At the first light of dawn, as the rooster crowed, the thunder of war drums echoed from the threshold of Esfandiyar. The invincible prince, mighty as a war elephant, mounted his steed and set his host into motion like a raging wind. They marched until a crossroads appeared before them, where both elephant and army ground to a halt. One path wound toward the Fortress of Gonbadan, while the other inclined toward Zabol.
Suddenly, the lead camel knelt upon the earth, anchoring itself as though rooted to the ground. Though the driver struck its head repeatedly with a stick, the beast would not budge, stalling the entire caravan. Esfandiyar perceived this as a dark omen. He commanded his warriors to sever the head and mane of the camel, seeking to deflect the bad fortune back upon the creature so that only divine glory might shield them. The warriors struck off its head, yet Esfandiyar remained troubled in heart, even as he scorned the ill-starred sign. 'He who triumphs shall see his fortune light the world,' he reflected. 'Both good and ill come from Yazdan, and a man's lips must remain crowned with a smile.'
Resuming their march, they arrived at the banks of the Helmand River, though Esfandiyar was guarded, wary of impending danger. They pitched the royal pavilions according to ancient custom, and the nobles took their places. Under a grand canopy, Esfandiyar ascended his throne, called for aged wine and minstrelsy, and showered gold and gems upon the performers, bringing joy to the hearts of noble men.
As the old wine brought a rosy bloom to the faces of the chieftains, Esfandiyar addressed his companions: 'I have not swerved from the command of King Goshtasp, though I have journeyed far. He bade me prepare against Rostam and show no respite in binding him. Out of obedience to my father I have come; yet this battle-hardened elder has endured boundless toil for the leaders of the realm, restoring peace to the world with his heavy mace. All the land of Iran—be they sovereigns or servants—owes its life to him. Therefore, we must send a quick-witted, eloquent, and wise messenger; a knight possessing grace and majesty whom Rostam cannot easily deceive. If he comes to us in peace and accepts my bond through wisdom, our dark path will be illuminated, for I wish him nothing but good.'
Pashotan replied to him: 'This indeed is the righteous path. Stand firm upon this wisdom and preserve the honor of brave men.'