King Simon finished writing his letter and called the guards:
-Guards,Come here!My letter is ready for the Shah to read.
The guards didn't delay and entered at once:
-Give us this and we will deliver immediately.
-You will inform me about Shah's decision,right?
-Of course,we will.
One of them took the letter and the other closed the door from the outside.Soon,they reached their destination-the Shah's chamber.One of them said loudly at the entrance:
-Your majesty,we are coming from Alamut stronghold,where you are keeping the former king Simon.He has just written his letter to you that he wants you to read.He is waiting for your answer.
-Alright,you are allowed to come in!-Mohammad Khodabanda answered the guard from the inside.
The Shah's advisor-Ismail was looking at the diplomatic records between Safavids and Ottomans composed by Iranian ambassadors and was reading them loudly for the Shah due to his blindness.The guard entered and bowed his head in front of the Shah.
-Rise,please!Now,give me this letter and leave the room.
-As you order,your majesty!-The guard bowed his head again and came out from the chamber.
Mohammad Khodabanda's advisor read the letter carefully and he couldn't believe his eyes.What?Simon,who had always been unbreakable in saying,that he would never convert to Islam,was going to fulfill the Shah's order?It seemed totally unbelievable.He told the Shah about this.Mohammad Khodabanda was shocked .
-Guards!I must talk to Simon right now!His letter is not convincing enough!-Shah called the guards.
-As you order.
-Untie him when you see Simon.The chains are useless now,since he decided to convert to Islam.
The guard bowed his head and left the room.The two guards went directly to Alamut stronghold.When they entered inside,Simon was tied with chains.The guards untied him and Simon realized,that he was about to meet the Shah.
-Are you taking me to his majesty?Did he summon me?
-Yes,as you guessed.From now on,you won't be here.
The guards took him to Mohammad Khodabanda and his advisor.They made him enter inside the Shah's chamber.
-Bow your head,Simon!
-But,how can I,your majesty?Can't you see,that I'm very weakened from the captivity?I have no strength left to do so.
-How dare you,Simon!-Ismail shouted.-It seems,that you don't know,that our Shah is blind.
-Blind?How would I know?What are you going to speak me about,your majesty?
-I want to hear your sincere explanation about why you decided to convert to Islam.In other words,I am giving you the opportunity to convince me in your sincerity.