When Rostam departed from the banks of the Helmand river, his mind was heavy with foreboding. Peshotan, the wise and righteous brother of Esfandiyar, entered the prince's royal pavilion. Esfandiyar spoke bitterly to him, declaring that they had taken upon themselves a grievous and intractable task, swearing that he would neither seek out Rostam nor invite him to his banqueting table again.
Peshotan opened his lips in earnest counsel, urging his brother not to let a demon blind the eyes of wisdom. He reminded Esfandiyar that Rostam was the undisputed champion of the realm, a man whose greatness was bound to nobility and matchless valor, and that no chain could ever hold the feet of Dastan's son. He pleaded with the prince to seek peace rather than strife, for a feud between two such mighty lords would bring ruin upon the realm.
Yet Esfandiyar remained steadfast in his rigid duty, declaring that turning away from the command of King Goshtasp would bring disgrace in this world and divine reckoning in the next; he would not barter his faith and sacred oath for the sake of Rostam. When the hour of dining arrived, Esfandiyar ordered a feast to be spread, deliberately instructing his servants that Rostam was not to be summoned. As the wine flowed, Esfandiyar recounted his heroic deeds at the Bronze Fortress and drank to the glory of the King of Kings.
Meanwhile, Rostam waited patiently in his hall, honoring his pledge not to dine until invited. But as time wore on and no messenger appeared along the road, his patience turned to fierce indignation. Laughing in bitter scorn, he bade his brother set their own table for the noble guests. He then commanded Rakhsh to be caparisoned in finest silks and armor, mounting his mighty steed to ride directly to Esfandiyar's camp and call the royal prince to account for his insulting slight.