“Well, well,” growled the Giant, “she may have it and welcome for all I care. Why should I wish for a wretched Veil so long as I have my Cloak with which to work my will.”
“Why should you, indeed?” agreed the Soot Fairy. “What is a trifle like a Veil, compared to a Cloak so wonderful as yours?”
Flattered by the words of Flying Soot, the Giant was now ready to exert himself to the utmost, and could hardly wait for the arrival of the Prince.
“Be sure that you do no harm to the Princess,” Flying Soot warned him. “The Earth Fairy herself will see to her. It is the Prince alone upon whom you are to exercise your power.”
“I shall remember,” replied the Giant. “Say no more, but come and watch for them with me. Through this opening between the Seven Hills we can surely see them as they approach.” Flying Soot did as the Giant bade him and together they watched and waited for some time.
At last, in the distance, they beheld a flashing brightness coming steadily toward the place where they lay in wait, and close behind it followed a figure well known to Flying Soot.
“See!” he whispered, gripping the Giant’s arm. “The Princess comes, and the Prince hastens after. There also is my friend the Earth Fairy.”
“Ay,” answered the Giant with a malicious chuckle. “They are coming fast. Go farther from me, Flying Soot, that I may have room to use my Cloak.” Flying Soot obeyed, and the Giant began to make ready.
He loosed his huge grey Cloak from his neck, dragged it from his shoulders, and gathered its collar firmly in his hand. Then he crouched down once more behind the hill nearest to the approaching travelers. So like to the ashes in color was the Giant’s great body that he was almost indistinguishable, as with eyes glued to the opening in the side of the hill, he awaited the moment when the Prince should arrive.
Prince Radiance gave heed only to the Princess. With his gaze fixed upon her flashing light, he followed its guidance across the Wide Grey Plain. As he sped on and on, he kept ever before him the hope that by some means he might be able to bridge the distance between them. So, before he realized it, he had reached the Seven Hills of Ash, and the danger that lurked behind them.