When King Bahman approached the banks of the Hirmand River, intent on avenging his father Esfandiyar and his brothers Nush-Azar and Mehr-Nush, he selected a noble envoy to ride ahead to Zal. The Kianian monarch sent a harsh declaration, proclaiming that the bitterness of his father's demise had poisoned his days, and that he would drench all of Zabulistan in blood to extinguish the ancient grievance. When the messenger delivered these terrifying words, Zal's heart was pierced with profound sorrow. The white-haired elder of Sistan, wept in deep grief for his fallen son Rostam, replying that Esfandiyar's death was the unalterable decree of Fate. He reminded the king of how the House of Sam and Rostam had ever been the steadfast shield of the throne, and how Rostam had sought no quarrel until destiny drove them to ruin. Zal offered all the vast accumulated treasures of his line—golden belts, gem-studded crowns, fine Arabian steeds with gilded saddles, and heaps of silver and gold—begging the king to clear his heart of rancor and grant clemency to an old man mourning his child. Yet when the envoy reported back, Bahman's heart remained hardened like stone. He entered the realm of Zabulistan full of rage. Seeing the king approach, the aged Zal dismounted and walked bare-headed on foot, bowing low to offer prayers of reconciliation. But Bahman scorned the elder's submission, ignoring the counsel of his own ministers, and ordered Zal bound in heavy iron chains. Then, by his royal command, the warriors descended upon the halls of Zal and Rostam, loading countless camels with the glorious wealth won over generations of war. Gems, crowns, golden ear-rings, legendary blades, and royal carpets were ruthlessly plundered, laying waste to the storied grandeur of Zabulistan.