In the reign of King Luhrasp, two sons shone like moonlit gems, fully worthy of the crown and girdle of kingship: Goshtasp and Zarir. Both surpassed their peers in wisdom and valor, bearing the exalted bloodline of Kay Khosrow and Kay Kavus. Yet while Luhrasp rejoiced in their noble presence, he sensed a turbulent pride in Goshtasp's spirit, which filled the monarch's heart with unease.
Time passed until a day came in Pars, beneath the shade of a blossom-laden tree, where Luhrasp summoned the chieftains and commanders of the realm to a grand banquet. As the wine flowed and joy filled the royal court, Goshtasp stood before his father, holding his goblet high. He praised the King's righteous rule, recalling how Kay Khosrow had willingly yielded the crown to Luhrasp. Then, unveiling his inner ambition, Goshtasp asserted his own incomparable prowess—claiming none could match him save Rostam himself—and asked his father to formally write his name upon the royal crown and throne.
Luhrasp looked upon his son and offered a stern rebuke. He reminded Goshtasp of Kay Khosrow's final wisdom: that an unjust or overeager prince is like a well-watered weed that chokes a garden. He commanded his son to measure his words and curb his youthful haste. Grief and humiliation burned in Goshtasp's chest; with a pale countenance, he withdrew from the King's presence.
Returning to his encampment, Goshtasp gathered his three hundred elite, battle-tested horsemen. He revealed his humiliation and declared his intention to leave the realm that very night, setting out for India, whose ruler had sent him a perfumed letter offering vassalage and honor. As night draped the earth in darkness, Goshtasp took up his heavy mace and rode forth into the shadows with his loyal band.
When dawn broke and Luhrasp learned of his son's flight, sorrow eclipsed his heart. He convened the elders of the realm, lamenting how the prince he had nurtured had abandoned the royal garden in anger. Without delay, he summoned Zarir, giving him a thousand champion cavalry to ride swiftly toward India and bring Goshtasp back. Simultaneously, he dispatched Gostahm toward Rum and Gorazeh toward China, desperate to intercept his headstrong heir.