The Dragon moved one claw a little in his slumber, but gave no other heed.
Flying Soot drew nearer still. “Awake, Sir Dragon! Awake!” he shouted in his very ear.
Then the Dragon gave a great yawn, and his eyelids slowly rose.
“Ah, it is you, Flying Soot,” he grunted. “What is it that brings you here to disturb my rest?”
“I come on an errand of importance,” answered the Soot Fairy. “One in which none can give such valuable aid as the Great Black Dragon of the Gloomy Vale.”
His words pleased the Dragon. He moistened his lips and cheeks with his great tongue, and sat erect upon his haunches. “Let me hear your errand,” commanded he.
So Flying Soot made haste to explain why he had come, and the Dragon immediately agreed to help the Earth Fairy.
“Ho, ho!” he cried. “I shall vanquish this Prince quickly, you shall see, for when I choose to use them I have weapons of such power that none can stand out against them. Have no fear, Flying Soot. Trust all to me, and I assure you that you and your friend the Earth Fairy, shall not be disappointed.”
Looking upon the monster’s huge form, his terrible claws, his fiercely lashing tail, Flying Soot knew that the Great Black Dragon had good cause to boast.
“I leave the matter entirely to you,” said he. “There is one thing more, however, that you must promise me. You must on no account harm, or even touch the fairy Veil of which I have told you. Least of all must you attempt to take it for yourself. I assure you that it is of no value to any but the Prince or the Earth Fairy. For others it will work no charm.”