When Sekandar established his firm dominion over Iran and seated himself upon the ancient Kianian throne, he turned his ambitious eyes toward the vast realms of India. He marched his immense host across highways and trackless wastes, advancing directly upon the territory of King Kayd. Wherever Sekandar's banners appeared, the cities unlocked their gates in surrender, unable to resist his overwhelming force. Exalted by his triumphs, the conqueror felt his high helmet brushed against the celestial sphere of Venus, acknowledging no monarch as his peer in all the land. At last, he arrived before the great metropolis of Kayd—known as Milad—and pitched his vast encampment, carpeting the entire countryside with his armed forces.
Sekandar then summoned his royal scribe and instructed him to draft a formidable decree, crafted like a ravenous lion bounding toward its prey. The letter commenced with praises of the Almighty and extolled the virtues of wisdom, which guides the prudent to accomplish great deeds with minimal suffering. Sekandar declared himself the supreme mainstay of the throne and the shadow of the victorious Ruler of the Universe. He warned Kayd that this mandate was intended to illuminate his darkened spirit—provided he submitted instantly upon hearing it read. Sekandar commanded that even if the scroll arrived under the cover of night, Kayd must not await the dawn before yielding. Should he dare to hesitate or defy the command, Sekandar vowed to sweep down upon his kingdom and crush his head, crown, and throne into the dust.