When a cypress shoots up its verdant branches toward the heavens, the discerning heart rejoices in its majestic height. In ancient wisdom, human nobility rests upon four pillars: pure lineage, god-given essence, learned virtue, and discerning wisdom. When these four join in a single soul, greed and sorrow vanish, leaving the mind at peace—save before inevitable mortality. Kay Khosrow was endowed with all four, blessed by radiant fortune.
Upon crowning himself with the Kianian tiara, the realm blossomed into newfound life. Ruins turned to flourishing cities, spring clouds washed away the rust of grief, and the earth shone like paradise through his boundless justice. Mirroring the golden eras of Jamshid and Fereydun, the king never rested from generosity; the demonic grip of Ahriman was severed, and ambassadors streamed from every horizon.
When tidings reached Nimruz that Kay Khosrow had returned from Turan to claim his ancestral throne, Rostam the Elephant-Bodied, alongside his venerable father Zal, Zavareh, Faramarz, and the chieftains of Kabul, assembled a formidable host and marched toward Iran. The plain turned dark as ebony under the weight of their army, and war drums echoed through the cosmos. Learning of their approach, Kay Khosrow’s heart overflowed with gratitude, honoring Rostam as the beloved mentor of his slain father Siyavash. He commanded Giv, Gudarz, and Tus to march forth with bronze trumpets and royal drums to greet them.
For two days' journey the Iranian lords rode until Rostam's violet banner glittered against the sun. Amidst echoing horns, Giv, Gudarz, and Tus embraced the heroes of Zabulistan. As Kay Khosrow beheld Rostam, tears welled in his eyes. He descended his throne, while Rostam kissed the earth before him. The king praised Rostam as the noble guardian who had reared Siyavash, then embraced Zal, weeping bitterly for his fallen father. Rostam, gazing upon Kay Khosrow’s royal glory and uncanny resemblance to Siyavash, wept tears of blood. A royal banquet was laid, and deep into the night, the king recounted the trials of his past.