Bahram Gur spurred his obsidian steed toward a dense thicket, where two raging lions suddenly blocked his path. Without hesitation, the king drew his bow, piercing the male lion through the chest with a featherless arrow so powerfully that it buried itself deep into the earth. Turning swiftly upon the lioness, he struck her down as well. Seeing such matchless prowess, his retinue showered praises upon him, marveling at how a sovereign could shatter mountains and slay apex beasts with unfeathered shafts.
Riding deeper into the meadows, Bahram encountered fleeing shepherds who spoke of the immense wealth of Mahyar, a famed jewel merchant dwelling nearby. Mahyar possessed vast stores of gold, gems, and a daughter named Arezoo—a maiden of sublime beauty and incomparable skill upon the harp. Intrigued, King Bahram parted from his grand vizier Rouzbeh and his army, assuming the disguise of a noble huntsman named 'Gashasp the Horseman.'
Under the cover of night, Bahram knocked upon Mahyar's gate. The merchant welcomed the mysterious knight with bountiful hospitality. Soon, Arezoo entered, her fingers gliding over the harp strings, singing melodies of ancient Zoroastrian lore and praising the royal stature of their guest. Captivated by her grace and melody, Bahram sought her hand in marriage that very night. Mahyar consented, and Arezoo became the bride of the noble hunter.
At dawn, Bahram's retainers spotted his golden-woven, jewel-encrusted whip hanging at the threshold, and the royal army gathered outside the mansion. Awakened by his panicked doorkeeper, Mahyar realized with astonishment that the humble guest he had entertained was none other than the Shahanshah of Iran. Overwhelmed with anxiety for his bold familiarity the previous night, Mahyar offered humble apologies. Bahram, filled with joy and benevolence, pardoned the merchant and had Arezoo escorted to his royal seraglio adorned with royal crowns and precious jewels.