A great trembling seized the unfortunate Princess. In this terrible land, helpless in the power of this wicked fairy, how could she hope ever again to see the Prince who had won her heart? How could she hope ever again to return to her father in the Palace of Burning Coals?
Coldly and cruelly the voice of the Earth Fairy came to her in her despair.
“Many years was I a prisoner by King Red Flame’s command, and dark and dreary was my cell. Now my turn for vengeance has come, and you may be well assured that in the place that I have chosen for you, neither the beauty of your voice, nor your flashing brightness shall avail you aught.”
Before them yawned a black and narrow cave, its walls hung thick with soot. From under her cloak the Earth Fairy drew her Green Wand. She extended it over the Princess, and pointed to the cave. “By the power of my Green Wand I command you to enter,” she cried.
From the wand streamed a magic so potent that the poor Princess had no power to resist it. With a low cry of anguish, she bowed herself, and disappeared into the darkness of the cave.
Calling all her evil magic to her aid, the Earth Fairy drew down the walls of the cave and sealed them. She listened to make sure that no sound could make its way from within. Then she returned her wand to its place, and flitted away over the desolate plain. As she went she murmured gleefully, “Ah! that was well done. Now I know for a certainty that nothing good can ever come to Princess White Flame.”
