After the heavy chains were struck from Esfandiyar, he entered the royal pavilion to counsel with King Goshtasp on the fate of the realm. The king remembered with bitter anguish the fallen Lohrasp, the revenge due for Farshidvard, and the slain champions of that fateful battle. Turning to his mighty son, Goshtasp spake: How can thy heart know joy while thy sisters languish in the bonds of the Turks? Blest are those who fell upon the field of vengeance, never knowing the agony of captivity! What shall our subjects say when they behold us upon the throne while our own blood suffers beneath the tyrant's heel? So long as I breathe, I shall weep for this shame, for fire burneth within my brain. I have sworn a solemn covenant before the Almighty Creator: if thou goest unscathed unto Touran, brave the dragon's breath, and free thy sisters from captivity, I shall surrender unto thee the crown of kingship, the high throne, and all the treasures of the realm, seeking for myself only a secluded house of worship. Esfandiyar bowed low and replied: May no man behold the sun without thee! I am but a servant before my father, my soul devoted to thy command. I seek neither crown nor kingdom; I go forth to wreak vengeance upon Arjasp, to sweep the land of Touran, and by the King's good fortune bring my sisters back to glory. Goshtasp showered praise upon his prince, praying that Wisdom and the Divine Grace might protect his path. Mobilizing the host from all quarters, twelve thousand valiant, steel-clad horsemen were chosen. Treasures of coin were lavished upon the warriors, and a magnificent crown inlaid with regal gems was bestowed upon Esfandiyar. A mighty clamor arose from the royal gates as dust raised by the cavalry blackened the sun, and Esfandiyar rode out into the plain at the head of a formidable host.