When tidings reached Sam the legendary world-champion that Dastan's young son, Rostam, had grown into a lion-like wonder unmatched in the world, his heart swelled with longing. Entrusting his main host to his general, Sam set forth with the aged counselors of the realm toward Zabulistan. Upon receiving word of his father's arrival, Zal ordered the war-drums sounded and, alongside King Mehrab of Kabul, led an immense army that covered mountain and plain to welcome the great chief.
At the heart of the procession marched a formidable war-elephant bearing a throne of burnished gold. Upon it sat young Rostam—a lion-visaged child with massive shoulders, holding a heavy mace. As Sam drew near, the elders dismounted and bowed to the earth. When Sam beheld his lion-like grandson, his heart bloomed like a rose. Rostam dismounted, kissed the base of the throne, and proclaimed that he sought neither ease nor luxury, but only armor, saddle, and mace to defend the realm. Deeply moved, Sam embraced and kissed the youth, drowning out the roar of drums in joy.
For a full month, the grand halls echoed with music and feasting. Sam gazed incessantly at Rostam’s elephantine frame, offering praise to Yazdan and invoking a thousand blessings upon the Simorgh who had revealed the miraculous means of his birth. In the merriment of wine, Mehrab boasted playfully of his solid bond with Rostam. When the feast concluded, Sam bestowed sacred counsel upon Zal, bidding him practice justice, honor wisdom, turn away from evil, and recognize the transience of mortal life. With tearful eyes, Sam embraced Zal and Rostam before marching onward with his army to protect the western frontier.