A cry echoed from the watchtowers of the Iranian camp as a pillar of dust rose along the distant road. The lookout reported a single horseman approaching, leading three steeds—upon two of which hung the slain, upside-down and bound in grief. The noble champions of Iran watched the road in wonder, marveling who from the marches of Touran could dare cross this plain of strife.
Presently, Bizhan came riding swiftly, his bow strung and slung upon his arm. Across two steeds lay the slain Turanian commanders Lahhak and Farshidvard, bloodied and coated in dust. Upon the third horse lay Gostahm, crushed by agonizing wounds, cradled tenderly within a Turkish cloak. Reaching the presence of Kay Khosrow, Bizhan dismounted, bowed deeply, and pressed his face to the dust. The King rejoiced to see him and inquired of his deeds upon the battlefield.
Bizhan recounted the terrible fight of Gostahm against the two Turanian brothers, explaining how Gostahm had slain them both but was left at death's door, possessing only one remaining wish: to gaze upon the countenance of his King before breathing his last. Moved to his very core, King Kay Khosrow ordered Gostahm brought forward. At the sight of the broken hero, tears gushed from the monarch's eyes. Gostahm lay so battered that breath barely stirred his chest; yet sensing the warm presence of the King of Kings, he opened his eyes, weeping tears of affection and agony. The grandees of Iran wept alongside him, their hearts burning like meat over a flame.
Kay Khosrow could not bear to lose such a mighty commander. Upon his right arm he wore an ancient, mythical healing jewel—a sacred amulet inherited down the lineage of the Pishdadian kings from Hushang, Tahmuras, and Jamshid. Unbinding the precious jewel from his own arm, the King fastened it upon Gostahm's arm and smoothed his hands over the gaping wounds. Physicians summoned from Rome, India, China, Greece, and Iran gathered around Gostahm's pillow, applying medicines and incantations, while Khosrow withdrew to his place of prayer to commune intimately with the Creator of the World.
Two weeks passed, and through divine grace and the magic of the royal jewel, all pain and suffering vanished from Gostahm's flesh, restoring him completely to health. Brought before the throne once more on horseback, Gostahm stood whole, and Khosrow declared to the assembled host that God alone is the eternal savior who can restore the dead to life.
The King then took the hand of Bizhan son of Giv, praising his steadfast devotion, chivalry, and piety. For another week, Kay Khosrow remained at Zibad, distributing bountiful treasures of gold and silver, and dispatching messengers across the realm to summon the full host of Iran for the ultimate showdown against Afrasiab.