When Salm's messenger set out on his return journey, King Fereydun sat in solitary contemplation and unburdened the heavy secrets of his heart. He summoned his beloved, radiant youngest son, Iraj, and laid before him all the venomous demands and warmongering messages sent by his elder brothers, Salm and Tur. The aged monarch warned Iraj that those two warlike brothers had turned their faces from the West and Turan in hatred, driven by a dark fate that found joy only in evil deeds. Fereydun counseled him with solemn wisdom: a brother remains a brother only so long as the crown rests upon one's head; should the blossom of youth fade, no ally will remain by the bedside. He urged Iraj that to offer love in the face of a drawn sword would bring ruin, advising him to unlock the treasuries, arm the host, and strike first lest he be devoured.
Noble Iraj listened intently and, with profound serenity, turned his eyes upon his pure-hearted father. He replied with deep wisdom: "O King, consider the swift passage of time, which sweeps over us like the wind. Why should a wise man burn with sorrow for a transient world? Its beginning is the gathering of wealth, its middle is toil, and its end is departure from this fleeting inn to a bed of dust and brick. Why plant a seed today that drinks blood into its roots and yields the bitter fruit of vengeance?" Iraj declared his utter indifference to royal power, stating he was ready to step down from the throne and travel unarmed before his brothers to remind them of the world's unfaithfulness—how even Jamshid, despite all his glory, vanished leaving crown and throne behind. He believed he could melt their vengeful hearts with brotherly love.
King Fereydun marvelled at his son's noble spirit, noting that it was no surprise for light to shine from the moon. Yet he warned Iraj of the deadly peril: "When a man sets no value on his own life, he thrusts his head into the dragon's jaws! And what can emerge from a dragon save biting poison?" Nevertheless, seeing Iraj's unyielding commitment to peace, Fereydun gave his blessing, instructing a small retinue of attendants to accompany him. Sorrowfully, the father prepared to write a poignant letter to Salm and Tur, praying to the heavens that he might once more behold his righteous son safe and whole.