Prince Esfandiyar summoned his young son, Bahman, to entrust him with a grave and momentous mission. He bade Bahman mount a coal-black steed, array his form in finest Chinese silk, and set upon his brow a crown adorned with royal jewels, accompanied by ten renowned mobads, so that any who beheld him would instantly recognize his sovereign lineage. With swift instructions, he commanded Bahman to ride toward the halls of Rostam, commanding him to soften his speech with eloquence, yet carry a message carved with stern imperial weight.
The embassy began with reflections upon the divine order—how every soul must render gratitude to the Almighty, for righteousness yields eternal joy, while evil brings ruin upon the transient world. But the heart of the message turned to sharp reproach: Rostam was reminded of the endless favors his lineage had received from the Kianian crown, yet throughout the reigns of Luhrasp and Goshtasp, he had abstained from attending the royal court. Though Goshtasp had embraced the Good Religion, banished darkness, defeated Arjasp of Turan, and brought the world under his sway, Rostam had remained in Zabulistan, aloof and negligent of his duty to the King of Kings. Esfandiyar disclosed that Goshtasp had grown wroth and sworn a sacred oath that Rostam should only appear before him bound in chains. Yet Esfandiyar offered a path of salvation: should Rostam willingly accept the royal decree and allow himself to be bound, Esfandiyar pledged by the bright sun and the soul of Zarir to plead before the King, soothing Goshtasp's wrath and ensuring no harm should ever touch the peerless champion of Iran.