When the imperial letter of King Khosrow Anushirvan was stamped with the royal seal, the messenger departed swiftly, retracing his steps to reach the veteran commander Ram Barzin. Upon arrival, the envoy recounted all he had heard directly from King Khosrow and delivered the royal letter containing strict instructions regarding the rebellious prince, Nushzad. The decree commanded Ram Barzin to muster a formidable army, prepare resolutely for war, and purge his heart of any affection or leniency toward the prince. As the seasoned general read the letter and heard the royal command, he cast aside all hesitation. At cockcrow, the thunderous roar of war drums resounded from his gates, and a vast Sasanian host marched out from Ctesiphon toward the conflict. Meanwhile, news of Ram Barzin's advance reached Nushzad. The prince immediately assembled his forces, distributed pay to his troops, and rallied the local Christian leaders, Catholicoi, and Roman patriarchs. Led by the fierce Roman commander Shammas, an army of ruthless battle-hardened warriors surged forward. Clamor echoed from Nushzad's gates as his host stirred like a tempestuous sea, sweeping out of the city into the open plains, their hearts filled with vengeance and their minds intent on battle.