As morning untethered the golden spear of the sun across the heavens, Gushtasp stepped onto the rugged cliffs of Mount Saqila, the dreaded lair of a monstrous dragon. His companions, Ahran and Hishvi, gripped by mortal fear, retreated to a safe distance. When the terrifying beast caught sight of the Iranian champion, it unleashed a roaring gust and lunged forward, coiling its tail to drag him into its gaping maw. Gushtasp tightened his helmet, drew his bow, and showered the serpent with a tempest of arrows. As the dragon surged closer to devour him, the hero thrust a razor-sharp, steel-tempered dagger directly into its throat. The beast clamped down, shattering its teeth against the steel, spewing black venom and torrents of blood that washed down the mountainside. Sensing the monster weakening, Gushtasp raised his heavy broadsword and split the dragon's skull, scattering its brains across the jagged rocks.
Dismounting his steed, Gushtasp extracted two massive fangs from the beast's jaw as proof of his deed. He cleansed himself in a cold stream and prostrated upon the earth, weeping tears of gratitude to Yazdan, the Victorious Creator, who had granted him strength over such horrors. Yet his heart was heavy with exile, lamenting that King Lohrasp and Prince Zarir believed him dead. Securing his weapon, he rejoined Ahran and Hishvi, keeping the dragon's teeth concealed and allowing Ahran to take the monster's carcass to Caesar's court. Upon beholding the slain leviathan, Caesar was awestruck, celebrated a grand festival, and bestowed his second daughter upon Ahran.
Time passed until Katayun urged her melancholic husband to attend Caesar's grand equestrian games. In the imperial arena, Gushtasp seized the polo mallet and struck the ball so powerfully that it vanished into the heavens, leaving the Roman knights stunned. He then lifted his wooden bow and loosed arrows with breathtaking precision. Astonished by his prowess, Caesar summoned him, demanding his lineage. Gushtasp revealed the truth of his deeds, bringing forth the extracted teeth of both the giant wolf of Vila and the dragon of Saqila, verified by Hishvi's testimony. Overcome with remorse for his past harshness, Caesar embraced Gushtasp—who took the alias Farrokhzad—restored Katayun to full imperial honor, seated Gushtasp upon a golden throne, and crowned him as the foremost lord of Rome.