“Sire, it is your nephew, Prince Ember,” declared the Wise One. “He it is who is fated to set her free.”
From all those who had waited in breathless suspense for his answer, there burst a murmur of intense relief. Creeping Shadow’s heart beat quick with joy.
“And the perils of which you spoke,—shall my dear nephew, also, escape them unscathed?” demanded King Red Flame anxiously.
“Ay, truly, Your Majesty,” the ancient one assured him. “All will be well, if he but follows my advice. Send him to me, and I will instruct him.”
His counsel given, the Wise One bade farewell to his master and returned to his hut.
Once more Rushing Flame set out in haste on the King’s business, but this time it was to summon Prince Ember, that he might learn from the royal lips the task that was his to perform.
CHAPTER IV
Beautiful is the Land of Glowing Embers, near to the Palace of King Red Flame. When morning dawns, a light soft and rosy bathes its castles and its gardens. At noonday, its pale sweet glow burns to a richer glory, and a flush of deepest rose ascends over turrets and blossoming trees. With nightfall, a purple splendor settles over all things while its peaceful fairies sleep. Set in the midst of it is the home of Prince Ember, the fairy palace of Good Cheer.