Just wanted to share this moment from Book 14 (via Google Translate) where Arslan's generals suggest sending an elite force to Mount Demavand to slay the Snake King.
'Voices of agreement and offers to volunteer erupted among the generals. "That won't do." To everyone's surprise, Arslan shook his head. "Why?" Daryun asked on behalf of the generals. "Mount Demavand has become far more perilous since the time of the reconnaissance mission. I cannot send you into such a place." "If I may speak plainly, we do not fear death. Leaving the enemy aside, if we can fulfill the wish of defeating the Serpent King Zahhak, then dying in battle would be an honor." Isfan spoke his mind with flushed cheeks, but Arslan shook his head again. "I know you do not fear death. But *I* fear your deaths. I have already lost Shapur; I do not wish to lose anyone else." A hush fell over everyone at the round table. Arslanβs words struck a chord in every heart present.'
and then there's this from Narsus:
'"Sacrifices are inevitable. We will devise the best possible strategy to minimize them. Your Majestyβs greatest mission is to utterly defeat the Serpent King Zahhak and bring lasting peace to Pars. And beyond that, you must be prepared to bear the burden of the sacrifices that entails."'
