When King Kay Khosrow received the comprehensive dispatch from the venerable champion Goudarz through Hajir, he summoned his most learned scribe to compose a royal rescript. He began with grand praises to the Almighty Creator, followed by deep homage to Goudarz—the master of the violet blade, standard-bearer of the Kavian Banner, and pillar of the Iranian realm. In his letter, the King commended Goudarz's noble attempt to offer counsel and peace to Piran Viseh, yet wisely observed that Piran's fate remained inextricably bound to Afrasiab, making any further soft-spoken pleas futile.
Kay Khosrow reassured his general that Goudarz's valiant bloodline and divine royal favor guaranteed victory. He detailed how the empire's flanks were thoroughly secured: the mighty Rostam had pacified Kashmir and Kabul; the swift-clawed Ashkash had crushed Shideh's forces near Khwarazm, forcing them back toward Gorgan; and prince Lohrasp had brought the realms of Alans and the Ghuzz under submission. Should Afrasiab dare cross the Oxus, he would find himself trapped between two powerful pincers of the Iranian army. To fortify the northern frontier, Kay Khosrow ordered Tus, son of Nowzar, to march with war elephants and thundering drums toward Dehestan and Gorgan, promising to follow with his own royal reserves.
Upon receiving the King's letter and rich robes of honor via Hajir, Goudarz pressed the royal seal to his eyes and face in reverence and had the royal decrees read aloud before his assemble captains. Instantly, Goudarz unlocked the ancient vaults, distributing mountains of gold, fine Indian blades, golden helmets, and sturdy steeds to every foot-soldier and horseman, forging an army that gleamed like a mountain of solid steel. When news of this formidable Iranian mobilization reached Piran in the Turanian camp, a cold dread seized the commander's heart. Recognizing that brute force alone would fail against such overwhelming unity, Piran turned toward cunning stratagems, seeking counsel from his wisest advisors to devise a snare that might halt the impending storm.