In the wake of the tragic battle that claimed Esfandiyar, young Prince Bahman remained in Zabulistan under the devoted care of Rostam. The World Champion cherished the youth even above his own flesh and blood, instructing him diligently in horsemanship, courtly decorum, statecraft, and the grand arts of kingship. As Bahman grew in wisdom and noble bearing, Rostam sought to seal the wounds of blood-feud and close the gates of vengeance between his house and the Royal Throne.
Rostam penned a poignant, deeply respectful letter of apology to King Goshtasp. Invoking God Almighty as his witness and citing Peshotan as his truthful guide, Rostam recounted how desperately he had implored Esfandiyar to forgo war, offering his own realm and treasures to avert catastrophe. Yet, as fate and the turning heavens had so decreed, the tragedy unfolded beyond mortal control. Rostam assured the King that he had now raised Bahman into a worthy prince, trained in every royal virtue, and declared that if Goshtasp would forgive the tragedy of the fateful arrow, Rostam’s soul and sword would remain forever bound to the throne.
When the missive arrived at the royal court, Peshotan stepped forward to validate Rostam’s words, bearing testimony to the champion's heartfelt entreaties and innocence. Softened by Peshotan's testimony, Goshtasp’s heart was freed from wrath. He dispatched a warm reply, acknowledging that no man can escape cosmic destiny and reaffirming Rostam's supreme authority over his domains.
As time passed, the wise astrologer Jamasp advised Goshtasp that Bahman was destined to inherit the crown and ought to be summoned back from Zabulistan. Goshtasp accordingly dispatched letters recalling his grandson with affection and praising Rostam for his mentorship. Rostam rejoiced at the news and showered Bahman with unmatched royal gifts—tempered daggers, precious mail-coats, maces, musk, ambergris, jewels, gold-embroidered garments, and noble steeds with golden saddles. Escorting Bahman two days' journey on the road, Rostam bade him a grand farewell.
Upon Bahman's arrival, King Goshtasp wept as he beheld in the prince the living image of his fallen son Esfandiyar. Testing Bahman in hunting, polo, wisdom, and battle council, Goshtasp found him exceedingly brilliant and bestowed upon him the regal name 'Ardashir', establishing him as the primary heir to the throne of Iran.