When the week drew to a close, Zal the White-Haired and Rostam of matchless strength met, their hearts burdened with profound sorrow. As the Iranian chieftains learned of the arrival of the heroes of Zabulistan, they rushed forward with pale faces and sorrowful hearts. Nobles of the line of Zarasb, Tus carrying the sacred Kavian Banner, and Goudarz with tears streaming down his face gathered in welcome. The lords revealed the alarming news of King Kay Khosrow’s withdrawal from the world, lamenting that the monarch had barred the court doors, his bright rose-tinted countenance had withered like a quince, and his cypress-like frame had bent, as though ensnared by the whisperings of Iblis or struck by an evil eye.
Zal, the wise elder, comforted the worried nobles, reminding them that fortune ever fluctuates between joy and affliction. He urged them not to surrender to despair, resolving instead to offer the King profound counsel. Entering the royal hall, the heroes assembled. Upon hearing the resounding voice of Rostam behind the veil and beholding the loyal commanders, King Kay Khosrow, weighed down by dark thoughts, stood up from his throne and straightened his bowed back. He welcomed the sages and champions of Zabul, Kannauj, Danbar, Kabul, as well as the Iranian lords—Tus, Goudarz, Gurgin, Bizhan, and Gustaham—bestowing upon each a seat matching their exalted stature.
Then Zal stepped forward, pouring blessings upon the King. Recalling the ancient monarchs from Manuchehr and Kay Qobad to Zo, Kay Kavus, and the noble Siyavash, Zal proclaimed Kay Khosrow to be unmatched in wisdom, stature, and Divine Glory (Farrah-e Izadi). He explained how, upon hearing of the King’s seclusion, he had gathered astrologers and sages with Indian astronomical tables to search the heavens for the cause of this rift. Zal then imparted timeless wisdom to the monarch: that a flawless reign rests upon three pillars—treasure, righteous toil, and valiant men—and above all, a fourth supreme duty: unceasing prayer to Yazdan, the sole succor of humanity. He urged Kay Khosrow to bestow riches upon the needy, enlightening his soul and fortifying his mind with the impenetrable armor of wisdom.