Rostam the Matchless Hero, champion of Iran, mounted his mighty steed Rakhsh and, gripping the bull-headed mace of his ancestor Sam, rode forth like a moving mountain toward the encampment of Prince Esfandiyar. As he approached, the soldiers of the royal host marvelled at his imposing figure, whispering among themselves that this formidable warrior was the living image of Sam the Knight, and that his horse Rakhsh possessed a presence as awesome as Ahriman himself. The troops lamented the folly of King Goshtasp, who out of greed for his crown had sent a radiant prince like Esfandiyar to face such an unstoppable force.
Upon Rostam's arrival near the prince's pavilions, Esfandiyar stepped forward to greet him. Rostam voiced his gentle reproach that the prince had not journeyed out to meet his guest as promised, bidding the youth not to let rash pride blind him against the wisdom of elders. Rostam proclaimed his heroic lineage and glorious deeds: how he crushed the White Demon, thwarted the sorcerers of Mazandaran, snatched Kamus of Kashan and the Khaqan of Chin from their saddles with his lasso, and stood as the ultimate shield for the thrones of both Iran and Turan. He urged Esfandiyar not to allow destiny to destroy a prince of such promise at his hands.
Esfandiyar laughed off the reproach, offering the heat of the day and the long journey as his excuse, and invited Rostam to sit and raise the wine goblet. However, he gestured for Rostam to sit upon his left hand. The veteran champion took deep offense at this perceived slight, declaring that his place was not on the left, but on the right, as befitted the heir of Sam and the savior of the realm. Seeing the lion-hearted hero's rising wrath, Esfandiyar commanded a golden throne to be placed before the dais on his right. Rostam then took his seat upon the golden throne, holding a fragrant citron in hand, his heart still heavy with anger as the epic confrontation unfolded.