In days of old, there dwelt in the soil of Merv a wise elder named Azad Sarv, a beloved companion of Ahmad Sahl. His heart was a treasury of ancient lore, his head filled with memory, and his tongue eloquently steeped in the chronicles of yore. Tracing his noble lineage back to Sam Nariman, he bore the mighty stature of past heroes, preserving the sacred Chronicles of Kings and remembering with vivid clarity the legendary exploits of Rostam. Thus begins the weaving together of the priceless tales he safeguarded, meant to endure eternally across the earth.
Yet the heavy hand of age and poverty weighs upon the storyteller; his hearing falters, his step grows weak, and the strength of youth vanishes into twilight. Amidst this lament of hardship, praise shines forth like luminous Byzantine silk for the sovereign of the age, King Mahmud—the ruler of Iran, Turan, and India. Through his justice, the hands of evil are bound, and the world blossoms into eternal spring. He rewards wisdom and curbs tyranny, ensuring his memory shall never fade while humanity walks the earth.
This epic chronicle—replete with battles, banquets, righteous counsel, and divine guidance—stands as an everlasting treasure and comforting companion for future generations. The storyteller longs for royal dinars from the King's grand bounty in this world, and seeks the ultimate reward of divine forgiveness from the Almighty in the world to come. With these hopes declared, the narrative returns once more to the luminous lore of Azad Sarv of Merv.