharib offered him Islam, but he refused, so he ordered him crucified at the city gate. Then they shot him with arrows until he looked like a hedgehog. Gharib bestowed a robe of honor upon al-Jamrqan and said, “You are lord and governor of this city, with full authority over its affairs, for you conquered it with your sword and your men.” Al-Jamrqan kissed King Gharib’s foot and thanked him, praying that victory, glory, and blessings might ever attend him. Then Gharib opened al-Julund’s treasuries and surveyed the wealth within. He distributed it among the captains and the men who bore the standards and fought in battle, and among the girls and boys as well. For ten days he continued to distribute the treasure. After this, as he slept one night, he saw a dreadful vision and awoke in fear and trembling. He roused his brother Suhaym and said, “I dreamed that I was in a valley lying in a broad expanse of country. Two birds of prey swooped down upon us, larger than any I had ever seen, with legs like spears. They attacked us, and we were terrified of them. That is what I saw.” When Suhaym heard this, he said, “O king, this means a mighty enemy. Guard yourself against him.” Gharib did not sleep for the rest of the night.

When morning came, he called for his horse and mounted it. Suhaym said, “Where are you going, my brother?” He answered, “I woke with a heavy heart, and I mean to ride for ten days until my spirits are eased.” Suhaym said, “Take a thousand champions with you.” But Gharib replied, “None shall go but you and I.” So Gharib and Suhaym mounted and set out for the valleys and meadows. They rode from valley to valley and meadow to meadow until they came to a valley rich in trees, fruit, and streams, fragrant with flowers. Birds sang melodiously upon the boughs; nightingales trilled their sweet refrains; turtledoves filled the air with their calls; the bulbul’s song roused the drowsy; the blackbird sang as though it were a man; and parrots answered the cooing doves in the clearest tongue. The trees bore every kind of fruit and food in pairs. The valley delighted them, and they ate of its fruit, drank from its streams, and sat beneath its shady trees. Drowsiness overcame them, and they slept—glory be to Him who never sleeps! While they lay asleep, two mighty marids swooped down upon them. Each set one of the men upon his shoulder, and they soared into the sky until they were above the clouds. Suhaym and Gharib awoke to find themselves between heaven and earth. They looked at those who carried them and saw two marids, one with a dog’s head and the other with a monkey’s, towering like a lofty palm. Their hair was like horses’ tails and their claws like those of wild beasts. At this sight, Gharib and Suhaym said, “There is no power and no strength save in God.”

The reason for this was that a king of the jinn named Mar‘ash had a son called Sa‘iq, who loved a maiden of the jinn named Najma. Sa‘iq and Najma had been together in that valley in the shape of two birds. Gharib and Suhaym had seen them, taken them for birds, and shot arrows at them. Only Sa‘iq was struck, and his blood flowed. Najma grieved for him, snatched him up, and flew away, fearing that she might suffer the same fate. She flew on with him until she laid him at the gate of his father’s palace. The gatekeepers carried him in and laid him before his father. When Mar‘ash saw his son with the arrow in his side, he cried, “Alas, my son! Who has done this to you? I shall lay waste his dwelling and hasten his destruction, even if he be the greatest of the kings of the jinn!” Sa‘iq opened his eyes and said, “Father, it was a mortal man in the Valley of Springs who killed me.” Scarcely had he finished speaking when his soul departed. His father struck his own face until blood ran from his mouth, then summoned two marids and said, “Go to the Valley of Springs and bring me whoever is there.” The two marids went to the valley, found Gharib and Suhaym asleep, seized them, and carried them off to Mar‘ash. When Suhaym and Gharib awoke and found themselves between heaven and earth, they said, “There is no power and no strength save in God, the Most High, the Almighty.” And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and fifty-first night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when the two marids seized Gharib and Suhaym, they brought them to Mar‘ash, king of the jinn. They set them before him and found him seated upon his royal throne, huge as a mountain, with four heads upon his body: a lion’s, an elephant’s, a tiger’s, and a leopard’s. Presenting Gharib and Suhaym, they said, “O king, these are the two we found in the Valley of Springs.” He glared at them in fury, snorting and growling, with sparks flying from his nostrils, so that all who were present trembled before him. “You human dogs!” he cried. “You have killed my son and kindled a fire in my heart!” Gharib said, “Who is this son of yours whom we have killed? Who has even seen your son?” He answered, “Were you not in the Valley of Springs? Did you not see my son in the shape of a bird and shoot him with an arrow, so that he died?” Gharib replied, “I do not know who killed him. By the mighty Lord, the One, the Eternal, who knows all things, and by Abraham, the Friend of God, we saw no bird and killed neither beast nor bird.” When Mar‘ash heard Gharib swear by God, His majesty, and His prophet Abraham, the Friend, he knew that he was a Muslim. Mar‘ash worshipped fire instead of the Almighty King, so he cried to his people, “Bring me my goddess!” They brought a golden brazier, set it before him, kindled a fire in it, and cast aromatic substances upon it. Green, blue, and yellow flames rose from it, and the king and all those present prostrated themselves before it. All the while, Gharib and Suhaym proclaimed the oneness and greatness of God Most High and testified that He has power over all things. The king raised his head and saw Gharib and Suhaym standing without bowing down. “You two dogs!” he said. “Why do you not prostrate yourselves?” Gharib answered, “Woe to you, accursed ones! Prostration is due only to the King whom all should worship, who brought all things out of nothingness into being, who causes water to spring from solid rock, who sets love between parent and child, and who cannot be described as standing or sitting; the Lord of Noah, Salih, and Abraham the Friend, who created Paradise and Hell, the trees and their fruits. He is God, the One, the All-Conquering!”

When Mar‘ash heard these words, his eyes rolled in his head, and he cried to his people, “Bind these two dogs and offer them to my goddess!” They bound Suhaym and Gharib and were about to cast them into the fire when a battlement fell from the palace onto the brazier, breaking it and putting out the fire, which became ashes drifting in the air. Gharib said, “God is greatest! Triumph and victory, and defeat to those who disbelieve! God is greater than those who worship fire instead of the Almighty King!” The king said, “You are a sorcerer! You bewitched my goddess and brought her to this pass!” Gharib replied, “Madman! If fire possessed any mystery or power, it would have protected itself from harm.” At these words Mar‘ash roared and growled and cursed the fire, saying, “By my faith, I shall kill you in nothing else!” He ordered them imprisoned, summoned a hundred marids, and commanded them to gather a great quantity of wood and set it alight. They did so, and a mighty fire blazed up and burned until morning. Then Mar‘ash mounted an elephant in a golden howdah set with jewels, surrounded by the tribes of the jinn in all their various forms. Gharib and Suhaym were brought before him. When they saw the flames, they called for help upon the One, the All-Conquering, the Creator of night and day, the Lord of mighty glory, whom no eyes can encompass, though He encompasses all eyes, the Subtle, the All-Aware. While they continued their prayers, a cloud rose and spread from west to east, pouring rain like a surging sea until it extinguished the fire. The king and his troops took fright and fled into his palace. Then he turned to his vizier and the officers of his realm and said, “What do you say of these two men?” They answered, “O king, had they not followed the truth, none of this would have happened to the fire. We say that they follow the truth and speak sincerely.” The king said, “The truth and the clear path have become plain to me. The worship of fire is false. Had it been a goddess, it would have defended itself against the rain that quenched it and the stone that broke its brazier, leaving it ashes. I believe in Him who created fire and light, shade and heat. What do you say?” They answered, “O king, we too shall follow, hearing and obeying.” He called for Gharib to be brought before him, then rose, embraced him, and kissed him between the eyes, and did the same to Suhaym. The soldiers crowded around Gharib and Suhaym, kissing their hands and heads. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and fifty-second night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Mar‘ash, king of the jinn, and his people were guided to Islam, he summoned Gharib and his brother and kissed them between the eyes, while the officers of his realm crowded around to kiss their hands and heads. Then King Mar‘ash sat upon his throne, seating Gharib at his right and Suhaym at his left, and said, “O mortal, what must we say to become Muslims?” Gharib answered, “Say: There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.” The king and his people embraced Islam with heart and tongue, and Gharib sat teaching them how to pray. Then Gharib remembered his people and sighed. The king of the jinn said, “Sorrow and grief have passed away; joy and gladness have come.” Gharib replied, “O king, I have many enemies, and I fear for my people.” He told him all that had happened between him and his brother ‘Ajib, from beginning to end. The king of the jinn said, “O king of men, I shall send someone to bring news of your people, but I will not let you go until I have had my fill of looking upon your face.” Then he summoned two mighty marids, one named al-Kaylajan and the other al-Qurajan. When they came, they kissed the ground, and he said, “Go to Yemen and find out how their soldiers and armies fare.” “We hear and obey,” they answered, and flew away toward Yemen.

Such was the case with Gharib and Suhaym. As for the Muslim army, that morning the men and their captains mounted and went to King Gharib’s palace to pay their respects. The servants told them, “The king and his brother mounted before dawn and rode out.” The captains rode toward the valleys and mountains, following their tracks until they reached the Valley of Springs. There they found Gharib’s and Suhaym’s equipment cast upon the ground and the two horses grazing. “The king vanished from this place,” they said. “Help us, for the sake of Abraham the Friend!” They searched the valley and mountains for three days, but found no news of him. They began mourning and summoned couriers, saying, “Scatter over the open country, the forts, and the castles, and seek news of our king.” “We hear and obey,” they answered, and dispersed, each making for a different province. Spies brought ‘Ajib word that his brother had vanished and no trace of him could be found. ‘Ajib rejoiced at Gharib’s disappearance and took it as good tidings. He went before King Ya‘rub ibn Qahtan, with whom he had sought refuge and who had granted him protection and given him two hundred thousand giants. ‘Ajib marched with his army until he encamped outside the city of Oman. Al-Jamrqan and Sa‘dan came out to fight them, but many Muslims were killed, and they retreated into the city, shut the gates, and fortified the walls. Then the two marids, al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan, arrived and saw that the Muslims were besieged. They waited until nightfall, then fell upon the unbelievers with two keen swords of the jinn, each twelve cubits long, capable of splitting a stone if a man struck it. They charged, crying, “God is greatest! Triumph and victory, and defeat to those who reject the faith of Abraham the Friend!” They struck fiercely at the unbelievers and slew great numbers of them, while fire streamed from their mouths and nostrils. The unbelievers rushed from their pavilions and saw dreadful wonders that made their flesh creep; their wits deserted them and their minds reeled. They snatched up their weapons and began striking one another, while the two marids reaped their necks, crying, “God is greatest! We are servants of King Gharib, companion of King Mar‘ash, king of the jinn!” The sword continued its work among them until midnight. Imagining that all the mountains were demons, the unbelievers loaded their tents, baggage, and treasure upon camels and prepared to flee. The first to take flight was ‘Ajib. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “Sister, how lovely your tale is, how delightful, sweet, and pleasing!” She answered, “What is this compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” The king said to himself, “By God, I shall not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When it was the six hundred and fifty-third night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that the unbelievers prepared to flee, and the first to take flight was ‘Ajib. The Muslims gathered, marveling at what had befallen the unbelievers and fearing the tribes of the jinn. The two marids pursued the unbelievers until they had scattered them through the wilderness and the wastes. Of the two hundred thousand giants, only fifty thousand escaped them and made for their own country, wounded and defeated. The marids said to the army, “Your lord King Gharib and his brother send you greetings. They are guests of King Mar‘ash, king of the jinn, and will soon be with you.” When the soldiers heard that Gharib was safe and well, they rejoiced exceedingly and said, “May God bring you good tidings, noble spirits!” The two marids returned and came before King Gharib and King Mar‘ash, whom they found seated together. They told them what had happened and what they had done, and the kings rewarded them generously. Gharib’s heart was now at ease. Then King Mar‘ash said, “My brother, I wish to show you our country and the city of Japheth son of Noah, peace be upon him.” Gharib replied, “O king, do as you please.” He called for two horses for them, and he, Gharib, and Suhaym mounted. A thousand marids rode with him, and they moved like a great length of mountainside split away from the mountain. They rode through valleys and mountains, taking in the sights, until they reached the city of Japheth son of Noah, peace be upon him. Its people, young and old, came out to meet Mar‘ash, and he entered in a splendid procession. He went up to Japheth’s palace and seated himself upon his throne, which was made of marble interlaced with rods of gold, stood ten steps high, and was spread with silks of every color. When the people of the city stood before him, he said, “Descendants of Japheth son of Noah, what did your fathers and forefathers worship?” They answered, “We found our fathers worshipping fire, and followed them. You know this better than we.” He said, “My people, I have seen that fire is but one of the creatures of God Most High, who created all things. When I learned this, I submitted to God, the One, the All-Conquering, Creator of night and day and the revolving heavens, whom no eyes can encompass, though He encompasses all eyes, the Subtle, the All-Aware. Embrace Islam, and you shall be safe from the wrath of the Almighty and, in the world to come, from the torment of the Fire.” They embraced Islam with heart and tongue. Then Mar‘ash took Gharib by the hand and showed him Japheth’s palace, its construction, and the wonders within it. He entered the armory and showed him Japheth’s weapons. Gharib saw a sword hanging from a golden peg and asked, “O king, whose is this?” He answered, “This is the sword of Japheth son of Noah, with which he fought men and jinn. The sage Jardum forged it and inscribed mighty names upon its blade. Were it to strike a mountain, it would demolish it. Its name is al-Mahiq, the Annihilator. Whatever it falls upon, it annihilates, and whatever jinni it strikes, it destroys.”

