While the capital lay empty of the tyrant Zahhak, a trusted and prudent steward named Kondrow oversaw the realm's treasures, throne, and royal halls. Entering the palace, Kondrow was stunned to behold a new crown-wearer resting upon the golden throne—towering like a noble cypress bathed in moonlight. Beside him sat the sun-bright princesses, Shahrnaz on one side and Arnavaz on the other, while the palace grounds swarmed with ready warriors lined in iron discipline.
Without hesitation or panic, Kondrow bowed low before the glorious newcomer, offering royal praises and acclaiming Fereydun as the rightful sovereign of the seven climes. Fereydun bade him draw near, revealing his divine purpose, and commanded him to prepare a royal banquet filled with radiant wine, court musicians, and worthy lords. Kondrow swiftly executed the orders, laying out a magnificent feast where sorrow was banished.
As silence settled over the capital at nightfall, Kondrow slipped away, mounted a swift steed, and rode tirelessly to reach Zahhak. Arriving before the serpent king, Kondrow delivered the fateful tidings: three noble champions had arrived from afar, led by a youth of cypress stature and royal countenance who wielded a mountain-shattering bull-headed mace. This youth had claimed the throne, shattered Zahhak's talismans, and slaughtered his guards. When Zahhak attempted to dismiss the intruder as a mere bold guest, Kondrow revealed the bitterest truth—that Fereydun was even now making merry in the inner chambers with Zahhak's beloved princesses, Shahrnaz and Arnavaz. Enraged beyond measure, Zahhak roared like a wounded beast, realizing his dark reign was tumbling into ruin.