Touched by the sorrow in her voice, King Red Flame gave gracious answer. “Arise, Creeping Shadow, and speak without fear. I give my royal word that whatever we can do to succor your mistress shall surely be done.”
Prince Radiance stooped down and himself raised the Shadow to her feet. “Your mistress was indeed my friend,” he declared. “I can never forget my debt to her. Tell us quickly, what is this trouble that has befallen her?”
To their words the Princess White Flame added gently, “Yes, tell us, for not my Prince alone, but my father and myself, also, are debtors to the Shadow Witch.”
Thus cheered and encouraged, Creeping Shadow began her tale, surrounded by the pitying fairies, all eager to show their sympathy for her and their desire to befriend her.
When all was told, Prince Radiance, without waiting for the King to speak, cried at once, “Your Majesty, my duty is plain. The Shadow Witch must not be left to suffer punishment because of me. Let me go at once to her rescue. With my Sword of Flames, by which I so lately conquered the Wizard, I can again put him to naught.”
For a moment the King made no answer. At the generous words of the Prince, a sob of joy broke from Creeping Shadow, but Princess White Flame shuddered. In memory she saw again the dark cavern of the Wizard, remembered its cruel master, and the evil spell by which he had endeavored to destroy her Prince; and for a brief space she forgot the sore trouble of the Shadow Witch, helpless and in that Wizard’s power. It was but for an instant, however; then her voice, tender and full of sympathy arose, quivering though it was with her fears for the safety of her Prince. “Ah, no! We cannot let her suffer! You must go.”
“Come, come quickly then,” breathed Creeping Shadow. “Come, while there is yet time.”
Before the Prince could make further answer to her plea, King Red Flame interposed with firm, yet gentle, authority. “Stay, my son. In so grave a matter we must take no step amiss. We must seek the best counsel that our kingdom affords. The Wise One alone, out of his great store of wisdom, will know how to give it.”
With lifted hand he summoned his swiftest messenger. “Go, Rushing Flame,” he commanded. “Say to the Wise One that the King has need of him.”
In haste Rushing Flame departed, and in a deep silence, broken only now and then by the low whispering of the fire fairies, all awaited the coming of the Wise One.