As the golden sun unsheathed its blade against the dark vault of night, Bahram Chubin summoned the nobles and chieftains of Iran, seating them upon golden thrones as if he were already a victorious monarch. Raising his voice above the council, Bahram questioned the assembly, recounting how ancient evil, such as Zahhak’s patricide, had brought ruin to Iran, and noting how the royal throne now stood deserted after Khosrow Parviz’s flight. He asked who among them possessed the valour and righteous lineage to bind the waist of leadership and uphold the sacred customs of the Kayanids.
Shahran-Goraz, a venerable old chieftain, stood first, praising Bahram’s triumphant slaying of King Saveh and his vast army, declaring that Bahram alone was worthy of the throne of Iran. Khorasan then spoke, citing the sacred teachings of Zoroaster’s Avesta and Zand, asserting that a ruler who strays from justice must be counseled for a year, and if he remains unrepentant, he must be executed by royal command. Farrukh-Zad likewise urged adherence to justice. Yet the wise Khazravan rose to offer sober counsel, warning Bahram not to usurp the crown while King Khosrow Parviz still lived; he advised Bahram to send an apology to Khosrow, refrain from stepping boldly onto the throne, and content himself with governing Khorasan peacefully.
Zad-Farrukh echoed Khazravan’s wisdom, lamenting the grim historical precedents—from Zahhak and Afrasiab to Alexander and Khushnavaz—that brought calamity upon the realm. He wept openly over the tragedy of Khosrow fleeing to foreign lands, causing Bahram’s face to pale with agitation. Suddenly, Sunbad and Babuy the Armenian drew their swords, declaring Bahram their rightful king, while another hot-headed commander swore to slay anyone of royal blood who dared claim the crown. Seeing swords drawn in fury, Bahram Chubin chose restraint, commanding all to sheath their weapons lest their madness bring immediate execution. He withdrew from the assembly to the gardens of Shadgan, leaving the council to disperse in anger, confusion, and bitter turmoil.