When Gharib heard him speak of the sword and its virtues, he said, “I should like to examine it.” Mar‘ash answered, “Do as you wish.” Gharib reached out, took the sword, and drew it from its scabbard. It flashed and gleamed, and death seemed to creep along its edge. It was twelve spans long and three spans broad. Gharib wished to have it, and King Mar‘ash said, “If you can wield it, take it.” “I can,” said Gharib. He took it in his hand, where it seemed no heavier than a staff. The men who were present marveled and said, “Well done, lord of horsemen!” Mar‘ash said to him, “Take possession of this treasure, for which the kings of the earth yearn, and mount, so that I may show you more.” He mounted, as did Mar‘ash, and men and jinn went in attendance upon them. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How lovely this tale is, how pleasing, sweet, and delightful!” She answered, “What is this compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” The king said to himself, “By God, I shall not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When it was the six hundred and fifty-fourth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when King Gharib and King Mar‘ash rode through the city of Japheth, with men and jinn attending them, they passed among empty palaces and houses, along streets and through gilded gates. Then they went out through the city gates and viewed gardens filled with fruit-bearing trees, flowing streams, and singing birds that praised Him to whom belong power and everlasting life. They continued their tour until evening, then returned to spend the night in the palace of Japheth son of Noah. When they arrived, a meal was set before them, and they ate. Gharib turned to the king of the jinn and said, “O king, I wish to return to my people and my soldiers, for I do not know how they have fared in my absence.” Hearing this, Mar‘ash replied, “My brother, by God, I have no wish to part from you. I will not let you go for a whole month, until I have had my fill of your company.” Gharib could not gainsay him and remained a full month in the city of Japheth, feasting and drinking. King Mar‘ash gave him gifts of rarities, precious minerals, jewels, emeralds, balas rubies, diamonds, pieces of gold and silver, musk and ambergris, and lengths of silk woven with gold. He had two robes of honor made for Gharib and Suhaym of figured brocade woven with gold, and for Gharib a crown studded with pearls and jewels beyond all price. Then he packed all this into bales and summoned five hundred marids, saying, “Prepare to travel tomorrow, so that we may escort King Gharib and Suhaym to their country.” They answered, “We hear and obey.” They passed the night intending to depart, but when the time came, behold, horses, drums, and trumpets raised a clamor that filled the land. An army of seventy thousand marids had come, able to fly through the air and dive beneath the waters, and their king was named Burqan. The coming of this army had a strange and momentous cause, a wondrous and remarkable story, which we shall relate in its proper order.

This Burqan was lord of the City of Agate and the Palace of Gold. He ruled over five mountain peaks, on each of which dwelt five hundred thousand marids. He and his people worshipped fire instead of the Almighty King, and he was Mar‘ash’s cousin. Among Mar‘ash’s people was an unbelieving marid who had embraced Islam only in pretense. He slipped away from his people and traveled to the Valley of Agate, where he entered King Burqan’s palace, kissed the ground before him, and prayed that glory and blessings might ever attend him. Then he told him of Mar‘ash’s conversion to Islam. Burqan said, “How did he forsake his faith?” The marid recounted all that had happened. When Burqan heard it, he snorted and growled and cursed the sun, the moon, and the baneful fire. “By my faith,” he said, “I shall kill my cousin, his people, and this mortal, and leave not one of them alive!” He summoned the clans of the jinn, chose seventy thousand marids from among them, and marched until he reached the city of Jabarsa. They surrounded it as we have described, and King Burqan encamped opposite the city gate and pitched his tents. Mar‘ash summoned a marid and said, “Go to this army, find out what they want, and return to me quickly.” The marid sped away and entered Burqan’s camp. The marids hurried toward him and asked, “Who are you?” “Mar‘ash’s messenger,” he answered. They took him and brought him before Burqan. He prostrated himself and said, “My lord, my master has sent me to learn your purpose.” Burqan said, “Return to your master and tell him: Your cousin Burqan has come to greet you.” And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How lovely your tale is, how pleasing, sweet, and delightful!” She answered, “What is this compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” The king said to himself, “By God, I shall not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When it was the six hundred and fifty-fifth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Mar‘ash’s messenger entered Burqan’s presence and said, “My master has sent me to learn your purpose,” he answered, “Return to your master and tell him that his cousin Burqan has come to greet him.” The marid returned and reported this to his master, who said to Gharib, “Remain upon your couch while I greet my cousin and return to you.” He mounted and rode toward the tents. Burqan had devised this trick to lure Mar‘ash out and seize him. He stationed marids about him and told them, “When you see me embrace him, seize him and bind his arms.” “We hear and obey,” they answered. Presently King Mar‘ash arrived and entered his cousin’s pavilion. Burqan rose and embraced him, whereupon the jinn fell upon him, bound his arms, and put him in chains. Mar‘ash looked at Burqan and said, “What is this?” He answered, “You dog of the jinn! Will you abandon your faith and that of your fathers and forefathers to embrace a religion you do not know?” Mar‘ash said, “Cousin, I have found the faith of Abraham the Friend to be true, and all others false.” “Who taught you this?” he asked. “Gharib, king of Iraq,” he replied, “who is my most honored guest.” Burqan said, “By fire and light, by shade and heat, I shall kill you all!” Then he imprisoned him. When Mar‘ash’s servant saw what had befallen his master, he fled to the city and told the king’s clans what had happened. They cried out and mounted their horses. Gharib asked, “What is the matter?” They told him, and he called to Suhaym, “Saddle me one of the two horses King Mar‘ash gave me!” Suhaym said, “Brother, will you fight the jinn?” He answered, “Yes, I shall fight them with the sword of Japheth son of Noah, and seek the aid of the Lord of Abraham the Friend, peace be upon him, for He is the Lord and Creator of all things.” Suhaym saddled a chestnut horse of the jinn, huge as a fortress. Gharib took up his arms, went out, and mounted. The clans came forth in their armor, and Burqan and his people mounted too. The two armies drew up and joined battle. The first to open the fight was King Gharib. He spurred his horse into the midst of the field and drew the sword of Japheth son of Noah, peace be upon him. A brilliant light shone from it, dazzling the eyes of all the jinn and striking terror into their hearts. Gharib flourished the sword until the jinn were bewildered, then cried, “God is greatest! I am King Gharib, king of Iraq! There is no faith but the faith of Abraham the Friend!”

When Burqan heard Gharib’s words, he said, “This is the man who changed my cousin’s faith and led him astray from his religion. By my faith, I shall not sit upon my throne until I have cut off Gharib’s head and stilled his breath, and restored my cousin and his people to their religion. Whoever opposes me, I shall destroy!” He mounted an elephant white as paper and huge as a lofty tower, shouted at it, and struck it with a steel goad that sank into its flesh. The elephant screamed and rushed toward the field of battle until it drew near Gharib. Burqan said, “You human dog! What brought you into our country to corrupt my cousin and his people and turn them from one faith to another? Know that this is your last day in this world!” Gharib answered, “Begone, vilest of the jinn!” Burqan drew a javelin, brandished it, and hurled it at Gharib, but missed. He threw a second, which Gharib caught in midair, poised, and hurled at the elephant. It entered one flank and came out the other. The elephant fell dead to the ground, and Burqan was thrown down like a lofty palm. Before he could stir, Gharib struck the base of his neck with the flat of Japheth’s sword, and he swooned. The marids rushed upon him and bound his arms behind his back. When his people saw their king captured, they charged to rescue him, but Gharib charged them in turn, with the believing jinn beside him. God bless Gharib! He pleased the Lord who answers prayer and slaked his thirst for vengeance with the enchanted sword. Whoever he struck with it was shattered, and before his soul could depart, fire reduced him to ashes. The believing jinn fell upon the unbelievers, and they hurled fiery meteors at one another until smoke spread everywhere. Gharib ranged among them to right and left, and they scattered before him. He reached King Burqan’s pavilion with al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan beside him, and cried, “Free your master!” They unbound him and broke his chains. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How sweet your tale is, how delightful, delicious, and pleasing!” She answered, “What is this compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” The king said to himself, “By God, I shall not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When it was the six hundred and fifty-sixth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when King Gharib called to al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan, “Free your master!” they unbound him and broke his chains. King Mar‘ash said to them, “Bring me my armor and my flying horse.” The king had possessed two horses that could fly through the air; he had given one to Gharib and kept the other. They brought it to him, and after putting on his armor, he charged beside Gharib. Their two horses flew with them, their people following, while they cried, “God is greatest! God is greatest!” Earth, mountains, valleys, and hills echoed their cries. They turned back from the pursuit after slaying a vast number of the enemy, more than thirty thousand marids and devils. They entered the city of Japheth, and the two kings seated themselves in places of honor. They called for Burqan, but he could not be found. After capturing him, they had been distracted by the fighting, and an ifrit among his servants had reached him first, released him, and carried him past his people, some of whom lay dead while others fled. He flew up into the sky with him and alighted at the City of Agate and the Palace of Gold. King Burqan seated himself upon his throne, and those of his people who had escaped the slaughter came before him and congratulated him on his safe return. He said, “My people, what safety is this? My army has been slain, and they took me captive and dishonored me before the tribes of the jinn!” They answered, “O king, kings have always dealt blows and suffered them.” He said, “I must take my revenge and wipe out my disgrace, or I shall become a byword of shame among the tribes of the jinn.” He wrote letters and sent them to the tribes of the strongholds, and they came in submission and obedience. He reviewed them and found three hundred and twenty thousand mighty marids and devils. They said, “What do you require?” He answered, “Make ready to march in three days.” They said, “We hear and obey.”

Such was the case with King Burqan. As for King Mar‘ash, when he returned and called for Burqan but could not find him, he was greatly troubled. “Had we set a hundred marids to guard him,” he said, “he would not have escaped. But where can he flee from us?” Then Mar‘ash said to Gharib, “Know, my brother, that Burqan is treacherous and will never rest until he has taken revenge. He is bound to gather his clans and come against us. I intend to pursue him while he is still weakened by his defeat.” Gharib answered, “That is sound counsel and a plan beyond reproach.” Then Mar‘ash said, “My brother, let the marids take you back to your country, and leave me to fight the unbelievers, that the burden of my sins may be lightened.” Gharib replied, “No, by the Forbearing, the Generous, who veils our faults! I shall not leave this land until I have destroyed all the unbelieving jinn, and God has hastened their souls to the Fire—an evil abode! None shall escape save those who worship God, the One, the All-Conquering. But send Suhaym to the city of Oman, so that he may recover from his illness.” Suhaym was unwell. Mar‘ash called to the marids, “Carry Suhaym and this treasure and these gifts to the city of Oman.” “We hear and obey,” they answered. They took up Suhaym and the gifts and made for the land of men. Then Mar‘ash wrote to his strongholds and all his governors. They assembled, numbering a hundred and sixty thousand, made their preparations, and set out for the land of Agate and the Palace of Gold. In a single day they covered a year’s journey. They entered a valley and halted there to rest, spending the night until morning. They were about to depart when the enemy’s advance guard appeared, the jinn raised their battle cries, and the two armies met in that valley. They charged one another, and slaughter began. Fierce grew the combat, mighty the tumult, and grim their plight. Earnest battle came, vain boasting fled, idle talk ceased, and long lives were cut short. The unbelievers fell into humiliation and confusion. Gharib charged, proclaiming the oneness of the God who alone is worshipped and whose help is sought, and hewed through necks, leaving heads rolling in the dust. Before evening fell, some seventy thousand unbelievers had been slain. Then they beat the signal for disengagement, and the armies drew apart. And dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How pleasing your tale is, how lovely, sweet, and delightful!” She answered, “What is this compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” The king said to himself, “By God, I shall not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When it was the six hundred and fifty-seventh night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when the two armies disengaged and withdrew from one another, Mar‘ash and Gharib wiped clean their weapons and retired to their tents. Supper was brought, and they ate and congratulated each other on their safety, though more than ten thousand of their marids had been killed. Burqan returned to his tents, grieving for the followers he had lost, and said, “My people, if we go on fighting these men for three days, they will destroy us to the last.” They asked, “What shall we do, O king?” He said, “We shall fall upon them at night while they sleep, leaving not one alive to carry the news. Make ready, then attack your enemies and charge as one man!” “We hear and obey,” they answered, and began preparing for the assault. Among them was a marid named Jandal, whose heart had inclined toward Islam. When he saw what the unbelievers intended, he slipped away, came before Mar‘ash and King Gharib, and told them of the enemy’s plan. Mar‘ash turned to Gharib and said, “My brother, what is to be done?” He answered, “Tonight we shall fall upon the unbelievers and scatter them through the wilderness and the wastes, by the power of the Almighty King.” Then he summoned the captains of the jinn and said, “You and your people must take up your arms. When darkness falls, slip away on foot, a hundred at a time. Leave the tents empty and lie in ambush among the mountains. When you see the enemy among the tents, charge them from every side. Be steadfast and put your trust in your Lord, and you shall be victorious. I myself shall be with you.”

