The world is an ever-shifting tapestry of transience; though monarchs and heroes endure boundless agony for the sake of earthly greatness, their final rest is beneath the indifferent dust. When Afrasiab, ruler of Turan, ordered the execution of the innocent Prince Siyavash, he believed his throne secured by steel and treasure, blind to the divine providence that would raise a branch from Siyavash’s lineage to avenge his blood.
Prompted by a sacred vision, the venerable Iranian chieftain Gudarz commanded his fierce son Giv to undertake an impossible mission: enter Turan in absolute secrecy and locate the lost prince, Kay Khosrow. Gudarz’s warrior son bound his waist tight and crossed the frontier like a raging lion. For seven long years, Giv traversed the rugged mountains, salty streams, and scorching wastes of Turan alone. Wearing wild-donkey hides and living off raw game, he interrogated every lone traveler he encountered in the Turkic tongue. If they knew nothing of Khosrow, Giv struck them down and buried them swiftly, preserving the secrecy of his holy quest.
On a day heavy with despair, Giv came upon a verdant, spring-fed meadow. Near the sparkling waters sat a youth of radiant features and divine stature, holding a goblet of wine, surrounded by an unmistakable halo of regal Glory—looking as if King Manuchehr himself sat upon an ivory throne. Kay Khosrow immediately recognized the mighty Iranian champion by his noble bearing. Giv approached, bowed low, and reverently requested proof of royal lineage. Khosrow bared his arm to reveal the hereditary black Kayanid birthmark passed down from King Qobad. Tears of overwhelming joy streamed down Giv's face as he embraced the young sovereign.
Together, they returned to Farangis, who instructed her son to seek out Siyavash’s legendary steed, Shabrang Behzad, grazing wild in a hidden valley. When Khosrow approached and called his father's name, the magnificent horse whinnied in recognition and offered his head to be bridled. Farangis then opened Siyavash's secret armory, bestowing divine chainmail, enchanted helmets, and royal weapons upon Giv and Khosrow. Clad in war-gear, the trio set off toward the Iranian border under cover of night.
When news of their flight reached Piran, the Turanian commander trembled with dread. He hastily dispatched two of his bravest champions, Kulbad and Nastihan, leading three hundred heavily armed cavalry to capture the prince and slay the Iranian intruder. While Khosrow and Farangis rested from their arduous trek, Giv stood guard. Spotting the Turanian cloud of dust, he donned his heavy armor and charged into the enemy host single-handedly. With mace and Indian sword, Giv cut through the Turanian ranks like a thunderstorm, leaving the field piled high with slain warriors. The broken remnants of the army fled back to Piran, who burned with rage and shame at his commanders' humiliating retreat before a solitary Iranian hero.