It came to pass that Zal, the white-haired champion of Zabulistan, set forth with his elite retinue to tour the eastern realms of the empire. Travelling through Hind, Danbar, and the lush marchlands, he scattered gifts, opened treasure vaults, and arranged radiant banquets, bringing joy wherever his banners flew, until he reached the gates of Kabul.
Kabul was ruled by King Mehrab, a man descended from the Arab lineage of Zahhak. Tall as a towering cypress, wise in counsel, and brave in spirit, Mehrab nevertheless paid annual tribute to Sam Niriman, knowing he possessed no power to withstand Zabulistan in war. Upon learning that Sam’s illustrious son had arrived, Mehrab rode out at dawn laden with gifts: golden dinars, rubies, musk, silk of China, jewel-encrusted crowns, and caparisoned steeds.
Zal welcomed Mehrab with great honor, seating him upon a turquoise throne beside his own. As wine flowed and the banquet opened, Zal observed Mehrab's noble demeanor and majestic stature. When Mehrab departed, Zal turned to his chieftains, declaring that few men seemed so worthy to wear the belt of kingship. At this, one of the elders whispered to the prince that behind Mehrab’s curtains dwelt a daughter whose face eclipsed the sun—an ivory maiden with cheeks like pomegranate blossoms, lips like ripe seeds, eyes like narcissi in full bloom, and hair like dark musky lassos.
At these words, Zal’s heart surged like a boiling sea. Tranquility abandoned his mind, and love for this unseen maiden took root in his soul. That night he could neither eat nor sleep, tormented by longing. When dawn painted the mountain peaks ruby-red, Mehrab returned to the royal pavilion. Gladdened by his presence, Zal urged Mehrab to ask any favor—be it gold, weapons, or crowns. Mehrab asked only that Zal honor his palace with a visit. Yet Zal sorrowfully declined, knowing that neither his father Sam nor King Manuchehr would ever approve of him entering the abode of those aligned with idolaters and the bloodline of Zahhak. Though Mehrab departed with blessings, Zal’s spirit remained trapped in the fierce, agonizing coils of newly born love.