When night fell, they attacked the tents, making use of fire and light. Once they were among the tents, the believers fell upon the unbelievers, calling upon the Lord of All Worlds and crying, “O Most Merciful of the merciful! O Creator of all creatures!” They left them like a field mown down, still and lifeless. By morning the unbelievers were bodies without souls, while those who survived had fled into the wilderness and the open plains. Mar‘ash and Gharib returned victorious and triumphant, having plundered the unbelievers’ wealth. They stayed until morning, then set out for the City of Carnelian and the Palace of Gold. As for Burqan, when battle turned against him and most of his people were slain in the darkness, he fled with those who remained, reached his city, entered his palace, and gathered his clansmen. “My sons,” he said, “let every man take whatever he possesses and follow me to Mount Qaf, to the Blue King, lord of the Piebald Palace. He will avenge us.” So they took their women, children, and wealth and made for Mount Qaf. Then Mar‘ash and Gharib reached the City of Carnelian and the Palace of Gold, where they found the gates open and no one there to tell them what had happened. Mar‘ash took Gharib to show him the City of Carnelian and the Palace of Gold. The foundations of its walls were emerald, and its gate was red carnelian studded with silver nails; the roofs of its houses and palaces were made of aloeswood and sandalwood. They walked through it, wandering along its streets and lanes until they came to the Palace of Gold. They passed from corridor to corridor until they found themselves before a building of royal balas ruby, with paving of emerald and ruby. Mar‘ash and Gharib entered the palace and were astonished by its beauty. They went from chamber to chamber, passing through seven corridors, until they reached its inner court, where they found four iwans, no two alike. In the middle stood a fountain of red gold, adorned with golden figures of lions from whose mouths the water flowed. The sight bewildered the mind. The iwan at the far end was spread with carpets woven of colored silk, and in it stood two chairs of red gold set with pearls and precious stones. Mar‘ash and Gharib sat upon Burqan’s throne and held a splendid court in the Palace of Gold. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “Sister, how lovely, delightful, and sweet your story is!” She replied, “What is this beside what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” And the king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When the six hundred and fifty-eighth night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that Mar‘ash and Gharib sat upon Burqan’s throne and held a splendid court. Afterward Gharib said to Mar‘ash, “What have you decided to do?” He replied, “King of men, I have sent a hundred horsemen to discover Burqan’s whereabouts, so that we may pursue him.” They remained in the Palace of Gold for three days, until the marids returned and reported that Burqan had gone to Mount Qaf and sought refuge with the Blue King, who had granted him protection. Mar‘ash said to Gharib, “What do you say, my brother?” He replied, “If we do not attack them, they will attack us.” Mar‘ash and Gharib therefore ordered the army to prepare to march in three days. They put their affairs in order and were about to depart when the marids who had escorted Suhaym and the gifts came before Gharib and kissed the ground. He asked them about his people, and they said, “When your brother ‘Ajib fled from the battle, he went to Ya‘rub ibn Qahtan, then made for India and entered the presence of its king. He told him what had happened between him and his brother and sought his protection. The king granted it and sent letters to all his governors, gathering an army like a surging sea, with neither beginning nor end. He intends to lay Iraq waste.” When Gharib heard this, he said, “Perish the unbelievers! God Most High will grant victory to Islam, and I shall show them sword-thrusts and spear-strokes.” Then Mar‘ash said, “King of men, by the Most Great Name, I shall go with you to your kingdom, destroy your enemies, and bring you safely there.” Gharib thanked him, and they passed the night intending to depart. In the morning they set out toward Mount Qaf and marched all that day. Then they made for the Piebald Palace and the City of Marble. This city was built of stone and marble by Bariq ibn Faqi‘, father of the jinn, who also built the Piebald Palace. It was so called because it was built of alternating bricks of silver and gold, and nowhere in all the world was there another like it.

When they drew near the City of Marble and were only half a day’s journey away, they halted to rest. Mar‘ash sent a scout to gather news. After an absence the messenger returned and said, “O king, the clans of jinn in the City of Marble are as numerous as the leaves of the trees and the drops of rain.” King Mar‘ash said, “What is to be done, king of men?” Gharib replied, “O king, divide your people into four companies and station them around the enemy’s camp. At midnight let them cry, ‘God is greatest!’ and then fall back. Watch what happens among the tribes of the jinn.” Mar‘ash summoned his people and divided them as Gharib had advised. They took up their weapons and waited until midnight, then went out, surrounded the camp, and cried, “God is greatest! To the faith of Abraham, the Friend of God, peace be upon him!” The unbelievers awoke in terror at the cry, snatched up their weapons, and fell upon one another. By dawn most had perished and only a few remained. Then Gharib called to the believing jinn, “Charge those unbelievers who are left! I am with you, and God will grant you victory.” Mar‘ash charged with Gharib beside him. Gharib drew his sword al-Mahiq, the Annihilator, one of the swords of the jinn, and hewed off noses and broke the ranks. He came upon Burqan and struck him dead, leaving him fallen and steeped in his own blood. Then he did the same to the Blue King.

By the full light of day, not one of the unbelievers remained alive, nor anyone to carry news of them. Mar‘ash and Gharib entered the Piebald Palace and saw that its walls were built of alternating bricks of gold and silver, its thresholds were crystal, and its arches green emerald. Within were a fountain basin and a cascading fountain, with coverings of silk embroidered in jeweled bands of gold. They found riches beyond counting or description. Then they entered the women’s quarters and found beautiful women there. Gharib looked among the Blue King’s women and saw one of his daughters, more beautiful than any maiden he had ever beheld. She wore a robe worth a thousand dinars, and a hundred maidservants surrounded her, lifting its train with golden hooks. She was like the moon among the stars. At the sight of her Gharib lost his wits and stood bewildered. He asked one of the maidservants, “Who is this maiden?” They answered, “She is Kawkab al-Sabah, Morning Star, daughter of the Blue King.” But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How delightful, lovely, charming, and sweet your story is!” She replied, “What is this beside what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” And the king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When the six hundred and fifty-ninth night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Gharib asked some of the maidservants, “Who is this maiden?” they answered, “She is Kawkab al-Sabah, daughter of the Blue King.” Gharib turned to King Mar‘ash and said, “King of the jinn, I wish to marry this maiden.” King Mar‘ash replied, “The palace and all the wealth and children in it are the prize won by your own hand. Had you not devised the stratagem that destroyed Burqan, the Blue King, and their people, they would have destroyed every last one of us. The wealth is yours, and its people are your slaves.” Gharib thanked him for his gracious words, then approached the girl and looked closely at her. He fell so deeply in love that he forgot Fakhr Taj, daughter of King Sabur, ruler of the Persians, Turks, and Daylamites, and forgot Mahdiyya as well. This maiden’s mother had been the daughter of the king of China. The Blue King had abducted her from her palace and taken her virginity; she conceived by him and bore this girl. Because of her loveliness and beauty, he named her Kawkab al-Sabah, and she was the queen of beauties. Her mother died when she was forty days old, and midwives and servants brought her up until she reached the age of seventeen. Then these events befell, her father was killed, and Gharib fell deeply in love with her. He took her hand and went in to her that very night, finding her a virgin. She had hated her father and was glad of his death. Gharib ordered the Piebald Palace demolished, and when it had been pulled down he divided it among the jinn. His own share came to twenty-one thousand bricks of gold and silver, besides money and precious metals beyond counting.

Then King Mar‘ash took Gharib to show him Mount Qaf and its wonders. They set out for Burqan’s fortress, and when they reached it they laid it waste and divided its wealth. From there they went to Mar‘ash’s fortress and remained five days. Gharib then asked to return to his own country. Mar‘ash said, “King of men, shall I ride in your train and escort you to your land?” Gharib replied, “No, by Abraham, the Friend of God, I will not allow you to trouble yourself. Of your people I shall take only al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan.” Mar‘ash said, “O king, take ten thousand horsemen of the jinn to attend and serve you.” But Gharib answered, “I shall take only those I have named.” So Mar‘ash ordered a thousand marids to carry Gharib’s share of the booty and accompany him to his kingdom. He commanded the two marids al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan to remain with Gharib and obey him, and they said, “We hear and obey.” Then Gharib told the marids, “Carry the treasure and Kawkab al-Sabah.” He was about to depart mounted on his flying horse, but Mar‘ash said, “My brother, this horse can live only in our land. If it reaches the land of men, it will die. But I have a swift horse whose equal is not to be found in Iraq or anywhere beneath the skies.” He ordered the horse brought, and when Gharib saw it, he was beside himself with admiration. They bound the horse’s legs, and al-Kaylajan lifted it, while al-Qurajan took up as much as he could carry.

Then Mar‘ash embraced Gharib and wept at their parting. “My brother,” he said, “if anything befalls you that is beyond your strength, send for me, and I will come with an army that will lay waste the earth and all upon it.” Gharib thanked him for his kindness and his devotion to Islam. The two marids traveled with Gharib and the horse for two days and a night, covering a distance that would have taken fifty years, until they drew near the city of Oman. They alighted nearby to rest, and Gharib turned to al-Kaylajan and said, “Go and bring me news of my people.” The marid went, then returned and said, “O king, an army of unbelievers like a surging sea surrounds your city. Your people are fighting them; the drums of war have sounded, and al-Jamraqan has gone out into the field against them.” When Gharib heard this, he cried, “God is greatest!” Then he said, “Kaylajan, saddle my horse and bring my armor and spear. Today, amid battle and spear-thrusts, the brave horseman will be known from the coward.” Al-Kaylajan brought what he asked for. Gharib put on his armor, girded himself with the sword of Japheth son of Noah, mounted the sea-bred horse, and rode toward the armies. Al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan said, “Set your heart at ease and let us go against the unbelievers. We shall scatter them over the wilderness and the wastes until not one remains alive to kindle a fire, with the help of God, the Most High, the Almighty.” Gharib replied, “By Abraham, the Friend of God, I will not let you fight unless I am there on my horse.” Now there was a strange reason for the coming of these armies. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When the six hundred and sixtieth night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Gharib told al-Kaylajan, “Go and bring me news of my people,” he returned and said, “A great army surrounds your city.” The reason for its coming was this. When ‘Ajib had brought Ya‘rub ibn Qahtan’s army and besieged the Muslims, al-Jamraqan and Sa‘dan had come out against them, and al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan had joined them. They had routed the unbelievers’ armies, and ‘Ajib had fled. Then he said, “My people, if you return to Ya‘rub ibn Qahtan after his men have been killed, he will say, ‘But for you, my people would not have died,’ and he will kill us to the last man. My counsel is that you go to India and enter the presence of King Tarkanān, who will avenge us.” His people replied, “Lead us on, and may the Fire bless you.” They traveled for days and nights until they reached the city in India and sought leave to enter King Tarkanān’s presence. ‘Ajib was admitted. He entered, kissed the ground, offered the customary prayers for kings, and said, “O king, grant me refuge! May the spark-flinging Fire shelter you, and may the night protect you with its deepest darkness.” The king of India looked at ‘Ajib and asked, “Who are you, and what do you seek?” He replied, “I am ‘Ajib, king of Iraq. My brother has wronged me. He has embraced Islam, the people have obeyed him, and he has seized the country. He has driven me from land to land, and now I have come to seek refuge in you and your might.” When the king of India heard this, he rose and sat down in agitation, saying, “By the Fire, I shall avenge you and leave no one worshipping anything but the Fire!” Then he called for his son and said, “My son, prepare yourself and go to Iraq. Destroy everyone there. Bind those who do not worship the Fire, torment and mutilate them, but do not kill them. Bring them here, so that I may devise every kind of torture for them, make them taste humiliation, and leave them as a warning to all who would take heed in this age.” He chose to accompany him eighty thousand warriors on horses and eighty thousand on giraffes, and sent ten thousand elephants with them. Each elephant bore a howdah of sandalwood latticed with golden bars and plates, with nails of gold and silver, and in each howdah was a seat of gold and emerald. He also sent fighting platforms, each holding eight men who fought with every kind of weapon.

