Simon thought,that Shah would grant his wish today,but he didn't.Mohammad Khodabanda decided to release all of Georgian prisoners on the following day.
It was morning,when Simon was sleeping on his bed and someone knocked on his room's door.
-Who are you?
-I am Ismail,Simon!
-Why are you here?I wasn't expecting your arrival.
-Really?I am also the servant of his majesty,just the most important one,know this.I am here to tell you,that all of Georgians were released from captivity as you wished.
-Can I meet them here?I missed my people.
-You were their king after all.You can meet them here.
-Please tell the Shah,that I am truly grateful for this favour.
-I will definitely tell him.The former captives will come to your room in the afternoon.Now,I will leave you.
Ismail went out and Simon lied down on the bed again.He smiled for himself and sunk into his thoughts:
-"Oh,what a relief!Finally,I will hug my compatriots and encourage them.Thank you,Jesus for this!What will I tell them?To be honest,I don't even know what to say,but just by seeing me,as their former and overthrown King,may give them some hope.Who knows..."
One day passed.It was finally that anticipated afternoon and Simon was looking forward to see all of his compatriots.One guard called from the outside:
-Former prisoners are here,meet them!
-Okay,let them all in!-Simon answered from the inside.
As soon as he said this,the door was opened and 100 prisoners entered inside Simon's room.The guard closed the door.This room was so enormous,that you would think, that it was not the room,but the dance hall.Simon couldn't restrain himself and tears rolled down on his cheeks.He was smiling and crying at the same time.All of the prisoners saw his facial expression and bent down.Then,they looked at their king again and exclaimed:
-King Simon!We are thrilled to see you safe and sound!
-Please,rise all of you!
-As you command us,our king!
-My compatriots,please don't speak so loudly!The guards behind this door may enter and capture you again!
-Okay,we will do as you wish!
-Now,I have something crucial to tell you,therefore listen to me carefully!
-We are all ears,our king!
-As you already may have heard,I have converted to Islam,but only to fool Mohammad Khodabanda.I considered this step crucial for my mission of returning to Kartli.The Shah planned to make me the commander of 5000 Iranians.He wants to attack the Ottomans in Kartli and drive them away.I convinced him,that he needs my aid to do this.I am going to slay 4500 Iranians as soon as we arrive to Kartli.I will force other 500 Iranians to only obey my orders and act according to my interests and not the Shah's.We will march tomorrow morning.
The guards were eavesdropping,but how could they understand what they were saying inside?They didn't know Georgian and couldn't find out,what they were talking about.All of the prisoners kissed Simon's hand and left the room.They were taken to the huge room.There were 100 beds in this chamber.