When tidings of Ardashir’s advancing host reached Ardavan, a dark dread gripped his heart. He remembered the solemn counsel of ancient sages—that when the wheel of fortune turns, no human struggle can alter destiny's decree—for he had never imagined Ardashir would rise to claim the world. Opening his royal treasuries, Ardavan marshaled a immense force, incorporating fierce warriors from Gilan and Deylam, and marched forth. Opposite him, Ardashir brought forward a tempestuous army that seemed to bar the very path of the wind. Warhorns blared, trumpets echoed, and brass bells resounded across the plain as the two armies drew within two bowshots of each other.
For forty relentless days, a bitter struggle raged. Provisions ran low, and corpses piled upon the battlefield like rugged hills, breaking the spirits of the survivors. At last, a dark cloud enveloped the sky, and a howling, supernatural wind tore through the assembly. The mountains roared and the plains trembled. Seeing this divine omen, Ardavan’s army despaired, recognizing that fate had abandoned their lord, and began seeking terms of surrender. Seizing the moment, Ardashir charged from the center of his host amid a tempest of arrows and the clash of purple steel.
In the chaos, Ardavan was surrounded. A warrior named Kharad seized the bridle of the King’s steed, taking the wounded, desolate monarch captive, and brought him before Ardashir. Seeing his fallen rival, Ardashir commanded his executioner to draw a dagger and sever Ardavan in two, striking fear into the hearts of all foes. Thus ended the life of Ardavan, proving the cruel transience of the rotating heavens, which exalt a man to the stars only to hurl him back into the dusty earth. Two of Ardavan's sons were chained and cast into deep prisons, while two others fled weeping across the borders to Hindustan.
Ardashir ordered the vast spoils of the battleground divided among his loyal troops. Amidst the aftermath, a noble named Sabak washed the blood from Ardavan’s body, arrayed him in silk, anointed him with camphor, and laid him to rest in a tomb fit for kings. Sabak then approached Ardashir, advising him to wed Ardavan's high-born daughter to legally unite the crown, throne, and treasuries of the Arsacids. Ardashir heeded this wisdom and took the princess as his bride, abiding in the royal palace of Ray for two months in glory.
Thereafter, the conqueror returned to Pars, where he founded a grand city adorned with palaces, lush gardens, and abundant springs. Wise elders came to call this wondrous city Khurrah-Ardashir, while border lords called it Gur. Beside a crystal spring, Ardashir raised a magnificent Fire Temple, reviving the radiant rites of Mehregan and the Sadeh Festival. By cutting through the surrounding mountains, his engineers channeled a hundred streams into the plain, transforming Gur into a flourishing cradle of royalty, architecture, and prosperity.