In the days when the banner of Ardashir's sovereignty was raised over Pars, a renowned, battle-tested, and just ruler named Sabak governed the city of Jahrom. He was blessed with seven noble sons and a formidable host. When news of Ardashir the Sasanian reached him, he cast off his allegiance to Bahman, son of Ardavan, and marched toward Ardashir with drums beating and armor gleaming. Upon beholding the commander, Sabak dismounted with high decorum, kissed the ground at Ardashir's feet, and exalted the noble lineage of the House of Sasan. Though Ardashir received him with grand honor, a seed of apprehension lingered in his heart regarding the old lord's true intent.
Sabak, being a wise and vigilant elder, perceived the king's silent misgivings. He brought forth the holy books of the Avesta and Zand, swearing a solemn oath by the Supreme Creator: 'May Sabak's soul be accursed if his heart beats not with absolute purity toward the King!' He declared his utter weariness of Ardavan's house and pledged himself as Ardashir's faithful, secret-keeping servant. Hearing these solemn vows, the shadows of suspicion melted from Ardashir's mind; he elevated Sabak to a fatherly stature and raised his rank above all other chieftains.
With a mind at peace, King Ardashir journeyed to the sacred Fire Temple of Azar Ram Kharrad. He bowed low in worship before God, praying for victory and asking that the tree of his royal greatness might bear fruit. Returning to his pavilion, he distributed silver to his warriors and rallied his army. Strengthened and fierce as warlike leopards, they marched against Bahman, son of Ardavan. The opposing armies drew their ranks, and Indian blades and long spears clashed beneath a sky clouded with dark dust. Blood flowed like swift streams until the sun turned pale upon the horizon.
As twilight draped the sky in turquoise hue, Sabak's cavalry and Ardashir's center force charged like a roaring pitch-black storm. With heavy maces and divine radiance, Ardashir shattered the enemy lines. Bahman, wounded by arrows and broken in spirit, fled the field. Ardashir pursued him ruthlessly amidst the blare of war horns and a hail of arrows all the way to the royal city of Istakhr. As the news of Ardashir's glorious triumph echoed across the realm, countless troops rallied to his banner. The vast treasures hoarded by Bahman were seized and bestowed upon the army, and with boundless strength, Ardashir marched forth from Pars to claim the destiny of kings.