“No, no!” screamed the Earth Fairy, “Never, never shall this be! I must escape. You must help me to escape at once, and prevent it!”
Flying Soot shook his head doubtfully.
“How can I enable you to escape from a prison so strong, and so securely locked?”
“It takes but a key to open the strongest lock,” insisted the Earth Fairy. “You must overpower the keeper. You must obtain the key—and let me out.”
In the beginning Flying Soot was unwilling to try, but when the Earth Fairy presently spoke of rewarding him for his services, he agreed to do as she wished.
“First you must release me,” commanded she. “Then you must hasten to the Palace of Burning Coals, and bring forth my bundle of wands from a hiding place that I will tell you of. When you have brought them to me, I will bestow one of them upon you as your reward.”
Now Flying Soot knew well that a Soot Fairy can work no magic with the wand of a Fire Fairy unless he is taught its secret. “Promise that you will surely show me how to use it,” said he, “and I will do as you ask.”
“Yes, yes, of course,” agreed the Earth Fairy impatiently. “Only be swift about your task, and the secret shall be yours.”
Satisfied with her reply, Flying Soot went his way. In the darkness of her cell the Earth Fairy waited, scarcely able to breathe, so fearful was she that the Prince might return from the Wise One and disenchant the Princess before she had time to interfere.
It was but a little while, however, before she heard the stealthy footsteps of Flying Soot returning. It was but a moment more till she heard the great key turn in the lock, and saw the door flung wide open.