As the radiant sun ascended from behind the mountain peaks, Zal, the white-haired hero of Zabol, gathered the wise mobads, counselors, and noble chieftains to his hall. Opening his speech with profound praise for the Almighty Creator of the sun, moon, and revolving heavens, Zal reflected upon the divine order of existence—how God fashioned all living beings in pairs so that life might flourish and noble lineage endure across generations.
He then unveiled the fiery secret stirring within his breast: his heart was utterly captivated by Rudabeh, the radiant daughter of King Mehrab of Kabul. Yet, he voiced his anxieties—would his mighty father Sam approve, or would King Manuchehr view this passion as a youth's folly or a grave transgression?
Upon hearing this revelation, the counselors and mobads fell into a heavy silence. None dared speak at first, knowing full well that Mehrab descended from the evil bloodline of Zahhak the Serpent King, and fearing the royal wrath of Manuchehr. Seeing their hesitation, Zal swore that his resolve was unshakeable and demanded a remedy. Recognizing his unwavering passion, the wise men advised Zal to write an eloquent letter to his father, Sam, invoking the sacred oath Sam had sworn upon rescuing Zal from Mount Alborz—promising never to deny his son any desire of his heart.
Zal at once summoned a scribe and dictated a missive filled with lofty praise for God and Sam’s heroic deeds. Within its lines, he poignantly recalled his tragic infancy—how he was abandoned on the icy crags of Mount Alborz, nurtured in the nest of the Simorgh while his father dwelt in silk and splendor. He pleaded with Sam to remember his solemn vow and grant his blessing for the marriage with Mehrab's daughter.
A fleet messenger mounted two swift steeds, riding like a blazing fire across the plains to reach Sam near the wilderness of Gurgasaran. Finding the legendary champion hunting amidst the mountains, the messenger delivered the letter. As Sam broke the seal and read his son's passionate plea, a shadow fell upon his heart. He was torn between his loyalty to the Iranian throne—loathing any union with the dragon-descendants of Zahhak—and his binding promise to his beloved son. Burdened with deep forethought, Sam lay down to sleep, leaving the resolution of this fateful dilemma to the divine will of God.