The king’s son was the bravest man of his age, without equal in valor, and his name was Ra‘d Shah. He made his preparations in ten days, and they marched like banks of cloud for two months until they reached Oman and surrounded it. ‘Ajib rejoiced, thinking victory would be his. Al-Jamraqan, Sa‘dan, and all the champions went out into the field; the drums thundered and the horses neighed. Al-Kaylajan witnessed this, returned to inform King Gharib, and Gharib mounted as we have related. He urged on his horse and entered among the unbelievers, waiting to see who would come forward and open the battle. Sa‘dan the Ghoul rode out and challenged them to single combat. One of India’s champions came to meet him, but Sa‘dan gave him no time to hold his ground: he struck him with his mace, shattered his bones, and left him stretched upon the earth. A second came, and he killed him; a third, and he laid him low. Sa‘dan went on killing until he had slain thirty champions. Then an Indian warrior named Battash al-Aqran, Crusher of Rivals, came out against him. He was the foremost horseman of his age, reckoned the equal of five thousand horsemen in battle, and he was King Tarkanān’s uncle. When Battash came forward to face Sa‘dan, he said, “You ragged Arab! Have you risen so high that you kill the kings and champions of India and take their horsemen captive? Today is your last day in this world!” At these words Sa‘dan’s eyes reddened. He rushed upon Battash and struck at him with his mace, but the blow missed, and Sa‘dan swung round with the mace and fell to the ground. When he regained his senses, he was bound hand and foot, and they dragged him to their tents. When al-Jamraqan saw his companion taken prisoner, he cried, “To the faith of Abraham, the Friend of God!” He spurred his horse and charged Battash al-Aqran. They wheeled about one another for a time, then Battash rushed upon al-Jamraqan, seized him by his arm-guards, wrenched him from the saddle, and hurled him to the ground. They bound him and dragged him to their tents. Commander after commander came out against Battash, until he had taken twenty-four Muslim captains prisoner. The Muslims were deeply grieved at the sight. When Gharib saw what had befallen his champions, he drew from beneath his knee a golden mace weighing a hundred and twenty ratls. It had belonged to Burqan, king of the jinn. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How charming, delightful, lovely, and sweet your story is!” She replied, “What is this beside what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” And the king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When the six hundred and sixty-first night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when King Gharib saw what had befallen his champions, he drew out the golden mace that had belonged to Burqan, king of the jinn. Then he urged on his sea-bred horse, which flew beneath him like the wind, and swept into the middle of the field, crying, “God is greatest! Victory and triumph, and defeat to those who reject the faith of Abraham, the Friend of God!” He charged Battash and struck him with the mace, knocking him to the ground. Turning toward the Muslims, he saw his brother Suhaym al-Layl and said, “Bind this dog!” When Suhaym heard Gharib’s words, he rushed upon Battash, bound him tightly, and took him away. The Muslim champions marveled at this horseman, while the unbelievers said to one another, “Who is this rider who came out from among us and captured our champion?” All the while Gharib was calling for an opponent. An Indian captain came out, and Gharib struck him with the mace, leaving him stretched on the ground. Al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan bound him and handed him over to Suhaym. Gharib went on capturing champion after champion until he had taken fifty-two of their foremost captains. By then the day was spent. They beat the drums of retreat, and Gharib left the field and rode toward the Muslim camp. The first to meet him was Suhaym, who kissed his foot in the stirrup and said, “May your hands never be palsied, foremost horseman of the age! Tell us which of the valiant you are.” Then Gharib raised the veil of mail from his face. Suhaym recognized him and cried, “My people, this is your king and lord, Gharib! He has returned from the land of the jinn!” When the Muslims heard their king’s name, they flung themselves from their horses, came forward, and kissed his feet in the stirrups. They greeted him and rejoiced in his safe return, then escorted him into Oman. He sat upon his royal throne, and his people gathered round him in the greatest joy. Food was brought and they ate. Afterward he told them all that had befallen him among the tribes of the jinn on Mount Qaf. They marveled exceedingly and praised God for his deliverance.

Al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan never left Gharib’s side. Then Gharib ordered his people to retire to their beds, and they dispersed to their homes until only the two marids remained. He said to them, “Can you carry me to Kufa, so that I may enjoy the company of my wives, and bring me back before the night is over?” They replied, “Our lord, that is the easiest thing you could ask.” Between Kufa and Oman lay sixty days’ journey for a horseman riding hard. Al-Kaylajan said to al-Qurajan, “I will carry him on the outward journey, and you can carry him back.” So al-Kaylajan lifted him, and al-Qurajan flew beside them. In no more than an hour they reached Kufa and brought him to the palace gate. He entered the presence of his uncle al-Damigh, who rose at the sight of him and greeted him. Gharib asked, “How are my wives, Fakhr Taj and Mahdiyya?” He replied, “They are both well and in good health.” Then a servant went in to tell the women of Gharib’s arrival. They rejoiced, trilled cries of delight, and rewarded the servant for his good news. King Gharib entered, and they rose and greeted him. They sat talking, and al-Damigh joined them. Gharib told him what had happened among the jinn, and al-Damigh and the women marveled. He slept beside Fakhr Taj for the rest of the night until dawn was near, then went out to the two marids, having taken leave of his household, his wives, and his uncle al-Damigh. He mounted al-Qurajan’s back, with al-Kaylajan flying beside them, and before darkness had lifted he was in Oman. He put on his armor, as did his men, and ordered the gates opened. Just then a horseman arrived from the unbelievers’ camp, bringing al-Jamraqan, Sa‘dan the Ghoul, and the captive commanders, whom he had freed. He delivered them to Gharib, king of the Muslims, and the Muslims rejoiced in their safety. Then they donned their armor and mounted, sounding the war kettledrums and making ready for thrust and stroke. The unbelievers also mounted and drew up their ranks. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How lovely, delightful, charming, and sweet this story is!” She replied, “What is this beside what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” And the king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When the six hundred and sixty-second night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when the Muslim army rode into the field for battle, the first to open the fighting was King Gharib. He drew his sword al-Mahiq, which was the sword of Japheth son of Noah, peace be upon him, and rode between the ranks, crying, “Whoever knows me may spare himself my wrath; whoever does not, I shall make myself known to him. I am King Gharib, ruler of Iraq and Yemen! I am Gharib, brother of ‘Ajib!” When Ra‘d Shah, son of the king of India, heard Gharib’s words, he called to his captains, “Bring me ‘Ajib!” They brought him, and he said, “You know that this strife is of your making, and you are its cause. There is your brother in the field of battle. Go out against him and bring him to me a prisoner, so that I may set him backward on a camel and torment him all the way to India.” ‘Ajib replied, “O king, send someone else against him, for I have grown weak.” At this Ra‘d Shah snorted and growled, saying, “By the baleful Fire, by light and shade and burning heat, unless you go out to your brother and bring him to me at once, I will cut off your head and put an end to your breath!” So ‘Ajib went out, urging on his horse and taking courage. He drew near his brother in the midst of the field and said, “You dog of the Arabs, vilest man who ever pitched a tent! Do you set yourself up as the equal of kings? Take what is coming to you and prepare for death!” King Gharib replied, “Which of the kings are you?” He answered, “I am your brother, and today is your last day in this world.” When Gharib knew for certain that it was his brother ‘Ajib, he cried, “Vengeance for my father and mother!” He handed his sword to al-Kaylajan, charged, and struck ‘Ajib with his mace with such overpowering force that he nearly drove his ribs from his body. Then he seized him by the collar, wrenched him from his saddle, and dashed him to the ground. The two marids rushed upon him, bound him tightly, and led him away, abject and humiliated. Gharib rejoiced at the capture of his enemy and recited these verses:

I have gained my desire, and my hardship is past; to You, our Lord, be praise and thanks. I grew up lowly, poor, and despised, and God bestowed on me all I desired. I have conquered lands and subdued their people; but for You, our Lord, I would be nothing. When Ra‘d Shah saw what Gharib had done to his brother ‘Ajib, he called for his horse, put on his armor and war coat, and rode out into the field. He approached King Gharib in the place of battle and shouted, “Vilest of Arabs, carrier of firewood! Have you risen so high that you take kings and champions captive? Dismount, bind your own hands, kiss my foot, and release my champions. Come with me to my kingdom in chains and fetters, and I will pardon you and make you headman of our country, where you may earn your crust of bread.” When Gharib heard this, he laughed until he leaned back in his saddle. “You cur of curs, you mangy wolf!” he said. “You will soon see against whom fortune turns.” Then he called to Suhaym, “Bring me the prisoners!” He brought them, and Gharib struck off their heads. At that Ra‘d Shah charged Gharib like a mighty champion and crashed against him with a tyrant’s fury. They continued charging, retreating, and clashing until darkness fell. Then the drums of retreat were sounded. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How lovely, delightful, charming, and sweet this story is!” She replied, “What is this beside what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” And the king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When the six hundred and sixty-third night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when the drums of retreat sounded and the two opponents parted, each king returned to his own quarters, where his people congratulated him on his safety. The Muslims said to King Gharib, “O king, it is not your custom to let a fight last so long!” He replied, “My people, I have fought champions and elephants, but I have never seen a finer swordsman than this warrior. I intended to draw the sword of Japheth and strike him, shattering his bones and ending his days, but I prolonged the fight in the hope of taking him alive, so that he might have a share in Islam.”

Such was the case with Gharib. As for Ra‘d Shah, he entered his pavilion and sat upon his couch. The nobles of his people came in and asked about his opponent. He told them, “By the baleful Fire, never in my life have I seen such a champion. Tomorrow I shall take him prisoner and lead him away abject and humiliated.” They passed the night, and at dawn sounded the drums of war and prepared for thrust and stroke. They girded on their swords, raised their battle cries, mounted their sleek, full-grown steeds, and poured from the tents, filling the earth, the hills, the plains, and every open space. The first to open the fighting was that bold horseman and mighty lion, King Gharib. He wheeled and charged, crying, “Who will face me? Who will fight me? Let no sluggard or weakling come against me today!” He had scarcely finished speaking when Ra‘d Shah appeared, riding an elephant like an enormous dome. Upon its back stood an openwork howdah threaded with bands of silk. The elephant-driver sat between its ears, holding a goad with which he struck the beast as he swayed to right and left. When the elephant approached Gharib’s horse, the horse shied, seeing a creature unlike anything it had ever seen before. Gharib dismounted, handed the horse to al-Kaylajan, drew his sword al-Mahiq, and advanced on foot toward Ra‘d Shah until he stood before the elephant. Now whenever Ra‘d Shah found himself bested by a champion, he would mount the elephant’s howdah and take with him a device called a lasso-net. It was shaped like a net, broad below and narrow above, with rings along its lower edge through which a silken cord ran. He would approach the horseman, cast it over horse and rider, and pull the cord, lifting the rider from his mount and taking him prisoner. By this means he had overcome many horsemen. When Gharib drew near, Ra‘d Shah raised the net and cast it over him. It spread around Gharib, and he hauled him up beside him on the elephant’s back, then shouted to the elephant to return to his army. But al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan never left Gharib’s side, and when they saw what had happened to their master, they seized the elephant and held it fast. Meanwhile Gharib stretched himself within the net and tore it apart. Al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan sprang upon Ra‘d Shah, bound his hands, and led him away on a rope of palm fiber. By then the armies had charged one another like two clashing seas or two colliding mountains. Dust rose to the vault of heaven, blinding both armies; the battle raged and blood flowed. They fought fiercely, thrusting without pause and striking with the utmost fury, until day departed and night came on in gathering darkness. Then they sounded the drums of retreat and drew apart.

The Muslims had borne the brunt of that day’s battle. Many had been killed and most of the others wounded by the riders of the elephants and giraffes. Gharib was sorely distressed for them. He ordered the wounded tended, then turned to his chief men and said, “What do you advise?” They replied, “O king, it is only the elephants and giraffes that have harmed us. If we could be rid of them, we would defeat the enemy.” Al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan said, “We two will draw our swords and fall upon them, killing most of them.” Then a man of Oman came forward, one who had been a counselor to al-Julanda, and said, “O king, I undertake to deal with this army, if you will heed and obey me.” Gharib turned to his commanders and said, “Whatever this master tells you, obey him.” They replied, “We hear and obey.” But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When the six hundred and sixty-fourth night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when King Gharib told his commanders, “Obey whatever this master tells you,” they replied, “We hear and obey.” The man chose ten commanders and asked, “How many champions are under your command?” They answered, “Ten thousand.” He took them into the armory, gave five thousand of them guns, and taught them how to fire them. At dawn the unbelievers made ready and brought forward the elephants and giraffes, their riders fully armed. They placed the beasts and their champions at the front of the army. Gharib and his champions mounted and drew up their ranks; the kettledrums rang out and the lords advanced. As the beasts and elephants approached, the man called to his marksmen, and they set to work with arrows and guns. Arrows and bullets flew into the beasts’ flanks. The animals screamed, turned upon their own champions and soldiers, and trampled them underfoot. Then the Muslims charged the unbelievers and hemmed them in on right and left, while the elephants trampled them and scattered them across the wilderness and the wastes. The Muslims pursued them with swords of Indian steel, and only a few of the elephants and giraffes escaped. King Gharib and his people returned rejoicing in their victory. The next morning they divided the spoils and then rested for five days.

