“What should we do?” said the Narts.  “Our leader is dying in chains.  How will we find shelter?  We cannot bring back our fire, nor can we bring back Nasren.  What will we do?  What plan should we devise?  How can we go on living?”

But brave Pataraz stepped forward and said, “I shall go.  I shall bring back your fire and your joy once more.  I shall find our leader Nasren as well and if I find him alive, I shall bring him back.  I swear this in the name of the blue sky that stands over us.”

Pataraz placed a golden saddle on his horse, Little Black, and in full armor set off for battle, as he had done many times before.

Pataraz stopped in the foothills of Exalted Peak.  He was not afraid and taunted Paqua, “Hey, you who bear God’s name, who disgraces the name of God!  Why do you always hide in the valley, trembling?  It isn’t a pretty sight to see you cowering so.  Come out if you want to fight!  You have taken away the fire and joy from the Narts.  You have taken Nasren and imprisoned him in steel chains.  I, Pataraz, have come from the Narts.  If you are not afraid, do exactly as I say!  Call your bloodthirsty eagle from the mountain and send it down here to me!”

The sky grew very dark.  The eagle had arisen from the mountain and was bearing down upon Pataraz.  Its mighty wings brought not only darkness but also stirred up a great blizzard.  Pataraz could feel his horse’s legs begin to buckle in fear.  “What’s happening, Little Black?  Are you afraid?” asked Pataraz.  “You were always my true friend and companion.  Don’t abandon me now!  Don’t be a coward!”

Pataraz laid three lashes on Little Black’s flank.  With a snort the horse leapt into the sky and began to fight the monster eagle.  The battle raged on to the mountain’s icy top.

The battle was long and hard, but with great courage Pataraz shot an arrow through the eagle’s wing.  Suddenly, the sun shone upon the fields and the mountains, as though a window had been opened, and the whole world became light once again.  With a second arrow Pataraz severed a wing, and the mighty bird fell to the ground.

Pataraz ran his lance through the eagle’s breast and carried the beast to the foot of the mountain.  He drew out his shining sword and cut off its head.

Paqua had heard the faltering death cry of his eagle and summoned the Evil Black Brigand.