The day after, just before dawn, King Lazwar began preparations to travel to Istanbul. By the time the sun had risen, he was ready. Servants, soldiers, and slaves were all gathered. In the palace, the crowd was so dense that it was difficult to move. People eagerly awaited the King's appearance to see who he would appoint as his successor.

After a few moments of anticipation, the sounds of trumpets and drums echoed. King Lazwar, dressed in regal attire, appeared with his entourage and walked directly to his throne. Facing the crowd, he cleared his throat and spoke, "O people of this blessed palace, know that today I embark on a significant journey to retrieve items that will cure me of the spell cast by my adversary, King Darwazu. According to our tradition, the King himself selects his successor. After careful consideration, I appoint the city’s governor, Yasiran, to rule in my absence."

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, believing they were finally free from King Lazwar's tyrannical rule. Little did they know, Yasiran was far worse than Lazwar, and had they known his true nature, they would have preferred Lazwar a hundred times over.

After Yasiran was seated on the throne, King Lazwar summoned his loyal demon servant three times. Immediately, a monstrous creature descended from the clouds. The crowd panicked and fled in all directions, some even wetting themselves in fear. The demon, huge and terrifying, landed on the ground and bowed before the King.

The demon, with its massive head and fiery eyes, greeted King Lazwar with respect. In a harsh voice, it asked, "O Master of the World, what do you require of me?"

Feeling a sense of pride, King Lazwar replied, "O Za'aratun-layal, know that I summon you to carry me and my entourage on a dangerous journey. This will be your last task before I release you from bondage."

The demon Za'aratun-layal laughed joyfully, causing an earthquake that frightened the crowd. Only after King Lazwar commanded him to stop did the earth become still again.

Without further delay, King Lazwar and his entourage mounted the demon. The demon then spread its wings and soared into the sky at incredible speed, leaving the city behind. They flew for seven hours, crossing clouds and covering great distances.

Eventually, they landed in a dense and foreboding forest. As they ventured deeper, they were suddenly ambushed by a volley of arrows that killed over a hundred men before they could react. Furious, King Lazwar attempted to cast spells, but to his shock, they failed.

As he unsheathed his sword, he saw a young girl, about twelve years old, riding a massive leopard. Dressed in leather with a sword on her back and a bow in her hand, she watched them intently. After a tense moment, Lazwar spoke, "O little girl, what madness led you to attack me? Answer before I end your life."

The girl, unafraid, laughed. Her boldness surprised everyone. Then, she spoke, "O King Lazwar ibn Kaulat of Zawatul-Ifdar, know that I have known about you for over five years and awaited your arrival in this forest to help you on your quest."

King Lazwar, puzzled, asked how she knew him and what she wanted. The girl replied, "My father, Murrasu the hunter, told me about you before he died. He said you would come here seeking Baiwa Sharifa, who is enslaved in Istanbul, and that only you could help me reunite with my mother, who is also enslaved there."

Astonished, Lazwar asked, "What is your story, and how did your mother end up as a slave in Istanbul?"

With tears in her eyes, the girl introduced herself as Shuraiba bintu Murrasu. She explained, "My father was once a close servant of the Sultan of Istanbul, in charge of the Sultan's attire and those of the royal family.