Afterward King Gharib sat upon his royal throne, summoned his brother ‘Ajib, and said, “You dog! Why do you rally kings against us, when He who has power over all things grants me victory over you? Embrace Islam and be safe. In return I will forgo vengeance for my father and mother, restore you to your former kingship, and place myself under your command.” When ‘Ajib heard Gharib’s words, he replied, “I will not abandon my faith.” So Gharib put him in iron fetters and set a hundred powerful slaves to guard him. Then he turned to Ra‘d Shah and said, “What do you say of the faith of Islam?” He replied, “My lord, I will embrace your faith. Had it not been a true and excellent faith, you would not have defeated us. Stretch out your hand, and I shall bear witness that there is no god but God, and that Abraham, the Friend of God, is His messenger.” Gharib rejoiced at his conversion and asked, “Has the sweetness of faith taken root in your heart?” He answered, “Yes, my lord.” Then Gharib said, “Ra‘d Shah, will you return to your country and your kingdom?” He replied, “O king, my father will kill me for abandoning his faith.” Gharib said, “I shall go with you and make you ruler of the land, until the country and its people obey you, with the help of God, the Generous, the Bountiful.” Ra‘d Shah kissed his hand and foot. Then Gharib rewarded the counselor whose advice had brought about the enemy’s defeat, bestowing great wealth upon him. Turning to al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan, he said, “You men of the jinn!” They answered, “At your service!” He said, “I wish you to carry me to India.” They replied, “We hear and obey.” He took al-Jamraqan and Sa‘dan with him. Al-Qurajan carried those two, while al-Kaylajan carried Gharib and Ra‘d Shah, and they set out for India. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said, “How lovely, delightful, charming, and sweet your story is!” She replied, “What is this beside what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” And the king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When the six hundred and sixty-fifth night came

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when the two marids lifted King Gharib, al-Jamraqan, Sa‘dan the Ghoul, and Ra‘d Shah and set out with them for India, it was sunset. Before the night was over they were in Kashmir. The marids set them down in a palace, and they descended its stairs. Now Tarkanān had heard from the fugitives what had happened to his son and his army, of the grievous straits they were in, and that his son neither slept nor took pleasure in anything. He was brooding over his son’s plight when the company entered. At the sight of his son and those with him, the king was struck dumb, and terror seized him at the sight of the marids. His son Ra‘d Shah turned to him and said, “Where will you turn now, traitor and worshipper of fire? Woe to you! Abandon the worship of fire and worship the Almighty King, Creator of night and day, whom no eye can encompass.” When his father heard these words, he hurled an iron mace he had with him at his son. It missed him and struck a corner of the palace, smashing three stones. “You dog!” he said. “You have destroyed the armies, cast away your faith, and now come to turn me from mine?” Gharib met him and struck him on the neck with his fist, knocking him down. Al-Kaylajan and al-Qurajan bound him, and all the women fled. Then Gharib sat upon the royal throne and said to Ra‘d Shah, “Set your father straight.” Ra‘d Shah turned to him and said, “Old man of error, embrace Islam and be saved from the Fire and the wrath of the Almighty.” Tarkanān replied, “I shall die in no faith but my own.” Then Gharib drew his sword al-Mahiq and struck him, cleaving him in two so that he fell to the ground. God hastened his soul to the Fire—an evil resting place! Gharib ordered him hung at the palace gate, and they hung one half on the right and the other on the left. They remained there until the day was spent. Then Gharib ordered Ra‘d Shah to put on the royal robes. He dressed and sat upon his father’s throne, with Gharib seated at his right, while al-Kaylajan, al-Qurajan, al-Jamraqan, and Sa‘dan the Ghoul stood to right and left. King Gharib told them, “Bind every king who enters, and let no commander escape your hands.” They replied, “We hear and obey.”

After this, the commanders came up to attend the king. The first to arrive was the chief commander. When he saw King Tarkanan hanging in two halves, he was struck with astonishment and stood bewildered. Then Kiljan rushed at him, seized him by the collar, flung him down, and bound his arms. He dragged him into the palace and secured him there. Before sunrise he had bound three hundred and fifty commanders and brought them before Gharib, who said to them, “My people, have you seen your king hanging over the palace gate?” “Who has done this to him?” they asked. Gharib replied, “I did it, with the help of God Most High, and whoever opposes me shall suffer the same fate.” “What do you want of us?” they asked. He said, “I am Gharib, King of Iraq, the man who destroyed your champions. Raad Shah has embraced Islam and has become a mighty king and ruler over you. Embrace Islam and be safe; do not oppose me, lest you repent it.” So they pronounced the profession of faith and were numbered among the blessed. Gharib asked, “Has the sweetness of faith truly entered your hearts?” “Yes,” they answered. He ordered them released, and when their bonds had been undone, he bestowed robes of honor upon them and said, “Go to your people and offer them Islam. Spare those who embrace it, and kill those who refuse.” Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold. Her sister said to her, “How lovely, how delightful, how sweet is this tale!” She replied, “What is this compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if I live and the king spares me?” The king said to himself, “By God, I will not kill her until I have heard the rest of her tale.”

When it was the six hundred and sixty-sixth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when King Gharib told Raad Shah’s soldiers, “Go to your people and offer them the faith of Islam. Spare those who embrace it, and kill those who refuse,” they went and gathered the men under their command and told them what had happened. Then they offered them Islam, and all embraced it save a few, whom they killed. They reported this to Gharib, who praised and glorified God Most High, saying, “Praise be to God, who has made this easy for us without a battle.” Gharib remained forty days in Kashmir in India, until he had brought the land to order. He destroyed the temples and shrines of fire and built mosques and great congregational mosques in their places. Raad Shah had packed an indescribable quantity of gifts and rarities and sent them aboard ships. Then, after they had taken leave of one another, Gharib mounted Kiljan’s back, while Saadan and Jamraqan mounted Qurjan’s, and they traveled through the night. Dawn had scarcely broken when they were in the city of Oman. Their people came out to greet them and rejoiced at their return. When Gharib reached the gate of Kufa, he ordered his brother Ajib brought before him. They brought him, and Gharib ordered him hung up. Suhaym fetched iron hooks, drove them into his heels, and had him suspended over the gate of Kufa. Then Gharib ordered him shot with arrows, and they shot him until he looked like a hedgehog. Gharib entered Kufa, went into his palace, and sat upon his royal throne. He held court that day until evening, then went into his women’s quarters. Kawkab al-Sabah rose and embraced him, and the slave girls likewise welcomed him safely home. He stayed with Kawkab al-Sabah that day and night. In the morning he rose, bathed, performed the dawn prayer, and seated himself upon his royal throne. Then he began the celebrations for his marriage to Mahdiyya. He slaughtered three thousand sheep, two thousand cattle, a thousand goats, five hundred camels, four thousand chickens, and five hundred horses, and had great quantities of rice prepared. No wedding feast like it had been held in Islam in those days. Then Gharib went in to Mahdiyya and took her maidenhead. He remained in Kufa ten days, then charged his uncle to deal justly with the people and set out with his women and champions. When he reached the ships bearing the gifts and rarities, he sank them with all they contained, while the champions had grown rich in wealth. They continued their journey until they reached the city of Babylon, where he bestowed a robe of honor upon his brother Suhaym al-Layl and made him its sultan. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and sixty-seventh night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that after King Gharib had bestowed a robe of honor upon his brother Suhaym and made him sultan there, he stayed with him ten days, then departed. They traveled on until they reached the fortress of Saadan the Ghoul, where they rested five days. Then Gharib said to Kiljan and Qurjan, “Go to Isbanir al-Madain and enter the palace of Chosroes. Discover what has happened to Fakhr Taj, and bring me one of the king’s kinsmen who can tell me what has occurred.” “We hear and obey,” they answered. The two set off for Isbanir al-Madain, and as they were traveling between heaven and earth, they saw a vast army like a surging sea. Kiljan said to Qurjan, “Let us go down and learn what this army is.” They descended and walked among the troops, whom they found to be Persians. They asked some of the men, “Whose army is this, and where are you going?” They answered, “We are going against Gharib, to kill him and everyone with him.” On hearing this, the two made their way to the pavilion of the king who commanded them, whose name was Rustam. They waited until the Persians had fallen asleep in their beds and Rustam was asleep upon his couch, then lifted him up, couch and all, and flew beyond the fortress. By midnight they were in King Gharib’s camp. They approached the entrance to his pavilion and called, “Permission to enter!” Gharib heard them, sat up, and said, “Come in.” They entered with the couch, on which Rustam lay asleep. “Who is this?” Gharib asked. They replied, “This is one of the kings of Persia. He has come with a mighty army to kill you and your people. We have brought him to tell you whatever you wish to know.” Gharib said, “Bring me a hundred champions.” They were brought, and he told them, “Draw your swords and stand over this Persian’s head.” They did as he commanded and woke him. He opened his eyes and found a dome of swords above his head, so he shut them again and said, “What an ugly dream this is!” Kiljan prodded him with the point of his sword, and he sat up. Rustam asked him, “Where am I?” He answered, “You are in the presence of King Gharib, son-in-law of the King of Persia. What is your name, and where are you going?” When he heard Gharib’s name, he pondered and said to himself, “Am I asleep or awake?” Suhaym struck him and said, “Why do you not answer?” He raised his head and asked, “Who brought me from my tent, where I was among my men?” Gharib said, “These two marids brought you.” When he looked at Kiljan and Qurjan, he fouled his clothes. The two marids rushed at him, baring their fangs and drawing their swords, and said, “Will you not come forward and kiss the ground before King Gharib?” Terrified of the marids, and now certain he was not dreaming, he rose to his feet, kissed the ground, and said, “May the Fire bless you, O King, and prolong your life!” Gharib said, “You dog of the Persians, fire is not a god to be worshipped, for it does harm and is of no use save for cooking food.” “Who, then, is to be worshipped?” he asked. Gharib replied, “He who created you and gave you form, and created the heavens and the earth.” The Persian asked, “What must I say to become one of that Lord’s followers and enter your faith?” Gharib answered, “Say: There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.” He pronounced the profession of faith and was numbered among the blessed. Then he said, “Know, my lord, that your father-in-law, King Sabur, seeks your death. He sent me at the head of a hundred thousand men and ordered me to leave not one of you alive.”

