The eagle's outstretched wings could block out the sun, enshrouding the earth in darkness.

There are many seas and rivers flowing over this world, but there was not a drop of water for Nasren.  There are many loudly resounding freshets cascading down these mountain valleys, but Nasren was wrapped in chains and could only thrash from side to side.  Unable to get even a glassful of water, he was dying of thirst.  He was covered in the ice of the high mountains, and his arms and legs were squeezed in the viselike grip of the chains.  Nasren would roar and moan, his cries being carried by the winds down from the summit of Exalted Peak to the Narts, where his suffering distressed them greatly.

The Narts held council to discuss how they could bring Nasren safely home again.  They thought back to past times, trying to remember who had performed heroic and valorous feats.  Their bravest men—Yimis, Arish, and Sawseruquo—were summoned before the council, but they were now old and were afraid of the mighty and dangerous Paqua.  “What could we possibly do?” they asked.  “It is not possible to overcome him.”

So the Narts set a new plan: “To whomever brings Nasren back we shall give in marriage his daughter and much treasure.”

A long time passed and no one volunteered to go on that dangerous path. No one stepped forth and said “I shall go.”

Finally the Narts decided to set off together.  When they reached Exalted Peak, they saw the suffering Nasren nailed to the summit that was sparkling with ice.  But the mountain was fortified, affording no access to Nasren.

When Paqua saw the Narts, he unleashed his guardian eagles.  They swooped down from the peak, their wings making a great noise, and darted overhead like dancing flames. The wings of the wicked birds covered the sky as they flew, blocking the light of day and bringing on a gloom as dark as midnight.

In this great battle many Narts died and many others lost their horses.  The survivors retreated with their heads hanging in despair.