The World-Champion Rostam dispatched a vigilant and wise envoy bearing a fiery missile of a letter to the ruler of Hamavaran—a letter echoing with the grim promise of maces, swords, and merciless war. Tahamtan reproached the King for abandoning the noble code of champions, using treacherous ambushes to ensnare King Kay Kavus and the Iranian nobles. Rostam delivered a stark ultimatum: release Kay Kavus immediately to escape the dragon’s maw of Iranian retribution; otherwise, prepare for a cataclysmic battle where death would be the only harvest.
When the envoy delivered the message, the King of Hamavaran felt his mind reel, and the bright world turned pitch-black before his eyes. Yet, consumed by foolish pride, he sent back a defiant reply, declaring that Kay Kavus would never again walk free across the plains, and that Rostam would find only chains, dungeons, and crushing maces should he dare enter Barbarstan.
Upon hearing this insolent refusal, Rostam and his chieftains convened. Knowing the land route was fraught with delays, the elephant-bodied hero ordered his vast host to board ships and galleys, carving a path across the waves straight to the borders of Hamavaran. Like an unleashing storm, the Iranian forces struck the coast, leaving ruin and panic in their wake.
The King of Hamavaran marched out with his army, but the moment Rostam appeared upon Rakhsh, his massive frame towering over the field with a heavy mace resting on his shoulder, absolute terror gripped the enemy. Rostam unleashed a roar that shook the earth and charged. Beholding his terrible power, the courage of Hamavaran’s ranks disintegrated; the host fled in terror, and the King retreated in shame to his citadel.
Desperate and cornered, the ruler of Hamavaran summoned two swift couriers, dispatching desperate letters written in tears of blood to the Kings of Egypt and Barbar. He warned them that should they fail to unite with him, Rostam’s conquest would sweep across all their realms unchecked. Terrified by the looming threat of Tahamtan, the rulers of Egypt and Barbar mobilized their armies, marching to Hamavaran until the earth transformed into endless mountains of men, obliterating even the footprints of ants.
Beholding the massive tripartite coalition, Rostam felt a pang of concern not for himself, but for the safety of Kay Kavus. He dispatched a secret messenger to the captive King, warning him: 'The sovereigns of three realms have united against me. I can shatter their host, yet I fear that in the madness of battle, harm may befall your royal person. The throne of Barbar is worthless to me if the Shah suffers.'
The messenger slipped into the citadel and delivered Tahamtan's words. Hearing this, Kay Kavus remained undaunted, replying with heroic fortitude: 'Worry not for my plight, for the turning heavens have ever mixed poison with nectar and war with love. Above all, Almighty God is my protector! Give radiant Rakhsh his reins, sharpen your spearhead, and leave not a single enemy alive upon the earth!' The messenger returned like wind to Rostam. Reassured by his sovereign's brave spirit, Tahamtan tightened his armor and rode forth to face the vast army in the great battle to come.