Dark tidings descended upon Afrasiab like a blaze rising from the depths of the ocean. The devastating fall of Kamus and the humilitating captivity of the Khagan of China struck terror through the realm of Turan. For forty days, the sky had remained one color as clouds of war-dust swallowed the sun. Of that legendary host, not a single warrior returned intact; the proud rulers of the East were chained upon the backs of war-elephants, and for miles, the battlefield was so drenched in blood and piled with corpses that no path remained. Piran Viseh, broken and defeated, fled toward Khotan with only a handful of survivors.
When Afrasiab heard these disastrous reports, his heart dissolved in anguish and dark fumes of rage filled his mind. He hastily gathered his Mobads, sages, and commanders, recounting past defeats and crying out: 'Two-thirds of our proudest chieftains are dragged in chains upon elephants, and the earth bleeds! If Rostam leads the Iranian vanguard into our realm, not a blade of grass nor a shrub will remain. I have felt the devastating weight of his mace myself and know what he wrought upon the King of Mazandaran!'
Yet the noblemen of Turan rose together, steepling their voices in defiance: 'Though the mercenaries of China and Saqlab fell, our core Turanian army remains unscathed! Why do you fear Rostam and grant joy to our foes? We were all born for death, and our belts are girt for vengeance. If they trample our soil, we shall exact such a price that no Iranian will leave Turan alive!' Encouraged by their bravado, Afrasiab unlocked his ancient royal vaults, showered his commanders with gold, and rallied a massive new army.
Meanwhile, in the Iranian camp, joy reigned supreme. Prince Fariburz arrived carrying royal gifts from King Kay Khosrow, including a magnificent jewel-encrusted crown and robes of state for Rostam. The elephant-bodied hero and his chieftains celebrated the King's favor, pledging their eternal devotion to Iran. Rostam then marched his triumphant host toward the lush lands of Sogd, where for two weeks they rested, feasted, and hunted wild asses, renewing their strength for the battles yet to come.