The Rashīdī History 112.4.4

112.4.4

Returning, they looked to see what had become of these people. They found that, excepting the Khan's wife [haram] and one or two other persons, all had been discovered and carried off captive. They remained where they were during that day, for they had not sufficient strength left to proceed. Moreover, they did not know whither they could go. They discussed the matter in all its aspects : every one made suggestions, and held his own views upon the matter; but all their plans were quite impracticable. One proposition was that they should live in the forests, and banish from their thoughts all desire for civilisation. This, however, was not considered to be feasible, as it was impossible to exist in the forests without the [necessary] weapons, etc. After seeking everywhere, they found that all their quivers were empty. At last they found one arrow in the Khan's quiver: in the rest there were none left but tir-i-gaz. [And with only one arrow there was certainly nothing to be achieved, so perforce this idea must be banished from their minds. Another proposal was that] they should enter the Dasht-i-Kipchák, which at that time was an asylum and refuge of the Moghul Khans. But this again was impossible, on account of their want of arrows [and other weapons. A third suggestion was that they should go to Kashghar. But they came to the conclusion that] to go to Kashghar was as good as to walk, living, into a grave.