As Rostam approached the city of Samangan on foot, news of his arrival spread rapidly to the king and the noble elders of the realm. Hearing that the crown-bestowing champion of Iran had walked into their territory after losing his steed, the king and all the high-ranking magnates went out to receive him with immense homage. The King of Samangan addressed Rostam with deep respect, asking what misfortune had befallen him and who could possibly have dared to challenge his might, reassuring him that all in Samangan were his loyal well-wishers, ready to sacrifice their wealth and lives at his command.
Observing the king's sincere and benevolent speech, Rostam set aside his suspicion and revealed that his famed steed, Rakhsh, had wandered off unrestrained into the lush meadows, leaving tracks that led directly toward Samangan. He warned that if they recovered his steed, he would be deeply grateful, but if Rakhsh remained lost, the heads of many nobles would roll. The King of Samangan hastened to soothe the champion's fury, promising that no one dared cross Rostam and that the renowned horse could not remain hidden for long. He invited Rostam to enter his palace, cast off his anxieties, and spend the night feasting.
Rostam accepted the royal invitation, and his heart was relieved of grief. Inside the palace, the king himself stood attentively before the Iranian champion, summoning the chief officers and nobles to sit at a grand feast. Dark-eyed, rose-cheeked beauties reminiscent of Taraz poured wine while musicians played melodious tunes to dispel all sorrow from Tahamtan's soul. As the wine took hold of Rostam, he grew weary and ready for sleep. The hosts guided him to a magnificent chamber prepared meticulously with precious musk and fragrant rosewater, where the great hero settled down to rest.