The Nāṣirī Generations 258.1.10

258.1.10

The Mughals however followed in his track, and when they drew near he would face about and withstand them until his family and effects made some progress in advance, and then he would follow. After some days, when most of Timur Malik’s men had fallen, the baggage was captured, and, with a few men remaining, he pushed on with rapidity, giving the Mughals no opportunity of taking him, and keeping them at bay. At last his few remaining followers were killed, and Timur Malik was left alone—some say his family at this time had attained a distance which placed them out of danger—and with no means of defence left but three arrows, one of which was broken and its head gone. Three Mughals were still in pursuit of him, so he drew the broken and headless arrow—for he did not wish to have to use the others—and sent it through the eye of the foremost pursuer, and blinded him. He then said to the other two: “Two arrows still remain according to your number, and so it is advisable that ye return from whence ye came.” They did retire; and the Iron Malik—Timur signifies iron—proceeded on his way without further molestation to Khwarazm. There he again prepared for war, and with a small force surprised and captured the town of Kat on the Jihun, in the district of Hazar-asp, and from thence he proceeded to join Sultan Muhammad, not considering it advisable to remain in Khwarazm.