When Gharib heard this, he said, “Is this my reward for rescuing his daughter from distress and death? God shall repay him for what he harbors in his heart. But what is your name?” He answered, “Rustam, commander of Sabur’s army.” Gharib said, “And now commander of my army as well.” Then he asked him, “Rustam, how fares Queen Fakhr Taj?” He replied, “May your own head be spared, O King of the Age.” “What caused her death?” Gharib asked. He said, “My lord, after you set out to visit your brother, a slave girl came to your father-in-law, King Sabur, and said, ‘My lord, did you give Gharib leave to sleep with my mistress Fakhr Taj?’ He answered, ‘No, by the sanctity of the Fire!’ Then he drew his sword, went in to her, and said, ‘You wicked girl, how could you allow this Bedouin to sleep with you when he has neither paid you a dowry nor held a wedding feast?’ She replied, ‘Father, you gave him leave to sleep with me.’ He asked her, ‘Has he lain with you?’ She was silent and lowered her head to the ground. He called for the midwives and slave girls and told them, ‘Bind this harlot’s arms and examine her privy parts.’ They bound her and examined her, then said, ‘O King, her maidenhead is gone.’ He rushed at her, meaning to kill her, but her mother rose and shielded her, saying, ‘O King, do not kill her and leave her name disgraced. Shut her in a chamber instead, and let her die there.’ So he imprisoned her until nightfall, then sent her away with two of his trusted servants, telling them, ‘Take her far away and throw her into the River Jayhun. Tell no one.’ They did as he commanded, and her story was hushed up and her days came to an end.” Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and sixty-eighth night

She said: It has reached me, O King, that when Gharib asked about Fakhr Taj, Rustam told him her story and how her father had drowned her in the water. On hearing his words, the world grew black before Gharib’s eyes, and his temper darkened. He said, “By the sanctity of Abraham the Friend, I shall march against this dog, destroy him, and lay waste his lands!” He sent letters to Jamraqan, to the lord of Mayyafariqin, and to the lord of Mosul. Then he turned to Rustam and asked, “How many troops have you with you?” He answered, “I have a thousand Persian horsemen.” Gharib said, “Take ten thousand men, go to your people, and keep them occupied in battle. I shall follow you.” Rustam rode out with ten thousand horsemen from his army and set off toward his people, saying to himself, “I shall perform a deed that will bring me honor in King Gharib’s eyes.” He traveled seven days and drew near the Persian army. When he was half a day’s journey from them, he divided his men into four companies and told them, “Ride around the army and put them to the sword.” “We hear and obey,” they answered. They rode from nightfall until midnight and surrounded the army, whose men felt secure despite Rustam’s disappearance. Then the Muslims fell upon them, crying, “God is greatest!” The Persians sprang from sleep, swords swept among them, their feet faltered, and the All-Knowing King’s wrath descended upon them. Rustam worked among them like fire in dry wood. Before the night was over, the Persian army was dead, wounded, or in flight. The Muslims seized the baggage, tents, treasure chests, horses, and camels, then settled in the Persian tents and rested until King Gharib arrived. When he saw what Rustam had done, how he had contrived the attack, slain the Persians, and routed their army, he bestowed a robe of honor upon him and said, “Rustam, it was you who defeated the Persians, so all the booty is yours.” Rustam kissed the king’s hand and thanked him. They rested that day, then set out in pursuit of the King of Persia. Meanwhile the fugitives reached King Sabur and came before him, lamenting their woes, their ruin, and their dreadful calamities. Sabur asked them, “What has befallen you? Who has brought this evil upon you?” They told him what had happened and how they had been attacked in the darkness of night. “Who attacked you?” Sabur asked. They replied, “It was none other than the commander of your army, for he has embraced Islam. Gharib himself never came against us.”

When the king heard this, he flung his crown to the ground and said, “We are held of no account now!” Then he turned to his son Ward Shah and said, “My son, none but you can deal with this.” Ward Shah replied, “By your life, Father, I shall bring Gharib and the chiefs of his people to you in bonds and destroy everyone with him.” He counted his army and found it numbered two hundred and twenty thousand men. They passed the night intending to depart in the morning. But when day broke and they were about to march, a cloud of dust rose, filling every quarter and hiding all from sight. King Sabur had mounted to bid his son farewell. Seeing this immense cloud, he called a courier and said, “Find out what this dust means.” The man went and returned, saying, “My lord, Gharib and his champions have come.” At once they unloaded their baggage, and the men drew up for war and battle. When Gharib approached Isbanir al-Madain and saw the Persians ready for battle and strife, he called upon his people, saying, “Charge! May the Fire bless you!” Then they shook out the banner, Arab and Persian closed upon one another, host clashed with host, blood ran in streams, and souls looked death in the face. The brave advanced and charged; the coward turned and fled. They fought on until daylight faded, then beat the drums of retreat and drew apart. King Sabur ordered tents pitched outside the city gate, and King Gharib likewise pitched his tents opposite those of the Persians. Each withdrew to his own camp. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and sixty-ninth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when King Gharib’s army and King Sabur’s army drew apart, each returned to its tents until morning. Then they mounted their sleek, purebred chargers and raised their battle cries, bearing their lances and clad in their armor. Every mighty champion and bold lion of war advanced. The first to open the battle was Rustam, who rode his horse into the middle of the field and cried, “God is greatest! I am Rustam, commander of the champions of Arab and Persian alike! Who will come out against me? Who will meet me in combat? Let no sluggard or weakling face me today!” A Persian named Tuman came out and charged at Rustam, who charged at him in turn. They exchanged fierce assaults, until Rustam sprang upon his opponent and struck him with a mace he carried, weighing seventy ratls. He drove his head down into his breast, and Tuman fell dead to the ground, weltering in his blood. King Sabur could not bear this and ordered his people to charge. They fell upon the Muslims, calling upon the radiant sun for aid, while the Muslims called upon the Almighty King. The Persians swarmed over the Arabs and made them drink the cup of destruction. Then Gharib shouted and advanced with all his might. He drew his annihilating sword, the sword of Japheth, and charged the Persians, with Kiljan and Qurjan at his stirrups. He fought his way forward, striking with his sword, until he reached the standard-bearer. He struck him on the head with the flat of his blade, and the man fell senseless to the ground. The two marids carried him to their camp. When the Persians saw their standard fall, they turned and fled toward the city gates. The Muslims pursued them with their swords until they reached the gates and crowded into them. Many died in the crush, and they could not close the gates. Rustam, Jamraqan, Saadan, Suhaym, Damigh, Kiljan, Qurjan, and all the Muslim champions and horsemen who professed God’s oneness fell upon the Persians and unbelievers at the gates. The blood of the infidels ran through the lanes like a torrent. At last they cried out for mercy, and the Muslims stayed their swords. The Persians threw down their weapons and armor, and the Muslims drove them like sheep to their camp.

Gharib had returned to his pavilion, taken off his armor, washed away the blood of the infidels, and dressed in splendid robes. He sat upon his royal throne and summoned the King of Persia. They brought him and set him before Gharib, who said, “You dog of the Persians, what made you do what you did to your daughter? How could you think me unfit to be her husband?” He replied, “O King, do not hold me to account for what I did. I have repented, and it was only fear of you that made me face you in battle.” On hearing this, Gharib ordered him laid flat and beaten. They did as he commanded until he ceased to groan, then put him among the prisoners. Gharib next summoned the Persians and offered them Islam. A hundred and twenty thousand embraced it, and the rest were put to the sword. All the Persians in the city became Muslims. Gharib rode in a magnificent procession into Isbanir al-Madain and seated himself upon the throne of Sabur, King of Persia. He bestowed robes of honor and gifts, distributed booty and gold, and made generous grants to the Persians. They came to love him and prayed for his victory, glory, and long life. Then Fakhr Taj’s mother remembered her daughter and began the rites of mourning, and the palace filled with cries and lamentations. Gharib heard them and came in, asking, “What is the matter?” Fakhr Taj’s mother came forward and said, “My lord, your arrival has reminded me of my daughter, and I said to myself, ‘Had she been alive and well, how happy she would have been to see you return!’” Gharib wept for her, then sat upon his throne and said, “Bring me Sabur.” They brought him, hobbling in his fetters. Gharib asked him, “You dog of the Persians, what did you do with your daughter?” He answered, “I handed her over to these two men and told them to drown her in the River Jayhun.” Gharib summoned the two men and asked, “Is what he says true?” They answered, “Yes, O King, but we did not drown her. We took pity on her and left her on the bank of the Jayhun, saying, ‘Seek safety for yourself, and do not return to the city, or he will kill you and us as well.’ That is all we know.” Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and seventieth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when the two men had told King Gharib the story of Fakhr Taj and said, “We left her on the bank of the River Jayhun,” he summoned the astrologers. When they came, he told them, “Cast a geomantic chart for me and discover the condition of Fakhr Taj: is she still alive, or has she died?” They cast the chart and said, “O King of the Age, it appears to us that the queen is alive and has borne a male child. She and her son are with a tribe of jinn, but she will be absent from you for twenty years. Reckon how long you have been away.” He calculated the length of his absence and found it was eight years. He said, “There is no power and no might save in God, the Most High, the Almighty.” Then he sent messengers to the castles and fortresses under Sabur’s rule, and their lords came in submission. As he was sitting in his palace, he saw a cloud of dust rise, filling every quarter and darkening the horizons. He called to Kiljan and Qurjan, “Bring me word of this dust!” The two marids went into the dust cloud, snatched up a horseman, and brought him to Gharib. They set him before the king and said, “Question this man, for he belongs to the army.” Gharib asked him, “Whose army is this?” He answered, “O King, it is King Ward Shah, lord of Shiraz, who has come to fight you.”

The reason was this: when the battle had taken place between Sabur, King of Persia, and Gharib, and all had happened as related, King Sabur’s son had fled with a small band of his father’s troops. He traveled until he reached the city of Shiraz, where he came before King Ward Shah and kissed the ground, tears running down his cheeks. The king said to him, “Raise your head, young man, and tell me what makes you weep.” He replied, “O King, an Arab king named Gharib has risen against us, seized my father’s kingdom, slain the Persians, and made them drink the cup of death.” He told him all that Gharib had done, from beginning to end. When Ward Shah heard the words of Sabur’s son, he asked, “Is my wife safe?” He replied, “Gharib has taken her.” Then Ward Shah said, “By my own head, I shall leave neither a Bedouin nor a Muslim alive upon the face of the earth!” He wrote letters and sent them to his governors, and they came to him. He counted their men and found eighty-five thousand. Then he opened his treasuries and distributed armor and weapons among the troops, and marched with them until they reached Isbanir al-Madain, where they all encamped opposite the city gate. Kiljan and Qurjan came forward, kissed Gharib’s knee, and said, “Our lord, gladden our hearts and let this army fall to our share.” He told them, “They are yours. Deal with them!” The two marids flew off and descended upon Ward Shah’s pavilion. They found him seated upon his throne of honor, with Sabur’s son at his right hand and the commanders standing about him in two rows, discussing how to kill the Muslims. Kiljan stepped forward and snatched up Sabur’s son, while Qurjan seized Ward Shah. They carried both to Gharib, who ordered them beaten until they lost consciousness. Then the marids returned and drew two swords, each too heavy for any man to lift. They fell upon the infidels, and God hastened their souls to the Fire—an evil resting place! The infidels saw nothing but two flashing swords, reaping men as a crop is reaped, and could see no one wielding them. They abandoned their tents and fled on their bare-backed horses. The marids pursued them for two days and destroyed great numbers of them. Then they returned and kissed Gharib’s hand. He thanked them for what they had done and said, “The spoils of the infidels belong to you two alone. No one shall share them with you.” They blessed him, withdrew, gathered their wealth, and settled contentedly in their own homes. Such was the case with Gharib and his people. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-first night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that after Gharib had defeated Ward Shah’s army, he ordered Kiljan and Qurjan to take its wealth as booty, with no one to share it. So they gathered their riches and remained in their own homes. As for the infidels, they continued their flight until they reached Shiraz, where they held mourning ceremonies for those who had been killed. King Ward Shah had a brother named Siran the Sorcerer, whose skill in magic was unequaled in his time. He lived apart from his brother in a fortress abounding in trees, streams, birds, and flowers, half a day’s journey from Shiraz. The fugitives went to the fortress and came before Siran the Sorcerer, weeping and crying out. He asked them, “What makes you weep, my people?” They told him the news and how the two marids had carried off his brother Ward Shah and Sabur’s son. When Siran heard this, daylight turned to darkness before his eyes, and he said, “By the sanctity of my faith, I shall kill Gharib and his men, leaving not one soul alive to tell the tale!” Then he recited certain words and summoned the Red King. When he appeared, Siran said to him, “Go to Isbanir al-Madain and fall upon Gharib as he sits upon his throne.” He answered, “I hear and obey.”

He set off until he reached King Gharib. When Gharib saw him, he drew his annihilating sword and charged him. Kiljan and Qurjan likewise attacked the Red King’s army. They killed five hundred and thirty of them and wounded the Red King grievously. He fled, and his people fled with him, wounded. They traveled on until they reached the Fortress of Fruits and came before Siran the Sorcerer, crying out in woe and ruin. They said to him, “O sage, Gharib bears the enchanted sword of Japheth son of Noah, and whoever he strikes with it is cut down. He also has two marids from Mount Qaf, whom King Marash gave him. It was he who killed Burqan when he entered Mount Qaf, and killed the Blue King and destroyed a great multitude of jinn.” When the sorcerer heard the Red King’s words, he said, “Go.” So he went his way. Then the sorcerer pronounced an incantation and summoned a marid named Zaazaa. He gave him a dirham’s weight of flying bhang and said, “Go to Isbanir al-Madain and make for Gharib’s palace. Take the shape of a sparrow and watch him until he is asleep and no one remains with him. Then put the bhang into his nose and bring him to me.” “I hear and obey,” he answered. He traveled until he reached Isbanir al-Madain and went to Gharib’s palace in the shape of a sparrow. He perched in one of the palace windows and waited until night fell, the kings retired to their beds, and Gharib lay down upon his couch. The marid waited until Gharib was asleep, then descended, took out the powdered bhang, and sprinkled it into his nose. His breathing grew faint, and the marid wrapped him in the bedsheet, lifted him up, and sped away with him like a tempest. Before midnight he was in the Fortress of Fruits. He brought Gharib before Siran the Sorcerer, who thanked him for what he had done and wanted to kill Gharib while he lay drugged. But one of his people dissuaded him, saying, “O sage, if you kill him, the jinn will lay waste our lands, for his friend King Marash will fall upon us with every ifrit he commands.” “What shall we do with him?” he asked. The man replied, “Throw him into the Jayhun while he is drugged. He will not know who cast him in, and he will drown without anyone learning of it.” So he ordered the marid to carry Gharib away and throw him into the Jayhun. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-second night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that the marid carried Gharib to the Jayhun and was about to throw him into it, but could not bring himself to do so. Instead he made a wooden raft, lashed it together with ropes, and pushed it, with Gharib upon it, into the current, which bore him away. Such was the case with Gharib. As for his people, they came in the morning to attend him, but did not find him. They found his prayer beads upon his couch and waited for him to come out, but he did not appear. They summoned the chamberlain and said, “Go into the women’s quarters and look for the king, for he is not accustomed to remain away so late.” The chamberlain went in and questioned those within, but they told him, “We have not seen him since yesterday.” He returned and reported this to them. They were bewildered and said to one another, “Let us see whether he has gone to stroll in the gardens.” They questioned the gardeners, asking, “Has the king passed your way?” They answered, “We have not seen him.” Grief-stricken, they searched all the gardens and returned at the end of the day in tears. Kiljan and Qurjan went about the city looking for him, but found no trace of him and returned after three days. The people put on black and poured out their grief to the Lord of all creatures, who does whatever He wills.

