In the realm of Rome, a proud and wealthy nobleman named Mirin sought the hand of Caesar's second daughter in marriage. Yet Caesar, still aggrieved by the unapproved union of his daughter Katayoun with an unknown wandering stranger, declared that no further alliances would be granted easily. He laid down a terrifying decree: whoever wished to wed his daughter must journey to the ominous Forest of Fasiqon and slay the terrible beast dwelling within. This creature was a wolf as dark as the Nile, with the body of a dragon, the strength of an elephant, and tusks like a wild boar—a monster so fierce that neither roaring lions nor armored champions dared enter its shadowed domain.
Knowing he possessed no physical strength to vanquish such a horror, Mirin returned to his palace and consulted the ancient astrological scrolls of Roman sages. There, he unraveled a cosmic prophecy: a legendary hero would arrive from Iran to accomplish three monumental deeds—he would wed Caesar's daughter, place the crown upon Caesar's head, and slay two ferocious beasts devastating the land. Realizing Katayoun's heroic husband (Goshtasp, dwelling incognito as Farrokhzad) matched this prophecy, Mirin rushed to Hishoy, the local noble who befriended Goshtasp.
Hishoy welcomed Mirin, and as Goshtasp returned from the hunt, they laid out a grand feast of ruby wine and music. Upon beholding Goshtasp’s majestic stature, towering shoulders, and warrior aura, Mirin was awestruck, recognizing his royal lineage. Hishoy explained Mirin's dilemma and Caesar's deadly challenge. Goshtasp accepted the quest without hesitation, asking only for a battle-tested steed and the ancient poisoned Sword of Salm—a heirloom forged in dragon's blood and venom. Elated, Mirin fetched a swift black charger, heavy mail armor, priceless jewels, and the diamond-sharp blade of Salm. Goshtasp donned the war armor, strung his bow, slung his lasso, and rode forth alongside Hishoy and Mirin toward the dread realm of the Forest of Fasiqon.