As the host of Salm and Tur drew near the borders of Iran, news reached the aged King Fereydun. Straightway, Fereydun commanded his young heir, Prince Manuchehr, to march the imperial army down from the highlands to the vast plains. Fereydun imparted ancient wisdom to his grandson, and Manuchehr, donning his Roman coat of mail, vowed before the throne to avenge the innocent blood of his grandfather Iraj.
At Fereydun’s order, Qaran the battle-tested champion raised the glorious Kavian Banner and led the roaring host forth from the forests of Narvan and Tamisheh. The earth trembled under the march of armored knights, heavy mace-bearers, and towering war-elephants laden with golden thrones. Manuchehr arrayed his forces with divine splendor: he stood with King Sarv of Yemen in the center; the right wing was entrusted to the formidable Sam and Qobad; the left wing was given to Garshasp; Qobad held the vanguard, while Taliman lay in ambush.
When Salm and Tur learned of the Iranian army’s formidable advance, they passed the fortress of Alanan and arrayed their host on the battlefield. Meeting Qobad at the outpost, Tur dispatched a mocking message to Manuchehr, scorning his lineage as one born only through Iraj's daughter and questioning his right to rule and bear arms. Qobad fearlessly warned Tur of the impending wrath of the Iranian warriors before returning to deliver the message. Upon hearing the insult, Manuchehr merely laughed, swore by God Almighty that his noble blood and right to avenge Iraj would be proven on the field, and ordered a grand feast to be spread before the clash of steel began.