Such was their case. As for Gharib, he lay upon the raft while the current carried him along for five days. Then it swept him into the salt sea, where the waves tossed him about and so churned his belly that he vomited the bhang. He opened his eyes and found himself in the midst of the sea, at the mercy of the waves. He said, “There is no power and no might save in God, the Most High, the Almighty! I wonder who has done this to me?” While he was pondering his plight, a ship came sailing by. He waved his sleeve to those aboard, and they came over and took him up. They asked him, “Who are you, and what country do you come from?” He replied, “Give me food and drink so that my strength returns, and I shall tell you who I am.” They brought him food and water, and he ate and drank, and God restored his senses. Then he asked, “My people, of what nation are you, and what is your faith?” They answered, “We are of the Kurj, and we worship an idol named Manqash.” He said to them, “Perdition upon you and your god, you dogs! None is to be worshipped but God, who created all things and says to a thing, ‘Be,’ and it is.” At once they rose against him in furious rage and tried to seize him, though he was unarmed. Every man he struck with his fist he hurled down and killed, until he had laid forty men low. But they overwhelmed him by numbers and bound him fast, saying, “We shall not kill him until we reach our own land and bring him before the king.” Then they sailed on until they reached the city of the Kurj. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-third night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when the people aboard the ship had seized Gharib and bound his arms, they said, “We shall not kill him until we reach our own land.” Then they sailed to the city of the Kurj. Its builder had been a mighty giant, who had set a brazen figure, fashioned by occult art, over each of its gates. Whenever a stranger entered the city, the figure blew a trumpet, which everyone in the city could hear. They would seize the stranger and kill him unless he embraced their faith. When Gharib entered, the figure gave a mighty blast and cried out so loudly that the king’s heart quaked. He rose and went in to his idol, and found fire and smoke issuing from its mouth, nostrils, and eyes. The Devil had entered the idol and spoke through its tongue, saying, “O King, a man named Gharib has fallen into your hands. He is King of Iraq and commands people to abandon their faith and worship his Lord. When they bring him before you, do not spare him.” The king went out and sat upon his throne, and presently they brought Gharib in. They set him before the king and said, “O King, we found this young man adrift, and discovered that he denies our gods.” They told him Gharib’s story, and he said, “Take him to the temple of the great idol and slit his throat before it, so that perhaps it will be pleased with us.” The vizier said, “O King, cutting his throat is no good, for he will die in an instant.” The king said, “We shall imprison him, gather firewood, and set it alight.” So they gathered wood and kept the fire burning until morning. The king and the people of the city came out, and orders were given to bring Gharib. They went to fetch him but could not find him. They returned and told the king he had escaped. “How did he escape?” he asked. They answered, “We found the chains and fetters lying on the ground, and the doors still locked.” The king marveled and said, “Did he fly into the sky or sink into the earth?” “We do not know,” they replied. He said, “I shall go to my god and ask about him, for it will tell me where he has gone.” He rose and went to prostrate himself before the idol, but could not find it. He rubbed his eyes and said, “Are you asleep or awake?” Then he turned to his vizier and said, “Vizier, where is my god, and where is the prisoner? By the sanctity of my faith, you dog of viziers, had you not advised me to burn him, I would have cut his throat! It was he who stole my god and fled. I must have vengeance for it!” Then he drew his sword and struck off the vizier’s head.

There was a wondrous reason for the disappearance of Gharib and the idol. When Gharib was confined in the chamber, he sat beside the domed shrine that housed the idol. He rose to invoke God Most High and pray to Him, the Almighty and Glorious. The marid charged with tending the idol and speaking through its tongue heard him. His heart grew humble, and he said, “How ashamed I am before Him who sees me, though I cannot see Him!” Then he approached Gharib, threw himself at his feet, and said, “My lord, what must I say to become one of your people and enter your faith?” Gharib answered, “Say: There is no god but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.” The marid pronounced the profession of faith and was numbered among the blessed. His name was Zalzal son of al-Muzalzil, and his father was one of the great kings of the jinn. He freed Gharib from his fetters, took up both him and the idol, and made for the upper air. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-fourth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate King, that when the marid took up Gharib and the idol, he made for the upper air. Such was his case. As for the king, when he went in to ask the idol about Gharib and failed to find it, the affair of the vizier and his death took place as related. When the king’s soldiers saw what had happened, they renounced the worship of the idol, drew their swords, killed the king, and fell upon one another. The sword raged among them for three days, until they had destroyed one another and only two men remained. One overpowered the other and killed him. Then the boys sprang upon the survivor and slew him, after which they fell to fighting among themselves until every last one was dead. The women and girls fled to the villages and fortresses, and the city lay empty, inhabited only by owls.

Such was their fate. As for Gharib, Zalzal son of al-Muzalzil carried him away toward his own country, the Isles of Camphor, the Crystal Palace, and the Enchanted Calf. King al-Muzalzil had a piebald calf, which he adorned with jewels and garments woven with red gold and had taken for his god. One day al-Muzalzil and his people went in to the calf and found it agitated. He asked, “My god, what has troubled you?” The Devil cried out from within the calf, saying, “Muzalzil, your son has forsaken his faith for the religion of Abraham the Friend, at the hands of Gharib, lord of Iraq.” Then he told him everything that had happened, from beginning to end. When he heard the calf’s words, the king went out bewildered, sat upon his royal throne, and summoned the great officers of his realm. They came, and he told them what he had heard from the idol. They marveled and asked, “What shall we do, O King?” He said, “When my son arrives and you see me embrace him, seize him.” They answered, “We hear and obey.” Two days later Zalzal came before his father, bringing Gharib and the idol of the King of the Kurj. As soon as he entered the palace gate, they rushed upon him and Gharib, seized them, and set them before King al-Muzalzil. The king looked angrily at his son and said, “You dog of the jinn, have you abandoned your faith and the faith of your fathers and forefathers?” He answered, “I have entered the true faith. As for you, woe to you! Embrace Islam and be safe from the wrath of the Almighty King, Creator of night and day.” The king grew furious with his son and said, “You son of adultery, do you dare speak to my face in this way?” He ordered him imprisoned, and they confined him. Then he turned to Gharib and said, “You scum of mankind, how have you tampered with my son’s mind and led him away from his faith?” Gharib replied, “I have brought him out of error into guidance, out of the Fire into Paradise, and out of unbelief into faith.” The king shouted for a marid named Sayyar and told him, “Take this dog and cast him into the Valley of Fire, so that he may perish.” Such was the heat of that valley and the blaze of its coals that anyone who descended into it died and could not live an hour. A high, smooth mountain surrounded it, with no passage through. The accursed Sayyar came forward, took up Gharib, and flew with him toward the Empty Quarter of the world. When he was an hour’s journey from the valley, the ifrit grew weary of carrying Gharib and set him down in a valley full of trees, streams, and fruit. The exhausted marid alighted, and Gharib climbed down from his back, still fettered. When the marid fell asleep from weariness and began to snore, Gharib worked at his bonds until he freed himself. Then he took a heavy stone and hurled it upon the marid’s head, shattering his skull and killing him on the spot. Gharib went on through the valley. Then dawn overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-fifth night

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Gharib had slain the marid, he went on through the valley and discovered that it lay on an island in the midst of the sea. The island was vast, and bore every fruit that lip and tongue could desire. Gharib ate of its fruits and drank from its streams, and the years passed over him there. He caught fish and ate them, and lived in this fashion, utterly alone, for seven years. Then, one day as he sat, two marids descended upon him from the sky, each carrying a man. When they saw Gharib, they said, “What manner of creature are you, and to what tribe do you belong?” His hair had grown so long that they took him for one of the jinn. They questioned him about his circumstances, and he replied, “I am not of the jinn.” Then he told them all that had befallen him, from beginning to end. They pitied him, and one of the two ifrits said, “Stay where you are until we have delivered these two sheep to our king, who will have one for his midday meal and the other for his supper. Then we shall return and carry you to your own country.” Gharib thanked them and asked, “Where are the two sheep you have with you?” The ifrit answered, “These two human beings.” Gharib said, “I seek refuge in the God of Abraham, the Friend of God, Lord of all things, who has power over all things.”

Then they flew away, and Gharib sat waiting for the marid. Two days later the marid returned with clothes, dressed him, took him up, and flew with him into the uppermost air until the earth vanished from sight. Gharib heard the angels in the heavens chanting the praises of God, and a fiery bolt was shot at the marid from among them. He fled toward the earth, and when he was only a spear’s cast above it, the bolt drew near and overtook him. Gharib sprang from his shoulders just as it struck him and reduced him to ashes. Gharib fell into the sea, sank twice his own height beneath the water, and rose again. He swam all that day and night and through the second day, until his strength failed and he felt certain he must die. By the third day he had despaired of life, when a lofty mountain appeared before him. He made for it, climbed ashore, and walked among its slopes, sustaining himself on the plants of the earth. He rested for a day and a night, then climbed over the summit, descended the farther side, and journeyed for two days until he reached a city of trees and rivers, walls and towers. When he came to its gates, the gatekeepers rose, seized him, and brought him before their queen, whose name was Janshah. She was five hundred years old, and everyone who entered her city was brought before her. She would take him to her bed, and when he had done his work, she would kill him. In this way she had killed many men. When Gharib was brought before her, he pleased her, and she asked, “What is your name? What is your faith? And from what country do you come?” He replied, “My name is Gharib, King of Iraq, and my faith is Islam.” She said, “Forsake your faith for mine, and I will marry you and make you king.” Gharib looked at her angrily and said, “Perdition upon you and your faith!” She shouted at him, “Do you revile my idol, which is made of red carnelian and set with pearls and jewels?” Then she said, “Men, shut him in the idol’s shrine. Perhaps his heart will soften.” So they imprisoned him in the shrine and locked the doors upon him. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-sixth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when they had taken Gharib and shut him in the idol’s shrine, locked the doors upon him, and gone their way, he looked at the idol. It was made of red carnelian, and necklaces of pearls and precious stones hung about its neck. Gharib stepped up to it, lifted it, and dashed it to the ground, shattering it to pieces. Then he slept until daybreak. In the morning the queen seated herself upon her throne and said, “Men, bring me the prisoner.” They went to Gharib, opened the shrine, and entered. When they found the idol broken, they beat their faces until blood ran from the corners of their eyes. Then they advanced to seize Gharib, but he struck one of them with his fist and killed him, then killed another, until he had slain twenty-five. The rest fled and came screaming before Queen Janshah. “What has happened?” she asked. They answered, “The prisoner has broken your idol and killed your men,” and told her all that had occurred. She flung her crown to the ground and said, “The idols are worth nothing now!” Then she mounted and rode with a thousand warriors to the idol’s temple. She found that Gharib had come out of the shrine and seized a sword, with which he was slaying the champions and laying the men low. When Janshah saw Gharib and his courage, she was overwhelmed with love for him and said, “I have no need of the idol. All I desire is for this stranger to lie in my arms for the rest of my life.”

