Upon receiving the royal commands of his illustrious father, Bahman donned robes of imperial gold-brocade and placed the high crown of noble status upon his head. He stepped forth from the inner pavilions with a shimmering royal banner fluttering in his wake. Proud and mounted upon a tall warhorse, the ambitious prince crossed the swelling waters of the Helmand River.
High upon the watchtower of Zabulistan, the sentinel caught sight of a fearless rider arrayed in gold-decked splendour, followed by a handful of relaxed horsemen along the riverbank. The lookout raised a warning cry that echoed across Zabulistan. Instantly, Zal the White-Haired mounted his steed, hitching a lasso to his saddle-bow and gripping his heavy mace. Ascending the vantage point, Zal peered down and let out a cold sigh of amazement; he perceived that this stranger was a champion of royal grandeur, clad in garments fit for kings—surely of the exalted lineage of King Lohrasp, whose footsteps would bring blessings upon the land.
Zal descended to the gates and rested upon his saddle in deep thought. Presently, Prince Bahman rode into view, his regal majesty illuminating the landscape. Not recognizing the aged Zal, the youthful prince called out haughtily: 'O chieftain of rural stock! Where is Rostam, the son of Dastan, upon whom the realm leans for strength? Know that the heroic Esfandiyar has arrived in Zabulistan and pitched his war-tents along the river!'
Zal replied gently: 'O noble seeker of destiny, dismount, take wine, and rest. Rostam shall soon return from the hunting grounds alongside Zavareh, Faramarz, and a contingent of troops. Enjoy yourself with these warriors and gladden your heart.' But Bahman retorted: 'Esfandiyar did not command us to indulge in banquets and wine! Choose for me a seasoned scout who can guide me directly to Rostam’s hunt.'
Zal asked: 'What is thy name, bold youth, and whence art thou? I suspect thou art of the line of Lohrasp and Goshtasp.' Bahman answered: 'I am Bahman, grandson of the invincible world-conqueror!'
Realizing he stood before a prince of the blood royal, Zal immediately dismounted and bowed down in reverence. Bahman smiled, dismounted as well, and greeted the ancient champion. Zal pressed him to accept host's hospitality, but Bahman declared that Esfandiyar's orders could not be slurred or treated lightly. Recognizing his resolve, Zal appointed a wise and experienced guide named Shirkhun. Shirkhun led the prince through the terrain until he reached the outskirts of the hunting grounds, pointed toward Rostam's location, and took his leave.