In those days, Prince Esfandiyar, the grand champion of the Kianians, was hunting in the open plains when a voice bore tidings that Jamasp, the King's wise vizier, had been dispatched to find him. Pausing in deep contemplation, Esfandiyar smiled ruefully. Beside him stood his four noble sons, all accomplished spear-bearing warriors: Bahman, Mehrnush, the heart-brightening Tous, and Nush-Azar, whose majestic presence shone like the sacred flame of a fire temple. Bahman inquired why his royal father laughed with such foreboding.
Esfandiyar disclosed his fears, suspecting that King Goshtasp harbored unjust resentment against him. He reflected that despite spreading the Good Religion across the world and cleansing the earth with his triumphant blade, a malevolent spirit had bewitched the King's heart, turning him against his own son. As they spoke, a dark plume of mountain dust heralded the arrival of Jamasp, the guiding light of the realm. Esfandiyar and his brave sons dismounted to greet the elder scholar on foot.
Jamasp delivered the King's letter and discreetly confirmed that false counsel had indeed led the monarch astray. When Esfandiyar sought advice on whether to submit to potential imprisonment or disobey the crown, Jamasp wisely counseled that a father's severity toward his son is far more righteous than a son's rebellion against his sovereign. Accepting this counsel, Esfandiyar hosted Jamasp in honor with rich wine and fragrant incense. The following morning, the prince gathered his captains, entrusted the command of the royal host to his son Bahman, and rode forth to court—girded with his belt of allegiance and ready to face the King.