Parviz

When the pitch-black mantle of night stretched across the heavens and the stars glittered in the sky, as the night watchmen raised their call, Bahram Chubin demanded pen and parchment. A wise and noble scribe stepped forward, placing the inkstand and reed pen before him. Bahram instructed him to write a royal covenant upon costly silk, proclaiming that Bahram was the victorious king, worthy of the crown and fitting for the throne, seeking naught but righteousness in both secret and open deeds. The document was written, the tapers were lifted, and the dark night was spent in heavy contemplation.

As dawn dispelled the azure gloom and the world turned golden under the sun's gaze, an auspicious servant prepared Bahram's throne within the palace. The royal hall was adorned like ivory, the Kayanid crown suspended above the throne, and golden cushions were laid. Bahram seated himself upon the throne and placed the royal crown upon his head. The scribe presented the silk parchment, and the assembled grandees recorded their testimony that Bahram had become ruler of the world, sealing it with a golden seal. Bahram proclaimed that the kingdom belonged to him by divine right, with Almighty Yazdan as his witness, praying that his dynasty might rule for a thousand years from father to son.

It was the day of Hor in the month of Azar. He then addressed the Iranians, declaring that strife was at an end; yet any who dissented from his reign—whether righteous or devious—were given three days to depart the land of Iran, and on the fourth day must join Khosrow, for they were no longer permitted to dwell in the realm. The nobles uttered praises, yet not from their hearts, for all who remained loyal to King Khosrow were broken-hearted by this usurpation. Thus, the loyalists scattered from their prosperous homeland, journeying toward the borders of Rome to seek Khosrow Parviz.