Carrying the royal seal ring, Qalun galloped with burning speed from Kushan to Merv, heralding the ill-omened day destined for Bahram Chobin. The great warrior was resting inside his quarters accompanied by a single attendant, with fresh fruits set before him, when Qalun approached the gates alone. He deceived the chamberlain, claiming to be an envoy sent by the Khaqan’s daughter to deliver a delicate, private message concerning her love and secret condition.
When the report reached Bahram, he permitted the seemingly frail and wretched old man to present himself at the inner threshold. As Bahram bade him step close and whisper the secret into his ear, Qalun drew a concealed dagger from his sleeve and struck the hero down. Bahram’s cry echoed through the hall as he realized he had been felled by treachery. His retainers rushed in, captured the assassin, and broke his limbs, beating him mercilessly from noon until midnight, yet Qalun maintained his stony silence.
As blood poured from Bahram’s mighty frame and his visage turned azure, his devoted sister Gordiyeh rushed to his side. Tearing her hair and cradling his wounded head upon her lap, she wept bitterly, lamenting the fall of Iran’s invincible mountain and reminding him how she had warned him never to sever ties of loyalty with the Sasanian house. The dying champion acknowledged her wisdom, repenting his pride and rebellion, comparing his missteps to the ancient downfalls of Jamshid and Kai Kavus under demonic sway. With his remaining breath, Bahram gave his final testament, instructing his commanders to protect his sister, seek reconciliation with King Khosrow Parviz, and convey his remains to his native Iranian soil.