When the bitter tidings of King Nowzar's horrific execution reached his sons Tus and Gustaham, the royal glory was darkened in their eyes. Tearing their garments, plucking their hair, and scratching their faces, a lamenting cry arose across all of Iran. The heads of the proudest leaders were buried in dust, their eyes weeping blood, as they turned their faces toward Zabulistan to seek the aid of Zal, the champion of Iran.
Upon entering the presence of Dastan, they wept bitterly for King Nowzar, invoking the legacy of Fereydun that had lived through him. Deeply moved, Zal swore a solemn oath: until the Day of Resurrection, his sharp blade should know no scabbard, his saddle should serve as his throne, his spear as his tree of shade, and a dark helmet as his crown. He vowed unyielding vengeance against the Turanian oppressors, reminding the princes that while all mortals are born to face death, the justice of the Creator would surely strike down the wicked.
Meanwhile, the noble Iranian leaders held captive in Sari learned of Zal's impending vengeance. Terror seized them, for they knew that when Afrasiab felt the heat of the Iranian assault, he would slaughter every innocent captive in his fury. They sent a secret message to Prince Aghriras, the wise and righteous brother of Afrasiab, begging for his mercy and intervention.
Aghriras, possessing a compassionate heart, knew he could not openly defy his brother without unleashing Afrasiab's demonic wrath upon himself. He devised a clever ruse: when Zal's forces advanced toward Amol, Aghriras would retreat his own army toward Ray under the guise of tactical repositioning, leaving Sari undefended so the Iranians could liberate the captives without a fight.
A swift messenger delivered this secret compact to Zal in Zabulistan. Calling his champions together, Zal asked who among them was brave enough to undertake this perilous expedition. Kashvad the Army-Breaker stepped forward, offering his life for the realm. Blessed by Zal, Kashvad led a fierce host to Sari. True to his word, Aghriras moved his forces away, allowing Kashvad to unlock the chains of the captives, provide them with steeds, and escort them back to Zabulistan.
Upon hearing of Kashvad's triumphant return, Zal rejoiced, distributing treasures to the poor and bestowing his own royal robes upon the messenger. He met the freed nobles with weeping eyes, embracing them and restoring their high honors, halls, and wealth as in the days of King Nowzar, raising the spirit of Iran from the ash of despair.