When a fruitful, majestic tree towers into the heavens, should the harsh turn of the heavens strike its boughs, its leaves wither and its roots grow weak, yielding its place to a fresh, newly sprung branch. When a father leaves the realm to his son, he reveals all secrets hidden and clear; yet if the son casts away the glorious name of his forefathers, he is a stranger and unworthy of lineage.
Following the passing of King Kay Qobad, his son Kay Kavus mounted the Kianian throne, and the world bowed in absolute allegiance to his crown. Inheriting the jewel-studded golden crown, the royal torcs, crystal-footed thrones, and thick-maned Arabian chargers, Kavus reigned supreme. On a radiant day within his gilded garden, he sat upon a golden throne resting on crystal pillars, drinking sweet wine alongside the noble paladins of Iran.
Suddenly, a cunning demon disguised as a courtly musician presented himself before the royal chamberlain, requesting an audience. He claimed to be a sweet-voiced minstrel hailing from the enchanted land of Mazandaran. Admitted into the royal hall and seated among the king's harpists, the demon struck the strings of his lute and began a mesmerizing song in praise of his homeland:
"May our realm of Mazandaran be ever remembered, its soil eternally blooming! For roses ever blossom in its bowers, and tulips cover its emerald peaks. Its air is wholesome, its earth a tapestry of everlasting spring..."
These spellbinding verses ignited a fire of rash ambition and hubris within Kavus. Believing himself superior in fortune, royal glory, and justice to Jamshid, Zahhak, and Kay Qobad, the king declared to his champions that prolonged ease breeds lethargy. He vowed to conquer Mazandaran and add its magical riches to his crown.
The Iranian lords froze in terror. None among the great paladins—Tus, Goudarz, Giev, Khorrad, Gorgin, and Rohham—wished to wage war against the terrifying demons of Mazandaran. Yet, unable to challenge the king openly, they feigned obedience, only to gather in a desperate, secret council once outside the hall to find a way to avert this impending doom.