Upon the passing of King Philip in the realm of Rome, young Sekandar ascended his ancestor's throne, donning the crown of empire. He sought only goodness and bound the hands of tyranny. In those days, Aristotle, a sage of radiant mind and unmatched renown, stepped before the throne to offer immortal counsel. He reminded the young ruler of the fleeting nature of earthly power, warning him never to abandon guidance out of hubris, for all mortals are born of dust and unto dust they shall return. He urged the king to seek only virtue and justice, for good deeds alone endure. Sekandar received these words with reverence, placing Aristotle in high honor and making wisdom the compass of his reign.
Soon after, an eloquent and high-born envoy arrived from King Dara of Iran to demand the ancient tribute. Sekandar bristled with indignation at the demand and issued a fierce reply: 'Return to Dara and tell him that the bird which laid golden eggs has died, and the very head of tribute is now worthless!' Terrified by this response, the messenger fled the borders of Rome. Sekandar then summoned his host, spoke of the destiny that called him to traverse the world, and opened the ancient treasuries of his forefathers. At dawn, under a grand banner emblazoned with the Homa bird and the mark of the Cross, his armies marched forth.
Descending upon Egypt, the Roman host locked in violent combat with the Egyptian defenders for seven straight days. On the eighth day, the lines of Egypt broke, and Sekandar trapped their fleeing forces. He seized spoils beyond measure—golden belts, jewel-encrusted harnesses, Indian blades in gilded sheaths, fine silks, and vast stores of dinars—while the Egyptian chieftains submitted seeking quarter. Flushed with victory, Sekandar turned his gaze toward Iran, arming himself with the heart of a lion.
When news reached King Dara that the armies of Rome had crossed into his realm, he raised an immense host from Istakhr and Pars. So vast was his army that their upraised spears blocked the very wind. Dara led his legions to the banks of the Euphrates, encamping along the river's edge in such numbers that the glint of their steel armor eclipsed the churning waters below.