The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 15.7

15.7

King Rásil himself then descended, and called all of them to himself, and asked each to show him the weapons. He went on taking and examining the sword of each and throwing it in front of them. When he came to Déhar son of Chach, he told him: “Show me your sword.” Déhar said: “O king, this poniard belongs to my brother; I cannot part with it. Look at it in my hands.” When he came very close to Dáhar, a swordsman of Déhar’s stepped forward, and said, “O king, of all these swords, mine is the best.” When Rásil went near him in order to take the sword from him, the swordsman bounded like a fierce lion, caught hold of Rásil’s beard, threw him down and sat on his chest, and said, “I am going to kill you.” Just then, Dáhar and his men encircled him and drew their swords. When Rasil saw that there was no help, he said: “What do you want from me? I am ready to make a solemn promise to you, and will faithfully abide by it and never contravene it.” Dahar said: “It is evident to me that you had resolved to practise deception on us, and we can’t now place any trust in your words or promises. The punishment of treachery and perfidy first fell upon your door-keeper, who died under the vault; then you became a prisoner in our hands. Now give us a hostage that you will return the fort of Dew Dhanaz (Dew Dhanush), and our hostages whom you have detained with you; then we shall return your hostages.” Rasil sent his hostages to Alór.