Then she said to her men, “Stand back from him and leave him alone.” She advanced and murmured an incantation. Gharib’s arm grew rigid, his strength deserted him, and the sword fell from his hand. They seized him and bound his arms, leaving him humbled, abject, and bewildered. Janshah returned and seated herself upon her royal throne, dismissed her people, and remained alone with him. “You dog of the Arabs,” she said, “would you break my idol and kill my men?” He answered, “Accursed woman, had it been a god, would it not have defended itself?” She said, “Lie with me, and I will forgive what you have done.” He replied, “I will do nothing of the kind.” “By my faith,” she said, “I will torment you cruelly!” Then she took some water, spoke an incantation over it, and sprinkled it upon him, whereupon he became an ape. She fed him and gave him drink, then confined him in a chamber and appointed someone to tend him for two years. One day she summoned him, and when he was brought before her she asked, “Will you obey me?” He nodded his head yes. Delighted, she freed him from the enchantment and set food before him. He ate with her, sported with her, and kissed her, until she felt secure with him. When night came, she lay down and said, “Come, do your work.” “Yes,” he replied. Then he straddled her chest, seized her neck, and broke it, nor did he rise from her until her soul had departed. He saw an open storeroom and entered it, finding there a jeweled sword and a shield of Chinese iron. He armed himself fully and waited until morning. Then he went out and stood at the palace gate. The emirs came to attend court and found Gharib dressed for war. He said to them, “People, abandon the worship of idols and worship the All-Knowing King, Creator of night and day, Lord of mankind, who gives life to bones, Creator of all things, who has power over all things.” When the unbelievers heard these words, they rushed upon him, but he charged them like a ravening lion, ranged among them, and slew a great multitude. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-seventh night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Gharib charged the unbelievers, he slew a great multitude of them. Night fell, yet their numbers about him kept increasing, and all pressed forward, intent on taking him captive. Suddenly a thousand marids fell upon the unbelievers with a thousand swords, their leader Zalzal ibn al-Muzalzil at their head. They plied their trenchant blades, made their enemies drink the cup of destruction, and God Most High hastened their souls to the Fire. Of Janshah’s people they left none to carry the news. Then the attendants cried, “Mercy! Mercy!” and believed in the King and Judge, whom no concern distracts from another, destroyer of Chosroes and annihilator of tyrants, Lord of this world and the next. Zalzal greeted Gharib and congratulated him on his deliverance. Gharib asked, “Who told you of my plight?” He replied, “My lord, when my father imprisoned me and sent you to the Valley of Fire, I remained in captivity for two years before he released me. I stayed a while after that, then returned to my former ways and killed my father. The troops submitted to me, and I have ruled them for a year. I fell asleep with you in my thoughts and saw you in a dream fighting the people of Janshah, so I took these thousand marids and came to you.”

Gharib marveled at this coincidence. Then he took Janshah’s wealth and that of her people, and appointed a governor over the city. The marids carried the riches and Gharib away, and before the night was out they were in Zalzal’s city. Gharib remained Zalzal’s guest for six months. When he wished to depart, Zalzal prepared gifts and dispatched three thousand marids, who fetched the treasure from the city of al-Karaj and added it to Janshah’s riches. Then he ordered them to carry the gifts and treasure, while he himself took up Gharib, and they set out for the city of Isbanir al-Madain. By midnight they had reached it. Gharib looked down and saw the city under siege, surrounded by a vast army like a surging sea. “Brother,” he asked Zalzal, “what is the reason for this siege, and where has this army come from?” Then Gharib alighted on the palace roof and called, “O Kawkab al-Sabah! O Mahdiyyah!” The two women woke in bewilderment and said, “Who calls us at this hour?” He answered, “It is I, your lord Gharib, the doer of wondrous deeds.” When the two ladies heard their lord’s voice, they rejoiced, as did the slave girls and servants. Gharib came down, and they flung themselves upon him, uttering such trills of joy that the palace rang with them. The officers rose from their beds and asked, “What is the news?” They went up to the palace and said to the eunuchs, “Has one of the slave girls given birth?” “No,” they replied, “but rejoice, for King Gharib has returned to you!” The emirs were delighted. Gharib greeted the women of his household, then went out to his companions, who threw themselves upon him and kissed his hands and feet, thanking and praising God Most High. Gharib seated himself upon his throne and summoned his companions. They came and sat around him, and he asked about the army encamped outside. They replied, “O king, they arrived three days ago, and among them are both jinn and men. We do not know what they want, and there has been neither fighting nor any exchange of words between us.” Gharib said, “Tomorrow we shall send them a letter and learn what they want.” Then they said, “Their king is called Muradshah. Under his command are a hundred thousand horsemen, three thousand foot soldiers, and two hundred of the hosts of the jinn.” Now there was a momentous reason for the coming of this army. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-eighth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that there was a momentous reason for the coming of this army and its encampment before the city of Isbanir. It was this: when King Sabur sent his daughter away with two of his men, saying, “Drown her in the Jayhun,” they took her out and said to her, “Go your way, and do not show yourself to your father, or he will kill both us and you.” So Fakhr Taj fled, bewildered and not knowing where to turn. “Where are your eyes, Gharib,” she said, “that you might see my plight and what has become of me?” She wandered from land to land and valley to valley, until she came to a valley filled with trees and streams. In its midst stood a lofty fortress, firmly built, like a garden of Paradise. Fakhr Taj turned toward the fortress and entered it. She found it spread with silken carpets and filled with vessels of gold and silver, and within it were a hundred beautiful slave girls. When they saw Fakhr Taj, they rose to greet her, supposing her to be one of the maidens of the jinn. They asked about her circumstances, and she told them, “I am the daughter of the King of Persia,” and related all that had befallen her. When the girls heard her story, they grieved for her, then comforted her heart, saying, “Be at ease and let your eyes be glad. You shall have food, drink, and clothing, and we are all at your service.” She prayed for them, and they set food before her. When she had eaten her fill, Fakhr Taj asked the girls, “Who owns this palace and rules over you?” They replied, “Our lord, King Salsal ibn Dal. He comes for one night each month, and in the morning departs to govern the tribes of the jinn.”

Fakhr Taj stayed with them for five days, then gave birth to a boy as beautiful as the moon. They cut his umbilical cord, anointed his eyes with kohl, and named him Muradshah. He grew up in his mother’s care. Before long King Salsal arrived, riding an elephant as white as paper and as great as a lofty tower, surrounded by companies of the jinn. He entered the palace, and the hundred slave girls came to meet him and kissed the ground before him, with Fakhr Taj among them. The king looked at her and asked his slave girls, “Who is this maiden?” They replied, “The daughter of Sabur, King of the Persians, Turks, and Daylamites.” “Who brought her here?” he asked. They told him what had befallen her, and he pitied her. “Do not grieve,” he said. “Be patient until you have reared your son and he is grown. Then I shall march upon Persia, strike your father’s head from his shoulders, and seat your son upon the throne of the Persians, Turks, and Daylamites.” Fakhr Taj rose, kissed his hands, and prayed for him. She remained there, bringing up her son among the king’s children. They began to ride horses and go out hunting, and he learned to hunt wild beasts and savage predators. He ate their flesh until his heart grew as hard as stone. When he reached the age of fifteen, he gained a lofty sense of his own worth and asked his mother, “Mother, who is my father?” She answered, “My son, your father is Gharib, King of Iraq, and I am the daughter of the King of Persia.” Then she told him all that had happened. When he heard her story, he said, “Did my grandfather order both you and my father to be killed?” “Yes,” she replied. He said, “By all I owe you for rearing me, I shall march to your father’s city, cut off his head, and lay it before you.” She rejoiced at his words. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and seventy-ninth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that Muradshah, the son of Fakhr Taj, began to ride out with the two hundred marids, among whom he had grown up. They raided the countryside and waylaid travelers, and journeyed on until they came in sight of the lands of Shiraz. They fell upon the city, and Muradshah stormed the king’s palace and struck off his head as he sat upon his throne. He killed a great many of his soldiers, while the rest cried aloud, “Mercy! Mercy!” Then they kissed Muradshah’s knee. He numbered them and found them to be ten thousand horsemen, who rode in his service. They marched to Balkh, killed its king, destroyed his troops, and made themselves masters of its people. Then they went on to Nurin, Muradshah now riding at the head of thirty thousand horsemen. The ruler of Nurin came out in submission, offered them riches and rarities, and rode with them at the head of thirty thousand horsemen. They set out for Samarkand in Persia, took it, and marched on to Akhlat, which they also took. They journeyed onward, taking every city they reached, until Muradshah had a mighty army. Whatever riches and precious gifts he seized from the cities he distributed among his men, who loved him for his courage and generosity. When he reached Isbanir al-Madain, he said, “Wait until I have brought up the rest of my army. Then I shall seize my grandfather, bring him before my mother, and soothe her heart by striking off his head.” He sent someone to fetch her, and for this reason there was no fighting for three days. Meanwhile Gharib arrived with Zalzal and forty thousand marids carrying treasure and gifts. He asked about the encamped army, and his people said, “We do not know where they have come from. They have been here three days, but they have not attacked us, nor have we attacked them.” Fakhr Taj arrived, and her son Muradshah embraced her, saying, “Stay in your tent until I bring you your father.” She prayed for his victory to the Lord of the Worlds, Lord of the heavens and the earth.

When morning came, Muradshah mounted, with the two hundred marids on his right and the kings of men on his left, and they beat the drums of war. Gharib heard them, mounted, rode out, and summoned his people to battle. The jinn stood on his right and the humans on his left. Muradshah advanced, clad from head to foot in armor, wheeled his horse to right and left, and cried, “People, let none but your king come out against me! If he conquers me, he shall command both armies; but if I conquer him, I shall kill him like the others.” When Gharib heard Muradshah’s words, he said, “Be silent, you dog of the Arabs!” Then they charged one another and thrust with their lances until they broke, and struck with their swords until the blades were notched. They continued charging and retreating, closing and drawing apart, until midday, when their horses collapsed beneath them. They dismounted and grappled on the ground. Then Muradshah rushed at Gharib, snatched him up, and lifted him, intending to dash him to the earth. But Gharib seized his ears and pulled so fiercely that Muradshah felt as though the heavens had closed down upon the earth. He cried at the top of his voice, “I place myself under your protection, O champion of the age!” And Gharib bound his arms. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she ceased her permitted tale.

When it was the six hundred and eightieth night,

She said: It has reached me, O fortunate king, that when Gharib seized Muradshah’s ears and pulled them, the young man said, “I place myself under your protection, O champion of the age!” So Gharib bound his arms. Muradshah’s marid companions were about to charge and rescue him, but Gharib advanced with a thousand marids, who made ready to fall upon Muradshah’s marids. They cried, “Mercy! Mercy!” and threw down their weapons. Gharib seated himself in his pavilion, which was of green silk embroidered with red gold and adorned with pearls and jewels. Then he called for Muradshah, and they brought him in, stumbling in his fetters and chains. When Muradshah saw Gharib, he lowered his head to the ground in shame. Gharib said, “You dog of the Arabs, what rank is yours, that you should ride out and rival kings?” He replied, “My lord, do not hold me to account, for I have an excuse.” Gharib asked, “What excuse have you?” Muradshah said, “My lord, know that I set out to avenge my father and mother upon Sabur, King of Persia, for he intended to kill them both. My mother escaped, but I do not know whether my father was killed or not.” When Gharib heard his words, he said, “By God, you are excused! Who is your father, and who is your mother? What are their names?” He answered, “My father’s name is Gharib, King of Iraq, and my mother’s name is Fakhr Taj, daughter of Sabur, King of Persia.” At these words Gharib gave a great cry and fell unconscious. They sprinkled rose water upon him, and when he recovered he asked, “Are you Gharib’s son by Fakhr Taj?” “Yes,” he replied. Gharib said, “You are a champion, son of a champion! Strike the fetters from my son!” Suhaym and al-Kaylajan stepped forward and freed Muradshah. Gharib embraced his son, seated him beside him, and asked, “Where is your mother?” “She is with me, in my tent,” he replied. “Bring her to me,” said Gharib. Muradshah rode to his camp, where his companions came to meet him, rejoicing at his safe return. They asked what had happened, but he said, “This is no time for questions.” Then he went in to his mother and told her what had occurred. She rejoiced exceedingly, and he brought her to his father. The two embraced, delighted to be reunited. Fakhr Taj embraced Islam, as did Muradshah, and they offered Islam to their army, who all accepted it in heart and tongue. Gharib rejoiced at their conversion. Then he had King Sabur brought before him and reproached him and his son for their deeds. He offered them Islam, but they refused, so he had them crucified at the city gate.

They adorned the city, and its people rejoiced and decked it out for celebration. They placed the crown of the Chosroes upon Muradshah’s head and made him King of the Persians, Turks, and Daylamites. King Gharib sent his uncle, King al-Damigh, to rule Iraq, and all lands and peoples submitted to him. Gharib remained in his kingdom, ruling his subjects justly, and all people loved him. They continued to live in the greatest ease until there came to them the Destroyer of Delights and the Sunderer of Companies. Glory be to Him whose might and existence endure forever, and whose blessings upon His creatures are exalted! Such is what has reached us of the tale of Gharib and Ajib.